2012 In Photos: August
January 1, 2013
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2012. Today, we are featuring photos from August.
Workers watch as the first $6.5 million train load of crude oil arrives at a new transfer station in Walnut Hill in August.
Hurricane Isaac left a calling card on Pensacola Beach.
Northview took on Catholic in high school volleyball.
Authorities removed a suspected meth lab from a mobile home in Escambia County, Ala.
Gov. Rick Scott paid a visit to Escambia County to promote Labor Day activities post-Hurricane Isaac.
A Robertsdale man allegedly opened fire in the parking lot of the Grocery Advantage in Cantonment, causing minor injuries to one person in the domestic violence incident.
Hurricane Isaac pounded Pensacola Beach with high surf.
August meant back to school for students across the area, including Aubree Jordan on her first day of kindergarten at Molino Park Elementary School.
The intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 29 continued to prove problematic for drivers.
Atmore elected Jim Staff (left) as mayor, ended more than two decades in office for Howard Shell (right).
LifeFlight lifts off following a motorcycle crash on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
Eli Miller of Walnut Hill shows his support for Escambia County Commission District 5 candidate Steven Barry at the Walnut Hill precinct during the August primary.
Atmore held a “Market in the Park” event downtown.
An overturned log truck snarled traffic for hours on Highway 29 in Cantonment.
A new Family Dollar store opened in Century.
Mission Molino — a joint group of students from Highland Baptist Church in Molino and Friendship Baptist Church of Cleburne, TX — teamed up to clean up and make an impact across Escambia County.
One person was injured and three horses were killed in this accident on West Highway 4 in Davisville.
The Molino 16U Lady Astros took second in the Southern Nationals.
Thousands turned out to Chick-fil-A restaurants in August, an effort organized by Mike Huckabee to support the Christian owned business.
Texting and driving became illegal in Alabama on August 1.
Make A Resolution To Be More Wildlife Friendly
January 1, 2013
The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions dates back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was said to have two faces which allowed him to look back on past events and forward to the future.
The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect on the issues of the past and resolve to do better in the upcoming year. The 2010 Gulf oil spill had a devastating impact on local wildlife. Florida is a state renowned for its diverse and unique ecosystems. But rapid development and environmental disasters, particularly in coastal areas, is continuing to destroy wildlife habitat. Resolve to be more wildlife-friendly in 2012 by following these easy tips from the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program.
Provide food
Select plants with seeds, fruit, foliage, or flowers that butterflies, birds, and other wildlife like to eat. Berries, fleshy fruits, nuts, and acorns are all treats for many animals.
Supply water
Any water you provide will attract wildlife. You could have running water in the form of a natural feature, such as a pond, creek, or other body of fresh water, but a fountain or birdbath will also beckon wildlife. Empty and clean your birdbath every few days. Do not clean it with soap or bleach—just physically scrub all surfaces with a brush or scouring-type sponge. Change the water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding and bacterial contamination.
Leave snags
Leave snags, which are the trunks of dead trees, in place if they do not create a hazard. Many birds use snags for perching, nesting, and feeding. Snags are often removed from yards or land mistakenly thought of as no longer having value. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A tree’s full life cycle at this point, is far from over.
Manage pets
If you permit pets to harass or kill wildlife, you will only hinder any efforts you make toward attracting wildlife. This is especially true for cats allowed outdoors.
Reduce insecticide use
Each time you apply an insecticide to your landscape, you reduce insect populations, which form an important food source for birds. Some chemicals can also poison birds and other animals that feed on affected insects.
Reduce the amount of mowed lawn area
Unmowed areas can contain more plant species than mowed areas, providing more potential food sources and habitat for wildlife. Reduce the mowed area around your house, especially in low-traffic areas, such as corners of the yard.
Increase vertical layering
Plant a variety of plants in different sizes and heights to provide more cover and feeding opportunities for diverse species of wildlife.
By following the simple tips in this chapter, your Florida-Friendly lawn and garden can become a sanctuary for wildlife, as well as part of a migratory passage between one wild space and another. Animals need to move from place to place, just like people. They have trouble traveling in heavily urban and suburban landscapes, but you can help them by joining your Florida-Friendly yard with others in the neighborhood to create a “natural corridor”—a safe, traversable route between woodlands, wetlands, or other wild areas.
For more specific information, visit the University of Florida/IFAS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscaping_for_wildlife or call your local Extension Office.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
2012 In Photos: June, July
December 31, 2012
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2012. Today, we are featuring photos from June and July.
Tropical Storm Debby brought heavy surf to Pensacola Beach.
The Northview High School Food for America program was named the best in the Florida during the 84th Florida FFA State Convention in Orlando.
A Walnut Hill man escaped serious injury when a car reportedly fell on his neck.
Portions of Escambia County experienced extreme flooding in June.
June flooding in Pensacola.
Hundreds of people turned out in Walnut Hill in June to apply for one of just 20 jobs available with the opening of a new crude oil transfer station.
Graduations were held for area schools, including Tate High School.
The Northview High School Class of 2012 graduated at the school.
A July fire caused minor damage at a Century apartment complex.
Numerous churches held Vacation Bible Schools, including Highland Baptist Church in Molino.
Wounded Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Daniel Palmer was welcomed home in July.
The new Escambia County Tax Collector and Property Appraiser offices opened in Molino.
Farmer’s markets, including the Market at St Monica’s in Cantonment, offered the best of summer’s bounty.
Northwest Escambia brought home the state title Sunday from the 16A State Babe Ruth Softball Tournament in Brewton — the first ever softball state championship for NWE.
Fire set by an arsonist damaged Escambia High School.
Relatives comfort each other following the death of an 11-year old in an Atmore house fire.
Flomaton and Century celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks at Showalter Park.
2012 In Photos: May
December 30, 2012
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2012. Today, we are featuring photos from May.
The annual Relay for Life was held at Tate High School.
Jim Allen Elementary held a Sock Hope to raise money for Relay for Life.
Life in the Slow Lane: A wagon train passed through North Escambia.
The Northview Spring Musical “The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux”, was presented in early May.
Funeral services were held in May for Robert Stewart, the former chief of the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department.
The Jay Lady Royals finished second in the Class 1A State Championship game in Clermont, Florida.
The “Big Banana Car” was spotted headed south through North Escambia in May, turning lots of heads.
Record crowds attended Century’s Sawmill Day and Car Show.
The 38th annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo was held in Walnut Hill.
Crowds attended Mayfest in Atmore.
Services honored those that have served on Memorial Day in May.
Dry weather led to several brush fires, including this five acre fire near Walnut Hill.
The Northview High School Class of 2012 held their Baccalaureate service at the First baptist Church of Bratt.
A black bear was spotted around a Cantonment apartment complex for weeks before being euthanized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
There were no injuries when a freight train derailed in Molino.
A waterspout formed over Pensacola Bay.
The Northview Chiefs took on West Florida in a spring football game.
Sgt. Charles Gilliard of Century Correctional Institution was named the Florida Department of Correction’s statewide Institutions Employee of the Year.
A Pensacola man was killed in a multiple vehicle wreck involving a horse on Highway 29 in Molino.
“A Dancing Circus” was presented at Flomaton High School by Heather Leonard’s Danceworks.
Birth: Zander James Rector
December 30, 2012
Dustin and Lindsay Rector, of Lawrence, MI, announce the birth of their son, Zander James Rector.
He was born December 18, 2012, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo MI. He weighed 8-pounds 10-ounces, and was 21 3/4 inches long.
He is welcomed home by big sister Sophia Rector and big brother Aidan Rector. The grandparents are Dale and Kellie Rector of Centerville, LA, Karen Stevens of Mattawan MI, and Leslie and Susan Barnes of McDavid. The great-grandparents are Ivan and Bernice Gwilt of Dowagiac MI, and Louise Dockens of McDavid. Godparents are Chad and Ashley Burris of Molino.
2012 In Photos: April
December 29, 2012
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2012. Today, we are featuring photos from April.
A traffic stop at the Alabama/Florida line in late April uncovered a cache of weapons and cash with two men that said they were headed to Warrington Middle School.
The children and teens on the Escambia 4-H County Council voted to sell the 240 acre Langley Bell 4-H Center to Navy Federal Credit Union.
About 100 people rallied in support of the Century Library after budget cutbacks threatened to close the branch.
April was Relay for Life time in Atmore.
Mark Whitacre, the subject of the 2009 Matt Damon move “The Informant”, spoke to a group of GED graduates at Century Correctional Institution.
This Century convenience store was robbed at gunpoint in early April.
Tate High School Senior Chase Carroll (center) won the Florida High School Athletic Association’s state 2A weightlifting championship.
Relay for Life was held in Jay.
Several Century Correctional Institution inmates took part in a graduation ceremony after receiving their GED diplomas behind bars.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office held an Operation Clean Sweep in Molino.
The 19th Annual 4-H and FFA Youth Livestock Show and Agricultural Exposition was held in April at the Langley Bell 4-H Center in Beulah.
Escambia County’s annual Special Olympics was held at Tate High School.
LifeFlight lifts off following a traffic crash that injured a motorcyclist on Highway 4 in Byrneville.
NorthEscambia.com was there as the FBI raided this travel trailer in Bluff Springs, arresting a Century woman for the robbery of the Bank of Brewton.
Northview’s Lauren McCall attempts to tag out a Pine Forest runner at second base.
Northview High School honored retiring athletic director Sammy Day in April.
Opening Day was held at the Molino Ballpark.
2012 In Photos: March
December 28, 2012
Fire heavily damaged an Escambia County school bus near Century. All of the students escaped without injury due to the quick work of the bus driver.
Beloved Northview High School teacher and coach Tommy Weaver passed away in March.
The Florida Special Olympics Torch run began in Century.
NorthEscambia.com took readers inside Century Correctional Institution during a special series in March.
An 18-wheeler driver brakes to avoid hitting a dog and cow in southbound Highway 29 in Molino. A woman was chased the dog, which was being chased by the cow.
A Molino man died in March, about a month after this Highway 97 crash.
Northview High School held their annual Food for America Program in March.
The “Big Foot” monster truck paid a visit to Alto Products in Atmore. Alto manufactures transmission parts for the world famous truck.
The Tate High School Mock Trial Team won a state championship in March.
Spring signaled the beginning of ball for the Miracle League.
Rodney Atkins (above) and Travis Tritt performed at the annual Beulahfest.
Molino Park kindergarten students present E-I-E-I-Oops! during a March PTA program.
Fishermen on Lake Stone in Century in March.
Resurfacing caused delays on Highway 29 from McDavid north to the Alabama state line.
There were no injuries when an ECAT bus hit a horse on Highway 29 near McDavid in early March.
Second Runner-up Lillie Allen, First Runner-up Raegan Harrell, Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Jadlyn Agerton and Third Runner-Up Alexys Smith.
Christmas Wishes Come True For Carver Community Center
December 27, 2012
Christmas wishes do come true, even when the need is for a community center that serves hundreds of children each year.
The Carver Community Center on Jefferson Street in Century was one of 12 causes in need highlighted by the Florida Department of Children and Families during their statewide “Operation Santa Cause” campaign.
The Center’s needs included internet service (about $100 per month) and at least 15 computers to replace current computers that are old, slow and sometimes non-functioning. After a story was published on NorthEscambia.com, those needs were met.
A man in St. Petersburg has volunteered to cover the internet service for one year, according to DCF. And the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is donating 20 refurbished computers for the children.
Completely funded by donations, the non-profit Carver Community Center provides a safe place for children to go after school and during the summer as the center provides meals for 150 to 200 children daily. The center also offers tutoring services for children year round.
“We work with what we have,” Carver Community Center Association board member Henry Hawkins said. “Where there’s a need in the community, we try to reach out.”
Pictured top: The sun sets recently on the Carver Community Center on Jefferson Avenue in Century. Pictured inset: One of the classrooms inside the aging building. Pictured below: Carver Community Center Association board member Henry Hawkins tries to demonstrate reading software used by the center to teach children, but the aging computer malfunctioned. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
2012 In Photos: January, February
December 27, 2012
All this week, we are looking back at the photos that were in the news in 2012. Today, we are featuring photos from January and February.
Republican Mitt Romney brought his presidential campaign to Escambia County in January.
An early morning fire destroyed this home on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill. There were no injuries.
Dozens of Century area residents attended a Martin Luther King, Jr. program.
Miss Northview was named: First Runner-up Anna Fischer, Miss NHS 2012 Charleigh McPherson, Second Runner-up Lauren McCall.
The Republican Presidential Primary was held on January 31.
Boy Scout Pack 430 held an old fashioned pinewood derby at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino.
Newly refurbished firetrucks were placed in service at several North Escambia stations, saving the county $1.5 million over buying new.
Fire destroyed hay worth thousands of dollars near Walnut Hill.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida State Attorney’s Office announced an investigation into the Flomaton (Ala.) Police Department.
Alabama won the BCS National Championship in New Orleans.
Work was progressing in January on new tax collector and property appraiser offices and the renovation of the old Molino school.
Navy Federal offered $3.6 million for the Langley Bell-H Center property in Beulah.
Black History Month was celebrated at Northview High School.
The Escambia County School Board approved the construction of a new $16.5 million Ernest Ward Middle School.
Kellie Gindl (center) of Barrineau Park plays a cowbell on stage with The Springs’ lead singer Stewart Halcomb (left) and guitarist Steven Pettry Saturday night during the Northview FFA Alumni Blue Jacket Jamboree in Bratt.
The Health and Hope Clinic opened in Century, offering health care to the needy.
Lloyd Barrow Field was dedicated in Century in February in honor of longtime Little League coach Lloyd Barrow.
Valentine’s Dance at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Three people were arrested after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant in Century.
A bright, moonlit sky over North Escambia in February.
Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection was held in February.
A suspected “one pot” meth lab bursts into flames as it is being neutralized by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Rapid Response team after a traffic stop in Century.
Farm and agricultural producers rallied in an attempt to keep the Molino FSA office open.
It’s Easy To Recycle Your Wrapping Paper, Boxes In North Escambia
December 26, 2012
You can “go green” with those piles of Christmas wrapping paper and boxes by recycling them at one of several drop-off locations around North Escambia or in your weekly ECUA pickup.
Christmas wrapping paper, along with other household paper, plastics, steel and aluminum can be placed in your recycling container on your normal ECUA pickup day. For complete information on the ECUA recycling program, click here.
The Escambia County Division of Solid Waste Management has drop-off recycling locations in or near each of the larger communities in North Escambia. North of Nine Mile Road, recycling bins are located at:
- Ashton Brosnaham Park, 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Drive
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse, 7500 North Century Blvd., Century
- Escambia County Extension Service, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- John R. Jones Athletic Park, 555 E. Nine Mile Road
- Molino Fire Department, 1459 Molino Road (behind fire station)
- Oak Grove Citizen’s Convenience Center, 745 North Highway 99
- Perdido Landfill, 13009 Beulah Road, Cantonment
- UWF, John Martin Hall, 11000 University
- UWF, ParkwayParking Lot #10, Campus Dr.
Items eligible for recycling at the drop-off locations are aluminum cans, steel cans, glass food and beverage containers, plastic containers (#1-#7), cardboard, junk mail (including Christmas wrapping paper), paper, magazines, and newspapers.
For more information on drop-off recycling in North Escambia, visit EscambiaRecycles.com.