Century Highway 29 Construction Zone Traffic Shift Delayed (Again)
July 28, 2024
An anticipated traffic shift in a Highway 29 construction zone in Century has once again been delayed again.
The Florida Department of Transpiration previously announced the shift would take place on July 15, then July 25. And now, FDOT says the contractor plans to shift traffic to newly constructed lanes on Thursday, August 1.
An unmarked Town of Century water pipe, a damaged water line and weather have all delayed the project.
NorthEscambaia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Chumuckla Highway And Pace Road Lane Closures Begin Monday
July 28, 2024
Lane closures on Chumuckla Highway and Pace Road (at Alyssa’s) in Pace will begin on Monday, July 29 through Wednesday, July 31, to install cross-drains. Installation is part of a project to add turn lanes on Chumuckla Highway and Pace Road. Both lane closures will happen near the roadway intersection.
Detours during installation on Chumuckla Highway include:
- Traffic moving south along Chumuckla Highway will be detoured to Pace Road and Pace Patriot Boulevard.
- Traffic moving north along Chumuckla Highway will be detoured to Rodella Street.
Once installation shifts to Pace Road, detours will include:
- Traffic moving south along Chumuckla Highway will be detoured to Norris Road and Pace Patriot Boulevard.
- Residents of Pace Road will detour to Pace Patriot Boulevard.
- Traffic moving north along Chumuckla Highway will still detour to Rodella Street.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Escambia Man Charged With Repeatedly Abusing Kitten
July 28, 2024
An 18-year-old Escambia County man has been charged with repeatedly abusing a three-week old kitten.
Eli Adrian Lee McIntyre was charged with felony animal cruelty. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $100,000.
McIntyre’s roommate provided the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office with four videos he alleged showed McIntyre abusing the kitten.
The first video reportedly showed McIntyre wrapping a phone charging cord around the neck of the kitten and pulling it up. Another showed the kitten having a seizure on the floor after McIntyre allegedly threw it against a wall. The other videos showed McIntyre grabbing the kitten by the neck and placing it inside a 12-pack box, and taking it in and out of a freezer, according to an arrest report.
The roommate told deputies that these were not the only abuse incidents, and McIntyre became aggressive after attempts to make him stop.
There was no update provided on the kitten’s condition in the arrest report.
Blue Wahoos Fall Behind Early, Drop Saturday’s Game To Shuckers
July 28, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
The first three runs the Biloxi Shuckers scored Saturday occurred on a grounder that hit an umpire, a just-missed double play, and a full-swing slow roller that stayed inside the third base line.
That third inning proved an omen of the night for the Blue Wahoos.
The Shuckers ballooned their 3-0 lead into a 8-4 victory, making postgame fireworks the biggest thrill for the usual sellout Saturday crowd of 5,038 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
It was the third time in five games this week against Biloxi with an 8-4 final score. This time, however, the Shuckers stayed on top after taking a 7-1 lead into the seventh inning stretch.
The Blue Wahoos created their one moment of intrigue in that at-bat. They scored runs when Jacob Berry led off with a double. Nathan Martorella walked. Shane Sasaki followed with an RBI double.
A wild pitch scored Martorella. Dalvy Rosario’s sacrifice fly scored Sasaki and suddenly it was a 3-run deficit. The inning ended with Jakob Marsee at third when Zach Zubia struck out.
The Blue Wahoos did not get a baserunner in the final two innings.
But the crowd remained as Blue Wahoos popular emcee “Downtown Dave” Presnell proclaimed, “Blue Wahoos fans, we didn’t win the game, but we’ll win the fireworks.”
The Blue Wahoos (52-42 overall, 14-12 second half) will get a second chance in Sunday’s series finale at 4:05 p.m. to win this homestand series against the Shuckers (46-47, 16-10).
Saturday, besides some unfortunate bounces, they faced a strong outing from Biloxi righthanded starter Logan Henderson, rated the No. 16 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Henderson (5-2, 3.38 ERA), worked six innings, allowing just three hits, one run, and striking out six.
The Blue Wahoos’ lone run off Henderson was Joe Mack’s 16th home run to lead off the fourth inning. It was his 14th homer since May 28.
Blue Wahoos starter Jeff Lindgren, who lasted just four innings, may have gotten out of the third inning without much damage if not for tough luck. With one out, a hard grounder hit by Brock Wilson hit the base umpire’s leg, causing the play to be ruled a single with a run scored.
It could have been a double play. The next batter, Ernesto Martinez Jr., then beat the relay throw to fend off a double play and score another run. Eric Brown Jr. then had a slow grounder stay fair inside the third base line for another RBI hit.
The Shuckers then blew out the game with Xavier Warren’s two-run homer off Lindgren in the fourth inning and Lamar Sparks’ 2-run homer off Anderson Pilar in the fifth.
Sunday’s game will be the Blue Wahoos’ final game this season against Biloxi. The Blue Wahoos have controlled the series with a 15-7 record, but only hold a 6-5 edge in the second half. A win in the finale would give the Blue Wahoos a tie-breaker advantage should the two teams tie for the second half division win and playoff spot.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Tate Showband Of The South Has A New Director
July 27, 2024
The Tate High School Showband of the South has a new director.
Ronald B. Gray Jr. has been named the director of bands at Tate. Within the Tate Department of Fine Arts, his responsibilities include teaching the wind ensemble, concert band, Showband of the South, and jazz band.
Before his tenure at Tate, Gray served as the director of bands at Pine Forest High School for seven years, where he also held the position of Fine and Performing Arts department chair. At Pine Forest, he taught wind ensemble, instrumental techniques, jazz band, and sound engineering.
Under his leadership and with the support of the administrative faculty, staff, and community, the Pine Forest Super Sound Band became a staple in the community and achieved superior ratings for the first time in over a decade.
Gray also served as an adjunct professor in the College of Education at Florida A&M University, where he taught instrumental methods.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Gray graduated from Stranahan High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Music from Florida A&M University. During his time at FAMU, he held positions as a student assistant to the director of bands and university band president. He later obtained a master’s degree in music, with a concentration in brass performance, from the University of South Alabama.
Gray is a proud husband and father who loves fishing and “burning chicken on the grill”.
Navy Federal Employees Honored By Manna For Volunteer Efforts
July 27, 2024
Navy Federal Credit Union received the Manna Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award earlier this year for their employees’ volunteer efforts in 2023.
To qualify for the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award, more than 500 volunteer hours must be given. Last year, Navy Federal Credit Union employees gave more than 1,345 hours – the equivalent of 27,036 healthy meals for neighbors in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, according to Mann.
Navy Federal Credit Union employees gave the most volunteer hours out of all Manna volunteer groups in 2023.
Each of the volunteers gave time out of their workweek to help Manna gross and fine sort food items, date- and quality-check food items, pack food bags and boxes, and a variety of other operational activities. The support of Navy Federal Credit Union employees was recognized at the 2024 Manna Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
“Our team members go above and beyond to champion our communities,” said Jackie Biggs, senior vice president of Greater Pensacola and Contact Center Operations. “We are all in to help each other and aim to leave a positive footprint that is authentically driven by our service and culture of giving back. Our partnership with Manna helps us fight food insecurity in our region, and we’re so grateful for the chance to support our neighbors in need.”
In 2023, a total of 4,295 volunteers gave more than 13,691 hours of service to Manna – the equivalent of 261,229 healthy meals for neighbors in need. Manna hosts volunteer groups Monday through Friday on a scheduled basis throughout the entire year. Volunteer support makes Manna’s work in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties possible.
Pine Meadow’s Cassi McGee Received Florida Outstanding Teacher Leadership Award
July 27, 2024
Escambia County’s teacher of the year, Cassi McGee of Pine Meadow Elementary School has received the 2024 Outstanding Teacher Leadership Award at the Florida Teacher of the Year Gala.
The award is given to a teacher who believes that every student deserves to have a teacher that is better than the best teacher any of us ever had.
McGee has been employed by the district since 2005, when she began as a fifth grade teacher at Scenic Heights Elementary. She stayed in that position until she transferred to Pine Meadow Elementary, where she still teaches today.
McGee’s students have consistently achieved learning gains and met and surpassed state-mandated benchmarks. In 2022-2023, 90% of her students made learning gains in math, with an average rise from a level 2 to 3. She has also been a valuable asset at Pine Meadow as the Math Committee Chair and is active in the Writing and Language Arts committees. Thirteen years ago at Pine Meadow, she started the safety patrol program for fifth-grade students, which is still thriving. She also serves as a coach for Pine Meadow’s award-winning Math and Battle of the Books teams each year.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man, 75, Arrested For Child Porn After FDLE, NCIS Investigation
July 27, 2024
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested an Escambia County man on child porn charges.
Lessly Howard Robison, 75, was charged with 20 felony counts of possession of child sex abuse material and one felony count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
The investigation began in October of 2022 after agents discovered a peer-to-peer file sharing user downloading child sexual abuse material. Files were downloaded onboard the Pensacola Naval Air Station and off-base. Through the investigative partnership between FDLE and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agents identified Robison as the user.
Agents served a search warrant at Robison’s residence and seized his laptop. A forensic preview of the laptop located numerous images depicting the sexual abuse of children, FDLE said.
The case is being investigated by the FDLE Pensacola Cyber Squad with assistance from NCIS.
Lessly was released from the Escambia County Jail on a quarter million bond.
Escambia County Youth Employment Program Celebrates Future Workforce
July 27, 2024
Escambia County recently completed another cycle of the Summer Youth Employment Program, helping nearly 200 local youth gain valuable on-the-job experience while working toward their future career goals.
Through the paid internship program, participating youth worked up to 30 hours per week in various county departments, learning a variety of practical job skills along with workplace etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect.
“Our Summer Youth Employment Program is one of the most important programs we offer at Escambia County, because it gives young people an opportunity to experience a professional workplace while helping them determine what career path they may want to pursue,” District 3 Commissioner Lumon May said. “The mentorship and job experience they gain from this program is invaluable, and I’m so proud of all of our participants for their hard work and dedication all summer long. I know their futures are very bright, and I’m excited to see the impact they will make in our community and beyond.”
In addition to learning new skills through their day-to-day work duties, program participants received job readiness training and post-employment briefings, which provided them feedback about their job performance. Youth worked in a variety of county departments this summer, including Animal Welfare, Building Services, Community and Media Relations, Development Services, District 3 County Commissioners Office, Engineering/Traffic, Extension Services, Facilities Management, IT, Library Services, Escambia County Area Transit, Natural Resources Management, Neighborhood and Human Services, Parks and Recreation and Public Safety. Summer youth employees also participated in internships with Community Action Program Committee, Community Health Northwest Florida, Escambia County Public Schools and the Supervisor of Elections Office through the program.
Escambia County’s 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program participants were recognized by D May and Neighborhood and Human Services staff for their hard work this summer during a ceremony at the Brownsville Community Center.
Spohn Delivers 3 RBIs As Blue Wahoos Delight With Win Against Shuckers
July 27, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
Harrison Spohn was just trying to continue his baseball career two years ago, following five collegiate seasons and a long-shot opportunity as an undrafted free agent.
“I don’t take any of this for granted,” said Spohn, the Blue Wahoos’ starting shortstop, who played at California Baptist before accepting a chance in the Miami Marlins minor league system. “It’s been a dream come true.”
Another special memory occurred Friday night when Spohn drove went drove home three runs on two singles, leading the Blue Wahoos to an 8-4 victory against the Biloxi Shuckers in front of a sellout crowd (5,038) at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The score matched the Blue Wahoos’ victory Tuesday in the series opener. But this one had a different feel.
The Blue Wahoos at the plate produced seven hits, reached six other times on walks and struck out just six times. They seized control early with a 4-run second inning.
After Joe Mack was hit by a pitch and Nathan Martorella – the star of Thursday’s win – reached on a fielder’s choice, Sean Roby then walked to load the bases. Dalvy Rosario’s infield chopper scored Mack, then Spohn followed with a two-run double. Shane Sasaki completed the rally with an RBI single.
Eight of the nine batters in the lineup reached base in a game where the Blue Wahoos opened a 7-1 lead in the fifth inning and got their normal boost from the bullpen to finish the game.
“It was good to get going in that second inning,” Spohn said.It continued in the fifth inning when Jacob Berry’s 2-run single completed 3-run rally. Paul McIntosh started with an RBI single that scored Sasaki.
On the mound, Blue Wahoos starter Paul Campbell was designated for a limited outing, as he recovers from an injury. His last start was June 8. He was strong on Friday night, allowing no hits in his three innings and retiring nine of the 10 batters he faced.
Adam Laskey worked the next four innings, allowing three runs, followed by Woo-Suk Go, who pitched a scoreless eighth and Raffi Vizcaíno, who finished in the ninth.
The Blue Wahoos (52-41 overall) are now 15-6 this season against the Shuckers.
The Blue Wahoos will now try to claim the series on Saturday against the Shuckers
The Blue Wahoos will send righthander Jeff Lindgren (1-1, 4.21 ERA) on the mound. The Shuckers will throw right-hander Logan Henderson (4-2, 3.71). Pregame activities begin at 5:45 to include ceremonial first pitches. The actual game first pitch is at 6:05 p.m.
After Friday’s home game, the Blue Wahoos now have 20 home games remaining in the regular season. They are 28-21 this season at Blue Wahoos Stadium.