Bramwell Homers In Back-And-Forth Wahoos Loss To Trash Pandas
June 13, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos twice took leads in Thursday night’s game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas, but were unable to hold either in a 5-4 loss.
After a scoreless first three innings, the Blue Wahoos took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning on a line drive RBI single from Kemp Alderman against Rocket City starter Mitch Farris.
Spencer Bramwell extended the lead in the fifth inning, launching a 469-foot home run to left-center field with Shane Sasaki aboard for a 3-0 lead. Bramwell’s second homer of the season and third as a professional marked the longest documented homer for the Blue Wahoos since a 473-foot Jerar Encarnacion blast in May 2022.
Farris settled back into a groove after the long ball, ultimately delivering 6.1 innings and striking out a season-high 10 batters. The Trash Pandas charged back against Blue Wahoos starter Evan Fitterer, getting on the board with a solo home run from Josh Crouch in the fifth and tying the game 3-3 in the sixth on a Sam Brown RBI single and Evan Edwards sacrifice fly.
The Blue Wahoos reclaimed a 4-3 lead in the seventh inning without a hit, turning two walks and a Cole Fontenelle error at third base into another run against reliever Brady Choban (W, 1-2). But once again the Trash Pandas countered, tying the game in the bottom of the frame with a David Calabrese solo homer against Jesse Bergin (L, 1-1). A two-out walk to Mac McCroskey extended the inning for Nelson Rada, who delivered the go-ahead RBI double to give the Trash Pandas a 5-4 lead.
Grant Richardson drew a leadoff walk in the ninth against Rocket City closer Sammy Natera Jr. (S, 5), but was stranded at second base to end the game. The Blue Wahoos managed only four hits on the night, and none after Bramwell’s fifth-inning homer.
With the loss, the Blue Wahoos failed to gain ground on the first-place Biloxi Shuckers in the first half division race. They remain 5.0 games back with 9 to play before the standings reset in the second half of the season.
The series against the Trash Pandas continues on Friday, with a first pitch from Toyota Field scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
‘Rest Easy My Prince’ – Animal Sanctuary’s Missing Exotic Cat Found Dead
June 12, 2025
A sad update to a story we brought you last week.
Jack, an exotic Geoffroy’s cat, which has been missing from a Molino animal sanctuary, has been found dead.
“Jack the Geoffroy’s cat was found dead this morning by a neighbor. It looks like he passed a few days ago, I believe that it was most likely due to the extreme weather we have been experiencing in the area,” Sunset Wildlife Director Margaret Lynds said Thursday afternoon.
Jack was discovered missing on June 5 from the sanctuary on Cotton Lake Road, not far from the Camp o’ the Pines on Highway 29. Lynd said that his exhibit was vandalized, and he was released or escaped.
Volunteers spent countless hours searching, setting traps, and doing everything they could think of to find Jack.
“We are still keeping the reward in case someone knows something,” Lynd said. “Please speak to your children, especially teenagers, to see if they have heard or seen anything about the vandalism that occurred a week ago. “Things like this happening is why it so important to educate our children about the importance of animals and the nature around us. Humans are the smartest species on the planet. This means that it is our job to protect it and the living things that share this beautiful planet with us.”
Anyone with information can contact the ECSO at (850) 436-9620, or FWC at (850) 488-4647.
“Jack, you were an incredible animal and you will greatly missed. Thank you for being an amazing ambassador for your species and helping me to educate about our wild brothers and sisters. Rest easy my prince,” Lynd said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Former Century Resident With Long Criminal History Charged With Pensacola Murder
June 12, 2025
A former Century resident with a long criminal history was arrested by U.S. Marshals Wednesday afternoon in Tallahassee for a fatal shooting at the Pensacola Village Apartments late last month.
Antonio Demetrius Ewing, 34, is charged with second degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Pensacola Police have released few details about the murder about 6:15 p.m. on May 30 at the apartment complex on Fairfield Drive. A man was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and transported to the hospital where he later died.
Ewing remained in the Leon County Jail in Tallahassee awaiting transfer back to Escambia County.
In 2010, Ewing was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges related to a 2009 crime spree in which he robbed the Molino Tom Thumb, stole tires in Century to fix a flat on the getaway car and then escaped from deputies after he was arrested.
He was later implicated in an attempt to pass counterfeit money at Odom’s Bar on North Century Boulevard and other local businesses in the area. He was sentenced to 11 months in the county jail.
Ewing also served time in state prison for grand theft, robbery by sudden snatching, burglary, weapon possession by a convicted felon and carrying a concealed weapon. On January 27, 2025, he was released from prison after serving three years for cocaine possession and obstruction.
Pictured below: Antonio Demetrius Ewing was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a 2009 crime spree that included the armed robbery of the Molino Tom Thumb. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Salzman To Host Constituents Day On Friday With Local, State And Federal Officials
June 12, 2025
Rep. Michelle Salzman, in partnership with local, state, and federal officials will host in-person mobile office hours on Friday to assist constituents with casework issues. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to one of the district offices a more convenient way to receive county, state, and federal casework assistance.
Expected to attend are:
- Representative Michelle Salzman’s Office
- Senator Rick Scott’s Office
- Congressman Jimmy Patronis’ Office
- County Commissioner Lumon May’s office
- County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger’s office
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Hope Florida
- Department of Health
- Florida Division of Blind Services
- Center for Independent Living
- Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division
The event will take place from noon until 2 p.m. on Friday, June 13 at the Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office – Brentwood at 5046 North Palafox Street.
“I’m honored to host the upcoming community outreach event. It’s a valuable chance for elected officials to connect with community members and support them in addressing government-related concerns,” Salzman said.
Multi-Agency Traffic Enforcement Efforts Nets Dozens Of Citations, Arrests
June 12, 2025
The Florida Highway Patrol announced on Wednesday that dozens of citations were issued and arrest made during a recent traffic enforcement operation.
FHP partnered with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Pensacola Police Department, Gulf Breeze Police Department, and the University of West Florida Police Department for the focused enforcement detail aimed at enhancing roadway safety.
The operation resulted in:
109 overall violations
11 DUI arrests
1 drug arrest
57 speed citations
10 misdemeanor criminal traffic-related offenses
5 commercial vehicle inspections
1 move over violation
43 written warnings
FHP said the enforcement detail was strategically planned to target high-risk behaviors on area roadways, including impaired driving, aggressive speeding, and other criminal traffic offenses. Officers from all five agencies conducted saturation patrols and mobile enforcement zones at known trouble spots, maximizing visibility and deterrence.
Century Sewer Smoke Testing Delayed By Weather
June 12, 2025
Rain has delayed smoke testing of the sewage system in Century.
If the weather cooperates, the smoke testing is expected to begin Thursday afternoon and possibly continue early next week. The testing will take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Why?
Smoke testing is done periodically to locate sources of sewer odors, leaks and breaks in sewer lines.
What will residents notice?
You may notice smoke coming from building sewer vents, gutters and downspouts or out of the ground along sewer lines.
On the inside of your house, smoke or its odor may come out of the plumbing or fixtures. This should not happen if your plumbing is in good shape. This is also an indication gases and odors from the sewer may enter your house or building. These can be both unpleasant and dangerous as well as a health hazard to the occupants.
Location, identification and correction of the source of smoke entering your house or building is urgently advised. While the utility will render all possible cooperation, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer on private property is the responsibility of the house or building owner.
Is the smoke dangerous?
The type of smoke used is harmless, white to yellowish white in color, and may have a slight odor. The smoke is harmless to plants and animals and leaves no residuals or stains. If smoke gets into a structure, it should be ventilated.
Questions?
For more information, contact the Town of Century at (850) 256-3208.
Source: Town of Century.
United Methodist Conference Votes To Close Flomaton UMC And McRae Street UMC In Atmore
June 12, 2025
The Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church has voted to immediately close 26 churches in south Alabama and one in the Florida Panhandle.
In the North Escambia area, the closures included the McRae Street United Methodist Church in Atmore and the Flomaton United Methodist Church on Palafox Street. The other churches closed were across South Alabama, along with one in Jackson County, Florida.
Other Methodist churches in the area, including the First Methodist Church Atmore, will remain open.
The vote came during the annual Conference meeting held at the First United Methodist Church in Pensacola
In its decision, the Conference cited small or declining membership as a reason for the closures. Also, several of the churches named were involved in recent property disputes with the UMC
The other 21 churches closed in South Alabama were:
Pleasant Hill in Choctaw County
Mt. Herman in Hale County
Mt. Carmel in Hale County
Ramsey’s Chapel in Hale County
Liberty in Hale County
Pleasant Valley in Hale County
China Grove in Hale County
Morris Chapel in Lee County
Irvington in Mobile County
Aldersgate in Montgomery County
Minerva in Washington County
Trinity Weoka in Elmore County
Greenville First in Butler County
Trinity in Russell County
Guy’s Chapel in Baldwin County
Fitzpatrick in Bullock County
Loachapoka in Lee County
Whitfield Memorial in Montgomery County
Butler First in Choctaw County
Pictured: Flomaton United Methodist Church on Palafox Street. File photo.
River Flood Warning Canceled For Escambia River Near Century
June 12, 2025
The flood warning for the Escambia River near Century has been canceled.
The stage was 16.85 feet Wednesday night, below minor flood stage of 17 feet. The river is expected to fall to 10.4 feet Monday evening.
Bullpen Brilliant, But Wahoos Walked Off In 10-Inning Defeat To Trash Pandas
June 12, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos got excellent bullpen work from four different relievers, but were walked off by the Rocket City Trash Pandas 5-4 in 10 innings on Wednesday night.
With two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning, Cole Fontenelle looped an RBI single to shallow right field that scored Nelson Rada from third for the winning run. With their second walk-off loss of the season, Pensacola’s winning streak ended at five games.
The Blue Wahoos jumped ahead 2-0 in the third inning with back-to-back RBI singles from Kemp Alderman and Nathan Martorella against Rocket City starter Walbert Ureña. The Trash Pandas would counter with a two-run homer from Oscar Colas in the bottom of the inning to tie the game 2-2.
Johnny Olmstead doubled in the fourth inning and scored on a wild pitch to put the Blue Wahoos ahead 3-2, but the Trash Pandas once again answered back in the bottom of the fifth against Pensacola starter Robby Snelling. Four straight hits, including RBI singles from Sam Brown and Colas, put Rocket City up 4-3.
Josh White, who had recorded 19 consecutive outs since his last hit allowed, wriggled out of the jam and prevented further damage. Denzer Guzman was thrown out trying to swipe home on a double steal attempt, and Cole Fontenelle struck out to keep the score 4-3 to the sixth inning.
White ultimately recorded four outs before snapping his hitless streak, contributing 1.2 scoreless innings of relief. Luis Palacios worked a 1-2-3 seventh, and the Blue Wahoos rallied to tie the game 4-4 in the eighth with three singles. Ryan Ignoffo brought home Alderman with a two-out RBI single to right field, but Caleb Ketchup threw out Martorella trying to score from second to keep the game tied.
Dale Stanavich worked 2.0 hitless innings for the Blue Wahoos to force extras, but Jared Southard (W, 2-2) retired the Blue Wahoos in order in the top of the 10th without allowing their placed runner to score. Josh Ekness (L, 2-1) got the first two outs of the bottom of the 10th before Fontenelle’s bloop single scored Rada and sent the Blue Wahoos to a 5-4 defeat.
With the loss, the Blue Wahoos failed to gain ground on the first-place Biloxi Shuckers in the first half division race. They remain 5.0 games back with 10 to play before the standings reset in the second half of the season.
The series against the Trash Pandas continues on Thursday, with a first pitch from Toyota Field scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Silver Airways Ceases Flight Operations, Including Pensacola Flights
June 11, 2025
Florida-based Silver Airways on Wednesday abruptly announced that it is ceasing all flight operations.
“In an attempt to restructure in bankruptcy, Silver entered into a transaction to sell its assets to another airline holding company, who unfortunately has determined to not continue Silver’s flight operations in Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean,” the airline posted to social media. “Please do not go to the airport. All credit card purchases should be refunded through your credit card company or your travel agency.”
The airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy at the end of 2024.
Silver offered two flights daily between Pensacola and Tampa, with connections to Key West, Ft. Lauderdale, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Pictured: The first Spirit Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth arrived June 11, 2001, at the Pensacola International Airport. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
