Century 10U Lady Legends Win Mid-Season Tourney; 12U Takes Second
April 15, 2024
The Century 10U Lady Legends went 5-1 and won the GCGSA Mid-Season Tournament championship in Pace.
The team lost their first 10U “A” bracket game Thursday night before a five-game winning streak, including topping Molino Dirt Road Divas twice for the title.
The Century 12U Lady Legends took second in the tournament as they prepare for the second half of the season.
Pictured top: Century 10U Lady Legends. Pictured below: Century 12U Lady Legends Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos End Montgomery Road Trip With Victory, Snap Losing Streak
April 15, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos completed their six-game series versus the Montgomery Biscuits with a 4-2 win on Sunday.
After failing to score in its Saturday doubleheader, Pensacola struck first in the top of the second inning on Sunday. After a double from right fielder Diego Infante and a single from first baseman Zach Zubia, shortstop Jonathan Guzmán belted a three-run home run to give the Wahoos a 3-0 lead against Montgomery starter Ben Peoples (L, 1-1).
The Wahoos ultimately held the lead the rest of the game thanks to strong pitching from starter Paul Campbell (W, 2-0) – who pitched 5.0 innings of one-run ball – and bullpen work from Chandler Jozwiak, Matt Pushard, and Austin Roberts (S, 2). The Biscuits collected eight hits in the game but stranded 13 runners on base in the contest. Pensacola third baseman Sean Roby’s solo home run in the top of the ninth inning gave Pensacola a 4-1 lead before the Wahoos eventually held on to close out the game.
Lane Closures As $6.2 Million Highway 29 Resurfacing Underway North Of Highway 97
April 14, 2024
Work is continuing a $6.2 million Florida Department of Transportation Project to resurface Highway 29 from Highway 97 to north of Champion Drive.
Lane closures are underway for paving operations. FDOT said lane closures are prohibited from 6:30 – 8:00 a.m. and from 1 – 3:00 p.m. on school days.
Improvements in the project include the milling and resurfacing, drainage improvements, auxiliary lane and shoulder widening, signalization, and signing and pavement marking improvements.
According to FDOT, the 4.58 mile project is set to be completed in the Fall of 2024, weather permitting.
Thursday night, one person was killed and another critically injured in a crash involving a motorcycle during lane closures in the construction zone on Highway 29 near the Highway 97 intersection. The Florida Highway Patrol said the pick-up truck rear-ended the motorcycle. Troopers did not directly attribute the cause of the crash to the construction zone.
Pictured: Lane closures and work to resurface Highway 29 north of Highway 97 as seen Thursday afternoon, April 10. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Military Dad Surprises Kids, His Sister After Long Deployment
April 14, 2024
The Dove family received a really sweet surprise last week in Flomaton as a military dad returned from his deployments.
Flomaton High School graduate Tyler Dove is a father of four that has been stationed in Hawaii for quite some time.
Friday, he came home and visited Flomaton Elementary School, surprising his daughters McKinley and Paislee, and his sister Shelbi Hines, who is a Flomaton Elementary teacher.
And as if that’s not sweet enough of a story, it gets better with a birthday surprise. Friday was his young sister Raegan’s sweet 16.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
EREC Holds Lineman Camp For Local Students (With Gallery)
April 14, 2024
Fifteen students from area schools recently embarked on an electrifying journey at the first-ever Escambia River Electric Cooperative Power Up Lineman’s Camp.
Hosted by EREC, the camp not only equipped participants with essential skills in pole climbing and line repair but also delved into the intricacies of underground lines, bucket truck operations, right of way importance, and transformer functionality.
Under the guidance of experienced professionals, these budding linemen immersed themselves in hands-on activities, gaining practical knowledge that could potentially shape their future careers in the electrical industry. From mastering the art of ascending a pole to understanding the critical role of transformers in power distribution, each session was designed to empower the next generation of utility workers.
Ryan Campbell, CEO of EREC, emphasized the importance of camaraderie and safety within the industry, echoing the sentiment of a tight-knit family at EREC. “We are family here at EREC, and if there is any takeaway from this camp, it is to be safe at all times and take care of your brothers,” remarked Campbell.
Beyond technical skills, the camp fostered a sense of community and responsibility among the participants. Through teamwork and collaboration, students not only tackled challenging tasks but also forged bonds that transcended the boundaries of the camp.
With their newfound skills and the spirit of camaraderie instilled by EREC, these students are poised to become the linemen of tomorrow, ensuring that communities remain powered and connected for generations to come, EREC said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License, Tax Collector Services Available Thursday In Century
April 14, 2024
Driver’s license and other tax collector services will be available in Century on Thursday, April 18 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Billy G. Ward Courthouse.
Mobile Licensing and Identification Office (MILO) is a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, offering a range of services. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration, receive a parking placard, transfer a title, pay property taxes, and apply for a business tax receipt. Written and driving tests are not available from the MILO unit.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Season Ends With 6-1 Game Two Playoff Loss
April 14, 2024
The Pensacola Ice Flyers lost 6-1 the Peoria Rivermen in game two playoff action Saturday night in Peoria, Illinois.
Peoria moves on the second round as the season came to an end Saturday night for the Pensacola Ice Flyers.
The Ice Flyers have four previous Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) championships.
AG: Escambia Man Stole $17K From Escambia Senior, Used On Netflix, Amazon And Doordash
April 14, 2024
Florida Attorney General has announced the arrest of an Escambia County man for financially exploiting an elderly Escambia resident.
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit said Ira M. Roberts systematically took more than $17,000 from the senior’s bank account over an 18-month period, spending the funds on personal bills and purchases from DoorDash, Netflix, Amazon, and other stores.
“This man, while serving in a position of trust as a power of attorney, stole more than $17,000 from a senior victim’s bank account to use on himself. It is shameful that instead of faithfully fulfilling the role of power of attorney, he stole thousands of dollars to pay his own utilities and bills from DoorDash, Netflix, Amazon and other stores. I am thankful for our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for stopping this exploitation,” Moody said Thursday.
According to the investigation, Roberts, while in a position of trust with the 82-year-old victim, transferred more than $44,000 from the victim’s account into his own account between June 2021 and December 2022. Based on witness accounts, facility records and bank records, Roberts spent more than $17,000 of those transferred funds on personal expenses—not for the use or benefit of the victim.
Roberts faces one count of exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, less than $50,000—a second-degree felony. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
Wahoos Blanked By Biscuits In Twin Bill Sweep
April 14, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were swept in a doubleheader by the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday, falling 2-0 in game one and 6-0 in game two.
The Blue Wahoos offense managed just seven hits, all singles, in the two games. With the sweep, Pensacola has lost five games in a row.
In game one, Evan Fitterer (L, 0-1) allowed an RBI double to Heriberto Hernandez in the second inning and an RBI single to Carson Williams in the third. The Pensacola starter lasted 4.2 innings with no more damage done, but was outdueled by Ian Seymour (W, 1-0) and his 5.0 scoreless, two-hit innings for Montgomery.
The Blue Wahoos threatened in the seventh and final inning with singles from Shane Sasaki and Bennett Hostetler, but Antonio Jimenez (S, 1) coaxed a deep flyout from Jonathan Guzmán to end the game.
In game two, the Biscuits jumped out to an early 2-0 lead against M.D. Johnson (L, 0-1) with an RBI double from Kenny Piper and sacrifice fly from Hernandez in the first inning. In the third, Montgomery scored four runs on only an infield single thanks to three walks and a pair of infield errors.
Brendan McKay was sharp through 3.0 innings in his start for the Biscuits, and relievers Jeff Belge (W, 1-0) and Keyshawn Askew completed the three-hit shutout.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series in Montgomery against the Biscuits on Sunday. First pitch from Riverwalk Stadium is scheduled for 3:33.
Suspect Wanted After Teen Shot And Killed Late Friday Night In Cottage Hill
April 13, 2024
For an update to this story, click here.
A 16-year-old was shot and killed late Friday night in Cottage Hill.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired at a home in the 1600 block of Wishbone Road about 11:30 p.m.
Deputies arrived to find a 16-year-old suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on scene, according to ECSO spokesperson Morgan Lewis.
“The investigation determined that during a large gathering at the residence, Ethan O’Brien (pictured) was showing off his firearm at which time it accidentally discharged hitting the 16-year-old. O’Brien fled the scene before deputies arrived,” The ECSO said Saturday morning.
O’Brien, 19, is wanted for manslaughter through negligence.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on (850) 433-STOP or the ECSO at (850) 436-9620.
Pictured: The scene on Wishbone Road in Cottage Hill late Friday night after a teen was shot and killed. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.