Weekend Gardening: Remember Your Houseplants When Spring Cleaning
April 14, 2018
by UF/IFAS Santa Rosa Extension
Warmer weather signals that spring is here. After months of being cooped up indoors, it’s finally time for gardeners to go dig in the dirt. It’s also time for cooped up house plants to be revitalized.
Locate a shady area for this work. Even if houseplants are to be left out for a short period, after being shut up all winter, leaf damage can occur with only brief exposure to direct sunlight.
First, give the houseplants a bath. Use a soapy solution made of two teaspoons of mild liquid soap mixed with one gallon of water. Wash the leaves and stems, being certain to clean both upper and lower leaf surfaces. Allow the solution to remain on the plants for a few minutes, but rinse it off thoroughly before it is allowed to dry. This not only cleans plants, making them more attractive, but the soap helps to remove aphids, mealybugs and other insects.
Next, see if your plant needs re-potting. Although some plants require being pot-bound in order to flower eventually all plants outgrow their containers and become root- or pot-bound.
Why repot in the spring? Plant roots grow most actively in the spring, which means the plant will be able to quickly overcome the shock associated with re-potting.
When repotting, start with a clean, appropriately sized pot. If you want the plant to grow larger, then you will need to repot it in a larger pot. If you want it to maintain its present size, you’ll have to prune its roots.
In general, the pot size should be increased by only about two inches per re-potting. Therefore, a plant whose root ball is in a six inch pot is normally transplanted to a pot with an eight inch diameter. For some reason, drastic changes in pot size when re-potting seems to be detrimental to some plants.
Watering the plant several hours prior will help you remove the plant more easily. Invert the pot and gently remove the plant by grasping the main stem. Give it a slight tug, and it should slip out of the pot. If it doesn’t, use a butter knife or other flat-bladed tool to loosen the sides of the pot and try again.
Once the plant is free of the pot, take the time to inspect the root system. Look for large, old circular roots which can strangle the plant and prevent much-needed nourishment. Sever or remove these old roots to allow new feeder roots to establish.
To re-pot, first add enough new soil mixture to the bottom of the pot to return the plant to its original depth. After the plant is replaced, fill in the sides with new potting soil.
Use a quality potting mix when re-potting. Gardeners generally rely on commercially available potting soil mixes for growing most types of houseplants. A lot of brands are out there and not all of them are especially good. In particular, avoid heavy, black potting soils. If the bag feels dense and heavy for its size, put it back.
The best potting mixes include vermiculite, bark and perlite in proportions that create a fairly light, loose mix that water penetrates readily but drains rapidly.
If you don’t want to change pots, there is a way of dealing with a pot-bound plant and keeping it in the same size pot. First, remove the plant from the pot and trim off one-quarter to one-third of the lower part of the root ball. Put a layer of fresh potting mix in the bottom of the original container equal to the amount of the root ball removed. Place the plant back in the pot, adding a little more soil around the sides. Water well, and place the plant in a shady location to recover.
House plants would also benefit from fertilization at this time of year. There are many commercial materials available for fertilizing indoor plants. Most are effective and safe if used as directed.
Tate Showband Holding Car Washes In Five Locations Until 2 P.M.
April 14, 2018
The Tate High School Showband of the South will be washing cars today from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at five locations:
Advance Auto Parts
2440 S. Hwy. 29
Express Oil Change
1650 E. Nine Mile Rd.
Health Source
2122 W. Nine Mile Rd. (Near Publix & Pine Forest)
Pizza Hut
2 E. Nine Mile Rd.
O’Reilly Auto Parts
2050 S. Hwy 29 (New across from Tate)
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
New Members Inducted Into Northview High Beta Club
April 14, 2018
New members were inducted Wednesday into the National Beta Club at Northview High School.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The new members are:
Freshmen (pictured below)
- Maggie Amerson
- Savannah Doremus
- Amber Gilman
- Hannah Hughes
- Rylee Huskey
- Maille Kilcrease
- David Lamb
- Abigail Levins
- Meredith McGhee
- Abigail Nelson
- Libby Pugh
- Emily Stabler
- Summer Waters
- Autumn Williams
Sophomores (pictured top)
- Addison Albritton
- Emily Boutwell
- Ansleigh Maholovich
- Abigayil Mascaro
- Charleigh Parham
- Marissa Rothrock
- Cloe Smith
- Bailey Van Pelt
- Elana Ward
Current members of the Northview Beta Club are:
Seniors
- Anna Belle Barberree
- Logan Calloway
- Jarrod Davison
- Tristan Long
- Hannah Nelson
- Sarah Perritt
- Destiny Watson
- Tara Windham
Juniors
- Lexxi Baggett
- Ashtyn Carnley
- Logan Chavers
- Justin Cruce
- Brooke Doolittle
- Rebecca Dunn
- Dalton Hamilton
- Kherstin Johnson
- Tanner Levins
- Delaney Reynolds
- Valen Shelly
- Aaliyah Tucker
Sophomores
- Will Beach
- Keaton Brown
- Lacie Carter
- Karlee Criswell
- Jackson Edwards
- Ashlan Harigel
- Anna King
- Kayla McKillion
- Kinzie Rackard
- Savannah Roley
- Savannah Spence
The National Beta Club’s purpose is “to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, leadership and service among elementary and secondary school students.”
Pictured: New Beta Club members at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Softball: Double Dingers For Northview; Tate Nips Niceville
April 14, 2018
Northview 12, W.S. Neal 2
The Northview Chiefs run-ruled W.S. Neal Friday in Bratt, 12-2. Tori Herrington and Aubree Love homered for the Chiefs, the first two-home run for the Chiefs in Bratt in recent memory.
Herrington pitched a complete game for the Chiefs in their final home appearance of the season.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Northiew Chiefs (16-3, 6,-1) will travel to T.R. Miller Tuesday to end their reason season. The district tournament begins April 23 in Chipley.
Tate 3, Niceville 2
The Tate Lady Aggies beat Niceville Friday night 3-2.
Hanna Brown delivered the win on the mound for Tate, tossing a complete game, allowing two runs, four hits and striking out four.
For Tate: Deazia Nickerson 1-4, R; Madisen Nelson 1-2, RBI; Kayliegh Cawthon R; Ryleigh Cawby R.
Tate 4, Niceville 3 (JV)
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Moves To Top District Spot, Northview Loses To Freeport
April 14, 2018
Tate 3, Pace 2
The Tate Aggies moved to the top of District 1-7A Friday night with a 3-2 win over Pace.
Raymond Lafleur earned the victory for the Aggies in six innings, giving up two runs, three hits and striking out 12. Gabe Castro thew one inning in relief, recording the last three outs for the save.
For Tate: Blake Anderson RBI; Reid Halfacre R; Mason Land 1-3, RBI; Hunter McLean RBI.
Freeport 5, Northview 4
Freeport topped the Northview Chiefs 5-4 Friday night.
Tanner Levis pitched 6.1 innings, allowing seven hits, three runs and striking out five. Jackson Moore provided relief allowing one hit and one run.
For Northview: Trevor Singleton R; Moore 2-3, R; Adam Aliff RBI; Seth Kilam 2-3, R; Billy Rolin 1-3; RBI; John Chivington 1-3, R.
The Northview Chiefs will host Pensacola High School Tuesday in Bratt.
Wahoos Fall Short
April 14, 2018
A late rally fell short as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos lost 3-2 Friday night.
After a promising start to the game, the Blue Wahoos offense never quite found its rhythm. The Wahoos collected three hits in the first inning but didn’t get another hit until the sixth.
Randy LeBlanc took the mound for the Lookouts and struggled the find the strike zone right out of the gates. With two outs in the first, Gavin LaValley doubled to right before Gabby Guerrero and Josh VanMeter both drew walks. Aristides Aquino then ripped a single into to left to bring home LaValley, but the Wahoos tried to sneak another run home, but Chris Paul fired a strong throw home to the plate to throw out Guerrero.
Pensacola left the inning feeling cheated they only scored once.
For the Blue Wahoos, Vladimir Gutierrez made his first home start for the Wahoos and once again showed moments of brilliance despite pocketing the loss. A week after allowing a career high in walks, the 23-year old Cuban issued no free passes to the Lookouts over his six innings. Instead, Gutierrez was nicked for three runs after scattering nine hits and striking out four.
Chattanooga broke through in the third inning when Nick Gordon muscled a triple through the teeth of the wind and then scored on Zander Wiel’s RBI single. In the fourth, the Lookouts added two more when they strung together a three-hit rally that included a hit batsman.
With two on, Ryan Walker singled home Brent Rooker before Gordon added the second of his two-hit night to score catcher Brian Navaretto and make it a 3-1 Chattanooga lead.
After the first inning, the Blue Wahoos wouldn’t record another hit until the sixth inning when LaValley singled to right to lead off the inning. A rally never came to be because the next two hitters flew out and grounded into a double-play, respectively.
Pensacola tried to conjure up some late magic in the eighth inning when Shed Long led off the inning with a single. Alfredo Rodriguez then hit into what appeared to be a fielder’s choice, but no Lookouts infielders were covering the bag at second allowing everyone to be safe. LaValley added his third hit of the night to load the bases, setting the stage for Guerrero. Although the Wahoos center fielder didn’t disappoint, the fish were snake bitten again by Lookouts defense again.
Guerrero singled to center scoring Long, but Rodriguez was thrown out by LaMonte Wade at the plate to keep the score line at 3-2. With the tying run still at second, VanMeter struck out to end the threat.
Chattanooga called on Williams Ramirez to finish off the Wahoos, and despite allowing a leadoff single to Aquino, he retired the next three batters in order to give the Lookouts their first win of the season.
Woman Kidnapped During Home Invasion Robbery, Three Charged
April 13, 2018
Three people were arrested in connection with an early Friday morning home invasion an kidnapping off Nine Mile Road.
At 1:33 a.m., the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 4000 block of Ashland Avenue. The victim told deputies that three white males came into his home, held him at gunpoint, stole his money, kidnapped his girlfriend and fled in a silver Ford Edge.
During the investigation it was determined that his girlfriend’s ex-husband, 40-year old Justin Allen Cook, along with two accomplices, Jonathan Drew Coffey, age 22 of Cantonment, and Joshua Miskimens, age 24 of Cantonment, took the girlfriend to Seminole, AL, where they hid the money and guns on property that belonged one of Coffey’s family members. Cook then drove back to Florida and was spotted by ECSO Deputy Hand in the parking lot of the Circle K at 2205 West Nine Mile Road, according to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The girlfriend was not injured.
Cook was arrested and charged with robbery home invasion with a firearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, grand theft and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Coffey and Miskimens were also arrested and charged with robbery home invasion with a firearm, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, and grand theft.
Three Apply For Century Town Clerk Position
April 13, 2018
There were three applicants for the position of Century town clerk.
The Century Town Council is expected to discuss the position at their next meeting Monday night.
“The town clerk is the official custodian of all official town records; responsible for the retention and overall management of records in accordance with Florida law. the town clerk records the minutes and actions of the town council and manages all aspects of town elections. work is performed in coordination with the mayor and town council,” according to the job description.
The applicants, in alphabetical order, are:
Kimberly Godwin, Century
- Previous employment experience – Interim town clerk/gas superintendent, Town of Century; gas superintendent, Town of Century; deputy clerk of utilities and communication, Town of Century; secretary specialist for the colonel; Century Correctional Institution; senior citizens services specialist, Town of Century.
- Education – Ernest Ward High School, Walnut Hill.
- Professional, civic, trade, business, etc. affiliations — Active member of International Institute of Municipal Clerks; seeking official certification of Municipal Clerk; member Florida Gas Utilities Board of Directors; former secretary Century Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; former Twin Cities Volunteers (previously Rotary Club) Board of Directors.
Tracie Watson, Brewton
- Previous employment experience — Academic coordinator, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee; administrative assistant, Leon County Schools, Tallahassee; principal, Global Trace Enterprises, Pensacola; human resources coordinator, Toler Concrete, Pensacola; human resources technician, Escambia Board of Commissioners.
- Education – University of West Florida, masters of education in college student personnel/affairs administration.
- Professional, civic, trade, business, etc. affiliations — None listed.
Khortense Dortch-Wesley, Century
- Previous employment experience — Mortgage closer, Navy Federal Credit Union, Pensacola; mortgage closer, Aerotek (contractor for Navy Federal), Pensacola; mortgage support assistant, Aerotek; Sr. sponsership/events coordinator, PCI Gaming, Atmore; promotions/events coordinator, PCI Gaming, Atmore; player services lead representative/ambassador, PCI Gaming;
- Education — Certificate supervisor essentials, Wind Creek Hospitality; Certification certificate, criminal justice/legal research, Northwest Florida State College (in progress, 56 of 64 required credits).
- Professional, civic, trade, business, etc. affiliations — Salvation Army Toys for Tots; Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Women Build; member First Mt. Zion Baptist Church; American Cancer Society Go Red for Women
Information source: Resumes submitted to the town by each applicant.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Sunny Today, Severe Weather Threat For Saturday
April 13, 2018
An organized line of showers and thunderstorms will spread across our region Saturday morning through late Saturday night. Some of the storms could become severe with damaging wind gusts over 60 mph and possibly a brief tornado or two, according to the National Weather Service. It currently appears the best potential for severe weather will be from late Saturday morning through Saturday evening.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a high near 77. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 54. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 65. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 42. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 73.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 78.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Results: District 1-1A Track Meet; Top Athletes Headed To Regionals
April 13, 2018
The Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1A District 1 meet will held this week at Jay High School.
The top four athletes in each event advance to the regional meet April 24-26 in Tallahassee.
For complete results from all schools, including times and other details, click here (pdf).
Those qualifying for regionals from Northview and Jay high schools are listed below (as provided by each school):
Northview High School
- Boy’s 100m-Brandon Spencer, Quay Thomas
- Boy’s 200m-Brandon Spencer, Daniel Merit, Joseph Wright
- Boy’s 400m-Daniel Merit
- Boy’s 1600m-Oscar Rodiguez
- Boy’s 110 Hurdles-Jarius Moorer
- Boy’s 4×100m-Brandon Spencer, Joseph Wright, Tim Bush, Jarius Moorer
- Boy’s 4×400m-Jarius Moorer, Tim Bush, Daniel Merit, Joseph Wright
- Boy’s 4×800m-Oscar Rodriguez, Keaton Brown, David Lamb, Joseph Johnson
- Boy’s High Jump-Tim Bush
- Boy’s Long and Triple Jump-Ray Bush
- Girl’s 100m-Crystal Douglas, NeNe Findley
- Girl’s 200m-Crystal Douglas, NeNe Findley, Lexi Broadhead
- Girl’s 4×100m-Crystal Douglas, NeNe Findley, Celeste North, Myisha Syria
- Girl’s 4×400m-Crystal Douglas, NeNe Findley, Celeste North, Myisha Syria
- Girl’s Discus-Shelby Baeshore.
Jay High School
- Connor Roberts:110 and 300 hurdles
- Joseph Cook:100 meter dash and 4×1 relay
- Eric Godfrey: 4×1 relay
- Tyler Murphy: 4×1 relay
- Stone Brown: 4×1 relay
- Jimmie Ates: 300 hurdles
- Austin Ashworth: pole vault
- Tyler Pierce: high jump
- Randall Kennington: 4×1 relay alternate
- Jillian Thornton: 800m run and high jump
- Hannah Whitlock: 1600m run
- Landry Cato: pole vault
- Autumn Ates: shot put
