Blue Wahoos Drop Series Finale In Last-Ever Meeting Against M-Braves
September 2, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos knew that a revamped roster, pitchers getting elevated, plus an extended road trip in August could bring some difficult challenges in the season’s final weeks.
It’s proven steeper than imagined.
In a homestand where they hoped to improve their position in the second-half race, the Blue Wahoos’ 9-3 loss Sunday against the Mississippi Braves was their fourth in a tough week at Blue Wahoos Stadium. And it brought a three-week record to 4-14.
But the crowd of 4,325 mostly stayed for what Sundays have been following games. Children ran the bases. Parents took video and cellphone photos. Families stayed to toss baseballs in the outfield.
With 12 games now remaining, the Blue Wahoos (64-50 overall, 26-30 in second half) remain four games back of the Biloxi Shuckers and now trail the M-Braves by three games in the chase for the second qualifying playoff spot.
This game marked the final time the M-Braves and Blue Wahoos played. Next season, the M-Braves are moving to Columbus, Georgia and into a revamped 98-year-old stadium on the riverfront to form a new franchise and Double-A affiliate for the Atlanta Braves.
Once again, Sunday became a scenario where an opportunity for a mid-game rally didn’t happen and the M-Braves seized upon their chances to take the series 4-2.
Patrick Monteverde was set to make his second start Sunday, following his best outing of the season in a Tuesday win that snapped the team’s six-game losing streak.
But Monteverde was summoned to rejoin Triple-A Jacksonville and the Blue Wahoos’ pitching staff was further thinned.
The game started well for the Blue Wahoos. Andrew Pintar led off with a single, then scored on Jared Serna’s RBI ground out.
Nathan Martorella blasted his 12th home run in the third inning for a 2-1 lead. After the M-Braves regained the lead on sacrifice fly and Bryson Horne’s solo homer off Pensacola starter Tristan Steves, the Blue Wahoos had their chance to answer.
They loaded the bases with one out in the bottom half of the inning. But newcomer Josh Zamora hit a roller back to the M-Braves’ pitcher Jhancarlos Lara, who went to the plate to trigger a pitcher-catcher-first base double play to end the inning.
The M-Braves then added two more runs in the fifth, another in the sixth and the Blue Wahoos had only two singles the rest of the way.
The Blue Wahoos’ Paul McIntosh and Johnny Olmstead each had a pair of hits in the game, getting the bulk of the team’s seven hits.
Stevens absorbed the loss on the mound after giving up three runs in four innings. Relievers Tyler Eckberg, Adam Laskey and Woo-Suk Go all yielded runs in relief.
The Blue Wahoos will have Monday off before traveling to Birmingham on Tuesday to begin a six-game trip against the Birmingham Barons.
Fire Destroys Large Detached Garage In Cottage Hill For Second Time In Four Years
September 1, 2024
For the second time in just over four years, fire destroyed a large, detached garage in Cottage Hill on Saturday afternoon.
The fire on Williams Ditch Road east of Handy Road was reported about 3:15 p.m. The first units for Escambia County Fire Rescue arrived to find the two-car garage fully involved in fire. Firefighters immediately went to work to prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby home.
The homeowner tells NorthEscambia.com that radio-controlled car batteries had been placed on chargers in the garage just before the fire. Escambia County Fire Rescue conducted the investigation and determined lithium-ion batteries on the charger caused the fire. .
The garage had been rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire about 8 p.m. on April 27, 2020. Information on the cause of that fire was not available Saturday.
Pictured above and first two photos below Fire rips through a large, detached garage in Cottage Hill Saturday afternoon. Picture bottom photos: The same garage burned in April 2020. NorthEscambia.com and reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Struck And Killed On Pine Forest Road
September 1, 2024
A man died after being struck by a vehicle Saturday night on Pine Forest Road in Cantonment.
The incident happened about 9:20 p.m. on Pine Forest just north of Highway 297A. The Florida Highway Patrol said a 17-year-old female from Pace was traveling southbound on Pine Forest Road approaching Jasper Street as a 52-year Pensacola man was walking his bicycle southbound in the roadway. Trooper said the teen failed to see the man in the roadway and struck him.
The man was transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased after being transported by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released further details on the crash.
Century High School Class of 1974 To Celebrate 50th Reunion
September 1, 2024
The Century High School Class of 1974 is gearing up for their 50th reunion. The celebration will take place on Saturday, September 21, at 5 p.m. at The Loft at Driskells in Byrneville.
The evening will kick off with a social gathering, followed by a dinner.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Sandra Greenwell at (850) 572-4310.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Stock Up on Storm Supplies Tax Free In Florida
September 1, 2024
Shoppers in Florida can stock up on storm supplies tax free through Friday, September 6 during a Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
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.
Labor Day Closures, Trash Schedule Info
September 1, 2024
Are government office and services will be closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day.
Escambia County Closures
The following Escambia County offices will be closed Monday, September. 2:
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (all departments)
- West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections
- Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare
- Escambia County Extension Office
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
- Waste Services Administration
- Escambia County Area Transit Administration and Customer Service
Escambia County Exceptions
- The Perdido Landfill will be open with regular hours Monday, September 2.
- ECAT buses and the UWF trolleys will not run service Monday, September 2. The Pensacola Beach Trolleys will run their last day of regular service. Normal operations will resume Tuesday, September 3.
Town of Century
Town of Century offices will be closed on Monday, September 2
ECUA
ECUA business offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. ECUA offices, including our Customer Service Department, will reopen on Tuesday, September 3, at 8:30 a.m.
Residential and commercial sanitation collections for ECUA customers will be unaffected by the holiday and will be carried out as usual.
City of Pensacola
The following City of Pensacola offices and facilities will be closed Monday:
- City of Pensacola administrative offices
- City Hall
- City of Pensacola community resource centers
City of Pensacola Exceptions
- Osceola Golf Course and Roger Scott Tennis Center will remain open.
Pensacola Sanitation Service Changes:
Some City Sanitation customers will experience a change of schedule the week of Monday, September 2, with Monday and Tuesday services occurring one day later than their normal pickup day. This only applies to City of Pensacola Sanitation customers.
- Customers who normally receive service on Mondays will receive service on Tuesday, September 3.
- Customers who normally receive service on Tuesdays will receive service on Wednesday, September 4.
- Thursday and Friday customers will see no change.
Road Construction Remains On Hold Through Labor Day; Lane Closures Return Tuesday
September 1, 2024
For the Labor Day holiday period, the Florida Department of Transportation has announced there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on major state roads beginning at through 12 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3.
Beginning Tuesday, 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. From Tuesday, Sept. 3 through Thursday, Sept. 5, 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. Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 4, upon entering the U.S. 29 southbound exit lane to access the I-10 eastbound ramp, drivers will follow a slight detour to a temporary ramp. These closures and detours 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, Tuesday, Sept.3 through Thursday, Sept. 5, 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 open to traffic, as crews have completed reconstructing Canoe Creek bridge.
- U.S. 98 Routine Bridge Inspection on Pensacola Bay Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine bridge inspection.
Santa Rosa County:
- State Road (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, Tuesday, Sept. 3 through Friday, Sept. 6 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, Tuesday, Sept. 3 through Thursday, Sept. 5 from 7 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:\
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Blue Wahoos Comeback Falls Short Saturday In Ninth-Inning Heartbreak
September 1, 2024
written by Bill Violona
The bases-loaded pitch exited off Andrew Pintar’s bat faster than it entered across the plate, instantly igniting a ninth-inning roar from Saturday’s capacity crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A second later, however, a collective groan ensued.
Pintar’s rocket line drive was caught by Mississippi Braves shortstop Cal Conley, who then made an easy flip to second base for a game-ending double play in the M-Braves’ 7-5 win against the Blue Wahoos.
The solace for the crowd was fireworks, which soon lit the sky as the traditional post-game Saturday show – this one sponsored by Woodlands Medical Specialists – brought cheers after Pensacola’s disappointing loss.
The game was also designated as Star Wars Night, complete with 18 costumed characters who were part of the large crowd.
The Blue Wahoos rallied from another galaxy after trailing 6-0 in the second inning. They got within a run after chipping away, scoring their fifth run in the seventh inning. The M-Braves, as they have done all week, manufactured an insurance run in the eighth and let their bullpen handle the rest.
Saturday’s loss, coupled by the Biloxi Shuckers’ home win against the Montgomery Biscuits, drops the Blue Wahoos (64-59 overall, 26-29 second half) four games back with 13 games left in a three-team race for a second-half playoff spot.
It’s going to be a tall order from this point. First, the Blue Wahoos will try and split this six-game series with the M-Braves in Sunday’s homestand finale.
The game Saturday began with a thud. Blue Wahoos starter Robby Snelling, making his second home start, had his roughest outing since joining the team as part of a July 30 trade the Miami Marlins made with the San Diego Padres.
Five of the first six batters that Snelling faced all scored. Snelling plunked Conley, the game’s leadoff batter. Second baseman David Fletcher followed with a single. Fletcher is the two-way player who started Thursday’s game throwing his knuckleball.
Both players advanced on a double steal. Conley scored on an infield hit. A run-scoring single followed, then a two-run triple by Cody Milligan, who then scored on an infield groundout.
In the second inning, what could have been a double-play groundout was instead an error, allowing leadoff batter Brandon Parker to advance and score on Fletcher’s single for a 6-0 lead.
But from this point, Snelling settled into a groove and retired 14 of the final 16 batters he faced in order.
The Blue Wahoos got back into the game with Paul McIntosh. He blasted a two-run homer in the second, then a solo homer in the seventh inning that made it a one-run game.
An inning earlier, Nathan Martorella hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
In the ninth, trailing by two runs, an opportunity existed when Joe Mack led off with a single. Cody Morissette was hit by a pitch with one out, and Shane Sasaki walked.
M-Braves reliever Jorge Juan was struggling with command. And his pitch to Pintar was hit on the barrel and could have been the game-tying shot. Instead, it became the game-ender.
The Blue Wahoos will try to finish with a split of the series when Patrick Monteverde, who pitched so well in Tuesday’s win, returns for his second start in the second-to-last Sunday home game of the season.
Beulah Man Charged With 20 Child Porn Counts Can Remove GPS Monitor On Bond, Judge Rules
August 31, 2024
A 50-year-old man arrested last month by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on 20 felony child porn counts will remain free on bond and will be allowed to remove his GPS monitor, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Charles “Billy” Danielson was charged July 10 with 20 counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials and one count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
According to court records, Danielson was released from the Escambia County Jail after posting a $210,000 bond and pleading not guilty.
Danielson filed a motion to remove a GPS monitoring requirement from his bond conditions.
Prosecutors did not object to the GPS monitor being removed, and Judge John Simon granted the motion Wednesday. However, Simon additional condition to the bond.
Danielson “must move back to the state of FL by Oct 1st”, according to court documents. A previous pretrial release agreement restricted him to remaining within 100 miles of his residence, but die not directly address leaving the state.
FDLE said the investigation began in February after agents received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a social media user uploading images of child pornography.
On July 10, agents served a search warrant at Danielson’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices for examination. Agents said they found numerous images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of male and female children, some as young as infants and toddlers.
Danielson is due back in court in late November with trial currently set for December.
Escambia County Misses Chance To Sink SS United States For A Reef
August 31, 2024
Escambia County has missed out on acquiring the SS United States to sink offshore as an artificial reef.
Okaloosa has signed an agreement to be ratified next week to purchase the historic ship for $9 million.
Escambia County had discussed potentially buying the ship. Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said in July that it would take a commitment of $10 million, but Escambia never made an offer.
The Escambia County Marine Advisory Committee is expected to discuss the idea at a Monday afternoon meeting.
The SS United States is 990 feet long, 100 feet longer than the Titanic. It is just over 101 feet wide, and 53,330 tonnes. The draw at the load line was 36 feet-4 inches. The ocean liner was built between 1950 and 1951 for Unite States Lines. It was taken out of service in 1969.
The nonprofit SS United States Conservancy is working to relocate the ship from Philadelphia to comply with a court order.
Earlier this summer, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Anita Brody ruled that the SS United States’ landlord, Penn Warehousing, could not double dockage fees without notice in its effort to force America’s Flagship from Pier 82 in Philadelphia. However, the Court also directed the Conservancy to remove the irreplaceable national symbol from Pier 82 in Philadelphia by September 12, 2024.