AAA: Florida Gas Prices Fell 12 Cents Last Week, But Upward Pressure Returns
April 8, 2024
Florida gas prices are on a 9-day streak of declines, falling a total of 15 cents. On Sunday, the state average was $3.47 per gallon, down 12 cents from a week ago.
The average per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $3.37, with a low of $3.12 available on East Nine Mile Road. In North Escambia, the low price was $3.25 at two Cantonment stations on Highway 29.
“Pump prices are once again below year-ago levels, but upward pressure has moved back into the market,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The U.S. price of oil surged to new 2024 highs last week, which could cause gas prices to move higher.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Wahoos Beat M-Braves To Sweep Season-Opening Series
April 8, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos hammered Mississippi Braves pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep on Sunday afternoon, coasting to a 9-1 victory to improve to 3-0 on the young season.
With a season-opening weekend sweep, the Blue Wahoos are one win shy of tying a record set in 2021 for their best start in team history.
The Blue Wahoos jumped ahead early with three runs in the first, highlighted by a two-run single from Sean Roby that would have otherwise been a three-run homer if not for a cross-up on the basepaths.
Jacob Berry and Roby added RBI singles in the second inning to extend the lead to 5-0, and Diego Infante launched an opposite-field solo homer in the third. Harrison Spohn’s first Double-A hit added another run to the total, bouncing the Braves’ #2 pitching prospect with 11 hits allowed and a 7-0 lead.
That would be more than enough for Pensacola starter Paul Campbell, who pitched 5.1 innings of one-run ball in his first start in nearly two years. The righty fanned five in his comeback performance from 2022 elbow surgery, and was backed up with scoreless relief from Jeff Lindgren, Zach McCambley and Austin Roberts.
A sellout crowd of 5,038 – the third sellout in as many games – enjoyed a surprise flyover from the Blue Angels and support aircraft Fat Albert in the sixth inning as the ace flyers made their Sunday afternoon tour over downtown Pensacola.
After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos hit the road Tuesday for a six-game series in Montgomery against the Biscuits.
Western Gate Soccer Showdown Brings SEC Teams to North Escambia Area (With Gallery)
April 7, 2024
Escambia County residents had a chance to experience action Saturday between three top ranked Southeastern Conference schools as they competed in the Western Gate Soccer Showdown at Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park off 10 Mile Road.
The inaugural Western Gate Collegiate Soccer Showdown featured matchups between the Florida Gators, Mississippi State Bulldogs, and LSU Tigers with free admission.
Young soccer players and fans were thrilled to meet the soccer players during fan autograph sessions. The SEC players autographed team photos, jerseys, soccer balls and shoes as they interacted with fans.
For more photos, including the Mississippi State vs. LSU game, click here.
The 2024 SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament will return to Escambia County November 3-10. The top 12 SEC women’s soccer teams will compete for their championship at the Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
One Injured In Highway 97 Davisville Crash
April 7, 2024
One person was injured when a Kia crashed in a culvert on Highway 97 in Davisville Saturday morning.
The crash happened south of the Piggly Wiggly and the Florida/Alabama state line at Atmore. The driver was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS. Their injuries were not considered to be life-threatening.
Escambia County Fire Rescue, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded.
FHP is continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Funeral Held For Escambia Deputy Sheriff 1st Class Albert George Kalber
April 7, 2024
Funeral services were held Saturday at Pensacola Beach for Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff 1st Class Albert George Kalber.
Kalber passed away peacefully on March 24, surrounded by family and friends, after a long battle with an illness.
He served the citizens of Escambia County since 2013, becoming the school resource officer at Tate High School in 2018.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Horse Judging Team Places Third In State
April 7, 2024
The Northview High School FFA Horse Evaluation Team placed third overall in the state Saturday at the Florida FFA State Horse Evaluation Finals in Gainesville.
Kailey Hawkins also placed third individually. Team members are Hawkins, Jordan Ford, Kyrie King, and Jack Boutwell.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here’s How Escambia Public Schools Will Handle The Eclipse On Monday
April 7, 2024
About 80% of the sun will be eclipsed Monday in Escambia County, and Escambia County Public Schools has announced how they will handle the event.
All outdoor activities not approved by school principals will be suspended during the time, and school personnel will review proper safety protocols with students during the eclipse. Approved activities will vary by school and teacher and can include viewing the eclipse through approved eyewear and/or viewing the eclipse indirectly using pinhole projection. Teachers have received training on these topics.
Blue Wahoos Get Wild Walkoff To Delight Sellout Crowd With Second Win
April 7, 2024
by Bill Violan, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Two games into the season, the Blue Wahoos already have a walkoff win.
On a Fireworks Saturday, no less, complete with a bizarre finish.
Pinch-runner Dalvy Rosario, who joined the team earlier in the day, scored on a wild pitch, after advancing on a wild pitch to give the Blue Wahoos a 7-6 victory against the Mississippi Braves, as another sellout crowd celebrated at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
“It’s kind of something I’ve gotten used to,” said Blue Wahoos starting pitcher M.D. Johnson, who worked five solid innings in his outing. “It’s like once we do get to the bottom of the ninth, whether we’re down one, or we are tied, it’s like ‘Who is going to do it? Someone is going to do it.”
In this case, the Blue Wahoos built a 6-3 lead after five innings. But the M-Braves got a pair of runs in the eighth inning. In the top of the ninth, leadoff batter Cade Brunnel drew a walk from Blue Wahoos reliever Matt Pushard. A pinch-runner, Geraldo Quintero was inserted.
Quintero used his speed to steal second, then advanced to third on a fly ball to center. With two outs, two strikes, Yolbert Sanchez tied the game on a ground ball single through the hole between first and second. Pushard got the final out to head into the bottom of the ninth.
Paul McIntosh led off with a walk. Rosario was inserted as a pinch-runner. Jacob Berry swung and missed a third strike from reliever Jorge Juan, but the ball eluded catcher Tyler Tolve, allowing both runners to advance.
Another wild pitch sent Rosario to third and he scored on a wild pitch.
The joyous crowd of 5,038 then watched the season’s first fireworks display.
After playing games to quiet settings on back fields in the Miami Marlins spring training complex, Johnson said the setting the first two games of 2024 has been a welcome change.
“In spring training, everyone is just ready to get to the season,” he said. “You just want to get out of Jupiter. And here, with as much as fans as we have, you don’t have to build up to that energy level. It’s just there.
“The crowds here are amazing. I have been through four levels (of minor leagues) if you count short season in the Marlins system. But the crowds here in Pensacola are absolutely amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”
Earlier in the game, it was a another big night for left fielder Tanner Allen. The Mobile native and former Mississippi State star drove in a run in the first inning, went 3-for-4 at the plate and scored a run.
Shortstop Javier Sanoja had a big hit with a two-run double in the fifth inning.
GAME NOTABLES
The Tiger Point Sports Association celebrated its youth baseball organization with a parade of 200-plus kids on the field during pregame ceremonies.
ON DECK
WHAT: Blue Wahoos Season-Opening Weekend
WHO: Mississippi Braves vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHEN: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Jay Native Earns Navy Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Qualification Aboard USS Russell
April 7, 2024
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Shook, a native of Jay and 2016 Central High School graduate, recently earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification while serving aboard USS Russell.
Shook joined the Navy four years ago. Today Shook serves as an information systems technician.
According to Navy officials, the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification signifies that a sailor has achieved the highest level of expertise in surface ships and in surface warfare.
“Being recognized for my knowledge of my craft is an honor and a great professional achievement for me,” said Shook.
Russell is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer named for Rear Admiral John Henry Russell Sr. and his son, John Henry Russell Jr. John Henry Russell Sr. served during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War and John Henry Russell Jr. was the 16th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Russell. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
Photo: U.S. Navy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cancer Sucks: Tate’s Strike Out Cancer Games Surpass $200,000 For The Fight Against Cancer
April 6, 2024
The first year, they raised $2,550 and didn’t know if they would ever beat that mark.
Friday night, the Tate Aggies surpassed the $200,000 mark over the years at the 14th annual Tate Aggie Softball Strike Out Cancer game. It all benefits the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
“You guys are amazing. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” Tate head coach Melinda Wyatt told a large crowd before the game.
Last year, the game raised $27,755 for the fight against cancer. Friday night’s total had passed $24,000 as donations continued.
“I thought of three things that could probably sum it all up. We hate cancer. Cancer sucks. We need your money.”
For a Strike Out Cancer photo gallery, click here.
For a game action photo gallery, click here.
“That you to the Tate community,” Escambia Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard said before throwing the ceremonial first pitch. “I want you to know that we hate cancer, cancer sucks, but we love you.”
Survivors and current cancer patients and their families lined up on the field to tell their stories.
“My husband is struggling right now with cholangiocarcinoma bile duct cancer; please say a prayer for my husband,” the first speaker said tearfully.
“I’m Shannon Thompson And I just went through breast cancer and in remission and blessed to be here today.”
“I’m Evan Morgan and I’ve had breast cancer, two, lung, cancers and you’ll be fine, you’ll be fine,” the 1968 Escambia High School graduate reassured the others.
“My name is Natalee Hoffman,” the nine-year-old said as she stood tall in the pitcher’s circle holding a single carnation. “I have kidney cancer. Thank you all very much.”
During the game, the Lady Jaguars defeated the Lady Aggies 7-0.
For a game action photo gallery, click here.
Sydney Scapin earned the win for the Jags, giving up no hits and no runs in seven innings, striking out 17 and walking three. For Tate, Peyton Womack took the loss, surrendering five runs and six hits, striking out four and walking two over four innings. J. Smith closed in the circle for Tate, allowing six hits and two runs while striking out four and walking one.
Brea Holley and Abagayle Cogdill had three hits each for West Florida. Scapin, Holey, Cogdill and Macey Vegas each drove in runs.
