Blue Wahoos Postponed By Hurricane Francine
September 12, 2024
Wednesday’s game between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Montgomery Biscuits has been postponed due to rain and the ongoing threat of Hurricane Francine.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday, September 12. Two seven-inning games will be played, with game one beginning at 4:00 p.m. and game two beginning approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. Gates open at 3:30, and fans with tickets to Thursday’s game are granted access to both games.
Fans planning to attend Wednesday’s postponed game can exchange their tickets for a future 2024 regular season home game of equal or lesser value at the Blue Wahoos Stadium ticket office. As stated on tickets, no refunds will be given.
Escambia County Fire Rescue Honors 9/11 Victims with Stair Climb
September 11, 2024
Escambia County Fire Rescue members joined others in a poignant tribute to the fallen heroes of the September 11th attacks.
The 11th Annual 9/11 Stair Climb took place Wednesday morning in Navarre Beach, where firefighters from across the region donned full gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to climb 11 floors 10 times, symbolizing the 110 floors of the Twin Towers.
ECFR firefighters participated in the grueling event to honor the first responders who lost their lives on that fateful day. The climb is a physically demanding challenge that requires both strength and endurance, mirroring the tasks faced by firefighters on 9/11.
The 9/11 Stair Climb is a nationwide event that brings together firefighters, law enforcement officers, and community members to remember the victims of the attacks and to support the families of those who were lost.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hundreds of Families Receive Food Assistance in Cantonment (With Gallery)
September 11, 2024
Light rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of those in need or the dedicated volunteers at a special food distribution held Tuesday afternoon at Carver Park. The event, held in partnership with the Cantonment Improvement Committee and Feeding the Gulf Coast, aimed to address food insecurity in the community.
September is Hunger Action Month, a national campaign raising awareness of the ongoing hunger crisis. Winn-Dixie hosted nine food distributions across its five-state service area, providing thousands of families with access to nutritious food.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Over 500 bags of groceries were distributed at the Cantonment event, offering much-needed assistance to local residents. Following the successful distribution, Winn-Dixie presented Feeding the Gulf Coast with a generous $10,000 check. The contribution will support the organization’s ongoing efforts to alleviate hunger in Escambia County and neighboring communities.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Firefighter Charged With Felony Child Abuse
September 11, 2024
A now-suspended Escambia County Fire Rescue firefighter has been charged with felony child abuse for an incident unrelated to his job.
Zackary Adam Polk, 33, was charged with felony child abuse without great bodily harm. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $20,000 bond.
On August 21, Polk committed child abuse in a domestic violence situation by striking the child with the back of his left hand, causing him to fall to the ground, according to an arrest report. The report states Polk continued to strike the child five more times, causing an injury to his elbow.
Polk’s ex-wife alleged that Polk had been abusing the male child and, and another child had unknowingly recorded a video of the incident with her tablet.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the video shows the female child hit the male child with her left arm before Polk approached and struck the victim with the back of his left hand. The child raised his arms to protect his face, at which point Polk advanced towards the boy and pushed him out of the camera view, the report continues.
“I heard (the victim) crying and screaming, and I heard what appeared to be Zackary Polk hit (the victim) five more times,” the deputy wrote about the conclusion of the video in the arrest report.
The ECSO was provided with photos that allegedly showed bruising on the child’s torso, neck and shins, and a busted lip.
Polk was taken into custody without incident at the West Pensacola Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue on W Street. Officials say he has been suspended from ECFR pending the outcome of the case.
Polk told deputies that he did not recall an incident on August 21, and denied striking the child, the report states.
Editor’s note: Polk’s jail mugshot was exempt from release by Florida law.
Pictured: ECFR firefighter Zackary Polk rests following a July 2017 fire at a mattress business on West Fairfield Drive. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Lady Chiefs Fall To Jay (With Photo Gallery)
September 11, 2024
The Jay Lady Royals defeated the Northview Lady Chiefs Tuesday in Bratt.
Jay took the four-set victory by scores of 25-17, 30-28, 25-21, and 25-17.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The second set was a thrilling nail-biter as Northview and Jay went back and forth, fighting fiercely for every point on a scoring run that went from 23-23 to a final win for Jay of 30-28.
On Thursday, Northview will host the Hoboes of Laurel Hill at 5 p.m., and Jay will host Rocky Bayou Christian at 6 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Baker Defeats Ernest Ward Middle (With Gallery)
September 11, 2024
The Baker Gators blank the Ernest Ward Middle School Eagles 28-0 on a soggy Tuesday night in Walnut Hill.
Click here for a photo gallery.
The Eagles will look to bounce back in their next game against W.S. Neal on September 17.
They will then face a three-game road series against Baker, Escambia County Middle School of Atmore, and T.R. Miller. Ernest Ward’s season will conclude under the leadership of Coach O’Darius Williams with a home game against ECMS on October 15.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Begin Final Homestand With 6-1 Loss To Biscuits
September 11, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped the opener of their final series of the regular season on Tuesday night, falling 6-1 at the hands of the Montgomery Biscuits.
After a pregame rain delay of one hour and 37 minutes, the Blue Wahoos kept the game in check before a four-run Montgomery fourth inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from Mason Auer.
With the loss, the Blue Wahoos backed themselves into a corner in their bid for a wild card playoff spot. The Blue Wahoos trail the Biloxi Shuckers by 4.0 games with five to play, and now need to win all five of their remaining games to keep their hopes alive.
Pensacola starter Evan Fitterer (L, 6-6) worked around command trouble to put up 3.0 scoreless innings before he paid the price in the fourth. A Dominic Keegan double was followed by two walks, setting up a Willy Vasquez sacrifice fly to give the Biscuits a 1-0 lead. Auer’s big three-run homer capped the rally, extending the Montgomery advantage to 4-0.
That would be more than enough run support for Yoniel Curet (W, 4-0), who returned to the site of his August Double-A debut and twirled a gem for the Biscuits. The young righty worked 6.0 innings of one-run ball, striking out eight and allowing only a Nathan Martorella solo homer in the fourth among seven scattered hits.
Montgomery added a run in the fifth on a Tanner Murray RBI single, and another in the seventh on a Carson Williams solo homer. The bullpen trio of Evan Reifert, Keyshawn Askew and Paul Gervase each contributed an inning of scoreless, hitless relief for the Biscuits to complete the 6-1 final.
The series continues Wednesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium, with a first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT.
One Arrested, One Wanted In Cantonment Attempted Robbery Attempt That Ended With Gunfire
September 10, 2024
One suspect has been arrested and another is on the run following the attempted robbery of an individual with shots fired Sunday in Cantonment.
Ja’tarius Lavell Johnson, 19, was charged with robbery with a firearm, grand theft, and grand theft of a firearm. The second suspect, Aviaun Smith, 22, has an active warrant for the same charges.
The ECSO responded to the 400 block of Forrest Avenue. A homeowner told deputies that she was cleaning out a rental property with the help of two black males, according to Sgt. Melony Peterson.
“One of them pulled a handgun and attempted to rob and take the victim’s purse. A struggle ensued, and the victim was able to retrieve a handgun out of her purse and fired one shot,” Peterson said. The victim told deputies that she believed she struck one of the suspects before they fled in a white car.
Johnsone arrived later at Baptist Hospital with a gunshot wound to his foot, according to ECSO.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
TDC Approves Recommending $90 Million For Indoor Sports Facility At Ashton Brosnaham Park And Bay Center Upgrades
September 10, 2024
In a special meeting Monday afternoon, the Escambia County Tourism Development Council (TDC) approved recommending an indoor sports facility costing up to about $60 million for Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Park, and about $30 million in upgrades for the Pensacola Bay Center.
The recommended bond issue will now go to the Escambia County Commission for consideration and a final vote.
At Tuesday’s TDC meeting, Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh made the motion to move the bond issue forward to the entire BOCC for a vote. His motion was seconded by Shirley Cronley, one of three TDC members representing the hotel and motel industries.
It is anticipated that a TDC bond issue would be repayed from TDC funds.
The motion passed 3-2, with two other hotel and motel industry representatives — James Reeves and Mitesh Patel — voting negative. Hotel and motel industry representatives, and other members of the public express concern that a feasibility study on the proposals were done without adequate public or stakeholder input.
The proposals were pitched at a Tourist Development Council meeting on August 29, but decisive action was not taken on either item.
Ashton Brosnaham Indoor Sports Facility
A proposal for an indoor sports facility at the county-owned Ashton Brosnaham Park calls for a building that’s 100,000 square foot, including 73,000 square feet of open floor space that would be large enough to host eight basketball courts that could be converted into 16 volleyball courts with support space, or it could be used as large exhibition hall for other types of events.
Other key takeaways on the proposed facility:
- 14 acres of the park is flat, open, undeveloped and already zone for recreation
- 700+ paved parking spaces in the current design
- Primary support for hardwood sports and related events
- Open common areas would include meeting spaces, viewing areas, vendor space, concessions, retail space
- Second floor walking track and viewing area
- Open to the public for recreation, will also host tournaments and events
- Collaboration with Escambia County Public Schools on access and utilization
- Community use of facility on non-tournament dates
- Projected operating deficit offset by ~$37 million in economic impact per year
- Projected new tax revenues of ~$2.7 million per year
- Total project cost range: $48 – $61 million
“It’s a tried and proven location; it doesn’t get any better than the SEC,” Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes said The Park has hosted the 2024 SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament and will host it again this year on November 3-10. “We are willing to grow that, and we want to grow that and make that (Ashton Brosnaham Park) the true sports destination in Escambia County. Which we feel it’s already one its way.”
Rhodes said the school district has expressed a willingness to provide property for second roadway into the facility that would also benefit current soccer programs that have 700-800 youth players annually.
“It’s in a growing area in our community,” Rhodes added as he touted Ashton Brosnaham of 10 Mile Road as the perfect location. “This project can be a win-win for everybody…and this is something that will stand the test of time.”
A feasibility study funded by Pensacola Sports came in at over pages, but TDC members only saw a 12-page presentation at their August meeting.
Pensacola Bay Center
A plan to spend $43 million, with $30 million coming from a bond issue by the TDT, was also presented.
The upgrades would modernize the aging facility and add more seating for events like concerts.
NorthEscambia.com photos/graphics, click to enlarge.
Neglected Dog Finds Forever Home through Escambia Foster Program
September 10, 2024
When the Miller family opened their home to a severely neglected dog through Escambia County Animal Welfare’s foster program earlier this year – as they’ve done for many dogs and cats before – they had no idea that this foster dog would end up becoming a permanent part of their family.
The dog, now called Rosario or “Rose” by her new family, arrived at the Escambia County Animal Shelter in April, nearly starved to death, covered with fleas, and afraid.
Rose was especially afraid of humans and withdrew from staff, but the shelter’s veterinary team was able to win her over after a couple of weeks and help her gain 2 pounds. Once she was ready, Animal Welfare put out a call for a foster family to help socialize Rose, show her love, and help her gain some weight so she could ultimately be adopted.
The Miller family stepped up to help, taking Rose into their home to nurture her and shower her with affection.
“It was so sad when she first arrived,” said Ashley Ratz, who regularly fosters animals with her husband, Zack Miller, and their three daughters. “She was probably less than half the size she is now. She had a lot of scars and open wounds on her, she was really timid, and she was so shy. It was like she didn’t know how to be a dog yet. When she first got to go in the yard, that’s when we first saw her excitement.”
Over time, Rose grew more comfortable around the Miller family, becoming especially attached to their three daughters and sleeping next to them every night. Rose also got along well with the family’s two cats and their dog, an Akita named Koda.
Once Rose gained enough weight to be eligible for adoption, the Miller family knew they wouldn’t be able to let her go back to the shelter or even to someone else’s home.
“We just realized we couldn’t put her back in any environment that wasn’t our home,” Ratz said. “She just fits in so well. We all love her, and we couldn’t think of it any other way.”
Ratz said the positive changes she’s seen in Rose have been incredible to watch, and she’s truly become part of their family. Rose even waits by the door every weekday, ready to hop in the car and go pick up the girls from school.
“She’s like a completely different dog,” Ratz said. “She’s the sweetest girl. She just has more confidence, and we can actually take her out in public without her getting scared and nervous. She plays with toys now, she plays fetch – she’s amazing. She’s turned into a real dog.”
Even with a full house of two dogs and two cats now, the Miller family is continuing to foster pets through the Escambia County Animal Shelter’s volunteer program, which Ratz said has been a great experience for their family.
“A lot of people I talk to don’t know that you can go to the shelter and just give a dog a freedom for a weekend, they don’t know you can take them out for walks,” Ratz said. “The dogs that are inside the shelter are completely different than when they’re inside your home, and just being able to give an animal some space is so nice. It’s a lot easier than you think it is, and it means so much to them.”
Escambia County Animal Welfare Director John Robinson said families like the Millers are an example of the incredible positive impact volunteering and fostering can make in an animal’s life.
“A little love and attention can change an animal’s life tremendously, and this heartwarming story is a prime example of that,” Robinson said. “We always have a need for volunteers and fosters to help free up shelter space until dogs and cats can find their forever home, and we are so grateful for generous people like the Miller family who step up to help animals in need in our community. I think Rosario’s smile says it all: This foster ‘fail’ is a true win for everyone involved.”
