Wildness Costs Wahoos in 10-9 Loss to Smokies
April 17, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos saw a big early lead slip away late on Thursday night, falling 10-9 to the Knoxville Smokies.
Protecting an 8-2 advantage, the Blue Wahoos surrendered six runs in the eighth inning on six walks, a catcher’s interference call, a sacrifice fly, and an infield single. After retaking the lead in the bottom of the eighth, the Pensacola bullpen again surrendered two runs with two outs in the ninth for a heartbreaking defeat.
Playing for the first time this season as the Pensacola Mullets, the Blue Wahoos got their longest start of the campaign from Orlando Ortiz-Mayr. The veteran righty became the first Pensacola pitcher to complete 5.0 innings in 2026, scattering four hits and striking out four.
Knoxville struck first in the second inning, as Edgar Alvarez launched a solo homer before Carter Trice and Andy Garriola hit back-to-back doubles.
The Blue Wahoos answered back in the bottom half of the inning, as Dylan Jasso lined an RBI single to center field off starter Nick Dean (L, 1-1) and Garret Forrester launched a two-run homer, his first at the Double-A level, to take a 3-2 lead.
The Blue Wahoos added on against reliever Erian Rodriguez in the fifth, racking up five runs thanks to three hits, two walks, and a throwing error. Fenwick Trimble hit an RBI single, Brendan Jones laced a two-run triple, and Cristian Hernández drove in a pair when his chopper back to Rodriguez was thrown away down the right field line.
Staked to an 8-2 lead, Blue Wahoos reliever Kade Bragg contributed 2.0 scoreless innings of relief before the wheels fell off in the eighth. Colby Martin struggled to find the strike zone in his season debut, issuing three walks and allowing a batter to reach on catcher’s interference before departing. Samuel Vásquez fared little better, walking two more batters before departing with an apparent injury. Justin King entered with the bases loaded and no outs protecting an 8-5 lead, surrendering a sacrifice fly, infield single and RBI groundout before escaping the nightmare inning with an 8-8 tie game.
The six walks issued in the inning marked a franchise record for the Blue Wahoos dating back to 2012.
Trimble and Jones hit back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the eighth against Tyler Ras (W, 1-0) to put Pensacola in front again 9-8. Nigel Belgrave (L, 0-2) came on for the save, but issued a pair of singles before Alex Ramirez laced a two-out, two-strike, two-run single to center field on the ninth pitch of his at-bat to put Knoxville ahead 10-9.
Michael Snyder drew a leadoff walk against Vince Reilly (S, 1), but pinch-runner Emaarion Boyd was caught stealing second and Forrester struck out swinging to end the game.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Friday.
written by Erik Bremer
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Highway 29 Crosswalks Coming To Century Following Fatalities, Injuries
April 16, 2026
There have been numerous pedestrians struck and killed or seriously injured on North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) in the town of Century over the last several years. And now, the Florida Department of Transportation is planning safety improvements that will include two new crosswalks on the busy roadway by next year.
The Florida Department of Transportation will put a federally-funded safety improvement project out for bid in October, with construction expected to begin in early 2027, Ian Satter, FDOT spokesperson, said.
The first crosswalk will be located on North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) north of Bradley Street, at the Century Food Mart — the exact spot where a man using a walker while crossing was hit in late March. The second will be about half a mile away between West Highway 4 and Pond Street.
Both crosswalks will include a concrete divider in the median, signage and handicap accessibility features. According to construction documents, pedestrians will press a button to activate the crosswalk and flashing lights, which will require North Century Boulevard traffic to stop. There will be an island, a “safe zone” in the median where pedestrians may pause.
Worship And Witness: Fields Of Faith Held At Northview High School
April 16, 2026
A large crowd attended the Northview High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes Fields of Faith service Wednesday evening in the school’s Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium.
“This is what needs to be happening in our world,” Pastor Ted Bridges of Walnut Hill Baptist Church told those gathered for the worship service. “It is for us to take out into a lost and dying world.”
The event included praise and worship music and concluded with people forming a prayer circle on the Northview football field. There was also an Easter Egg hunt for the children in attendance.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Fields of Faith is a national student-led initiative. “Students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ. An athletic field provides a neutral, rally point where a community can come together,” according to national organizers.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High Army JROTC Earns Historic Honors At State Competition
April 16, 2026
Tate High School’s Army JROTC program achieved historic success at the Sixth Brigade Florida State Drill Team and Color Guard Competition in Orlando this past weekend. Competing against roughly 120 of the state’s top programs, the Aggie cadets secured two prestigious third-place finishes.
Tate High School’s honors included:
- 3rd Place – Female Platoon Regulation
- 3rd Place – Female Squad Unarmed Regulation
Led by Army Instructors Major Hill and Master Sergeant Kyser, the program continues its mission of developing leadership, citizenship, and personal responsibility.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Free Supplies And Resources: North Escambia Baby Shower Is Saturday In Century
April 16, 2026
The Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition and the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County are partnering with various family support organizations to host the third North Escambia Baby Shower in Century on Saturday.
The event is designed to connect families who are pregnant, newly postpartum, or have children ages 0 to 3 with essential resources, supplies, and education to support their health and wellness.
The North Escambia Baby Shower will be held inside the Century Community Center (Ag Building) from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Organizers said, “More than ever, families struggle to access community resources and connections that can aid their journey through parenthood. The North Escambia Baby Shower will help provide much-needed baby items in addition to resources from the vendors present. Caregivers will have the opportunity to learn the basics of keeping themselves and their babies healthy.”
Registration is not required for the event, which is first-come, first-served while supplies last.
Editor’s note: The North Escambia Baby Shower is not affiliated with NorthEscambia.com.
ECSO K-9 Sadie Retires After Five Years Of Service
April 16, 2026
After five years of faithful service, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Sadie has retired.
Throughout her years of service, Sadie was a loyal partner, a protector, and a vital part of the ECSO. Her work has made a lasting impact in keeping our community safe.
Sheriff Chip Simmons had the honor of presenting Sadie with a well-deserved retirement cake to celebrate her career and dedication.
“When asked about her plans for retirement… Sadie made it clear: soaking up the sun and taking plenty of well-earned naps,” the ECSO said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Announce Commanding Officer For The 2027 And 2028 Show Seasons
April 16, 2026
The Blue Angels announced the commanding officer for the 2027 and 2028 seasons at a press conference at the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Cmdr. Logan R. Peck will succeed Capt. Adam Bryan and assume command following the end of the 2026 show season in November. Applicants are required to have a minimum number of flight hours and be in current command, or have had past command, of a tactical jet squadron.
“It’s an incredible honor to take on this role and represent the men and women of this team,” said Cmdr. Peck. “Every day, I’m focused on leading in a way that reflects that responsibility, and making sure we continue to perform at the highest level.”
Peck, a native of San Diego, California joins the Blue Angels after serving as the commanding officer of the “Fighting Checkmates” of VFA-211 His previous assignments include multiple squadron tours, where he deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL.
Peck holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and Baker University. Peck has more than 2,400 flight hours and more than 500 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include multiple unit and personal awards.
“This year’s selection process reflected the high level of talent and professionalism within our ranks,” said Capt. Adam Bryan, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. “Cmdr. Peck embodies those qualities, and I am confident he will lead the team with pride and professionalism in the seasons ahead.”
Peck will serve as Commanding Officer and Flight Leader for the 2027 and 2028 Blue Angels airshow seasons. He will report for initial training in Pensacola, Florida in September and officially take command of the squadron at the end of the air show season in November. The change-of-command ceremony is slated for November 8, 2026 at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
As the Blue Angels’ commanding officer, Peck will lead a squadron of 140 personnel and serve as the demonstration flight leader, flying the #1 jet. The Blue Angels perform for 11 million people annually across the United States, and are scheduled to perform 64 shows in 32 locations during the 2027 season.
Photos: Crayton B. Peck and Crayton B. Agnew/USN for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pensacola ‘Sky Jockeys’ Stay Grounded In Loss To Smokies
April 16, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell behind early and couldn’t keep up on Wednesday night, falling 8-0 to the Knoxville Smokies.
Playing their first game as the Pensacola Sky Jockeys, their aviation-themed alternate identity, the Blue Wahoos couldn’t get off the ground. They managed just three hits, and left 10 men on base despite putting at least one on in every inning.
Pensacola starter Alex Williams (L, 0-2) breezed through the first inning, but ran into trouble in the second. Ethan Hearn opened the scoring with a two-run double, and two more came in on an Alex Ramirez infield single compounded by a throwing error from shortstop Cristian Hernández.
After Williams departed, the Smokies capitalized on command issues from the Pensacola bullpen. Edgar Alvarez drew a bases-loaded walk facing Livan Reinoso in the fifth inning, extending the Knoxville lead to 5-0. Jake Smith issued a walk and three hit batsmen in the seventh, stretching the margin to 7-0.
Miguel Useche, a little-used catcher in the Cubs organization, had an opportunity to pinch-hit in the ninth inning and launched a solo homer, the first of his professional career, to bring the score to its 8-0 final.
Jace Beck (W, 2-0) earned the win with 2.2 scoreless innings of relief for the Smokies, entering in the fourth when starting pitcher Yenrri Rojas departed with an apparent injury.
Dillon Lewis was a bright spot for the Blue Wahoos, reaching three times with a single, a pair of walks and two stolen bases.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Thursday.
written by Erik Bremer
Cantonment Woman Charged With Aggravated Battery At Downtown Restaurant
April 15, 2026
A Saturday afternoon lunch at Nick’s Boathouse turned violent in the parking lot after an argument led to a woman allegedly using a firearm to pistol-whip a victim.
According to arrest reports, Martaina Conner, 47, was charged with felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after witnesses told Pensacola Police she brandished a handgun during a fight at the West Main Street restaurant.
The altercation reportedly began as a verbal dispute involving Conner’s son and another group. Investigators say Conner retrieved a Ruger LCP from her vehicle and waved it in the air before using the bottom of the firearm to strike a victim multiple times in the head and face.
While Conner claimed she acted in self-defense, police noted that witness accounts and social media video appeared to show her initiating the physical attack with the weapon. Officers later recovered the handgun from Conner’s purse.
Conner was released from jail on $12,000 bond.
EREC Awards Four Scholarships To Northview And Jay Seniors
April 15, 2026
Escambia River Electric Cooperative has announced four scholarship awards to students in the utility’s service area.
Four-year Herman D. Johnson Scholarships are being awarded to Savannah Hudson from Northview High School and Brea Lyle from Jay High School. Savannah plans to pursue a law degree, and Brea plans to earn her master’s in nursing.
EREC Trade/Votech Scholarships are being awarded to Tyler Carach from Northview High School and Nicholas Baxley from Jay High School. Tyler will be heading to the Southeast Lineman Training Center in August, and Nicholas plans to attend Locklin Technical College to study HVAC.
The students will be recognized at the EREC Annual Meeting on April 25 at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Pictured: (top, L-R) Savannah Hudson, Brea Lyle, (bottom, L-R) Tyler Carach, and Nicholas Baxley. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
