Molino 12U Teams Take First And Second At All Star Tournament
June 13, 2023
Molino Ballpark 12U teams brought home first and second places in this past weekend’s All Star Tournament. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Several Injured In Sunday Molino Wreck
June 12, 2023
Several people were injured in a two vehicle crash midday Sunday near Molino.
The crash happened at the intersection of South Highway 99 and Molino Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a Dodge Ram 3500, driven by a 74-year man, and a SUV, driven by a 28-year old female, collided about 11:40 a.m.
There were three passengers in the SUV — another 28-year old female, a 12-year old girl and a 12-year old boy.
The female driver of the SUV was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital, while others were transported by Escambia County EMS. None of their injuries were considered life-threatening.
FHP is investigating the cause of the crash. The Molino, Cantonment and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia, FL, Man Arrested On Multiple Drug Charges After Atmore Tag Violation
June 12, 2023
An Escambia County, Florida, man was arrested on drug charges after being stopped for a tag violation in Atmore.
The Atmore Police Department said they stopped 57-year old Clifford Alan Lewis for driving a vehicle displaying a license plate that was registered to another vehicle. Police said he gave consent to search the vehicle.
During the search, officers reported finding about 9.1 grams of a green leafy substance that field tested positive for marijuana, approximately 13.5 grams of a crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, .05 grams of a brown grainy substance that field tested positive for heroin, approximately 2.4 grams of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine, a glass pipe with residue, and digital scales.
Lewis was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana first degree. Monday, he remained in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center without bond.
Florida Gas Prices Jump Into Summer Season Up A Dime
June 12, 2023
Florida gas prices jumped an average of 10 cents per gallon last week, according to AAA. Sunday’s state average of $3.46 per gallon is the most expensive daily average price since mid-May.
In Escambia County, the average price per gallon was $3.20. In North Escambia, a low of $3.14 could be found at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment. In Pensacola, prices were as low as $2.97 at the warehouse clubs.
Summer hasn’t officially begun, but the driving season is off to a roaring start,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gasoline demand figures from the past few weeks have been stronger than what we saw during this same time last year. That has contributed to volatility at the gas pump, which is perfectly normal this time of year. The good news for drivers is that oil prices remain low. As long as that’s the case, the state average should remain below this year’s high of $3.72 per gallon.”
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
NWE All Stars Win Cal Ripken 10U Championship, Flomaton Takes Second
June 12, 2023
The Northwest Escambia 10U All Stars won the Cal Ripken District 7 10U All Star Tournament this past weekend in Flomaton. The Flomaton Hurricanes took the runner-up spot after falling 4-1 to NWE. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Molino 16U All Stars Win Take First Place In Navarre Tourney
June 12, 2023
Molino Force 16U took first place in a weekend all-stars tournament in Navarre, defeating NEP, Tiger Point, Pace, Perdido, and Navarre. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
First Class Underway For ECSO’s New Law Enforcement Training Academy
June 12, 2023
The first class is underway for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Training Academy.
In February, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission voted unanimously to authorize the training academy following a presentation by Sheriff Chip Simmons and Commander Andrew Hobbs in Lake Mary, Florida. The ECSO became one of only six law enforcement agencies in Florida to gain commission approval to operate their own law enforcement academy to train recruits and offer other specialized training.
Now, 21 future deputies are engaging in state-of-the-art coursework, physical training, firearms training, and other aspects of professional law enforcement.
The ECSO said their training school will allow the agency to immerse recruits in our culture, standards, and policies from day one.Historically, local law enforcement agencies have only utilized Pensacola Junior College or George Stone Vocational.
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.