Pensacola Takes Series Final 7-6 Over Jacksonville
August 22, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (24-36, 55-75) took the series finale, 7-6, over the Jacksonville Suns (35-25, 71-59) at the Baseball Grounds in Jacksonville. With the victory, the Wahoos went 10-20 in 2014 against the Suns.
The Blue Wahoos got on the board early with a two-out RBI single from Travis Mattair in the top of the first. The Suns responded with three first inning runs off Wahoos’ starter Michael Lorenzen. The Wahoos did one better in the next half inning, scoring four runs in the top of the second. Yorman Rodriguez continued his stellar series with a two-RBI double. He came home on a Kyle Waldrop single and Mattair gave the Wahoos a 5-1 lead on an RBI groundout.
Lorenzen helped his own cause with a two-out RBI single as the Wahoos stretched their lead to three runs in the third inning. Lorenzen gave up 3 R/2ER and lasted 3.0 innings. The Suns chipped away at the lead in the fifth off RHP Drew Hayes, who allowed 2 R/ER on three hits over 2.0 innings. Again, the Wahoos responded as Rodriguez notched his third RBI of the night on a sacrifice fly.
The Suns cut the lead to just one run in the seventh and it was RHP Shane Dyer who came in to close out the game in the bottom of the ninth. Dyer induced a game ending double play off the bat of Viosergy Rosa to finish off the Suns. It was Dyer’s 18th save of the season, which is a new Blue Wahoos’ team record. Trevor Bell previously held the record with 17 saves in 2013.
Hayes ended up with the win for the Wahoos and Suns’ starter Trevor Williams fell for the first time in 2014.
The Blue Wahoos return to Pensacola Bayfront Stadium on Friday for their final home series of the season. RHP Daniel Corcino (10-11, 4.13) is set to start the series opener for the Wahoos. RHP Mike Colla (7-12, 4.60) gets the nod for the Montgomery Biscuits.
by Joey Truncale
Century Continues Budget Setting Process
August 22, 2014
The Town of Century continued their fiscal year 2014-2015 budget setting process with a special town council workshop Thursday afternoon.
An additional budget workshop will be held at 3 p.m. on August 28 with the goal of completing the process. The budget is set for a first reading on September 8 before the new budget fiscal year begins on October 1.
The Town of Century’s budget for the current fiscal year is $4.38 million.
Pictured: The Century Town Council and accountant Robert Hudson (purple shirt) discuss the council’s budget Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Highway 29 Wreck Claims One Life Near Cantonment
August 21, 2014
A traffic accident near Cantonment claimed the life of an elderly Alabama woman Wednesday night when she headed the wrong way on Highway 29.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 88-year old Dorothy M. Fleming of Robertsdale left Faith Chapel Funeral Home on Highway 29 and traveled south in the northbound lane about 10:15 p.m.
Her 1988 Lincoln Town Car collided with a northbound 2010 GMC Sierra driven by 18-year old Ronald. R Pritchett, Jr., of Molino. The force of the impact caused the pickup to overturn one complete time.
Fleming was trapped for about an hour before being airlifted to an area hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. Pritchett received only minor injuries.
Pictured: This accident claimed the life of the driver of the Lincoln Town Car Wednesday night on Highway 29 near Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
About 2,500 Cast Ballots, Early Voting Ends Saturday
August 21, 2014
Early voting is underway for the 2014 Primary Election in Escambia County. As of Wednesday night, 2,489 ballots have been cast.
Early voting is available each day through Saturday, August 23 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the following locations:
- Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A North
- Escambia County Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Road
- Genealogy Branch Library, 5740 N. 9th Avenue
- Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 W. Mobile Highway
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
- West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring Street
- Supervisor of Elections Main Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor
Early voters cast paper ballots through digital scanners and may choose any one of the seven sites – three more than the 2012 Primary Election.
Florida Prisons Chief Launches Reform Efforts
August 21, 2014
Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Michael Crews is proposing a handful of prison reforms in the aftermath of reports about a mentally ill inmate who died after being placed in a scalding-hot shower.
“Stories report we have fallen short in specific instances with regard to facility leadership, safety, security, training and services for mentally ill inmates. We’re fixing the problems that have been identified and as we identify new issues, we will fix those too. Our department should be held to the highest standards, and I have zero tolerance for anything less,” said Crews, who announced the changes Wednesday morning at Everglades Correctional Institution.
For mentally ill inmates, the department will expand crisis-intervention training for prison guards, create two re-entry centers and explore a pilot case-management system. Crews is also handing over 82 open investigations into prison deaths — all the result of non-natural causes — to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The secretary also pledged to put “releasable information” regarding inmate deaths, including cases that are still under investigation, online within the next 30 days. The department also will clarify its disciplinary procedures for guards who break the law.
Crews and the agency have been under fire since a series of stories this summer by The Miami Herald revealed details about the 2012 death of inmate Darren Rainey at the Dade Correctional Institution.
“As we reviewed case files and penalties for improper acts, it became clear to me that we have not been applying a uniform standard by which to hold ourselves accountable. The lack of consistent consequences for the same crime had the potential for undermining the culture of professionalism that is necessary for running institutions with integrity,” Crews said.
Lane Closures Begin Today On Jacks Branch Road
August 21, 2014
Drivers can expect delays on a portion of Jacks Branch Road beginning Friday and continuing through next week.
Alternating lane closures will occur on Jacks Branch Road between Barrineau Park Road and Schifko Road in Cantonment today, and Monday-Friday of next week. The lane closures will be in effect between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. as crews work to widen the roadway.
Residents will have access to their property at all times although workers may need to temporarily close some driveways and relocate or replace mailboxes.
Flagmen will be onsite to help direct traffic and drivers are asked to obey the speed limit that has been reduced by 10 mph throughout the work zone. The project is scheduled for completion this fall.
Power Boat Stops In Cantonment In Advance Of Saturday Grand Prix
August 21, 2014
The Stihl offshore racing boat US-1 was on display Wednesday at A-1 Small Engines in Cantonment in advance of this weekend’s 1st Annual Pensacola Grand Prix Sunday on Pensacola Bay.
Sunday’s races will start at 1 p.m. and 2 pm. with Plaza de Luna and Maritime Park designated as prime viewing areas. For more info, click here.
During Wednesday’s Stihl US-1 visit to Cantonment, A-1 Small Engines held a couple of giveaways — Brad Early won a Stihl blower, and Tim Bragg won a 25 quart Engel cooler.
Pictured: The Stihl offshore racing boat US-1 at A-1 Small Engines in Cantonment Wednesday. Photos courtesy April Conatser for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Suns OutSlug The Wahoos
August 21, 2014
The Jacksonville Suns scored eight runs over the first four innings to knock Blue Wahoos starter Robert Stephenson (L, 6-9) from the game on their way to a 10-6 win on Wednesday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
The Blue Wahoos had the bats going again with two more home runs after blasting a team-record five on Tuesday night. Yorman Rodriguez had the first with a two-run homer in the second. Travis Mattair matched his 2013 home run total with his 13th round-tripper in the fifth.
Kyle Waldrop had a nice night offensively with an RBI double in the first inning for Pensacola’s first run. He added a single later in the game for a 2-for-5 night. Pensacola also got some production from catcher Yovan Gonzalez. He collected his first hit since joining the Wahoos with a single in the second inning. He later doubled and scored in the eighth inning as part of a 2-for-4 night.
Stephenson struggled on the mound in his start. The hard throwing right-hander was charged with 8 R/7 ER on six hits over 4.0 innings. He walked two and struck out five. He ended up with the loss. Pensacola knocked around Jacksonville’s starter Justin Nicolino (W, 12-4). He allowed 5 R/ER on nine hits over 5.0 innings with just three strikeouts. It was the first time he had allowed as many as five earned runs since Pensacola scored five against him on May 19. Despite his struggles, the Suns lefty still picked up the win.
With the win, Jacksonville will hold on to a share of the lead in the South Division and they lock up the series win.
Pensacola will try to end the season series with the Suns on a high note Thursday night. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-6, 3.01) will start for the Blue Wahoos against an unannounced starter for Jacksonville. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. CT from Bragan Field at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
by Tommy Thrall
Homicide Investigation Underway After Body Found
August 21, 2014
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent homicide in southwest Escambia County.
Shortly after noon Thursday, a deceased male was discovered in the area of Weller Avenue and Bradfield Drive, off Gulf Beach Highway. Deputies have identified the victim as 25-year old Tyler A. Evans of Pensacola.
Investigators are working the case as a homicide. Early indications are that the murder was not a random act, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators are looking for a gold 2000 Toyota Tacoma extended cab with Florida tag J284AZ in connection with the incident. Anyone having any information concerning the crime or the vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Citing an ongoing investigation, the Sheriff’s Office is not releasing any further information.
Man Gets Jail Time For Stealing Makeup, Drug Possession
August 20, 2014
A Century man has been sentenced to jail for stealing a large quantity of makeup from a Walmart and for drug possession.
Eric James Grimes, age 23 of Highway 168, was convicted of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to sell, manufacture or deliver, methamphetamine possession with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver, and grand theft. He was sentenced to 90 days in the county jail.
In late April, a deputy in the Casino Beach parking lot stopped to assist Grimes, who seemed to be lost. Grimes told the deputy he’d lost his yellow Nissan truck, and began to act nervously, according to an arrest report, telling the deputy that he had an outstanding grand theft warrant for his arrest.
As he was taken into custody, deputies reported that they located plastic bags of crack cocaine and a sandwich bag containing a “significant” quantity of methamphetamine on Grimes’ person.
The grand theft warrant stemmed from a March 5 incident at Walmart on Mobile Highway. Grimes was positively identified from a photo lineup as the man a store loss prevention officer said he observed in the cosmetics department taking large quantities of expensive cosmetics, concealing them in his jacket and exiting the store.