Sappington’s Hat Trick, Helmig’s Saves Power Tate Girls Lacrosse To 7-3 Playoff Win
April 11, 2025
submitted for NorthEscambia.com
Junior standout Tori Sappington recorded a hat trick and sophomore goalie Carly Helmig anchored a stout defense as the Tate Aggies girls lacrosse team defeated Milton in the first round of the 2A District 1Girls Lacrosse tournament at Tate High School.
Sappington was the offensive engine for Tate, finding the net three times on nine shots on goal. Her scoring prowess set the tone, but the offense featured contributions across multiple classes. Junior Taelyn Hubbard added a goal and the team’s lone assist, while sophomore Abigayle Keever, freshman Ashlee Edgar, and senior Hannah Keeler each chipped in with a goal apiece. Edgar and Keeler were notably efficient, converting their only shots of the game into goals. As a team, Tate registered 17 shots on target.
While the offense put up seven goals, the defense and goaltending were equally impressive. Helmig played the entire game in cage, turning aside 9 of the 12 shots she faced for a strong .750 save percentage. Her performance kept the opposition largely in check, allowing just three goals against.
The defensive effort extended to controlling loose balls, as Tate collected 26 ground balls throughout the match. Sappington led the way here as well, scooping up a team-high 5 ground balls. Sophomore Lily Meteiver contributed 4, while Hubbard and freshman Brooke Odom added 3 each.
Tate also found success on the draw, winning 7 draw controls, with Sappington again playing a central role in gaining possession for her team.
No. 4 Tate advances to the semifinals at 6 p.m.on Monday, April 14 at No. 1 Gulf Breeze.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Softball And Baseball, Tate Softball Earn Wins Thursday Night
April 11, 2025
SOFTBALL
Northview 11, West Florida 1
The Northview Lady Chiefs dominated the West Florida Jaguars 11-1 on Thursday night in Pensacola.
In a complete game, Mikayla McAnally gave up two hits and one run while walking none and striking out 10 in a seven innings.
Avery Stuckey went 3-4 for the Chiefs, while Addysen Bolen and Jamison Gilman each had three RBIs. Bailey Burkette, Aubrey Hadley, and Daviona Randolph each had multiple hits.
Up next for the Chiefs is a trip to rival Jay on Tuesday, April 15.
Tate 4, Gulf Breeze 3
The Tate Aggies beat Gulf Breeze 4-3 Thursday night in Cantonment.
Peyton Womack earned the win for the Lady Aggies, surrendering eight hits and three runs in seven innings, walking four and striking out five.
Mykamia Padgett recorded two RBIs, going 2-3 for the night. Peyton Womack also had two hits for Tate. Kinzlee Biggs, Aubrey Jordan, Taylor Robinson and Carlyn Ham each added one hit.
Tate will host Navarre Friday at 6:30 for senior night.
BASEBALL
Northview 4, Baker 2
The Northview Chiefs earned a big 4-2 district win over Baker Thursday night in Bratt.
Braynt Mason earned the win for Northview, surrendering just one hit and no runs in five innings, walking one and striking out five. Jase Portwood and Grayden Sheffield pitched in relief for Northview. Sheffield allowed two hits and two runs while walking one and striking out two in one and two-thirds innings, while Portwood allowed no hits and no runs in the final third of an inning.
Northview will host W.S. Neal at 6:30 in their final regular season game of the season.
Northview 10, Baker 0 (JV)
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Teen Injured In Molino 4-Wheeler Crash
April 11, 2025
A teen was airlifted to the hospital after a 4-wheeler crash near Molino.
A 4-wheeler occupied by two teens reportedly overturned about 4:40 p.m. near the 2900 block of Highway 196, east of Schifko.
One of the teens was flown to an area hospital by AirCare medical helicopter.
Further details have not been released.
File photo.
Century Creates Town Administrator Position
April 10, 2025
The Town of Century has officially created the position of town administrator in a move aimed at improving local government operations, financial management, and daily oversight of municipal functions.
The new position, established by a recently passed ordinance, designates the town administrator as the operating officer of the town, serving under and reporting directly to the mayor. The administrator will assist in managing the day-to-day operations, budgeting, personnel, and implementation of town policies.
According to the ordinance, the town administrator may be hired as a direct employee, as an independent contractor, or through a contracted firm with expertise in municipal management. Regardless of the arrangement, the individual or firm selected will require final approval by the town council.
Qualifications for individual candidates include a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, or a related field (with a master’s degree preferred), at least five years of experience in municipal administration, and strong leadership and decision-making skills.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Assisting the mayor with daily operations and business functions. Ensuring that town projects, services and operations are executed in accordance with the mayor’s directives and town council policies.
- Serve as financial services director responsible for budget preparation, financial planning, and fiscal accountability.
- Helping with hiring, firring supervising, and evaluating town employees. Conduct a periodic review of jobs descriptions, qualifications, and performance evaluations.
- Oversee the procurement process and approve vendor contracts.
- Advise the mayor and town council on policies and assist with informed decisions making.
The mayor will conduct an annual performance review of the town administrator. The position may be terminated by the mayor with the approval of the town council through a majority vote. There is no provision in the ordinance for the council to directly remove the administrator unless the mayor initiates the removal.
The town council has voted to extend the current contract with interim town manager Howard Brown and his Local Government Consulting Group until a town administrator is hired.
As of Wednesday night, the position advertisement had not been posted by the town.
NorhtEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Geometry And Pre-Cal Teams Shine At Tournament
April 10, 2025
Tate High School’s geometry and precalculus teams recently placed at the Nicky Walker Math Tournament, held at Milton High School.
The Tate geometry team took first place, with members Kristina Vasileva, Bryan Chen, Aden Bailey, Fathi Abuokab, and Christopher Pennewell leading the charge. They were coached by Cody Nelson.
The precalculus team claimed 2nd place, thanks to the efforts of Courtney Reichard, Hayden Graybill, Carter Hayden, and Lawson Killingsworth. Their success came under the guidance of coach Rachel Wisdom.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County EMS Hosting Open House This Saturday
April 10, 2025
Escambia County EMS will host a free open house for the public on Saturday from 12-4 p.m.
“Escambia County EMS is excited to welcome everyone to our open house,” said EMS Chief Chris Watts. “We invite you to learn more about your EMS provider, participate in hands-on activities, and enjoy delicious chili prepared by our team. As we continue to evolve as an organization, we want to get to know the neighbors we serve daily. This is a family-friendly event with a lot of activities for the kids, including an Easter Egg Hunt, so we invite the whole family to come out on April 12.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the EMS facility, check out brand-new ambulances and life-saving gadgets, participate in first responder demonstrations, learn hands-on CPR, enjoy fun activities for the kids, and be a judge in the EMS employee chili cook-off.
The open house will occur in the EMS ambulance parking lot, behind the Escambia County Public Safety building at 6575 N. “W” Street.
The event was previously scheduled March 15 but was rescheduled due to weather.
File photo.
Cantonment Masonic Lodge Honors And Adopts Ernest Ward Middle School Educators
April 10, 2025
Cantonment Masonic Lodge #322 honored several educators from Ernest Ward Middle School recently.
The Lodge recognized Teacher of the Year Maria Willis. They also adopted two novice teachers, Courtney Barrow and MaryBeth Geary.
Additionally, the Lodge formally adopted Ernest Ward Middle School as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local education initiatives.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Elementary PTA Carnival Is Friday Evening
April 10, 2025
Get ready for an evening of family fun as Molino Park Elementary School hosts its 2025 Spring Carnival this Friday, April 11th. Sponsored by the Molino Park PTA, the event promises a delightful experience for the entire community.
From 5-8 p.m., the grounds of Molino Park Elementary, located at 899 Highway 97, will transform into a vibrant carnival atmosphere. Attendees can look forward to a wide array of classic carnival games, delicious food, lively music, and various local vendors.
Adding to the excitement, the carnival will feature a bake-off competition, highlighting the culinary talents within the community. A live and silent auction will offer attendees the chance to bid on unique items and experiences, with proceeds supporting PTA initiatives and school programs.
Organizers emphasize that this event is designed for the whole family to enjoy together.
Wristbands are available from 7:10 until 8 a.m. with cash sales only on Thursday and Friday. Pre-sale wristbands are $12; regular price is $15 at the carnival Friday evening.
Wahoos Fall Behind Early, Sustain First Loss of Season
April 10, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
For the first time in five games, the Blue Wahoos were in a mid-game hole. They weren’t able to climb out.
The Montgomery Biscuits jumped to an early lead, extended it to 5-1 in the sixth inning and went on to a 6-3 victory that ended the Blue Wahoos’ unbeaten start to the season at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The Biscuits (3-1) produced 10 hits against Pensacola pitching, the most allowed in the Blue Wahoos’ (4-1) first five games.
Even so, the game still had some final at-bat intrigue. Blue Wahoos third baseman Johnny Olmstead caused a crowd reaction by driving a pitch deep to centerfield with Josh Zamora on second base. The ball was caught by the Biscuits’ Homer Bush Jr. near the base of the wall to end the game.
Zamora and catcher Sam Praytor both had two hits, accounting for the bulk of the team’s seven hits. Praytor reached base three times, scored a run and threw out two runners trying to steal.
It became a tough start for Blue Wahoos righthander Jacob Miller. In the second inning, he allowed three hits as the Biscuits scored three runs.
Left fielder Matthew Etzel led off with a bunt single. Cooper Kinney then doubled. Tatem Levins followed with an RBI single. The Blue Wahoos just missed turning a double play to end the inning, but instead a second run scored. The Biscuits then pulled off a double steal to plate the third run.
Miller pitched four innings, allowing six hits, but did record seven strikeouts in his first start of the season.
The Blue Wahoos’ Mark Coley II homered with two outs in the bottom of the second—his first Double-A level homer.
Etzel gave the Biscuits a 4-1 lead with a fifth-inning homer off Tristan Stevens.
Kemp Alderman’s sacrifice fly in the sixth scored Jake Thompson, who had led off with a triple, and Praytor scored the Blue Wahoos’ final run in the eighth after leading off with a single.
The Biscuits win evened the series. The two teams will play the third game on the first “Mullet Thursday” when the Blue Wahoos will take on their alternate identity and wear Pensacola Mullets uniforms. There will be beverage specials throughout the game for those of legal age.
Robby Snelling, one of the Blue Wahoos’ Top 10 rated prospects in the Miami Marlins organization, will make his second start after a sharp opening night last Friday.
GAME NOTABLES
— The Navarre Youth Sports Association softball teams attended Wednesday’s game and participated in a pregame parade on the field. The group had 250 members attending the game.
— The Blue Wahoos honored Travis (TJ) Presley on his birthday Wednesday. Known as TJ, he greets fans as they arrived at the top of the main entrance staircase each game. He’s the guy you can hear say, “Welcome To the Wahoos Life” as people come into the ballpark.
— On Tuesday, the Blue Wahoos honored a 98-year-old resident “Miss Bobbie” who sat above the home team dugout and had the entire stadium singing “Happy Birthday” wishes to her on her 98th birthday.
WANT TO GO?
- WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
- WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
- WHEN: Thursday Thru Sunday.
- GAME TIMES: Thursday through Saturday games all start at 6:05 p.m. The game on Sunday starts at 1:05 p.m.
‘A Lifesaver’: Ribbon Cut On Inmate-Built Tiny Home At Century Prison
April 9, 2025
“A lifesaver” — that’s how one inmate described the tiny home construction program at Century Correctional Institution during a ribbon cutting event Tuesday morning.
Just under a year ago, a groundbreaking ceremony was held inside the prison on Tedder Road for the program, the first of its kind in the state. The program is operated under the watchful eye of the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) by PRIDE Enterprises — PRIDE stands for Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises. PRIDE is a not-for-profit corporation created by the Florida Legislature in 1981. It receives no state appropriations.
Tuesday, a ribbon was cut to officially mark the completion of the program’s first tiny home, which PRIDE donated back to Century CI. It will be used for staff housing adjacent to the prison for a correctional officer. Future builds will be sold as affordable housing.
In the program, inmates gain experience, complete classroom courses and gain industry certifications they can leverage to find employment once they are released.
One of the program’s first inmate participants was Robert Bassett, Jr. of Cantonment. Now 48, he is serving a six-year, three-month and nine-day sentence for battery and aggravated stalking convictions. He is scheduled to be released two days before Thanksgiving.
He joined the tiny home class in October 2023 when the PRIDE facility was nothing more than an open field within the confines of the prison fence.
“I’m proud. I’m proud,” he said about seeing the ribbon cutting for the program’s first complete tiny home. “It was dirt. We had problems, and we got through it together. I’ve grown a lot.”
Bassett said he believes the tiny house program will lead him towards success when he is released in November.
“The housing market is pretty bad right now. They are deporting everybody. There’s got to be some work for me somewhere.” He hopes to find a job in finishing because he likes sheetrock and painting.
The best part of the program to Bassett?
“The escape. The reality of being perfect is because we’re out here 10 hours a day. That’s 10 hours a day I’m not in there watching somebody getting stabbed, watching somebody smoke dope, do something crazy. It’s been a lifesaver, really.”
Former state senator Doug Broxson, who was instrumental in establishing the program in Century CI, said the program will be a lifesaver for inmates rejoining society after their release.
“They will be full-fledged citizens working in our community,” Broxson said of the inmates in the program, many of whom will soon be released in the coming weeks and months.
Dignitaries who attended Tuesday morning’s ribbon cutting inside Century CI including Broxson, FDC Secretary Ricky Dixon, former Century CI warden and current FDC Deputy Secretary Richard Comerford, PRIDE President Blake Crown, and PRIDE Board of Directors Chair James Reeves.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
