Cost of 4th Of July Cookout Reaches Record High, Farm Bureau Says
July 3, 2024
Families celebrating the 4th of July holiday will continue to find stubbornly high prices at the grocery store. An Independence Day cookout will cost $71.22 for 10 guests this year, based on the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey.
The grocery bill is up 5% from 2023, and almost 30% from just five years ago. A $7.12 per-person cost represents a record high since AFBF began the survey in 2013. The cookout favorites include cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other products.
“Higher prices at the grocery store reflect a number of challenges facing America’s families. Lower availability of some cookout staples and inflation are hitting people in their wallets,” said AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan. “Farmers are also feeling the effects of high prices. They’re price takers, not price makers. Their share of the retail food dollar is just 15%, but they still pay elevated fuel, fertilizer and other supply prices.”
The marketbasket survey shows a year-to-year double-digit increase in the cost of beef and lemonade, while there are drops in the cost of chicken breasts and potato salad.
The retail price for two pounds of ground beef increased 11% to $12.77. Lemonade will cost $4.19, up 12% from 2023. Several factors influence these increases, which reflect the sort of challenges farmers face on a regular basis. Drought conditions in recent years forced ranchers to sell many of their cattle early last year, reducing the amount of beef available for the summer grilling season. Higher lemon prices can be attributed to citrus greening, which has spread to California after devastating Florida’s citrus industry.
Our survey found two exceptions to the price increases. Chicken is down 4% from last year, at $7.83 for two pounds. Potato salad is also 4% less expensive than last year, at $3.32. Chicken supplies have stabilized, and potato crops have recovered from the previous year’s poor weather.
Although historically high at $7.12 per person, when put in a global context, Americans dedicate a smaller percentage of their spending to food than any other country.
Volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, collected data from stores in every state and Puerto Rico.
Individual Prices, AFBF 2024 Summer Cookout
- 2 pounds of ground beef, $12.77 (+11%)
- 2 pounds of chicken breasts, $7.83 (-4%)
- 3 pounds of pork chops, $15.49 (+8%)
- 1 pound of cheese, $3.57 (+1%)
- 1 package of hamburger buns, $2.41 (+7%)
- 2 ½ pounds of homemade potato salad, $3.32 (-4%)
- 32 ounces of pork and beans, $2.49 (+2%)
- 16 ounces of potato chips, $4.90 (+8%)
- 13-ounce package of chocolate chip cookies, $3.99 (+2%)
- ½ gallon of ice cream, $5.65 (+7%)
- 2 pints of strawberries, $4.61 (+1%)
- 2 ½ quarts of lemonade, $4.19 (+12%)
Rabid Fox Bites Atmore Woman Unloading Her Groceries
July 3, 2024
The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued a public warning after a rabid fox bit a woman.
“An older Atmore resident was returning from grocery shopping and unloading her vehicle. While holding a loaf of bread in hand, seemingly from out of nowhere, she was attacked and bitten by a fox,” Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health veterinarian, said.
The fox was taken to the Alabama Department of Public Health Bureau of Clinical Laboratories where it was confirmed positive for rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if untreated.
“Although rabies is primarily found in wild animals since widespread vaccination of domestic animals began over 70 years ago, it continues to be a public health threat,” Jones said. “Although attacks such as this by rabid wildlife are rather uncommon, it highlights the risk rabies continues poses and hopefully reminds people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets.”
Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines are also available for horses and other livestock if recommended by a veterinarian. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should exposure occur; thus, vaccinations protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers, officials said.
In addition to vaccination, area residents are advised by the health department to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposures to rabies:
- Do not allow pets to run loose; confine within a fenced-in area or with a leash.
- Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
- Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
- Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
- Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.
NorthEscambia.com graphic.
Molino 15U Boys Win Tri-County Tournament
July 3, 2024
The Molino 15U boys won the championship in the recent Tri-County Tournament. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Get Behind Early, Struggle At Plate As Biscuits Tie Series
July 3, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
M.D. Johnson has been the Blue Wahoos’ consistent staple on the mound this season at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
That connection slipped on this night, setting a tone for an overall tough night in the Blue Wahoos’ 6-1 loss against the Montgomery Biscuits on a “Doggone Tuesday” at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Johnson (3-5), who had allowed just three runs in his last four home starts, sustained his shortest home start, lasting only three innings and giving up four runs from five walks, as the Biscuits jumped to a big lead. All three of his wins this year have been at home.
A crowd of 4,244, which included a big turnout of youth baseball players, who are in town participating in the United States Specialty Sports (USSSA) tournament at two local baseball field complexes, watched the Biscuits even the series on their pitching strength.
The Blue Wahoos did not have multiple baserunners until the ninth inning.
And even that part ended quietly.
After Jakob Marsee, Paul McIntosh and Joe Mack all reached on walks to load the bases with none out, Biscuits reliever Alfredo Zarraga struck out the next three batters in succession. He ended the game by getting Nathan Martorella to swing and miss on a high 3-2 fastball.
The Blue Wahoos got their only run in the fourth inning when Mack hit a one-out double, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Diego Infante’s RBI ground out.
The next Blue Wahoos hit was Harrison Spohn’s lead off double in the sixth inning. That was also the Blue Wahoos’ last of four hits in the game.
Montgomery made ballpark history in the top of the ninth when Matthew Dyer stole home – the first time in this ballpark’s 12-year history that any player had achieved a straight steal of home. It was followed by teammate Chandler Simpson scoring on a throwing error by reliever Tyler Eckberg.
The Blue Wahoos have a second chance to win the series in Wednesday’s deciding game of the three-game set at 6:05 p.m. Jeff Lindgren (0-0, 5.79), who first pitched for the Blue Wahoos in 2021 and rejoined the team last week from Triple-A Jacksonville, will be on the mound against Montgomery’s Trevor Martin (0-0, 3.60).
Lindgren began the season with the Blue Wahoos and pitched in five games.
This will be the Blue Wahoos’ Fourth of July themed game with a variety of activities planned, followed by the fireworks display to patriotic music. The two teams will then bus to Montgomery following the game to prepare to Thursday’s July 4 game at Riverwalk Stadium, which starts a three-game series there.
GAME NOTABLES
— More than 600 youth players, their parents and family attended Tuesday’s game on the first day of the USSSA Pensacola Beach Global World Series being held at the Santa Rosa Sportsplex in Pace and the NEP Sports Complex off Nine Mile Round.
The age division categories in the tournament which runs through Sunday are 13-under, 12-under and 10-under and the teams are from eight states – Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Indiana. The teams participated in an opening ceremony style parade before the game.
— Earlier Tuesday, the Blue Wahoos players met with Naval Air Station-Pensacola base commander Capt. Terrence Shashaty, who returned this year to present Navy “call signs” to the players – the military version of nicknames. The group met in the season-ticket lounge in early afternoon to have a fun moment selecting names.
— The Pensacola Roller Gurlz, a roller derby team, greeted fans on the concourse and had table display at the game.
— Even with the hot, humid conditions, many fans took advantage of the opportunity to bring their dogs to the game and there were water bowls placed throughout the concourse for the pups.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Wednesday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
No Serious Injuries In Highway 29, Archer Road Crash
July 2, 2024
There were no serious injuries reported in a two vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon at Archer Road and Highway 29 southbound.
The crash left one vehicle on its roof.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released details.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photo by James Chastang, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Man Involved In SWAT Standoff Had A Child In The Home, ECSO Says
July 2, 2024
We are learning more about what happened at a Walnut Hill home Sunday that led to a standoff and large law enforcement response, including the SWAT team and negotiators, as a man allegedly refused to exit the home or release a child.
John Edward McDowell, 48, was taken into custody after the four to five hour standoff. He eventually exited the home and was arrested without incident on Alabama warrants, including violation of probation and two warrants for failure to appear. He was booked into the Escambia County (FL) Jail in Pensacola to await extradition back to Alabama and charged with interfering with the custody of a minor.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a call from McDowell’s ex-girlfriend, who said when she left the residence, McDowell would not let her take her son, according to an ECSO report. She also said the child had been staying with him for about a week.
The ex-girlfriend told deputies that McDowell was not the child’s biological father but was “wat trying to make things work because McDowell was like a father figure” to the child, the report states.
The report indicates the mother said McDowell has a firearm on him at time and is mentally unstable, and that is why she left without the child before calling for help.
Deputies arrived at the home on Highway 97 north of Wiggins Lake Road and gave loud verbal commands over a public address system for McDowell surrender. The ECSO said he refused to answer the door and would not release the child from the residence.
Because McDowell was barricaded inside the residence, the ECSO SWAT team responded, along with a command vehicle and other resources.
Hours later, he surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. His arrest report does not indicate when the child was released of if he actually had a firearm during the incident.
There were no shots fired and no injuries reported, according to the sheriff’s office.
Pictured above and below: This home on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill, seen on Monday, was the site of a law enforcement standoff and SWAT team response on Sunday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Dies After Being Found In The Bottom Of Gonzalez Pool
July 2, 2024
A man died after being found at the bottom of a pool near Gonzalez Saturday night.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported drowning at about 8 p.m. Saturday during a pool party at a residence in the 000 block of Flemming Drive.
Deputies said an unknown age male fell into the pool and was still at the bottom when they arrived. They said he had a pulse after CPR but was transported to the hospital where he later died.
His name was not released.
ECSO said foul play is not suspected in the incident.
Celebrate Independence Day With Fireworks Shows, Other Events July 3-5
July 2, 2024
Here’s a guide to public Fourth of July Fireworks shows and events cross the North Escambia area on July 3-5
Molino – July 3
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold a 4th of July Celebration on July 3 with food, games, waterslides, music and fireworks. The event at 6240 Highway 95A will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Molino
Crossfaith Church in Molino will host third annual Fourth of July fireworks and celebration on Thursday, July 4. Events start at 5:30 p.m., with fireworks beginning at dark. Parking is limited, so the public is advised to arrive early and bring a chair.
Jay Celebrations
Jay will begin their events will the 25th Annual Celebrate Freedom 5K race and One Mile Run at 8 a.m. on July 4 at Jay City Hall. Day of registration is $25. Call Matthew Dobson at (850) 2172693 for info. The annual Town of Jay fireworks show will begin about 9 p.m. at the center of the Bray-Hendricks Park property. The only parking on park property will be between the baseball field off Max Lane. A law chair or blanket is encouraged for attendees.
Pensacola Fireworks
The 2024 Pensacola’s Fourth of July Fireworks show will be held at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 along the Pensacola bayfront.
The show will feature a dazzling array of colors, expertly choreographed pyrotechnics, and special effects synchronized to music from CatCountry 98.7. Eventgoers are asked to tune into the station starting at 9 p.m. for the singing of the National Anthem, followed by patriotic music to accompany the displays.
Pensacola residents and visitors are invited to bring picnic blankets, chairs, and radios to secure the best spots along Bayfront Parkway. The show can be viewed along Bayfront Parkway from the Veterans Memorial Park to Bartram Park. Boats are required to maintain a distance of at least 1,200 feet from the east side of the Pensacola port for safety purposes. Viewers are not permitted to bring their own fireworks, sparklers, or other pyrotechnics. Officials have also asked that viewers refrain from bringing their pets.
Symphony Sparks & Star Concert Pensacola
A free Symphony Sparks & Stars concert by the Pensacola Symphony will be held at the amphitheater behind the Wahoos stadium at 7:30 p.m. on July 4. Local food trucks will be available at Veterans Memorial Park and Bartram Park from 4-9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Fireworks
The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July Fireworks display over the Santa Rosa Sound is set to begin at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. This year, the Beach Chamber is joining forces with the Downtown Pensacola fireworks show, creating a spectacular dual Independence Day celebration in the sk.
Both firework shows will simulcast live on CatCountry 98.7. The 2024 July 4th Fireworks Show takes place sound side along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.
July 4th Riverfest Milton
The annual July 4th Riverfest will take place along the Milton Boardwalk. The annual Firecracker Bike Show will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. along South Willing Street, and the Freedom Car show will also be held along South Willing Street from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Fireworks will be at dark.
Atmore
Wind Creek on Highway 21 in Atmore will host a fireworks show at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.
Century-Flomaton Fireworks Show – July 5
The annual Century-Flomaton July 4 Celebration begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 5 at Showalter Park on Kelly Field Road. The event will include food trucks, a bounce house and more. Fireworks will begin at dark. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
Did You Hear The One About The Deputy And The Kangaroo On The Blackwater?
July 2, 2024
Did You Hear The One About The Kangaroo On The Blackwater? No joke, for real.
Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Deputy James Hendry took a photo with the kangaroo as he patrolled the Blackwater River over the weekend.
Mr. Bojangles is not wild and was seemingly happy to pose for the photo. He belongs to a local resident.
Photo courtesy Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Explains Improper Turns And Passing Following Molino Crash
July 2, 2024
A semi-truck driver making a turn from Highway 97 was cited after a pickup truck attempting to pass him struck the truck Monday in Molino.’
Many NorthEscambia.com readers questioned how the semi driver could be at fault, so we reached out to the Florida Highway Patrol for more details on how the law works.
But fist, a recap of what FHP says happened Monday:
The crash happened about 11:40 a.m. on Highway 97 at Gibson Road. The Florida Highway Patrol said the northbound semi attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Gibson Road. The pickup driver, also northbound, “initiated a pass in a lawful passing zone”, FHP said.
The semi turned in front of the pickup causing the front of the pickup to collide with the left side of the cab of the semi. The pickup truck left the roadway and crashed into a wooded area at the intersection, while the truck came to rest in the opposite ditch after striking a utility pole.
The 76-year-old male driver and 66-year-old passenger of the pickup were transported to West Florida Hospital by Escambia County EMS. The semi driver, a 62-year-old from Alabama, was not injured.
FHP said the driver of the semi was cited for an improper left turn.
FHP Explains Florida law:
“A turn signal is a request, not a demand, and you have to ensure a clear path of travel to your left, right, front, and rear before executing any turn or lane change,” Lt. Jason King said.
“The biggest thing is a blinker is a request to take an action and changing direction. not a demand, and if someone is committed to passing, they legally occupy the lane first,” he said. “When you begin a turn you violate their right of way”.
King said FHP often issues a citation for an improper turn in this type of situation.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
