Central High Teen Dies After Alabama Wreck; Three Others Injured
July 10, 2015
A Central High School student has passed away from injuries he received in an Alabama traffic crash, and three other Central students are recovering.
According to Alabama State Troopers, 17-year old Christopher J. Free of Milton was ejected from a pickup truck on I-10 about 10 miles west of Mobile about 6:30 Tuesday. He later later died from his injuries at the University of South Alabama Medical Center.
Free was one of three passengers in a 1990 Mazda pickup driven by another 17-year old that left interstate, over turned and struck a tree. Free was not wearing a seat belt, according to troopers. The three other teens were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Their identities have not yet been released by authorities.
Grief counselors were on hand at Central School Friday for students and community members.
Smith Strikes Out 10, Wahoos Beat Biscuits
July 10, 2015
Before returning to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Josh Smith earned a rare distinction — pitching at every level from Single-A to the major leagues in one season.
“It has been interesting,” Smith said after the game. “Before this year, I’ve never been moved up. This year, I’ve been traveling so much and playing at so many levels. It’s a crazy ride, a crazy journey.”
Smith looked every bit of a big league pitcher Thursday after getting sent down from the Cincinnati Reds to Double-A Pensacola.
Behind his 4.1 hitless innings to start the game and 10 strikeouts, Pensacola held on to capture the opener of the five-game series with the Montgomery Biscuits, 3-2, in front of 4,502 fans at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
The Blue Wahoos are now in a five-way tie for first place in the Southern League South Division as each team is 7-7. It’s the first time since 2012 that they have been in first place this late in a half. They were last in first place July 22, 2012.
Smith’s no-hitter ended — undoubtedly — on a sharp double to right field by 19-year-old Jake Bauers. He ended up giving up three hits and one walk in eight innings of work.
He said it was great to get back on the mound and forget his last start with the Reds on the Fourth of July. Smith pitched 4.1 innings and left the game after hitting his fourth batter. He also struggled with his control walking 19 batters in 12.1 innings.
“That competitive nature kicks in after doing what I did in Cincinnati of the Fourth of July,” Smith said. “I know the fans weren’t happy. I wasn’t happy. But that’s in the past.”
When he came off the field in the eighth inning Thursday, Smith pumped both arms in the air to cheers by fans near the dugout.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly joked that it was “terrific” to get a starter from the Reds.
“He was excited,” Kelly said. “He wanted to pitch. There was no moping. He was ready to go. Nerves get you the first time you’re in the big leagues.”
The 27-year-old Smith made his major league debut with the Reds starting rotation June 25 and pitched in three games. He went 0-2 with 7.30 ERA, including eight strike outs in 12.1 innings. In his previous stint with Double-A Pensacola, he was 3-1 with a 2.16 ERA in 25 innings and struck out 24.
At the Triple-A Louisville Bats, Smith had eight starts and was 1-3 with a 3.56 ERA and struck out 35 in 48 innings. He also pitched one inning and struck out one batter on June 19 for the High-A Daytona Tortugas.
Combined at the four levels, Smith is now 5-7 with a 3.35 ERA and in 94.1 innings the right-hander has 80 total strikeouts.
The Blue Wahoos scored first, going ahead, 1-0, when right fielder Juan Duran blasted a triple off the center field wall to start the second inning and was driven in by third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean.
They added two more in the third inning when Duran crushed a double to center that scored shortstop Zach Vincej to make the score, 2-0. Then Winker, who went 1-2, scored on a wild pitch by Montgomery’s starter Jake Faria to go up, 3-0.
However, Montgomery scored two runs on three hits in the ninth and had the tying run on third. But Pensacola catcher Kyle Skipworth threw out Leonardo Reginatto trying to steal second to end the game.
“It was a fantastic play and got us out of a big jam,” Kelly said.
Blue Wahoos reliever Zack Weiss pitched to one batter in the ninth to earn his team-leading eighth save. He now has 18 strikeouts in 12.2 innings pitched in his last 11 appearances.
The second game of the five-game series is scheduled at 6:35 p.m. Friday with the Tampa Bay Rays Double-A affiliate Montgomery Biscuits. RHP Barrett Astin (0-0, 3.09) takes the mound for the Wahoos and is scheduled to be opposed by the Biscuits RHP Jamie Schultz (5-4, 3.73).
Photo courtesy Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Man Killed In Santa Rosa County Crash
July 9, 2015
A 19-year old Pensacola man died in a two vehicle crash in northern Santa Rosa County Wednesday afternoon.
Moses Michael Gabriel Sturges was traveling southbound on Munson Highway in a 1988 Ford Station Wagon when he failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection of Highway 4. He proceeded into the path of a 2004 GMC Sierra driven eastbound on Highway 4 by 60-year old Raymond E. McDaniel of Jay.
Sturges was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where he was pronounced deceased. McDaniel was transported to Sacred Heart with serious injuries.
Both men were wearing their seat belts, and the accident was not alcohol related, according to the FHP.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photos by Jennifer Qualls, click to enlarge.
Evers, Ingram Make A’s On Florida Chamber Report Card
July 9, 2015
Sen. Greg Evers and Rep. Clay Ingram were among those make an “A” on the Florida Chamber’s 2015 Legislative Report Card, released Wednesday.
The Florida Chamber’s Legislative Report Card is an online tool that illuminates grades legislators earned based on their support of pro-jobs, pro-business issues during the annual legislative session.
Across the state, 20 senators earned an “A”, while 61 representatives received an “A” grade.
“I am proud to receive such a high ranking from the Florida Chamber which is reflective of my commitment to further Florida’s pro-business environment by reducing regulations and the burden of government on Florida businesses,” said Evers. “Everyone knows that the private sector creates jobs and opportunities for Floridians – not government. I look forward to continuing to work with the Florida Chamber to make the Sunshine State the best place for business and the perfect opportunity for those seeking employment.”
“I am honored to have received an ‘A’,” Rep. Ingram said. “The Florida Chamber is a great partner with a mission to improve business and life for everyone in Florida.”
Police: Missing Teen May Be In Danger
July 9, 2015
Authorities are searching for a missing and endangered teen from Flomaton that was last seen June 27.
Jasmine Nicole Smith, 16, was reported missing from her residence in Flomaton. On Wednesday, officers upgraded the case from a runaway to missing/endangered status after receiving information from a family member that the teen was in physical danger. Flomaton Police said that because Smith is a juvenile, anyone harboring her without the consent of a parent “is committing a crime and will be prosecuted”.
During the course of the investigation, Smith has not made any attempt to communicate with known family members or friends.
She was last seen wearing dark blue jeans and a black shirt with the words “To the Moon and Back”. She is a white female with brown hair, brown eyes and weighs about 125 pounds.
Anyone with information about Smith’s whereabouts since June 27 is asked to call the Flomaton Police Department at (251) 296-5811 or their local law enforcement agency.
Nurseries Seek Piece Of New Pot Industry
July 9, 2015
In a key step toward making a type of medical marijuana available to patients, the Florida Department of Health has received 28 applications from firms that want to cultivate, process and distribute non-euphoric cannabis in five regions of the state.
The applications came in before a 5 p.m. deadline Wednesday, after an administrative law judge in May ended months of legal wrangling about a regulatory process for the new industry. Now, focus will shift toward the selection of one applicant in each region to become a so-called “dispensing organization.”
Almost all of the applications were filed Wednesday, with some nursery firms submitting proposals in more than one region. Seven applications were submitted for Central Florida, while six each were submitted for Northeast Florida and Southwest Florida. Five were submitted for Southeast Florida, and four were submitted for Northwest Florida.
The Department of Health released a list of the applicants early Wednesday evening, but more details were not immediately available.
The process stems from a state law passed in 2014 that allows a type of cannabis that is low in euphoria-inducing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and high in cannabadiol, or CBD. Parents of children with a severe form of epilepsy pushed lawmakers to approve the substance, contending it can end or dramatically reduce life-threatening seizures — while not getting users high.
Legal battles about regulations for the industry have delayed making the cannabis available to children with epilepsy and patients with other conditions such as severe muscle spasms and cancer. Administrative Law Judge W. David Watkins, however, issued a decision May 27 that approved a rule proposed by the Department of Health to carry out the law.
Watkins’ decision allowed the application process to begin. But proponents of the cannabis law have expressed concerns that further legal challenges could arise from applicants who are not chosen as the dispensing organizations.
Meanwhile, a group led by Orlando attorney John Morgan is gearing up to try to get voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 2016 that would allow full-blown medical marijuana in the state. A similar effort narrowly failed in 2014.
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Library Summer Reading: Percussion Extravaganza
July 9, 2015
Mark Seymour brought his interactive percussion extravaganza to the Century Branch Library Wednesday and the Molino Branch on Thursday, encouraging children to believe in themselves.
The Summer Reading Series at the West Florida Library will continue as follows:
Pensacola State Gymnastics
This PSC youth gymnastics team will flip, tumble and entertain in a display of athletic fitness at its finest.
- Tuesday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 14, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 15, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 15, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 16, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 16, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Magic with Russell Davis
This humorous magician uses tricks and comedy to encourage a love of reading.
- Tuesday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 21, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 22, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 22, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 23, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Superhero Wrap Up Party
Celebrate a super summer with crafts, face painting, snacks and prizes.
- Tuesday, July 28, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 28, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 29, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 29, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 30, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 30, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Pictured: Mark Seymour’s interactive percussion extravaganza at the Century Branch Library Wednesday. Reader submitted photos by August Whorff, click to enlarge.
Registration Event Scheduled For Danceworks Classes
July 9, 2015
Registration is underway for Heather Leonard’s Danceworks, and a registration event will be held Monday in Byrneville.
The registration will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, July 13 at the Byrneville Community Center
Ballet, tap and jazz classes will be taught by Heather Leonard beginning the week of August 108 for girls ages 3 and up. This year, classes for ages 3-8 will be based on age, while classes for dancers over age 9 will be based upon level. Leonard has taught dance to hundreds of girls from North Escambia and surrounding areas. She is also the coach for the Northview High School Dance Team.
For the class schedule, click here. For further information or questions email hldanceworks@gmail.com.
Pictured: The Heather Leonard’s Danceworks Spring 2015 recital at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Concussion Baseline Testing Monday For Northview Student Athletes
July 9, 2015
Student athletes in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are participating in a concussion study.
For Northview High student athletes, concussion baseline testing will be held on Monday, July 13 at 1 p.m. at Ernest Ward Middle School. Each student will need to arrive with a consent form signed by their parents. Click here to print the form.
Each athlete will be screened for their cognitive, balance, and vision baseline.
Wahoos Take Final Game Of Series Against The BayBears
July 9, 2015
Pensacola Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Timothy Adleman continued to prove why he made the Southern League All-Star team.
Adleman improved to 5-6 on the season and lowered his ERA to 2.00 – third among all pitchers in the league.
Thanks to his pitching, Pensacola took the final game of the five-game series Wednesday against the rival Mobile BayBears, 4-1, at Hank Aaron Stadium. Pensacola is now 6-7 in the second half, just one game behind Mobile in the Southern League South Division.
Adleman allowed just one run on a solo homer by Mobile right fielder Socrates Brito with one out in the fourth inning. It was one of three hits he gave up, plus Adleman walked one and struck out seven in seven innings of work.
Adleman out pitched Mobile’s Braden Shipley (4-8), who gave up three runs in six innings on five hits and two walks and struck out two. Shipley, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ No. 3 prospect, entered the game holding Pensacola in his past two starts to one earned run in 12 innings for a 0.75 ERA.
Blue Wahoos reliever Zack Weiss pitched the ninth to earn his team-leading seventh save. He struck out one and now has 18 strikeouts in 12 innings pitched in his last 10 appearances.
Pensacola catcher Kyle Skipworth, who was 1-4 on the night, got the Blue Wahoos on the board first. His double knocked in right fielder Juan Duran and third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean to put Pensacola ahead, 2-0. Then shortstop Zach Vincej singled to right field to score center fielder Juan Perez and put Pensacola up, 3-0, in the second inning.
Skipworth went 4-15 or .267 against Mobile. He hit one home run, doubled and drove in four runs in the series.
In the top of the eighth, first baseman Marquez Smith added an insurance run. Smith smacked his second triple of the season deep to center field. He then scored on a wild pitch by Mobile reliever Dominic Leone to give Pensacola a 4-1 lead.
Smith had the best series against Mobile, going 10-19 and hitting .526, including three multi-hit games, two triples, two runs and two RBIs.