Election Watch: It’s Qualifying Week For Local Candidates
June 16, 2014
Today is the first day of qualifying week for candidates seeking local offices in Escambia County, Century and Pensacola. Friday is the last day to qualify.
Local offices of interest on the ballot this year are listed below along with the name of the incumbent currently holding that postition:
- Escambia County Commission District 2 – Gene M. Valentino
- Escambia County Commission District 4 – Grover C. Robinson, IV
- ECUA District 2 – Louis Benson
- ECUA District 4 – Dale Perkins
- Santa Rosa Island Authority- Thomas Campanella
- Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District Group 1 – Jacob Gilmore
- Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District Group 2 – Jeff DeWeese
- Escambia Soil and Water Conservation District Group 4 – Lynn Laird
- Century Town Council Seat 3 – Jacke Johnston
- Century Town Council Seat 4 – Gary E. Riley
- Century Town Council Seat 5 – Sandra McMurray Jackson
- Escambia County School Board District 1 – Jeff Bergosh
- Escambia County School Board District 2 – Gerald Boone
- Escambia County School Board District 3 – Linda Moultrie
- Pensacola Mayor- Ashton J. Hayward
- Pensacola City County District 2- Sherri F. Myers
- Pensacola City County District 4 – Larry B. Johnson
- Pensacola City County District 6 – Brian Spencer
- State Senator District 2 – Greg Evers
- State Representative District 1 – Clay Ingram
- State Representative District 2 – Mike Hill
Bill Signed Aimed At Honoring Veterans
June 16, 2014
Florida will redesign 11 military-related specialty license plates and add a new plate — the Combat Medical Badge plate — to the inventory as Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill (HB 559) into law intended to further honor veterans.
The law, which goes into effect July 1, also requires some editing of state laws, changing all references of the Korean Conflict to the Korean War and the Vietnam Era to the Vietnam War. The changes were requested by veterans.
“This legislation is one more way we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice,” Scott said in a prepared statement. The bill will add related campaign medals or badges to the following already-existing plates: Florida National Guard; United States Armed Forces Reserve; Ex-POW; Pearl Harbor survivor; Operation Desert Storm; Operation Desert Shield; Operation Iraqi Freedom; Operation Enduring Freedom; Combat Action Badge; Vietnam War Veteran; and the renamed Korean Conflict Veteran.
Currently, only the Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge plates are stamped with the likenesses of the related campaign medals or badges.
The changes are expected to cost the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles $52,920 to do the redesigns.
by The News Service of Florida
ECUA Free Flood Debris Collection Ends
June 16, 2014
The free ECUA flood debris removal program has ended.
After June 16, normal ECUA policy regarding the collection of C&D materials will be back in force, and materials such as sheetrock, lumber and flooring, will be collected with an additional charge. Once materials are placed at the curb, ECUA customers may call (850) 476-0480 to request a quote for C&D debris removal. The ECUA can also provide roll off containers and dumpsters for removal of debris at an additional charge. Furniture and other large non-construction related items will continue to be collected weekly after June 16 free-of-charge as part of the ECUA’s bulk waste collection program.
For more information on ECUA residential sanitation and recycling programs, customers may visit the ECUA website at www.ecua.fl.gov, or contact customer service at (850) 476-0480.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
BayBears Over Wahoos 4-2
June 16, 2014
The Mobile BayBears broke a two-two tie with a pair of unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth inning on their way to a 4-2 win over the Blue Wahoos in the series finale at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile.
Pensacola took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning on an RBI double by Yorman Rodriguez and a Devin Lohman sacrifice fly. The lead was short lived when Mobile answered with a run in the bottom of the inning. In the fifth inning, an error by Juan Silverio at third base opened the door for a pair of runs by Mobile which proved to be the difference in the game.
Fabian Williamson (L, 0-5) was on the mound when the BayBears scored the two go-ahead runs, thus saddling him with the loss. Both runs, however, were unearned. BayBear starter Charles Brewer (W, 3-1) picked up the win. He gave up 2 R/0 ER over 6.0 innings on four hits. He struck out eight against just two walks in his second consecutive win. Kaleb Fleck (S, 4) worked a perfect ninth inning to record his fourth save of the season.
Rodriguez led the way for the Wahoos offensively snapping an 0-for-15 slump with a 2-for-4 afternoon including a run scored and an RBI. Steve Selsky (2-for-3) also had a multi-hit game for Pensacola. Rey Navarro extended his on-base streak to a team-high 23 games with a walk in the third.
Pensacola will enjoy a three day break for the Southern League All-Star game. The Blue Wahoos will return to the field on Thursday, June 19 against the Huntsville Stars to open a five-game series.
by Tommy Thrall
Wahoos Even BayBear Series 8-5 With 11th Inning Win
June 15, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos got another huge night offensively from Ross Perez and a three-hit game from Devin Lohman to beat the Mobile BayBears 8-5 at Hank Aaron Stadium on Saturday night.
It was the second night that hundreds of Blue Wahoos fans traveled across the bay courtesy of the Blue Wahoos organization to see the team on the road. In all, more than 800 Blue Wahoos fans made the trip to Mobile to watch the Blue Wahoos over the last two nights, many of them opting to take advantage of the provided round-trip bus transportation.
Pensacola had to play catch up, coming back from two-run and three-run deficits late in the game. Lohman tied the game in the ninth inning with a two-run home run to force extra innings. In the 11th inning, Lohman led off with a single and scored later on an RBI double from Steve Selsky. Perez put the game out of reach with a two-run home run to make it 8-5.
Both Lohman and Perez had identical 3-for-6 games with two runs scored and two RBI. Rey Navarro went 1-for-5 to extend his on-base streak to 22 games, the longest streak by a Wahoo this season.
On the mound, Mikey O’Brien started and went 6.0 innings allowing 2 R/ER with a walk and five strikeouts. Carlos Contreras (W, 2-1) pitched well late in the game for Pensacola. He earned the win with three shutout innings and five strikeouts. James Walczak (S, 4) got the save by holding the BayBears scoreless in the bottom of the 11th. BayBears backup catcher Steve Rodriguez (L, 0-1) took the loss. Making his first professional appearance on the mound, Rodriguez allowed all three Wahoos runs in the 11th inning.
Pensacola can win the series with a win Sunday to close out the first half. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-4, 2.41) will get the start for the Wahoos against BayBears RHP Charles Brewer (2-1, 2.32). First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m. from Hank Aaron Stadium.
by Tommy Thrall
Escambia 4-H Shows Off New Molino Home
June 15, 2014
An open house was held Saturday at the new Escambia County 4-H property on Chalker Road in Molino.
The site includes two parcels — a 79.5 acre lot that already includes a covered barn and will be home to most 4-H activities and a 28.7 parcel that will be used for livestock activities.
Construction should be complete within one to three years on facilities set to include restrooms, a small classroom, nature trails, campsites for tent camping, fire pit for outdoor cooking and group events, bird blind, archery area, low ropes course, a horse arena, and livestock facilities for shows, clinics, animal science seminars and field days. The facility will also allow 4-H’ers to study astronomy, meteorology, animal science, plant science, soil science, water quality, health sciences, environmental science and more.
“The utility of what 4-H has now at Langley Bell can easily be recreated on the new property,” Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said.
4-H members, supporters, families, community leaders and politicians hopped on a tractor-pulled wagon Saturday for tours of the site, where neatly labeled signs help them envision the location of various activities.
The land sales were handled by Beck Properties, which made a $9,750 donation to 4-H Saturday to return the real estate transaction fees.
Night Work On I-10 At Hwy 29 In Escambia County
June 15, 2014
Drivers on I-10 in Escambia County will encounter nighttime lane closures Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16 on the eastbound I-10 on ramp from northbound Highway 29 and the outside eastbound I-10 lane to east of milepost 10.75.
Lane restrictions will remain in effect 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for roadway repair work. All planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Dear Dad: Father’s Day Wishes
June 15, 2014
For Father’s Day, NorthEscambia.com invited our Facebook fans to share thoughts about their dad. Responses are below.
Luis Gomez , Jr. — (pictured above) We would like to wish our dad a Happy Fathers Day. Although, we are all in separate places, from being with our individual families or going to college, we want you to know we love you deeply. If we haven’t learned anything else from you, we know that family is everything. Thanks for everything you’ve done. We understand it was a hassle because it’s so many but we appreciate it all. We love you pops. – Laneicia Gomez
Ben Campbell – We have learned from daddy to be the best hunters in the world! — Blakely and Gracyn Campbell- Mardic Eddins – We love you. Thank you for always taking us to the park, fishing, buying us things from the store, letting us ride around the yard in the truck. – Nevaeh and Brayden
Robert Leslie Howington — Dad is an amazing father of three girls. He taught us auto repair — sometimes over the phone. He taught us work ethic — without even trying. He taught us the value of a good reputation — people stop me in the grocery store to tell him how he made a difference in their lives. Robert Leslie Howington is a treasure not just on Father’s Day, but every day. – Leslie Gonzalez- Sgt Kenneth “Bobby” Butler Sr. – I’d like to say Happy Father’s Day to my husband, Sgt Kenneth “Bobby” Butler Sr who is currently deployed to Afghanistan from all of us, Kenny, Jaime, Netanya and Mickey. We love you and miss you. – Gwen Butler
- James Seale — My dad is James Seale and he has taught me many things but one if the most important things he has taught me is how to give love and accept it. – Gianni Seale
Benny Hilliard – My dad has taught me over the years how to fix just about anything, from cars, to house hold repairs and anything in between. Thanks for showing me how to be the man of my house hold dad. Happy Fathers Day and we love you! — Johnathon, Charlie, Daniel and Katina- Lloyd Jordan -- My daddy Lloyd Jordan born and raised raised in flomaton loved to fish hunt work and garden. He was the best dad anyone could ask for he loved hanging out and talking with his friends mostly and loved his family and wife. Even though we lost him last year he is gone but never forgotten ♡ you daddy. — Kasey Jordan
Alton Wilson, Sr. – My Daddy Alton Wilson Sr., was the best dad. He worked hard at Alger Sullivan Sawmill. Daddy raised 11 children and two grandchildren because my oldest sister died when they were 1 and 3 years old. There father at the time could not cope with the lost of my sister so daddy and mama step up and did. Daddy also help raise one of my nephew’s because his parents divorce. Daddy would bring home everyday from the mill a arm full of wood for burning in the wood stove for cooking. He was a very hard worker. And always said you work hard for what you get so you take care of it, and it will last you a lifetime. — Willene Bryan
Frank Zisa – I have learned from my dad to never give up on anything. My dad has aways been my night and shining armor, he always knows when to make me laugh. I love sitting with him and listening to his stories about his childhood. This man taught me the difference between right and wrong, and to be who I want to be. My Dad has done so much for me, he would even sit out in the heat waiting on me at my softball practices, and if I forgot my lunch at home, he would always bring it to me with no complaints. I will always be my Daddys little girl. — Katelyn Zisa
Johnny McKendrick — I would like to say happy Father’s Day to my dad! He is the most awesome guy all around. He’s a great Christian man, very hardworking, and knows how to make everyone laugh. He means the world to me! Happy Father’s Day pappy, love breezy. — Brianna McKendrick
Tommy Weaver -- My dad showed me so much. Fishing, shooting, farming, driving a tractor, being fair to others, respect. The list is long. He’s missed so much. He taught me laughter. He always was joking around. He was an upstanding man. He was the greatest pawpaw my children could have ever been blessed with. He loved them so much. He was the best husband to my mother. And to my brother who has Down syndrome , my dad showed patience n commitment. He was just the best dad we could have ever been blessed with. The greatest man. – Tara Smith
Mark Butler — He has taught me that I want to be a volunteer firefighter just like him and to ice skate. Love you dad, Blake.
Tim Godwin — My Dad ALWAYS makes time for me. He coaches my baseball team, plays in my wii, takes me to lunch, swims with me, watches me bowl, and makes his work schedule so we can do things together. I wish everyone had a Dad like mine! — Rebeccah Godwin
Huey Knowles — Daddy worked as a livestock manager for the Alabama Department of Corrections. In other words, he was a cowboy. He lost an eye in a shootout…I like to say he was a real life John Wayne! Not an actor, but the real deal. He is out hero. He will do anything for anyone. All around great guy. — Tracy Sullivan
Argent Kavanah Hare (March 28, 1942-February 2013) – his man taught me to be the person that people appreciated and knew he would give a stranger the shirt off his back. He was always there to help friends and family. Lead a Gospel group that sang all over our area and held signings at his home for everyone. RIP pops, Love and miss him daily! — James Hare
Reader submitted photos and stories for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Weekend Gardening: Tomato Pests
June 15, 2014
June is prime time for growing tomatoes here in Escambia County, but it’s also the best time to see a lot of pests in tomatoes that can totally ruin a crop. To help you figure out what’s “bugging” your tomatoes, here’s a quick rundown of some of the pests that you might see in your garden. Much of the information in this article was adapted from the University of Florida EDIS (Electronic Data Information Source) publication Insect Management for Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplant. Management techniques for the pests will be found in the full publication.
Click any photo to enlarge.
Silverleaf Whitefly
The adult silverleaf whitefly is small, approximately 1/16 of an inch in length, and has powdery white wings held tent-like while at rest over a yellow body. Whiteflies are usually found on the undersides of leaves. Eggs, which are yellow and football-shaped, are attached upright by a tiny stalk inserted into the lower leaf surface. A mobile first instar (growth stage), or crawler stage, hatches from the egg and settles on the leaf. It then develops through immobile second, third, and fourth instars which look like semi-transparent, flat, oval scales. The fourth instar or “pupa” is more yellow and more easily seen without the aid of a hand lens, and typically has very distinct eyespots, and is referred to as a “red-eyed nymph.”
As the plant grows, leaves bearing the maturing nymphs are found lower down on the plant, so older nymphs can be found by looking at older leaves. Whiteflies ingest sap from the plant vascular system (phloem) through stylets similar to those of aphids and, like aphids, process a relatively large volume of plant sap by excreting excess liquid in the form of a sugary substance called honeydew. The honeydew will result in sooty mold—a black, powdery looking substance that reduces photosynthesis in the leaves. Sometimes the nymphs will feed on the fruit and that will cause white tissue on the inside of the fruit walls.
Aphids
Aphids are soft-bodied, sucking insects that can rapidly colonize plants due to their short life cycle. Adults are delicate, pear- or spindle-shaped insects with a posterior pair of tubes (cornicles), which project upward and backward from the end of the abdomen and which are used for excreting a defensive fluid. In Florida, winged and wingless forms are all female and give birth to living young (nymphs). Nymphs are smaller but otherwise similar in appearance to wingless adults, which they become in 7 to 10 days.
Heavy aphid infestations may cause stunting and leaf distortion. Feeding on blossoms reduces fruit set. Sooty mold will grow on the honeydew that the aphids excrete. Aphids may also spread plant viruses.
Brown and Green Stink Bugs and Leaf-footed bugs
Like aphids and whiteflies, true bugs are sucking insects. True bugs can be recognized by their front wings, which are leathery close to the body but membrane-like at the tips. Nymphs resemble adults in shape but are often colored differently and do not have fully developed wings. Stink bugs are green or brown shield-shaped bugs 1/2 to 2/3 of an inch long. Eggs are barrel-shaped and found on the undersides of leaves in masses of 10 to 50.
Leaf-footed bugs are dark-colored true bugs with parallel sides. Eggs are metallic and ovate but somewhat flattened laterally and laid in clusters. Some leaf-footed bugs lay their eggs end-to-end in a single row or chain along a stem or leaf midrib. Nymphs are oblong in shape and red in color, especially on the abdomen.
Nymphs and adults of both stink bugs and leaf-footed bugs suck juices from green fruit leaving a puncture which later may become surrounded by a discolored zone due to invasion of secondary pathogens. Stink bug feeding punctures are often surrounded with a lightened, sometimes depressed, blotch beneath the fruit surface caused by the removal of cell contents and the enzymes injected by the bug. Leaf-footed punctures may cause fruit to become distorted as they enlarge
Tomato Hornworm
There are many caterpillars that can feed on tomatoes but the tomato hornworm can strip a plant of leaves in a few days. The adult moth is large with mottled brown forewings that are longer than the lighter brown hind wings. The sides of the abdomen have five yellow spots on the sides. The female moth will lay eggs on the upper and lower surfaces of leaves. The adult moths are nectar feeders on many flowers and may be seen in the early evening around gardens and flowers.
The emerging caterpillars will feed on leaves and go through several molts as they develop into large green caterpillars with a black ‘horn’ on the tip of the abdomen. Caterpillars are also identified by the white or yellow ‘V’ marks on the sides of the abdomen. When it is time to pupate, the caterpillars drop to the soil and make a cell for changing to the adult moth. The pupa is reddish brown and has a loop structure at the head that contains the mouthparts. There are normally two generations of tomato hornworm a year and as late summer arrives, the hornworm goes through a resting phase.
Other plants in the tomato family can be eaten by tomato hornworms but tomatoes are the favorite in our area. The caterpillars will eat entire leaves and initially work their down on the plant, eating leaves, blossoms, and even green fruit. Because they blend in with green foliage, a homeowner will often overlook the caterpillar despite its large size.
Hornworm does have natural enemies so be cautious before reaching for the insecticide. They can also be easily handpicked and destroyed after you find them.
If you would like further information, please contact the Escambia County Extension office, (850) 475-5230.
Arrest Made In Murder Of Football Standout
June 15, 2014
An arrest was made late Saturday night in an Escambia County homicide.
Shaquille Purifoy, 20, was shot in the head about 7:30 Friday night in the 8400 block of Country Walk Drive. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he passed away on Saturday.
Saturday night, investigators arrested 39-year old Xavier Tyrone Moore for the shooting. He was charged with felony murder, negligent manslaughter and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. His initial bond was set at $250,000.
The shooting appears to have been drug related, Detective Heath Jackson, spokesman for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, said early Sunday morning.
Purifoy was on the basketball and football teams at Pine Forest High School and went on to play football for Grambling State University.