News : NorthEscambia.com (2024)

June 21, 2024

The Tate High School FFA chapter brought home numerous awards and honors from the 96th Annual Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando recently.

Tate attended with 34 FFA members, chapter advisors, administration, and FFA alumni. Members attended the convention, leadership student workshops, and career show.

Chapter delegates Lawson Theisen and Maegan Coleman and represented the chapter at the Florida FFA business session and District 1 meeting. Tate High Principal Laura Touchstone also attended the convention and shared in the chapter’s accomplishments for the week.

For more photos, click here.

The chapter was received the following awards, honors and accolades::

Florida’s Finest – National Chapter Award – recognizes the top 10% of chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the National FFA organization as they emphasize three components: Growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture while engaging the entire membership.

Florida’s Finest – Premier FFA Chapters – Recognizes superior achievement by FFA chapters as they engaged in agriculture and the FFA. Chapters must be proficient in alumni and community partnerships, financial planning, public relations and models of excellence FFA activities.

Advisor of the Year Finalist – Tate FFA advisor Melissa Gibbs was a top finalist for the Timothy Cribbs Advisor of the Year Award as it recognizes advisors who make a positive difference in the lives of their agricultural FFA members.

Honorary State FFA Degree – Richard Gibbs was chosen by the Florida FFA Association Board of Directors, officers and staff to receive the coveted Honorary State FFA Degree. Gibbs is a charter member of the Tate FFA Foundation and a 1954 Tate High School graduate and FFA member. The Honorary State FFA Degree is the highest honorary award presented by the Florida FFA organization. Its purpose is to recognize those individuals who have greatly contributed to the advancement of agricultural education and who have provided outstanding service to the FFA program.

American FFA Degree Candidates – As the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, the American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA career. American FFA Degree recipients show promise for the future and have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence. Tate FFA recipients were Dawson Guy and Jaxson Stafford.

State FFA Degree Recipients – The State FFA Degree is the highest degree a state association can bestow upon a member. It is a step in the FFA degree system that encourages premier leadership, personal growth and achievement of career success. The degree is a high and rare honor, in which less than two percent of FFA members earn. It requires commitment and hard work to reach and attain this goal. The State FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the Florida State FFA Association and made significant accomplishments in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).

The following Tate students received the State FFA Degree.

• Sarah Alexander
• Wyatt Allen
• Ryan Grace
• Austin Manning
• Francis Martin
• Alexis Nelson
• Synoma Perea
• Brayden Touchstone
• Lyllian Warne

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

June 21, 2024

The Molino 6U All-Stars won the Gospel Projects World Series this week.

The Gospel Projects World Series started in 1970 and Molino has never finished better in 6Uthan second back in 2019.

These are the same boys that won 5U last year, which also was a first for Molino at the 5U at Gospel Projects.

Molino defeated NEP Gold 31-22 for the championship.

Molino 6U All-Stars head coach is Tanner Brooks. Assistant coaches are Jason Chaney,Mark Cutler,Wesley Summerford,Brad Brooks, andBlake Schnyder.

Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

June 21, 2024

Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a report of smoke in the building at a Cantonment Dollar General Thursday afternoon.

The report was made about 5 p.m. from the Dollar General at 111 South Highway 97 at Muscogee Road. Firefighters tracked the source of the smoke to an electrical problem with an HVAC unit.

There was no severe damage and no injuries reported.

NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

June 21, 2024

written by Bill Vilona

The Blue Wahoos resummoned their winning formula on Thursday night.

It was enough to keep them in a divisional playoff race.

As he’s so often done at home this year, righthander M.D. Johnson gave his teammates a big lift with five shutout innings prior to a brief rain delay, then the bullpen took over on Mullet Thursday for Pensacola’s 2-0 win against the Chattanooga Lookouts.

Taking on their alternate identity as the Mullets, the Blue Wahoos rebounded from two series-opening losses, including a 9-1 setback Wednesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium, to stay in contention in the Southern League South Division first half chase.

The win was vital, considering the Montgomery Biscuits won their second game this week against the Birmingham Barons – the North Division leader – to maintain a 1.5 game lead with three weekend games remaining.

“(Thursday) we played more like Blue Wahoos baseball,” said Johnson, who improved to 3-4 on the season and lowered his earned run average to 3.11. “We weren’t super tight. We weren’t trying to do everything so perfectly, because of what’s at stake. We just played the game that we’re all here trying to play.

“I think that, going forward, is what we need to carry on doing.”

All three of Johnson’s wins have come at home. He carried a mindset of blocking any thoughts of needing to carry the team in a must-win type of scenario.

“I didn’t think of it along the lines of that,” said Johnson, who allowed just three hits – matching his fewest this season – along with two walks and four strikeouts.

““Because as soon as you try to add that little bit of extra pressure, then you are going to try and nitpick things,” he said. “I went more along the lines of… we lost the first two games of the series, and it’s opening weekend. We are trying to get a win here to jump start the week, versus, ‘Oh we have to try and stay in the hunt.’ I don’t have to think about that.

“(Playoffs) will take of itself with us winning baseball games. I treated it like a normal start. We just lost two, I need to come in here and set the tone for the week. And I think I accomplished that.”

The Blue Wahoos scored both runs on home runs.

Catcher Joe Mack did it again, leading off the fourth inning with a solo shot over the right center berm. It was his team-high 11th homer of the season, his ninth in the past 20 games.

Cody Morissette followed a 21-minute rain delay in the bottom of the fifth inning by connecting on a 1-1 pitch for his fifth homer this season.

Those two swings became enough. The Blue Wahoos had just four hits. Mack had one of those with a first-inning single and Zach Zubia had the other.

That was enough offense for the Blue Wahoos bullpen to take over. Austin Roberts, the team’s saves leader, who was used Thursday as a middle reliever, worked the sixth and seventh in flawless fashion with four strikeouts to get his first hold of the season.

Raffi Vizcaíno earned his seventh save by working two scoreless innings. When he recorded his fourth strikeout to end the game, Vizcaíno leaped off the mound and showed joyous emotion after sealing a much needed win.

The Lookouts (19-47), who have the fewest wins in all levels of Minor League Baseball, have played solid baseball so far this week against the Blue Wahoos.

“The bullpen has been nails all year,” Johnson said. “They have been fantastic. If I can give us five to six innings… not just myself but the whole starting staff… if we can give them the lead after five to six innings of good quality baseball, it’s lights out.”

The series will continue on Friday with Cade Gibson making his first home start for the Blue Wahoos against Rhett Lowder, the Cincinnati Reds’ No. 1 prospect, who will entered with a 0-3 record Friday but is coming off a scoreless five innings in his last start.

GAME NOTABLES

— The rain delay began at 7:20 p.m. after the umpires called for the tarp to be put on the field. It was the first time in the Blue Wahoos’ 36 home games that weather has affected a game.

— The University of West Florida had a group outing on the Winn-Dixie party deck with 200-plus guests.

— The win pushed the team’s record to 5-2 wearing the Mullet uniforms and 27-1 when leading after seven innings.

WANT TO GO?

WHO: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Blue Wahoos

WHEN: Friday, 6:05 p.m.

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

June 20, 2024

The dates for the Friends of the West Florida Public Library HOT Summer Book Sale have been announced with a hot summer sales twist.

The Friends’ Hot Summer Book Sale will be held July 26, 27 and 28th and this year. For every t10 items (books, DVD’s, audiobooks, and CDs) purchased, library supporters will be invited to select an 11th item – for free! This includes all books, (paperback, hardback, kids’ books, etc.) except those in the Collector’s Corner. The books in Collector’s Corner are always individually priced.

The books will be sorted by genre to make it easier to find your favorite novels, children’s books, books about gardening and decorating, biographies, and so many more.

Friday, July 26, 2024, 3-7 p.m., $5 admission (free for member), Hot Summer Sale: Buy 10 items and get one more for free.

Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., free admission, Half-off prices all day! Hot Summer Sale: Buy 10 items and get one more for free.

Sunday, July 28, 2024, 9a.m. – 3 p.m., free admission | $7 bag sale (Collector’s Corner closes on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.)

The sale will be held at the downtown library, located at 239 North Spring Street. Debit and credit cards will be accepted.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

June 20, 2024

The Molino 12U softball team won the area all-star tournament recently in Semmes, Alabama. Up next, they will be playing in the state all-start tournament in Alexander City, Alabama. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

June 20, 2024

written by Bill Vilona

The fireworks and capacity crowd easily won the night for the Blue Wahoos.

As for the game, well, it quickly became a forgettable experience in the home dugout.

Chattanooga pounded its way to seven runs in the first three innings en route to a9-1 victory Wednesday on a specially-crafted Juneteenth recognition night before 5,038 fans at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

The game ended with the Blue Wahoos’ Harrison Spohn being robbed of extra bases on a sensational leaping catch by Lookouts left fielder Quincy McAfee.

A variety of pregame activities outside and inside the ballpark created a festive atmosphere, presented by Escambia County commissioner Lumon May, which included 1,000 fans being provided free tickets, courtesy of various entities.

It was capped by a massive fireworks show – double the number of fireworks shells – lighting up the sky above the bay and downtown Pensacola.

The City of Pensacola, Escambia County, the Escambia-Pensacola Human Relations Commission and Community Relations Equal Employment Fair Housing all joined together for the ticket giveaway and unique event wrapped around the game.

The Blue Wahoos wore uniforms of the Pensacola Seagulls, members of the Negro Southern League, originally formed during segregated times.

It was the first time the Blue Wahoos hosted a Juneteenth celebration night event during a game.

Most of the crowd remained for the fireworks show that followed the game. The start of the display initiated the biggest cheers of the night.

There were few opportunities in the game.

The loss further hindered the Blue Wahoos’ (35-29) hopes of winning the first half South Division in the Southern League. They caught a break when the Birmingham Barons held on to beat the Montgomery Biscuits 4-3, keeping the Biscuits lead to 1.5 games with four games remaining in the first half schedule.

Blue Wahoos lefthander Adam Laskey, making only his second start, had his roughest outing of the season. He allowed seven runs on seven hits to absorb his first loss. He entered the game 3-0 with a 2.61 earned run average.

But on this night, the Lookouts were lights out with clutch hits. They scored their first eight runs with two outs.

The Lookouts (19-46), the Cincinnati Reds’ Double-A affiliate, entered this week’s series with by far the worst record across all levels of Minor League Baseball. They were 2-8 in their previous 10 games. They now have won the first two games of this final week of the first half.

Just like Tuesday’s series-opening win, Chattanooga blasted big hits. A two-run double from Francisco Urbaez was the big one in the second inning. There were two out, none on when the Lookouts rallied with three hits and a walk.

In the third, Justice Thompson, who had not homered this season, launched a three-run bomb as part of a four-run inning.

The Blue Wahoos meanwhile were issued eight walks in six innings from Lookouts starter Kevin Abel. But they were unable to score a run until pushing across an eighth inning run on an error.

GAME NOTABLES

— The game’s pregame activities began with youth football players from the Southern Youth Sports Association Tigers and the East Pensacola Tigers playing a 15-minute scrimmage in shorts out in centerfield. The idea was to help promote the Soul Bowl in October – a series of age division games between the teams at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

— The Brownsville Silver Seniors performed several songs prior to ceremonial first pitches.

— Blue Wahoos team owner Quint Studer and Escambia County commissioner Lumon May addressed the stadium crowd before the National Anthem. May led efforts to give 1,000 free tickets to fans visiting an information booth. The tickets came with a food voucher at the stadium concessions, along with a Blue Wahoos hat.

— A moment of silence was held prior to the National Anthem and tribute was read for Willie Mays, one of the game’s greatest players and a Birmingham, Alabama native, who died Tuesday at age 93. The crowd produced a loud applause in tribute.

— The National Anthem was performed by Marilyn Franklin.

— Prior to the start of the fireworks show, Pensacola mayor D.C. Reeves and May addressed the crowd, along with a video tribute to Juneteenth and various officials and community leaders gathered at home plate before the fireworks.

WANT TO GO?

WHO: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Blue Wahoos

WHEN: Thursday, 6:05 p.m.

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

June 19, 2024

A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for an October 2022 murder in Escambia County.

A jury found Jacob Monroe Colville guilty of the October 29, 2022, first degree premeditated murder ofJesse Allen Geoghagan at a home on Medford Avenue. Jude Coleman Robinson immediately sentenced him to life.

Alyssa Marie Blackburn and Lawrence Bonner, Jr. were both indicted for principal to first degree premeditated murder with a firearm in the case.

On October 29, the ECSO responded to the 1000 block of Medford Avenue where they found Geoghegan.with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Blackburn contacted the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to report that he had been shot inside the residence.

Bonner allegedly gave Colville the gun used in the murder. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Colville shot Geoghagan twice inside a closet, before shooting him a “few more times” as he limped out of the bedroom.

They fled in a stolen 1996 Toyota Avalon, which was later found burning under the Mobile Highway Bridge over Eleven Mile Creek.

A security system in the residence captured the murder, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Blackburn and Bonner remain in jail without bond awaiting trial.Both are due back in court in mid-August.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News

June 19, 2024

The Tri-County Junior League All-Star team won the Florida Section 1 Championship Tuesday evening.

With the win, Tri-County advances to state beginning July 5 in Melbourne, Florida. The team is organizing fundraisers for the trip, and the Jay Recreation Association already accepting donations via Paypal.

Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

June 19, 2024

written by Bill Vilona

If there’s one element in which the Chattanooga Lookouts have excelled amid a dismal record, it’s hitting home runs.

They did again Tuesday night, putting a damaging dent into the BlueWahoos’ hopes for another first half divisional win.

A pair of two-run homers in consecutive innings were decisive in Chattanooga’s 4-2 victory, beginning the final week of the first half schedule in a glum way for the BlueWahoos.

A crowd of 4,034 on a Doggone Tuesday at BlueWahoosStadium, which included the Pace High School state champion softball team, watched the BlueWahoos(35-28) get few scoring chances against the Lookouts (18-47), who by far have the worst record in the Southern League.

The BlueWahoos’ loss, coupled by the Montgomery Biscuits’ 6-5 win Tuesday against the Birmingham Barons, dropped the BlueWahoos1.5 games behind in the South Division race with just five games left. The Barons hit into a game-ending double play with the bases loaded in their game.

This all followed, of course, the BlueWahooswinning four of six games last week in Birmingham to get into contention for a third consecutive first half divisional win and automatic playoff berth.

Tuesday’s game started well for Pensacola. Joe Mack homered just inside the right field foul pole for a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

The lead was flipped by one swing in the fourth inning. Lookouts third base Nick Northcut, a Cincinnati native playing for the Reds’ Double-A affiliate, hit a two-run homer on a two-out pitch by BlueWahoosstarter Evan Fitterer.

A repeat scenario happened in the sixth inning when Quincy McAfee had a two-run homer, ending Fitterer’s night. The Lookouts tagged him for seven hits in the game.

It gave the Lookouts a total of 51 homers – second-most in the league behind the Tennessee Smokies.

The BlueWahoosmissed chances with two runners on base in the fifth and sixth inning, then had Paul McIntosh thrown out on a double-steal attempt in the eighth. A wild pitch led to a run, but the Lookouts’ Braxton Roxby earned his first save with a clean ninth inning.

The series continues Wednesday.

The game will start at 6:05 p.m. and will be followed by the largest fireworks show of the season.

GAME NOTABLES

Pace High’s prep All-American third baseman Shelby McKenzie, who is heading to join Florida State’s softball team, threw out a first pitch, along with senior teammate Mallory Baker, who was the Patriots’ No. 2 pitcher and outfielder. Baker threw a baseball, then went underhand with the softball in a double first pitch to the BlueWahoos’ Tanner Allen in pregame ceremonies.

The Patriots finished ranked No. 4 nationally by MaxPreps – the highest ranked softball team in Florida – following their 2-0 win against Bartow in the Class 6A state title game on May 23.

It was a special moment for the Patriots who went to the state final four in all four seasons for the seniors, led by pitching star Jayden Heavener, who was attending an orientation session at LSU, where she will play next season.

WANT TO GO?

WHO: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. BlueWahoos

WHEN: Wednesday, 6:05 p.m.

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