Wahoos Shut Down Suns 2-1
June 1, 2013
Josh Smith scattered seven hits over 6.2 innings and led the way as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos knocked off the Jacksonville Suns 2-1 on Friday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
Smith (4-5) picked up his first win since April 29 by allowing just one run on seven hits in his outing. The righthander struck out seven and continued his dominance of Jacksonville. In three starts against the Suns this year, Smith is 2-0 with a 1.53 ERA, striking out 20 in 17.2 innings. The only run he allowed was a fourth inning single from Zack Cox that scored Kyle Jensen.
Pensacola jumped out on top early against Jacksonville starter Bryan Evans (0-3). With two outs, Tucker Barnhart singled and came home on a double by Bryson Smith to give the Blue Wahoos a 1-0 lead.
After Jacksonville tied the game in the fourth, the Wahoos retook the lead for good in the fifth. Ryan LaMarre stepped to dish with runners on second and third and slapped a single through the drawn-in infield to score Devin Lohman. The base knock snapped an 0-for-14 skid for LaMarre.
Lee Hyde and Loek Van Mil combined for 2.1 scoreless frames out of the bullpen with Van Mil picking up his third save of the year by retiring the final four batters of the game, including a 12-pitch strikeout of Jake Marisnick to end the contest.
The Blue Wahoos look for the series win in the six-game series on Saturday at 6:35 p.m. Tim Crabbe (2-4, 3.74) will get the ball for Pensacola against Jacksonville’s Adam Conley (4-2, 4.72).
story by Kevin Burke
Downed Pole Sparks Fire At Cantonment Pharmacy
May 31, 2013
A downed power pole and transformer sparked a minor fire at the Cantonment Pharmacy this afternoon.
A tractor operating a Bush Hog reportedly broke the pole, sending a sparking power transformer onto the building and starting small blaze. The fire was quickly extinguished by the first Cantonment fire unit on scene. There was no major damage, and the pharmacy was reported to be back open for business.
Deputy’s Cruiser Vandalized In Cantonment
May 31, 2013
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office SUV was vandalized overnight in Cantonment.
The deputy discovered the damage this morning to the cruiser parked in front of his house in the Turnberry Place subdivision off East Kingsfield Road. The back window had been shattered, and tires were flattened. Nothing was reported missing from the vehicle.
The incident is under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. A crime scene unit was called to the scene to check the vehicle for fingerprints and any other clues. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Pictured: An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office SUV was vandalized in Cantonment. Photos by Chris Johnson, WEAR 3, for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Names Valedictorian, Salutatorian; Seniors Receive $800K
May 31, 2013
Well over $800,000 worth of confirmed scholarships were presented Thursday night to members of the Northview High School Class of 2013, and the school also named its valedictorian and salutatorian.
Jazzlyn Franklin was named the Northview High School Class of 2013 valedictorian, while Winston Riley was named salutatorian (pictured top).
Also during Senior Honors Night, seniors were recognized for college scholarships that they have received. The NHS Class of 2013 earned over $810,000 in scholarship money. Additional scholarships awards are expected to be confirmed.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Editor’s note: A list of honors graduates and academic awards presented Thursday night was not immediately available. The lists will be published at a future date.
The following students were recognized Thursday for scholarships received:
Corry Baggett
Gold Seal Vocational (Bright Futures) – $3,384
International Paper Pensacola Employees Scholarship – $1000
Solon Gandy Memorial Foundation Scholarship – $500
Jessica Baldwin
Florida Medallion Scholar (Bright Futures) – $9000
2+2 Pensacola State College/University of Florida – Institute
of Food & Agricultural Science Scholarship – $8,275
Pensacola Interstate Fair Grant – $1000
Walnut Hill Ruritan – $500
Thomas E. Weaver Memorial FFA Scholarship – $500
FFA Alumni Scholarship – $500
Glynn C. Key Scholarship – $500
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Alison Bardin
University of Mobile Dean’s Scholarship – $28,000
Florida Medallion Scholar (Bright Futures) – $9000
MIRA Book Award – $200
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Laura Clemmons
University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts – $4000
Dillian Crutchfield
McDonald’s National Employee Scholarship – $2500
FFA Alumni Scholarship – $500
Walnut Hill Ruritan Scholarship – $50
Hannah Fiellin
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Florida Medallion Scholar (Bright Futures) – $9000
Jazzlyn Franklin
Florida Academic Scholar (Bright Futures) – $12000
Florida State University Freshman Scholarship – $2400
Omega Psi Phi Scholarship – $TBD
Delta Sigma Theta – $300
Atmore Academic All-Stars – $750
Charles and Alice Mayson Scholarship – $17,400
La’Derious Franklin
Florida Medallion Scholar (Bright Futures) – $9000
Randolph Luttrell, Sr. Rotary Club Memorial Scholarship – $2,000
Tri-City Rotary – $500
Omega Psi Phi Scholarship – $TBD
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Ashton Gibbs
University of Mobile Dean’s Scholarship – $28,000
University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts Scholarship – $1,800
MIRA Book Award – $200
Atmore Academic All-Stars – $500
Georgia Goetter
Florida Medallion Scholar (Bright Futures ) – $9000
Alisha Grice
Reid State Technical College – $4000
PSC Outstanding Minority Scholarship – $1,600
MIRA Book Award – $200
Justin Halteman
Hermann Johnson EREC – $4000
PSC Principal’s Scholarship – $1600
Florida Academic Scholar (Bright Futures) – $12000
UWF Argonaut Scholarship – $3000
UWF Nautilus Scholarship – $4000
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Melanie Heard
Mississippi State University – $56752
Ariel Holland
Thomas E. Weaver Memorial DCT Scholarship – $500
Faulkner State College Cheerleading Scholarship – $18000
Marcus “Trey” Johnson
Gold Seal Vocational (Bright Futures) – $3,384
Pensacola Civitan Citizen of the Year – $TBD
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Zachary Johnson
University of South Alabama Presidential Scholarship – $14,000
Quinton D. & Mary P. Studer Charitable Giving – Gwen Applequist
Difference Maker Award – $1000
MIRA Book Award – $200
Atmore Academic All-Stars – $750
Courtney Lambert
Florida Medallion Scholar (Bright Futures) – $9000
MIRA Book Award – $200
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Henry H. Reichold Scholarship – $14000
Jessica Mahon
Take Stock in Children Scholarship – $12,382
Joshua Blake McCall
Jackson State university Football Scholarship – $105,000
Ashley Mooney
Take Stock in Children Scholarship – $12,382
Gold Seal Vocational (Bright Futures) – $3,384
MIRA Book Award – $200
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Shelly Mothershed
Fred L. McGhee First Generation Scholarship – $25,000
Maranda Moye
Florida Medallion Scholar(Bright Futures) – $9,000
MIRA Book Award – $200
Jody Paramore
Florida Medallion Scholar (Bright Futures) – $9000
Dustin Parker
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Luiseño Indian Scholarship – $70,000
Morgan Payne
Jefferson Davis Community College Volleyball Scholarship – $10000
Timothy Rackard, III
Florida Medallion Scholar (Bright Futures) – $9000
Winston Riley
University of South Alabama Presidential Scholarship – $14,000
University of West Florida Nautilus Scholarship – $2,000
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Thomas E. Weaver Memorial Baseball Scholarship $500
Florida Medallion Scholar (Bright Futures) – $9000
Stephanie Roach
PSC Wind Ensemble Scholarship – $500/semester
MIRA Book Award – $200
Morgan Taylor Roberson
Jefferson Davis Community College Volleyball Scholarship – $10000
Neiko Robinson
Penn State Football Scvholarship – $150,000
Tyler Roley
Faulkner State College Presidential Scholarship $13,000
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Morgan Smith
Jefferson Davis Community College Volleyball Scholarship – $10000
Johnnie Smith
MIRA Book Award – $200
Julia Thorpe
Florida Academic Scholar (Bright Futures) – $12000
MIRA Book Award – $200
Atmore Rotary Academic All Stars – $500
Jessica Warner
Florida Medallion Scholar (Bright Futures) – $9000
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Two Arraigned In Molino Related Murder
May 31, 2013
Two people were arraigned Thursday in connection with a Molino-related murder.
Zachary Greer and Debra Burge, both 22, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges in the death of Harvey Ray Smith. They are set for trial in August.
The body of Smith, age 43 of Pace, was found stuffed into a trunk behind a Motel 6 on Davis Highway the morning on May4. Smith had been reported missing in Santa Rosa County. Family members located his vehicle at the motel and then discovered the body.
Reports state Burge and Greer conspired to rob Smith. Burge allegedly lured Smith, her acquaintance, to her home in the 3900 block of Highway 97 in Molino. She told deputies she went inside while Smith and Greer remained outside. When she later exited the home, she found Smith on the ground of the Molino home bleeding. She told Sheriff’s investigators that Greer told her he stabbed Smith and put his body in the trunk of the car that was later driven to the Motel 6 on Davis Highway in Pensacola.
Escambia County Graduation Schedule
May 31, 2013
Here is a schedule of graduations for public high schools in Escambia County:
Saturday, June 1
- Northview High School, school gymnasium, 4:00 p.m.
Other Escambia County High School will graduate at the Pensacola Civic Center as follows:
Monday, June 3
- Booker T. Washington High School, 11:00 a.m.
- Pensacola High School, 2:30 p.m.
- Escambia High School, 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 4
- Pine Forest High School, 11:00 a.m.
- West Florida High School, 2:30 p.m.
- Tate High School, 6:00 p.m.
Early Voting Begins Saturday In House District 2
May 31, 2013
Early voting begins Saturday for the House District 2 seat that was held by Clay Ford until his death in March.
There will be three early voting locations:
- Supervisor of Elections Main Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor
- Tryon Branch Library, 1200 Langley Avenue
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
Early voting will be offered Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.; and from Monday, June 3 through Friday, June 7 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Early voting ends Saturday, June 8 and is available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. that day. Early voters cast paper ballots through our digital scanners, and may choose any one of the three sites. Voters must present photo and signature ID when voting in person, or will have to vote a provisional ballot.
All voters in House District 2 are eligible to vote in the special election, regardless of party affiliation. To find out if you are registered in House District 2, check your voter information card, visit EscambiaVotes.com, or call the elections office at 850-595-3900.
Another option for voters is to cast an absentee ballot, which can be requested through the online form at EscambiaVotes.com, or by contacting the Supervisor of Elections by mail, phone (850-595-3900), e-mail (absentee@escambiavotes.com), or fax (850-595-3914). Requests must include the voter’s date of birth and address, and must be received no later than Wednesday, June 5. Voted ballots must be received in the Elections Office no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day and may not be returned to a polling location on Election Day. Absentee voters may track the status of their ballot at EscambiaVotes.com. Polls will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, June 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Polling locations will be open on Tuesday, June 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 43 precincts in State House District 2. Visit EscambiaVotes.com and click on “2013 Special Election Information” for a complete list of polling locations and information on the special election. Note that voters in two precincts – 29 and 31 – will be voting at a different location this election due to the unavailability of their regular polling place. Voters in those precincts have been notified by mail.
Chiefs Name 2013-14 Varsity, Junior Varsity Cheerleaders
May 31, 2013
Northview High School has named their 2013-2014 varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders.
Pictured top: The 2013-2014 varsity Northview High School cheerleaders (front, L-R) Chloe Leonard, Mariah Albritton, Madison Arrington, Katelynne Calloway, Courtney Weaver, Olivia Neal (middle row) Kendal Cobb, Hannah Gibson, Ali Martin, Anna Fischer, Kamryn Brock, Kristen Byrd, (back row) Danielle Robinson, Morgan Ward, Mallory Ryan, Jessica McCullough, Jadlyn Agerton and Katie Born.
Pictured below: The 2013-2014 junior varsity Northview High School cheerleaders (front, L-R) Brianna Taylor, Savanna Roux, Dariane Guy, Megan Bryan, Sykeema McConnico, (middle row) Mallory Gibson, Peighton Dortch, Haley Lambert, Jensyn Warner, Morgan Myrick, (back row) : Autumn Albritton, Tatyanna White, Jamia Newton, Hadley Woodfin and Mallarie Rigby.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Former Fire Dept. Bookkeeper Charged With Theft, False Statements To Feds
May 31, 2013
Tony Gene Broxton, Jr., age 54 of Pace has been charged with theft of public money and making false statements to federal agencies.
The four-count indictment charges that Broxton stole money from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and made fraudulent statements to both agencies regarding his employment as the treasurer and financial officer for the Pace Fire and Rescue District (PFRD).
Count one charges Broxton with stealing over $140,000 from the SSA between 2008 and 2013. Count two charges Broxton with stealing over $60,000 from the VA from between 2009 and 2013. Count three charges Broxton with falsely stating to the VA that he had no job and no one would hire him due to his disabilities, when in fact he was actively employed by Pace Fire at the time. And count four charges Broxton with falsely stating to the SSA that he was not paid for his work with the Pace Fire Rescue District and that his wife had worked full-time for PFRD, when in fact Broxton’s wife did not work for PFRD and payments for Broxton’s work as treasurer and financial Officer of PFRD were made directly to his wife, in her name.
Broxton is scheduled for trial on July 8 before Chief U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. If convicted, Broxton faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for each count of theft, as well as a maximum of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for each count of making a false statement.
Wildfires Burn Near Bratt, Atmore
May 31, 2013
Separate wildfires burned near Bratt and Atmore Thursday afternoon.
Just after 5:00, firefighters from Walnut Hill and Century responded to a wildfire in the 3000 block of Highway 168 east of Wiggins Lane. With the help of two Florida Division of Forestry tractors, the fire was declared under control about 6 p.m. The fire, about two acres in size, was caused by an illegal burn, officials said.
Also Thursday afternoon, firefighters from Atmore and Poarch responded to wildfire off Industrial Drive near Swift Lumber Company in Atmore. The Alabama Division of Forestry was responding to the blaze as of just after 6 p.m. No structures were threatened.