Six-Run Fourth Sinks Wahoos in Loss to Smokies
August 22, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos continued their struggles against the Tennessee Smokies on Wednesday night, falling in a 10-6 final after two early leads slipped away.
The Blue Wahoos have now dropped 7 of 8 games this season to the defending league champions, and two in a row to begin their six-game road series.
With the loss, the Blue Wahoos again failed to put pressure on the first-place Biloxi Shuckers. The Blue Wahoos now trail the Shuckers by 1.5 games with 22 to play, pending the results of Biloxi’s game in Birmingham.
The Blue Wahoos briefly held a pair of early leads, taking a 2-1 edge on solo homers from Nathan Martorella and Johnny Olmstead in the second and a 3-2 lead on a Joe Mack RBI single in the third.
Olmstead’s homer was his first at the Double-A level, and began a 3-for-4 night. Mack’s RBI was his Southern League-leading 60th of the season.
Pensacola starter Luis Palacios (L, 8-6) was uncharacteristically shaky, tying a career high with 10 hits allowed and setting a new career high with four walks. The Smokies turned the game around with a six-run fourth, turning a 3-2 deficit into an 8-3 Tennessee lead. The Blue Wahoos left allowed eight runs, seven earned, over 3.1 innings.
The Smokies got their starter, Antonio Santos (W, 7-3), through 5.0 innings despite a high pitch count. The Blue Wahoos added on three runs against the Tennessee bullpen, getting RBI doubles from Jakob Marsee and Jared Serna in the sixth and a solo homer from Graham Pauley in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough to come back.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Thursday. First pitch from Smokies Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. CT, with a live audio broadcast beginning at 6:55 p.m. ET/5:55 p.m. CT.
Highway 4 Bridge Opening Delayed By Wrong Paint
August 21, 2024
It’s been delayed again.
The Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek will not open this week as originally anticipated.
The Florida Department of Transportation told NorthEscambia.com last week that that the bridge is complete, but there were a just few minor items that need to be fixed prior to traffic being allowed across the bridge. But it’s turning out to be a little more complicated.
Tuesday, Escambia County officials said they had been notified that the bridge likely won’t open until next week. They said the wrong type of reflective paint was used on the bridge and the roadway approaches, and it must be corrected to meet FDOT requirements and pass inspection. The painted lines are also not straight, and there is spilled paint along in the area.
And that will require contractor Murphree Bridge Corporation to move equipment back to the site in order to grind away the wrong paint and repaint the lines.
With previous contract extensions due to weather, the contractor has until September 1 to open the $4 million bridge without penalty.
The new bridge replaces an 81-year-old structure that hat was closed on July 10, 2023, with traffic between Bratt and Century detoured.
Pictured: The Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek on Tuesday afternoon, August 21. NorthEsscmabia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tom Harrell Wins Escambia County School Board District 5 Seat
August 21, 2024
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Tom Harrell has been elected to the Escambia County School Board District 5 seat.
Harrell garnered 59.06% of the votes in the non-partisan race. Challenger Jim Taylor received 28.96% of the vote, and Josh Luther received 11.98% with all precincts reporting.
“I want to thank the voters of District 5 for their tremendous support. I am humbled and honored to represent our community” Harrell told NorthEscambia.com Tuesday night. “Children first in all decisions!”
Now retired, Harrell was a teacher at Ransom Middle School and served as principal at Escambia Westgate School and Lipscomb Elementary School. He was named both a principal of the year and teacher of the year for the Escambia County School District.
He has been a resident of District 5 since 1975.
To learn more about Tom Harrell, in his own words, click here for his NorthEscambia.com candidate survey, which was published prior to the election.
Jay High Teacher Beats Incumbent Santa Rosa County Commissioner Calkins
August 21, 2024
A Jay High School teacher has defeated the incumbent for a seat on the Santa Rosa County Commission.
Rhett Rowell received 11,979 (43.53%) votes. Jerry Couey finished second with 7,872 (28.61%), while incumbent James Calkins had 7,668 (27.86%).
Rowell is a native of Santa Rosa County and is a social studies teacher at Jay High, his alma mater.
Rowell will not face a Democrat in November, but he will appear on the ballot due to two qualified write-in candidates.
Steve Stroberger Wins District 1 Commission Seat, Ousting Jeff Bergosh
August 21, 2024
Steve Stroberger has won the Escambia County Commission District 1 seat, ousting incumbent Jeff Bergosh.
In a three-way race, Stroberger received 4,793 votes (54%). Bergosh had 3,260 votes (37%), while Jesse Casey received 795 (9%).
“This wasn’t the result I expected, nor is it the one I anticipated, but the District 1 voters have spoken and they have elected new leadership to take this district in a new direction, Bergosh said. “I will work with the new commissioner elect over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition in November. I’ll be taking tonight with my family and will have no more comment on this election this evening. I’ve already called and have spoken personally to Mr. Stroberger to congratulate him on his victory.”
Stroberger is a retired Navy office and marine. He worked in the private sector primarily in the aerospace and defense industries.
Bergosh has served on the Escambia County Commission since 2016, following 10 years on the Escambia County School Board.
Gaetz Easily Beats McCarthy-Backed Challenger Dimmock
August 21, 2024
Congressman Matt Gaetz was reelected Tuesday to represent Florida’s First Congressional District.
Gaetz received about 73% of the vote to challenger Aaron Dimmock’s 27%. Dimmock, a retired Navy officer, was backed by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
“It’s traditional in moments like these with margins of victory like this that you hear from your opponents,” Gaetz told supporters in a video posted to social media about 8:30 Tuesday night. “I have not yet heard from Aaron Dimmock, or Kevin McCarthy this evening. Kevin McCarthy spent $3 million in this race, not attacking my votes or my work on your behalf but simply trying to attack my character. Three million dollars. Three years ago, I got 70% of the vote, and tonight it looks like we’re getting 73% of the vote. So Kevin, if you are watching, spend a little more next time and we’ll get to 80.”
“It goes without saying that this was not the result we had hoped for,” Dimmock said in a social media post. “Running as a first time candidate against a powerful career politician is never easy, but I was honored to have the opportunity to be that alternative.”
Gaetz will now face Democrat Gay Valimont in November in a district that typically leans heavily Republican.
Pictured: Rep. Matt Gaetz during an appearance in Jay. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Ashlee Hofberger Wins Republican Primary For District 4 Escambia Commission
August 21, 2024
Ashlee Hofberger is the winner of the Republican Primary for the District 4 Seat on the Escambia County Commission.
The District 4 seat has been vacant since Robert Bender was appointed Supervisor of Elections in January. Gov. Ron DeSantis had the power to appoint a replacement but chose not to do so.
“I am so excited, beyond grateful to everyone that volunteered, and contributed, and everyone that got out and voted today.” she said after the win. “Thank you.”
“I believe our government’s top priority is to keep us safe,” she added. “And when you pick up the phone to call 911, the person who responds should have the tools and the skills to fix whatever emergency you are in. And I want to make sure that our firefighters and our EMTs and our law enforcement have the resources so they can do that.”
Hofberger is owner of The Wash Room laundromat and Bogeys Golf Suites. In 2012, she opened the emergency restoration firm Complete DKI and later sold it to the national company First Onsite in 2021.
She received 3,143 votes, or 38%. Walker Wilson had 2,735 (33%), and Buck Mitchell garnered 2,483 (30%).
Hofberger will still face Democratic candidate Ron Helms in November.
Complete Escambia County Election Results
August 21, 2024
Here are the complete, but unofficial, local election results from Escambia County.
All precincts are reported in the numbers below.
Click the image to enlarge.
Wahoos Walked Off by Smokies in 2-1 Defeat
August 21, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
In a rematch of the past two Southern League Championship Series, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Tennessee Smokies played another close ballgame on Tuesday night. In the end, a safety squeeze bunt from Fabian Pertuz in the bottom of the ninth gave the Smokies a 2-1 walk-off win
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The Blue Wahoos have now dropped 6 of 7 games this season to the defending league champions, though their past five losses dating back to May have all been by only one run.
With the loss, the Blue Wahoos missed out on a change to apply pressure to the first-place Biloxi Shuckers as the second half playoff race heats up. The Blue Wahoos now trail the Shuckers by 1.5 games with 23 to play, pending the results of Biloxi’s game in Birmingham.
Patrick Monteverde was outstanding in his start for the Blue Wahoos, scattering two hits over 6.0 innings of one-run ball. After taking a no-hitter into the fifth, he allowed singles to Pablo Aliendo and Casey Opitz to give the Smokies a 1-0 lead.
Pensacola answered back against Smokies starter Sam Armstrong in the sixth, turning a Jakob Marsee leadoff walk and Joe Mack single into the game-tying run on a Jared Serna RBI groundout. Mack was left at third to end the inning, spoiling the Blue Wahoos’ best chance at scoring another run.
After Blake Weiman (W, 3-0) pitched perfect relief for the Smokies in the eighth and ninth, Aliendo got aboard against Pensacola’s Matt Pushard (L, 3-3) with a bloop double in the bottom of the ninth. An infield single from Luis Verdugo followed, and Pertuz ended the game with a safety squeeze bunt to score pinch runner Parker Chavers from third base.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Wednesday. First pitch from Smokies Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. CT,
Reminder: Cantonment, Farm Hill Neighborhood Cleanup Day Is Wednesday
August 20, 2024
Residents of a portion of Cantonment and Farm Hill can dispose of yard debris and other items free of charge during a District 5 Neighborhood Cleanup on Wednesday, August 21.
During neighborhood cleanups, Escambia County departments team up to bring services to residents in an effort to keep local neighborhoods clean and safe. Participating is easy: Residents in the cleanup area simply leave eligible items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by Escambia County and partnering agencies.
All debris must be at the curb directly in front of residences in the area by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Tires and paint cans should be separate from all other debris. Debris piles should not be placed under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes. All items, including containers, will be collected.
Only residents in the designated cleanup area are able to participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected.
Items eligible for removal include:
- Household appliances and electronics
- Household junk and debris
- Bicycles and toys
- Old furniture and mattresses
- Barbecue grills
- Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
- Tires (limit 10 per household)
Items NOT eligible for removal include:
- Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Auto parts
- Dirt or sod
- Vehicles or vessels
- 55-gallon drums of fluids
The neighborhood cleanup initiative involves an aggressive cleanup effort, targeting different neighborhoods throughout the county, with crew members and volunteers picking up a variety of debris and waste, including electronics, furniture and household items.
Since 2016, more than 6,915 tons (13,830,000 pounds) of debris were collected and disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program.