Wahoos Beat Suns 5-1
May 14, 2015
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (13-20) took advantage of an early lead to put away the Jacksonville Suns (14-18) by a score of 5-1. The victory gives the Wahoos their second consecutive victory and a leg up in the series against Jacksonville, which they now lead 2-1.
Wahoos starter Robert Stephenson (1-4) earned his first victory of the season, throwing 5.0 innings and allowing one unearned run, two hits and four walks. Layne Somsen and Zack Weiss closed out the game with 4.0 scoreless innings. Suns starter Trevor Williams (0-5) is still looking for his first win, as he pitched 4.0 innings and gave up five runs (all earned). Jacksonville’s relievers (Brian Ellington, Greg Nappo and Craig Stem), however, fared much better as they combined to pitch 5.0 perfect innings after Williams’ exit.
The Wahoos were led at the plate by Kyle Waldrop and Ryan Wright. Waldrop had an RBI single and a two-run homer to give him three RBIs on the day, and Wright had a pair of doubles and scored a run.
The Wahoos got off to a hot start as Ryan Wright doubled with one out in the top of the first inning and eventually scored on a Kyle Waldrop single to left. After another single from Seth Mejias-Brean, Kyle Skipworth hit a double to the wall in right-center to score both base runners.
The onslaught continued in the third, beginning with another double from Wright. Waldrop would later hit his fourth home run of the year to left field, giving the Wahoos a commanding 5-0 lead.
The Suns got a run back in the bottom half as outfielder Kenny Wilson walked, advanced to second on a pickoff error, and advanced home on a pair of groundouts.
Pensacola and Jacksonville pitching went on to throw six consecutive scoreless innings to close out the ballgame. In the seventh, a Chadd Krist ground-rule double and an infield single by Wilson allowed the Suns to threaten with runners at the corners, but Layne Somsen was able to get out of the inning unscathed with the Wahoos still leading 5-1. Somsen allowed a pair of runners to reach the corners again in the eighth but, once again, came up big to not allow any damage.
Northview Chiefs Fall In State 1A Semi-Final (With Photo Gallery)
May 14, 2015
Blountstown defeated the Northview Chiefs Wednesday afternoon 7-4 in the Class 1A state semifinal game at Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers. The loss spelled the end for the Chiefs first ever trip to the state final four in school history.
The Chiefs took an early 1-0 lead in the first with a monster home run from junior Thomas Moore over the Green Monster, the popular nickname of high left field wall at Jet Blue Park, the spring training ground of the Boston Red Sox. The wall is just over 37 feet high and is about 315 feet from home plate.
In the bottom of the second, the sun was shining as the Chiefs were still up 1-0, but nearby lightning led to a 30 minute game delay.
The Tigers came back in the top of the third with an RBI single and a three-run double for a 4-1 lead. In the bottom of the third, Moore slammed a two-run single off the Green Monster to cut Northview’s deficit to 4-3.
In the fourth, a throwing error led to two Blountstown runs, putting Northview down 6-3 headed into the fifth. Chasen Freeman relieved Brett Weeks on the mound in the fifth and allowed only an infield single.
In the bottom of the fifth, Moore hit over the Green Monster again, but it was a foul. If not, it would have been a three-run homer. The Chiefs added one on a sacrifice fly from Aarron McDonald, and the Chiefs were down 6-4 headed into the sixth.
An RBI hit Blountstown up 7-4 in the sixth. The inning’s highlight for the Chiefs was when Chasen Freeman made a barehanded catch to make it three outs for the Tigers.
The seventh was scoreless, as Blountstown won 7-4.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
Northview hitters were: Quentin Sampson 2-3; Chasen Freeman 1-4; Thomas Moore 3-4, 3 RBI, HR; and Brett Weeks 2-3.
The Chiefs entered their season with a school record best of 19-3, a district title, a regional title, and the Chiefs first-ever appearance in the state semi-finals.
Pictured top: Thomas Moore slammed a homer over the Green Monster at Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers, the spring training grounds of the Boston Red Sox, during Wednesday afternoons 1A state semi final game. Pictured inset: Brett Weeks on the mound for the Chiefs. Pictured below: Chasen Freeman pitched relief for Northview. Pictured bottom. Northview fans made the 600 mile road trip to Fort Myers to the support their Chiefs on their historic run. NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
More photos later on NorthEscambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Former Ernest Ward High Football Coach Killed In Wreck
May 14, 2015
A former Ernest Ward High School football coach was killed in a single vehicle crash Tuesday night on I-10 in Okaloosa County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 56-year old Arthur McMillion of Milton was traveling eastbound on I-10 when he lost control of his 1999 Chevrolet Silverado about 9:24 p.m. Tuesday. The vehicle left the roadway and overturned, ejecting McMillion. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt.
McMillion was a teacher and football coach at the former Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill from 1984 to 1992. He served Ernest Ward as head football coach and athletic director for four seasons, from 1989-1992. He left Ernest Ward to become head football coach at Milton High School, and was currently the dean at Hobbs Middle School in Milton. His educational career spanned over 30 years, with over 20 of those years in Santa Rosa County.
Conviction In ‘Stand Your Ground’ Case Overturned
May 13, 2015
An appeals court on Tuesday overturned the conviction of a Santa Rosa County man because of conflicting jury instructions about a duty to retreat during altercations.
The 1st District Court of Appeal overturned the conviction of Timothy Donald Helton, who was convicted of aggravated battery in Santa Rosa County. He will receive a new trial.
Helton was sentenced in May 2013 to life in state prison as a habitual felony offender and prison releasee reoffender. On May 31, 2011, Helton was arrested by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office after he got into an argument with another man at a home in Navarre.
Helton struck the first victim with a homemade weapon. He then left the residence but returned with a friend about 10 minutes later. Helton got out of the truck with a metal pipe and threw the pipe at a second victim, striking him in the head and crushing his skull. Doctors testified that a titanium plate had to be inserted in the victim’s skull and that he will have permanent injury from the attack.
Helton’s only defense at trial was the acted in self defense, as permitted by the “Stand Your Ground” law.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Slight Chance Of Showers
May 13, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Thursday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Thursday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Sunday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Monday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
Monday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.
Tuesday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Cantonment Insurance Agent Gets Prison For Racketeering, Money Laundering
May 13, 2015
A Cantonment insurance agent was sentenced to state prison Tuesday for racketeering and money laundering.
Randall Petersen, 49, received eight years in state prison to be followed by seven years probation. He was ordered to pay over a half million dollars in restitution, with the exact amount to still be determined by the court. In April, Petersen was convicted of conducting a fraudulent insurance scheme that involved the theft of several hundred thousand dollars of commissions and bonuses from American National Insurance Company and Liberty National Insurance Company.
In the scheme, Petersen advertised job opportunities on the internet for College Consultants of the Gulf Coast, and induced hundreds of applicants to provide information for life insurance that he and his associates described as free job benefits.
The prosecutor, Assistant State Attorney Russ Edgar, showed that College Consultants was not a real company and Petersen merely used the information from the job applicants to complete life insurance applications that he submitted to the insurance companies. The companies paid Petersen advance commissions, which were as much as 130% of the first year premiums, and bonuses.
Before the companies realized the insureds were not employees, Petersen had obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars of commissions and bonuses and let the policies lapse for nonpayment.
50 Named To Tate High Showband Colorguard
May 13, 2015
Fifty members have been selected for the Tate High School Showband of the South Colorguard for 2015-16.
The program has grown dramatically in the past few years. There were 18 that auditioned in 2000, while 62 auditioned this year.
Tate High Colorguard members for 2015-16 are:
Kiera Armour
Katie Dupre
Celina Dyess
Navi Hawkins
Breanna Langley
Megan Leonard
Katie Luebke
JoJo O’Steen
Madison Philley
Kera Randall
Savannah VonStein
Imani Allen
Madison Bowers
Audrey Bush
Caroline Bruns
Elizabeth Durazo
Tara Elder
Kaylee Everett
Tatiana Floyd
Libby Guy
Cody Istre
Michaela Overbey
Brinnan Repine
Jessie Stanfill
Kelsey Strength
Makayla Tainter
Virginia Vaughan
Kirsten Carter
Taylor Downing
Rebekah Dwyer
Haley Goodman
Skylar Hawkins
Nishea Hendricks
Julia Jimenez
Abby Lane
Carly Lawrence
Alysha Lollie
Kendall Lombardo
Jyanna McCants
Chloe Montgomery
Jasmine Quarells
Lauren Rawls
Kenzie Ricardy
Cordia Shaw
Skylar Smith
Julie Stanton
Olivia Starnes
Sarah Stephens
Raegan Tainter
Chiefs Work Out At Baltimore Orioles Park; Play In Final Four Today
May 13, 2015
Tuesday was a big day for the Northview High baseball team, and today will be an even bigger day, a school history-making day, for the Chiefs.
The Northview Chiefs worked out Tuesday at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, the spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles — compliments of former Century resident and Baltimore Orioles coach Buck Showalter. They also caught a minor league game between the Orioles and the Red Sox.
This afternoon, they will take on Blountstown in the Chiefs first-ever appearance in the FHSAA baseball final four. Blountstown (21-8) and Northview (19-2) did not meet during the regular season. Blountstown is coming off a 3-1 win over Central in their regional final, while Northview has scored an impressive 26 runs in their last three games.
Today’s game is at 3 p.m. (local North Escambia time) in Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers. The winner heads to the state championship game on at 7:35 p.m Thursday against the winner of Wednesday night’s Hamilton County versus Williston game.
Live video from Wednesday’s game (and the following 1A semi-final game between Hamilton County and Williston) will air on the NFHS Network. For a FHSAA.org special access rate of $9.95 for one month, click here.
Also, for periodic live score updates and bonus photos, like NorthEscambia.com on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @northescambia.
NorthEscambia.com photo by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Florida Forest Service Accepting Applications For Southern Pine Beetle Assistance And Prevention
May 13, 2015
The Florida Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program. The application period runs from today through June 30. The program is available to non-industrial private forest landowners.
“The southern pine beetle is one of the most environmentally devastating forest pests in the southeast. We encourage forest owners to take proactive measures now to prevent timber loss during future outbreaks,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam.
Periodic outbreaks can rapidly kill millions of pine trees and deplete tens of thousands of acres of timber resources. The most recent series of major southern pine beetle outbreaks resulted in an estimated $59 million in timber loss between 1999 and 2002.
The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Program is offered for non-industrial private lands in 44 northern Florida counties and provides financial assistance for the following:
· Conducting a first pulpwood thinning.
· Conducting prescribed burning operations.
· Conducting mechanical underbrush treatments.
· Planting longleaf or slash pine.
“The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Program now offers greater flexibility to landowners, enhancing their ability to help reduce the risk of southern pine beetle outbreaks in Florida,” said Jim Karels, Florida State Forester.
To learn more about this program and to obtain an application form, visit the Southern Pine Beetle Prevention website or contact the Escambia County Forester in Molino at (850) 587-5237. Qualified landowners may apply for up to two approved preventative practices per year. Funding requests may not exceed $10,000 annually. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval. This program is supported through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.
Scott: Budget Impasse Could Delay Tax Cuts
May 13, 2015
A massive tax-cut package and the governor’s push for a “historic” increase in education funding could be in jeopardy as the health care-fueled budget impasse continues in the Legislature.
The Senate remains firm that a tax-cut package isn’t going to move while the impasse is in place.
Gov. Rick Scott said on FOX News that he expects lawmakers will simply approve a base budget — which he calls a “continuation” budget — during an upcoming special legislative session. Such action, Scott said, could require a $690 million tax-cut package that the House has proposed and his requested increase in funding for schools to wait until the 2016 regular session.
“We’ll just do what we’ve done this last year,” Scott said during an interview with Greta Van Susteren. “We won’t put more money into schools, which I wanted to do. We won’t cut taxes, which I wanted to do. We’ll just leave the money there and deal with it in our next session, which starts in January.”
Scott was in Washington, D.C., on Monday and Tuesday meeting with the media and Republican members of Congress to discuss health-care funding.
Jackie Schutz, a Scott spokeswoman, said Tuesday the governor isn’t giving up on his requested $673 million in cuts to taxes and fees or on his proposal to increase funding for public schools to $7,176 per student. But, Schutz said, the budget is the priority.
“Obviously where we are right now is getting through a special session and making sure that we pass a budget,” Schutz said. “And if we don’t get tax cuts this year, then the governor’s focus will be getting $1 billion in tax cuts next year.”
As part of his 2014 re-election campaign, Scott pledged to cut $1 billion in taxes over the next two years.
The House voted 112-3 last month to approve its own tax-cut package (HB 7141), which topped Scott’s request. The highlight of the package was Scott’s call for a 3.6 percentage-point reduction in the communications-services tax on cell-phone and pay-TV bills, comprising about $470 million of the package.
The House proposal would have also eliminated sales taxes on college textbooks and made a series of other tax cuts, including reducing a tax on commercial-real estate leases from 6 percent to 5.8 percent and providing a three-day sales-tax holiday for back-to-school shoppers.
In the Senate, individual bills were proposed offering a variety of tax cuts and business incentives. But Senate leaders held off on introducing a single tax package and never took up the House measure before the regular session ended.
On the other hand, school funding could still see an increase through the budget process, though the amount of money might not be as large as Scott requested.
Scott called his proposal “historic,” as it would mark a roughly $261 per student increase from the current year which ends June 30 and stand $50 per student above the previous high in the 2007-08 budget year.
Spokespeople from the House and Senate agreed Tuesday with Scott that the priority is the budget, with issues such as the tax cuts viewed as secondary issues.
“The president’s position has been that the Senate would not advance a final tax-cut package through to the Senate floor while we still have billions in critical health care funding hanging in the balance,” Katie Betta, a spokeswoman for Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, said in an email Tuesday.
“The House would prefer to have a joint call with the Florida Senate to complete a budget before the July 1 deadline,” Michael Williams, a spokesman for House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, said in an email. “The House is working hard toward that goal.”
House and Senate leaders remain engaged in a debate about how to handle health care in the state budget that must be in place by the July 1 start of the new fiscal year.
The Senate has proposed spending $2.8 billion in federal Medicaid money to help hundreds of thousands of lower-income Floridians purchase private insurance.
Senate leaders argue that could help in negotiations with the federal officials over $2.2 billion in Low Income Pool, or LIP, funding, which mostly sends money to hospitals and other health providers that care for large numbers of low-income residents. The LIP program is scheduled to expire June 30, unless federal official approve an extension.
Scott has joined the House in fiercely opposing any health-care expansion funded by the federal Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.
The governor has sued the Obama administration in an effort to prevent federal officials from linking the LIP decision to Medicaid expansion.
“I will not stand in the way of the federal government if they want to take care of the low income families,” Scott told Van Susteren. “I said the same thing about high speed rail. If the federal government wants to run a program in my state, have at it, but don’t expect me to tax my citizens. And I still stand by that.”
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida