Blue Wahoos Swept Out of Tennessee Despite Late Comeback
August 26, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (62-56) mounted a late comeback in Sunday’s finale versus the Tennessee Smokies (74-45), but fell victim to another late home run and lost in walk-off fashion 9-5. The defeat marks the Wahoos’ 11th loss in 13 games and their first time being swept in a six-game series since August 8-13, 2023 in Chattanooga.
Both teams scored early and often to begin Sunday’s game. In the bottom of the first inning, Tennessee struck first against Pensacola righthander Jeff Lindgren (5.0 IP, 8 H, 4 ER) when third baseman Jonathon Long drove home right fielder Christian Franklin with a single. The Wahoos answered with three runs in the top of the second when center fielder Shane Sasaki doubled home the tying run before second baseman Johnny Olmstead singled home two more to give Pensacola a 3-1 lead.
The Smokies tacked on another run in the second, then jumped ahead in the third inning when Jonathon Long hit a two-run home run to give the Smokies a 4-3 lead. Neither team scored again until the bottom of the sixth when Tennessee tacked onto its lead when left fielder Parker Chavers singled home catcher Casey Opitz.
Trailing 5-3, the Pensacola offense came to life in the late innings. In the top of the seventh, Johnny Olmstead smacked his second home run of the series to cut the lead to 5-4. In the eighth, third baseman Graham Pauley followed up with a solo home run of his own to tie the game 5-5.
In the ninth, the Wahoos put a man on but could not score against Smokies righthander Zac Leigh (W, 2-2). In the bottom of the ninth, Pensacola lefthander Chandler Jozwiak (L, 3-4) took the mound for his second inning of relief following a scoreless eighth. Tennessee immediately put men aboard via a leadoff bunt single from second baseman Reivaj Garcia and a walk to right fielder Felix Stevens. Following a fielder’s choice and a one-out walk to load the bases, Smokies first baseman Haydn McGeary stepped to the plate and hit a 2-2 pitch for a walk-off, series-ending grand slam. The homer marked the third time in as many games that Tennessee hit a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning or later.
The 9-5 defeat marks the Wahoos’ eleventh loss in 12 regular season games versus Tennessee. Pensacola has three series and 18 total regular season games remaining this season.
The Wahoos return home on Tuesday to begin a series versus the Mississippi Braves. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT.
Update: Missing, Endangered Century Woman Located
August 25, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to help locate Rhonda Renee Jackson, a 52-year-old Century woman who is considered missing and endangered.
Jackson was last seen around 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, near Highway 4 and Campbell Road in Century. She was wearing dark-colored patterned clothing and a head wrap. Jackson is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, 125 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
The ECSO said she may be in need to medical attention.
Authorities believe Jackson may be in need of medical attention. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Tate High School Opens New Agriscience Building
August 25, 2024
A grand opening ceremony was held on Saturday for the new agriscience building at Tate High School, a facility made possible by half-cent sales tax funds.
“It may be the ribbon cutting today, they’ve already been enjoying that building for 10 days. and it will be many more days to come, Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard said, calling the building a testament to the commitment the community has made to the future of future of agricultural education.
Established in 1917, the J.M. Tate Agricultural School has a rich history of fostering excellence in agricultural education. “Our program has thrived over the years,” said Principal Laura Touchstone, highlighting the school’s numerous state and national accolades.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The agriscience building is packed with technology, from large screen displays and sound systems to precision laser equipment to hydroponics. It features a wood and welding shop, a veterinary classroom and other educational space.
Currently, approximately 1,088 Tate students are enrolled in the agriscience program, which is led by six dedicated teachers, four of whom are Tate alumni. “Our FFA chapter is recognized as a national three-star national gold chapter, placing us among the top 1% of chapters nationwide,” Touchstone said, noting that Tate’s FFA chapter is one of the largest in Florida.
“We are recognized as a national three-star national gold chapter, placing them among the top 1% of chapters nationwide for our work in growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture here in Florida.,” she said.
“Agriculture is more than just a cornerstone of our school it remains the very identity of J.M. Tate High School, Touchstone emphasized. “As we celebrate this new building, we remember that it’s not just a facility, it’s a place for our students will learn grow and carry on the traditions that have defined Tate for more than a century.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Youth Football Takes Center Stage at NWE Jamboree (With Gallery)
August 25, 2024
Fans descended upon Northwest Escambia’s Greg Gibson Field for a Saturday jam-packed with youth football excitement
It’s estimated that several thousand fans attended a kickoff jamboree Saturday at Northwest Escambia’s Greg Gibson Filed in Walnut Hill.
The kick-off jamboree stretched over 10.5 hours, featuring a series of 25-minute scrimmage games between local teams. The NWE Chiefs, Cantonment Cowboys, Ensley Chiefs, Perdido Bay Bucs, and Pensacola Seahawks all took to the field, showcasing their skills and kicking off the upcoming season.
Click here for a photo gallery featuring games from Cantonment and NWE U6 and U14 teams.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
SBA Opens a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Jay
August 25, 2024
A disaster loan outreach center is now open in Jay.
The U.S. Small Business Administration opened the center to help businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes back in May.
The disaster declaration covers Santa Rosa County, but does not include Escambia County in Florida or Alabama.
“Our Disaster Loan Outreach Centers are one of the most powerful resources at SBA’s disposal to support business owners,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “Residents and business owners can meet in-person with our specialists to apply for SBA disaster loans and get information on the full breadth of our programs designed to help them navigate their recovery.”
Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment can be scheduled in advance.
The center is in the Jay Town Hall on Hwy. 4. It’s open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to2 p.m. The Center will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September. 2, and cease operations on Friday, September 6, at 4 p.m.
Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
Loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for nonprofit organizations, and 2.688% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and monthly payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
For more information and to apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is October 7, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 6, 2025.
These Are The Road Construction Spots To Watch This Week
August 25, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) – I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction. Beginning Sunday, Aug. 25 and continuing through Thursday, Aug. 29, drivers will also encounter intermittent lane closures on I-10 near U.S. 29 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is also closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound. These closures allow crews to perform shoulder and bridge work to widen the interstate.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) – Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Sunday, Aug. 25 through Thursday, Aug. 29, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These closures are required as crews construct a temporary detour.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to the southbound travel lanes, between Rudolph Street and Green Street. One travel lane in each direction remains open as crews reconstruct the adjacent northbound lanes. The traffic shift is expected to remain in place through fall 2024. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, is now expected to be reopened to traffic by Sept. 1, as crews are making final preparations to open the recently reconstructed Canoe Creek bridge.
- State Road (S.R.) 95 Routine Underground Maintenance at Muscogee Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Aug. 26 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for routine underground maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing, from north of S.R. 87 to C.R. 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, Aug. 26 through Friday, Aug. 30 as crews install signage and place thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Aug. 25 through Thursday, Aug. 29, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Aug. 25, through Friday, Aug. 30, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Motorists will encounter a road closure at Redfish Point Road from Thursday, Aug. 29, at 6 a.m. to Friday, Aug. 30, at 10 p.m. and should use Breezy Wind Drive and Southwind Drive as an alternate route.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
All West Florida Library Book Drops Reopened
August 25, 2024
All West Florida Libraries book drops have reopened now that the primary election is over.
The outdoor book drops were closed to prevent voters from mistakenly returning vote-by-mail ballots in the drops. Several libraries served at early voting locations.
Pictured: The book drop outside the Molino Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Another Late Smokies Homer Condemns Wahoos to 5-4 Defeat
August 25, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
For the second straight game, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos endured a game-breaking Tennessee Smokies homer in the eighth inning on Saturday night in a 5-4 loss.
Just minutes after Blue Wahoos catcher Joe Mack had tied the game 4-4 in the top of the eighth with his 21st home run of the season, Pablo Aliendo put Tennessee ahead for good with a solo home run of his own.
The Blue Wahoos have tied a season high with five losses in a row, and now trail the Biloxi Shuckers in the fight for a playoff spot by 3.5 games with 20 to play pending the results of Biloxi’s game in Birmingham.
The Blue Wahoos jumped ahead 2-0 in the second on a two-run homer from Nathan Martorella, his third of the series and ninth of the season. Tennessee starter Matthew Thompson allowed another run in the fourth on a bases-loaded RBI single from Jacob Berry, though another run was cut down at the plate as Graham Pauley was thrown out trying to score by a strong throw from right fielder Felix Stevens.
Pensacola starter Robby Snelling was perfect through 3.2 innings, but allowed three consecutive hits with two outs in the fourth as Luis Verdugo lined a two-run single to draw the Smokies to within a run.
Snelling, afforded an opportunity to pitch into the sixth for the first time since joining the team, was unable to protect Pensascola’s 3-2 lead. A leadoff walk to Brett Bateman was followed by a two-run homer to Jonathon Long, just out of the reach of Berry in right field.
The Wahoos got the clutch hit they were looking for in the eighth, as Mack turned around a Blake Whitney (W, 8-0) offering and sent his team-leading 21st homer of the season off the glove of the leaping Stevens in right field to tie the game 4-4.
After a scoreless seventh, Matt Pushard (L, 3-4) was sent out for the eighth to try and keep the game tied for the Blue Wahoos. Aliendo gave the Smokies their second go-ahead eighth-inning homer in as many days, following a dramatic Stevens homer on Friday with a solo blast of his own to put Tennessee ahead 5-4.
Martorella led off the ninth inning with a single, but pinch-runner Shane Sasaki was thrown out stealing second by Aliendo in a strikeout-double play to end the game and hand Cayne Ueckert (S, 2) the save.
The Blue Wahoos have now dropped 10 of their past 12 games, including three games in Tennessee’s final at bat this series.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series and look to avoid being swept by the Smokies on Sunday. First pitch from Smokies Stadium is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. CT.
Florida’s Second Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Begins Today
August 24, 2024
Florida’s second two-week Disaster Sales Tax Holiday begins today and continues through September 6.
This year, Floridians are expected to save millions on vital disaster preparedness supplies such as pet supplies, tarps, batteries, generators and flashlights, which are all included in the list of items eligible to be purchased tax-free.
Below is a list of all qualifying items:
Selling for $10 or less
- Wet dog or cat food if sold individually or the equivalent if sold in a box or case
Selling for $15 or less
- Manual can openers
- Collapsible or travel-sized food or water bowls for pets
- Cat litter pans
- Pet waste disposal bags
- Hamster or rabbit substrate
Selling for $20 or less
- Reusable ice packs
- Leashes, collars, and muzzles for pets
- Pet pads
Selling for $25 or less
- Cat litter weighing 25 or fewer pounds
Selling for $40 or less
- Candles
- Flashlights
- Lanterns
- Pet beds
Selling for $50 or less
- Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, or weather-band radios
- Gas or diesel fuel tanks
- Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, listed sizes only – a AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, 9-volt
Selling for $60 or less
- Nonelectric food storage coolers
- Portable power banks
Selling for $70 or less
- Smoke detectors or smoke alarms
- Fire extinguishers
- Carbon monoxide detectors
Selling for $100 or less
- Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting
- Ground anchor systems
- Portable pet kennels and carriers
- Ratchet straps
- Tie-down kits
- Dry dog or cat food weighing less than 50 pounds
Selling for $3,000 or less
- Portable generators used to provide light or communications or to preserve food in a power outage
A previous two-week isaster Sales Tax Holiday was held June 1-14.
Firefighters Learn Water Supply Tactics, Even Without A Hydrant Nearby
August 24, 2024
Escambia County Fire Rescue (ECFR) crews from Molino, Beulah, and Myrtle Grove recently participated in a joint training exercise focused on water supply and drafting operations.
Drafting operations are essential when firefighters need to source water from static sources like lakes, streams, or dry hydrants. These techniques are crucial, especially in rural areas where fire hydrants may be limited or nonexistent.
During the training, firefighters utilized trucks and a large “drop tank” to transport and supply water to the scene of a fire. This capability is essential for ensuring a continuous water supply, even in challenging conditions, ECFR said.
ECFR said the training is critical, especially when responding to fires where a fire hydrant is unavailable. These operations are common in rural areas but may occasionally occur in urban areas of the county.
The training exercise was held at the Escambia County Equestrian Center in Beulah.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
