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Town of Century updated their roadside park Christmas display this year, adding a new a new tree and removing several outdated decorations.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.
Wrong Phone Number To Deputy Leads To Prostitution Arrest
December 24, 2013
An Escambia County woman was arrested for prostitution after dialing a wrong number and accidentally soliciting an Escambia County Sheriff’s investigator.
The Sheriff’s Office said 27-year old Schquita Alaysha Warren dialed the investigator’s phone and said, “This is Quita”, but a crying child in the background prevented him from hearing anything further. When he hung up, he received a text from Warren asking “Want the number to have fun?”. He then received texts that included a provocative photo and directions to an adult entertainment website where her picture could be found.
Investigators met Warren at the Motel 6 on Highway 29 where she admitted she was at the motel for paid sex. She was arrested and charged with prostitution.
Prevent Holiday Crime
December 24, 2013
During the Christmas season, busy shoppers sometimes fail to remain aware of their surroundings, making them easy prey for criminals.
“During the holidays, when we are often busy and in crowds, criminals see opportunities,” Sheriff David Morgan said. “Don’t give them easy chances to commit crimes. Be safe, lock your vehicle and look after your neighbors.”
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is offering the following safety tips:
- Always lock your vehicle.
- When parking your vehicle to go shopping, remember where you parked it.
- Always park in a well lit and well traveled area. Do not park in a remote dark area.
- Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
- Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. You will be ready to unlock the door and will not be delayed by fumbling and looking for your keys.
- When storing items purchased at the stores, place them out of sight. The best place is in a locked trunk.
- Be alert that crooks look for the “high dollar” shopping bags with your purchases. When possible, slip bags/purchases in a plain nondescript bag.
- Do not leave your purse, wallet, or cellular phone in plain view.
- Don’t resist if someone tries to take any of your belongings. Don’t chase someone who robs you, they may have a weapon. Instead,call 911.
- Lock your vehicle and put up your windows even while you are driving.
- If you go to an automatic teller machine for cash, check for people around and make sure it is well lit and in a safe location.
- Carry only the credit cards you need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- If you make a purchase with your credit card, be sure to obtain any carbons or see that they are destroyed in front of you.
- Drive defensively. Traffic is heavier during the holidays. Drivers may also have indulged in too much holiday spirits.
Christmas Gas Prices Down, Travel Forecast Higher
December 24, 2013
Christmas gas prices are down a few pennies per gallon over last year, according to the latest numbers from AAA.
The average price per gallon of regular unleaded gas was $3.21 Monday night in Escambia County, compared to $3.15 one year ago and an improvement from $3.27 one month ago.
Gas prices have climbed slightly from the multi-year low of $3.18 per gallon on November 12, but AAA expects most drivers across the country will pay less than a year ago to fill up during the holiday season. Gas prices recently increased because of planned and unplanned maintenance at a number of refineries and seasonally stronger demand for gasoline. Prices should decline by the end of the year due to rising supplies and increased refinery production.
AAA projects 94.5 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holiday season, an increase of 0.6 percent from the 94 million people who traveled last year. This upward trend marks the fifth consecutive year of increases and the highest travel volume recorded for the season. The year-end holiday period is defined as Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1.
According to AAA:
- Holiday travel to total 94.5 million, an increase of 0.6 percent from the 94 million who traveled last year.
- Year-end holiday travel is expected to increase for the fifth consecutive year, reaching a new high since data has been collected by AAA.
- Ninety-one percent of travelers or 85.8 million to travel by automobile, an increase of 0.9 percent.
- Nearly 30 percent (29.7) of all Americans will take a trip this holiday, with more than one in four (27 percent) taking a road trip.
- Holiday air travel is expected to decline slightly to 5.53 million travelers from 5.61 last year.
- Median spending expected to increase slightly to $765, compared to $759 last year.
Pictured: A gallon of regular unleaded was $3.16 late Monday afternoon in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.