Mesa’s Four Hits Not Enough In Mississippi’s 7-6 Defeat Of The Blue Wahoos
July 10, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell victim to another late Mississippi Braves rally on Saturday night, dropping their third in a row in dramatic fashion by a score of 7-6.
Victor Victor Mesa went 4-for-4 at the plate with a triple for the Blue Wahoos, but his performance was overshadowed by a game-winning two-run double from Mississippi’s C.J. Alexander with two outs in the bottom of the eighth.
Pensacola starter Zach King allowed an early two-run homer to Drew Lugbauer in the first inning, but looked much sharper in his second Double-A start. The lefty allowed three runs on four hits over 5.0 innings with five strikeouts.
Trailing 3-0 in the fourth, the Blue Wahoos started a rally against Braves starter Tanner Gordon with a leadoff double from Norel González. RBI singles from J.D. Orr and Cobie Fletcher-Vance followed, and an RBI groundout from Bubba Hollins in the fifth tied the game 3-3.
The Blue Wahoos took their first lead in the sixth on a Ray-Patrick Didder RBI single, and run-scoring sacrifice flies from Griffin Conine and Paul McIntosh stretched the lead to 6-3. Mississippi got a run back in the sixth with a solo homer from Jalen Miller, but the Pensacola lead stayed 6-4 going to the final two innings.
Braves reliever Indigo Diaz (W, 1-4) worked around a Mesa triple with one out in the top of the eighth inning to set the stage for Alexander’s heroics against Eli Villalobos (L, 3-2) in the bottom of the frame. Tyler Ferguson (S, 3) worked a spotless ninth to earn the save for Mississippi.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the M-Braves on Sunday afternoon.
by Erik Bremmer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Two Charged With Attempted Armed Carjacking Of Woman At Highway 29 McDonald’s In Gonzalez
July 9, 2022
Two men have been arrested for trying to carjack a woman at the McDonalds in Gonzalez.
Kevon Lametris Keys, 19, and Diamond Kaneil Slack, 26, are charged with attempted carjacking with a weapon. Slack (pictured left) is also charged with aggravated assault.
The victim had just gone through the drive-thru at the McDonalds on Highway 29 near Old Chemstrand Road. She was in the waiting area of the drive-thru when she was approached by two males that pulled a gun and demanded that she exit her vehicle, according to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons.
“For some reason, they decide to change their mind, made a comment something about ‘you seem like a nice lady’, and they take off and run,” Simmons said.
Keys was jailed with bond set at $50,000, and bond was set at $55,000 for Slack.
Escambia Honors Firefighter And Paramedic Bill Halfacre As He Retires After 41 Years
July 9, 2022
This week, Escambia County Fire Rescue honored Willis “Bill” Halfacre as he retired with 41 years of dedicated service as a firefighter and paramedic.
“Well, I made it,” Halfacre said during the ceremony. “I appreciate everyone for being here today, and I am so thankful to Escambia County for everything they have done for me. They will always be remembered.”
Halfacre began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter with Ensley Volunteer Fire Department in January 1981. In 1989, Halfacre went to work part-time with Escambia County EMS as an EMT and eventually become a paramedic in May 1994.
He joined ECFR full-time in January 2000. Throughout his career, FF Halfacre received his HAZMAT certification, Fire Officer II certification, live fire training Instructor certification, pump operator certification and his AAS degree in fire science from Pensacola State College.
Family, friends, colleagues, local elected officials, local law enforcement and fire partners from nearby communities gathered to honor Halfacre. Escambia County District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender presented him with an official proclamation from the board thanking him for his service, and he also received a certificate of recognition from the office of Rep. Michelle Salzman.
Halfacre has been married to his wife Cassandra since 2005.
Missing, Endangered Flomaton Man Found Safe After 12 Hours In Creek
July 9, 2022
A missing and endangered Flomaton man was located early Saturday morning after over 12 hours in the waters of the Big Escambia Creek.
Gerry Don Thompson was last seen about 6 p.m. Friday in the area of the Flomaton Boat Landing on Big Escambia Creek, just off Highway 31 and the Skippy White Bridge. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, he is a 33-year old that lives with a condition that may impair his judgment.
“This was a great outcome with various different hands assisting. He is now back with his family,” Flomaton Police Chief Chance Thompson said.
“If you could have heard the excitement in the boat I was in with the other responders…it was truly amazing to hear him talk back to us,” the chief added.
The Flomaton Police Department was assisted by the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, Flomaton Fire Department, D.W. McMcMillan EMS, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s aviation unit and troopers, Alabama Department of Corrections, and several Good Samaritans.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
M-Braves Walk-Off Homer Sends Blue Wahoos To 6-3 Loss
July 9, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were walked off by the Mississippi Braves for the second straight game on Friday night, falling 6-3 on a three-run home run from Drew Lugbauer in the bottom of the ninth.
Jeff Lindgren fought through shaky command to complete four innings of one-run ball, but the Blue Wahoos couldn’t solve Mississippi starter Darius Vines in the early innings. Vines struck out eight batters over 4.0 perfect innings before Norel González finally gave Pensacola a baserunner with a single in the fifth.
The Blue Wahoos finally broke through in the sixth, getting an RBI double from Griffin Conine to tie the game 1-1 and a two-out, two-run single from Victor Victor Mesa to take a 3-1 lead.
Mississippi tied the game 3-3 in the seventh as Anthony Maldonado surrendered a solo home run to Cade Bunnell, followed by a two-out RBI single from Yariel Gonzalez.
Pensacola made four outs on the bases in the span of three innings, squandering opportunities to add to their run total. Justin Maese (W, 1-4) worked out of a jam in the top of the ninth to keep the game tied before Dylan Bice (L, 1-1) walked a pair in the bottom half and served up Lugbauer’s walk-off blast.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the M-Braves on Saturday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Sheriff: Cantonment Man Killed His Daughter’s Dogs By Locking Them In A Hot Car For Days
July 8, 2022
A Cantonment man is accused of killing his daughter’s dogs by locking them in a hot car for days while she was out of town.
Felton Charles Henderson, 72, was charged with felony animal cruelty causing death, pain and suffering. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $45,000.
According to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, a woman left her three dogs while she went out of town for a few days. She left behind water and food, and did everything appropriately, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
“When she returned after a couple of days, she asked where her dogs were,” Simmons said. “Henderson takes her to a blue Toyota Camry, he opens the doors, and he pulls out three dead dogs.” Henderson did not say anything before gathering a few items from the garage and leaving, according to an arrest report.
The sheriff said it was apparent he locked the dogs in the car despite the summer heat over the past few days.
“You can imagine the suffering they (the dogs) probably went through,” Simmons added.
Traffic Crash Claims Life Of 23-Year Old Man
July 8, 2022
An Escambia County traffic crash has claimed one life.
About 6 p.m. Thursday, a white sedan driven by a 21-year old Pensacola man failed to yield at the intersection of Mobile Highway and Boulder Avenue. He pulled out in front of a gray Ford pickup driven by a 23-year old Pensacola man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
State troopers said the driver of the pickup truck passed away as a result of his injuries.
Increased Public Trolley Services for Pensacola Beach Air Show
July 8, 2022
To help alleviate traffic congestion for the Pensacola Beach Air Show, the Santa Rosa Island Authority is extending public transportation hours along the island on Friday, July 8, and is adding extra buses to the schedule on Saturday, July 9.
On Friday, July 8, the SRIA’s three, free open-air trolleys will begin transporting customers starting at 7:30 a.m. and extend their service to Park East, located a mile east of Portofino Resort, until 6 p.m. Following that, the regular route will resume until midnight.
On Saturday, July 9, starting at 6:30 a.m., the SRIA will have seven buses in addition to the three open-air trolleys running and will extend their service area to Park East until 6 p.m. Following that, the three open-air trolleys will resume normal operations until midnight.
On Friday and Saturday, buses and trolleys will service passengers from Park East and Park West to Casino Beach throughout the day. Post-show, trolleys servicing Portofino Resort/Park East will be staged on Via de Luna directly across from Santa Rosa Island Authority (facing east). Trolleys servicing Park West will be staged on Ft. Pickens Road adjacent to The Sandshaker (facing west).
Due to extreme traffic and congestion buildup on Friday and Saturday, trolley service to the access road stops (Grand Marlin, Radical Rides/Laguna’s, Quietwater Beach and the Boardwalk) will be temporarily suspended until 6 p.m.
The SRIA wants to remind all passengers that they will only be picked up and dropped off at designated trolley stops.
Passengers who wish to get back to their vehicles as soon as the air show ends need to be on the first fleet of buses leaving Casino Beach post show. Due to the gridlock that occurs immediately following the air show, riders should expect to wait as long as 90 minutes for the trolleys or buses to return to Casino Beach if they are not on the first trip out.
Former Baker Fire Chief Indicted For First Degree Murder Of Escambia Businessman
July 8, 2022
The former Baker Fire District chief was indicted Thursday for the first degree murder of a 63-year old business owner in Escambia County.
Brian Keith Easterling, age 52 of Baker, is accused of the shooting death of Michael Evers on June 2.
Pensacola Police received a call to check on the welfare of Evers at his home because he had not been seen in several days. Officers entered the home and found blood on the floor, but Evers was not inside. They responded to his shop in the 3900 block of Creighton Road.
Inside the shop, an officer tripped over an item under a car cover, exposing the victim’s right elbow. Officers said Evers was face down on the floor, obviously deceased with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. His 2011 Chevrolet 2500 was not at either location.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, surveillance video from 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 2 showed a man later identified as Easterling arrive at the shop with Evers. The victim entered the building and Easterling is seen standing outside the door looking around nervously.
“Easterling actually turns a complete circle looking all around, before entering the building. Within minutes of entering the building, Easterling walks up behind (the victim),” the report states. The victim “then falls immediately to the ground. Easterling can be seen on video getting a car cover and covering (the victim).”
Evers allegedly owed Easterling money, according to the ECSO.
Easterling remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
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Here Are Some Insider Tips For Enjoying The Blue Angels At Pensacola Beach
July 8, 2022
There’s nothing quite like experiencing the Blue Angels along Pensacola Beach. You’d be hard pressed to find a prettier backdrop than Pensacola Beach to watch the mind-blowing aerial maneuvers the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team has perfected over the past seven decades.
The annual beach air show has become a rite of passage for locals. So, for those who want to experience the Pensacola Beach Air Show too when it takes to the skies, here are a few insider tips to help you maximize the fun from the Santa Rosa Island Authority:
Carpool and arrive early. Like really, really early. Make like you’re going sunrise fishing, early. We cannot stress this point enough. Traffic coming over the bridge can often take hours if you wait too late to leave, and the Casino Beach parking lot often is filled up by 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. So plan on packing up and heading out in the wee morning hours to avoid the traffic jam getting onto the island and find a decent parking spot.
Do yourself a favor and get a SunPass. You can pick one up at CVS, Publix or Walgreens. But don’t forget to activate your SunPass online first! All four toll lanes coming onto Pensacola Beach accept the SunPass. Without SunPass, you’ll get a toll-by-plate invoice in the mail.
If the Casino Beach parking lot is full Saturday, trolleys are in service all day to help take people to and from Casino Beach. So park and hop on a free trolley.
The prime spot to view the show is at center point, just east of the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier at Casino Beach. Tents are allowed, but please be courteous to your new daylong neighbors.
It’s going to be a looong day in the sun. So pack accordingly and stay hydrated! Bring the essentials – bring plenty of water, snacks, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. You’ll also want to include an umbrella, beach chairs, towels, floaties, and a cooler. But remember, glass is not allowed on the beach!
This is not an occasion for Fido, or any other pets for that matter. Dogs are only allowed at the two designated dog beaches on either side of the island, neither of which are a great vantage point for the air show. Pets are not allowed anywhere else. And any person found leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle may face criminal charges.
For the safety of all spectators and air show participants, the Santa Rosa Island Authority is requiring the public to suspend all flights of unmanned aircraft, or drones, during the air show hours of the Pensacola Beach Air Show week.
There are plenty of vendors on hand selling all the forgotten essentials, plus food, drinks, souvenirs, etc.
The civilian stunt plane acts begin just before noon. Lifeguards keep all beachgoers out of the Gulf while the show is happening overhead. The civilian acts last for about an hour or so, from noon to 1 p.m.
After the civilian acts finish, go take a dip in the Gulf! This will be your last chance to cool off before the Blues take to the sky at 2 p.m.
Lifeguards are on hand to provide any needed first-aid help. Mist stations are set up next to the public safety building and restrooms, for anyone needing to cool off quickly.
Once the air show ends, believe us when we say you won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Instead of folding up your chairs and packing up your tents in a mad dash to go get stuck in beach traffic, rather, sit back and enjoy the beautiful view, sharing stories about your favorite maneuvers.
When it’s time to pack up and leave, remember: Please Leave Only Your Footprints Behind! For the safety and enjoyment of all Pensacola Beach visitors and the preservation of the island’s flora and fauna, please take all that you came with and help keep our beach pristine.