Wahoos Top The M-Braves 3-2
July 26, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos did the little things right on Tuesday night, scratching out just enough offense to beat the Mississippi Braves 3-2 in their series opener at Trustmark Park.
Of the five runs scored in the game, only one came in on a run-scoring hit. After a José Devers RBI single in the third, Pensacola’s pivotal runs came in the middle innings on RBI groundouts from Will Banfield and Griffin Conine.
Evan Fitterer was sharp through three innings in his start for the Blue Wahoos, but ran into trouble in the fourth and departed with the bases loaded in a 1-1 tie. Austin Roberts (W, 3-1) needed only one pitch to strand all three runners, and ultimately retired all 10 batters he faced in his first appearance back from Triple-A Jacksonville.
Banfield put Pensacola ahead in the fifth with an RBI groundout, and Conine provided insurance in the sixth with an RBI groundout of his own. Domingo Robles (L, 5-7) was the tough-luck loser, turning in a quality start for the Braves on a night when Mississippi managed only two hits.
Eli Villalobos gave a run back in the eighth thanks to a pair of walks and a groundout, but Jefry Yan (S, 9) struck out the side in order in the ninth to lock down the win.
In his Double-A debut, 2022 first round pick Jacob Berry was 1-for-3 with a single, walk and stolen base.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Braves on Wednesday.
by Erik Bremer
Male Driver Found Fatally Shot In Atmore
July 25, 2023
A fatal shooting in Atmore Tuesday is under investigation.
The Atmore police and fire departments were dispatched to a reported vehicle crash on Brooks Lane near King Street just after 5 p.m.
“When the officers arrived, they discovered the driver had been shot,” Sgt. Darrell McMann said.
The victim was transported to Atmore Community Hospital where he died from injuries.
“Investigators are working to identify the victim’s family and identify a suspect,” McMann said. Additional details were not released.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cantonment Man Charged With Fleeing Deputies At Over 100 MPH
July 25, 2023
A Cantonment man is facing multiple charges after an alleged battery and fleeing from deputies at speeds topping 100 mph.
Everett Lamont Norman, Sr., 51, was charged with felony fleeing and eluding, battery and criminal mischief with property damage. Due to a probation violation charge, he remained in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Pensacola Police Department were attempting to located a reported rolling disturbance in a vehicle described as dark colored SUV with no license plate, a missing rear window and a flag hanging from the rear.
Deputies initiated a felony takedown on the driver and vehicle near the intersection of W Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Norman complied at first, but stopped obeying commands and drove away, according to an arrest report.
The vehicle reached speeds over 100 miles per hour on W Street before deputies called off the pursuit near Airport Boulevard. A few minutes later, the vehicle was found wrecked and rolled over in a curve on W Street near Marcus Pointe Boulevard.
Norman attempted to walk away from the crash, but was ordered to the ground and was taken into custody without further incident.
Tate Aggie Day Is Thursday, Orientation Set (With New Date)
July 25, 2023
Aggie Day and the freshmen/new student orientation events are set for Tate High School with a new date for the orientation.
Aggie Day is Thursday, July 27 from 9-11:30 a.m. It is a chance for incoming freshmen and new transfer students to get to know the school. Students will meet in the cafeteria to be placed into groups led by Aggie student leaders. They will then rotate from class to class to hear about different topics and get a tour of the school. Parents should plan to drop off and pick up their student(s) in front of the Tate building for this event. Parents are asked not to participate in the groups as this is an event led by and for students.
Students need to be prepared to walk the campus and bring a bottle of water RSVP for Aggie Day on the Tate High School webpage. Schedules will not be available at this event, nor will teachers, staff members, or guidance counselors be there to answer questions since this is a student-led event.
Freshman and new student orientation is Monday, August 7 from 9-11 a.m. (This is a date change.) Orientation is for both parents and students.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Florida’s Two-Week Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Is Underway
July 25, 2023
Florida’s two-week back to school sales tax holiday is underway through August 6.
Items exempt from sales tax include:
- Most school supplies selling for $50 or less
- Clothing, footwear and accessories selling for $100 or less
- Computers and related accessories selling for $1,500 or less (when purchased for non-commercial and personal use)
- Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles selling for $30 or less
“Getting ready for the new school year can be an expensive time for Floridians, and that is why I’m encouraging Florida families to take full advantage of the back-to-school sales tax holiday. This tax break will help families ensure their children have all the supplies they need to reach their full academic potential this school year,” said Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis.
For the complete, detailed list, click here.
SRSO Seeks Suspect In Jay Utility Trailer Theft
July 25, 2023
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to identify a man in the theft of a utility trailer from Highway 89 in Jay.
The black 2021 6’ x 14’ black utility trailer with a spare tire on the front and an Alabama tag was stolen on July 12. The trailer VIN is 7NR101411LF003389.
According to authorities, the man drove a white pickup truck, possibly a Ford. He has dark hair and a beard, and was wearing dark shorts, light colored shirt, and flip-flops.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers anonymously at (850) 437-STOP. A reward up to $3,000 is offered.
Escambia County Armed Fentanyl Trafficker Gets 35 Years
July 25, 2023
An Escambia armed fentanyl trafficker has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison on fentanyl charges
Marcus D. Flintroy, 32, was found guilty by a federal jury on two counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“Hundreds of individuals are killed every day in communities throughout our country due to thedistribution of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Each of these deaths is a tragedy, robbingindividuals of their promise and rippling families left behind with unimaginable grief. Weremain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and aggressivelyprosecute those who distribute these addictive, controlled substances. This sentence erves as asignificant deterrent to drug traffickers and demonstrates our resolve to hold them accountable.”
Between December 8, 2022, and January 5, 2023, Flintroy distributed and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 200 grams of fentanyl in Escambia County, according to prosecutors.
The evidence against Flintroy culminated with a traffic stop conducted by law enforcement, during which Flintroy tried to evade the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit by ramming his vehicle into multiple undercover law enforcement vehicles near Lowes and Home Depot on Nine Mile Road.
Flintroy then ran on foot when his vehicle became disabled, but he was caught by law enforcement officers. In his vehicle, law enforcement located approximately 100 grams of fentanyl, numerous items of drug paraphernalia, a loaded assault rifle, a loaded pistol, and over 180 rounds of ammunition.
Flintroy has prior state felony convictions for offenses ranging from fleeing and eluding law enforcement, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, grand theft auto, and sell, manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver a controlled substance. Flintroy had just been released from state prison in late 2021 before engaging in the new federal offenses.
This case resulted from a joint investigation by the DEA, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Pensacola Police Department, and ATF.
8U Panhandle Dream Takes Second In USSSA Road To Beach Tourney
July 25, 2023
The 8U Panhandle Dream took second place in the USSSA Road to the Beach Championship in Fort Walton Beach as a Class C travel team. They finished the season ranked No. 1 in the state in the USSSA power rankings. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
7-Story Office, Apartment Tower Proposed For Highway 297A Just Off Pine Forest Road
July 24, 2023
An investment company is proposing a seven-story tower with professional offices and apartments near the intersection of Highway 297A and Pine Forest Road.
Goeller Investments of Pensacola has submitted plans to construct the 8,000 square foot building on 1.89 acres at 4101 Highway 297, just off Pine Forest Road.
According to those plans, the mixed used building would have 6,000 square feet of professional offices on the lowest level, above parking, with a mix of 32 one, two and three bedroom apartments above in the seven-story building reaching 98 feet high. The building footprint is proposed at about 66 feet by 120 feet.
An initial application has been submitted to the Escambia County Development Review Committee for a pre-application meeting on Wednesday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at the Escambia County Central Complex Building at 3363 West Park Place.
NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge.
Free Lunch Still Available For Youth At Libraries In Escambia County
July 24, 2023
Free meals for youth continue to be available five days a week at West Florida Public Libraries branches until the first day of school.
In conjunction with Feeding the Gulf Coast, the meals are served as follows:
Monday-Friday, Noon – 1 p.m.
- Bellview Library
- Molino Library
- Pensacola Library
- Southwest Library
- Tryon Library
- Westside Library
Tuesday-Saturday, Noon – 1 p.m.
- Century Library
The meals, which must be consumed at the library, are for children 18-year old and younger. The meals are also available for disabled individuals 19-years or older who participate in a public or private non-profit program during the school year.
The meals are available on the daily schedule above through August 9.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.