Atmore Peanut Processor Coastal Growers Files Bankruptcy
November 30, 2024
Atmore peanut processor Coastal Growers, LLC has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Alabama (Mobile).
In their court filing, Coastal estimated that they owe between $100 and $500 million to between 100 and 199 creditors. The company estimated assets at $50 to $100 million.
Coastal Growers opened their $90 million peanut processing facility in Atmore in February 2022. At the time, the company was owned by a cooperative of 195 farmers who lived mostly in Alabama and Florida, many in the North Escambia area.
The 400,000 square foot facility sits on 60 acres in the Atmore Industrial Park that used to be a cotton field.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Using A Space Heater? Here Are Some Need To Know Tips
November 30, 2024
Escambia County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths.
“Space heaters should have a three-foot safe zone around them,” said Escambia County Fire and Life Specialist Ray Melton. “They should never be left on while you’re away from home. They should be checked and serviced every year before used. Never plug a space heater into power strips or extension cords, and always have working smoke alarms.”
Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft. away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
For portable electric heaters:
- Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
- Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
- Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.
Heating Fire Facts:
- Most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
- The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
- The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (54%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
- Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.
Need a free smoke detector in Escambia County? Call (850) 595-HERO.
Escambia Woman Arrested After Pursuit, PIT Maneuver
November 30, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest a woman following a pursuit Friday night.
Deputies located a stolen vehicle at T Street and Hernandez Street. After a short pursuit, the vehicle was stopped by a PIT maneuver near Sanchez Street.
Dawn Marie Bur, 43, was charged with grand theft auto along with fleeing and eluding. She was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $5,000.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Boil Water Notice Issued For Woodrun Area
November 30, 2024
THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE WAS LIFtED ON 12-2-2024.
Due to a broken 8-inch water main, ECUA has issued a precautionary boil water notice for the Woodrun area off Nine Mile Road.
Specifically, the boil water notice includes:
- Woodrun Road (Address Range: 9000 – 9168)
- Woodrun Circle
- Woodrun Lane
Residents located in the specified boil water notice area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours and the notice will be rescinded at that time.
ECUA crews have completed the repairs and flushed out the lines. Residents within the area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.
Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
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.