Farm-City: Volunteers Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner For 1,000 Needy Families (With Gallery)
November 26, 2024
Monday, students and volunteers from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties worked in fields near Jay to harvest vegetables that will help feed 1,000 needy families this week for Thanksgiving.
The event at the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center is part of Farm to City Week, bringing the bounty of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences farm to the needy of the city.
The students were from agricultural programs and organizations that included FFA members from local schools .
The produce will be distributed to 500 families in Escambia County and 500 more in Santa Rosa County along with a turkey or ham and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal from Feeding the Gulf Coast and the Waterfront Rescue Mission. The food will be distributed Tuesday at the Brownsville Community Center on West DeSoto Street from 9 a.m. until noon. Another distribution will take place Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon at the Milton Community Center at 5629 Byron Street. Both distributions first come, first served with up to two families per vehicle. No walk-ups.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
When Will New ‘Paper Park’ At Former IP Golf Course Open?
November 26, 2024
Construction is continuing at a new park to be known as “Paper Park” on the 68-acre former International Paper golf course in Cantonment. An official opening date for the park is expected in January.
In April, Escambia County leased the property at Highway 29 and Muscogee Road to develop it into a park.
Walking trails have been constructed around the park, and playgrounds have been installed. When we stopped by Sunday morning, several families were already using the playground.
The Escambia County Commission approved the purchase of a play structure and 704 square feet recreational shelter with tables for the property. The total was $369,775.76 for purchase and installation of the GameTime equipment. The recreational area will be open to the public free of charge during daylight hours once completed and opened.
The purchase is being funded from the Cantonment Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
Under the lease agreement for, Escambia County will pay a $5,000 lease fee the first year with an annual increase of 5% with the lease reading $6,077.53 by year five.
The Champion Golf Club course has been closed since 2017.
Pictured: The new Paper Park in Cantonment as seen Sunday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Police Charge Cantonment Man With Drug Trafficking
November 26, 2024
A Cantonment man was charged with trafficking methamphetamine after a traffic stop in Atmore.
Scott Foley, 53, was charged with drug trafficking and booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.
The Atmore Police Department stopped a vehicle on Highway 21 due to a license plate registration violation.
The driver, later identified as Foley, acted suspiciously and a K-9 unit was called. Police said the K-9 alerted on the vehicle, leading to the discover over 72 grams of methamphetamine, according to Atmore Police.
Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Declines But Remains Higher Than Pre-Pandemic Levels, Farm Bureau Says
November 26, 2024
Cooking a Thanksgiving feast for your friends and family will cost less than last year but will still be more expensive than before the pandemic. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for 10, which is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person.
This is a 5% decrease from 2023, which was 4.5% lower than 2022. Two years of declines don’t erase dramatic increases that led to a record high cost of $64.06 in 2022. Despite the encouraging momentum, a Thanksgiving meal is still 19% higher than it was in 2019, which highlights the impact inflation has had on food prices – and farmers’ costs – since the pandemic.
The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – helped bring down the overall cost of dinner. The average price for a 16-pound turkey is $25.67. That is $1.68 per pound, down 6% from last year.
Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices Nov. 1-7, before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, the average per-pound feature price for whole frozen turkeys declined further during the second week of November. Consumers who have not yet purchased a turkey may find additional savings in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
“The turkey is traditionally the main attraction on the Thanksgiving table and is typically the most expensive part of the meal,” said AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson. “The American turkey flock is the smallest it’s been since 1985 because of avian influenza, but overall demand has also fallen, resulting in lower prices at the grocery store for families planning a holiday meal.”
The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream, all in quantities sufficient to serve a gathering of 10.
Most ingredients in the survey saw a decline in prices, including fresh vegetables. The drop in prices reflects price volatility in crops this year. The cost of whole milk dropped more than 14%. Favorable weather contributed to the decline in milk pricing. It is important to note, however, that milk prices vary significantly between regions in the U.S.
Items like dinner rolls and cubed stuffing both saw an 8% increase because higher labor costs, among other drivers, are increasing the cost of processed food. Cranberry prices increased almost 12% year-over-year. In 2023, cranberries had the second largest decrease in price of any products in our basket at 18%. The increase this year puts cranberry prices closer to historic norms and, excluding last year, is the least expensive year since 2015.
“We should all be thankful that we live in a country with such an abundant food supply,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We are seeing modest improvements in the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for a second year, but America’s families, including farm families, are still being hurt by high inflation.”
“America has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world. In order to maintain that, we need a strong farm bill which enables Americans to pursue their dreams without worrying about feeding their families,” Duvall said. “A new farm bill with a modernized safety net to support those who raise crops and livestock ensures farmers can survive tough economic times and continue to supply food for America’s families, not just for the holidays, but year-round.”
In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also includes boneless ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, in an expanded menu. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $19.26, to $77.34.
This year’s national average cost was calculated using surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or combined purchase deals.
The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
Individual Prices
16-pound turkey: $25.67 or $1.68 per pound (down 6.1%)
14-ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $4.08 (up 8.2%)
2 frozen pie crusts: $3.40 (down 2.9%)
Half pint of whipping cream: $1.81 (up 4.7%)
1 pound of frozen peas: $1.73 (down 8.1%)
1 dozen dinner rolls: $4.16 (up 8.4%)
Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.75 (down 5.1%)
30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.15 (down 6.5%)
1 gallon of whole milk: $3.21 (down 14.3%)
3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $2.93 (down 26.2%)
1-pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): $.84 (down 6.4%)
12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.35 (up 11.8%)
AFBF analysis revealed regional differences in the cost of the meal. The cost for the classic meal was the most affordable in the South at $56.81.
Argos Volleyball Earns 18th Straight NCAA Tournament Appearance
November 26, 2024
The University of West Florida women’s volleyball team has made its 18th straight NCAA DII Tournament appearance. During the NCAA selection show on Monday evening, it was announced that the Argos earned the No. 6 seed in the South Region.
UWF will take on No. 3 seed Tampa in the first round. The Argos played Tampa back in September when the Spartans were ranked No. 1 in the nation. Since that game, UWF has not lost a match, having won 22 straight and only dropping a total of six sets during that span. The Argos enter the NCAA tournament as one of the hottest teams in the country.
“We are excited to compete in another South Region Championship,” said head coach Melissa Wolter. “Our region is deep, but we are part of the depth. We had a chance to play Tampa earlier this fall so we are familiar with them. But both teams have changed a lot since then. Our team is excited about this opportunity and will take it one match at a time. But make no mistake, we are playing to win!”
No. 1 seed Lynn University will serve as the host for the South Region bracket. Tournament play will begin on Thursday, Dec. 5.
West Florida (27-5, 20-0 GSC) won the Gulf South Conference Championship on Sunday, defeating Alabama Huntsville, 3-1.
Photo: Jon Rose/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Trump Backs Jimmy Patronis For Gaetz Seat; Michelle Salzman Not Running
November 25, 2024
Florida Rep. Michelle Salzman has withdrawn from a Congressional run after President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis Monday morning.
Salzman announced on social media that she would endorse Patronis for Congress as she continues here work for Florida District 1 in the Florida Legislature.
“Politics is an ever-changing chessboard. Our first priority as elected officials should be our constituents. If we put them first, we all win! Jimmy Patronis has been endorsed by the leader of our party and that should be enough for us to get behind him.” Salzman wrote in post with a picture of her with Patronis at Trump rally.
“Put me to work, Mr. President,” Patronis wrote on X in response to the Trump endorsement.
“As your next Congressman, Jimmy would work tirelessly alongside of me to Grow our Economy, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social.
Gaetz resigned his Florida’s First Congressional District seat after Trump announced he was the president-elect’s pick for U.S. attorney general. Trump later picked former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi after Gaetz withdrew from consideration.
Florida Rep. Joel Rudman has also announced his intentions to run for the Congressional seat. Rudman, Patronis and any other candidate that currently holds office will be required to resign to run by today. Salzman has not submitted a resignation.
Cantonment Man Sentenced To Prison For Drug Possession, Evidence Tampering, Fleeing
November 25, 2024
A Cantonment man has been sentenced to station prison in a 2023 drug and evidence tampering case.
Charlie Clifford Davis, 54, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana tampering with evidence, fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license third or subsequent offense, possession of drug paraphernalia, and improper tag.
He was sentenced to 18 months in state prison by Judge Coleman Robinson.
In September 2023, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop near Durand Avenue and Elliot Street. Deputies said the driver of the vehicle threw a clear plastic bag containing a “large quantity” of methamphetamine out of the driver’s side window and continued driving until eventually stopping.
Deputies located more methamphetamine in the driver’s floorboard area, the driver’s seat, and on the driver’s door of the vehicle, the ECSO said. Deputies also located marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
K-9 Tracks Down Man For Attempted Vehicle Burglary In Assisting Living Parking Lot
November 25, 2024
A man was arrested after a brief manhunt for allegedly attempting to burglarize a vehicle in the parking lot of an assisted living facility.
Jacob Edward Whalen, 43, was charged with felony attempted vehicle burglary. He was later released on a $5,000 bond.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an attempted vehicle burglary at Solaris Cantonment Assisted Living on Crossville Street, just off Nine Mile Road where an employee had witnessed a male attempting to break into a vehicle in the facility’s parking lot.
Deputies arrived in time to see Whalen fleeing the scene. He was apprehended by K-9 Walker a short time later in the parking lot of a nearby church.
Escambia County Fire Rescue Fire Academy Holds Graduation
November 25, 2024
Member of the Escambia County Fire Rescue Fire Academy graduated over the weekend during a ceremony at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.
Escambia County Fire Rescue administration gave directions to the ECFR Training Division to proceed with the development and implementation of the ECFR Fire Academy in May 2024. With the projected growth of Escambia County and the need to provide the highest level of protection for its citizens, the training division conducted a physical abilities test, hired 12 employees as fire cadets, and began their education journey through the Florida State Fire College with a required 492 hours of training to become Firefighter 2-certified.
Three volunteer firefighters joined the fire cadets to continue the training for their state certification test last week. The education offered during the fire academy included Firefighting, emergency medical responder, live fire training and vehicle extrication.
The ECFR Fire Academy instructors are all ECFR firefighters and lieutenants led by Lt. Jason Crabbe.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Encourages Drivers To Register Emergency Contact Information
November 25, 2024
The Florida Highway Patrol is encouraging Florida drivers to register emergency contact information (ECI).
Last year, FHP and other law enforcement agencies across the state responded to 394,953 crashes, of which over 60% involved injuries.
FHP said timing is critical during an emergency. In many cases, it could the difference between life and death. In such situations, law enforcement and other first responders, including medical professionals, often need to contact family members or friends to notify them of the status of their loved one who was involved. Whether it is information related to transportation to a local medical facility or, in the worst case, a death notification, emergency contact information is crucial.
In 2022, ECI was initiated by Florida mother, Christine Olson, whose daughter Tiffiany died in a fatal crash, and it took over six hours to notify her. Law enforcement agencies and medical facilities have access to this emergency contact information for the purpose of notifying designated individuals in case of an emergency. As of August 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recorded 20,617,304 licensed drivers who had registered their ECI.
If you haven’t registered an emergency contact, it’s free, easy, and secure to do so through FLHSMV, all you need is a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card. You can register up to two designated people by visiting Emergency Contact Information History – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (flhsmv.gov).