See Acres Of Christmas Lights, Hayride, Goats In Pajamas At Run-a-muck Ranch In Bratt
November 29, 2024
The Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt is opening again this year with tens of thousands of Christmas lights, and you are invited to stop by and see them for free. And see the goats in pajamas.
Skip and Kristy Geiser opened the Christmas display three years ago, and it’s even bigger this year.
For a photo gallery from 2022, click here.
There are always plenty of “oohs and ahhs” over the goats in pajamas and a mini donkey.
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 are available, and only cash is accepted. There are picnic tables and lounge chairs, and propane patio heaters if it’s cold.
For a photo gallery from 2022, click here.
Run-a-muck Ranch is located at 4590 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. Don’t expect to see a lot of lights from the road; it’s a driveway back to the parking lot. (We found that Google Maps was a bit off on the location; click here for a map to the driveway.)
Weather permitting, the lights festival will be open each Thursday-Saturday through December 27. The gate is open 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.
Pictured: A previous year at the Christmas lights festival at Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Charged With Stabbing Ex-Wife’s New Husband On Thanksgiving
November 29, 2024
An Escambia County man was charged with stabbing his ex-wife’s new husband on Thanksgiving morning.
Gregory Grant, 72, was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond on a charge of attempted homicide.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred about 11:15 a.m. Thursday at a home on MacGregor Drive, near the University of West Florida.
The sheriff’s office says Grant — who was homeless but currently living with his ex-wife and her new husband — stabbed the new husband in the upper abdomen during an argument. The victim was transported to an area hospital with injuries that were not considered to be life-threatening.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released further details.
Drivers Getting A Road Construction Break Until Monday
November 29, 2024
Florida drivers are getting a little break from road construction during the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, there will be no construction related lane closures on state roads through 12:01 a.m.. on Monday. The lane closure restrictions include both construction and maintenance activities.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Freezing Nights Possible
November 29, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Calm wind.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 61. Light northeast wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 30. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 56.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 67.
CSX Takes Holiday Break; Crossing Closures Resume Tuesday
November 29, 2024
CSX is taking a holiday break from railroad crossing maintenance work in Escambia County. All crossings in Escambia County are open.
The closures will begin again Tuesday morning, and we’ll have an updated list here on NorthEscambia.com as early as the list is available.
Motorcyclist Killed In Early Thanksgiving Morning Crash
November 29, 2024
A 24-year old motorcyclists was killed in a crash early Thursday morning in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the motorcycle was traveling north on Creighton Road when a sedan turned left into the immediate path of the motorcycle about 2:25 a.m.. The motorcycle struck the passenger side the the sedan.
The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene. The 23-year old driver of the sedan suffered only minor injuries.
FHP traffic homicide troopers are continuing their investigation.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
November 29, 2024
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officer Bower was on patrol and received information from Officer Lugg that a subject was illegally spearfishing at the jetty. Officer Bower located the subject who was spearfishing and discovered he possessed one sheepshead. Other people in the area had already informed him that fishing in the area was prohibited. The subject was charged with spearfishing within 100 yards of a jetty and for failing to display a dive flag.
Gulf County
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Bower participated in a community outreach event at Navy Point, where she engaged with families during the Navy base annual campout. The event focused on educating kids about local fish, wildlife, and the importance of outdoor conservation, inspiring a deeper appreciation for nature and Florida’s natural resources.
Officer Brown conducted a hunter safety course, educating over 20 students about safe hunting practices. The course covered hunting laws and regulations, hunting seasons, hunting methods, reporting requirements, and licensing and permits. Officer Brown ensured all participants gained a comprehensive understanding of these subjects. In addition, he addressed numerous questions from the students and provided valuable instruction about responsible hunting practices, wildlife conservation, and safety, with the goal of promoting a safe hunting experience.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Cantonment Rotary Provides Thanksgiving Meals For 1,250 North Escambia Residents (With Photo Gallery)
November 28, 2024
About 1,250 people can enjoy a complete Thanksgiving meal this year thanks to the members and friends of the Cantonment Rotary Club.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Wednesday, the club distributed everything for a complete turkey meal to 313 families in the North Escambia area from Nine Mile Road to Walnut Hill. The recipients were chosen with the help of guidance counselors at seven local schools who helped identify families that might need a little help this time of year.
The Tate High School cheerleaders volunteered Wednesday at St. Luke United Methodist Church to help package the meals for delivery.
Cantonment Rotary started the annual tradition in 2009 with just nine families.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Miracle League Holds Annual Turkey Fry (With Photo Gallery)
November 28, 2024
The Miracle League of Pensacola held their annual turkey fry fundraiser Wednesday at their park on East Nine Mile Road.
A small army of volunteers worked to deep fry the turkeys to perfection, rows of timers keeping track of the cooking time at a command center of sorts. Cadets from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also volunteered to make sure the turkeys were ready to enjoy on Thanksgiving.
For a photo gallery, click here.
This year, the Miracle League fried about 350 turkeys.
The American Legion Post 340 had several volunteers helping out, and they presented the Miracle League with a surprise check for $7,336.
The Miracle League provides physically and mentally challenged children a safe and spirited program in which they can hit, run, and catch on a baseball field – just like other kids. MLP offers a unique and memorable opportunity these children would not otherwise have. It is a place where every player plays, every player hits, every player gets on base, every player scores, and every player wins – every inning.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Texas Man Killed In Double Semi Crash On Highway 87
November 28, 2024
A double semi-truck crash early Wednesday morning on Highway 87 near Allentown claimed the life of a Texas man and injured another driver from South Carolina.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash occurred at approximately 2:10 a.m. near Allentown Road. A 36-year-old male driver from Dallas, Texas, operating a tractor-trailer was traveling southbound when his vehicle drifted into the northbound lane of the two-land highway. The truck collided head-on with another tractor-trailer driven by a 62-year-old male from Sumter, South Carolina.
The Dalla man was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the second truck sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. Troopers said both drivers were wearing their seat belt at the time of the crash.
The FHP investigation is continuing.
Highway 87 was closed for over seven hours by the crash, opening by about 9:45 a.m.
File photo.