Wahoos Fall To Trash Pandas 1-0 In 11 Innings
April 18, 2022
Bryan Hoeing twirled 7.1 scoreless innings and continued his dominant start to the 2022 season, but didn’t receive any run support as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 1-0 to the Rocket City Trash Pandas in 11 innings on Sunday afternoon.
In the bottom of the 11th, after several missed opportunities to break through on offense, Pensacola allowed a walk-off single to Preston Palmeiro for the only run of the game.
Hoeing, who allowed only three unearned runs over 5.2 innings in his Double-A debut last Sunday, was even better his second time around. With six strikeouts and only four hits over 7.1 shutout frames, he became the first Blue Wahoos starter to record an out in the eighth inning since Jhoan Duran in 2019 and recorded the longest appearance for any starter in the Southern League this season.
Rocket City starter Coleman Crow was solid, turning in 4.0 scoreless innings before handing things off to the bullpen. Pensacola’s Paul McIntosh added two more hits to keep his league-leading batting average at .500, and Cobie Fletcher-Vance registered two hits to extend his hitting streak to eight games.
Defense continued to be a challenge for the Blue Wahoos, as Hoeing overcame two of his own throwing errors and Andrew Nardi was forced to work around a Fletcher-Vance throwing error to keep the game scoreless in the eighth. Neither team could push a run across in the 10th, and Luis Ledo (W, 1-1) stranded Pensacola’s placed runner at third base a second time in the top of the 11th. Colton Hock (L, 0-1) got one out in the bottom of the 11th before Palmeiro grounded his walk-off single to right field.
The Blue Wahoos return to action on Tuesday as they begin a six-game homestand against the Montgomery Biscuits.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Florida Gas Prices Down About A Quarter Over The Last Two Weeks
April 18, 2022
Florida gas prices dropped another seven cents last week. The state average has now declined nearly 25 cents per gallon over the course of a little more than two weeks.
On Sunday, the average price for gasoline in Florida was $4.01 per gallon. That’s 27 cents less than a month ago, and the lowest price since Russia invaded Ukraine.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $3.86. A North Escambia low of $3.74 could be found Sunday night at one Cantonment station, while the low price reported in Pensacola was $3.64 at the warehouse clubs.
“Gas prices have mostly declined through the past two weeks, but don’t be surprised if they rebound soon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The price of oil jumped 8% last week, on reports that the European Union is preparing to ban Russian oil imports, which fuels ongoing concerns about global oil supplies. The crude increase could ultimately lead to an increase of 10 cents or more at the pump.”
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Worshipers Gather For Easter Sunrise Services
April 17, 2022
Worshipers gathered for sunrise services across Escambia County on Easter Sunday morning.
The largest sunrise service in Escambia County was the Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Other services included the Molino Community Sunrise Service at Aldersgate United Methodist Church (pictured first below).
The services were to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:
Matthew 28:1-20
Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5
But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.
The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
from the Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pictured first below: The Molino Community Sunrise Service Easter morning at Aldersgate UMC in Molino. Pictured top and bottom: The Community Sonrise Service at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FDEP: Ascend Reports Chemical Release; Unpermitted Discharge
April 17, 2022
Ascend Performance Materials in Cantonment has reported a chemical spill and unpermitted discharge, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Projection.
According to Ascend, the manufacturing plant is currently in a turnaround in which 90% of the plant will be shut down.
Friday morning, “a drain valve located in cyclohexane dump tanks was found open and releasing cyclohexane into the diked area and was draining to the ground,” a FDEP report states.
Ascend reported the drain valve was closed, the fire alarm was activated, the area was barricaded off and the ditch was secured. The incident lasted less than one hour.
Cyclohexane can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. It can cause eye and skin irritation, respiratory symptoms, drowsiness, or coma in high enough concentrations, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Also Saturday morning, two cooling towers “overflowed releasing an unpermitted discharge in excess of 1000 gallons to stormwater outfall,” a FDEP report states. The company blocked stormwater drains and ditches to prevent any further discharge into the stormwater outfall.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Lydia Purvis Named Escambia County Horticulture Specialist
April 17, 2022
Lydia Purvis has joined Escambia County Extension as the county horticulture specialist.
Purvis will assist homeowners with horticulture information and plant diagnostics by phone and in the office, and she will teach sessions in the community.
She grew up in Molino and participated in FFA throughout her time at Ernest Ward Middle School and Northview High School. She graduated from University of Florida Milton in 2018 with a degree in Plant Science and Nursery Management.
ECSO Warns FPL Isn’t Collecting Bitcoin For Your Overdue Power Bill
April 17, 2022
No, Florida Power & Light is not collecting bitcoin for your overdue power bill.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is warning of just such a scam. Investigators said that scammers are calling people claiming to be FPL or other utility companies or agencies telling them that their bills are overdue. They then ask the customer to deposit cash into a bitcoin ATM. The scammer on the phone then sends a QR code to scan at the bitcoin kiosk, but it’s all a scam.
The sheriff’s office wants you to call them at (850) 436-9620 and report calls like this. Do not send any money or provide your personal or financial information.
Other tips:
- Always be suspicious of any threatening calls claiming to be from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
- Always be suspicious when asked to send an electronic payment, “Green Dot” card payment, or wire transfer.
- Trust your instinct. If you feel that something “just isn’t right”, call your local law enforcement agency and report it.
“It is much easier to prevent fraud in the first place than to recover your money after the fact,” ECSO said.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Advisories
April 17, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this week as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 17 through Saturday, April 23. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Motorists traveling on West Cervantes Street between Dominguez and A streets will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Intermittent lane restrictions and temporary detours between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews pave the roadway. Paving operations are currently underway between Dominquez and Shoemaker streets and will progress eastward. At times, drivers may be temporarily detoured to side streets to accommodate the work. Operations are anticipated to be complete in May.
- Inside lane closures and shifts between D and Q streets as crews perform median improvements, signalization installation, and construct curb, gutter, and sidewalk.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement- All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, April 18 through Friday, April 22, as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, April 18 as crews place a watermain.
- Airport Boulevard (S.R. 750) Routine Maintenance from West of Palafox Street to Davis Highway – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures from west of Palafox Street to Davis Highway from 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. the week of Monday, April 18 as crews place asphalt on the roadway.
- Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) from Manchester Street to the Bayou Chico Bridge –The sidewalks on the southern side of Barrancas Avenue, between Live Oak Avenue and the Bayou Chico Bridge, and sidewalks on the northern side of Barrancas Avenue, between Manchester Avenue and Pace Boulevard, will be closed as crews work on sidewalk improvements. Detours will be in place for pedestrians in these areas.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Pavement Markings at the Pensacola Weigh Station – Crews will perform striping operations at the westbound weigh station the week of Monday, April 18. During the operations the westbound station and adjacent truck parking area will be temporarily closed.
- I-10/I-110 Interchange – Construction activities have begun to improve safety on a 3/4-mile segment of I-10 at the I-110 Interchange. Drivers can expect periodic lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
- Pace Boulevard (S.R. 292) from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Construction activities have begun to mill and resurface Barrancas Avenue (S.R. 292) from the Bayou Chico Bridge to Pace Boulevard, and Pace Boulevard (S.R. 292) from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue in Escambia County. Motorists and bicyclists can expect lane closures and traffic shifts. Lane closures will be limited to the 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. timeframe. Pedestrian detours will be in place while sidewalk improvements are underway.
- S.R. 85 (South Ferdon Boulevard) Bridge Rehabilitation over FG&A Railroad – There will be intermittent lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 19 through Friday, April 22 as crews clean, repair, and seal areas of the bridge.
- Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) Pavement Coring Operations from U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) to Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, April 18 through Thursday, April 21 as crews perform pavement coring operations.
- I-10 Routine Maintenance from US 90ALT (Exit Five) east of US 90 (Exit 17)- Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, April 18 and Tuesday, April 19 as crews perform guardrail repairs.
- U.S. 90 Turn Lane Construction at Pathstone Boulevard – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, April 18 through Sunday, May 15 as crews perform paving operations.
- I-110 Routine Maintenance at Mile Marker Zero Through Seven – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, April 18 and Tuesday, April 19 as crews perform guardrail repairs.
- North 9th Avenue (U.S. 98) Routine Utility Maintenance near East La Rua Street – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 20 as crews perform utility maintenance
- Pace Boulevard (S.R. 292) Routine Bridge Inspection over Bayou Chico – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 0.4 miles south of U.S. 98 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 as crews perform routine inspection.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90) Routine Utility Maintenance South of Langley Avenue intersection to Brookshire Drive – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, April 18 through Thursday, April 21 as crews perform tree trimming operations.
- 9 Mile Road (U.S 90) Routine Maintenance West of Allegheny Avenue – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, April 15 through Monday, April 18 as crews perform concrete operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, April 17 through Saturday, April 23. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists traveling westbound will encounter intermittent lane and median closures between Autumn Breeze Circle and Bayshore Road between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. Sunday through Friday. The closures are necessary for crews to perform median work. One westbound lane will be always maintained.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures and lane closures from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. the week of Monday, April 18 as crews perform construction activities.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Wahoos Beat Trash Pandas After Ninth Inning Rally
April 17, 2022
Griffin Conine’s two-out, two-run single in the top of the ninth inning gave the Pensacola Blue Wahoos their biggest moment of the young season on Saturday night, defeating the Rocket City Trash Pandas 10-8.
After a hit batsman and Jerar Encarnacion infield single put runners at first and third trailing 8-7, Ray-Patrick Didder beat out a game-tying infield single to bring the score to keep the game alive. Conine then grounded his go-ahead two-run single that proved to be the difference, giving Pensacola at least a split of their six-game series in North Alabama.
Blue Wahoos starter Zach McCambley fell victim to the long ball, allowing a two-run homer to Trey Cabbage in the first and a three-run homer to Zach Humphreys in the fourth. Encarnacion hit a solo homer in the fourth for Pensacola to get on the board, and Hayden Cantrelle tied for the league lead with his third home run of the year, a three-run blast in the fifth to tie the game 5-5.
The tie game wouldn’t last long, as McCambley was chased in the bottom of the fifth with a two-run double from Kevin Maitan. Josh Simpson allowed an inherited runner to score, but struck out seven batters over 2.2 hitless innings to keep the game within reach at 8-5.
Cobie Fletcher-Vance extended his team-high hitting streak to seven games with RBI singles in the sixth and eighth innings, drawing the deficit to 8-7. Jefry Yan (W, 1-0) pitched a perfect eighth to send the game to the ninth, where the Blue Wahoos used their small ball skills to scratch across the pivotal three runs against Sean McLaughlin (L, 0-1). Yan returned to the mound to lock down the thrilling win.
The Blue Wahoos look for a series win in their finale against the Trash Pandas on Sunday afternoon.
Third Suspect Arrested In Nearly $100,000 Burglary Of Guns, Silver, Other Items
April 16, 2022
A third North Escambia man has been arrested for allegedly taking items worth nearly $100,000, including nine guns, during a burglary on Innerarity Point Road.
James Bronson Morgan, 48, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on nine counts of grand theft of a firearm, grand theft $20,000 to $100,000, armed burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, and criminal mischief.
Raymond Eugene Love, age 41 of Molino, and David Ross Holmquist, age 50 of Cantonment, were arrested on the same charges last week.
During the burglary, the trio allegedly took items including $60,000 in silver bars and bullion, ammunition valued at $10,000, 50 extra magazines for an AR-15 and AK-47, and the firearms, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report. The items were collectively valued at $96,459.
The homeowner arrived to find his indoor dog outside and that his house had been ransacked. According to the ECSO, the home was entered through a window over the kitchen sink.
Morgan (pictured top) remained in the Escambia County Jail Saturday morning with bond set at $63,500. Love (pictured bottom right) remained jailed with bond set at $211,000, and Holmquist was being held without bond.
ECFR: Electric Problem Sparked Molino House Fire
April 16, 2022
Escambia Fire Rescue now says a fire that destroyed a Molino home early Friday morning was caused by “an electrical issue”.
The home in the 2000 block of Mathison Road, about a half mile west of Highway 29, was declared a total loss following the fire that was reported about 12:40 a.m.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire coming from the garage area of the approximately 2,700 square foot brick home. A large portion of the home’s roof collapsed during the fire.
The occupants were alerted by smoke detectors and were able to escape with their pet.
There were no injuries.
The Molino, Cantonment, McDavid, Ensley, Beulah, Bellview and Ferry Pass stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded, along with Escambia County EMS.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
