Scott, Tebow Huddle Over Irma
September 13, 2017
A New York Mets minor leaguer with a Heisman Trophy from his time in The Swamp brought some star power to Gov. Rick Scott’s Hurricane Irma relief efforts Tuesday.
After visiting a special-needs shelter together Monday night in Jacksonville, Scott teamed with former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow on Tuesday to thank volunteers and workers at the state Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee and then left to do the same in Lee County.
“In the midst of a really tough time, you know I think so many people that were hurting have something to hold on to because there were so many volunteers … and they knew there were people in it with them,” Tebow said during the Tallahassee stop. “It doesn’t take away their pain, and it doesn’t take away their fear and doubt of the unknown, but it does give them a little comfort to know that there are people battling with them and loving and supporting them.”
Tebow, who grew up in the Jacksonville area and stopped by a number of Northeast Florida evacuation shelters, had worked with Scott to rally people to volunteer at shelters and in relief efforts before Irma made landfall Sunday in the Florida Keys and Southwest Florida.
“It’s not like you can make everything better at once, but you can know that people are praying for you and they love you and they are here with you walking this journey with you,” Tebow said.
Also, before Scott took part Monday in an aerial survey of damage in the Keys, the governor talked about Hurricane Irma’s storm impacts with Tebow, college football’s 2007 Heisman Trophy winner. Tebow played minor-league baseball this year in the New York Mets system.
Scott told reporters that people staying and working in hurricane-evacuation shelters have appreciated Tebow’s appearances and efforts.
On Friday, Scott retweeted a message from Tebow that said, “@FLGovScott is asking for more volunteers. LET’S RALLY, Florida! Go here: volunteerflorida.org.”
Scott last week also retweeted a message from Miami rapper Pitbull, a former paid ambassador for the state’s tourism industry, who said, “Florida residents & visitors, please be diligent. Evacuate where needed. Be safe. We will be back bigger, better, stronger.”
The storm work by Tebow won’t get him a “Great Floridian” honor — Scott’s already given him that designation.
Tebow was part of the 2013 class of “Great Floridians” that included former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula, the late Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, golfer Bubba Watson, and 16th Century Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon, each recognized for making significant contributions to the progress and welfare of Florida.
Tebow, who is also a college-football analyst for ESPN, has a charity intended to help children in need. He’s also said he can envision a future career in politics.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida with contribution from Tom Urban, NSF.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Council On Aging Delivers Irma Meals, Encouragement To Homebound Seniors
September 9, 2017
The Council on Aging of West Florida wanted to make sure that their homebound, vulnerable elders were provided for just in case Hurricane Irma shifted closer to Escambia County. Friday morning, on less than two days’ notice, dozens of volunteers worked to deliver 300 meals, emergency information and a little encouragement to hundreds of seniors.
Longtime Century Chamber Employee Edna Earl Barnes ‘Retires’
September 8, 2017
Friday was the last day “on the job” for longtime Century Chamber of Commerce employee and volunteer Edna Earl Barnes. Most recently, she has worked as employee for just a few hours per month — handling the mail, banking, public notices and other tasks. Now that Barnes is officially “retired” from the chamber, she said she will continue to serve the Century Chamber of Commerce as a volunteer. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Workshop To Help Landowners Do Battle With Invasive Species
September 4, 2017
The Florida Forest Stewardship Program and the Six Rivers Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area are presenting a workshop September 28, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Florida Extension office on Airport Road in Crestview.
The title of the workshop is Invasive Exotic Species and Control and the topics will include herbicide label, required personal protective equipment, applications techniques, herbicide resistance, modes of action, rotation, terrestrial and aquatic invasive exotic plants and control update, invasive species identification and look-alikes, established and new invasive exotic insects, and working with the Six Rivers CISMA.
Participants can learn about identifying and controlling cogon grass, Japanese climbing fern, privets and other non-native invasive species. Participants can earn pesticide applicator and forestry CEUs. Registration is $10 per person and participants may sign up on line at https://fsp-workshop092817.eventbrite.com or call (850) 689-5850.
Pictured top: Cogon grass. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: It’s Easy To Attract Hummingbirds
September 3, 2017
by UF/IFAS Extension Service
Few sights are more thrilling in the garden than rapidly moving hummingbirds darting among colorful flowers. Hummingbirds, also known as hummers, are always a wonder to see, and it’s easy to attract them to your garden.
In Florida, we see three different types of hummingbirds, but the most common is the ruby-throated. This feathered jewel is only about three inches long and weighs as little as a single penny.
For their size, hummingbirds have among the largest appetites in the bird world. They feed every 10 or 15 minutes from dawn until dusk. During this period, they eat more than half their weight in food and 8 times their weight in water.
If you’re fascinated by hummingbirds, you probably hang out a feeder or two in the summer to provide them with sugar water. Artificial feeders will attract hummingbirds.
However, feeders should not be the sole source of food provided. The sugar solution may appeal to the hummingbirds’ sweet tooth, but it provides little nourishment. Nectar is much more vital to the hummingbird than just water and sugar. By planting certain flowers and shrubs, home gardeners can provide food and habitat for hummingbirds.
Typical hummingbird flowers are red, have a tubular shape and have no strong scent. But there are several notable exceptions to this general rule. Many plants with red flowers don’t contain very much nectar. Roses, petunias, geraniums and zinnias have brilliant colors but little nectar.
Plants that produce an abundance of flowers over an extended period of time and those that require little care are good choices. Native plants can “fill the bill” where nectar-seekers are concerned and should be used whenever possible.
Perennials that are recommended as nectar sources include butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), red basil (Calamintha coccinea), shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana), cigar plant (Cuphea ignea), firespike (Odontonema stricta), red star hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), and obedient plant (Physostegia spp.).
It’s also important to plant a mixture of nectar producing trees, vines and shrubs that have overlapping blooming seasons. This will insure that a continuous source of nectar will be available to hummingbirds throughout the growing season. Some of the species recommended include red buckeye, bottlebrush, firebush (Hamelia patens), wild azalea, trumpet vine, and coral honeysuckle.
Contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds are not strictly nectar feeders. Insects and other invertebrates are the primary source of protein for adult hummingbirds and their young. An adult female can consume up to 2,000 insects per day. Small invertebrates including mosquitoes, gnats, small bees, fruit flies, spiders, caterpillars, aphids, and insects eggs make up the hummingbirds diet. So keep your plants free of pesticides. Pesticides destroy the insect food base vital to hummingbirds and their offspring, and may also contaminate the nectar they drink.
And if you do use artificial feeders, remember that the sugar solutions must be kept fresh. Florida’s hot weather can cause rapid bacterial growth in these feeders and birds that drink contaminated water could die. To avoid this, change the solution every 3 to 5 days. Clean the feeders with hot water and white vinegar. Do not use soap or chlorine bleach.
New Students Selected For Take Stock In Children Scholarship Program
September 2, 2017
Take Stock in Children recently introduced 25 new scholarship recipients.
There are now a total of 126 students in grades 7-12 in Escambia County’s program. Students will receive a college scholarship upon graduation from high school, as long as they maintain good grades, attendance and citizenship, remain crime and drug free, and meet weekly with a volunteer community mentor.
The newly selected students include:
- Bailey Middle – Emili Campbell, Avery Leventhal, Kendall Poston
- Bellview Middle – Ty’QuJuan Stallworth, Aiden Wilson
- Brown Barge Middle – Kelsey Bolling, Michael Dorsey, Kiana Hollis, Efrain Escarfullett III
- Ernest Ward Middle – Johnnie Howell Jr., Loghan Zellers
- Ferry Pass Middle – Abbie Brunson, Rafeal Goodwin II, Jayla Rudolph, Trinity Weaver
- Ransom Middle – Calvin Brewer, Alonna Brown, Shelby Lewis, Kiara Mullins
- Warrington Middle – Eunique Crosby, Kylie Williams
- West Florida High – De’mayla Jenkins
- Woodham Middle – Malik Williams, Stacey Miller
Take Stock in Children is a statewide non-profit organization that provides “scholarships, mentors & hope” to deserving young people selected through a need-based application process through the public middle schools at the end of their 6th grade year. Scholarship donations from local foundations, organizations, businesses and individuals are matched dollar-for-dollar when scholarships are purchased from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation each year and are held until students successfully graduate from high school.
Firefighters Promote Free Smoke Detector Program
September 1, 2017
Escambia Fire Rescue firefighters attended open house events at 12 elementary schools Thursday evening to promote fire safety and the county’s free smoke detector program.
At Jim Allen Elementary School, Engine 4 firefighters from the Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue signed up 14 families for a free smoke detector and spoke with countless other families about home fire safety.
For a free smoke detector installed by Escambia Fire Rescue, call (850) 595-HERO.
Pictured: Firefighters from Engine 4 of the Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue explain the county’s free smoke detector program Thursday evening at Jim Allen Elementary School. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Donations Making New Vet Station Possible For Panhandle Equine Rescue
August 29, 2017
Panhandle Equine Rescue is well on their way to a new “Vet Station” at their Cantonment facility, thanks to the generosity of several donors.
Ready Mix USA of Pensacola donated nine yards of concrete that was poured Monday. Lee’s Concrete provided discounted labor. The Escambia County 4-H Horse Club has arranged to have a stock built as a member donation.
The Vet Station will also have a hot/cold wash rack and a scale.
“We are so grateful to our community for their support,” said Pandhandle Equine President Diane Lowery.
The non-profit Panhandle Equine Rescue relies on public donations and volunteers to rescue, rehabilitate and provide adoption services for abused, neglected and abandoned equines in Escambia County.
Pictured: Concrete is poured Monday for a new Vet Station for Panhandle Equine Rescue in Cantonment. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Graduate Morton Graduates From Basic Military Training
August 27, 2017
U.S. Air Force Air National Guard Airman Christopher A. Morton graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Morton is the son of Stefanie R. and Wade F. Morton II of Pensacola.
He is a 2015 graduate of J.M. Tate High School.
Following In His Father’s Footsteps: Lineworker Appreciation Day
August 26, 2017
People who have endured long power outages in the wake of hurricanes or tornadoes applaud lineworkers. Some even call them heroes.
Curt Cunningham, who has been working on hundreds of miles of distribution and transmission lines for Gulf Power since 1991, flashes a smile and laughs at the thought. But he admits lineworkers do feel a sense of triumph when they make repairs and see the sparkle of lights springing back to life across a neighborhood.
“Sometimes we do feel like a hero, because we are the people our customers see and come out and thank when we get the lights back on,” said Cunningham, a Gulf Power Transmission lineworker. “But there are a whole lot of other people behind that crew who help get the lights on.”
Despite the nod to a large Gulf Power transmission and distribution team supporting lineworkers, Cunningham and his 182 colleagues are the first responders. When the lights go out, they can be called on in the middle of the night and in all sorts of weather to make repairs and restore power. Their mantra is to do the work “as safely and quickly as possible.”
Line work is considered among the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the world. After the Florida House of Representatives designated Aug. 26, 2012 Lineworker Appreciation Day, utilities across the state observe that day annually to honor the thousands of men and women who risk their lives every day to ensure customers receive reliable energy 24/7, 365 days a year.
Cunningham was attracted to the industry at an early age, despite the inherent dangers. His father, Royce, once worked on a Gulf Power line crew and often talked about the job and the men he worked with.
“My dad was a big influencer, and I always looked up to this trade and the men who worked in it,” said Cunningham. “I was already in the electrical trade, and for me this was the career to shoot for.”
He worked as an electrician and earned a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice from University of West Florida before joining Gulf Power, and working in distribution –– the segment of the power grid that feeds homes and businesses. His first set of climbing tools were his father’s, and he learned the work on the job from the veterans.
“A lot of things have changed in my 26 years,” he pointed out. For instance, safety measures have improved and newly recruited lineworkers have comprehensive training that includes diet and fitness education and a seven-year apprenticeship.
The married father of two grown daughters spent half of his career working on the distribution in Pace, Milton and Gulf Breeze. He did his share of storm duty –– heading out into the aftermath of a hurricane, tropical storm, tornado or ice storm to repair the electric grid and restore power. That duty often requires days and weeks working long hours. Gulf Power lineworkers even travel to neighboring communities and out of state to assist other utility companies with storm restoration.
About 12 years ago, he became a transmission lineworker. He’s one of 10 who work on the high voltage lines and towers that transport power from generation facilities to substations, which feed the distribution lines that serve Gulf Power’s customers.
“Transmission gave me the big picture view of the team that supports lineworkers. By having working relations with system controls, relay and protection, substation workers and engineers, you understand the scope of what goes into just changing out a support arm on a tower,” he said. “It’s a huge team our customers don’t see.”
Cunningham said he joined transmission at one of the most interesting times in Gulf Power’s history.
“I have been involved in one of the biggest investments in the transmission system the company has ever done –– building new tie lines to Alabama, new lines from Pensacola to Panama City and upgrading transmission substations,” he said.
His team is also nearing completion of a huge, multi-year storm hardening project to replace every wooden arm –– 1,500 –– on transmission towers with steel ones. Cunningham said the upgrade and other improvements Gulf Power has invested in the transmission system have reduced outages and improved power reliability. This leads to fewer of those middle-of-the-night calls for lineworkers to rush out and restore power, he said.
On a day-to-day basis, he travels some of the 1,667 miles of transmission lines in his utility truck from the Pensacola area east to Fort Walton Beach inspecting towers, poles and equipment for deterioration or damage.
The opportunity to be out in rural areas where many of the transmissions lines lace across fields, forests, swamps, rivers and bays is what he likes best about transmission work. “I cover a lot of territory and in a lot of remote areas,” he said. “That’s one of the challenges of transmission for some people, but for me, I love it.”
Sometimes to access those remote areas he and his team board boats and an amphibious tractor called a Marsh Master to go to work. That’s what they had to do during the holiday season a few years ago when a transmission tower spanning a river fell.
“I got a call at 2 a.m. that we had a transmission line out,” he said. “We started getting our crews in and picking up our boats and amphibious tractor. That’s the only way we could get out and see what was wrong. As soon as it was light enough before dawn for us to see, we were in the water.”
Whether it’s an emergency job or completing a storm-hardening project, Cunningham said what makes him enjoy his job is “at the end of the day you can look at what you’ve done and say, ‘there’s a job I completed.’
“And we may not always see the lights come back on when we’re working in remote areas, but we get that radio call confirming our work was a success,” Cunningham said. “You feel good.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
