Century Receives $50,000 Grant For New Playground Equipment
June 8, 2014
The Town of Century has received a $50,000 state grant to renovate the existing playground area at Showalter Park.
Last fall, the town followed a recommendation from the Century Recreation Advisory Committee a submitted two Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program applications. In addition to the Showalter renovation grant, the town also applied for a $125,000 grant to install a splash pad at the Anthony Pleasant Sportsplex, but that grant was not approved.
FRDAP is a competitive program which provides grants to local governments for outdoor recreational projects. The grants are administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Pictured: The existing wood playground equipment at Showalter Park in Century. The town has received a $50,000 state grant to purchase new playground equipment. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Vendors, Entertainers Needed For Twin Cities Watermelon Festival
June 8, 2014
Flomaton and Century are planning the Twin Cities First Annual Watermelon Festival. The event is planned for Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Showalter Park in Century.
The festival will include family fun, craft booths, food, entertainment and more.
Vendors and entertainers are needed. Vendors should click here for a booth application. Interested entertainers should call Kim at Century Town Hall at (850) 256-3208 or email kgodwin@centuryflorida.us.
The Twin Cities First Annual Watermelon Festival is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.
Weekend Gardening: Expert Tips For The Month Of June
June 8, 2014
Here are gardening tips for the month of June from the Florida Extension Service:
Flowers
- Annuals to plant include celosia, coleus, crossandra, hollyhock, impatiens (pictured above), kalanchoe, nicotiana, ornamental pepper, portulaca, salvia, torenia, vinca and zinnia.
- Sow seeds of sunflowers. They are easy to grow if you have a sunny spot. Look for some of the new, dwarf varieties that can also be used as cut flowers.
- Remove old blooms (deadheading) to make flowers bloom longer.
- Allow the foliage on spring bulbs to grow. Do not cut it off until it turns yellow and falls over.
Trees and Shrubs
- Mature palms should receive an application of granular fertilizer. Use a special palm fertilizer that has an 8-2-12 +4Mg (magnesium) with micronutrients formulation. Apply one pound of fertilizer per 100 sq ft of canopy area or landscape area.
- Do any necessary pruning of junipers this month.
- Finish pruning the spring flowering shrubs such as azaleas, camellias, spiraeas, wisteria and forsythia by early June.
- This is the month to reproduce plants by budding.
- Check mulch around ornamental plants to be sure it’s two inches thick. Add mulch as needed to help keep weeds down and conserve water. Keep mulch one to two inches away from trunk or stem.
- Inspect maple trees, especially silver maple for infestations of maple soft scale. Look for a white substance with some black on one end. Individual maple scales are about 1/4 inch in diameter and resemble bird droppings. They occur mostly on leaves and can cause defoliation unless controlled.
- Inspect the undersides of azalea leaves for spider mites and lace bugs. If dry weather conditions exist, these insects can do some serious damage if not controlled.
- Check conifers for signs of bagworms. Call your local Extension Service for control measures.
Fruits and Nuts
- Harvest peaches, nectarines and plums as soon as they mature, before the squirrels and birds get to them
Vegetable Garden
- Side dress vegetable gardens with fertilizer containing nitrogen and potassium. A fertilizer such as a 15-0-15 can be used. Use approximately 2-3 cupfuls (1 to 1 ½ pounds) per 100 feet of row.
- Increase watering frequency and amount as tomatoes load up with fruit.
- Vegetables that can be planted outdoors include eggplant, lima beans, okra, southern peas, peppers and sweet potatoes.
- Sweet potatoes are started from plants or “draws”. Be sure to purchase only certified weevil free sweet potato plants.
- Check for the following pests and control them if necessary: tomato fruitworm, stinkbugs on vegetables and aphids on all new growth
Lawns
- Check for the lawn pests and control them if necessary: Spittlebugs in centipedegrass. They are more attracted to especially lush areas of the yard such as along septic drain fields and in areas where excessive nitrogen fertilizer has been used. Chinch bugs in St. Augustinegrass Sod webworm in all turf
- Start monitoring for mole cricket infestations and prepare for treatment.
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.
Byrneville Elementary School Presents Year End Awards
June 5, 2014
Byrneville Elementary School recently presented the following year-end awards:
Dawson’s 1st grade:
Most Improved Reader: Logan Bevins
Highest Averages:
Math- Addisen Miller & Madeleine Atallah
Reading- Madeleine Atallah
Language Arts- Addisen Miller
Science- Addisen Miller
Social Studies- Madeleine Atallah
Physical Education:
Luke Diamond
Zidon Smith
Layla Brown
Danny Ray Wilson
Music:
Daisy Johnson
Layla Brown
Mrs. Thornton’s 1st grade:
A Honor Roll all year:
Madison Levins
Evin Matlock
Jayden White
Brian Yoder
A/B Honor Roll all Year:
Ayden Atallah
Gavin Beasley
Maddie Mae Driskell
Tyler Gilmore
Jikeem Hall
Jaci Jackson
Kelan Jury
Mia Kornegay
Riley Long
Allie Odom
Mia Turner-White
Most Improved: Olivia Griffis
Citizenship:
Maddie Mae Driskell
Tyler Gilmore
Kelan Jury
MAdison Levins
Riley Long
Evin Matlock
Brian Yoder
Highest Averages:
Reading: Brian Yoder
Language: Madison Levins
Math: TylerGilmore
Science: Kelan Jury
Social Studies: Riley Long
Physical Education:
Evin Matlock
Madison Levins
Brain Yoder
Music:
Evin Matlock
Madison Levins
Kelan Jury
Maddie Mae Driskell
Destiny Burt
Mrs. R. Gilmore 2nd grade:
A Honor Roll all Year:
Riley Dawson
Kaylee Hamilton
Tyson McBride
Tyler Riggs
Ayden Smith
Highest Reading:
Tyler Riggs
Most Improved:
Reygan Steadham
Adrianna Atallah
Highest Math:
Kaylee Hamilton
Tyson Mcbride
Most Improved:
Caitlyn Dortch
Highest Science:
Kaylee Hamilton
Most Improved:
Troy Parr
Highest Social Studies:
Tyson McBride
Kaylee Hamilton
Riley Dawson
Physical Education:
Dalton Wolfe
Music:
Riley Dawson
Kaylee Hamilton
Tyler Riggs
Mrs. Marshman 2nd grade:
A Honor Roll all Year:
Meredith Johnston
A/B Honor Roll all Year:
Nolin Godwin
Leif Waters
Madalyn Grimes
Alexa Castro
Takayla Lewis
Highest Averages:
Reading-
Nolin Godwin
Madalyn Grimes
Meredith Johnston
Most Improved- Camron Howell
Math-
Leif Waters
Meredith Johnston
Most Improved- Alexa Castro
Language Arts-
Nolin Godwin
Madalyn Grimes
Takayla Lewis
Meredith Johnston
Most Improved- Jakelle Mixon
Science-
Nolin Godwin
Alexa Castro
Madalyn Grimes
Most Improved- Jakelle Mixon
Social Studies-
Nolin Godwin
Alexa Castro
Madalyn Grimes
Most Improved- Alexa Castro
Physical Education:
Nolin Godwin
Camron Howell
Music:
Alexa Castro
Nolin Godwin
Madalyn Grimes
Camron Howell
Meredith Johnston
Mrs. Dunsford’s 3rd grade:
Good Citizens Awards:
Leah Anderson
Josh Diamond
Drake Allen Driskell
Emily Levins
Grace Long
Kaden Odom
Aleigh Thornton
Math Achievement:
Drake Allen Driskell
Emily Levins
Reading Achievements:
Emily Levins
Blake Yoder
Language Achievement:
Emily Levins
Science Achievement:
Emily Levins
Social Studies Achievement:
Kaden Odom
Blake Yoder
Accelerated Reader Awards:
Blake Yoder- 472 points
Emily Levins- 204 points
A Honor Roll all Year:
Emilyy Levins
Blake Yoder
A/B Honor Roll all Year:
Leah Anderson
Drake Allen Driskell
Kaden Odom
Music Awards:
Emily Levins
Drake Allen Driskell
Physical Education Award:
Blake Yodar
Mrs Weaver’s 3rd grade:
Outstanding Citizenship:
Aloysia Dortch
Briana Dunsford
Bradley Hamilton
Chase Hampton
Kerry Hicks
Johnnie Howell
Emily Lambeth
Nicholas MArtin
Jasmin Robinson
Jolee Sloan
A Honor Roll all Year:
Aloysia Dortch
Bradley Hamilton
Kayla Johnson
Jolee Sloan
A/B Honor Roll all Year:
Briana Dunsford
Chase Hampton
Emily Lambeth
Nicholas Martin
Tiana White
Reading:
Highest Average: Bradley Hamilton
Most Improved: Conner Sheffield & Patrick Rolin
Math:
Highest Average: Jolee Sloan
Language Arts:
Highest Average: Jolee Sloan & Bradley Hamilton
Science:
Highest Average:
Aloysia Dortch
Bradley Hamilton
Jolee Sloan
Tiana White
Social Studies:
Highest Average:
Aloysia Dotch
Bradley Hamilton
Kayla Johnson
Nicholas MArtin
Joless Sloan
Physical Education:
Jolee Sloan
Johnnie Howell
Music:
Johnnie Howell
Kerry Hicks
Chace Hampton
Bradley Hamilton
Briana Dunsford
Aloysia Dortch
Mrs. S Gilmore 4th grade:
Highest Averages:
Reading:
Hunter Borelli
Torka Mills
Math:
Hunter Borelli
Harley Walker
Science:
Hunter Borelli
Torka Mills
Social Studies:
Hunter Borelli
Jace Gifford
Torka Mills
Language Arts:
Hunter Borelli
Jace Gifford
Physical Education:
Cody Adams
Music:
Cody Adams
Hunter Borelli
Nevaeh Brown
Bama Coburn
Kayla Dixon
Kaitlynn Gafford
Jace Gifford
Taylor Levins
Torka Mills
Julianna Money
Mrs. Johnston’s 5th grade:
Reading:
Highest Average- Maille Kilcrease
Second Highest- Dustin Martin & Abigail Levins
Math:
Highest Average- Maille Kilcrease
Second Highest- Heather Knowles
Science:
Highest Average- Maille Kilcrease
Second Highest- Jalexis Robinson
Language Arts:
Highest Average- Maille Kilcrease
Second Highest- Ty Rolin
Social Studies:
Highest Average- Maille Kilcrease
Second Highest- Abigail Levins & Jalexis Robinson
Physical Education:
Joseph Franklin
Maille Kilcrease
Music:
Desirae Bell
Briannaq Colter
Maille Kilcrase
Heather Knowles
Justin Lambeth
Abigail Levins
Tyler Merchant
Jalexis Robinson
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.
