Blue Wahoos Win Season Opener 4-0 Over Biloxi
April 5, 2025
Robby Snelling made his prior Opening Day start a couple years ago, but not in a packed stadium or this kind of level.
“I’m looking forward to being in a great atmosphere,” said Snelling, earlier in the week before the Blue Wahoos’ first practice.
Friday night, he delivered a memorable impression.
Snelling, only 21 years old but already one of the Miami Marlins’ top-rated prospects, tossed a five-inning, two-hit gem to set a tone that was followed by the Pensacola bullpen in a 4-0 victory against the Biloxi Shuckers that delighted a sellout crowd of 5,038 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The season-opening win, crisply played in 2 hours and 35 minutes, gave Blue Wahoos new manager Nelson Prada a win in his Double-A managerial debut. Prada is coming off a special time in guiding Spain to the championship round of the World Baseball Classic in February.
Snelling, a 6-foot-3 lefthander from Reno, Nevada, who pitched in several Major League spring training games for the Marlins, flashed the same kind of quality stuff he’s showed since being acquired by the Marlins in a trade last July. He was drafted in 2022 by the San Diego Padres in the competitive balance portion of the first round.
After giving up a first-inning single to the second batter he faced – Biloxi’s star prospect Cooper Pratt — Snelling faced just two more batters above the minimum in his five-inning quality start. He struck out five and did not issue a walk.
Pratt, rated No. 2 in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, was thrown out on a terrific play by Blue Wahoos centerfielder Shane Saski, as Pratt tried to stretch the hit into a double.
From that point, the Shuckers got only two more baserunners against Snelling. Three relievers followed Snelling and they were all outstanding.
Zach McCambley, one of the veteran returnees, tossed 2.0 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. Newcomer Lane Ramsey pitched a scoreless eighth inning and closer Josh Ekness finished the game with a 97-mph fastball for a game-ending strikeout.
The game featured outstanding defense on both sides. The Shuckers threw two Blue Wahoos runners out at the plate, including a terrific relay throw that got catcher Joe Mack out on a diving slide attempting to score on a Kemp Alderman double.
It was a big night at the plate for Alderman, a former Ole Miss star, who went 3-for-4 with two runs scored. The same for Nathan Martorella, who went 3-for-4 with two RBI. This duo accounted for six of the Blue Wahoos’ eight hits.
The Blue Wahoos broke through with three runs in the fourth inning. After Martorella drove home Alderman with the game’s first run, the Blue Wahoos loaded the bases and drew back-to-back RBI walks from Cody Morissette and Sasaki. Morissette walked three times in the game.
After Mack was thrown out at the plate in the seventh inning, Martorella drove home Alderman a second time to make it 4-0.
The teams will continue the three-game season opening series on Saturday night, the first post-game fireworks night of the season, in a 6:05 game featuring Blue Wahoos returning pitcher Evan Fitterer on the mound against the Shuckers Nate Peterson.
GAME NOTABLES
In starting their 13th season in club history, the Blue Wahoos are now 9-4 in openers. This was their sixth Opening Night win in the nine years they’ve started the season at home.
These teams will play 27 times this season, the most meetings of any Blue Wahoos opponent.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Blue Wahoos Season-Opening Series
WHO: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Saturday, 6:05 p.m.
Is Costco Still Planning A Nine Mile Road Store? Apparently, As New Plans Are Filed
April 4, 2025
Is Costco still considering a store on Nine Mile Road?
It certainly looks that way.
Tampa-based Thomas Engineering filed plans with Escambia County Development Review Committee (DRC) for the store at 225 East Nine Mile Road back in June of last year. Then, in response to DRC feedback, updated plans were filed in late October 2024.
Since that time, the proposal has not gone before the DRC for consideration. Without a development order, the project can’t move forward.
What’s new?
About a week ago, Thomas Engineering filed new site construction site drawings for the Nine Mile Road Costco. A DRC hearing has not yet been scheduled but could be forthcoming soon.
How long does it take to build a Costco?
The architectural firm MG2, which has partnered with Costco for 30 years on over 780 locations, says it takes under four months to build a new store.
“Costco Wholesale has set the bar by creating and maintaining the platinum standard in optimized rollouts: It takes just 110 days from the time construction begins to the moment doors open to their members” MG2 said. That means a new Pensacola Costco, if approved, could easily open by the end of the year.
What do the newly filed plans show?
The latest plans filed last week with Escambia County show the 172,580 square foot Costco retail store with a gas station and 835 parking spaces at 225 East Nine Mile Road, at the corner of East Nine Mile Road and Chemstrand Road. That’s the site of the current Planet Fitness and a former Kmart store. It’s several parcels totaling just under 22 acres.
The plans show the existing Dairy Queen, Sam’s Seafood Restaurant and Wells Fargo to remain, with a Costco gas station constructed between Sam’s Seafood and Wells Fargo in an area that is currently a parking area for the old shopping center. The current Planet Fitness building will be demolished to make room for the new Costco if it’s approved.
What is currently the nearest to Pensacola?
The nearest currently open Costco to Pensacola is in Mobile, Alabama.
How much is a Costco membership?
Membership is required for in-store shoppers at Costco. Members must be 16 or older to apply. The pharmacy is open to anyone, regardless of membership.
Costco offers two levels of membership for individuals or businesses:
Executive $130 annually
- Annual 2% Reward
- Costco Services Discounts
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Gold Star $65 annually
- Shop Online and in Warehouses
- Includes 2 Membership Cards
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Businesses can purchase either level to purchase items for resale or add additional people at $65 each.
Escambia Public Schools To Host Teacher Hiring Event
April 4, 2025
Escambia County Public Schools is hosting an in-person Teacher Hiring Event to fill teacher positions for the 2025-2026 school year.
The event will take place on Saturday, May 3 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Washington High School, 6000 College Parkway in Pensacola.
All interested persons must have a bachelor’s degree or higher, complete the on-line application to attend the hiring event, and must submit official transcripts before the day of the hiring event. Full-time teaching positions at all grade levels will be available for the 2025-2026 school year.
Applicants should be prepared for on-the-spot interviews and job offers, and must bring their resume and identification cards. Onboarding will be completed at the hiring event with our teams from Human Resources and Risk Management departments.
“We want our schools to be fully staffed for the new school year in August and persons interviewing may have the opportunity to secure a teaching position before leaving the event,” said ECPS Director of Human Resource Services Melia Adams. “We need educators who will make a great impact on the lives of our kids.”
School administrators and staff will be conducting interviews. Available instructional positions include English, math, science, social studies, music and art education, elementary education, special education and foreign languages. New teachers’ starting salary is $48,300 and benefit packages will be explained.
Visit https://apps2.winocular.com/escambia/jobs/Jobpost.exe and click on “2025-2026 Teacher Hiring Event (In-Person).” Application deadline is May 1, 2025. Applicants will receive an email notification if eligible to attend.
Northview Lady Chiefs Knock Off Undefeated Jay (With Gallery)
April 4, 2025
The Northview Lady Chiefs handed the top-ranking Jay Royals their first loss of the season 9-5 on a misty Thursday night in Bratt.
Jamison Gilman opened in the circle for the Chiefs. The senior allowed four hits and two runs (one earned) in three innings, walking two and striking out none. Mikayla McAnally pitched four innings in relief, allowing two hits and three runs (one earned) while striking out five and walking two.
“We just fought hard tonight. We made some errors; we are still working on mental errors,” Northview coach Amy Holland said after the big win. “More than anything, this team here is not laying down. They are fighting out and they’re finding ways to win. We scored a lot of points on two outs tonight, and that just tells you right they are not laying down, they’re not going to give up, and we’ve got a long way to go.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
Layna Lowry pitched five and two-third innings for the Royals, surrendering 10 hits and nine runs with three strikeouts and one walk.
Bailey Burkette led the Lady Chiefs with three RBIs as she went 2-4. Riley Brooks, Aubrey Hadley, and Avery Stuckey each added two hits.
Kiley Samford and Lowry had two hits each for Jay, while Kaylee Gilbreath recorded two RBIs.
The Lady Chiefs will host Navarre at 5:30 p.m. Friday, while Jay’s next game will be against West Florida on April 8.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cottage Hill Cleanup Set For April 9
April 4, 2025
A neighborhood cleanup for residents in Cottage Hill will take place Wednesday, April 9. This is a chance for residents to dispose of items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge.
Yard debris is eligible for removal during this cleanup.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate in the neighborhood cleanup. All items for pickup should at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup.
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
Since 2016, more than 7,435 tons (16,393,574 pounds) of waste have been disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program. During neighborhood cleanups, crew members and volunteers visit different neighborhoods in the county to remove a variety of debris and waste free of charge.
Padgett Homers As Tate Softball Shuts Out Niceville; Tate Baseball Falls
April 4, 2025
SOFTBALL
Tate 3, Niceville 0
Jordan Smith recorded 21 outs as the Tate Lady Aggies shut out Niceville 3-0 Thursday night in Cantonment. She gave up three hits and no runs in seven innings while striking out none and walking none.
Mykamia Padgett has one RBI for Tate as she went 1-3 with a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to center field. Kara Wine went 2-3. Kaylie Mitchell and Kinzlee Biggs each added one hit.
Friday night, the Tate Lady Aggies will host the West Florida Jags in the annual Strike Out Cancer game at 7:00.
BASEBALL
West Florida 5, Tate 2
The West Florida Jaguars defeated the Tate Aggies 5-2 Thursday night in Cantonment.
Zane Warrington took the loss for Tate in six innings, surrendering five runs (four earned) on five hits, walking four and striking out four. Nate Connors was on the mound for one inning, striking out two while allowing no hits and no runs.
Up next, Tate will travel to Navarre on Friday for a 7:00 game.
Pictured: Mykamia Padgett homered Thursday night for the Tate Lady Aggies. Photo for NorthEscambia.com , click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Lacrosse Defeats Milton 6-2
April 4, 2025
Tate Girls Lacrosse earned a district win 6-2 over Milton Panthers Thursday night in Milton. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Boys Tennis Defeats Navarre
April 4, 2025
The Tate Aggies boys tennis team got back into the win column 5-2 over Navarre Thursday. The Tate girls fell to the Raiders 5-2. Up next, Tate will host Pace on Monday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
April 4, 2025
Ransom Middle School recently announced their February Students Of The Month. They are seventh graders Ryot Futral and Jefferson Trahan. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ribbon Cutting Held For The New Jennings-Gonzalez Park in Gonzalez
April 3, 2025
An official ribbon cutting was held on a warm Wednesday afternoon at the new Jennings-Gonzalez Park, the newest Escambia County park in District 5.
“I’m very excited to celebrate the newest park in District 5, which provides children and families in the area even more recreational opportunities without having to leave their neighborhood,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “I’d like to express my sincere thanks to the Jennings family for their support and continued contributions in District 5, along with our parks and recreation and public works departments for bringing projects like this to fruition for our community. I look forward to seeing our residents and visitors enjoy Jennings-Gonzalez Park for many years to come.”
The new park is located at 1552 Goldenrod Road, the site of the former Escambia Charter School, just behind Gonzalez Utilities on Old Chemstrand Road. The park features a playground with a slide, numerous climbing structures, and additional play features for all ages. The park has been open since February 10.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“We may have to look at one of those fancy sunshades,” Barry quipped, “as the summer sets on to us.”
The park is named for the Jennings family, who have been part of the Gonzalez community for nearly 130 years. The family first arrived in Gonzalez in 1896 after James Sylvester Jennings retired from the Muscogee sawmill, where his son Christopher Jennings continued working after moving to Gonzalez in 1910. The Jennings family became well-known in the Gonzalez community and regularly attended Gonzalez Baptist Church, which was built on property once owned by their family. The Jennings family kept a vegetable garden and a farm, and they hosted numerous family and friends every Sunday for dinner and fellowship together.
Fred Lee Jennings and Sara Elizabeth Hatton were married in 1938 and went on to have six children, all of whom remained in the Gonzalez community and had families of their own. One of their daughters, Sara Jennings Blackburn, later called “Nana,” dreamed of having a park closer to home where her grandchildren could play. Although she passed away in September 2023, her daughter-in-law Candice Blackburn said her Nana would have loved seeing the park come to life for the Gonzalez community.
“We are so thankful for this little park to bring joy to our family and many others now,” Blackburn said. “Now, Nana has five grandbabies, one bonus grandbaby, and one on the way who will continue playing and spending their time in Gonzalez. We know that Nana would have cherished each and every laugh and squeal she heard from all of these babies she loved immensely. I’d like to thank Commissioner Barry and everyone who worked together to make this park a reality for so many families in our community to enjoy.”
“For the Jennings family, faith, family and education has always been kind of a cornerstone of where we are at,” Lee Jennings said. “My great, great grandfather came from Alabama. He was a surveyor and a lumber man on the sawmills in Muscogee., and then at some point bought a large tract of land here in the Gonzalez area…They were all instrumental in a lot of things building the church. Faith was at the forefront of everything, giving glory to God in everything they did and making sure they were tied into the community.”
Jennings-Gonzalez Park is the second new park this year in Escambia County’s District 5 with the January addition of Paper Park in Cantonment.
For an additional submitted history of the Jennings family on Gonzalez, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
