Christmas Gift For Flomaton — No Major Flooding
December 26, 2015
It was a welcomed Christmas gift for Flomaton residents…forecasted major flooding never happened.
Big Escambia Creek was near the forecast crest of 19 feet by mid-morning. But the level of floodwaters, based upon historic precedents, simply wass not that high according to local officials and photographs. A “human read’ flood scale showed the river crest at below 15 feet.
The National Weather Service is investigating a possible problem with the automated USGS sensors that measure the water levels and inaccurate readings led to a forecast that was too high.
Major flooding of homes and businesses along Highway 31 did not and won’t occur. Both Highway 31 and Highway 29 remained open, with no closures.
Pictured: The Big Escambia Creek at or near high water level Christmas morning, leading to minor flooding in the “usual” areas around Turtle Point and Hurricane Park in Flomaton. NorthEscambia.com photos by Katie Fowler, click to enlarge.
Cost Of Christmas Lighting Still A Bargain
December 25, 2015
Outdoor lighting is as much a part of the holiday season as Santa and gift giving. Have you ever wondered how much it costs to operate those lights on your home or business?
Traditional larger bulbs are the most widely used, but cost the most to operate. One string of these incandescent lights can consume more than $1 of electricity a day. That adds up when you put up a few strings of lights and leave them on for the holiday season, according to Gulf Power.
Miniature holiday lights are a less costly option, and have replaced larger bulbs in many decorations. One string of miniature lights uses less than 3 cents per day.
For even greater savings you can use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) instead of bulbs. LEDs use 90 percent less energy, can last years longer and, since LED bulbs generate less heat, they make for safer illumination as well. LED lights are more expensive to buy; however, at less than half a cent per day to operate, a string of LED bulbs will pay for itself quickly.
You can also lower your holiday energy use by putting your lights on a timer. Be sure to use a durable timer that is made to withstand the elements, Gulf Power recommends.
Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All
December 25, 2015
Today’s lead story on NorthEscambia.com is a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today — the birth of a boy child.
It is story that was first delivered by an angelic choir. It was the news that changed the world…a Savior had been born in a little town called Bethlehem. It was a humble scene. A little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was the world’s first ever Christmas gift on that very first Christmas morning, the gift of a Savior with the promise of eternal life.
It’s good news for all of us on this Christmas. Good news that Emmanuel, the Lord Jesus, was born. It’s story that was reported by Luke in the New Testament in the Bible, the widest circulated publication in history. It’s reprinted below for you to read, and for you to share the Good News with someone you care about this Christmas.
From our NorthEscambia.com family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
- (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
- To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
- And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
- And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
- But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
- And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
FDOT Giving Drivers A Break From Road Construction
December 25, 2015
Christmas may be over, but Florida drivers will continue to get a break from road construction during the next week.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has suspended highway construction projects on major roadways across Northwest Florida. There will be no work on state roads requiring lane restrictions through Monday, January 4, 2016. All major roads will be open to normal traffic.
Although no construction closures are scheduled over the holiday weekend, existing state highway work zones will remain in effect. Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through work zones around barricades and equipment.
FDOT is encouraging drivers to allow extra travel time and to use extra caution in existing work zones along state highways. Drivers are urged to make sure they buckle up, along with their passengers. FDOT and other safety agencies also ask drivers to obey speed limits, get adequate rest before traveling, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.
Drivers also are urged to be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to accidents, disabled vehicles or other events. Motorists should be alert to changing weather conditions while traveling.
Travelers can access Florida’s 511 service from cell phones, landlines, and the Internet at www.FL511.com to receive updates on travel in the area.
Santa Visits Camp Fire USA Century Center
December 25, 2015
Santa Claus recently paid a visit to the Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
A Look Back: Ernest Ward High School Christmas Past
December 25, 2015
Here’s a look back at Christmas past at Ernest Ward High School, with a peek into the pages of the 1955, 1971 and 1988 yearbooks. Click any of the images to enlarge.
Below: The 1955 Christmas Pageant at Ernest Ward High School.
Below: “In Celebration of Christmas”, 1988, Ernest Ward High School.
Below: “Christmas Present And Future”, 1988, Ernest Ward High School.
Below: Christmas 1971, Ernest Ward High School.
Special thanks to Sherri Stallworth and Delaney Reynolds for their research in finding these photos. Photos courtesy Ernest Ward Middle School for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
A Look Back: Century Christmas In The 1930’s
December 25, 2015
Here’s a look back at Christmas past for the Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company and what is now Century.
In the top photo, Mr. James H. Jones is seen giving out presents to Alger-Sullivan Lumber Co. employee children in the 1930’s. By the 1940’s, this practice had been discontinued, but Mr. Hauss always sent some families a tin of dates from California. The company always seemed to be interested in keeping families together and satisfied, although when it came to the job, it was hard-nosed about making sure the workers gave a day’s work for a day’s pay.
The picture below depicts a scene in December 1936 from one of the logging camps in the woods where races were mixed on the job, despite the attitude towards segregation. Here you see two of the bosses, Fred Gilmore and Mr. Luke Earl (with glasses), a somewhat beloved woods foreman, and a group of workers and children observing Santa Claus as he holds a little boy at their Christmas gathering. Several of the children are clutching their little bags of goodies, probably candy and some trinkets, that Santa had passed out earlier. It’s not know what purpose the wash pot, if any, played in the festivities.
Photos courtesy the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society (top) and Photo by Fischer (bottom) for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
DUI Manslaughter Suspect Released On Bond
December 24, 2015
A Cantonment woman accused of the DUI death of a former Byrneville Elementary School teacher is now free on bond.
Wednesday during her first court appearance, an Escambia County Judge set bond at $100,000 for 52-year old Debra Marlene Ahearn , and she was released from jail just before 5 p.m.
According to court documents, Ahearn’s initial blood alcohol level was .291 — over three and half times the legal limit – when she pulled her 2006 Town and Country van directly into the path of a northbound Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 56-year old John Edward Ryland of Atmore on Highway 29 south of Muscogee Road. The Tahoe was then struck by a northbound Chevrolet Cobalt driven by 21-year old Dontavious Rashwn Anderson of Cantonment.
A passenger in the Tahoe, 61-year old Barbara M. Ryland of Atmore, was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where she was pronounced deceased shortly after the 6:11 pm. crash last Friday. The driver of the Tahoe, John Ryland, was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was treated and released Saturday.
Ahearn was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital where she was treated and then released into police custody, while Anderson was taken to West Florida Hospital with minor injuries.
Barbara Ryland was a teacher in the Escambia County School District for over 30 years and continued to substitute after her retirement.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Large Barn (With Photo Gallery)
December 24, 2015
Fire destroyed a large barn, shed and at least one vehicle Wednesday night on northern Klondike Road, near I-10.
Multiple fire Escambia Fire Rescue stations responded to the blaze about 7 p.m. The barn was fully involved when the first firefighters arrived on scene.
There were no injuries; the homeowners were reportedly not at home at the time of the blaze.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
NorthEscambia.com com photos by Kristi Price and reader submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Bellview VFD Elves Help Santa Make Special Early Delivery
December 24, 2015
Members of Escambia County Fire Rescue Station 1 in Bellview helped Santa Claus make a special early delivery this week. Bellview members picked up Santa and gave him a fire truck ride to the home of two boys, ages 4 and 8, where a special visit from Santa and presents were needed. The 8-year old is home bound after just having heart surgery, and is facing additional heart surgeries.
Both of the young men were happy to see Santa and his firefighter elves with presents….and his special Escambia Fire Rescue firetruck sleigh.
The firefighters delivered the toys and took the time to sit and talk and play with the children for a little bit. The firefighters at Bellview Volunteer Fire Department believe that this kind of generosity, support and caring for a young child that is going through this type of situation is what the Spirit of Giving and what Christmas is all about,” said Bellview District Chief Troy Johnson.
(And, as a footnote, one of the firefighters noticed a dead smoke detector battery in the home and installed a new one to help keep the family safe.)