Two North Escambia Residents Inducted Into Auburn Harrison School Of Pharmacy

November 27, 2011

Two North Escambia residents are part of the latest class at the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy.

Meridith Lynn Weaver of Molino and Nicole Marie Haubrich of Cantonment were among 148 students entering the Doctor of Pharmacy program. They were inducted into the program during a White Coat Ceremony — a rite of passage for first-year pharmacy students as they don their white coats and make an oath affirming their commitment to the highest standards of ethics and patient care.

Meridith Weaver is the daughter of Archie and Cheryl Weaver of Molino. Nicole Haubrich is the daughter of Nicholas and Ellen Haubrich.

Pictured: Dr. R. Lee Evens, dean of the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, welcomes Meridith Weaver (left) and Nicole Haubrich (right). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Photos: Crowds Attend Pow Wow

November 27, 2011

Large crowds attended the 41st annual Pow Wow over the long Thanksgiving weekend at the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation north of Atmore. The event featured tribal dancers from across the country, entertainment, food, arts and crafts and several historical and cultural presentations.

For more photos from the event, click here.

Pictured: The 41st annual Pow Wow on the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation north of Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos by Marcella Wilson, click to enlarge.

Featured Recipe: Orange Morning Kisses

November 27, 2011

Today’s featured recipe is “Morning Kisses” — orange-scented breakfast treats that are much like a traditional beignet.

Federal Budget Cuts Would Mean Big Military Job Losses

November 27, 2011

If the federal government is forced to make a half trillion dollars worth of cuts to defense spending in 2013 as part of the automatic deficit reduction required by the folding of the so-called “Super Committee,” it could cost Florida nearly 40,000, jobs according to a university report.

The state would stand to lose the fourth most jobs because of military cuts, behind California, Virginia and Texas, according to a report by Stephen Fuller, the director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University in Virginia, who has studied federal spending extensively.

Florida is home to several large military installations in multiple services, including Eglin, Tyndall, MacDill and Patrick Air Force Bases, Hurlburt Field, the Pensacola Naval Air Station, Mayport, the naval base in Jacksonville, and the Southern Command headquarters in Miami, as well as several smaller installations.

Fuller estimates the loss of 39,200 military jobs in Florida would mean $2.3 billion in lost earnings and a decrease of $3.4 billion in gross state product

By The News Service of Florida

Northview Beats Freeport For Regional Title

November 26, 2011

The Northview Chiefs beat Freeport 43-13 for the school’s second in a row Class 1A Region 1 championship.

“I can’t put into words how much these kids have worked and what they have been able to achieve,” Northview Head Coach Sid Wheatley said, “Just an awesome win by those men right there. I’m very proud of every one of them.”

The win puts the Chiefs (9-3) back in action next Friday night at home in Bratt in the the state semifinals. They will take on Chipley (10-2), a team that beat the Chiefs 34-27 on a game of turnovers back on September 16.

“We have been through some battles now, and I think we are ready for that (another chance at Chipley),” Wheatley said.

Friday night’s matchup against Freeport saw five Chiefs scores touchdowns and a defense that produced nine quarterback sacks.

“Our defense was outstanding tonight,” Wheatley said. “We had some big plays defensively…the defense was solid tonight.”

The game produced double-double unsportsmanlike penalties. The first double unsportsmanlike conduct was called on Freeport Coach Jim Anderson after a Chiefs’ touchdown. The second double unsportsmanlike conduct was called on Chiefs’ quarterback Brandon Sheets after a 6-yard touchdown run. Officials said he was clapping and taunting.

“There were two unsportsmanlikes called,” Wheatley said. “As far as anything else goes, I don’t know what to tell you.” Wheatley added that he believed Sheets was  only disqualified from the remainder of the Freeport game, leaving him eligible to play against Chipley next week.

Northview 43, Freeport 13  Summary

The Chiefs opened first quarter scoring at 2:28 with a 4-yard run from junior LaMikal Kyles and a good Kevin Vaughan kick for a 7-0 lead.

In the second quarter, the Chiefs scored twice. At 7:49, Dalton Daniel scored a touchdown on a 5-yard Brandon Sheets pass. A good Vaughan kick, 14-0. With 1:43 in the half, Sean Knight returned a Freeport fumbled 56 yards for another Chief touchdown. After a blocked kick, Northview held a 20-0 lead headed into the half.

Freeport scored in the second half on a 10-yard pass, followed by a 16-yard touchdown run for the Chiefs by Roderick Woods and a 6-yard TD run from Sheets. Montaio Mitchell was in for a two point conversion. Freeport struck again with 1:58 to go in the third on a 43-yard touchdown pass.

In the fourth, Northview scored on a 1-yard run from Vaughan to seal a 43-13 victory.

Chipley defeated Holmes County 27-6 Friday night to earn a trip to Bratt to take on Northview in the state semis at 7:30 next Friday, December 2.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Want To Save Money On Your Escambia Property Tax Bill?

November 26, 2011

Do you want to save four percent on your property tax bill?

The four percent discount to pay your real estate and tangible personal property taxes ends on November 30, according to  Escambia County Tax Collector Janet Holley.

Payments will receive the 4% discount if:

  • mailed with a postmark of November 30;
  • left in a 24-hour drop box available at any tax collector office by midnight November 30;
  • made on www.escambiataxcollector.com by midnight November 30; or
  • made by phone with credit card on a after-hours automated service at (800) 601‑1055 by midnight November 30 (convenience fee applies).

Drive thru service and 24-hour drop boxes are available at all locations.

To check the status of your taxes and pay online, visit  www.escambiataxcollector.com. For more information, call the tax collector’s office at (850) 438-6500, ext. 252.

Authorities Seek Sexual Assault Suspect Last Seen In Escambia County

November 26, 2011

Authorities along the Gulf Coast are looking for a sexual assault suspect last seen in Escambia County early Thanksgiving morning.

The man is suspected of sexual assault, robbery and kidnapping in Bay County. He is described as a white male about 5-foot, 10 inches tall. Authorities said he may have a tattoo on his right forearm.

The man was last seen in Pensacola in the early morning hours of Thursday, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information about the man is asked to call Sgt. Daffin with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office  (850) 248-2115 or their local law enforcement agency.

Pictured: Authorities are looking for this man on possible charges in Bay County. These photos, provided by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was taken at a RBC Bank in Panama City on November 23.

Creative Gardening Gift Ideas

November 26, 2011

theresafriday.jpgStill don’t have a Christmas present for your favorite gardener? Take heart, there is still plenty of time to find, or make, that perfect “green” gift.

Many gardeners don’t think of their landscapes as just plants in the ground. To the knowledgeable landscape designer, the landscape is a series of rooms; rooms that may require decoration.

Garden art can be anything from the whimsical garden gnomes, functional obelisks or metal sculptures.

Garden obelisks can serve many functions. In addition to providing interest during all four seasons, they can act as beautiful focal points in the garden. They can make your garden look as if it was designed by a professional.

In a flower garden, they provide support for plants such as climbing roses, flowering vines and many other climbers and twiners. In the edible garden, many types of fruits and vegetables, such as various types of beans, can be grown on obelisks.

Obelisks come in many different sizes and shapes. Common shapes include tall, rounded or oblong forms, rectangular forms, and pyramids. Most vining plants will take to any shape. Choose the shape that is pleasing to you and blends in with your garden design. Obelisks can be made from a variety of materials including cedar, copper and wrought iron.

Furthermore, if you are an avid recycler, there are plenty of materials just laying around that can be made into a functional obelisk with a minimum amount of skill and time. Take a look on the internet and you will find plenty of help in fashioning a home-made creation.

A “growing” trend is metal garden art. Metal garden art can be fun, playful or even classical. It can be used to create a focal point in the garden or to brighten up a dull spot. From small garden stakes, to colorful wall art, to sculptures small and large, the possibilities are endless. With so many materials to choose from and so many artists working in the field you will be sure to find at least one piece to add color and character to your yard.

Again, if you are an avid recycler, you will be able to find many pieces made from recycled metal. Recycled steel drums or tanks, discarded bicycle or tricycles, old car parts, these all provide the raw materials for the creative eco-artist.

Copper is widely used in metal garden art because it is beautiful, durable and adds elegance to any garden. If allowed to oxidize it will age gracefully to a natural weather worn green patina. It can also be preserved with a clear coating to maintain its bright, shiny look. Copper sculptures, wall art and garden stakes add a touch of class to any decor.

For a classic look add a bronze garden sculpture. Bronze sculptures have been around for thousands of years. They remain popular today because they are classic, timeless and will last for generations.

Whatever your taste, classic, contemporary or just playful, garden art will warm your heart even on the coldest winter day.

Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.

Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Photo Gallery: Northview Cheerleaders, Band And Dance Team

November 26, 2011

The Northview Chiefs defeated Freeport Friday night for a regional championship.

For a game summary, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

No Injuries In Hwy 97 Crash

November 25, 2011

There were no injuries in a single vehicle wreck Friday afternoon in Walnut Hill.

The driver of Chevrolet 1500 lost control while attempted to avoid a vehicle stopped from traffic at Highway 97 and Orchard Lane about 1 p.m. The female left the roadway, traveled through thick brush and struck a tree. She denied injury and refused treatment when the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue arrived on scene.

The woman, whose positive identity was not immediately known, left the scene before the Florida Highway Patrol arrived. The FHP is continuing to investigate the crash.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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