Cops Bust Rooftop Pharmacy Burglar
July 9, 2011
It looked like something out of movie script in Santa Rosa County early Friday morning when an Escambia County man tried to break into a Pace pharmacy.
Deputies said 27-year old Joshua Samuel Stephen definitely had a plan — he was dressed in all black, including a mask, a collapsible extension ladder, two canvas bags full of tools and climbing ropes and rings. But Stephen, a former employee of the Pace CVS, missed one little detail — there is an alarm on the roof hatch.
He told deputies that he used the ladder to climb first onto the drive-thru roof and then to the building’s roof. But when he removed the hatch on the roof that leads back into the building, the alarm sounded.
“Stephen told deputies that he tried to find a way to get off of the roof quickly but “the cops arrived too fast” so he found a place to hide,” according to Sgt. Scott Haines, spokesperson for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
He told deputies that he chose the particular store because he is a former employee and knew where to find cash and electronics.
Stephen was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail with bond set at $25,250. He was charged with burglary, wearing a mask during the commission of a crime, criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools and trespassing.
For a photo gallery, click to enlarge.
Pictured above and below: Burglary suspect Joshua Samuel Stephen on the roof of a Pace pharmacy. Pictured inset: Stephen was busted after setting off the alarm on this roof hatch. Courtesy photos by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Flowering Plants Require Summer Care
July 9, 2011
High temperatures can be stressful on our colorful annual and perennial plants causing many to diminish in vigor and beauty. Even though it’s hot outside, take the time to take care of your flowering plants. Good maintenance includes regular fertilization, watering, pruning and weeding.
Many beds deteriorate simply because the flowering plants are starving. Our typical sandy soils don’t have the ability to store large amounts of some nutrients, especially nitrogen and potassium. After four to six weeks of waterings, most of these two nutrients have been depleted.
Plants usually grow much better with a continuous nutrient supply. Controlled-release fertilizers like Osmocote, Nutricote, Dynamite and others tend to be more costly, but the nutrients in them are slowly and steadily delivered to the plants over an extended period of several months. If you aren’t using controlled release fertilizers, then monthly applications of a granular fertilizer may be necessary.
Established beds should be watered on an “as needed” basis. Wilting will reduce flowering on many plants and should not be allowed to happen. The frequency of irrigation will depend on your soil type, exposure to sunlight, the plant species and the temperature. While we tend not to recommend daily watering, some annuals
growing in full sun during the summer may require daily watering.
Always water during the early morning hours, rather than in the afternoon and evenings. This helps to reduce the incidence of flower, stem and leaf diseases. Avoid overhead watering if possible. Delivering watering to the roots through a microirrigation system, for example, is a preferred method.
Good pruning practices can also help to keep flower beds vigorous. Many gardeners use the term “deadheading” to refer to the removal of old flowers as soon as they begin to deteriorate.
The goal of many flowering annuals and perennials is to reproduce themselves. Once this has been accomplished through seed production, plants change physiologically. Often the growth rate and flowering for the remainder of the season ceases or is greatly reduced.
Deadheading prevents the plants from producing seed and shutting down. Once old flowers are removed, the plants grow again in order to flower. This process can continue throughout the summer with well adapted flowering annuals and perennials.
The procedure is simple. Wait until flower spikes or individual flowers start to decline and then pinch or prune off the spent blooms. Enjoy the flowers during their peak, but don’t wait too long to deadhead. Once seed set occurs, the depletion of the plant’s stored energy begins.
Leave as much foliage on the plants as possible when deadheading unless they have become extremely tall and unruly. In this case, they can be cut back by one-third without serious damage.
Some gardeners establish a routine of deadheading. After each flush of bloom has faded, plants are cut back to remove old flowers and fertilized to encourage new growth. This practice can stimulate some flowering annuals and perennials to produce three or four flushes of growth and continued flowering throughout the spring
and summer.
Weeds can become very competitive in summer flowers, and in most cases hand weeding is required. Though there are a few herbicides that can help, extreme care must be taken in the selection and use of these products during the hot weather.
Evaluate all flower beds before beginning a summer maintenance program, making sure that you are expending efforts on truly warm season plants. Some, such as snapdragons, dianthus, carnations and pansies are cool season plants and no amount of care will help them to overcome summer temperatures. On the other hand, zinnias, marigolds, salvia and the tropical perennials will return your efforts many times over.
Pickup, Bus With 48 Passengers Collide On Highway 29 In McDavid
July 8, 2011
There were no injuries in a Friday evening crash between a pickup truck and a tour bus with 48 passengers on board.
The accident happened about 7:40 p.m. on Highway 29 at Cox Road in McDavid. The driver of the pickup told authorities he was southbound on Highway 29 when he swerved to avoid another vehicle, cross the median and struck the northbound bus.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The McDavid and Century stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Highway 29, Highway 97 Crash
July 8, 2011
At least two people were injured in a two vehicle accident about 3:00 Friday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97. Both victims were transported to area hospitals by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.
Further details were not available. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Century Council Member Nadine McCaw Passes Away (Updated With Service Details)
July 8, 2011
Century Town Council member Nadine McCaw passed away Thursday night at her home after a battle with cancer. She was 57.
McCaw was an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and a champion for many other community causes. She was active in the Century Chamber of Commerce and a member of the First Baptist Church of Century. McCaw also worked at the Century Branch Library.
Four years ago, she was diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer and given six months to live by one of the top cancer doctors in the South. She survived and returned to her passion of helping Century.
In October 2010, McCaw was diagnosed with clear cell renal carcinoma that spread to her lungs and lymph node system.
A 1972 graduate of Century High School, McCaw is survived by her husband of 40 years, Eddie, and daughters Juanita McCaw Watson and Felicia McCaw Jones.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home in Atmore with a graveside service to follow at Poston Cemetery in Flomaton. Visitation will be Sunday, 6-9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
For the complete obituary, click here.
Molino Woman Guilty Of DUI In Cantonment Crash
July 8, 2011
A Molino woman has been found guilty of driving under the influence in connection with an early morning traffic crash March 2 in Cantonment.
Kelly Nichole Herzberg, 29, of Highway 196 Molino, was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to stay away from alcohol by Judge John Simon. She was also ordered to attend DUI school and her driver’s license was revoked for one year.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Herzberg was northbound on Highway 29 near Muscogee Road about 2:40 a.m. March 2 when she lost control and rolled her vehicle into a fence, water system and sign at T&C Feed Store and CMP Food Mart. Her 2006 Mustang rolled over and came to rest upright in the parking lot of the feed store. Herzberg was not injured.
School Board Approves North Escambia School Personnel Changes
July 8, 2011
The Escambia County School Board has approved numerous North Escambia teacher and staff transfers, resignations, and rehires.
The personnel actions each summer are the school board’s normal course of action to prepare for the upcoming school year.
The school board took action on the following teachers and staff at schools across North Escambia:
Reappointments
Payden Bedford, Tate High
Erica D. Burkett, Tate High
Brian D. Caldwell, Tate High
Regena Dossett, Tate High
Amy Gordon, Tate High
Rachel M. Hess, Ransom Middle
Kenneth B. Hicks, Ernest Ward Middle
Rachel I. Jernigan, Tate High
Sue E. Jernigan, Northview High
Jennifer H. Luker, Ernest Ward Middle
Dereck S. Marshman, Northview High
Jonathan D. Morris, Ransom Middle
Jeffrey D. Simpkins, Northview High
Scotty A. Skaggs, Tate High
Samantha C. Smyth-Chandler, Tate High
Sara M. Teasdle, Ransom Middle
Michelle M. Thomas, Ernest Ward Middle
Carolyn Thortis, Bratt Elementary
Chet Truett, Ernest Ward Middle
Jessica L. Truett, Tate High
Margie L Weiss, Ransom MIddle
Kelly A. Wells, Tate High
Bettie W. Williams, Tate High
Heather A. Wiscombe, Ransom Middle
Rachel R. Wisdom, Tate High
Ty A. Wise, Northview High
Professional
Gail V. Atkins, Tate High
Brian J. Ball, Tate High
Alison N. Collier, Molino Park Elementary
Leal D. Fowler, Tate High
Melissa B.Gilbert, Tate High
Robyn N. Hoffman, Jim Allen Elementary
Gary A. Mattes, Jr., Northview High
Angelia M. Newsom, Jim Allen Elementary
Michael P. Philley, Tate High
Transfers
Rajas Atallah, Ernest Ward Middle to Northview High
Lenore M. Jones, Montclair Elementary to Molino Park Elementary
Cheryl W. Rembert, Tate High to Washington High
Retirements
Mary B. Brown, teacher, Ransom Middle
Joe R. Hooten, band director, Tate High
Carol S. Jokela, teacher, Bratt Elementary
Sue M. Lowman, teacher, Ransom Middle
William C. Smith, teacher, Tate High
Diane L. Wise, teacher, Northview High
Molino, Century On The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Thanks To “Genius” Criminal
July 8, 2011
Both Century and Molino were mentioned on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Thursday night, thanks to a “genius” criminal.
During Leno’s “Police Blotter” segment in which funny newspaper stories about criminals are featured, Leno presented a September 2004 newspaper story about a police chase that ended in Nokomis.
“Another genius…tree cutter faces several charges after leading deputies on chase…a Pensacola tree cutter led deputies…10 mile chase from Molino to near Century…told deputies he was trying to smoke all $500 worth of his crack cocaine before he got pulled over,” Leno said, paraphrasing the article.
“That’s very clever, you want to smoke as much crack…” Leno joked.
(The video is at the bottom of this page. After an advertisement, fast foward to about 2:23 to see the Molino/Century story.)
NorthEscambia.com obtained the September 29, 2004, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office incident report, and here’s what the report states happened:
John Wesley Montgomery, then 32, was arrested following a chase. After receiving a call on reckless vehicle, Deputy Michael Mandell located Montgomery northbound on Highway 97 and noticed that he would lean across his vehicle and disappear below the dash. The deputy activated his blue lights, but Montgomery would not stop and continued north on Highway 97.
“Montgomery’s vehicle began swerving and he made agitated arm waving motions and even appeared to be smoking a crack pipe,” the deputy wrote in his report.
Several other deputies joined in the chase and the Sheriff’s Office helicopter was called. Montgomery eventually crashed through a fence in the 7700 block of Nokomis Road and fled on foot. Montgomery — who was employed as a tree cutter — was arrested as he tried to climb a tree in a field.
Montgomery told deputies, according to the Sheriff’s Office report, that “he was driving crazy in the north area when he noticed some white guy in truck behind him. He became paranoid because he thought the vehicle was following him.”
“He stated at the time he tried to smoke the rest of his cocaine,” the report states.
In 2008, Montgomery was found guilty of fleeing and eluding law enforcement and aggravated assault on an officer and sentenced as a habitual offender to a mandatory three years in state prison. He is now in federal prison on unrelated charges.
Images courtesy NBC and The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.
Beauty Of Tomatoes: Enjoy Them Now, Preserve Extras For Later
July 8, 2011
The beauty of tomatoes this time of year is that they are red, and juicy, and that there are so many of them. If you grow your own, you probably think you have more than you can ever use. If you buy them at the local farmer’s market, you have an endless variety to choose from.
No matter how many tomatoes you have this summer, there are many different ways to use them. Summer’s tomatoes are delightful right off the backyard grill, or tossed with vinegar, oil and basil, or stirred into a primavera over pasta, or simply sliced and served cold.
You may want to consider preserving some of the summer’s bounty. Tomatoes retain many of their best qualities when preserved for use when the garden is just a memory.
Whether you freeze, can, or dehydrate tomatoes, your success will depend on the quality and freshness of the vegetable. It is best to process tomatoes as soon as possible after harvesting. Always discard underripe or too-mature tomatoes.
Dried tomatoes are delicious when rehydrated and added to pasta dishes, salads, or stirfry. They can be stored in any food-safe container that protects them from air and moisture. Home canning jars make excellent storage containers because they can be kept tightly closed, and they provide the added convenience of a see-through container. Dried tomatoes don’t have to be refrigerated if they are properly contained. Sun-dried tomatoes can add distinctive flavors to dishes.
Frozen tomatoes retain their flavor, but lose some of their texture in the freezing process. They are an excellent choice to use for sauces or in stews and casseroles. Wash, core, and cut tomatoes, then cook them until soft. Cool, package, and freeze for later use. Canning tomatoes is one of the best ways to preserve their flavor and nutritional value. Select tomato varieties with thick flesh and fewer seeds. Use only quality tomatoes with no cracks, fungus growths, bruises or decayed spots.
The canning process requires several steps. Washed tomatoes are first scalded, then cored, peeled and left whole, or cut into pieces. They are then boiled in just enough water to cover tomatoes, five to ten minutes. Pack into heated jars, adding citrus acid and seal with a vacuum cap. The canned tomatoes must then be processed in a boiling-water canner or pressure canner. This destroys micro-organisms that can spoil the tomatoes.
Citric acid is added to tomato recipes developed for safe processing in a boiling water canner. The citric acid is added to ensure the proper ph level for processing.
Many home canners “put up” barbecue sauce, salsa, spaghetti sauce, and tangy ketchup, to name just a few preservable foods using tomatoes.
Today, there are more than 500 varieties of tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables from all over the world available in the United States. Each one offers its own distinctive flavor, texture, and nutritional value. With all these options, preserving the fresh fruits and vegetables of summer is easy, and best of all, it captures the essence of the season for months to come.
Selecting, Preparing, and Canning Tomatoes
Select only disease-free, preferably vineripened, firm fruit for canning. Caution: Do not can tomatoes from dead or frostkilled vines. Green tomatoes are more acidic than ripened fruit and can be canned safely with any of the following recommendations.
Acidification: To ensure safe acidity in whole, crushed, or juiced tomatoes, add two tablespoons of bottled lemon juice or ½ teaspoon of citric acid per quart of tomatoes. For pints, use one tablespoon bottled lemon juice or ¼ teaspoon citric acid. Acid can be added directly to the jars before filling with product. Add sugar to offset acid taste, if desired. Four tablespoons of a 5% acidity vinegar per quart may be used instead of lemon juice or citric acid. However, vinegar may cause undesirable flavor changes.
Recommendation: Use of a pressure canner will result in higher quality and more nutritious canned tomato products. If your pressure canner cannot be operated above 15 PSI, select a process time at a lower pressure.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Wash and stem ripened tomatoes. Slice horizontally, about ¼-inch thick. Salt on both sides and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse. Lay on foil-covered baking sheets. Cover lightly with cheesecloth. Place in sun for several hours, turning occasionally until desired dryness is achieved. Store in jars in a cool pantry.
Intensely flavorful, dried tomatoes add snap to salads and breads. Also can be moistened to make sandwiches.
Freezing Tomatoes
Select firm, ripe tomatoes with deep red color.
Raw
Wash and dip in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen skins. Core and peel. Freeze whole or in pieces. Pack into containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Seal and freeze. Use only for cooking or seasoning since tomatoes will not be solid when thawed.
Juice
Wash, sort and trim firm, vine-ripened tomatoes. Cut in quarters or eights. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes. Press through a sieve. If desired, season with 1 teaspoon salt to each quart of juice. Pour into containers, leaving headspace according to Table 1 (bottom of page). Seal and freeze.
Stewed
Remove stem ends, peel and quarter ripe tomatoes. Cover and cook until tender (10 to 20 minutes). Place pan containing tomatoes in cold water to cool. Pack into containers, leaving headspace according to Table 1 (bottom of page). Seal and freeze.
Table 1. Headspace to allow between packed food and closure.
For more information contact Dorothy C. Lee, Escambia County Extension Agent, dclee@ufl.edu , or (850) 475-5230.
Escambia County Retailers Asked To Stop Selling Flavored Tobacco Products
July 8, 2011
Retailers in Escambia County are being asked to voluntarily stop the sale and marketing of flavored tobacco products.
The Escambia County Commission recently adopted an ordinance asking for the removal of flavored tobacco products from store shelves at the urging of Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program of the Escambia County Health Department, and the Healthy Environments are Tobacco-Free (HEAT) Partnership.
“Tobacco companies use youth-oriented, colorful and stylish packaging to exploit adolescents’ attraction to candy-flavored tobacco with names such as “mandarin mint”, “winter warm toffee”, and twista chill”. The United States Surgeon General asserts that adolescent experimentation with smoking can be directly attributed to tobacco advertising and promotional activities,”" according to a news release from the Escambia County Health Department.
“We have spent countless hours educating students and the general public about the deceptive and deadly nature of these products,” said Vanessa Phillips, tobacco prevention coordinator for the Escambia County Health Department. “By passing this resolution, the County Commissioners are making a major statement showing that they care about protecting the health and future of Escambia County youth.”
Last year, a Florida Youth Tobacco survey was conducted to obtain a representative sample of middle school and high school students’ access to tobacco, their tobacco-related beliefs, attitudes and behaviors, and their exposures to pro-tobacco and anti-tobacco influences. The results indicated that the estimated number of students using tobacco were 3,752, with 871 of those being middle school students.
Phillips said that the SWAT youth received 450 signatures of support from concerned registered voters in Escambia County who also wanted a ban on the sale and advertising of flavored tobacco products.
“The Students Working Against Tobacco made a very impressive presentation to the Board of County Commissioners. As a result, we were happy to support them with this resolution,” said Kevin White, Chairman of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners.
Flavored tobacco products are defined as loose tobacco including snuff flour, plug and twist tobacco, fine cuts, chewing tobacco, snus, smoking and snuffing tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco products and blunt wraps.