Escambia Farm Bureau Marks Food Check-Out Week With Food Drive
February 7, 2008
The Escambia County Farm Bureau is celebrating this week as Food Check-Out Week, the week into the new year where the average household will have earned enough to pay for its food for a year.
The Escambia County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee is commemorating this event by setting up food donation boxes at Piggly Wiggly in Davisville and at the Farm Bureau offices on Highway 97 in Molino and at the Davisville Piggly Wiggly. All food collected will be donated to the Manna Food Bank.
The average cost of food in America remains affordable overall. According to the most recent information from the Agriculture Department’s (USDA’s) Economic Research Service, American families and individuals spend, on average, less than 10 percent of their disposable personal income for food.
Applying that statistic to the calendar year means the average household will have earned enough disposable income — that portion of income available for spending or saving — to pay for its annual food supply in about 37 days or five weeks, according to the Escambia County Farm Bureau.
In recognition of this, Escambia County Farm Bureau is celebrating Feb. 3-9, 2008, as Food Check-Out Week.
Not only is America’s food supply among the world’s safest, it is the most affordable, said Ray Crawford, Farm Bureau Field Staff Director. “The abundant, affordable and safe domestic food supply produced by America’s farmers and ranchers is responsible, at least in part, for our nation’s increasing standard of living.”
“Americans work longer each year to pay for their housing, federal taxes and medical care, compared to food,” Crawford said.
According to the Tax Foundation, Americans work an average of 52 days each year to pay for health and medical care, 62 days to pay for housing/household operation and 77 days to pay federal taxes.
Crawford said the food we enjoy as consumers is a product of our successful food production and distribution system, as well as America’s farmers and ranchers continuing to have access to effective and affordable crop protection tools.
This week should hold meaning for most Americans, he said. “We remain concerned that some Americans cannot afford to buy the food they need, but we are proud of the role Florida farmers play in producing the most affordable food in the world.”
The percent of disposable personal income spent for food has declined over the last 35 years. In 1970, it took Americans 14 more days to earn enough income to pay for their food supply for the year. According to USDA, food is more affordable today due to a widening gap between growth in per-capita incomes and the amount of money spent for food.
This overall decrease is made more notable by trends indicating Americans are buying more expensive convenience foods, as well as more food away from home.
USDA’s latest statistic, compiled for 2006, includes food and non-alcoholic beverages consumed at home and away from home. This includes food purchases at grocery stores and other retail outlets, including food purchases with food stamps and vouchers for the Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) program. The statistic also includes away-from-home meals and snacks purchased by families and individuals, as well as food furnished to employees.
Food Check-Out Day tracks the amount of income needed by Americans to purchase food on an annual basis, Crawford said. “There have been some slight fluctuations over the past few years, but food prices have remained relatively stable over time.”
Red Flag Warning Issued
February 7, 2008
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning in effect from noon today to 6:00 this afternoon for the North Escambia area.
Afternoon relative humidity values are expected to drop below 35 percent for more than four hours this afternoon over the western Florida Panhandle.
A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.
Blog: We Need You
February 7, 2008
This whole NorthEscambia.com thing has been fun. We’ve been doing this about three months now. Some of you have been here from day one; some of you have just starting visiting the site. No matter how long you’ve been visiting with us, we sure do appreciate each and every time you stop by.
In this blog, I usually make some grand point…or make a grand point with a local politician. But today I thought we’d just chat about the site in general.
We’ve laughed, raised an eyebrow or two and cried together on this site in the past three months. Now it’s time to move forward into phase two of this little project…advertising. More on that in a moment.
Our pages have been looked at over two million times in the past three months. That’s a lot for a North Escambia area that has 18,000 people. We’ve discovered that many people outside the North Escambia area look at this site on a regular basis.
Local politicians visit the site to see what we have covered and read our viewpoints. This site has finally given the “north end” a loud collective voice in local politics, an important factor as this county continues to grow and government tends to forget more and more about the rural areas to their north.
People in the Pensacola metro have turned to our site to learn more about North Escambia stories. Thousands turned to NorthEscambia.com, for instance, when three people died in a tragic auto accident recently in Walnut Hill. We, of course, had photos that the News Journal did not, so many people posted links to our stories and photos. We even provided a photo that the News Journal printed in their paper two days after the accident.
Speaking of that accident…that’s when came together as a family. After we ran the story, we started to get people emailing us with comments about those involved. We decided to put together a Memorial Message Board. You responded in a big way, with hundreds of heartfelt comments being sent in. We all had a good cry together and leaned on each other. That’s what good families do.
Now it’s time to move forward. The family needs you for this next move.
First…we need you to keep reading NorthEscambia.com as often as you can. There are new stories posted pretty much every morning. Sometimes, like when bad weather struck the area Wednesday morning, stories are posted during the day as events unfold.
Second…we need you to keep telling your friends and neighbors in the area about NorthEscambia.com. It’s getting to really rare that we run into someone that has not heard of the site, but there are still just a few people out there that don’t know we exist. Spread the word!
Third…we need your news tips. We don’t always know about everything that’s going on the area. No matter how big or small, tell us what is happening in your church, school or neighborhood.
Fourth…we need you understand that this site is run by just one person. It’s not humanly possible to be all places at all times. We will miss a story, especially if you don’t let us know it is going to happen in advance. Please don’t email “why didn’t you cover this event at my church?”. Instead, let us know about it before it happens. Or even take some pictures and email them to us.
Fifth…let us know how to improve the site. And yes, I know we need sports. That’s why we need someone to help us with sports. If you know that guy or gal that breathes local sports, send ‘em our way. If you go to a local team’s sporting events often, let us know. You can help us. And…don’t forget about little league. We are going to need your help with stats and photos. Let us know how you can help.
Sixth…money. This site has ran for over three months at our expense; there have not been any ads on the site. But the time for that is very near. We’ve have a list of people that have send us emails and let us know that they are ready to go and advertise on the site. If you’d like one of the remaining advertising spots, we need you to let us know quickly before they are all gone. If you don’t have a business, tell a local business you’d like to see them support NorthEscambia.com. And, by all means, when you do see advertising on the site, let those advertisers know just how much you appreciate them supporting us.
Did you notice a theme to all six things? “We need you.” That’s it. We need you to continue to be a part of the NorthEscambia.com family. I need you, and I personally appreciate each one of you. Thanks for being part of the NorthEscambia.com family.
To contact us about any of the things we mentioned, use our contact form.
—William
Wednesday Storms Cause Damage Across Area
February 6, 2008
High winds and heavy thunderstorms struck the North Escambia area Wednesday morning causing some damage, including a tree down on a house and two vehicles in Century.
Marvin Marshall said he was in the bed in his mobile home on Ramar Street when he heard a loud crashing noise.
“It was loud,” he said. I ain’t never heard anything like it. I thought a car had hit the house or something. Then I heard the wind and knew it must have blew something down.”
A large oak tree in front of 17 Ramar Street had split in half, with half of the tree crashing down, hitting the corner of the house and Marshall’s truck and car parked nearby.
Marshall said his wife and 19 year old son were at home in the house, but they were not injured.
Crews from the Escambia County Road Department worked to remove the still-standing portion of the tree because it posed an immediate risk to the neighborhood.
Trees and power lines were reported to be down across the North Escambia area. Power lines were reported to be down near Byrneville Road near Highway 4. A tree was reported down on power lines on State Line Road. Trees were reported downed on Occie Phillips Road near Walnut Hill. There was a report of a tree down in the road on Highway 164 just east of Pine Barren Board. Trees and power lines were reported down on McCall Road and Dawson Road.
Power outages were reported across the area.
The storms have cleared the NorthEscambia area. The wind and rains were associated with a fast moving cold front that is expected to have temperatures falling into the upper 30’s tonight.
Pictured above: The tree down on Ramar Street in Century Wednesday morning. Pictured below: The tree struck two of Marshall’s vehicles. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Century Chamber Cuts Ribbons At Three Businesses Tuesday
February 6, 2008
It was a big day for business Tuesday in Century. Ribbon cuttings were held at three new Century businesses Tuesday morning. Ribbons were cut at Whataburger, Jordan’s Embroidery and the Tea Room at the Country Bumpkin.
Whataburger (pictured left) is located at 8340 North Century Boulevard. The Tea Room (pictured below) is located inside the Country Bumpkin at 7850 North Century Boulevard. Jordan’s Embroidery (pictured bottom of page) is located next door to the County Bumpkin in the same building. NorthEscambia.com photos. Click any photo to enlarge.
For more photos from Tuesday’s ribbon cuttings, click here.
Let The Good Times Roll! Century Care Residents Celebrate Mardi Gras
February 6, 2008
Residents at the Century Care Center celebrated Mardi Gras Tuesday in grand style with both a parade and a party.
Mozell Roberts was named CCC’s Mardi Gras Queen, and David Comalander was named CCC’s Mardi Gras King. (Both picture left)
The parade, held Tuesday morning, featured lots of throws, including Mardi Gras beads and other trinkets. Residents in Mardi Gras costumes paraded and rolled through the hallways in their wheelchairs to the delight of other residents watching the parade.
An afternoon Mardi Gras party was held for residents.
Click here for a complete photo gallery from Tuesday’s Mardi Gras events at Century Care Center.
Special thanks to Mae Hildreth for these submitted photos.
Blood Drive Held Tuesday At Northview High School
February 6, 2008
A blood drive was held Tuesday at Northview High School with students giving the gift of life. The Northwest Florida Blood Center reports that 45 faculty and students donated 34 units of blood.
Pictured above: Junior Ashley Snow donates blood for the third time in her life Tuesday morning. Pictured below: Senior Nick Prather donates blood for the first time. Pictured bottom of page: Senior Andrea Byars makes her second ever blood donation.
Another blood drive will held Sunday, February 17 in Molino at both Aldersgate Methodist Church and Highland Baptist Church. The bloodmobile will be at Aldersgate Methodist in the morning from eight until eleven, and it will move to Highland Baptist Church in the afternoon from noon until two.
To reserve a time to donate and “give the gift of life” at either location, contact Sandra Greenwell at 587-2489 or Betty Ashcraft at 587-5294 prior to the drive.
Donors must be in generally good health. Other requirements include:
- At least 17 years of age
- Must bring picture ID
- Weigh at least 110 lb
- Free of infection, fever or flu symptoms, for 3 days
- No cancer within the last 5 years
- No antibiotics within the last 48 hours
- No tattoos within the past 12 months
- No chest pain, heart disease, heart surgery (Requires written physician release with diagnosis)
- No history of viral hepatitis
- Cannot have lived in France for 5 years or more between 1980 and the present
- Cannot have lived or visited in the UK for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 to 1996
- Cannot have received a blood transfusion in the UK between 1980 and the present
- Military personnel (current and former), and their dependents, who spent time in military bases in northern Europe during 1980-1990, or southern Europe during 1980-1996, for 6 months or more
- All military personnel (active & reserve) that are returning from Iraq, are deferred for a period of 1 year after the last date on location in that country.
Kansas Road Being Repaved
February 5, 2008
Kansas Road near Walnut Hill is being repaved. Workers were out early Tuesday morning working on the roadway, just off Highway 97. Kansas Road winds about four miles from Highway 97 to Arthur Brown Road.
Multiple Community Agencies Receive Funds From Town Of Century
February 5, 2008
The Town of Century voted Monday night to fund several community agencies and organizations.
The council voted to provide Carver/Century K-8 School with a $500 donation toward an upcoming trip to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery on April 24. The fifth through eight grades will be attending a performance of the “Count of Monte Cristo”.
The council originally considered a $250 donation, but that amount was quickly doubled.
“$250 is good,” said council member Gary Riley, but it would be good if the town could show a better donation…let the people know we are doing what we can for our kids.”
The council approved a motion by council member Nadine McCaw to make $2,000 donations each to the Carver Community Center, the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society, Century Little League, the Century Sports Association and the Century Chamber of Commerce.
Each group had received the same $2,000 donation last year, except for the chamber. The chamber of commerce had received a $5,000 donation from the city during the last fiscal year.
Century Council Chooses DEP Fine Project; Approves Free Fitness Classes
February 5, 2008
The Century Town Council picked from three environmental projects to satisfy a $16,000 fine at their Monday night meet. The council voted to move forward with plans for a water pressure tank at the Century Correctional Institute.
The town faced a fine from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for wastewater violations. That fine was either $11,000 cash or at least $16,000 spent on a project approved the the DEP.
The council was presented three options by Dale Long of Fabre Engineering:
- A pressure tank installed at the Century Correctional Institute to allow the shutdown, cleaning and maintenance of a water tower that serves the prison. Total estimated cost: $53,695
- The reconstruction of a sewage lift station on North Century Boulevard that has been hit by vehicles. The project would move most elements of the lift station underground to avoid any future damage. Total estimated cost: $71,280
- Installation of a permanent generator at the sewage lift station that serves Century Correctional Institute. Total estimated cost: $59,550
Council member Nadine McCaw expressed her support for the generator, but the other council members all supported moving forward on the pressure tank project at the prison. Detailed plans for the project will be present to the DEP by Fabre Engineering.
Also at Monday night’s meeting of the Century Town Council, Century Care Center Administrator Don Ripley (pictured left) asked the council for use of the Ag Building/Community Center each Monday and Wednesday night for free fitness classes. His request was approved 5-0 by the council.
The classes will be open at all 116 employees of the CCC, as well as anyone in the public. Ripley said that he was not requesting the use of the building on any night that was already reserved, nor would the scheduled fitness classes prevent anyone from reserving the building on one of those nights.
He said he expects that 20-30 people from his facility will be in the first classes.
The council spent over 20 minutes discussing the town’s bills with Town Clerk Dorothy Sims prior to voting to approve paying the bills, except for a payment to Allied Waste. Sims said the $11,357 Allied Waste bill presented to the council was incorrect, and she was waiting for a corrected bill from Allied.
In other business:
- Mayor Freddie McCall reported he had authorized $3,076 in emergency repairs to a sewage lift station on Upton Road.
- A motion by council member Henry Hawkins to install fire hydrants in a private development on Ranch Road failed due to a lack of a second. A developer plans to install 50-60 mobile homes on the property. The fire hydrants would have support about 14 mobile homes in phase one of the development.
- Heard a request by council member Gary Riley that the town consider a golf driving range for the benefit of the town’s citizens and as a possible income source
- Heard a request by Riley to consider a Fourth of July fireworks show in the city, and determine what such a show would cost.
- Voted to purchase a $500 advertisement in an upcoming issue of The Tri-City Ledger.