Olmstead Delivers Walk-off Win As Wahoos End Losing Streak
May 14, 2025
by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos didn’t have much to celebrate on the end of their road trip.
They got some relief Tuesday night back home.
With their offense still in a slumber, the Blue Wahoos got clutch pitching, then a game-winning, two-out single from Johnny Olmstead in the 11th inning for a 3-2 walk-off win against the Rocket City Trash Pandas to end a five-game losing streak.
Moments earlier, reliever Jesse Bergin became the biggest star for Pensacola, after loading the bases with a pair of hit batters, then striking out the next three batters with well-placed fastballs to end the threat and keep the score tied.
A crowd of 3,112 on a Doggone Tuesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium watched a game where the Blue Wahoos had chances to take a lead, but again could not produce a big hit. This was the issue in Biloxi last week when the team dropped the final five games of the series and scored just eight runs combined in those games.
But Tuesday was different from a pitching perspective.
The Blue Wahoos got an outstanding start from Jacob Miller, who worked five innings, allowed four hits, no runs, one walk and five strikeouts.
The four relievers behind him were also plus points.
Zach McCambley worked two scoreless innings, striking out four of the seven batters he faced. Jacob White had a tough break in the ninth when a wild pitch led to a tying run. Josh Eckness worked two innings, gave up a run but retired the final two batters.
The Blue Wahoos missed a chance in the 10th to win the game, but caught a break when Bergin pitched out of a jam, then Olmstead jumped on a first pitch fastball to win the game, scoring Jared Serna.
The teams will have a quick turnaround, playing at 11 a.m. Wednesday in an Education Day game with school children from the region attending.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHEN: Wednesday through Sunday.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAMETIMES: Wednesday’s game is a special 11 a.m. start for Education Day with area schools, but is also open to all fans who want to attend the only mid-day game of the season; Thursday Thru Saturday games start at 6:05 p.m. Sunday’s game starts at 1:05 p.m.– the final 1:05 start until mid-September.
Natural Gas Station Proposed Adjacent To Century Courthouse, Apartment Complex
May 13, 2025
A new natural gas gate station is proposed next to the courthouse and an apartment complex in Century.
A gate station is the point in a natural gas delivery system where gas is transferred from high-pressure transmission pipelines to a local distribution network.
The Escambia County Commission on Thursday is expected to convey a half acre piece of county-owned property along North Century Boulevard next to the Billy G. Ward Courthouse to the Town of Century. The property was escheated to the county in 2021.
The Town of Century was awarded federal funding from the PHMSA Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety Modernization Grant to construct a new gate station.
The town currently receives natural gas from BP through their original gate station built in the 1950’s. It is located several miles outside the town on Poplar Dell Road, just behind the Poplar Dell Baptist Church on Highway 168. The project will connect the town’s gas distribution system to the Peninsula Pipeline, enabling access to Florida Gas Utility’s (FGU) aggregated supply network. This connection is expected to result in cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced safety.
A few years ago, FGU proposed the installation of the new gate station during the Peninsula Pipeline’s construction phase, but the Town Council did not approve the project at that time. When the Town revisited the proposal,
construction had already been completed. As a result, they are now working with grant funding and have shifted focus to a new location for the gate station.
The gate station would be located adjacent to the courthouse and in front of the Century Park Apartments. There is no timetable for the start of construction.
Pictured top: Graphic showing the location of a proposed natural gas gate station in Century marked in red. Pictured below: The piece of property located next to the courthouse. Pictured bottom: Century’s current gate station on Popular Dell Road. NorthEscambia.com photos/graphic, click to enlarge.
Older ECSO Law Enforcement Memorial Relocated To Molino
May 13, 2025
An older Escambia County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement memorial has been moved to Molino.
The stucco memorial, dedicated to the fallen men and women of the ECSO, is located next the Sheriff’s Office Molino substation is open to the public.
It was relocated to Molino from the front of the ECSO main office on Leonard Street to make room for new memorial plaza.
The ECSO will hold their annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony at 9 a.m. on Thursday at the new memorial site on the front lawn of the ECSO main office at 1700 West Leonard Street. The public is invited to attend.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Create Your Own Unique Bird Feeder For Free At The Century Library
May 13, 2025
Want to create your own unique bird feeder?
Stop by the Century Branch Library on Tuesday or Wednesday. They library will supply a wooden bird feeder, and you supply the imagination to create your own one-of-a-kind bird feeder while supplies last.
The Century Library is open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturdays at 7991 North Century Boulevard.
NorthEscambia.com generated image for illustrative purposes.
Northview High NJROTC Holds Unit Change Of Command Ceremony
May 13, 2025
The Northview High School NJROTC held a Unit Change of Command ceremony on Monday.
The unit recognized Cadet Damon McDuffie (Command Master Chief), Cadet Talaysha Curry (Unit Executive Officer) and Cadet Will Nowlin (Unit Commanding Officer).
Cadet Kate Stinson was recognized as outgoing Unit Commanding Officer.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Animal Shelter Has Free Cat And Dog Adoptions Until Thursday
May 13, 2025
Escambia County Animal Welfare has partnered with Bissell Pet Foundation for the “Empty the Shelters” adoption event, offering free adoptions on cats and dogs one year or older starting until Thursday, May 15. Puppies will be
available for $50, and kittens will be available for $25. A $15 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents.
Adoptable pets can been seen at 24petconnect.com.
The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
File photo.
Parent Awareness Night At Bratt Elementary To Address Online Predators, Social Media, Vaping, And More
May 13, 2025
Bratt Elementary School will host a Parent Awareness Night on Thursday, May 15.
The informational session is designed to educate parents and guardians about critical dangers currently facing children.
The event will cover a range of vital topics, including the risks posed by online predators, the potential harms associated with social media use, the realities of human trafficking, and the growing vaping epidemic among young people.
A question-and-answer session will feature guest speakers from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and CDAC Behavioral Healthcare, providing attendees with an opportunity to ask questions and gain expert insights on these challenging issues.
The event will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the school, 5721 North Highway 99 in Bratt.
UWF President Martha Saunders Has Resigned
May 12, 2025
University of West Florida President Martha Saunders has resigned.
Saunders, who has held the position since 2017, announced her resignation to students, faculty and staff.
Her resignation was preceded by attacks on the university by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The governor made four controversial picks to the University of Board of Trustees. Two of the appointees resigned, and one was never confirmed by the Florida Senate.
“Dr Saunders is an exceptional academic leader and a superb president of the University of West Florida. Under her leadership, UWF has met or exceeded every performance standard set by the state. UWF graduates have the best chance to obtain employment over any other higher education institution in the state. All of that is because of Martha Saunders’ commitment and capability. She leaves the University of West Florida in Triumph,” Florida Sen. Don Gaetz said in a statement Monday afternoon.
Here is the complete text of Saunder’s resignation message:
When I returned to the University of West Florida as president, it felt like coming home. This University gave me my start as an academic, and serving as its leader has been one of the great honors of my life.
In accordance with the terms of my contract, and after thoughtful reflection, I have made the decision to conclude my presidency. This was not an easy choice. I know it may come as a surprise, and for some, a disappointment. Please know I did not make it lightly. I believe this is the right time — for me and for UWF.
Over the past several years, we’ve accomplished extraordinary things together: record enrollments, historic fundraising, national recognition, and a campus culture that puts students first. We’ve met challenges head-on and kept our values intact. I could not be more proud of what we’ve built.
I will work closely with the Board of Trustees and the campus leadership to ensure a smooth transition. My commitment to this University and its people remains strong through my final day in office — and beyond.
Thank you for your trust, your passion, and your belief in what UWF can be.
With gratitude,
Martha
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Accused Of Burglary Through A Dog Door, Battering His Ex
May 12, 2025
A Cantonment man is accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house through a large dog door, battering her, and leaving back through the dog door.
Calelan William Ross, 26, was charged with first degree felony burglary with assault or battery. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $75,000.
The victim told Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies that she woke up in her room to find Ross lying in the bed next to her. She said she stood up, turned on the light, and told him to leave after a short conversation. Ross refused, grabbed her by the wrist, and threw her on the bed before getting on top of her, an arrest report states.
“Ross then left the residence the same way he had entered, which was through the large dog door at the front of the residence,” the Sheriff’s Office report states. The victim found her mother and called 911.
Deputies searched the area but were initially unable to locate Ross. A white Toyota Tacoma, registered to Ross, was found at the scene. Later, another call was received stating Ross had returned to the area. Deputies responded, but again were unable to locate him. A warrant affidavit was submitted.
Deputies said Ross had never lived at the home. The report also noted that the victim was not injured.
Part Of Old Flomaton Road Near Century To Be Closed Tuesday And Wednesday
May 12, 2025
A portion of road from 8700 and 8701 Old Flomaton Road near Century will be closed to northbound traffic beginning Tuesday while Escambia County Public Works crews replace the crossover pipe under the county road.
The closure area is between Campbell Road and Cedar Street.
Motorists traveling north on Old Flomaton Road near the construction zone should use extra caution and follow road crew instructions and posted signs when traveling through the work zone. The road is expected to reopen on Wednesday, May 14.
Residents, pedestrians, local traffic, and emergency vehicles will have access to properties within the work area at all times; however, there may be short periods when a driveway or entrance may be blocked temporarily as equipment and materials are moved during construction