Peanut Butter Drive Takes A Bite Of Hunger
December 30, 2014
UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension collected 2,259 pounds of peanut butter in 1,477 jars to donate to food pantries in Santa Rosa County during a recent food drive.
Collections for the Peanut Butter Challenge came from civic and faith-based organizations, local businesses, individuals, schools and all county offices including libraries.
Recipients of the peanut butter were Bay Area Food Bank, Family Resource of Santa Rosa County and the food pantries at Eastside Baptist Church, First Baptist Milton, Avalon Baptist, First Baptist Bagdad, First United Methodist Church Milton and Christ United Methodist Church.
Entities and businesses that donated peanut butter or served as collection points were Santa Rosa County, the City of Milton, all five county libraries, Navy Federal Credit Union, 4-H Advisory Council, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Aktion Club at ARC Santa Rosa, Jay Elementary and High School, Central High School, Lowe’s in Pace and Gulf Breeze, Pace Rotary Club, West Florida Research and Education Center, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Winn-Dixie, and United Bank in Jay, Pace and Milton.
The Peanut Butter Challenge is an annual project of UF/IFAS Extension in the Florida panhandle and the Florida Peanut Producers Association. All county Extension offices in the panhandle collect donations of peanut butter to help fill the needs of the hungry in our area. In addition, the Florida Peanut Producers Association donates a pallet of peanut butter that is divided amongst the counties in the panhandle.
2014 In Photos: April
December 30, 2014
We are looking back at the top events of 2014 in photos. Today, we are featuring photos from April.
At the end of April, a massive flood hit Escambia County. Rain fell so fast it literally flooded the I-10 bridge over Escambia Bay.
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The April flood claimed one life in Cantonment.
Numerous roads and bridges were destroyed in April’s flooding.
The Tate High School Lady Aggies won the District 1-7A championship in April.
The Molino Library celebrated one year of service.
Opening day was held at the Northwest Escambia park.
A program at the Century Branch Library celebrated Easter.
Students at Molino Park Elementary School took part in an Easter egg hunt.
Northview High School won the Escambia Academy Junior Varsity Tournament.
The Jay Lady Royals won the District 3-1A championship.
Six people were injured in a wreck at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
The 2014 Career Academy Award winners from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties were recently presented, including the Middle School Career Academy of the Year award to Ernest Ward Middle School’s Culinary Arts Academy and the High School Career Academy of the Year award to West Florida High School’s Agriscience Technology Academy.
NJROTC units from across the area took part in a flag football tournament.
A sign of Spring — Mockingbird eggs in a nest at our NorthEscambia.com office.
A driver literally wrapped his pickup around a pole in Beulah crash.
The Greater Escambia Relay at Tate High School exceeded fundraising expectations.
A Relay for Life event was also held in Atmore.
A Pensacola woman escaped serious injuries in a collision with a train on a foggy April morning.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative celebrated 75 years of service during their annual meeting at Northview High School.
Jim Allen Elementary students learned about butterflies in partnership with International Paper.
The Barrineau Park Historical Society held the First Annual Barrineau Park Heritage & Bluegrass Festival.
The Tate Aggies finished as runner-ups in District 1-3A Tuesday, giving them a chance to move on to the regional tournament.
A Relay for Life event was also held in Jay.
The Northview Lady Chiefs ended their season with a win over Escambia Academy.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2014 In Photos: March
December 29, 2014
We are looking back at the top events of 2014 in photos. Today, we are featuring photos from March.
The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics began in Century.
Volunteers, family, friends, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County Animal Control and the ingenuity of the Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue came together to help a rescue horse in need in Cantonment.
U.S. Army Capt. Lea Wiggins of Molino returned home from Afghanistan.
The 100th birthday of UF/IFAS Extension was celebrated.
A line of spring storms caused a trail of damage from Nokomis, FL, to Canoe, AL, including Atmore, where this shopping Center on Lindberg Avenue was flattended.
Former Florida Gov. Reubin Askew passed away, with burial in Pensacola.
The Northview High School FFA held their annual Fresh from Florida event, inviting hundreds of elementary students to campus to learn about agriculture.
Thousands attended the two-day Beulahfest, headlined by The Charlie Daniels Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Edo took part in the USPCA Region 1 K9 Trials.
The Blue Angels were back in the skies, and back for autograph and photo sessions at the National Museum of Naval Aviation.
Opening Day was held at the Molino Ballpark.
Chloe Channel headlined the annual Blue Jacket Jamboree at Northview High School.
Walls began to rise during the construction of the new Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill.
Track season began for Northview and surrounding schools.
Law enforcement officers and first responders honored Atmore Police Office Dean Lindberg who passed away suddenly of natural causes.
The District 1 Miss FFA Sweetheart was held. Winners were: Second Runner-up Victoria Kent, District 1 Miss FFA Sweetheart Rachel Grammer, First Runner-up Patra Miller, all of the Tate High School FFA Chapter.
Great weather in early march meant outdoor activities like a day on the river.
Read Across America Day was celebrated at several areas schools, including Jim Allen Elementary.
NorthEscambia.com photos.
2014 In Photos: February
December 28, 2014
We are looking back at the top events of 2014 in photos. Today, we are featuring photos from February.
High winds toppled an 18-wheeler and caused about $100,000 in damage to a farm near Walnut Hill.
The annual Miss Northview High School Pageant was held in February. Winners were: Third Runner-Up Olivia Neal, First Runner-Up Jessica Amerson, Miss NHS 2014 Anna Fischer, Second Runner-Up Danielle Scott and Fourth Runner-Up Julie Hester.
Dry weather led to several brush fires, including this out of control wildfire near Barrineau Park.
Century resident Della Godwin turned 102 in February.
Hundreds attended the annual Walnut Hill Ruritan Auction in Walnut Hill.
Softball got underway for the Northview Chiefs.
A natural gas dispute over a North Escambia territory fired up between the Town of Century and Pensacola Energy.
The Northview High School annual NJROTC inspection was held.
The Tate High School Drama Department presented “Good News”.
Cleanup continued on a 30,000 gallon acid spill during a train derailment that occurred in February in McDavid.
Bratt Elementary School held a technology showcase.
A new farm bill was signed into law as local farmers worked to find out what the bill would mean for their operations.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office held multi-agency exercise in Walnut Hill in which shots were fired and a hazard materials teams worked to neutralize dangerous chemicals.
The Tate High School Mock Trial team recently won first place in the Circuit 1 Competition.
One person was injured in this collision between a car and an 18-wheeler on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
New members were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society during candlelight ceremony at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Gov. Rick Scott stopped by Rep. Clay Ingram’s Tallahassee office to discuss the 2014 legislative session.
Pensacola Symphony To Present ‘Beethoven & Blue Jeans’
December 28, 2014
Don’t miss the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s Beethoven & Blue Jeans concert on Saturday, January 10th at 8 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre. Come wearing your best denim for a blend of upbeat symphonic music!
The PSO will perform eight short pieces sure to entertain one and all. Filled with high-energy and festive music, the program consists of pieces by Charles Ives, Leonard Bernstein, and most certainly Beethoven. Yet, there is so much more to anticipate. Joseph Alessi, principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic, will be featured on two pieces that were written exclusively for him. One of them, by Enrique Crespo, will be receiving its world premiere performance at this concert.
Alessi’s performance is not one to be missed. Maestro Peter Rubardt explains, “Every now and then an instrumentalist comes along that redefines what is possible on an instrument. They develop new techniques, new sounds, even new equipment, and in the process they change how future generations play and write for the instrument. Joe Alessi is one of those players.”
The evening is packed with even more spectacular music, including a brilliant arrangement of Leonard Bernstein’s award-winning musical, West Side Story. The original musical is about the story of star crossed lovers from opposing street gangs in the slums of Manhattan. Rollicking dance numbers, like “Mambo” and “Cool”, contrast the music’s dramatic ending. Even if you aren’t familiar with the story-line, it provides great entertainment and a wealth of memorable melodies. Closing the concert will be Charles Ives’ Variations on America, a unique piece featuring alterations of a familiar traditional American song. It’s an electrifying ending to a fantastic night of live orchestral music.
There will be a special matinee dress rehearsal for the concert beginning at 2PM. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Palafox entrance of the Saenger Theatre. Starting at 7PM, Dr. Larry Reed will present Classical Conversations. It’s a chance to “go behind the scenes” and learn about each piece of music, as well as the opportunity to interact with the evening’s guest artist. The event is free with your concert ticket.
Tickets are on sale now and start at only $22. Call the PSO office at (850) 435-2533 or order online at www.pensacolasymphony.com
Have A Holiday Food Prep Question? UF/IFAS Can Help
December 28, 2014
Do you have holiday food questions? Call the UF/IFAS Extension Holiday Food Hotline at 850-888-2412. No question is too big or too small. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until January 1. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
2014 In Photos: January
December 27, 2014
Today, we begin a look back at the year 2014 in photos with a look at January:
A record ice storm struck Escambia County in January, bring almost everything to a complete standstill.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office held a Clean Sweep in Cottage Hill, arrested two, issuing 55 violations and removing 15 tons of trash and debris.
A redevelopment plan was approved by the Escambia County Commission for blighted areas of Cantonment.
The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King was honored with a program in Century, including a performance by the Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church Youth Choir.
A new four-cent tax went into effect in January in Escambia County for mass transit.
Over 100 gallons of crude oil was spilled into the Escambia River from Quantum Resource Management’s processing facility near Jay.
In Atmore, residents held their annual MLK Day Parade.
Century began a series of community meetings leading up to the creation of an economic development plan later in the year.
Escambia County cut several large oak trees in order to pave Enon School Road, sparking protest from a few area residents.
A CSX train derailed during an ice storm, with 23 cars coming off the tracks behind the McDavid Sawmill. A health alert was issued for Fletcher Creek as a massive cleanup effort began.
Retired NFL player Leigh Torrence spoke to students about healthy exercise at Tate High School.
After a community meeting at the McDavid United Methodist Church, it was announced that the McDavid Post Office would remain open, but with reduced service hours.
A grand opening was held for the new Molino Museum inside the Molino Community Center.
The annual Miss Ernest Ward Middle School pageant was held. Second Runner-up and Appearance Award winner was Ashlan Kaile Harigel, Jr. Miss EWMS and Physical Fitness Ward winner was Jerni Lee Crabtree, People’s Choice winner was Kally Lee White and First Runner-up and Miss Congeniality was Gabrielle Faith Nichole Kline.
Arbor Day was celebrated in January, with area residents receiving free trees at the Molino Community Center.
Interim County Administrator George Touart passed away. Flags at county buildings, such as the Molino offices of the Escambia County tax collector and property appraiser, were lowered to half staff in his honor.
An armed robbery at the Family Dollar store in Davisville left the clerk with minor injuries.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Airman Brianna White Graduates From Basic Military Training
December 27, 2014
Air Force Reserve Airman Brianna D. White graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, TX.
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 earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
White is the daughter of Margaret A. White of Atmore.
She is a 2013 graduate of Escambia County High School, Atmore.
Florida’s Youth Smoking Rate Reaches An All Time Low
December 26, 2014
New data released by the Florida Department of Health shows that fewer youth in Florida are smoking cigarettes than ever before. In 2014, only 4.3 percent of Florida’s youth, ages 11 to 17, are current cigarette smokers.
There are 59 percent fewer youth cigarette smokers in the state than before the Tobacco Free Florida program launched in 2007. This represents a decrease from 10.6 percent in 2006 to 4.3 percent in 2014.
“Tobacco Free Florida is a nationally renowned program that has set the bar for how other states can reduce cigarette use among young people,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “The state’s steady and significant reduction in youth smoking is saving lives and money, and creating a healthier, tobacco free generation.”
The new data from the 2014 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey found that:
- 7.5 percent of high school students reported current cigarette use, meaning they smoked a cigarette at least once during the past 30 days, a 51.6 percent decrease compared to 2006
- Florida’s 2014 cigarette smoking rate among high school students was lower than the national average of 12.7 percent in 2013,[1] the most recent equivalent national survey
- 2.3 percent of middle school students reported current cigarette use, meaning they smoked a cigarette at least once during the past 30 days, a 65.2 percent decrease compared to 2006
- Florida’s 2014 cigarette smoking rate among middle school students was similar to the national average of 2.9 percent in 2013,[2] the most recent equivalent national survey
In 2006, Florida voters overwhelmingly approved a state constitutional amendment requiring 15 percent of the state’s tobacco settlement fund be used for a comprehensive tobacco education and use prevention program. In 2007, the funding was used to launch Tobacco Free Florida, which is managed by the health department. Tobacco Free Florida’s efforts are supported by community interventions at the county level and a statewide media campaign driven by powerful advertisements that demonstrate the dangers and real-life consequences of tobacco use, encouraging more and more youth to never begin.
A Look Back: Century Christmas In The 1930’s
December 25, 2014
Here’s a look back at Christmas past for the Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company and what is now Century.
In the top photo, Mr. James H. Jones is seen giving out presents to Alger-Sullivan Lumber Co. employee children in the 1930’s. By the 1940’s, this practice had been discontinued, but Mr. Hauss always sent some families a tin of dates from California. The company always seemed to be interested in keeping families together and satisfied, although when it came to the job, it was hard-nosed about making sure the workers gave a day’s work for a day’s pay.
The picture below depicts a scene in December 1936 from one of the logging camps in the woods where races were mixed on the job, despite the attitude towards segregation. Here you see two of the bosses, Fred Gilmore and Mr. Luke Earl (with glasses), a somewhat beloved woods foreman, and a group of workers and children observing Santa Claus as he holds a little boy at their Christmas gathering. Several of the children are clutching their little bags of goodies, probably candy and some trinkets, that Santa had passed out earlier. It’s not know what purpose the wash pot, if any, played in the festivities.
Photos courtesy the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society (top) and Photo by Fischer (bottom) for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
