Mahle Strikes Out Career-High Nine Hitters In Win
May 31, 2017
Pensacola Blue Wahoos right-hander Tyler Mahle didn’t know that the Cincinnati Reds top dog, Dick Williams, was in the stands watching his performance.
But he said it wouldn’t have mattered if he did know that the Reds president of baseball operations and general manager was there.
Mahle threw seven scoreless innings, gave up three hits and struck out a career-high nine batters as the Blue Wahoos beat the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, 6-0, in front of 3,571 fans at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
“I just felt good tonight,” he said. “I had control of all my pitches. My arm felt live.”
It’s the kind of outing that Pensacola manager Pat Kelly has come to expect from the 22-year-old, who Baseball America says is the Reds 12th best prospect in the organization.
“That’s normal for him this year,” Kelly said. “He has had 11 really good starts that we’ve seen so far.”
The Blue Wahoos lineup staked Mahle to a 6-0 lead, something he’s not used to. It allowed him to focus on pitching and earn his first victory since May 8 and first victory after losing two games. He improved to 6-2 on the year and lowered his earned-run average to 1.55.
For the Blue Wahoos it was the team’s sixth shutout win this season. The team improved to 29-22 overall to remain in first place in the Southern League South Division. Pensacola has either led the division or been tied for first in 51 of 57 days this season. With the second place Biloxi Shuckers losing, 7-3, Tuesday to the Mobile BayBears, Pensacola is now up three games in the standings.
“We need to obviously win every series,” said Mahle about the tight race for the first half crown.
Mahle, the Southern League Player of the Month in April, is doing his best by leading the Southern League in victories (6), and having the second-best strikeout total (72), ERA (1.55) and batting average by opponents (.182).
Pensacola is vying to become the first team since the Tennessee Smokies from 2009 to 2011 win four straight half-division titles.
Pensacola scored first when Jacksonville starter Omar Bencomo had an unusual case of lack of control. The Jumbo Shrimps right hander walked the bases loaded. He entered the game allowing just 1.27 walks per nine innings — third best in the Southern League. Pensacola first baseman Eric Jagielo hit a weak blooper to left field that scored left fielder Tyler Goeddel to put the Blue Wahoos on top, 1-0.
Mahle helped himself in the fourth inning when he hit a chopper to shortstop that scored second baseman Alex Blandino to put the Blue Wahoos up, 2-0. With two outs, center fielder Gabriel Guerrero poked a line drive single to right field that drove in both Mahle and Goeddel for a, 4-0, Pensacola lead.
Kelly praised Guerrero’s clutch two-out single.
“We get all those walks and we can’t take advantage of them,” Kelly said, pointing out that Pensacola batters walked seven times in the game. “You think, ‘Are we only going to get one run again?’ Guerrero punching the ball into the gap over there gave us two huge runs.”
Kelly also credited Guerrero’s defense in center field Tuesday. He caught five balls, chasing down three of them.
“Guerrero played terrific,” Kelly said. “To me if you can run, center field is a really good position to play. Gabby can run very well. He’s improving his angles.”
Pensacola tacked on another run in the fifth inning to go up, 5-0, when with two outs shortstop Blake Trahan doubled to drive in Blandino. The Blue Wahoos extended the lead, 6-0, when Jagielo hit a deep sacrifice fly ball to the warning track in right field to score third baseman Josh VanMeter, who doubled to the left center gap to lead-off the inning.
Both Guerrero, who was 1-4 with two RBIs, and Jagielo, who was 1-3 with two RBIs, led the Blue Wahoos at the plate.
The Cincinnati Reds promoted Double-A Blue Wahoos right-hander Austin Ross (5-0, 1.21 ERA) to the Triple-A Louisville Bats. High-A Daytona Tortugas right-hander Jose Lopez (2-4, 2.84) was promoted to replace Ross.
In addition, former Blue Wahoos starter Jackson Stephens got called up to the Cincinnati Reds. The 23-year-old (3-3, 5.79 ERA) will make his Major League debut, if he gets into a game.
Man Gets Life For Armed Robbery Of Nine Mile Raceway Station
May 31, 2017
A man is headed to prison for life for the armed robbery of a Raceway on Nine Mile Road in 2016.
Ryan Erick Cheney, 41, was convicted of armed robbery with a firearm with discharge by Circuit Judge Edward P. Nickinson. Following his conviction, Nickinson immediately sentenced Cheney to life in state prison. Since there is no parole in Florida, Cheney will serve the remainder of his life in prison.
On June 15, 2016, Cheney and co-defendant, Joseph Reynolds, entered the Raceway Gas Station on Nine Mile Road, while Reynolds acted as a lookout, Cheney pointed the firearm at the clerk and demanded money and cigarettes. Cheney discharged the firearm into the floor towards the clerk. Both defendants fled the scene in the getaway vehicle waiting outside driven by co-defendant, Hunter Lafoe. All three defendants were apprehended a few days later.
During the course of the investigation, a bulletin was sent out to law enforcement agencies across the country. Cheney was identified by an agency in New Hampshire. Cheney has an outstanding warrant in New Hampshire for a pending armed robbery charge. Also, Cheney had a prior conviction of robbery and served more than five years in prison in New Hampshire.
On May 26, 2017, Joseph Reynolds pleaded no contest to the charge of robbery with a deadly weapon and Lafoe pleaded no contest to the charge of principal to robbery with a deadly weapon. Both Reynolds and Lafoe will be sentenced on August 29, 2017 before Nickinson.
Reynolds, who was the lookout, faces up to 20 years in state prison for his role in the robbery. Lafoe, who was the getaway driver, faces up to 10 years in state prison for his role in the robbery.
Former Teacher, Coach Arrested For Sexual Contact With A Student
May 30, 2017
A former teacher and coach has been arrested for having sexual contact with a student.
Jason Paul Blaney, age 38 of 4884 Highway 4 in Jay, was employed by the Escambia County (AL) Board of Education as a math teacher, volleyball coach and softball coach at W.S. Neal High School in East Brewton.
Blaney’s May 26 arrest stemmed from a complaint received on March 30, 2017, by the Sheriff’s Office. He was released from the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton on a $10,000 bond.
The case is still under investigation at this time and possible further charges may be pending. The case has been turned over to the District Attorney’s office.
Blaney was hired a W.S. Neal in 2009 after leaving Milton High School, to teach math and coach volleyball. He became softball head coach in February 2016. He resigned his teaching and coaching positions on April 12.
Escambia County, Century Free Up Housing Assistance Funds
May 30, 2017
A new agreement between Escambia County and the Town of Century will free up tens of thousands of dollars in housing assistance.
In May 2016, Escambia County made a total of $260,000 available to tornado victims in the town limits of Century for housing repairs.
To date, $174,761 has been expended or is currently allotted for 10 applicants. The original agreement between Escambia County and Century restricted the assistance to only those impacted by the February 2016 tornado in Century. The deadline for tornado victims to apply for assistance has passed.
An amended agreement recently passed by the Escambia County Commission will free the remaining $85,239 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance regardless of tornado damage.
The application procedure and timeline for the funding has not yet been announced.
Pictured: The first home in the town of Century completed under the SHIP Program through Escambia County and Habitat for Humanity. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
ECAT Offers Free Summer Rides For Youth
May 30, 2017
The Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) Summer Wheels Pass program is now in effect, allowing youth to ride ECAT free all summer.
The pass will allow youth 18 and under to ride ECAT from Memorial Day to Labor Day at no charge.
“We are excited that ECAT will be offering the Summer Wheels Pass to our students again this summer,” said Escambia County School Superintendent Malcom Thomas. “A bus pass can mean easier access to the public libraries, the museums downtown, summer activities all over town and even the beach. We hope the passes will encourage families to spend their free time giving their students new experiences as well as making frequent trips to the libraries because we all know that summer reading is a great way for our students to avoid the summer slide.”
The Summer Wheels Pass can be obtained with an application and a parent or guardian at the ECAT administrative office on Fairfield Ave. To download the Summer Wheels Pass application, please visit GoECAT.com or call Tonya Ellis at 850-595-3229.
Dedria’s Gift Presents Local Scholarship Awards
May 30, 2017
The charity Dedria’s Gift recently presented two scholarships to deserving Northview High School students.
Dustin Radcliffe will attend Pensacola State College to study music education. He plans to transfer to Troy University after two years.
Ta’Keyzha Johnson will attend Pensacola State College to study cosmetology. She hopes to go on from there to become an esthetician.
Dedria’s Gift honors the memory of Dedria Robinson who was killed in a 2005 automobile accident at age 11. The group annually provides school supplies for hundreds of children the Century area.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts
May 30, 2017
Drivers will encounter traffic variations on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
· Interstate 10 (I-10)/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements Phase I- Alternating lane closures on I-10 eastbound near the U.S. 29 interchange (Exits 10A and 10B) from 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 to 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 31 as crews perform paving work.
In addition, the U.S. 29 north to I-10 westbound ramp will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 30 through Thursday, June 1 as crews perform shoulder work. Traffic will be detoured north to make a U-turn at Broad Street to access I-10 westbound.
· I-10 Widening from Davis Highway (S.R. 291) to the Escambia Bay Bridge- Alternating lane closures on Scenic Highway (U.S. 90), between Whisper Way and Northpointe Parkway, from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 30 through Thursday, June 1 as crews perform paving work.
· Creighton Road (State Road (S.R.) 742) Construction Improvement Project from east of Davis Highway to Scenic Highway – Intermittent and alternating lane closures between 9th Avenue and Scenic Highway from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. beginning Tuesday, May 30 as crews begin sidewalk repairs and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades.
· S.R. 4 Routine Bridge Inspection over West Coldwater Creek- Alternating lane restrictions, 3.3 miles east of S.R. 89, from 8 p.m. Monday, May 30 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 31 as crews perform a routine bridge inspection.
· S.R. 30 (U.S. 98) Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – The eastbound, right lane will be closed from 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 31 until 5 a.m. Thursday, June 1 as tankers deliver fuel to barges being used in the construction of the new bridge.
· Road Ranger Service Patrol on the Pensacola Bay Bridge – Service patrol vehicles will be stationed on each of the bridges between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekends and major holidays. At other times, at least one unit will be on-call and available to respond within 30 minutes. Road Ranger assistance on the Pensacola Bay Bridge will be available by dialing the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP (*347).
· Bayou Boulevard (S.R. 296) Resurfacing from Basiden Road to U.S. 90- Traffic shift and low barrier wall in place between Lakeview Drive and Conway Drive as crews continue working on drainage improvements. The traffic shift will be in place through the end of May.
· U.S. 29 (S.R. 95) Widening from I-10 to Nine Mile Road- Alternating lane closures continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road and on Nine Mile Road near the U.S. 29/ Nine Mile Road overpass as crews perform drainage and bridge operations.
· Nine Mile Road (S.R. 10/U.S. 90A) Widening from Pine Forest Road to U.S. 29- Alternating lane closures continue on Untreiner Avenue as crews perform jack and bore operations.
Santa Rosa County
· I-10 Widening from Escambia Bay Bridge to Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) – Alternating lane closures from the Escambia Bay Bridge to just east of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 30 through Thursday, June 1 as crews continue widening work. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange during this time as crews reconstruct the Avalon Boulevard overpass.
· I-10 Resurfacing from east of S.R. 87 to the Okaloosa County Line- Intermittent and alternating closures between the S.R. 87 interchange (Exit 31) and the Okaloosa County line from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 30 through Thursday, June 1 as crews perform paving operations. Motorists are reminded the speed limit is reduced to 60 MPH within the lane closure.
· Gulf Breeze Parkway (U.S. 98) Underground Utility Work at Woodlawn Way- The westbound, left turn lane at Woodlawn Way will be closed from 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 31 as crews perform underground utility work.
Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through the construction zone, and to pay attention for workers and equipment entering and exiting the work area. All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
This Week’s Escambia County Meeting Schedule
May 30, 2017
Here is the weekly schedule of Escambia County meetings:
Tuesday, May 30
Special BCC Meeting Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, First Floor Board Chambers, 5:30 p.m. (Agenda)
Wednesday, May 31
Committee of the Whole/Homeless Summit, Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, First Floor Board Chambers, 9 a.m. (Agenda)
Development Review Committee, Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, 1 p.m.
Escambia County 4-H Offers Summer Day Camp Programs
May 30, 2017
Escambia County 4-H is offering summer programs designed to give your child the opportunity to develop character, valuable life skills, make new friends and discover new interests. The day camps are open to youth ages 8 (as of Sept. 1, 2016) to 18, unless otherwise noted. Programs include:
Beginner Sewing Day Camp
June 13 and 15; 9 a.m.- 3.p.m.
Ages: 10+, Limit 15 Youth; $10
This beginners level camp will allow youth to become comfortable using a sewing machine. Youth can choose to make pillows or t-shirt tote bags.
Breakfast Day Camp
June 21-22; 9 a.m.- 3.p.m.
Ages: 10+, Limit 16 Youth; $10
This camp will allow youth the opportunity to learn about the process of how their breakfast food is made. Youth will learn about poultry agricultural production on day one. Day two will be all about the culinary arts, where youth will have the opportunity to cook omelets, pancakes, and much more!
Tailgate Day Camp
July 5-6; 9 a.m.- 3.p.m.
Ages: 11+, Limit 20 Youth; $10
This camp will allow youth the opportunity to learn about all aspects of meat, grilling, and food preparation. Youth will use a 14 inch charcoal grill to cook beef, pork, poultry, and seafood in an outdoor setting.
Intermediate Sewing Day Camp
July 18 and 20; 9 a.m.- 3.p.m.
Ages: 12+, Limit 15 Youth; $10
This intermediate level camp will allow youth to become proficient using a sewing machine. Youth will have the opportunity to make pillowcases, tote bags, and much more!
CSI Day Camp
July 17 9 a.m.- 3.p.m. or July 19; 9 a.m.- 3.p.m.
Ages: 11+, Limit 12 Youth per Day; $10
This camp will focus on crime scene investigation techniques, including using UV light, chromatography, fingerprint and handwriting ID, and much more. The same information will be presented both days.
Registration forms are available online at escambia.ifas.ufl.edu/4h/day-camps. Please note that space is limited and is offered on a first come, first served basis. Registration should be completed at least one week before the camp begins including payment of any fees. For more information, please contact Belinda Spann at (850) 475-5230 or bspann@ufl.edu.
Jim Allen Elementary Releases Latest Honor Roll
May 30, 2017
The following students were named to the final nine weeks honor roll at Jim Allen Elementary School:
First Grade, A Honor Roll
Christopher Williamsmcfarlain
Xiaoli Hardaway
Haylee Everett
Azaria James
Aidan Kelley
Jasalynn Kearbey
Kayden Salon
Giovonni Carter
Dakota Arnette
Richard Norton
LaRondez Travis
Kendra McDonald
Abbygail Hartzog
Alena White
Nancy Clay
Shelby Coleman
Kash Brown
Isabela Pomeroy
Jackson Sevcik
Ava McGlothren
Landon Hommerbocker
Harlom Poole
Jacob Drysdale
Kylie Wilder
Isabelle Smith
Braelyn Mills
Aeirynn Madden
Aurora Meriweather
Joseph Ladieu
William Mason
Dawson Miller
Leah List
Lilyana Cox
Beau Goff
Second Grade , A Honor Roll
Sarah Alsubaie
Austin Bradley
Gavin Bramblett
John Heath Brown
Bailey Burkette
Katie Byrd
Griffin Cook
Cruz Duncan
Amy Floyd
Juliet Greitzer
Laney Jackson
Makayla Johnson
Mckinna Johnson
Dievon Kelly
Presley Langreck
Neilah Lawson
Amarie Leavell
Mykamia Padgett
Jamarion Purifoy
Benjamin Robinson
Addyson Smallwood
Third Grade, A Honor Roll
Maryam Alsubaie
Riley Ard
Luke Battle
Philip Bell
Noah Carter
Maegan Coleman
Kaleigh Deese
Emily Dunlap
Addison Everette
Eli Forehand
Christopher Gonzalez
Marabelle Hamilton
Kori Hayes
Bryce Morris
Madison Payne
Dominic Picheo
Anna Self
Fourth Grade, A Honor Roll
Leslee Brooks
Dustin Burdette
Savannah Carter
Harlie Davidson
Kodi Farias
Gage Geuder
Jaida Goodyear
Kayla Jarman
Desmond Johnson-Tucker
Hailey Locke
Jillian Ranes
Hannah Teague
Fifth Grade, A Honor Roll
Olivia Alsubaie
Abigail Arnette
Kate Balagbagan
Olivia Boyington
Emily Cody
Maverick Cole
Damian Cullen
Courtney Ellsworth
Ja’Shaun Hampton
Grayson Jackson
Robert McClammy
Aidan McLellan
Audrey Rudd
Xavia Sampson
Kennedy Sevcik
Jack Wallace
First Grade, A/B Honor Roll
Bryson Adams
Kurtis Bailey
Tysen Banks
Garrick Brown
Hailyn Capps
Jordan Everett
Gracen Godwin
Karson Goff
Jayden Grandison
Kyndalin Hurley
Ethan Jordan
Baylynn Judson
Charles Lichardello
Jayden Lites
MaKaylee McGee
Ryleigh Palmer
Hannah Price
Payton Rose
Braden Ruiz
Lewis Trawick
Eli Vickers
Bree Wiggins
Jessie Wilder
Zachary Wimberly
Raegan Wright
Second Grade, A/B Honor Roll
Gracie Brown
Nicholas Brown
Colt Castleman
Clifton Day
Sarena Dick
Dylon Dirks
Link Dotson
Kaylee Fleming
Brayden Fraser
Kaylee George
Caden Givens
Kayson Godwin
Layla Gray
Cameron Harmer
Cole Harris
Michael Helms
Taveion Hill
Jayden Knight
Eli Langreck
Nevaeh Lichardello
Reagan Mandabach
Carmen McCall
Ayden McCraney
Alexander McGowan
Kavon McRoy
Jaysson Mobley
Gibson Miguel Moize
Ryan Neal
Meckenzie Pasquarella
Isaac Perdue
Natalee Sherouse
Landen Smith
Kherington Stroder
Taylor Winslow
Aiden Wood
Third Grade, A/B Honor Roll
Raevyn Aldridge
Steven Anza
John Barnett
Aiden Bramblett
Edwin Ciesla
Cheyenne Dimmick
Kayla Draime
Derrick Fields
Malachi Hale
Kylee Harigel
Peyton Hartzog
Parker Hassell
Sylvester Holley
Nikolaus Huber
Coy Jenkins
La’reginald Jenkins
Macy Jensen
Joyce Leslie
Trace Madden
Madison McGee
Bryton McLellan
Carmen Meincke
Brianna Menard
Landen Mills
Tristan Pack
Riley Rudd
Moiria Rutherford
Jackson Schrock
Katelyn Sherouse
Gavin Steadham
Brionna Steiner
Caylee Toussaint
Pandora Tucker
Gavin Vanlandingham
Aubree Vincent
Kaitlin Waggoner
Anthony White
Veronica Williamsmcfarlain
Clotee Williamson
Fourth Grade, A/B Honor Roll
Tyler Campbell
Skyler Dunlavy
Alyssa Elliott
Faith Etheridge
Gianna Garcia
Laney Hardy
James Huff
Austin King
Hannah Larrabee
Jackson Mabry
Xander Manoso
Boston Mayo
Alora McGowan
Ceth Morris
Jarred Noel
Kierra Odom
Nashiya Odom
Serenity Olson
Camiya Qualls
Laiana Qualls
Khamara Salter
Devin Smith
Kassiah Smith
Madison Smotherman
Kyleigh Soto
Shayne Steiner
Sydney Stewart
Kara Wine
Fifth Grade, A/B Honor Roll
Aiden Battle
Aiden Bedsole
Cheyenne Bradley
Gabriel Bradshaw
Gage Brooks
Ellis Brown
Olivia Busch
Ryan Ciesla
Sunalei Dotson
Cali Duncan
Landon Forehand
Randall Geoghagan
Emily George
Kylea Gibbs
Haley Givens
Justin Hart
Conner Hassell
Braedan Jacobs
Dayton Jones
Albert Knapp
Ethan Lathem
Hannah Leggett
Iyonna McCants
Madison McMains
Emmaley McNeill
Elizabeth McVay
Alex Menard
Richard Morris
Joshua Murph
Tianna Parlin
Nicholas Roycroft
Alexander Schoppmann
Devon Sherbrook
Shamiah Simmons
Ashlyn Tidwell
Karla Valdez
Hayden Wallace