Wahoos Swept In Second Straight Doubleheader
May 11, 2025
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (19-13) fell in both games of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Biloxi Shuckers (19-13) at Keesler Federal Park. The sweep marked the second time this week that Biloxi had won both games of a doubleheader (5/8).
In game one, Pensacola jumped ahead in the top of the first inning when first baseman Nathan Martorella hit into a bases-loaded, no-out double play that scored shortstop Jared Serna from third base. The Shuckers struck back quickly in the bottom of the second against Wahoos starter Dax Fulton (L, 1-2). After center fielder Luis Lara doubled with one out, left fielder Zavier Warren hit a two-run home run to give the Shuckers a 2-1 lead.
Biloxi would never relinquish its advantage and tacked on runs in the third and fourth innings in support of righthander Brett Wichrowski (ND) and lefthander Josh Maciejewski (W, 2-0). Righthander Justin Yeager (S, 5) closed out the top of the seventh to clinch a 4-1 Biloxi win.
In game two, the Wahoos again started the first inning with a run. Shortstop Jared Serna drew a leadoff walk before right fielder Jake Thompson doubled down the left field line to score Serna from first against Biloxi righthander Alexander Cornielle (W, 2-0). The Shuckers answered in the bottom of the second yet again, plating three runs against lefthander Adam Laskey (L, 2-1) on three hits. The Shuckers scored runs in the fourth and fifth to lead 5-1 heading into the top of the sixth inning.
In the sixth, the Blue Wahoo bats came to life against Cornielle. With two outs and designated hitter Kemp Alderman at first base, first baseman Nathan Martorella hit a two-run home run to cut the Biloxi lead to 5-3. After Cornielle was removed for righthander Kaleb Bowman (S, 1), third baseman Josh Zamora came to the plate and hit a solo home run to right-center field. The back-to-back homers marked the second time this season the Wahoos had hit two or more home runs in succession (back-to-back-to-back, Thompson/Alderman/Martorella, 4/26 versus Knoxville). Unfortunately, the three-run rally was not enough as the Shuckers scored two further runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull away 7-4. Bowman’s scoreless seventh inning clinched the fourth consecutive loss for Pensacola on the week.
With the defeat, the Wahoos are now tied for first place in the Southern League’s South Division with Biloxi.
Swearing In: Ben Boutwell Returns As Century Mayor; John Bass Fills Council Seat (With Gallery)
May 10, 2025
Century’s next mayor and a new council member took office Friday.
Mayor Ben Boutwell and council member John Bass were sworn in Friday afternoon by Escambia County Judge Kerra Smith.
Boutwell was first elected mayor for a term that began in January 2021, but later resigned in August 2023. After winning a special election with no opposition, he takes over for interim mayor Alicia Johnson, who was appointed after the Luis Gomez, Jr, resigned as mayor for medical reasons effective January 10, just as his new four-term was beginning.
Bass won election to the council to fill the seat vacated by Johnson’s appointment as interim mayor.
For a photo gallery from Friday’s swearing in ceremony, click here.
Pictured: Ben Boutwell (above) was sworn in as Century mayor Friday afternoon, and John Bass (below) was sworn in as a council member. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Miracle League Seeks Teams, Sponsors For June Sporting Clay Shoot Fundraiser
May 10, 2025
The Miracle League of Pensacola’s third annual Sporting Clay Shoot Fundraiser is coming up June 7 at the Santa Rosa Shooting Center in Pace. The Miracle League is seeking teams, sponsorships, and door prices.
For more information, or to learn how to become a sponsor or make a donation, click here.
Molino Park’s Solchenberger Named Elementary Math Teacher Of The Year
May 10, 2025
Molino Park Elementary School teacher Jennifer Solchenberger was named the Escambia County Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ECCTM) Elementary Math Teacher of the Year. She teaches fourth grade math and science at Molino Park. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rained Out Tate Aggies Crimson And Gray Game Postponed Until Monday
May 10, 2025
Tate High School’s Crimson and Gray Game was rained out Friday night and has been postponed until Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Don’t have a ticket? They are available on GoFan.
The Tate Quarterback Club will be selling pizza, chips and drinks. All proceeds from concessions and the Aggie Shack will go directly back to the program.
Wahoos, Biloxi Set For Saturday Twin Bill After Friday Rain Postponement
May 10, 2025
Friday’s scheduled game at Keesler Federal Park between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Biloxi Shuckers has been postponed due to rain.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, May 10, with two seven-inning games beginning at 5:05 p.m.Game two will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
Century Lifts Boil Water Notice
May 10, 2025
UPDATE: THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE WAS LIFTED FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
A boil water notice has been issued for Town of Century Water System customers on Front Street, East Hecker Road, Kelly Field Road, Pinewood Avenue, Mayo Street, Church Street, Lodge Drive and Wood Street.
There was a water outage in the area on Wednesday during repairs of a fire hydrant on Front Street. Bacteriological sampling will be performed on Thursday, and the town anticipates lifting the boil water notice on Friday. This story will be updated when the boil water notice is lifted.
As a precaution, the town advises that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes be boiled. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative, bottled water may be used. Residents are also advised to take precautions when bathing, especially immunocompromised individuals, infants, or the elderly.
A loss in system pressure could cause back siphonage of contaminants, such as e. coli bacteria, into the water system. water containing E. coli bacteria can be considered safe for drinking and cooking after vigorously boiling the water. Disease symptoms caused by these bacteria may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and any associated headache and fatigue. EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for e. coli to reduce the risk of these adverse health effects. Under this standard all drinking water must be free of these bacteria.
The water system is currently collecting samples to determine if the presence of E. coli bacteria exists within the water system. This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
Atmore Teen Arrested For Two Shooting Incidents; Search Continues For Others
May 9, 2025
Atmore Police have arrested a 17-year-old male and charged him as an adult in connection with two separate shooting incidents. The arrest follows an investigation into a Wednesday night shooting that struck a passing vehicle and a local restaurant, and a second shooting on April 26 targeting a residence.
About 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Atmore officers responded to the area of North Main and Howard Street following reports of shots fired into a passing vehicle. The Wing & Burger Box restaurant on the northeast corner of the intersection was also hit by gunfire. No injuries were reported.
Responding officers recovered a significant amount of evidence at the scene, collecting 47 spent shell casings believed to be from two different caliber firearms.
During the course of their investigation into the May 7 shooting, investigators were able to identify four suspects. The 17-year-old juvenile was subsequently arrested and has been charged as an adult with attempted murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and discharging a firearm into an unoccupied building. Due to his age and in accordance with Alabama state statutes, his name is not being released at this time. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Escambia County (Alabama) Detention Center.
Authorities have also issued arrest warrants for three additional suspects in connection with the Wednesday night shooting. One of these individuals is a juvenile, while the other two are adults. Law enforcement is actively searching for these three suspects
Further investigation by Atmore Police linked the same 17-year-old juvenile to a separate shooting incident that occurred on April 26. In that event, multiple shots were fired into a residence located in the 300 block of East School Street. In relation to this shooting, the juvenile has been charged with attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling.
Investigators have also signed arrest warrants for two additional juvenile suspects allegedly involved in the East School Street shooting.
The Atmore Police Department continues to investigate both incidents and is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the outstanding suspects. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Atmore Police at (251) 368-9141.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Fatal Escambia County Crash
May 9, 2025
An Orange Beach man has been charged with DUI manslaughter after a fatal crash early Friday morning in Escambia County.
Wyatt Cole Watson, 20, was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Watson was traveling east on Highway 98 around 1:35 a.m. when he failed to maintain his lane and traveled the wrong way into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The driver of the second vehicle was pronounced deceased.
Watson was airlifted to a local hospital and later booked into the Escambia County Jail where he is being held without bond.
One Charged As ECSO Closes Cantonment Drug House
May 9, 2025
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says they have closed a Cantonment drug house.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant in the 200 block of Cayden Way, in the Graystone subdivision just east of Nowak Road. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of drugs and firearms.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies conducting the search located approximately 64 grams of cocaine, over 800 grams of marijuana, and 34 grams of an substance identified as spice. In addition to the narcotics, two firearms and other drug paraphernalia were recovered. Over $500 in cash was also found at the location.
Following the search, Bruce Lamar Gibbs, 46, was charged with trafficking in cocaine; possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver; possession of synthetic cannabinoids; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
