EREC’s 85th Annual Meeting Will Be Saturday, April 27
April 21, 2024
Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting will be held Saturday, April 27.
The meeting for EREC members will be held at Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill. Activities will be from 8 to 10 am., and the business meeting will begin at 10 a.m.
There will be lots of door prizes, vendor information tables and activities for kids. An electric vehicle will be on display, scholarship winners will be announced, and voting will take place for open trustee seats. Guest speaker will be Matt Diamond from PowerSouth.
Absentee voting is going on now at EREC offices in Walnut Hill and Jay through April 26.
Breakfast will be available with cash only with proceeds going to the EWMS culinary arts program.
Pictured: The 2023 EREC Annual Meeting at Jay High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High 2024 Prom King And Queen Named
April 21, 2024
Ava Gurganus was named prom queen, and Joe Wright was named prom king at the Northview High School 2024 prom Saturday night.
The prom, “A Night at Gatsby’s” was held at the Sanders Beach Resource Center in Pensacola.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Have Comeback Thwarted By Trash Pandas
April 21, 2024
by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos twice had late-inning rallies thwarted.
But it still became a grand night.
An overflow, sellout crowd of 5,000-plus, probably the largest so far this season, was treated to a three-element night of pregame festivities, a spoof with marinara sauce, and post game fireworks, after the Rocket City Trash Pandas held on for a 3-2 victory Saturday.
The Blue Wahoos twice scorched ground balls in the eighth and ninth inning with runners on base that were deftly fielded and turned into double plays – the latter to end the game.
After his eighth-inning shot down the first base line was snared and robbed, Jacob Berry gazed skyward and clapped his hands together in dismay after reaching the base.
Both kept Rocket City’s lead intact.
The massive crowd included more than a dozen groups, led by more than a dozen groups, including 200-plus from Navy Federal, plus large number of standing-room spectators. The outfield berm in right field was filled to its capacity along every available patch of grass.
Pregame tributes and gifts began for Saturday’s guest of honor on Jim Reeves Bobblehead Night. The former attorney and long-time Pensacola political leader, an influential voice in the push to build the stadium, was joined by his son, Pensacola mayor D.C. Reeves, along with many of his close friends in the community on the field before the game.
It was part of a scene that included several youth baseball teams running out with players during introductions.
When the game began, Rocket City again jumped to a lead. The Trash Pandas took a 3-0 lead after three innings against Blue Wahoos starter M.D. Johnson, who otherwise had a quality outing. He struck out six batters, walked only one and gave his team six solid innings.
Just like Friday, the Blue Wahoos used a home run to get their first run. Third baseman Harrison Spohn blasted his first of the year over the left field wall in the fifth inning.
In the sixth, Berry scored on a wild pitch, after reaching on a single and advancing on Jake Thompson’s single.
Blue Wahoos releivers Josan Méndez and Matt Pushard combined for three innings of stellar relief, allowing just one hit, and Pushard pitched out of a two-walk jam in the ninth by recoding three strikeouts.
In the ninth, Zach Zubia hit a one-out single. Bennett Hostetler connected on a 2-2 pitch from reliever Mason Erla, and sent it over the second base bag where the Trash Pandas infield shift paid off with a step-and-throw double play.
The Blue Wahoos (6-8) will try to gain a split of the six-game series on Sunday against the Trash Pandas (8-6), who have now won more games this week in this ballpark than in their previous three years combined.
The first pitch is set for 4:05 p.m.
GAME NOTABLES
There were 10 ceremonial first pitches before the game. Pensacola mayor D.C. Reeves preceded his father with a strike toss, prior to Jim Reeves closing out the sequence. The elder Reeves, a 1956 Pensacola High graduate, who rose to be a leader in the Florida House of Representatives, the later served on Pensacola City Council and the Community Maritime Park board.
The National Anthem was performed for a second time this week by Jessica Voigt, the Blue Wahoos group sales and community relations trainee, and UWF student, who elicited a loud applause after her rendition.
SUNDAY FINALE
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHEN: Sunday, 4;05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Photo: Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos) for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Found Asleep In Vehicle Facing Cocaine And Fentanyl Charges
April 20, 2024
A Cantonment woman found asleep in her vehicle by deputies is facing fentanyl and cocaine related charges.
Cherrelle Jeanninne Clay, 39, was charged with possession of controlled substances, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license third or subsequent conviction.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office reported finding Clay asleep and hunched over the center console of her parked and running Nissan Pathfinder at a car wash on Mobile Highway. Deputies noted in their report that after Clay awoke, she was trying to reach for a box on the passenger seat and had visible drug paraphernalia.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and deputies found powdered fentanyl and oxycodone pills, according to an arrest report.
Clay was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,500 bond.
Family Identifies 16-Year Old Cottage Hill Shooting Victim
April 20, 2024
Family members have identified the 16-year shot and killed April 12 in Cottage Hill, and they are working to raise funds for his funeral expenses.
Bryson Allen was a “loving child that loves basketball, fishing, hanging with friends and family,” Travis Packard wrote on a GoFundMe fundraiser page.
“He would help with anything. He was also eager to work for what he wanted; we loved him dearly.”
The shooting happened during a teen party at a home on Wishbone Road.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office siad 19-year-old Ethan Alexander O’Brien was showing off a gun when it fired an struck Allen in the chest. O’Brien was charged with felony negligent manslaughter.
Tate Gets Senior Night DoubleHeader Sweep Of Escambia (With Galleries)
April 20, 2024
The Tate Lady Aggies celebrated a blowout senior night doubleheader sweep over the Escambia Gators Friday.
The Aggies outscored EHS 22-3 with wins off 11-0 and 11-3.
For game action photos, click here.
For Tate Senior Night photos and candids, click here.
The Lady Aggies also honored their seniors — Kate Balagbagan, Olivea “Liv” Latner, Lizzy McVay and Kylea Gibbs — between games.
Tate 11, Escambia 0
Kara Wine slammed two home runs as she drove in six during Tate’s 11-0 shutout of Escambia.
Wine homered in the first and fourth innings.
Peyton Womack earned the wine for Tate. She pitched a complete five innings, surrendering one hit and no runs, striking out three and walking one.
Wine, Amburleigh Laird, Lacy Wilson, and Elizabeth McVay each had two hits for the Lady Aggies.
Tate 11, Escambia 3
In the second game of the Friday double header, Tate beat Escambia 11-3.
Balagbagan earned the win for Tate, allowing six hits and three runs in seven innings, striking out seven and walking two.
Tristen Showalter was 4-4 for Tate, and Balagbagan went 2-4 Tate. Elizabeth McVay, Womack, Wilson, and Jordan Smith, each contributed a run.
Pictured: Tate Lady Aggies softball seniors (L-R) #7 Kate Balagbagan, #21 Kylea Gibbs, #6 Lizzy McVay and #10 Liv Latner. Also pictured: Game action Friday afternoon as Tate hosted Escambia at Tate. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Man Killed In Crash Into A Tree
April 20, 2024
A Friday morning crash in Baldwin County claimed the life of an Atmore man Friday morning.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said 34-year-old David D. Williams was fatally injured when the 2010 Mercury Milan he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree.
Troopers said he was not wearing a selt belt and was ejected after crashing into a tree on Highway 31 about seven miles outside Atmore. He was pronounced deceased on scene.
Alabama troopers are continuing their investigation.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Chiefs Top Dawgs On Northview Senior Night (With Gallery)
April 20, 2024
The Northview Lady Chiefs earned a 6-1 senior night win over the Crestview Bulldogs Friday night in Bratt.
For action and senior night photos, click here.
Mikayla McAnnally earned the win for the Chiefs. She surrendered two hits and one unearned run over six and two-third innings, striking out five and walking one. Makayla Golson opened for the Chiefs, recording no hits, no runs, no strikeouts, and no walks in one-third of an inning.
Riley Brooks, Makayla Golson, and Chloe Ragsdale each had two hits for Northview. Riley Brooks and Bailey Burkett both had two RBIs.
Northview will travel to Urian on Monday to take on J.U. Blacksher.
Before the game, Northview recognized seniors Chloe Ragsdale, Makayla Golson, and Mason Edwards.
Pictured top: Northview Lady Chiefs softball seniors Chloe Ragsdale, Makayla Golson, and Mason Edwards. Also pictured: Action as Northview defeated Crestview Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate, Northview Fall In Friday Night Baseball On The Road
April 20, 2024
In Friday night high school baseball, both the Tate Aggies and the Northview Chiefs lost on the road.
Milton 9, Northview 6
A four-point lead evaporated as the Northview Chiefs fell to Milton 9-6 Friday night in Milton.
Robbie Bodiford, Brady Smith, Jackson Bridges, and Jase Portwood had two hits each for the Chiefs. Bodiford and Portwood had two RBIs each.
Jackson Bridges opened on the mound for Northview, giving up five hits and three runs in four innings, striking out four and walking three. Grayden Sheffield went for two-thirds of an inning, giving up three hits and six runs while walking four and striking out two. Portwood tossed one and a third, striking out three, walking none and surrendering no hits and no runs.
Up next, the Chiefs will be in action Tuesday against at the Tate Aggie at 6 p.m.
Fairhope 10, Tate 5
The Tate Aggies fell to the Fairhope Pirates 10-5 Friday night in Fairhope.
Clif Quiggins had a solo home run to right field in the top of the fourth for Tate.
Quiggins and Conner Hassell recorded two hits each for the Aggies. Quiggins, Ketch King, and Madox Land each had one run for the Aggies.
Tate will host Northview at 6 p.m. next Tuesday.
Jake Thompson Overcomes Tough Start In Blue Wahoos Comeback Win
April 20, 2024
by Bill Vilona
Jake Thompson had just returned this week from the injured list and three at-bats into Friday’s game, things weren’t going so well.
But then he made something special happen.
Thompson met a two-strike pitch and delivered a game-tying single in the eighth inning that led to the Blue Wahoos 5-4 comeback win against the Rocket City Trash Pandas, igniting an extended roar from a capacity crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
It was followed by relief pitcher Austin Roberts slamming the door in the ninth inning as he’s done in all four save opportunities this season with a stellar finish. The Blue Wahoos had trailed 4-0 into the fifth inning when chipping away at the deficit.
“To start the game off, I was 0-for-3 and it wasn’t pretty,” said Thompson, who was signed by the Miami Marlins in 2022 as a free agent following his collegiate career at Oklahoma State. “Had the bases loaded and (hit into) douple play and had two strikeouts. I wasn’t seeing the ball the best.
“But I knew I was going to have an important at-bat at the end, so I stayed locked in, stayed positive, was up cheering everybody on, having fun that we were coming back.
“There was a game my first year (in professional baseball) when I was in Jupiter (2022). I was like 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and then hit a go-ahead homer late in the eighth and it was like everyone forgot about it (early game struggles) except my mom. I got a text from her and goes, ‘At least you finally touched it.’
“That just made me relax and laugh a little bit. It’s like, I’ve done that before and been able to come through when I had the opportunity.”
The win evened the series for the Blue Wahoos (6-7) against the Trash Pandas (7-6), the Los Angeles Angels affiliate.
A perfect evening and filled seating bowl Friday included Pensacola’s Bubba Watson, the two-time former Masters champion who attended with his two children, and Miami Marlins assistant general manager Gabe Kapler, a former 14-year major league veteran and San Francisco Giants manager.
The Trash Pandas produced three runs in the second inning off Blue Wahoos starter Evan Fitterer, then added another run in the fourth.
But the Blue Wahoos got back into the game when Javier Sanoja launched a two-run homer in the fifth inning. They trimmed the decifict to 4-3 after Dalvy Rosario tripled.
In the eighth, Jacob Berry led off with a double. He scored on Thompson’s single. With Thompson at second. Shane Sasaki produced a textbook bunt single that sent Thompson to third and runners on the corners.
Sean Roby then laced a pitch 114 mph off his bat that was hit so hard in caused the centerfielder to fall after catching the ball and Thompson scored the go-ahead run with ease.
“That eighth inning, that was team baseball executed perfectly,” Thompson said. “Beautiful line drive up the middle to center and gosh, since you were 10-years-old, that’s how you’re taught to score runs.”
The series will continue Saturday with M.D. Johnson on the mound. A limited number of tickets are still available.
GAME NOTABLES
Blue Wahoos players passed on T-shirts to the first 1,000 fans courtesy of game sponsor Woodlands Medical Specialist.
Cassi McGee, teacher of the year in Escambia County, was honored before the game by leading a parade of fellow teachers who received awards and Magee threw out a first pitch.
WANT TO GO? WHO: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHEN: Saturday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.