Cantonment Rotary Provides Thanksgiving Meals For About 1,500 People (With Photo Gallery)
November 25, 2021
About 1,500 people can enjoy a complete Thanksgiving meal this year thanks to the members and friends of the Cantonment Rotary Club.
Wednesday, the club distributed everything for a turkey meal to 343 families in the North Escambia area, including Quintette and Carver Park. The recipients were chosen with the help of local school guidance counselors who helped identify families that might need a little help this time of year.
The Tate High School cheerleaders volunteered Wednesday at St. Luke United Methodist Church to help package the meals for delivery. The Cantonment Improvement Committee and Quintette Community Center joined the distribution effort, and the Cantonment Winn Dixie helped with the food.
The club fed just six families during their first event nine years ago. Two years ago, that number was at 260, and last year it was 325 families. To date, Cantonment Rotary estimates the project has delivered meals to 1,800 families, feeding 6,000 people.
For a photo gallery, click to enlarge.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Martha Ann Weaver Sharpless
November 25, 2021
Martha Ann Weaver Sharpless, 83 years old, resided the past two years in Crossville, TN.
She was born in Booneville, AL to Audrey and Annie Mae Weaver. Martha graduated from Escambia County High School and Alverson-Draughon Business College. She and her husband, Johnny, were the owners of the Decorating Center in Atmore and Direct Carpets in Mobile before retiring in 2000 to Fairhope, AL. Martha loved flowers and gardening. She spent a lot of her time enjoying the outside.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Johnny E. Sharpless; her parents, Audrey and Annie Mae Weaver; her brother, O’Neal Weaver and her sister, June Weaver Luker.
She is survived by her daughter, Holley Sharpless Richter and her son-in-law, Dan Richter; her granddaughters, Danielle Richter Russell (Ryan) and Megan Richter; her sister, Virginia Weaver Sharpless; her brother, Jerry Weaver (Jeanette) along with many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel followed by a private burial.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 26, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
ECSO Locates Suspects Caught On Camera Stealing From Local Farmer; Corn And Peanuts Recovered
November 24, 2021
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has located three people suspected of stealing from a Walnut Hill farmer that was selling his products on the honor system.
Three people were caught on camera early last Friday morning stealing 27 bags of deer corn, peanuts and ear corn being sold at the farmer’s roadside bin and barn on South Highway 99 in Walnut Hill. They can be seen on surveillance video loading up the bags into a van that was later determined to be yellow. Part of that video, first posted by NorthEscambia.com on Monday, is below.
By Tuesday, investigators had tracked down the three suspects. According to Wesley Eicher of Eicher Farms, deputies recovered about two dozen bags of corn and peanuts that were returned to him Tuesday night.
“They brought the bags back to me tonight,” Eicher told NorthEscambia.com Tuesday night. “I’m glad the deputies found them and appreciate their work.”
The ECSO is expected to seek arrest warrants for the trio; their names have not yet been released because they have yet been formally charged with any crime.
We will keep you updated on the progress of this case.
Images and video for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rep. Salzman (Dressed As Half Of A PB&J) Donates To Peanut Butter Challenge. You Can Too By Today.
November 24, 2021
Florida Rep. Michelle Salzman’s office collected almost 100 jars of peanut butter alongside the Girl Scouts for the annual UF/IFAS Extension Peanut Butter Challenge in Escambia County.
The Peanut Butter Challenge ends today. Unopened jars of peanut butter can be donated at the following locations through Wednesday, November 24:
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Escambia County Farm Bureau, 153 Highway 97, Molino
- Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 North W Street
- Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 7979 North Ninth Avenue
- Gilmore Services, 31 East Fairfield Drive
- Escambia County Administration, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor
- Pensacola City Hall, 222 West Main Street,
- Holy Spirit Catholic, 10650 Gulf Beach Highway
- Perdido Bay United Methodist Church, 13360 Innerarity Point Road,
- Pensacola Beach Visitors Information, 7 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach
The peanut butter goes to local families in need and promotes peanut production.
Middle 60s Today, Even Warmer For Thanksgiving
November 24, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. East wind around 5 mph.
Thanksgiving Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. North wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. West wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 64.
15-Year Old Driver Critically Injures Pedestrian In Escambia County
November 24, 2021
A pedestrian was struck by a SUV drivn by a 15-year old Tuesday afternoon in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the teen was traveling north on Mobile Highway near Lynch Street at 4:23 p.m. when a pedestiran jumped over a guardrail and into the roadway. The teen began braking and turned toward the shoulder of the road, striking the pedestrian. The SUV continued into the guardrain on the east side of the road, traveled across all lanes and struck the guardrail on the west side of Mobile Highway.
The 31-year old female pedestrian was transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries, while the teen was transported with minor injuries.
Troopers said charges are pending the completion of the investigation, according to FHP. There were no adults in the vehicle with the 15-year, according to a FHP report.
File photo.
A Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Is Costing More This Year, Farm Bureau Says
November 24, 2021
Thanksgiving dinner, on average, is costing more this year. But the bottom line really depends on when, and if, turkey was purchased for the menu.
Farm Bureau’s 36th annual survey indicates the average cost of this year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 is $53.31, or less than $6 per person. This is a $6.41 or 14% increase from last year’s average of $46.90.
The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – costs more than last year, at $23.99 for a 16-pound bird. That’s roughly $1.50 per pound, up 24% from last year, but there are several mitigating factors.
Farm Bureau “volunteer shoppers” checked prices Oct. 26 to Nov. 8, about two weeks before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices. Although the survey timeline is consistent with past AFBF Thanksgiving surveys, 2021 brought some unique differences. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, grocery stores began advertising lower feature prices later than usual this year. Also, the average per-pound feature price for whole frozen turkeys was $1.07 the week of Nov. 5-11 and 88 cents the week of Nov. 12-18, a decline of 18% in just one week. This means consumers who have not yet purchased a turkey should be able to find one at a lower cost than the Farm Bureau average.
“Several factors contributed to the increase in average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” said AFBF Senior Economist Veronica Nigh. “These include dramatic disruptions to the U.S. economy and supply chains over the last 20 months; inflationary pressure throughout the economy; difficulty in predicting demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and high global demand for food, particularly meat. The trend of consumers cooking and eating at home more often due to the pandemic led to increased supermarket demand and higher retail food prices in 2020 and 2021, compared to pre-pandemic prices in 2019.”
The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers.
“Taking turkey out of the basket of foods reveals a 6.6% price increase compared to last year, which tracks closely with the Consumer Price Index for food and general inflation across the economy,” said Nigh.
In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also includes ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, in an expanded holiday menu. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $15.41, to $68.72. This updated basket of foods also increased in price (up 14%) compared to 2020.
This year’s national average cost was calculated using 218 surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.
The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
Individual Prices From The Suvey
16-pound turkey: $23.99 or approximately $1.50 per pound (up 24%)
2 frozen pie crusts: $2.91 (up 20%)
30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $3.64 (up 7%)
Half pint of whipping cream: $1.78 (up 2%)
1 dozen dinner rolls: $3.05 (up 15%)
12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.98 (up 11%)
1 gallon of whole milk: $3.30 (up 7%)
1 pound of frozen peas: $1.54 (up 6%)
3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $3.56 (up 4%)
1-pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): 82 cents (up 12%)
Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.45 (up 12%)
14-ounce bag of cubed stuffing mix: $2.29 (down 19%)
AAA Urges Thanksgiving Drivers To Ensure Their Vehicle Is Ready For The Road
November 24, 2021
Nearly 48.3 million Americans will hit the road this Thanksgiving. Yet some may travel in a vehicle that isn’t ready for an extended road trip.
AAA estimates 400,000 Americans will need roadside assistance during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The three most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, and lock outs.
“Most vehicle problems like these could be prevented with a pre-trip vehicle inspection,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Before you hit the road this Thanksgiving, make sure to check everything from the battery to the tires. That could make the difference between spending Thanksgiving at the table or on the roadside.”
TOP 5 ITEMS ON A VEHICLE CHECKLIST
- Tires
- Battery
- Brakes
- Fluids
- Wiper Blades
TIRES ARE MOST IMPORTANT
If neglected, tires could create serious consequences – ranging from a simple flat to a dangerous blowout on the highway. In 2020, there were 3,069 tire-related crashes in Florida, resulting in 184 serious bodily insures and 61 fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Check your tires once a month, at minimum, and before taking a long trip.
Inspect all four tires. Since some new vehicles don’t come with a spare tire, know whether you have one and if it’s inflated too. Look for cuts, gouges or sidewall bulges. Drivers should pay special attention to both tire inflation pressure and tire tread depth:
- Check Tire Inflation Pressure – Check tire pressure when the car has been idle and tires are cool. Inflate as needed to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. You will find it listed in the owner’s manual and on the sticker on the driver side door. Do NOT use the number on the tire sidewall.
- Check Tire Tread Depth – Insert a quarter upside down into the grooves. If you see the top of George Washington’s head, it is time for new tires. Be sure to check in multiple spots across your tire to diagnose any uneven wear patterns.
BATTERIES ARE VULNERABLE TO TEMPERATURE CHANGES
Changes in temperature can take a toll on your car battery. Have a service professional do a battery check to determine remaining capacity.
Symptoms of a dying battery include:
- Car hesitates or slowly cranks when you’re trying to start it
- A grinding, clicking or buzzing sound when you turn the ignition
- Dim headlights, especially when your car is idling
- The battery warning light is illuminated
- Corrosion, cracks or bulges on your battery
OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS IN YOUR VEHICLE CHECKLIST
- Brakes – Listen to and feel the brakes – If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection.
- Top off engine oil and other fluids – Check that engine oil, coolant, brake, transmission and power steering fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual.
- Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield cleaner – Rubber wiper blades naturally deteriorate over time. If wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with fluid formulated to remove insects and other debris, and test to make sure the nozzles spray adequately.
- Replenish emergency kit supplies – AAA recommends keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a cellphone charger, flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves and shop rags or paper towels.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE BREAKS DOWN
- Pull off the road to a safe place
- Turn on emergency flashers to notify other drivers
- Call AAA for roadside assistance
- Stay with your vehicle, unless it is unsafe to do so
Drivers who find themselves stranded can reach AAA by calling or texting “HELP” to 1-800-AAA-HELP
Three Railroad Crossings Closed Near Canoe, Alabama
November 24, 2021
Three railroad crossings in the Canoe, Alabama, area are closed for maiintenance.
The crossings on Dugout Lane, Abrams Road and Sam Jones Road are closed just south of Highway 31, according to the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office. CSX reports that the crossings will be closed for the next one or two days.
Graphic: Courtesy ECSO (AL) for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Faces Up To Life In Prison For Stabbing Death Of Her Boyfriend
November 23, 2021
A Cantonment woman pleaded no contest Monday for the 2019 stabbing death of her boyfriend.
Ja’Quoia XiaXiana Collins, now 27, entered the plea on a charge of second degree murder with a weapon.
She allegedly stabbed her boyfriend in the chest outside the Wild Oak Farms Apartments in the 800 block of North Highway 29 shortly before midnight on July 6, 2019. Deputies responded to apartments at 11:39 p.m. where they found victim Quartez McShane unresponsive on the ground near the driver’s side door of a blue Mitsubishi Gallant parked in the entrance of the apartment complex. He had been stabbed in the center of his chest with a knife. McShane was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was pronounced deceased less than an hour later.
Collins will be sentenced in December. She faced up to life in prison.