Bacon And Eggs: Food Prices Up Slightly In Survey
June 8, 2014
Higher retail prices for several food items used to prepare breakfast, including bacon, eggs and bread, among other foods, resulted in a slight increase in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s latest Semi-Annual Marketbasket Survey.
The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $53.27, up $1.73 or about 3.5 percent compared to a survey conducted a year ago. Of the 16 items surveyed, 10 increased, five decreased and one remained the same in average price.
“Several typical breakfast items increased in price, accounting for much of the modest increase in the marketbasket,” said John Anderson, AFBF’s deputy chief economist. “The 3.5 percent increase shown by our survey tracks closely with Agriculture Department’s forecast of 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent food inflation for 2014,” he said.
Items showing retail price increases from a year ago included bacon, up 12 percent to $4.80 per pound; ground chuck, up 10 percent to $4.10 per pound; white bread, up 10 percent to $1.81 for a 20-ounce loaf; sirloin tip roast, up 9 percent to $5.03 per pound; eggs, up 8 percent to $1.98 per dozen; whole milk, up 6 percent to $3.68 per gallon; chicken breasts, up 6 percent to $3.51 per pound; flour, up 5 percent to $2.76 for a 5-pound bag; toasted oat cereal, up less than 1 percent to $2.93 for a 9-ounce box; and Russet potatoes, up less than one-half of 1 percent to $2.70 for a 5-pound bag.
These items showed modest retail price decreases: bagged salad, down 4 percent to $2.61 per pound; deli ham, down 3 percent to $5.21 per pound; apples, down 3 percent to $1.59 per pound;
vegetable oil, down 2 percent to $2.85 for a 32-ounce bottle; and orange juice, down 1 percent to $3.24 per half-gallon.
Shredded cheddar cheese remained the same in price compared to a year ago, at $4.47 per pound.
Price checks of alternative milk and egg choices not included in the overall marketbasket survey average revealed the following: 1/2 gallon regular milk, $2.46; 1/2 gallon rBST-free milk, $3.87; 1/2 gallon organic milk, $3.97; and 1 dozen “cage-free” eggs, $3.33.
The year-to-year direction of the marketbasket survey tracks closely with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.
“Through the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Anderson said.
Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across-the-board, the farmer’s share of this $53.27 marketbasket would be $8.52.
According to USDA, Americans spend just under 10 percent of their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average of any country in the world.
June Is Move Over, Slow Down, Save A Life Month
June 6, 2014
Move Over. They are two simple words that can mean the difference between life and death to the first responders who work alongside Florida’s busy highways.
In an effort to bring new awareness to Florida’s Move Over law, the Florida Highway Patrol and law enforcement agencies across the state have declared June as “Move Over – Slow Down – Save a Life” month.
During the month-long safety campaign, law enforcement officers will work together to better educate the public about the law and the threat that ignoring it can pose to first responders.
“Our troopers are out there every day working traffic stops and crash scenes along busy highways with cars speeding past them, often just feet away,” said Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “And every day they face the real possibility of never going home to their families because someone fails to obey the Move Over law.”
Under Florida’s Move Over law:
- The law protects law enforcement officers, emergency workers and tow truck drivers stopped along roadways while performing their jobs;
- It requires motorists to move over when a patrol car, emergency vehicle or tow truck/wrecker is stopped on the side of a road with lights flashing. If such movement cannot be safely accomplished, motorists shall slow down to a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
- Approach the emergency vehicle with caution;
- Violating the Move Over law puts motorists and public safety professionals at risk.
Pictured: First responders work along Highway 97 last month. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading At The Library (With Molino Photo Gallery)
June 6, 2014
The Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading Program made science and reading exciting for kids of all ages Thursday at both the Century and Molino branch libraries.
Children participated in the Page Turner’s Adventures with a story, magic tricks, and displays of talent.
For a photo gallery from Molino, click here.
Children and teens 6-12 are invited to participate in the West Florida Public Library’s 2014 Fizz, Boom, Read program, which focuses on experimenting with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
The interactive program is a fun way for students to keep their minds sharp throughout the summer months. Join the library for the summer reading game and interactive enrichment programs where there will be prizes for reading books, a chance to take part in science experiments and meet new people.
The program will continue through the summer until August 9.
Century Branch
Weekly on Thursday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Molino Branch
Weekly on Thursday, 6 to 7 p.m.
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Tryon Branch
Weekly on Tuesday, 11 a.m.
- June 10
- June 17
- June 24
Main Library
Weekly on Wednesday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- June 11
- June 18
- June 25
Southwest Branch – program to be at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater (12301 Gulf Beach Highway)
Weekly on Wednesday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- June 11
- June 18
- June 25
Pictured: The Summer Reading Program Thursday evening at the Molino Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photos by Bethany Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Deputies Remind Drivers To Be Careful At Railroad Crossings
June 5, 2014
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies were out at railroad crossings in the county Wednesday, handing out literature and keychains and reminding drivers to be safe around tracks and trains.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Operation Lifesaver offer the following safety tips:
- Look both ways.
- Don’t get stuck on the track: make sure there is room before you cross.
- If you see a train coming, wait. Don’t try to beat a train.
- Watch for vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings (like buses and trucks).
For more information, visit Operation Lifesaver at oli.org.
Pictured: An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy handing out safe literature Wednesday morning on East Kingsfield Road near Highway 95A in Gonzalez. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kent Wins Solon Gandy Memorial Scholarship
June 5, 2014
Hannah Kent was recently presented with the Solon Lee Gandy Memorial Scholarship.
Kent graduated with a 3.68 grade point average and has played varsity softball, volleyball and basketball since middle school. She has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, Beta Club, Student Council Association, the National Society of High School Scholars, honor roll and a 4-year academic all- star. She is a member of the Alco Baptist Church youth group.
The Solon Lee Gandy Memorial Scholarship was established in 2008 in memory of Solon Gandy, a 1990 Flomaton High School graduate. Solon was a member of the 1988 Flomaton High School state baseball championship team and was a four-year member of the Flomaton Hurricane football team.
Upon graduation, Solon attended Pensacola State College where he earned an associates degree in forestry, giving him the background needed to begin his own company, Big Ridge Forestry. His love of nature started early in life with his avid passion for hunting. The scholarship was established to help foster his love of nature and sports in a deserving Flomaton or Jay High senior.
Pictured: Brenda Godwin, mother of Solon Gandy and retired English teacher from Flomaton High, presents Hannah Kent with this year’s scholarship. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Summer Dance Workshop Next Week In Byrneville
June 4, 2014
A Summer Dance Workshop will be offered at the Byrneville Community Center next week, June 9-13.
Classes will be offered as follows:
- 8:30 – 9 am — Pre-ballet (ages 3-4)
- 9:15 – 10:15 am — Ballet I (ages 5-7)
- 10:30 – noon — Ballet II and Jazz (ages 8-10)
- 12:30 – 2 p.m. — Ballet III and Jazz (ages 9-teen)
Proper dancewear and dance shoes are required. The registration deadline is this Friday, June 6. Contact Heather Leonard’s Danceworks by email at hldanceworks@gmail.com or on Facebook.
Pictured: Last month’s Heather Leonard’s Danceworks recital at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading Starts This Week At The Library
June 4, 2014
The Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading Program gets underway this week at local library branches and continues through August 9.
Children and teens 6-12 are invited to participate in the West Florida Public Library’s 2014 Fizz, Boom, Read program, which focuses on experimenting with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
The interactive program is a fun way for students to keep their minds sharp throughout the summer months. Join the library for the summer reading game and interactive enrichment programs where there will be prizes for reading books, a chance to take part in science experiments and meet new people.
Century Branch
Weekly on Thursday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- June 5
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Molino Branch
Weekly on Thursday, 6 to 7 p.m.
- June 5
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Tryon Branch
Weekly on Tuesday, 11 a.m.
- June 10
- June 17
- June 24
Main Library
Weekly on Wednesday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- June 11
- June 18
- June 25
Southwest Branch – program to be at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater (12301 Gulf Beach Highway)
Weekly on Wednesday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- June 11
- June 18
- June 25
Tate High School Class Of 2014 Graduates
June 3, 2014
The Tate High School Class 0f 2014 graduated Monday at the Pensacola Civic Center.
Members of the Tate High School Top Ten Percent were:
- Noah James Heintz - Valedictorian
- Eion Michael Blanchard -Salutatorian
- Britton Shayne Dunn
- Timothy Blake Edgar
- Paul Alan Shelton
- David Graham Gardner
- Ryan Lambert Colburn
- Alyshia Daeshaun Hull
- Elizabeth Mara Blalock
- Brooke Elizabeth Schang
- Justin David Ritchie
- Sarah Ann Birdsong
- Sheilamae Nebria Jensen
- Anna Maria Del Gallo
- Paige McKenzie Ammons
- Jordan James Prince
- Shelby Paige Williams
- Alexa Taryn Atchley
- Sarah Elisabeth Lee
- Kayla Marie Smith
- Emily Meghan Robinson
- Jesse Marion Steele
- Niccole Leanne Auld
- Jon William Walker II
- Gordon Kelliher Pierce
- Matthew Steven Esser
- Kevin Charles Olshaw
- Kelsey Alyse Carter
- Walker James Wilkins
- Will A. Reeves
- Jennifer Haley Krostag
- Sarah Yasir Al-Qahtani
- Charles Taylor Brown
- Katelynn Grace Stillwell
- Bridget Rene’ Dall
- Trinity Ceanora Johnson
- Jack Randal Gonzalez
- Bethaney Rayalan Hall
- Sabrina Leigh Culbertson
- Stephen Owen Pederson
- Haley Faye Malone
Pictured: The Tate High School Class 0f 2014 graduation. Photos by Mardi Boyd for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
A Tale Of Blood And Honor: Graduating Tate Siblings Join The Marines
June 2, 2014
For two graduating Tate High School seniors, it started with bedtime stories – stories of exotic lands with strange foods, cultures and peoples, stories of brave men and women who fought for freedom and protected the innocent, stories that extolled the virtues of honor, sacrifice and bravery.
These were the stories often heard in the Goodwyn home. There were no wizards, elves or knights. Only brave men and women who had taken up service for their country. It was these stories, told by dad Hosea Goodwyn, which first kindled the flame of service in his son, Hosea Goodwyn Jr., and daughter, Alexis Goodwyn.
“Each time he told his stories, they would continuously interest me,” said Alexis Goodwyn.
Their father shared with them his experiences in places like Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Spain and Dubai. Places that are as mystical and mysterious to a young mind as a fantasy world.
“His journeys inspired me to go on my own,” said Hosea Goodwyn Jr.
The question for the young Goodwyns was not if to serve, but in which branch – a decision that would drastically effect how their own stories and journeys would unfold. The young siblings sought professionalism and service to country, but it was the bond they saw among the Marines that solidified their decision to enlist.
“They would help each other out through the worst of situations,” said Hosea Goodwyn Jr., a senior from Tate High School. “Everyone in the Marine Corps is like a brother or sister.”
“The Marines had a tight bond with one another,” added his sister, also a Tate senior, explaining why they chose the Marines.
As the two prepare to start their new journey, their father had one final story to share – a story of honor.
“You have people who stand back and watch, and then you have those who step up to the plate and make a difference in this world,” Hosea Goodwyn said. “Honor, courage and commitment, and the words we repeat while taking the oath are not just words to take lightly. Freedom is not free and it takes brave men and women to ensure we continue to have freedom in this great nation. My father was a police officer, and each of my brothers served in the Army and the Air Forces. We don’t have followers in this family. We have leaders, and they are demonstrating this trait now. I am proud and honored to be their father.”
With their decision made, the only story left to tell is their own, which they will forge with honor, courage and commitment.
Story by Sgt. Jon Holmes, 6th Marine Corps District
Pictured: Alexis Goodwyn and her brother, Hosea Goodwyn Jr., made the decision to serve their country by enlisting in the U.S. Marines. The siblings were inspired by their father’s stories of his own deployments. Now, the two Tate High School graduating seniors are planning on beginning their own story as U.S. Marines. Photos by Sgt. Jon Holmes for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
You Can’t Stop Fighting: Tate Student That Battled Cancer Graduates Today
June 2, 2014
Halee Boyd was among the students graduating from Tate High School Monday morning. A special moment coming a year later than she had hoped. Before her senior year, she began a battle against Alevola Rhabdomyosarcoma , ARMS for short, a rare cancer of the muscles that are attached to the bones. Treatments and complications prevented her graduation last year.
As her class members walked across the stage last year, Halee was in the PICU and Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Her entire graduating class wore gold ribbons in her honor.
“”Better late than never! It took me a little longer than most, but I’m finally here, crossing the finish line. Today, I stand a little bit taller and a whole lot stronger. Get ready to watch me fly!” — was printed on Halee’s graduation invitations.
Over the weekend, Halee’s family and supporter’s painted “Graffiti Bridge” in Pensacola for Halee as a congratulatory surprise.
“If you have something to live for, you can’t stop fighting,” was painted on the bridge.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
