Wahoos Lose Series Final To The Suns
April 24, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 7-6 in the final game of the series against the Jacksonville Suns. The Wahoos (8-12) have now lost four out of their last five games. The Suns (10-10) are back to .500 for the first time since the second game of the season.
RHP Michael Lorenzen pitched 5.0 innings and gave up 2 R/1ER while striking out five in the game. RHP Daniel Renken came on in relief of Lorenzen and gave up three runs on four hits in 1.0 innings. RHP Tim Adleman (0-1) was saddled with the loss when he gave up an 8th inning home run to Rich Poythress.
Rey Navarro went 2-for-5 with two RBI and hit his league leading fifth home run of the season. Travis Mattair continued his hot streak and went 2-for-4 with three RBI. Mattair hit his second home run in as many days and added a double to his ledger. Yorman Rodriguez extended his hit-streak to eight games and went 2-for-5. The Wahoos scored at least five runs so use the promo code Wahoos and receive 50% off your entire order Wednesday at PapaJohns.com
Suns’ RHP Jose Urena gave up 6 R/ER on nine hits in 5.0 innings of work. Urena struck out four batters and walked none in his fourth start of the season. RHP James Nygren pitched well for the Suns and kept them in the game giving up no runs in 2.0 innings pitched. RHP Nick Wittgren (1-0) pitched 2.0 innings in relief and earned his first win of the season.
The Suns came all the way back from down 6-1 and took the lead in the eight inning on the Poythress solo home run. Third baseman Alex Berg had a good day for the Suns with 2 RBI and two hits. Austin Nola went 2-for-4 with two RBI on the day.
The Wahoos return home on Thursday to take on the Mississippi Braves in the first game of a five game set. RHP Carlos Contreras (1-1, 3.75) heads to the bump for the Wahoos and he will be opposed by David Bromberg (0-2, 2.70).
by Joey Truncale
Driver Escapes Serious Injury In Highway 97 Rollover Crash
April 23, 2014
A driver escaped injury late Wednesday afternoon in a single vehicle accident on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
The driver was apparently southbound on Highway 97 just north of North Highway 99 about 5:15 p.m. when she lost control and overturned onto the shoulder of the road. She was out of the vehicle when first responders arrived on the scene.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Atmore Ambulance also responded to the accident.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Animals Saved As Boarding Kennel Burns
April 23, 2014
A pet kennel in Ensley was heavily damage by fire Tuesday night, but all of the dogs at the facility were saved.
The fire was reported about 8:15 p.m. at the Magic Touch Boarding Kennel on Chadson Street, just east of Chemstrand Road. All of the dog were evacuated from the building. Flames were showing from the building when the first crews from Escambia Fire Rescue arrived on scene. A pet bird belonging to the kennel owners did die in the blaze.
“It was a real hot fire. Nobody got hurt and I guess that’s the biggest thing, nobody got hurt,” said Cleve Godwin, kennel owner.
The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Pictured: Firefighters battled a blaze at the Magic Touch Boarding Kennel Tuesday night. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Arrested In Escambia Homicide; Deputies Seek Four For Questioning
April 23, 2014
Two people have been arrested in an April 14 murder, and Escambia County deputies are searching for as many seven other people for questioning.
Taris Donice Tolliver, 21 has been charged with felony murder, and Jim Edward Williams, 22, has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Dequarius Frederick Durant. He was shot and killed in the 100 block of Emerald Avenue in what was described as a drug deal gone wrong. Durant tried to drive away as gunfire began, but he suffered multiple gunshot wounds before crashing into a house.
“We are working with other state and federal agencies on promising leads which we believe will lead to the arrest of others,” the Escambia County Sheriff’s office said in a news release.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the following individuals are wanted for questioning only in the homicide:
- Pierrie Arthur James Blankenship10/2/1990
- Clarence Joseph Martin 4/5/1992
- Reginald Lee Booker III 6/9/1990
- Javon Galloway 3/12/1992
Three other individuals previously wanted for questioning have been located, the Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday afternoon.
Florida Lawmakers Take Aim At Insurers Over Guns
April 23, 2014
With supporters pointing to Second Amendment rights, the Florida House on Tuesday gave final approval to a bill that seeks to prevent insurers from denying coverage or increasing rates based on customers owning guns or ammunition.
But critics questioned the need for the bill, saying there is little evidence insurers take into account gun ownership.
“I don’t see any kind of quote-unquote discrimination going on in the marketplace,” said Rep. Kevin Rader, a Delray Beach Democrat who also described the bill as a “waste of time.”
But bill sponsor Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, said Floridians have a constitutional right to bear arms, and even one case of insurers taking action because of gun ownership is “too much.”
“How much discrimination based on the exercise of a constitutional right is tolerable?” Gaetz asked.
House members voted 74-44, along party lines, to approve the bill (SB 424). The Senate also passed the National Rifle Association-backed bill last month, meaning the measure is ready to go to Gov. Rick Scott.
The bill would apply to property and automobile insurers and add language to part of state law that deals with “unfair discrimination” As an example, the bill would seek to block insurers from refusing to issue policies because of customers’ lawful ownership or possession of firearms. Similarly, it would bar them from charging “unfairly discriminatory” rates based on gun ownership or possession.
But much of the debate Tuesday focused on whether problems exist with insurers considering customers’ gun ownership. Rader and Rep. Richard Stark, D-Weston, said they are longtime insurance agents and have not seen insurers asking about firearms.
But Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, questioned why they were arguing so heavily against the bill if that is the case.
“This is just a good, sound statement for freedom that we’re going to stand behind your constitutional rights,” Baxley said
by Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
Century Man Tased By Deputies Convicted Of Resisting Arrest, Battery
April 23, 2014
A Century man tased by Escambia County deputies late last year has been convicted on charges of battery and resisting arrest without violence.
Emanuel Rabun Bethea, 28, was sentenced by Judge Terry Terrell to one year probation. He was also ordered to complete counseling and stay away from controlled substances without a prescription, including “spice” or bath salts.
According to an arrest report, an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy in a marked patrol vehicle was first to arrive after a disturbance call in the 7500 block of Jack Smith Road in November 23. He watched as someone attempted to flee as he approached, spinning tires in a circular driveway, accelerating and running over a tree stump. Bethea exited the vehicle and ran, fell in the gravel driveway, got up and ran again despite multiple verbal commands from the deputy to stop. When Bethea fell again, he was tackled by the deputy.
According to an arrest report, Bethea refused to place his hands behind his back as ordered, instead he tried to reach his pocket multiple times. The deputy, not knowing what Bethea was trying to retrieve from his pocket, ordered him to stop or be tased. He refused to comply and was tased once before the deputy managed to handcuff one hand. Bethea continued to resist and another deputy arrived on scene and assisted in handcuffing him, according to the report.
During the struggle, Bethea reported told the deputy “just shoot me” multiple times. After Bethea was taken into custody, a folding pocket knife was located next to his leg. Bethea continued to fight deputies as he was placed in a patrol vehicle, the report states.
The female victim told deputies that she and Bethea live together at the Jack Smith Road address and that they have a child together. She said Bethea refused to allow her to leave the residence, grabbed her and took her cell phone while he prevented her from using the couple’s only vehicle.
A charge of kidnapping against Bethea was dropped, according to court records.
Bethea was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital before being booked into the Escambia County Jail. The arresting deputy noted that Bethea was cooperative, polite and apologetic at the hospital.
Chiefs Advance To District Championship Game
April 23, 2014
The Northview Chiefs are headed to the District 3-1A championship game Thursday night. The Chiefs beat Holmes County 6-3 Tuesday night to advance to the finals at Chipley.
The varsity Chiefs finished the regular season at 15-5, 7-3 in the district.
Chipley shut out the Jay Royals Tuesday night, 4-0.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Goodyear Blimp Spotted Over North Escambia
April 23, 2014
The Goodyear Blimp was spotted over the North Escambia area Tuesday. Numerous people reported seeing the blimp in the area of I-10 north to Muscogee Road. The blimp was on the way to Mobile for an overnight stop. Pictured top: The Goodyear Blimp over International Paper in Cantonment (by Josh Black). Pictured inset: The Goodyear Blimp over Muscogee Road (by Mona Baker)Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Celebrate Earth Day With Escambia’s Dump Dash 5K & Trash-A-Thon
April 23, 2014
On Saturday, Escambia County residents can celebrate Earth Day by participating in the 2014 Dump Dash 5K & Trash-A-Thon and help bring awareness to recycling and solid waste issues on a cross-country road with hills and trails.
Held at the Perdido Landfill located at 13009 Beulah Road, funds from this family friendly event will raise money for The United Way of Escambia County and The Environmental Education Fund.
Prizes will be awarded to the top male and top female runners and walkers in various age categories, best race costume made from recyclables and a team competition will also take place.
Race day is Saturday 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Perdido Landfill. Day of race registration is $15 for teams, $20 for individuals.
A post-race cookout and an Earth Day Activities will take place immediately following the event. Guided nature walks on the Perdido Riverwalk and tours of the Perdido Landfill will also be available. All are welcome to celebrate Earth Day.
Scott Presents ‘Shine Award’ To Escambia County Teacher
April 23, 2014
During a meeting of Florida Cabinet Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott recognized an Escambia County teacher and two other educators for their contributions to learning with the Governor’s Shine Awards. The Shine Award is presented to Florida educators who have impacted the lives of students through the classroom. The teachers who were recognized during the Florida Cabinet meeting were recently named District Teachers of the Year for their respective counties.
Governor Scott said, “These three county Teachers of the Year work hard to ensure each of their students has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education, and it is an honor to present them with the Shine Award. Teachers play a fundamental role in sculpting the minds of our youth, and Florida’s education system is one of the best in the nation thanks to the diligence and dedication of our teachers
The Shine Award was presented to Jana Pavlus, teacher at Woodham Middle School. Pavlus has served as a seventh grade science teacher at Woodham for four years. She has been known for “capturing kids’ hearts” and making a difference in the lives of her students. In her relationship with her students, she has been open and honest about herself and her life. This has allowed the students to build a strong bond and grow deeper themselves.
The awards were also presented to teachers from Walton and St. Johns counties.
“These three county Teachers of the Year work hard to ensure each of their students has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education, and it is an honor to present them with the Shine Award. Teachers play a fundamental role in sculpting the minds of our youth, and Florida’s education system is one of the best in the nation thanks to the diligence and dedication of our teachers,” Scott said.
Pictured top: Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Senate President Don Gaetz, Jana Pavlus, Gov. Rick Scott, Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward, Rep. Mike Hill and CFO Jeff Atwater pose Tuesday in Tallahassee. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.