Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All
December 25, 2013
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. 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.
Escambia Woman Dies Aftering Being Backed Over At Walmart
December 25, 2013
An elderly Escambia County woman has died after being backed over in a Walmart parking lot.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Tuesday that 88-year old Virginia M. Abercrombie passed away December 20 at Joyce Goldenberg Covenant Hospice from injuries she received in the parking lot of the Mobile Highway Walmart on December 11.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 83-year old Matilda R. Townsend of Pensacola was backing up for a parking space when she failed to observe 38-Susan A. Wilson of Loxley in a 1991 Pontiac Sunbird behind her. Wilson began backing up to avoid being struck by Townsend.
The FHP said Wilson failed to notice Abercrombie and struck her.
Charges are pending the outcome of a FHP traffic homicide investigation.
Jeff Miller’s Christmas Message
December 25, 2013
The holiday season is a joyous time of year for millions of Americans across the country. As we celebrate Christmas this week, basking in the glow of our Christmas lights and opening the presents nestled under our Christmas trees, let us also take time to reflect on the true reason for the Christmas season: celebrating that first miraculous Christmas 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. And whether or not you and your family celebrate Christmas, it is important to recognize the freedom of religion provided by our First Amendment and allow Christmas traditions for those who celebrate it.
As Christians, we celebrate Christmas as the day to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. But sometimes we can forget the meaning of Christmas by becoming too caught up in decorating or gift-giving. But the act of gift-giving is rooted in our religious tradition, as we read in Ephesians 4:7-8 “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” And this spirit of giving can be extended beyond family and friends to reach those in need of a little help in our local community to bring Christmas cheer to everyone.
And for lawmakers in Washington, it is all too easy to overlook the significance of Christmas during legislative sessions. That is why I am proud to cosponsor legislation this year to express the sense of the House of Representatives that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected for those who celebrate Christmas. This legislation reiterates that Christmas is a National Holiday and makes clear that the Founding Fathers wrote the First Amendment to protect Americans rights to practice the religion of their choosing from intrusion by the federal government, not to prohibit the public display of religion or the celebration of Christmas.
For centuries Americans of all faiths have come together to seek the American Dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through the free exercise of religion. Like those who participated in the first Christmas, we look to a higher light for guidance and give thanks for the many blessings He has bestowed on us and this great Nation, and we pray that these blessings continue.
To all those in Northwest Florida I wish you and your family a Happy Holiday, Happy Hanukkah, and of course, a Merry Christmas!
Century Updates Old Fashioned Christmas Light Display
December 25, 2013
The Town of Century updated their roadside park Christmas display this year, adding a new a new tree and removing several outdated decorations.
The new tree, currently standing 20 feet tall, is expandable with additional sections up to 40 feet tall. The remainder of the decorations were donated to Century after the City of Pensacola upgraded some number of years ago. Because of age and condition, not all of the donated decorations were displayed this year.
The decorations are in the Nadine McCaw Park at the corner of North Century Boulevard (Hwy 29) and Hecker Road.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Christmas Recipes: Rice Krispie Treats, Oatmeal Cookies, Hot Chocolate
December 25, 2013
We are continuing our Christmas recipe series today with some family time favorites.
Today’s recipes include Traditional Oatmeal Cookies, Crockpot Candy and Rice Krispie Treats — perfect recipes for the family to make together. And what would Christmas be without Hot Chocolate? Our quick and easy recipe can easily be increased to make enough for everyone, plus it’s easy to include some extra cocoa powder for a deeper, darker treat.
To submit your recipes to share with our readers, email them to news@northescambia.com.
Crock Pot Candy
submitted by Brooke Mixon
- 16 oz Salted Peanuts
- 16 oz UnSalted Peanuts
- 4 oz German Chocolate Bark
- 1 pkg Almond Chocolate Bark
- 1 pkg Butterscotch Morsels
Put all ingredients into crock pot. Cook on low for 2 hours. Do not stir or open lid. After 2 hours, turn off crock pot, stir candy and drop in clusters onto wax paper. Let cool and enjoy. This recipe will make 70-90 pieces of candy, depending on the size.
Traditional Oatmeal Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 3 cups of Quaker Oats (Quick)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Preheat oven to 350° F. Beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Slowly stir in oats. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto an ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 minute on sheet, remove to wire rack.
Rice Krispie Treats
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 (10 oz., about 40) pkg. regular marshmallows or 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and continue to stir until the marshmallows have completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal coating them well with the melted marshmallow mixture. Using a buttered or silicone spatula, press the mixture evenly into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan which has been buttered or sprayed with non-stick spray or lined with wax paper. Cut into squares when the mixture cools. Makes 24 squares.
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
Microwave butter with marshmallows on high setting for 2 minutes in a microwave safe mixing bowl. Stir together when melted. Microwave again on high for 1 additional minute. Stir in cereal, mixing until well coated. Press into pan as above.
Hot Chocolate
- 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 tbsp. water
- 1 c. milk
- a bit of vanilla, if desired
Combine cocoa, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat it on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the paste from sticking to the pan. After about 1 to 2 minutes, add milk and vanilla. Mix it all together until it reaches your preferred temperature.
Car Hits Harvester’s Credit Union
December 24, 2013
There were no serious injuries when a driver hit a Cantonment credit union this morning. The vehicle collided with Harvester’s Federal Credit Union at 480 South Highway 29 just before 9 a.m., causing some damage to the building. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Reader submitted photo by Matthew Steadham for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Teen Dead In Officer Involved Shooting
December 24, 2013
A teen is dead and a Pensacola Police officer is on paid administrative leave after an officer involved shooting about 5:30 near the intersection of 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway.
Officers reported William Goodman, 17, of Gulf Breeze driving a 2009 Corvette recklessly at a high rate of speed several times Tuesday morning prior to the incident. Goodman fled from officers at speeds nearing 100 mph, and officers twice cancelled pursuits.
Around 5:30 this morning, officers were able to block the vehicle Goodman was driving in an attempt to take him into custody at the intersection of 17th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway.
However, once boxed in, Goodman repeatedly rammed police vehicles in an attempt to escape. During this attempt, he ran over Sgt. Steve Bauer’s right leg. At that point, Officer Chad Willhite fired into the vehicle and struck Goodman. Goodman was taken to a local hospital for treatment and died a short time later.
A handwritten note from Goodman to his parents was found at his home.
Bauer was treated and released from a local hospital.
Goodman was scheduled for a court appearance in late January 2014 related to a March 30 incident in Santa Rosa County where he was charged with one count of vehicular homicide
and one count of reckless driving resulting in serious injury.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is handling the investigation as is standard procedure.
Christmas Recipes: Apples, Sweet Potatoes And A Quick Breakfast Brunch
December 24, 2013
Today’s Christmas recipes feature an Apple Caramel Pudding and a Sweet Tater Cheesecake. We also have a Farmer’s Omelet Casserole that’s easy to cook and would provide a hearty Christmas morning breakfast or brunch for everyone.
To submit your recipes to share with our readers, email them to news@northescambia.com.
Farmer’s Omelet Casserole
by Terri Brown
- 3 cups frozen cubed hash brown potatoes
- 1 cup chopped green pepper, divided
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 18 large eggs, beaten
- 2 1/3 cups chopped cooked ham
- 1 1/4 cups chopped tomato, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (coarse grind is best)
- 1 1/2 cups (6 oz) shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Cook potato, 3/4 cup green pepper and onion in oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, stirring constantly, 8 min. or until tender. Cool potatoes if preparing the night before. Combine potato mixture, eggs, ham, 1 cup tomato, salt and black pepper in a large bowl; stir well. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered at 325 for 40 minutes or until golden. Top with remaining 1/4 cup green pepper and 1/4 cup tomato. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake 5 more minutes until cheese melts.
Apple Caramel Pudding
by Janet Smith
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups chopped peeled apples
Combine first five ingredients; then add apples and milk. Blend thoroughly and pour into 8″ square pan.
Combine:
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup boiling water
Mix sugar, boiling water and butter and pour over the batter already in pan. Bake
at 375 degree oven for 45 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream. Very simple but rich dessert. Serves 4 to 6
Sweet Tater Cheesecake
- 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 cup whipping cream (cool whip will work if no cream handy)
- 1 1/2 cups sweet potatoes, mashed (NOT CANNED)
Graham Cracker-Pecan Crust
- 2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 425°.
Crust:
Combine crust ingredients thoroughly; press into a 10-inch springform pan.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, and eggs until smooth; beat in flour, cinnamon, and ginger. Beat cream and well-mashed sweet potatoes in on medium speed of a hand held mixer just until well-combined. Pour the batter into the prepared crust. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes; lower heat to 275° and bake 1 hour longer. Turn heat off and leave in the oven to cool for several hours, or cool on a wire rack. Serve with sweetened whipped cream or caramel sauce.
Florida Minimum Wage Increasing
December 24, 2013
It won’t come quite early enough to serve as a Christmas bonus, but Florida workers who earn the state minimum wage will see a slight increase in their paychecks after January 1.
That’s when an automatic increase of 14 cents an hour goes into effect, raising the lowest pay rate in the state to $7.93, up from $7.79. The boost to the minimum wage is below the average increase of around 25 cents an hour since Florida started setting its own minimum wage in 2005.
The federal minimum wage is $7.25.
Century Approves Barnyard Animal Ban; Citizens Ask For Vote
December 24, 2013
After three months of back and forth discussions, public meetings and protests, the Century Town Council gave finall approval to a barnyard animal ban during a special meeting Monday night…with one possible hitch.
Century resident Maggie Waters presented the council with a self-styled ballot initiative signed by 86 citizens calling for the ordinance to be placed on a ballot for public vote. The 86 signatures were not documented as being from registered voters.
Unsure if the ballot initiative would require the council to place the issue on the ballot, the council approved the barnyard animal ban on a unanimous vote with the town’s attorney to review Waters’ document.
The new ordinance went into effect immediately.
It is now illegal to keep a horse, mule, donkey, goat, sheep, or cow within the town limits except in areas that are zoned agricultural or rural residential. Hogs were already prohibited in all areas of the town.
One horse or cow will be allowed for every two acres, one donkey or mule per acre and one goat or sheep per one-half acre. The animals and their pens must be 200 feet or greater from a dwelling or property line.
Anyone with the regulated animals in an area not zoned agricultural or rural residential within the town limits, must register their animals at the Century Town Hall within 60 days. Anyone with nonconforming animals must apply for and be granted a variance from the town council within six months or get rid of their animals.
Pictured: Century council members Gary Riley, Ann Brooks, Sandra McMurray Jackson, Jacke Johnston and Annie Savage during Monday night’s special meeting. Pictured inset: Council member Jacke Johnston reads the ordinance. Pictured below: Resident Maggie Waters (right) presents a ballot initiative signed by 86 residents to the council calling for a public vote. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
