Two More Nights Planned For Christmas Lights, Hayride, Goats In Pajamas At Bratt Ranch
December 26, 2024
You’ve two more nights left to check out tens of thousands of Christmas lights and goats in pajamas at Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt. Over 5,000 people so far have enjoyed the lights this year.
The ranch plans to be open Thursday and Friday from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m, weather permitting. There is a 60% chance of rain for Friday night, so that may put a damper on Friday’s opening.
Nestled on three or four acres in the woods off Rigby Road, the display is walk-through (not a drive-through). Admission and parking are free, but donations are accepted.
Visitors walk a short distance from the parking lot down a lighted path and cross a small footbridge into the Christmas wonderland. If it’s rained recently, remember appropriate footwear because it may be muddy. It’s in an open, park-like setting with lots of lights, inflatables, animated display and an old-fashioned hayride down a lighted trail.
Concessions including hot dog meals, popcorn, s’mores, nachos at hot cocoa are available for a nominal cost, and only cash is accepted. There are picnic tables and lounge chairs, and plenty of room to sit around a fire.
For a 2024 photo gallery, click here.
Run-a-muck Ranch is located on Rigby Road in Bratt (about 1.5 miles from Bratt Elementary). Take Still Road south off West Highway 4 turn left on Rigby Road and look for the signs and a lighted arch drive. (We found that Google Maps was a bit off on the location; click here for a map to the driveway.)
Pictured: A recent evening at Run-amuck Ranch in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
OK, So It’s After Christmas. When Is My Next Trash Collection Day?
December 26, 2024
Both the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority and the Town of Century are picking up trash on a delayed schedule this week due to Christmas.
ECUA
ECUA residential and commercial customers that were due to be collected on Christmas Day will see their garbage and recyclables collected on Thursday, December 26. Thursday’s regular collections will be on Friday, and Friday’s collections will be on Saturday. Next week, collections will be back to normal on Monday and Tuesday.
Century
Town of Century residents will see their delayed pick up by Republic Services today, December 26.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
FHP Seeks Info On Fatal HIt And Run In JCPenney Parking Lot
December 26, 2024
The Florida Highway Patrol is seeing information and witnesses following a fatal hit and run crash that occurred in the JCPenney parking lot on Davis Highway.
A homeless man was located in the north parking lot about 4:40 a.m. on December 21, in an area where semis and commercial vehicles typically park. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
FHP said e victim sustained injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle.
So far, troopers have not been able to identify a suspect.
FHP Traffic Homicide Investigators are seeking any witnesses with information regarding the incident that may have seen the incident or can identify any of the trucks that were parked there prior to the incident.
The investigators believe the incident occurred between 2 and 4:30 a.m. Monday morning.
Anyone with information is asked to call Corporal J. McLeod at (850) 960-8216 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Two Charged After Backpack Found With Drugs, Cell Phones Near Atmore Prison
December 26, 2024
Two men were arrested near an Atmore prison on multiple charges.
Agents from the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Law Enforcement Services Division and the K-9 Bureau, with assistance from the Atmore Police Department and the Poarch Creek Police Department responded to reports of possible trespassers at the Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore on Christmas Eve.
ADOC said K-9 handlers discovered suspects Derrick Bean and Keith Davis in a wooded area near the facility and a backpack containing approximately 448 grams of marijuana, 28 grams of methamphetamine, 8 grams of cocaine, fentanyl, various cell phones, and charging blocks.
Bean and Davis were arrested, transported to the Escambia County Jail and charged with three counts of attempting to commit a controlled substance crime, prohibited activities, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute, and possession of marijuana first degree. Bean was also charged separately with possession of a controlled substance third degree and promoting prison contraband second degree.
ADOC said the investigation is continuing and further charges may be pending.
First Responders Put On Christmas Light Show For Children’s Hospital Patients (With Gallery)
December 25, 2024
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light.
He will bring us goodness and light.
For the fifth year, local first responders gathered outside the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart Christmas Eve night. Children and families inside watched as the first responders gathered outside waving, every emergency light flashing. A few minutes to say they care about the children inside and shine a little light for those who can’t be home this Christmas.
The Pensacola Police Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Pensacola Fire Department, Escambia County Fire Rescue and more made Christmas a bit brighter for those in the children’s hospital.
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Santa And Mrs. Claus Take Last Minute Trip Through Century, Byrneville
December 25, 2024
Santa and Mrs. Claus made a last-minute trip through Century and Byrneville on Tuesday morning thanks to the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue.
Santa made stops to visit good boys and girls at the Byrneville Community Center and on Hecker Road. The Jolly Old Elf also stopped by the Century Center for Health Rehabilitation to visit with the residents.
Pictured: Santa and Mrs. Claus travel through Century on a fire truck in Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Shop With A Cop’ Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Children
December 25, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Shop with a Cop provided Christmas for over 50 children.
ECSO partnered with the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation and Walmart to bring holiday cheer.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
ECSO deputies shopped for these kids based on a special list they each submitted. The kids then visited the ECSO special winter wonderland party, where they received all of their gifts.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Create Special Moment In ‘My Wish’ Day for Young Boy
December 25, 2024
by Bill Vilona
Nine-year-old Dalton White had never held a hockey stick, put on a helmet or attended an Ice Flyers game. The young local boy, who is battling through an illness, got to experience all of that recently through Covenant Care’s My Wish program.
The day served as a heartwarming reminder of how sports can create unforgettable memories and bring joy to those who need it most. For White, what started as a simple wish to experience hockey turned into an extraordinary day filled with surprises, smiles, and the warmth of the Ice Flyers family.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Putting all of the usual game day preparations aside, the Ice Flyers organization dedicated the entire morning to making sure White’s wish was nothing short of extraordinary. The second he entered the arena with his mother, Laura, he started the journey of being a high-profile player signing with the team.
The day began with White meeting Team Owner Greg Harris and receiving a warm welcome from the staff, who captured the special moments with photos and video. White then visited the office of Head Coach Gary Graham, and then signed his official contract, becoming the youngest Ice Flyer in team history.
“These special charity moments, especially when they involve kids, those are the ones closest to my heart,” Graham said. “You get a chance to really have a one-on-one impact with someone. Dalton really got the limelight on him, so it was incredible to see how he handled it.”
After signing his contract, he checked in with the team equipment manager, Jim Chesnut, to get his team-issued gear. Chesnut cut down his sticks to size for him to use before walking him into the locker room to meet his fellow teammates. The team welcomed him with open arms as they introduced themselves before showing him his stall where his very own Ice Flyers jersey with his last name and his number 17 was on display, as well as his own team helmet and gloves.
His day did not stop there. He was then escorted to the team’s media room where he took photos and videos for “marketing content” just like all new players do. White and his mother then got to visit the team’s merchandise stand to pick out some swag before heading to the team’s press conference room for his official signing interviews.
Joined by Paul Chestnutt from Fox 101.1 FM, Ice Flyers correspondent Bill Vilona, and recently retired WEAR 3 ABC Sports Director, Dan Shugart, White began his press conference by announcing he would keep his helmet on for the interviews.
White said he was introduced to hockey by watching Tampa Bay Lightning games with his uncle. That led him to decide to have his My Wish Day be one with a hockey team and the Ice Flyers happily stepped up to make his day special.
“I have been on skates before, but I’m not really good at it,” said White, sheepishly, as he smiled through the press conference. “Getting my own jersey (with his chosen number 17), a stick signed by the players and helmet… it’s cool. It’s fun.”
From receiving his own personalized jersey to being “signed” by Coach Graham, every moment was crafted to make Dalton feel special. The genuine enthusiasm from the players, staff, and especially Coach Graham, transformed what could have been a day in the hospital into a day of magic and wonder for this brave nine-year-old.
“This is exactly what My Wish is about—giving Dalton a day away from illness and pain,” said Aaron West, vice president of the Covenant Care Foundation. “We couldn’t make wishes come true without donors and incredible partners like the Ice Flyers. They went above and beyond, creating an amazing experience and capturing moments that will become cherished memories for Dalton and his mom.”
Later that night, he performed the ceremonial puck drop and watched the Ice Flyers game – his first time seeing professional hockey up close in an arena setting – with his mother, along with other family members sitting right on the glass.
“When I was first contacted by Aaron and Angela at the Covenant Care Foundation regarding Dalton’s wish, I knew instantly that I wanted to get the entire organization involved and make his day with us like no other he’s had or we have had,” said Ice Flyers owner Greg Harris. “Being a part of days like these makes you take a moment to truly think, and if you’re in a position to do something for someone, you do it. This day with Dalton will hopefully last a lifetime for him, but the other side of it is that it will definitely last a lifetime for all of us a part of this day.”
As White and his family headed back to their hotel that evening, they carried with them memories that will last a lifetime. His journey from watching Tampa Bay Lightning games with his uncle to becoming an honorary Ice Flyer showcases the beautiful way sports can touch lives and create magical moments that transcend the game itself.
George Stone Students Fabricate Unique Christmas Tree
December 25, 2024
Welding students at George Stone Technical College fabricated the most unique of Christmas trees.
The daytime and evening welding classes worked together to make a metal Christmas tree.
For over 55 years, George Stone Technical College has been preparing individuals for rewarding careers and providing local businesses with a highly skilled workforce. The Escambia County School District provides over 25 career and technical eduation programs.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
House Ethics Releases Scathing Report On Matt Gaetz
December 24, 2024
The House Ethics Committee has released their report on Matt Gaetz following a yearslong investigation that Gaetz was involved in a range of illegal conduct. He has repeatedly and vehemently denied the allegations.
The Committee conclude that Gaetz “violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress”.
The allegations against the former Congressional representative included that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl, which in Florida would be a felony.
“There is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl,” the Committee found. “The Committee received credible testimony from VictimA herself, as well as multiple individuals corroborating the allegation.” The Committee found that there was no reason to doubt the alleged victim’s credibility. Gaetz denied the allegation but refused to testify under oath.
The reported found that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz paid women to have sex with him, including the underage girl in 2017, during his first term in the House.
The report included the following charged the Committee said summarizes payments made by Gaetz to women and Joel Greenberg, a one-time friend of Gaetz that is now service an 11-year prison sentenced after pleading guilty in 2022 to sex trafficking.
Last week, Gaetz wrote in a post on X that was fully exonerated by the Department of Justice.
“In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated – even some I never dated but who asked. I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court – which is why no such claim was ever made in court.”
To read the full report, click here.