Wahoos Blank Suns 8-0
June 1, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored five runs in the first inning Saturday at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The big hit in the first inning came on a three-run home run over the left field fence by Travis Mattair.
While the Wahoos went on to defeat the Jacksonville Suns, 8-0, to break a six-game losing streak, all eyes were on former big league MVP and All-Star Miguel Tejada.
Tejada was playing professional baseball for the first time for the Miami Marlins Double-A affiliate since a 105-game suspension Aug. 17 by Major League Baseball for testing positive for amphetamines. He becomes eligible June 7 to play again in the majors.
The 40-year-old Tejada, who was the 2002 American League Most Valuable and six-time All-Star, hit a bloop single in his first at bat, grounded out to short in an inning-ending double play, struck out and beat out a sharp grounder that Wahoos third baseman Juan Silverio made a backhanded stab on and in his final at bat reached first on a fielder’s choice. In the field, Tejada played third base where he made a nice play on a big hop.
Before getting on the team bus to travel to Pensacola, Tejada introduced himself to every Suns player and shook their hands.
After the game, Tejada could hardly contain his excitement about being back on the field. Suns Manager Andy Barkett gave him the option to come out of the game if he was tired but he chose to stay in.
“I feel great,” said Tejada, who last played in the Southern League in 1997. “I feel 20 again. I’m excited and happy to be here.”
Tejada also said he wants to play at least another season and be a model player for the younger ballplayers coming up.
“I don’t want them to quit. I want them to keep playing,” Tejada said. “They see me out 105 games but I came back. I can help a lot of young guys. I’ve always loved this game and I respect it a lot.”
Jacksonville’s Barkett said Tejada looked “great” at the plate and in the field. Barkett reported that Tejada plans to play, too, in his home country where he’s considered a legend for the
Dominican Republic winter baseball league’s Agulias Cibaenas.
“He said he wants one more year to do things right,” said Barkett, who played with Tejada in 2000 in the Caribbean Series championship. “That’s completely admirable. I hope they young guys see not just a talented player but see the hunger of this guy. We’ve got someone special on our hands as a human being and as a baseball player.”
Tejada, who in 16 big league seasons is a .285 hitter with 307 home runs and 1302 RBI, is a former Southern Leaguer. He spent the 1997 season with the Huntsville Stars, who were affiliated with the Oakland Athletics at the time. In 128 games, Tejada hit .275 with 22 homers and 97 RBI, and he received his first MLB call-up late that season.
Besides Mattair Several Wahoos played well against the Suns Saturday night, including Brodie Greene who was 2-4 and scored two runs; Ross Perez who went 2-3 and drove in two runs; and Juan Silverio who was 2-4 with a home run blast over the leftfield wall.
by Tommy Thrall
Agricultural Conservation Easements Program Applications Due June 6
June 1, 2014
Applications are due June 6 for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service new Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (ACEP), which provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to establish conservation easements. The ACEP was created through the 2014 Farm Bill and funds easements for agricultural lands and wetland reserves, combining NRCS’ former Farm and Ranch Lands Protection, Grassland Reserve and Wetlands Reserve programs.
Indian tribes, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations and private landowners can contact their local NRCS office to find out how to apply.
The program is comprised of two types of easements: agricultural and wetlands. Agricultural easements prevent productive working lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses and protect land devoted to food production. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland are eligible. Wetland reserve easements restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored.
Applications will be rated according to the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish and other wildlife. Applications are available at local NRCS office and at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted.
Retired Navy Captain From Molino Honored As ‘Hero Among Us’
May 31, 2014
A Molino man known for his F -14 Tomcat fighter expertise was honored Friday evening as a Hero Among Us.
Dan “Darth” Cain served as a U.S. Marine in Vietnam. Then he went to the University of West Florida, graduated with a degree in marine biology, and became a pilot in the U.S. Navy, where he logged 6,700 hours in various military fighter aircraft, including 4,200 in F-14 Tomcats.
Cain retired from the Navy as a captain in 2004 after 36 years of military service. Cain has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Gold Stars, and many other honors for his service.
Cain was honored as part of the Heroes Among Us series at the Veterans Memorial Park near Bayfront Parkway and Ninth Avenue in downtown Pensacola.
The series, now in its second year, features veterans of every service and is held on the last Friday of each month from May through October. It is presented by the local Marine Corps League, J. R. Spears Detachment 066. Admission is free, although donations are accepted for the Marines in Distress Fund to help veterans in need.
The “Heroes Among Us” series features people who have compelling tales to tell about military experience and life.
Escambia County High School Graduation Schedule
May 31, 2014
Here is a schedule of high school graduations in Escambia County:
Saturday, May 31
Northview High School
Monday, June 2 at Pensacola Bay Center
Tate High School, 11 a.m.
West Florida High School, 2:30 p.m.
Pine Forest High School, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, June 3 at Pensacola Bay Center
Escambia High School, 11 a.m.
Pensacola High School, 2:30 p.m.
Booker T. Washington High School, 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 26
Summer School Graduation, PHS, 4 p.m.
Molino Man Cited After After Hitting School Bus In Cantonment
May 31, 2014
A Molino man was ticketed Friday morning after rear-ending a school bus in Cantonment.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol 21-year old Anthony Lee Salas was traveling southwest on Highway 95A approaching the traffic light at Highway 29 when he rear-ended the Escambia County School District bus driven by 46-year old Barbara Joszell Johnson of Cantonment. There were nine Jim Allen Elementary School students on the bus at the time of the collision.
There were no injuries.
Salas was cited by the FHP for careless driving.
Pictured: The driver of this white car rear-ended an Escambia County School District bus late Friday morning on Highway 95A at Highway 29 in Cantonment. Reader submitted photo by Laura Eggart for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Storm Debris Drop Off Site To Remain Open Another Week
May 31, 2014
Due to continued demand, the Escambia County free storm debris drop off site at John R. Jones Athletic Park, 555 E. Nine Mile Road, will remain open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Friday, June 6.
This storm debris drop off site first opened on May 10, allowing citizens a place to dispose of debris. This site is for residential use only. Commercial haulers, contractors or commercial companies are prohibited.
Residents needing curbside storm debris removal should contact their waste service provider:
- Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (850) 476-0480
- City of Pensacola Sanitation Service (850) 435-1890
Anyone with concerns, questions or issues with the storm debris collection effort following the closure of this free drop off site is encouraged to contact the Escambia County Solid Waste Management Division at (850) 937-2160.
Nine-Day Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday Now Underway
May 31, 2014
Florida’s nine-day Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins this weekend.
From May 31 to June 8, numerous items often purchased to prepare for hurricanes will be tax free:
Qualifying Items
Selling for $10 or less:
• Reusable ice (reusable ice packs)
Selling for $20 or less:
• Any portable self-powered light source
• Battery-powered flashlights
• Battery-powered lanterns
• Gas-powered lanterns (including propane, kerosene, lamp oil, or similar fuel)
• Tiki-type torches
• Candles
Selling for $25 or less:
• Any gas or diesel fuel container (including LP gas and kerosene containers)
Selling for $30 or less:
• Batteries, including rechargeable batteries and excluding automobile and boat batteries
(listed sizes only)
• AA-cell
• C-cell
• D-cell
• 6-volt
• 9-volt
• Coolers (food-storage; nonelectrical)
• Ice chests (food-storage; nonelectrical)
• Self-contained first-aid kit (already tax exempt)
Selling for $50 or less:
• Tarpaulins (tarps)
• Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible waterproof sheeting
• Ground anchor systems
• Tie-down kits
• Bungee cords
• Ratchet straps
• Radios (self-powered or battery-powered)
• Two-way radios (self-powered or battery-powered)
• Weather band radios (self-powered or battery-powered)
Selling for $750 or less:
• Portable generators that will be used to provide light, communications, or to preserve food in the event of a power outage
Note: Eligible battery-powered or gas-powered light sources and portable self-powered radios qualify for the exemption even though they may have electrical cords.
Northview Seniors Earn Over $1.7 Million In Scholarships
May 31, 2014
Northview High School has announced that members of the the Class of 2014 were awarded at least $1,713,445 in scholarships, a school record.
Awarded scholarships included:
Mariah Albritton
- Gold Seal Vocational – Bright Futures – $3,384
Madison Arrington
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
Kevin Barrow
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
- Gautrelet Award – Spring Hill College – $52,000
Kasie Braun
- AT&T Foundation Scholarship – $2,500
- Atmore Rotary 4 Year – $750
- Florida Academic Scholar- Bright Futures – $12,000
- IIT Heald Scholarship – $100,000
- Jim & Jumi Ross Memorial – $500
- Johnson & Wales – $500
- Mary Baldwin College – $80,000
- MIRA Book Award – $200
- NJROTC Scholarship – $180,000
- United Bank of Atmore – $300
Taylor Brook
- MIRA Book Award – $200
- Troy Band Scholarship – $2,500
Dale Brown
- Florida Academic Scholar – Bright Futures – $12,000
- UWF Argonaut Scholarship – $12,000
Skye Brown
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
Audrey Byrd
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
Katelynne Calloway
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
Kira Cartwright
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
Matthew Cayson
- Studer Make a Difference Award – $1,000
Mashama Codrington
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
- Take Stock in Children partial – $6,191
Lana Clayton
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
Morgan Digmon
- MIRA Book Award – $200
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
Hunter Dettling
- MIRA Book Award – $250
- University of Mobile University Scholarship – $20,000
- University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts – $8,000
- Fualkner State Music Scholarship
Anna Donald
- Atmore Rotary 4 year – $750
- FBLA District One Scholarship – $250
- MIRA Book Award – $200
- Troy University Chancellors Award Scholarship – $35,000
- Troy University Trojan Opportunity Scholarship – $3,000
Anna Fischer
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
- Gold Seal Vocational – Bright Futures – $3,384
- MIRA Book Award – $200
- UWF Nautilus Scholarship – $6,000
Marina Gray
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
Tamara Green
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
- Southern Normal School Scholarship – $500
Rebecca Grim
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
- Take Stock in Children Scholarship – $12,382
Talana Heathcock
- Spring Hill – Portier Leader Award – $80,000
- University of South Alabama Presidential – $14,000
Cory Hester
- MIRA Book Award – $200
Kelsie Hudson
- Fortis Institute A.S.N. Scholarship – $1,000
Courtney Jones
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
Justin King
- Gold Seal Vocational – Bright Futures – $3,384
- MIRA Book Award – $200
Chloe Leonard
- MIRA Book Award – $200
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
Jessica Lowery
- Florida Medallion Scholar – Bright Futures – $9,000
Ali Martin
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
- PSC Outstanding Minority Scholarship – $1,800
Rachel Presley
- 1st Generation Poarch Scholarship – $40,000
Tiffani Pritchett
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
- Take Stock in Children Scholarship – $12,382
Jonathan Baccari Ramer
- 1st Generation Poarch Scholarship – $40,000
Caitlyn Rigby
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
Hilery Scott
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
- PSC Concert Chorale – $1,400
- PSC Entertainers Scholarship – $1,400
Danny Slay
- Mayville State University Football – $4,800
Kent Smith
- Troy University Band Scholarship – $6,000
Courtney Solari
- Atmore Rotary 4 Year – $750
- Charles & Alice Mayson – $17,400
- FFA Friends and Alumni Scholarship – $500
- Florida Academic Scholar- Bright Futures – $12,000
- Pensacola Interstate Fair Scholarship – $1,000
- Thomas Weaver Memorial FFA – $500
- UWF Nautilus Scholarship – $6,000
Jeremy Stacey
- UWF Argonaut Scholarship – $12,000
- FFA Friends and Alumni Scholarship – $500
- Florida Academic Scholar- Bright Futures – $12,000
Danielle Steadham
- PSC President’s Award – $1,800
Karissa Strickland
- Barrineau Park Scholarship – $500
- Florida Medallion Scholars – Bright Futures – $9,000
- Take Stock in Children – $10,420
Daulton Tullis
- McGhee Tullis Tuition Assistance Scholarship – $100,000
Lauryn Walker
- Atmore Rotary All-Star – $500
- Tommy Weaver Memorial DCT Scholarship – $500
Courtney Weaver
- Atmore Rotary 4 year – $750
- Gold Seal Vocational – Bright Futures – $3,384
- Spring Hill College – Portier Leader Award – $80,000
Victoria Wright
- AFROTC Scholarship – $180,000
- American Legion Auxillary Scholarship – $5,000
- Atmore Rotary 4 Year – $750
- Barrineau Park Scholarship – $1,000
- District One FBLA – $250
- EREC Scholarship – $4,000
- First National Bank – Sal award – $50
- Florida Academic Scholar- Bright Futures – $12,000
- Florida PEO Scholarship – $2,000
- Jim & Jumi Ross Memorial Scholarship – $500
- United States Air Force Academy – $444,984
- UWF Nautilus Scholarship – $12,000
Northview senior and co-valedictorian Kasie Braun was presented a NJROTC scholarship valued at up to $180,000. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Niceville Upends Tate In Spring Football Jamboree
May 31, 2014
The Niceville Eagles got past the Tate Aggies 21-13 in a two-quarter spring football jamboree Friday night at Pete Gindl Stadium in Cantonment.
Quarterback Sawyer Smith capped an 80-yard trip down the field with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Reginald Payne to open the scoring for the Aggies. Tate scored again on a seven-yard run from Alondo Thompkins.
In the first two quarters of the jamboree, the Niceville junior varsity defeated the Tate JV 16-0.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
‘Genius Map Drawer” Denies Sharing With GOP Officials
May 31, 2014
A state Republican staffer, tagged as a “genius map drawer,” denied discussing or sharing proposed new district lines in 2011 with national GOP officials, as the second week of a trial over the state’s redrawn congressional maps concluded Friday.
GOP staffer Frank Terraferma was called back to provide additional testimony after his name was revealed to have been included in an emailed invitation to a June 15, 2011, meeting at Republican National Committee headquarters.
Terraferma’s brief appearance Friday via telephone highlighted testimony as the state began its defense against allegations from voting-rights groups, including the League of Women Voters of Florida, and seven voters that are challenging the constitutionality of the congressional map.
The plaintiffs had been seeking for six months the full email announcing the 2011 meeting sent by RNC staffer Jessica Furst Johnson.
The names of those invited to the meeting — Terraferma, current House Speaker Will Weatherford, current Senate President Don Gaetz, Weatherford’s chief of staff Kris Money, and Gaetz’s chief of staff Chris Clark — had been redacted on a prior version of the document.
Terraferma, whose name was accompanied on the email by the sobriquet “genius map drawer,” said he was unaware of the meeting, which would have been held prior to the Legislature redistricting effort, or even the full email that was ordered released by a Washington D.C. court on Thursday.
Terraferma recalled little about the national party staffers also listed on the email, saying he may have spoken to Johnson after redistricting was completed, and added there was never talk of submitting maps under third-party names.
Districts identical to those drawn by Terraferma wound up submitted to the Legislature under the names of other individuals, including Alex Posada, a former Florida State University student.
Posada said under oath in a deposition given Thursday morning that he did not draw the congressional map, did not submit it to the Legislature and did not authorize anyone else to do so on his behalf, a lawyer for the voting rights groups told The News Service of Florida.
Terraferma may be called back for additional questioning, as John Devaney, a plaintiff’s attorney, said work is continuing with the D.C. court to get additional documents released from the Republican National Committee.
George Meros, an attorney for the Legislature, said the defense should be completed by Tuesday.
Closing statements could take the trial to Wednesday.
By Jim Turner