Northview, West Florida Out Of Baseball Playoffs; Catholic Advances
May 7, 2014
Both Northview and West Florida were knocked out of the regional semifinals in their respective classes Tuesday, while Pensacola Catholic advanced.
The Northview Chiefs lost to Bozeman 12-2 in the Class 1A regional semifinals Tuesday at Bozeman. The Chiefs ended their winning season at 15-7.
In 4A action, Catholic beat the West Florida Jaguars 8-0. West Floirda finished their season at an even 17-17. Nick Lackey went 2-4 at bat for the Jaguars, while Kyle Harrison was 1-2.
Catholic moves on to the Region 1-4A championship game at 7 p.m. Friday against the Jacksonville Episcopal Eagles at Jacksonville Episcopal High School.
Judge Rules For State In Teacher Evaluation Case
May 7, 2014
Though raising questions about the fairness of the system, a federal judge Tuesday rejected a constitutional challenge to policies that stemmed from a 2011 state law tying teacher evaluations to student performance.
U.S. District Judge Mark Walker dismissed part of the case last month but issued a broader order Tuesday backing the state and school boards that were named as defendants in the case.
The lawsuit, filed last year and spearheaded by the Florida Education Association, raised constitutional due-process and equal-protection arguments. It took issue with part of the law that has allowed some teachers to be evaluated based on the test scores of students who were not in their classrooms.
Similarly, teachers could be evaluated on student test scores in subject areas they didn’t teach. Walker wrote that the “unfairness of the evaluation system as implemented is not lost on this court.”
But he also wrote that the case is not about the fairness of the evaluation system but whether it is constitutional.
“The legal standard for invalidating legislative acts on substantive due process and equal protection grounds looks only to whether there is a conceivable rational basis to support them,” Walker wrote. “For reasons that have been explained, the state defendants could rationally conclude that the evaluation policies further the state’s legitimate interest in increasing student learning growth. The same can be said of the district defendants.”
FEA President Andy Ford issued a statement after the ruling that expressed disappointment and said the union is “evaluating what further steps we might take in this legal process.”
The school boards named as defendants in the case were from Alachua, Hernando and Escambia counties.
by The News Service of Florida
Just For Kids: Summer Flowers At The Century Library
May 7, 2014
A “Summer Flowers” program will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Century Branch Library.
Participants will enjoy a great story about summer. Cookies and treats will be served and children will also plant a summer flower in a pot to take home.
The Century Branch Library is located at 7991 North Century Boulevard, next to the Century Town Hall.
Wahoos Fall 7-3 To Lookouts
May 7, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Chattanooga Lookouts, 7-3, on Tuesday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (14-18) had their winning streak snapped at four games by the Lookouts (13-18), who won just their second game over their last seven contests.
RHP Robert Stephenson made the start for the Wahoos and gave up 3 R/0 ER in 5.0 innings pitched. Stephenson struck out nine batters, his highest strikeout total as a starter this season. RHP Drew Hayes pitched 1.0 inning in relief and struck out the side in the top of the ninth.
The Wahoos struggled to find runs in the game against Lookouts starting pitcher Tyson Brummett. Brummett retired 15 batters in a row from the end of the first inning into the sixth inning. Juan Silverio had a hit in his third straight game; he went 2-for-4 in the contest and scored a run. Catcher Ross Perez continued to swing the bat well and went 3-for-4 with three singles.
The Wahoos staged a comeback in the ninth inning off RHP Matt Shelton. Steve Selsky’s RBI groundout scored Ross Perez, and Devin Lohman’s RBI double scored recently added catcher Chris Berset. The comeback fell short in the ninth when Shelton shut the door with a strikeout and a groundout to finish the contest.
Brummett has been fantastic this season for the Lookouts and lowered his ERA to 0.49 after tonight’s start. He gave up five hits in 7.0 innings of work and surrendered just 1 R/0 ER.
The Lookouts continued to swing the bats well and had their second grand slam in as many nights. Daniel Mayora hit the grand slam in the seventh inning for the Lookouts and added a two-run double to his ledger. He finished with six RBI in the game, the second straight night a Lookouts player had a six-RBI game.
The Wahoos will send Jon Moscot (2-1, 1.93) to the bump on Wednesday night. Moscot has been fantastic over his last two starts; he’s 2-0 and has given up just five hits over 15.0 innings pitched. The Dodgers eighth best prospect, LHP Chris Reed (2-1, 2.19), will start for the Lookouts.
by Tommy Thrall
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lose to the Chattanooga Lookouts 7-3 Tuesday. Photo by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Residents Of Areas Still Under Water Seek Help
May 6, 2014
Residents of the north end of Holsberry Road are pleading for help as water still stands in their homes, almost a week after the area’s floods. Residents are blaming an overflowing holding pond at nearby McArthur Elementary School for their flooding, and they are hoping Escambia County will help.
On Monday, about a dozen residents on the northern end of Holsberry, just off East 10 Mile Road still had a few feet of murky standing water in their homes. A Mennonite Christian Disaster Team installed some piping and a pump on Monday to help alleviate the problem.
Commissioner Steven Barry, whose district includes the area, surveyed the situation on Monday. He said he learned late Monday afternoon that the county will be aided by the Florida Department of Transportation to redesign the hold pond and looking at other methods to help make sure the area does not flood in the future.
The deepest standing water in District 5 remains in the Ponderosa area north of Nine MileRoad , where water remains “at least waist high” in some homes, Barry said.
Escambia County has rented one 10,000 gallon gallon vacuum truck to supplement existing equipment to drain standing water in the area. “It’s making a difference,” according to the commissioner.
The county will look toward drainage improvements in that area.
“I don’t know what will be different, but the drainage won’t be what it was a week ago today,” Barry said. “We are going to find a way to improve it.”
Pictured: Water still stands on Holsberry Road and inside residences on the street. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Releases Name Of Flood Cleanup Worker Killed Monday
May 6, 2014
A flood cleanup worker was killed Monday afternoon when a car slammed into him and a parked car in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 51-year old William B. Akins of Milton was northbound on Tippin Avenue at an excessive rate of speed when he ran off the roadway, struck a utility pole, hit a building housing a storage facility, rear-ended a parked Toyota and struck a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, identified as 22-year old Dez Michael San Agustin of Jacksonville, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their investigation. Troopers said charges are pending in the incident.
Escambia Estimates Over 3,300 Homes And Business Flood Damaged
May 6, 2014
Escambia County officials are estimating that over 3,300 homes and businesses were damaged in last week’s flooding, and Gov. Rick Scott is asking President Barack Obama to issue a major disaster declaration that would free up FEMA and other federal agencies to help local residents.
Escambia County estimates $20 million in damage to public infrastructure such as roads and drainage or storm water systems so far, but County engineers are continuing to assess damage and that figure is expected to rise.
In Escambia County, officials estimate:
- 1687 residential homes with major damage with 12 inches of water or more
- 1518 residential homes have received minor damaged with 12 inches or water or less
- 13 residential homes destroyed
- 117 commercial businesses have been majorly damaged with more than 12 inches of water
Is his letter to President Obama, Scott said economic losses could exceed $100 million in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
“We must do everything we can to ensure that these families can get back on their feet, and this declaration would support those efforts. I look forward to going back to the Panhandle later this week to further assess the progress of recovery operations,” the governor said.
A state of emergency in Escambia County has been extended for another seven days.
All Escambia County operations are functioning normally during their regularly scheduled business hours, however the Escambia County Central Booking facility is closed indefinitely and the Extension Wind Mitigation Building is closed until further notice.
All Parks and Recreation facilities in the County have been reopened, except Myrtle Grove Athletic Fields remain closed for repairs.
Road Closures
Residents are advised to find alternate routes for the following roads in Escambia County that remain closed:
- Ashland Avenue – flooding from Ashland Avenue to Ponderosa Drive
- Ashland Avenue – flooding from Ponderosa Drive to Croquett Street
- Bauer Road – construction from Sorrento Road to Gulf Beach Highway
- Blue Springs Drive – washout – all directions
- Burning Tree Road – bridge – all directions
- Dog Track Road – washout from Dog Track Road North to Lillian Highway
- Fannie Road – bridge from Campbell Road to Carnley Road
- High Pointe Drive – washout at Constantine
- Interstate Circle – bridge – all directions
- Johnson Avenue – bridge from East Johnson Avenue to East Olive Road
- Lloyd Street East – washout at 20th Street
- Main Street – washout from A Street to Devilliers Street
- Massachusetts Avenue – flooding at Kelly Avenue
- Meadowbrook Drive – bridge from Meadowbrook Drive to Scenic Hills Drive
- Maxam Street – flooding – both north and south bound
- Morningside Drive – washout both east and west bound
- Oak Valley Drive – washout – all directions
- Old Corry Field Road – bridge from Navy Boulevard to Idlewood Drive
- Piedmont Road – washout from Tronjo Drive to Hallmark Drive
- Pineville Road – bridge – both north and south bound
- Ponderosa Drive – flooding – from Ashland Avenue to Bowman Avenue
- Ronda Street – washout from Daniel to Rufus
- Scenic Highway –washout from Whimbledon Drive to Scenic Highway Circle
- Scenic Highway – washout from Bayview Way to Logan Drive
- Scenic Highway – washout from just north of Olive Road to Nine Mile Road
- Stillbrooke Road – bridge – all directions
- Tarragona Street – washout from Gadsden Street to Jackson Street
- Tarragona Street – from Blount Street to Alcaniz Street
- Winthrop Avenue – washout – all directions
Assistance
The Citizens Information Center (CIC) remains open for calls 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (850) 471-6600.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
County Updates Status Of Jail Following Explosion
May 6, 2014
After last week’s explosion, Escambia County officials said the Escambia County Central Booking and Detention facility will be closed indefinitely.
The Escambia County Citizens Information Line has fielded more than 5,0oo phone calls about the status of inmates. The county is looking toward finding mid to long-term solutions for temporary housing of inmates. Officials said all inmates who were housed at Central Booking who asked for medical treatment have received care.
Booking of incoming inmates is being conducted at the Main Jail, 2935 North L Street, Pensacola; however video visitation is suspended until further notice.
A kiosk is available at the Main Jail so money can be deposited to inmate accounts and families may visit www.MyCarePack.com to purchase items for inmates including clothing, food items, phone cards and more by selecting “Florida” and “Escambia” on the home page.
Money orders may be sent to inmates at the Escambia County Road Camp, 601 Highway 297-A, Cantonment, and staff continues to work to establish commissary rights for those in the work release program and phone privileges.
For more information on the jail or the status of an inmate, call the Escambia County Citizens Information Line at (850) 471-6600 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Jay Royals Win Regionals, Headed To State
May 6, 2014
For the second time in three years, the Jay Lady Royals are headed back to the state softball tournament.
The Lady Royals beat Port St. Joe 6-5 Monday afternoon to claim the Region 2-1A championship.
Chassity McCranie pitched the win for Jay, allowing five runs, 10 hits, striking out seven and recording four errors in seven innings pitched.
For Jay (24-3) — Michaela Stewart 5-5, run, 2 RBIs, HR; Harley Taggert 2-4, RBI; Dana Blackmon 2-4, run; Emily Dodson 1-1, run, RBI; Taylor Moore 1-4, run, RBI, double. Stewart’s solo homer in teh third was over the fence — and through a truck’s back window.
The Lady Royals will play Bell in the state semifinals on Friday morning at 10:35 a.m. Eastern at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach.
Pictured: The Jay Lady Royals celebrate their 6-5 win over Port St. Joe for the Region 2-1A championship Monday in Jay. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win Fourth Straight
May 6, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts, 9-8, in the first game of the series on Monday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (14-17) won their fourth game in a row, their longest winning streak of the season. The Lookouts (12-18) staged a big comeback scoring five runs in the seventh, but couldn’t score on the Wahoos bullpen over the final two innings.
RHP Daniel Corcino pitched well in the series opener, giving up 3 R/ER in 6.0 innings. Corcino allowed just four hits and had two strikeouts on the evening. RHP Shane Dyer earned his third save of the season giving up just one hit in the ninth inning.
The Wahoos had a huge night offensively and were led by Juan Silverio. The third baseman went 3-for-4 with a home run, double and two RBI. Silverio was just a triple shy of the cycle. Center fielder Beau Amaral drove in his second run at Double-A level and went 2-for-5 on the night. Rey Navarro hit the ball well all night and ended up going 1-for-3 with an RBI sacrifice fly. The Wahoos scored at least five runs so use the promo code WAHOOS and receive 50% off your entire order Tuesday at PapaJohns.com
Chattanooga’s Raydel Sanchez started his second game of the season and was chased from the game quickly by the Wahoos. The right-hander gave up 7 R/ER on six hits and made it just 3.2 innings. Nick Struck came on in relief in a Lookouts uniform for the first time this season and gave up 2 R/ER on five hits in 2.1 innings pitched.
O’Koyea Dickson led the charge and the comeback for the Lookouts; he hit two home runs, including a grand slam, and had a six-RBI night. Left fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker had a multi-hit night going 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored.
Minor League Baseball announced today that the Blue Wahoos were one of the top 25 teams in licensed merchandise sales for 2013. Minor League Baseball’s 160 teams combined for more than 55.4 million in retail sales last year.
The Wahoos will send RHP Robert Stephenson (2-2, 5.40) to the rubber for game two of the series on Tuesday. The Lookouts will counter with RHP Tyson Brummett (2-2, 0.61).
by Tommy Thrall
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Chattanooga Lookouts 9-8 Monday. Photos by (Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.