Biscuits Rally Late, Send Blue Wahoos To 9-7 Loss
June 12, 2023
The Blue Wahoos missed on a prime chance Sunday to complete the week and set up the next one.
They led 7-0 into the sixth inning, but on an afternoon where the bay wind was a factor, the Montgomery Biscuits answered with three home runs against three different pitchers for a 9-7 victory, quieting a capacity crowd of 5,038 at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The loudest cheer in the final part of the game was the Blue Angels performing an unexpected flyover during their return home from an air show in Tennessee.
The Blue Wahoos won the week’s series against Montgomery 4-2, but a win Sunday, after staking such a big lead, could have put them in a strong position to clinch the first half Southern League division race at home with the next series that begins Tuesday against the Mississippi Braves.
Pensacola’s lead is now six games over the Biloxi Shuckers, seven games up on Montgomery and 7.5 against the M-Braves.
Everything started so well on Family Sunday for the Blue Wahoos.
In an injury rehab start, Johnny Cueto survived a bases-load situation in the first inning and pitched into the third. It was another step forward for the 37-year-old Cueto in an effort to return to the Miami Marlins. It was only his third time on the mound this season.
In the bottom of the first, first baseman Troy Johnston staked a 3-0 lead with a two-out, 3-run, wind-aided homer over the left-center fence to instantly energize the crowd. That hit was a part of Johnston’s huge day at the plate, going 4-for-5 to raise his average to .264.
But it also became an indicator of what kind of day this would be on pitchers. The teams combined for 26 hits and 18 runners left on base. For the Blue Wahoos, Cody Morissette went 3-for-4 as the team’s other big hitter.
In the fifth inning, catcher Jan Mercado blasted a grand slam and suddenly the Blue Wahoos were up 7-0, seemingly on their way to a perfect weekend of wins.
Everything then went the other way. The Biscuits scored two runs off Luis Palacios in the sixth, beginning with a solo homer from Junior Caminero. They plated two more against Luis Palacios in the seventh inning.
And then a disastrous eighth inning hit.
Dylan Bice gave up a leadoff home run to Diego Infante. He then loaded the bases on a walk, an error he made when dropping a slow grounder, then a single.
Austin Roberts entered with a one-out, bases full situation and gave up a grand slam against Austin Shenton to flip the lead and silence the mood.
The Blue Wahoos did not get a hit against the Biscuits bullpen in the final three innings.
Cueto, 37, two time MLB All-Star and 2015 World Series champion with the Kansas City Royals, pitched in his first game since an injury rehab start May 6 in Jacksonville.
Cueto has made only one start for the Marlins after getting signed in January, and that was back on April 3 when he gave up four runs in the first inning and didn’t pitch again with a bicep issue until the game in Jacksonville.
The Blue Wahoos will have Monday off while staying in Pensacola. They will begin the second half of their extended homestand on Tuesday against the Mississippi Braves, the Atlanta Braves’ Double-A affiliate.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Seven Hospitalized After Incident At Japanese Steak House In Pace
June 11, 2023
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is investigating after an incident at Nikko’s Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar in Pace which sent at least seven people to the hospital on Saturday.
Sheriff Bob Johnson told our news partners at NewsRadio 92.3 that the patrons were poisoned by some type of narcotic, but it was not immediately known if it was accidental or intentional. Johnson did not specify the type of narcotic involved, and he said a suspect has been identified.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has joined the SRSO investigation. The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco has launched their own independent investigation.
Deputies said at least seven people were receiving treatment at local hospital on Saturday and were expected to fully recover.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jillian Durkin said. No further details have been released.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man With Long Criminal History Gets 15 Years On Firearm Charge
June 11, 2023
A Cantonment man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison on a firearm charge.
James Darnell Shoemo, III, was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted delinquent under 44 years of age.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fire disturbance at the Oakwood Terrace Apartments where they found multiple shell casings in and around the apartments. Deputies located Shoemo, who fled on foot and threw a pistol into a wooded area. An ECSO K-9 located the firearm.
Shoemo, who is just 20 years old, has committed over 20 burglaries and 15 other misdemeanor offenses, according to prosecutors.
“The defendant’s criminal conduct has increased in seriousness and poses a danger to our citizens. A maximum punishment of 15 years in prison is necessary to protect our community,” prosecuting attorney Frederick V. Longmire argued at the sentencing hearing.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Trouble Spots
June 11, 2023
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, June 11 through Saturday, June 17 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform striping work. On Tuesday, June 13, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed through the end of summer when the Welcome Center improvements are complete. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- East Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90A) Roadway Improvements from Chemstrand Road to East of Baldridge Drive – The bicycle lanes are temporarily closed to allow crews to widen the turn lanes and construct new five-foot bicycle lanes. In addition, the speed limit on this section of East Nine Mile Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph as vehicles and bicycles will share the roadway. The closure and speed limit reduction will be in place until the project is complete next summer.
- · Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) to North of I-10 – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and intermittent turn lane closures Sunday, June 11 through Thursday, June 15 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews place thermoplastic pavement markings on the roadway and perform final work list items.
- Lillian Highway (S.R. 298) Resurfacing from North of U.S. 98 to East of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers will encounter shoulder and lane closures on Lillian Highway, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crews will be milling and paving and completing drainage improvements.
- Navy Boulevard (S.R. 295) Resurfacing from North of the Bayou Grande Bridge to Gulf Beach Highway/Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on Navy Boulevard, from Barrancas Avenue to the Bayou Grande Bridge, Friday, June 9 to Friday, June 16 as crews mill and resurface the roadway, adjust utility manholes, and perform striping work.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) will encounter a lane shift and lane closures through June. The two U.S. 29 northbound travel lanes and the center turn lane will be closed between Hatties Boulevard and East Cottage Street. During the closure, one northbound and one southbound lane will remain open using the current southbound travel lanes. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Resurfacing from the Theo Baars Bridge to Bauer Road - Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures, between Innerarity Point Road and Bauer Road, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, June 11 through Thursday, June 15 as crews place friction course on the roadway.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 98 (S.R. 30/Gulf Breeze Parkway/Navarre Parkway) Resurfacing of select areas from Abercrombie Road to Calle De Palencia Street - Drivers on U.S. 98 (Navarre Parkway), between S.R. 87 and Calle De Palencia Street, may encounter intermittent nightly lane closures Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16 from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, June 11 through Saturday, June 17 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform striping work. On Tuesday, June 13, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – Drivers may encounter nighttime lane closures on U.S. 90 eastbound near the Simpson River Bridge from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16 as crews perform asphalt work. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph through the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road Sunday, June 11, through Friday, June 16, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- The closure at the east entrance of Fordham Parkway will remain closed. This temporary closure will allow crews to install new drainage structures. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians will access Fordham Parkway via College Parkway. Detour signs will be in place. Businesses may experience noise, vibrations, and dust during daytime hours as part of this drainage improvement effort.
- I-10 Resurfacing from S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists will encounter nighttime east and westbound lane closures Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16 for paving operations.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Speed Limit Lowered On Schaag, Green Hills Roads; New Weight Limit On Schaag
June 11, 2023
Escambia County has lowered the speed limits on Green Hills Road in Cantonment and Schaag Road in Molino , and imposed a new weight restriction on Schaag.
On the entirety of Schaag Road, the speed limit has been reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph.
A truck weight restriction of 10,500 pounds was also implemented on Schaag Road from Highway 196 to Highway 95A. There is an exception for trucks servicing or having business in the area.
The speed limit was also lowered from 35 mph to 25 mph on Green Hills Road between Pine Forest Road and Stefani Road.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Michelle Mobley Names Escambia Employee Of The Month
June 11, 2023
Michelle Mobley has been named the Escambia County June 2023 Employee of the Month. She is an administrative claims specialist in the Human Resources department.
Mobley began her career with Escambia County in August 2000. Her duties as an administrative claims specialist include adjusting general and auto liability claims by initiating investigations, determining liability, and responding to claimants on the status of their requests. Michele is also responsible for preparing denial letters, coordinating repairs, rentals, processing claim payments, settlements, and preparing and obtaining releases. In addition, she recovers funds due to the county when county-owned property is damaged and regularly works with other departments to process claims or renew policies.
“Michele is a model employee who represents the county in a positive manner,” said Mark Bartlett, Risk Management Division manager. “She has compassion and care with professionalism and integrity. She is very detailed in her duties and completes tasks prior to the deadline. Her level of detail and professionalism is unmatched! We are so proud of her dedication to our mission and the citizens of Escambia County.”
Outside of her role with Escambia County, Michele is an active member at her church, where she regularly volunteers and teaches classes.
Seven-Run Eighth Lifts Blue Wahoos To 10-4 Win Over Biscuits
June 11, 2023
This has been quite the instant impact that Dalvy Rosario has delivered.
One night after his walk-off bomb, the newcomer outfielder blasted a 3-run homer as part of a seven-run eighth inning that helped ignite the Blue Wahoos past the Montgomery Biscuits 10-4, further delighting a sellout crowd Saturday on Fireworks Night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
What a pyro prelude the Blue Wahoos produced.
Trailing 4-3 after the Biscuits got a pair of big hits for two runs in the top of the eighth, the Biscuits bullpen was lit up when the Blue Wahoos had their turn.
They used 12 batters, got six hits – three of those for extra bases – and kept circling the bases for a run fest into a rout.
The rally win completed a night with a crowd of 5,038 staying for the fireworks show sponsored by Hancock Whitney Bank.
The win clinched a series win for the Blue Wahoos (35-21), putting them eight games ahead of the Biscuits and maintaining at least a six-game lead on second-place Biloxi, which began its game late Saturday due to a rain delay. The first-half race in the Southern League South division has only 13 games remaining.
The big inning started with first baseman Troy Johnston, who entered the game in the seventh, leading off with a double. Earlier Saturday, Johnston spent an entire morning in the hot sun helping make the day memorable for kids in the Fred Waters Clinic that was part of MLB’s Play Ball Weekend at the ballpark.
Along with pitcher Brady Puckett, the two joined with a group of former Pensacola players who played in the major leagues as part of the youth clinic.
With Johnston on second, Griffin Conine reached on a catcher’s interference. Will Banfield followed with a perfect bunt that became an infield hit.
Cody Morissette then jumped on a high fastball inside for a two-run double to retake the lead. With one out, up stepped Rosario. And out of the ballpark went the second pitch from John Doxakis over the left field wall for a 3-run homer.
It followed his two-run, two-out, walk-off homer Friday after joining the team earlier that day from the Beloit Sky Carp, the Miami Marlins’ High-A affiliate.
Reliever Cristian Charle pitched 1.2 scoreless innings to get the win. Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermudez was strong again, working six innings, allowing just two runs on four hits.
The Blue Wahoos first erased the Biscuits’ 2-0 lead in the sixth inning on Bennett Hostetler’s 2-run homer. Montgomery answered against Blue Wahoos reliever Zack Leban before the rally explosion in the bottom of the eighth.
The teams will close out their six-game series Sunday at Blue Wahoos Stadium with Miami Marlins pitcher Johnny Cueto as the starter on an injury rehab assignment.
Ciueto is now in his 16th major league season in a career that spans six different teams. He was once the ace of the Cincinnati Reds rotation and also a two-time All-Star.
Cueto will likely throw three innings in his start, then Luis Palacios is expected to take over. The Biscuits are using righthander Anthony Molina (2-4, 4.89).
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Fire Destroys Hay Barn, Equipment At Bratt Dairy Farm (With Gallery)
June 10, 2023
Fire destroyed a large hay barn and equipment Saturday morning at a dairy farm in Bratt.
A neighbor was the first to notice smoke boiling from an approximately 6,250 square foot barn at the Sigafoose Dairy on Oakshade Road, behind Northview High School.. Firefighters arrived moments later to find most of the hay inside the barn fully involved in fire.
The fire reportedly caused damage to the building, damaged equipment including a combine, and destroyed the hay for the cattle.
It took several hours to fight the fire, and equipment was brought in to spread the smoldering hay so it could be fully extinguished.
Firefighters battled not only the fire, but also the heat and humidity as they worked to put out the fire.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. There were no injuries reported.
The Walnut Hill, Century and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, the Atmore Fire Department, Escambia County EMS and Escambia County EMS were among the responding agencies.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rep. Matt Gaetz Discusses Trump Indictment, Border Crisis, Farming At Jay Event
June 10, 2023
Congressman Matt Gaetz met with constituents in Jay Friday evening, discussing tops from the indictment of former President Donald Trump to immigration to the price of fertilizer.
Commerce Street in the heart of Jay was closed and bleachers were set up outside Scott’s Outdoors. Gaetz walked out of the store to chants of “USA, USA!” from the crowd on a muggy evening before he was introduced by Mike Scott, a third generation owner of the store.
“At Scott’s Outdoors, we stand for the constitution of the United States,” Scott said. “We stand for the right to keep and bear arms in this United States.”
“I never thought we’d be at this moment where America was at risk of looking more like a third world country than the greatest society that’s ever existed in all of human history,” Gaetz said. “This indictment against President Trump is not only factually unsound and legally unreasonable, it is explicit election interference. And I think everybody knows, if Donald Trump wouldn’t running for president again, and if he wouldn’t winning, this wouldn’t be happening. Joe Biden has had classified records in his house since 1974. I wouldn’t even born; I wouldn’t even a twinkle in my daddy’s eye.
“This is really an affront against us, against the people,” he said.
The Northwest Florida Congressman spoke out against debt limit increases and across the board cuts for every federal agency.
Instead, he said he wants to abolish the Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Labor and make other targeted agency cutbacks.
“I tell them in Washington — alcohol, tobacco and firearms is just a good weekend in Northwest Florida, not a need for government agency,” he said to laughter from the crowd.
Gaetz said he wants to see term limits for the House and a balanced budget.
Wearing a “Keep America Farming” cap, the congressman said food security is national security as farmers face fertilizer costs up 40% and other financial challenges.
And he wants to see better decisions on the border.
“I am for legal immigration,” he said. “I believe that having the ambition edge on the rest of the world is a really important thing for the United States of America.But allowing people to come in without permission, without any sense of screening…we should be allowed to choose the people we want. Is that a bad thing to say? That we as a country should choose who comes and goes. In all of your homes, do you choose who comes and goes?”
Pictured: Congressman Matt Gaetz speaks to a crowd in Jay Friday evening. Images by WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Gets 15 Years For Raping Woman After A Night Out
June 10, 2023
A Century man has been sentenced to the maximum of 15 years in state prison for sexual battery.
Demontra Johntra Mitchell, 29, was also designated as a sexual offender by Circuit Court Judge Linda Nobles.
On October 8, 2020, after spending the evening in downtown Pensacola, the victim and several others went to Mitchell’s house. In the early morning hours, the victim was sexually battered by an unidentified individual. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted DNA analysis. The tests showed Mitchell had sexually battered the victim.
“The defendant’s actions stripped the victim of all sense of personal security. His actions warrant the maximum sentence of 15 years in prison,” prosecuting attorney Frederick V. Longmire argued at the sentencing hearing.