Memorial Day Monday Looks Hot, Dry
May 29, 2011
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast for the remainder of the holiday weekend and beyond:
- Tonight: Patchy dense fog after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Memorial Day: Patchy dense fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 93. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming east between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 96. North wind around 5 mph becoming east.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming northwest.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast.
- Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.
- Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69.
- Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.
- Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Recipes: Flavorful, Festive and Fun Memorial Day
May 29, 2011
Memorial Day is often synonymous with a backyard barbecue to kick start the summer. As you celebrate this holiday weekend, have a delicious, grill-inspired meal ready in 45 minutes or less with these fun, flavorful recipe ideas.
With mouthwatering grilled beef, high-quality ingredients like canned tomatoes and bold bursts of flavor from lime juice, chimichurri and barbecue sauces, your Memorial Day menu is sure to be a memorable hit.
Get your grill sizzling with recipes like Lime-Marinated Flank Steak with Stuffed Poblano Peppers and Chimichurri Steak Wraps. And don’t forget a refreshing salad to complete your grilling holiday menu. Spicy Barley and Black Bean Salad is a fast option with a flavorful twist – perfect for your Memorial Day table.
(Scroll down to see all three recipes)
Ingredients
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Ro*Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 beef flank steak (about 1-1/2 pounds)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) reduced-sodium or regular black beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 medium poblano chili peppers (about 4 inches long)
Toppings
- Toasted shelled pepitas (pumpkin seeds), crumbled queso frescos and lime wedges (optional)
Preparation
- Drain tomatoes, reserving juice for marinade. Set aside diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- Combine reserved tomato juice, 1/2 cup cilantro, lime juice and olive oil in medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate 1/3 cup marinade for rice. Place beef steak and remaining marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
- Combine rice, reserved 1/3 cup marinade, diced tomatoes, black beans and remaining 1/4 cup cilantro in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Set aside.
- Cut slit lengthwise down 1 side of each poblano pepper to create pocket, leaving stem and tip intact. Make another small crosswise cut just below the stem to form T-shaped opening. Remove and discard seeds and membranes, being careful to keep peppers intact. Spoon rice mixture evenly into peppers. Wrap each tightly in aluminum foil to seal.
- Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Place steak in center grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange peppers around steak. Grill steak, covered, 11 to 16 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 16 to 21 minutes) for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally. Grill peppers, covered, 25 to 30 minutes (20 to 25 minutes on gas grill) or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through, turning occasionally.
- Carve steak across grain into thin slices. Remove peppers from foil. Serve peppers with steaks and toppings as desired.
Serves
Makes 6 servings
Total Time:
45 to 50 minutes
Marinate Time:
6 hours to overnight
Ingredients
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Steak Wraps
- 4 medium whole wheat tortillas (8 to 10-inch diameter)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 12 ounces grilled beef steak, cut into slices
Preparation
- Place parsley and garlic in food processor or blender container. Cover; process until finely chopped. Add oil, vinegar and salt; process just until blended.
- Spread each tortilla evenly with Chimichurri Sauce, leaving 1/4-inch border around edge. Top with equal amounts spinach, bell pepper slices and beef slices on top two-thirds of tortilla. Fold bottom of tortilla up over filling. Fold right and left sides to center overlapping edges; secure with wooden picks; if desired.
Serves
Makes 4 servings
Total Time:
15 to 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick cook barley, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces each) whole black beans, drained, rinsed
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) Ro*Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions, white and green parts
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Preparation
- Cook barley according to package directions; drain if necessary. Place barley in large bowl.
- Add corn, garlic salt and pepper; toss to combine. Add black beans, drained tomatoes and onions.
- Sprinkle with cheese just before serving.
Serves
Makes 4 servings (1-1/2 cups each)
Total Time:
25 minutes
Road Construction Break For Holiday
May 29, 2011
Drivers are getting a temporary reprieve from road construction and lane closures over the Memorial Day weekend.
To ease traffic congestion and insure safety along the roadways in northwest Florida, construction contractors working on state roads will cease operations during the Memorial Day weekend, according to Tanya Sanders Branton, public information specialist for the Florida Department of Transportation.
There will be no work on state roads requiring lane restrictions from Saturday through Monday, she said. All major roads in northwest Florida will be open to normal traffic.
Northview Baccalaureate Service Today
May 29, 2011
The Northview High School Class of 2011 will hold their Baccalaureate program at 2 p.m. Sunday at Bratt First Baptist Church in the Family Life Center. Everyone is invited to attend.
All NHS seniors (even those that did not attend any practices) are asked to wear their cap and gown and meeting in the sanctuary of the church at 1:30 p.m.
The student-led and organized program will include scripture, prayer and original instrumental and vocal music provided by the Northview Senior Class Ensemble and students. This year’s message will be delivered by Nathan Brown, pastor at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church.
“Special thanks to Bratt First Baptist Church for providing their facility and to their music and youth minister, Tim Hawsey, for helping with the sound, equipment, typing the program and management of practices. Also thanks to Flomaton First Baptist for printing the programs and to Elaine Holk for her help with music,” said Sarah Killam, Northview Senior Class president.
Bratt First Baptist Church is located on Highway 4 just west of Northview High School.
Give The Gift Of Life: Blood Drives Today In Walnut Hill, Molino
May 28, 2011
The Northwest Florida Blood Center will hold three blood drives in the North Escambia area in the near future, including two on Saturday.
There will be a blood drive at the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. this Saturday, May 28.
There will also be a blood drive this Saturday, May 28, from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Fran’s Country Grill in Molino.
The First Baptist Church of Bratt Student Ministry will sponsor a Community Blood Drive on Sunday, June 5 from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the church. Call the church office in advance at (850) 327-6529 from 8 a.m. until noon daily to schedule a time to donate or just stop by on June 5.
Sunny Holiday Weekend
May 28, 2011
Here is your official holiday weekend forecast
- Tonight: Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Sunday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Southeast wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Sunday Night: Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Memorial Day: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 93. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming east between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
- Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.
- Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93.
- Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
- Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Molino Singers In Barnes And Noble Program Today
May 28, 2011
Singers from Molino Park Elementary will be part of special Memorial Day program today at Barnes and Noble in Pensacola.
The Molino Park students, along with local singers/songwriters Sheila Allen and Ginny Cruz will perform “America the Beautiful” and “Stand Up America” during the program.
In conjunction with Pensacola’s celebration of 100 years of Naval Aviation, Barnes & Noble and Reading is Fundamental (RIF) are hosting the Memorial Day celebration to honor past, present and future armed service members.
Hill Goodspeed, a historian from the National Naval Aviation Museum, will speak and sign his books, “One Hundred Years of U.S. Navy Air Power” and “U.S. Naval Aviation.” Other featured speakers are Escambia County School District Superintendent Malcolm Thomas; retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Gary Cooper; Phyllis Pia of the USO and Joan Platz, USNA Class 81 & the co-president of the US Naval Academy Parents Club. The main program will start at 1:00 p.m. The celebration will also feature a special story time with local Marines at 11:00 a.m.
Other planned events include a performance of Taps, a color guard display by the Young Marines of Pensacola, recognition of veterans during an in-store performance of the armed forces theme songs.
The Barnes and Noble Café will host a coffee drive for service members stationed overseas. A portion of the proceeds from RIF’s sales will be donated back to the group in support of local initiatives to turn children into lifelong readers. RIF is the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit children’s literacy organization.
Barnes and Noble is located at 1200 Airport Boulevard.
Rain, Gusty Winds Last Night; Sunny Today
May 27, 2011
After some much needed overnight rain, we will be back into our sunny and dry pattern through the Memorial Day weekend.
Rain totals were under an inch across the area Thursday night as a windy storm moved through the area with gusts as high as 44 mph in Walnut HIll. There was a report of dime size hail just northwest of Flomaton on Upper Creek Road just after 9 p.m. A few scattered power outages were reported across the area.
Here are some selected rain totals and wind gust speeds from across the area Thursday:
- Atmore — 0.85 inches, 33 mph wind
- Byrneville — 0.48 inches, 25 mph wind
- Jay — 0.31 inches, 39 mph wind
- Molino — 0.38 inches, 26 mph wind
- Walnut Hill — 0.80 inches, 44 mph wind
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Memorial Day: Sunny, with a high near 92. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 91. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.
- Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.
Northwest Escambia Closing Ceremony Tonight
May 26, 2011
Closing ceremonies for Northwest Escambia Little League in Walnut Hill will be this evening at 6:30. All players should arrive in uniform by 6 p.m.
Everyone is invited to attend. Organizers said there will be a “secret” event for the kids.
Junior and senior baseball and senior softball will play after the ceremonies, about 7:30 p.m. and will continue through June 14.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Music Night, Spaghetti Dinner
May 24, 2011
Spaghetti and music will highlight an event this evening sponsored by the Ernest Ward Middle School Music Boosters.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the EWMS Spring Concert and Spaghetti Dinner. Advanced tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under. Tickets at the door will be priced $1 more. Children under two are free.
The event will take place at the Walnut Hill Ruritan building, just north of the school on Highway 97.
The menu will include spaghetti, bread, salad, drink and dessert. Food will be served from 5:30 until 8 p.m. The band will perform from 6:00 until 6:30 and the chorus will perform at 7 p.m.