Praytor Breaks Through, Pitching Shows Out In Pensacola’s Series-Clinching Win
May 19, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
Blue Wahoos catcher Sam Praytor extended his arms outward, then welcomed two teammates dumping an ice bucket of energy drink over his head.
“I think if it were (just) water, it would be better,” said Praytor, smiling during the on-field, post-game interview.
On the hottest afternoon game this season, any momentary discomfort could be enjoyed. Especially after Praytor’s day, when he blasted a home run, legged out a triple, drove in two runs and adeptly handled five pitchers who combined to help deliver Pensacola’s 5-1 victory against the Rocket City Trash Pandas to win the six-game series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
He came into the game going 0-for-9, his longest hitless streak. But continued effort in pregame workouts and help from team hitting coach Jason Krizan led to a big day.
“Me and Kriz… I’ve been working this week and making some adjustments and (Sunday) I felt like it really clicked and it paid off,” said Praytor, the former Alabama Crimson Tide star catcher, who set slugging marks during his three seasons, then became the Miami Marlins’ sixth-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.
A crowd of 3,737 endured the hot weather to see the Blue Wahoos win their first Sunday finale game since April 20. This one enabled them to take the series 4-2 against the Trash Pandas.
The Blue Wahoos have now won five series this season and this one coming after dropping five of six games last week at Biloxi to lose grip of first place in the Southern League South Division. They entered the day trailing the Shuckers by one game.
After a 9-0 loss Wednesday to Rocket City, the Blue Wahoos regathered and returned to what has been the hallmark of this team with pitching, defense, some timely hits and series wins.
They’ll have an immediate chance to continue home field success, where they are 15-6 at Blue Wahoos Stadium – when facing the Birmingham Barons in a series that begins Tuesday.
“We’re excited,” Praytor said, acknowledging the fans nearby. “We’re glad to be back at home, playing in front of you guys (pointing to crowd), so please keep showing up and get ready for another good week.”
The game began for the Blue Wahoos in a good way. In the first inning, Nathan Martorella, Josh Zamora and Johnny Olmstead had consecutive singles with two outs to load the bases. With one swing, Mark Coley II cleared the bags, driving a ball into the left-center gap for a 3-run double.
After Blue Wahoos starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr allowed a second inning run, the Trash Pandas didn’t put up another threat the rest of the game.
In a designed bullpen game, Ortiz-Mayr worked three innings, followed by Luis Palacios, who earned his first win by going the next three innings. He struck out four and allowed just two hits.
Three other relievers – Jesse Bergin, Nigel Belgrave and closer Dale Stanavich – allowed just one hit apiece and combined for six strikeouts against just one walk.
“Our pitching staff is unreal,” Praytor said. “Every single one of those guys has the ability to pitch in the big leagues, so honestly It’s just a lot of fun to be catching them.”
Praytor extended the Blue Wahoos lead in the fifth inning when he led off with a home run, his second this season. He provided more insurance in the seventh when following Dalvy Rosario’s leadoff single with his triple in the outfield gap.
In the final four innings, Blue Wahoos pitchers faced just batters above the minimum and Stanovich closed out the game with a sweeper pitch and back-to-back strikeouts.
GAME NOTABLES
- The Blue Wahoos now have a 4-3 record in series finales. They had lost three consecutive Sunday games prior to the breakthrough this time.
- The win gives the Blue Wahoos a 37-13 all time record against Rocket City. The Trash Pandas’ first season in the Huntsville, Alabama area was 2021. This includes a 22-8 record at home.
- Pregame activities Sunday included a parade of school children who completed the Kazoo’s Reading Program organized by the Blue Wahoos. There were 203 free tickets distributed to kids who read four required books during the school year. The final parade of school children will be next Sunday.
- The Hellen Caro Elementary School Choir from Pensacola performed the National Anthem, as well as a rendition of God Bless America in the seventh inning.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Tuesday through May 24.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Verizon Purchase Of Frontier Communications For $20 Billion Is Approved
May 19, 2025
The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau approved Verizon’s $20 billion acquisition of Frontier.
Locally, Frontier is the traditional copper landline and DSL provider in Walnut Hill, Molino, Bratt, and Atmore.
Last September, Verizon agreed to buy Frontier for about $9.6 billion and absorb $10 billion in Frontier debt.
“By approving this deal, the FCC ensures that Americans will benefit from a series of good and common-sense wins,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said. “The transaction will unleash billions of dollars in new infrastructure builds in communities across the country—including rural America. This investment will accelerate the transition away from old, copper line networks to modern, high-speed ones.”
The FCC said Verizon will be able to upgrade and expand Frontier’s existing network in 25 states, bringing more fiber to more communities. Verizon’s new fiber deployments will enable the retirement of old copper networks, ensuring that more communities benefit from advanced technologies. Following the transaction, Verizon expects to deploy fiber to 1 million or more American homes annually.
Pictured: The Frontier Communications switching central office near Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Escambia Approves Firefighter Raises, $34 Million For New or Expanded Fire Stations
May 18, 2025
The Escambia County Commission has approved $34 million in unallocated Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds to build or expand five fire stations, enhancing fire protection in the county. Additionally, the commission has approved raises for firefighters.
The board approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Escambia County Professional Firefighters, raising the hourly wage for beginning firefighters to $16, an increase of $3 per hour. The increase will cost the county about $1.7 million annually.
The board also approved a plan presented by Commissioner Ashley Hofberger. Her proposal included the addition of a second fire station in Cantonment and living quarters to an existing station in Dogwood Park.
The plan aims to make the following improvements:
- 7209 Lillian Hwy – Replacement, $8.5 million
- New Fire Station 24, Highway 97 and Kingsfield Road in Cantonment, $6.5 million
- New Fire Station in Paradise Beach, $6.5 million on a site to be determined
- Replacement station at 9350 Gulf Beach Highway, $8.5 million
- Molino Station 21/Dogwood Park, 4307 White Ash Road, add living quarters, $4 million.
Hofberger identified the locations with the assistance of Escambia County Fire Chief Adam Harrison. Her proposed timeline includes issuing a request for proposals by June 1, proposal evaluation by August 1, and groundbreakings by March 1, 2026.
Hofberger’s motion to approve the plan was seconded by Commissioner Steven Barry, who noted that the plan may be too aggressive.
The commission is also considering a new firefighter training center in Brownsville, and a new fire station in District 3 (estimated at about $4 million, if a need is determined).
Pictured: Escambia County Fire Station 21 on Whish Ash Road in Dogwood Park. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New 268 Lot Subdivision Proposed By Road Prison In Cantonment
May 18, 2025
A new Jaxson Estates North, 268 lot residential subdivision with multi family lots, has been proposed just south of the Escambia County Road Department and Road Prison on Highway 297A in Cantonment.
According to documents filed Friday with the Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) by developer Thomas Henry, the subdivision would be on 38 acres sandwiched between the Road Prison to the north and the existing Jackson Estates subdivision to the south.
The application states that there are 13 acres of wetlands on the west side of the parcel that will not be developed, according to submitted drawings.
The proposal is not yet set for a public meeting or review by the DRC.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Testing Goals Accomplished: Kingsfield Elementary 4th Graders Silly String Teachers (And There Were Tattoos)
May 18, 2025
Kingsfield Elementary School fourth graders recently had a little fun with silly string and teachers Jessica Kerkela and Kenli Orozco.
The students earned the time to silly string the teachers for making, and breaking, goals on FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) testing. And the students were also able to give temporary tattoos to Kerkela and Orozco.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Era Begins: Century Council To Meet With Newly Reelected Mayor, New Council Member
May 18, 2025
The Century Town Council will hold its first meeting on Tuesday with newly reelected Mayor Ben Boutwell and new council member John Bass.
The council is expected to:
- hear a mid-year financial report from the town’s accountant,
- consider a job description and discuss hiring a town administrator,
- consider the extension of a public works agreement with the Florida Department of Corrections,
- consider hiring a gas utility service worker.
The council begins with a bill list review at 6:15 p.m., followed by the regular council meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Century Town Hall, 7995 North Century Boulevard.
Pictured: Ben Boutwell (above) was sworn in as Century mayor on May 9, and John Bass (below) was sworn in as a council member. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Focus On Framing: Molino Library Photography Meetup Group Monday Afternoon
May 18, 2025
The Molino Library will host the next meeting of Molino Library Photography Group at 2 p.m. on Monday. Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the meeting is being held on the third, rather than the fourth, Monday of the month.
Whether you are taking photos with your phone or a professional camera, the group is open to everyone.
This month, discussion will focus on framing. Participants will learn that “by positioning the subject between foreground elements such as doorways, windows, branches, or architectural structures, photographers can draw attention to the focal point and enhance the composition. This technique adds depth, context, and a sense of storytelling to the image, making it visually compelling.”
The Molino Library is located at 6450-A Highway 95A in the Molino Community Center.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Road Construction Delay Spots For The Week
May 18, 2025
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Beulah Road (State Road (S.R.) 99) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (S.R. 10A) to Isaacs Lane - Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on Beulah Road, from Nine Mile Road to Mobile Highway, Sunday, May 11 through Thursday, May 15, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations. Signs will be in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Rebel Road.
- Garden Street (Business U.S. 98) Construction from Pace Boulevard to the Interstate 110 (I-110) Ramp – The week of Sunday, May 11, drivers may encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Garden Street, between Pace Boulevard and North Donelson Street, is reduced to two travel lanes (one in each direction), as crews perform construction activities on the south side of the street. This temporary traffic configuration will be in place through early 2026.
- Temporary side street closures south of Garden Street, from B Street to J Street, as crews perform utility and stormwater management enhancements.
- On-street parking is closed on the south side of Garden Street, between B Street and L Street. Additionally, periodic on-street parking closures will occur on Garden Street, between A Street and Alcaniz Street, for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements.
- Signs will be in place to direct drivers and pedestrians around the work zone.
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to 14th Avenue, will encounter alternating, intermittent lane closures Sunday, May 11 through Thursday, May 15, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for placement of thermoplastic striping.
- Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) to North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) – The week of Sunday, May 11, drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Michigan Avenue, from Mobile Highway to North Palafox Street, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signs are in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction related traffic disruptions:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange, Sunday, May 11 through Thursday, May 15, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
-
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, Sunday, May 11 through Friday, May 16, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – The week of Sunday, May 11, drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions:
- The U.S. 29 southbound turn lane access to the I-10 eastbound on-ramp will be temporarily shortened Monday, May 12 through Friday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The reduced turn-lane length is required for daytime construction activities and will reopen nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
- I-10 between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- S.R. 97 Tree Trimming Operations near Pilgrim Trail – Drivers will encounter intermittent northbound lane closures Monday, May 12 through Thursday, May 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree trimming operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, May 11 through Thursday, May 15, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for shoulder work and placement of thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers on U.S. 90 may encounter intermittent lane closures over the Simpson River Bridge, Sunday, May 11 through Thursday, May 15, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as crews perform bridge construction work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing, from south of East Bay Boulevard (County Road 399) to Vonnie Tolbert Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on S.R. 87, from East Bay Boulevard to Vonnie Tolbert Road, Sunday, May 11 through Thursday, May 15, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., for milling and paving operations.
- S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over Garcon Point Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, May 12 through Friday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. for construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive, Sunday, May 11, through Friday, May 16, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Operations near Catamaran Drive – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, May 12 through Thursday, May 22 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.
- S.R. 87 Tree Trimming Operations from Oriole Street to Stewart Street – Drivers will encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Monday, May 12 through Friday, May 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree trimming operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Fulton Dazzles, Lifts Wahoos to Win over Trash Pandas
May 18, 2025
Dax Fulton has overcome a lot in his pro career, including battling back from two left elbow surgeries on his throwing arm, plus all the recovery that involves. A night like this one made his efforts become more pronounced.
Fulton had his strongest outing this season, working five innings and allowing just one hit, as he helped lead the Blue Wahoos to a 3-1 victory against the Rocket City Trash Pandas before the customary Saturday sellout crowd (5,038) on Fireworks Night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Fulton’s performance, highlighted by five strikeouts, set a tone where both teams’ pitching mostly ruled the game.
“It felt really good,” said Fulton in the post-game, on-field interview. “I just wanted to go out there and do my job and put my team in line for the win. I thought we played well as a team.”
The win gave the Blue Wahoos (22-16) a chance to win the series on Sunday as the first of back-to-back home weeks wraps up. Pensacola has now won all four Saturday Fireworks Nights this season.
Besides Fulton’s performance on the mound, Blue Wahoos fans witnessed one of the largest on-field gatherings of youth baseball players standing with Blue Wahoos starters for the National Anthem. There were nine ceremonial first pitches, including a couple on their honeymoon at the ballpark.
After six innings were complete, the May celebration of a “Home Run For Life”, honored a Navarre man who recovered from a life-threatening stroke in October. With the crowd cheering and team mascot Kazoo encouraging, Michael Patching jogged around the bases with both teams lined up on each baseline.
The game itself began well for the Blue Wahoos. In the second inning, Johnny Olmstead and Shane Sasaki led off the singles. Both scored. Olmstead scored on a throwing error to the plate by Rocket City third baseman Cole Fontenelle. Sasaski scored on Jared Serna’s sacrifice fly. Those two runs proved enough for Fulton to earn his second win. He struck out five of the first eight batters he faced. The only blemish was a pair of back-to-back walks with two outs in the second that he quelled with a strikeout. He overcame consecutive walks in the fourth inning. He didn’t allow a hit until a two-out single in the fifth.
The Trash Pandas got their lone run off Fulton in the third inning, without a hit. Caleb Ketchup reached on an infield throwing error, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a groundout.
The Blue Wahoos added a third run in their third inning when Olmstead launched a two-out homer over the left field fence. He went 3-for-4 in the game to lead the Blue Wahoos lineup.
Behind Olmstead, relievers Zach McCambley and closer Josh Ekness limited Rocket City to three hits in the final four innings, just one walk and struck out three to seal the game.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHEN: Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
Escambia Firefighter Assigned To Beulah Arrested On 30 Counts Of Child Porn Possession
May 17, 2025
An Escambia County firefighter last assigned to the Beulah Fire Station has been arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on dozens of child pornography charges and other child sex crimes.
Garey Anthony Buscaino, 48 was charged with seven counts of video voyeurism of a child under 16 years of age, 30 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
Buscaino was an Escambia County firefighter assigned to the Beulah Fire Station at the time of his arrest. FDLE said the arrest was the result of the state law enforcement agency’s statewide initiative to locate and arrest criminals targeting children and sharing files depicting the sexual abuse of children.
FDLE’s investigation began in April 2025 after agents received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), alerting agents to a cellphone user uploading child sexual exploitation files to a cloud account.
The investigation identified Buscaino as the account holder. FDLE said their investigation revealed that Buscaino had hidden video cameras and secretly recorded a juvenile in stages of undress.
On May 15, agents served search warrants at Buscaino’s primary residence and a secondary residence. Multiple electronic devices were seized, and a preliminary forensic review located several voyeurism videos and hundreds of files depicting the sexual abuse of children, some as young as 4-years-old, investigators said.
Buscaino was arrested without incident and booked into the Escambia County Jail.
Escambia County confirmed that Buscaino is employed as a county firefighter.
“We are aware of the arrest of Firefighter Garey Buscaino and are currently reviewing potential personnel action,” the count said in a statement. “Although the charges filed against him are not related to his duties with Escambia County Fire Rescue, we will fully cooperate with law enforcement should they need any information from Escambia County as they conduct their investigation.”
The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, First Judicial Circuit. FDLE’s investigation remains active.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) assisted.
Buscaino’s mugshot was not released in accordance with state law.