Wreaths Placed At Barrancas With Honor; Event Also Honors LCpl Travis Nelson
December 12, 2011
A few hundred volunteers took part in the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetery over the weekend to honor those buried there.
About 2,500 fresh green wreaths, each with a simple red bow, were placed across the cemetery.
The ceremony was held in honor of Marine Lance Cpl. Travis Nelson and Army Pfc. Matthew Colin, who were both killed in the line of duty this year. Nelson’s parents live in Bratt and is buried in Atmore, while Colin is from Navarre and is buried at Barrancas.
Some of were placed by family members of those buried there; others were placed by volunteers like 14-year old Eric “EJ” Lambeth, Jr. of Flomaton, a member of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Independence Division.
Following the ceremony, Lambeth was awarded a certificate for the NSCC Unit Commendation Ribbon, meeting all requirements for the Marksmanship Ribbon with expert “E” Appurtenance.
Eric Lambeth, Jr. is the son of Eric Lambeth, Sr. and Wendy Aldridge Caraway of Flomaton. His grandparents are Chuck and Gayle Aldridge of Century, and Bud and Lynett Lambeth of Flomaton.
Pictured top: The annual wreath-laying ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetery. Pictured inset: Eric “EJ” Lambeth, Jr. of Flomaton, a member of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Independence Division. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend In Photos: Parades, Santa Takes A Harley, Animal Seizure
December 12, 2011
If you missed NorthEscambia.com over the weekend, you missed over 300 photos from several community and news events. Click an item below to view the corresponding story and/or photo gallery.
Pizza And Cheese Delivery: $220,800 Without Tip
December 12, 2011
The Escambia County School District is set to place an order for pizza and cheese totaling a bit under a quarter million dollars — without a delivery tip.
But it’s nothing unusual. In fact, it’s the ordinary order for the school district’s cafeterias for January 1 to June 30, 2012, to meet breakfast and lunch menu requirements for students.
The estimated $220,800 is set to be awarded to ConAgra Foods ($52,700), Schwan’s Food Service ($46,900), Sysco Gulf Coast ($5,000), and US Foodsevice ($116,200). The items will be stocked by the district’s central warehouse for distribution to school cafeterias across the county.
The school district is also set to purchase canned and frozen fruits and vegetables for the same time period at an estimated $498,600.
Passerby Spots Chimney Fire, Likely Saves Home
December 11, 2011
An observant passerby may have saved a Century home Saturday night.
Someone driving by a home in the 8000 block of North Century Boulevard noticed flames shooting out of a chimney and called 911. When firefighters arrived on scene, they confirmed that there was a chimney fire. It was quickly extinguished with no major damage reported to the home and no injuries.
The Century and McDavid Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Flomaton Fire Department responded to the blaze about 8:30 Saturday night.
Toyz For Kidz Bike Ride Provides For Needy Kids (With Gallery)
December 11, 2011
Santa had some very special helpers Saturday as the LA Bikers rolled through Bratt, Flomaton and Atmore making sure that needy kids had presents for Christmas this year.
It was the 11th annual toy ride organized by the LA Bikers.
Dozens of children received new bicycles and helmets, clothes, shoes and lots of toys. About 75 bikers took part in the event with stops at Bratt Elementary, Arrington Auto Parts in Flomaton and Atmore City Hall.
- For a photo gallery from Bratt Elementary, click here.
- For a photo gallery from Atmore City Hall, click here.
Pictured top: Santa Claus helps unwrap presents Saturday morning in Bratt from the LA Bikers Toyz for Kidz program. Pictured inset: Santa helps with a quick test drive on a new bicycle. Pictured below: Santa wheels into Bratt Elementary. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Molino Holds Annual Christmas Parade
December 11, 2011
The annual Molino Christmas Parade was held Saturday afternoon on Crabtree Church Road. After the parade, Santa Claus met with lots of good boys and girls at the Molino Ballpark.
Sponsored by the Molino Recreation Association, proceeds from the parade are used to benefit needy children in the Molino area during the Christmas season.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The annual Molino Christmas Parade Saturday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Thousands Attend Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade
December 11, 2011
Thousands attended the annual Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade Saturday night. The parade featured nearly 30 lighted floats, twirlers, antique cars, bands, marchers, Santa Claus and more.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The annual Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade
December 11, 2011
Our redneck friends and neighbors in north Santa Rosa County celebrated Christmas with their annual Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade Saturday. Tens of thousands of people attended the parade and BonfireJam with Josh Turner, Jamey Johnson and Lee Brice.
Deer, camo, trucks and tractors were a common theme, along just good redneck fun.
Proceeds from the event benefit children in the Chumuckla community at Christmas.
For more photos from the Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade, click here.
Pictured above: The annual Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade was held Saturday afternoon in north Santa Rosa County. Submitted photos by Ashley Rhodes for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Escambia Homes Damaged By Fire
December 11, 2011
Two red bulbs were added Saturday during the Escambia County and City of Pensacola “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign after two homes were damaged by fire.
A fire Friday night damaged a home in the 800 block of Madison Drive. Firefighters arrived at 7:58 p.m. and found a fire in the kitchen of the home. The fire, declared out at 8:41 p.m., caused moderate damage to the kitchen and attic and smoke and heat damage throughout the rest of the home. The cause of the fire was an electrical short near a ceiling fan. Firefighters from Osceola, West Pensacola, Brent and Myrtle Grove responded to the scene.
A fire Saturday at 12:54 p.m. damaged a home in the 5700 block of Wickford Lane. Firefighters arrived at 1:03 p.m. and found a fire in the attic of the home. The fire, declared out at 1:17 p.m., caused moderate damage to the attic and air conditioning unit of the home. The cause of the fire was determined to have been from an electrical problem. Firefighters from Bellview, Brent, Osceola, Myrtle Grove and the Navy responded to the fire.
Escambia County Fire-Rescue and the City of Pensacola Fire Department will continue the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign throughout the holiday season. Each time firefighters respond to a residential fire, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by holiday decorations.
Blue Angels Send Off Fallen Soldiers’ Families On Snowball Express
December 11, 2011
The Blue Angels welcomed seven local families of fallen military heroes to the Pensacola International Airport Friday before their flight to a Snowball Express event in Texas.
Snowball Express is a charity organization for children of America’s fallen military heroes, and the team was honored to support this event, said Blue Angel #7 Lt. Mark Tedrow.
Blue Angels team members signed autographs, presented each child with a personalized lithograph, and spent time with the children in the USO center before their flight to North Texas to join nearly 1,700 other children and surviving spouses.
“It was a truly humbling and rewarding experience to be able to spend time with the sons, daughters and spouses of those service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Tedrow.
The event is a time for the families to do something fun, said April Lyons, whose husband, Niall, died in 2009. April’s son, John Patrick, was excited to interact with other children in a similar situation.
“I think they’re just excited to know they’re not alone,” said Sarah White, a mother of three.
White’s son, Seth, although it was his first time at Snowball Express, said he knew just what the event would be like.
“I know what to expect,” he said, giggling. “I’m gonna have fun.”
Blue Angels C-130 Pilot Marine Capt. A.J. Harrell said he hoped being part of the event helped the families’ healing process.
“I know the kids were excited,” Harrell added. “It meant a lot to be a part of that.”
Tedrow said the experience was special to him because it is important to remember the sacrifices of not only our fallen soldiers, but also their families.
“Our job as Blue Angels is to credibly represent the Sailors and Marines who are forward deployed all over the world,” he said, “but today was a great opportunity to honor and represent the fallen servicemen and women that are no longer with us.”
American Airlines provides transportation annually for families across the world to the Snowball Express event, where children and surviving spouses meet for a weekend of enjoyment. This year, the schedule includes visits to Six Flags Over Texas and the Mesquite Championship Rodeo.
Pictured: Seven families of fallen military heroes flew from Pensacola to Texas Friday on the “Snowball Express”. Photos and article submitted by Rachel McMarr, Blue Angels Public Affairs, for NorthEscambia.com, click photos to enlarge.