Flomaton Cheerleader Performs In Disney Parade
November 30, 2011
Ronna Tullis from Flomaton High School was one of more than 500 student cheerleaders and dancers from across the country to perform in the Thanksgiving Day Parade last week at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
The individuals invited to perform in the parade were part of a select group of cheerleaders chosen as cheerleading and dance All Americans during Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association summer camps across the country.
Pictured top: Ronna Tullis from Flomaton High School performed in the Thanksgiving Day Parade last week at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
What’s That Mystery Molino Crop With The Yellow Flowers?
November 30, 2011
We received a lot of emails over the past few weeks asking about the unique yellow-flowering crop planted at Highway 29 and Highway 97 behind the Tom Thumb in Molino.
NorthEscambia.com turned to Libbie Johnson of Escambia County Extension and to the farmer, Eric Koehn of Walnut Hill, to find out that the plant is called Sunn Hemp (that’s Crotalaria juncea L for the scientific types).
For a photo gallery, click here.
It is a semi-tropical plant that is grown as a cover crop in the southeast. It’s a legume, growing in a variety of locations and returning nitrogen to the soil. It can also be used as a biomass to produce biofuels.
“Because it grows so fast, it is really good for people looking to get something on their soil to prevent erosion or to build organic matter into their soils,” Johnson said. “It is touted as being resistant to root knot nematodes- a real problem for our local row crop producers, so it would be good to use in a rotation. It takes about 8-12 weeks of growth for you to get the full benefit of the crop, so it’s best if it’s planted after corn or maybe a vegetable crop. It wouldn’t have time to get going if planted after cotton or peanuts.”
Koehn said he planted the Sunn Hemp as cover crop to prevent erosion after he harvested corn from the field. There were no plans to harvest the crop.
Pictured: Recent photos showing Sunn Hemp growing at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
16 Arrested As Escambia Panhandling Ordinance Enforcement Begins
November 30, 2011
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office began enforcing the county’s new panhandling ordinance Tuesday afternoon, arresting about 15 people at intersections throughout the county.
The new ordinance prohibits anyone from standing in the median of roadways in the county, unless they are legally crossing the road. The ordinance does not prohibit anyone from standing on the sides of the road, as long as they do not enter the roadway except to legally cross.
“In one incident, a man and his wife were arrested after driving from their home in Gulf Breeze to the intersection of Olive Road and Davis Highway and entering the median and holding signs asking for money,” according to Sgt. Mike Ward, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.
The ordinance was passed November 17 by the Escambia County Commission on a 3-2 vote and forwarded to the Florida Secretary of State’s Office for certification. Before enforcement began Tuesday, deputies visited intersections frequently used by panhandlers and informed them that the new ordinance would soon be on the books.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office did not release a specific list of those arrested, but according to Escambia County Jail log, the following were charged:
- John Lyn Brown, 45, homeless.
- Randy Joseph Caldwell, 50, Murphy Lane.
- Derek Anthony Cullen, 35, homeless.
- Sandra Dee Dean, 50, homeless.
- Randy Steven Edwards, 47, transient.
- Robert Earl Fowler, 55, homeless.
- Lawrence Kent Frazier, 46, homeless.
- Brian Odell Griggs, 41, Gulf Breeze.
- James Joseph Johnson, 56, Selana Street.
- Terry Lynn Jones, 51, transient.
- Tobie Harlice Jones, 65, Market Street.
- Paula Eileen Keen, 48, Vance Avenue.
- Walter Howard Lowrey, 56, transient.
- Gary Earl Perry, 57, Corry Field Road.
- Lauren Marie Romaine, 38, West Detroit Boulevard.
- Richard Carl Struckus, 55, Lime Street
Pictured top: People arrested Tuesday for violating Escambia County new panhandling ordinance.
Local Students Recognized As Rotary Four-Way Test Essay Winners
November 30, 2011
Four Escambia County students — including one each from Northview and West Florida high schools — were recognized as winners in the 19th annual Rotary Four-Way Test Essay Contest by the Suburban West Rotary Club.
Winners included Justin Halteman (pictured) from Northview High School, Rachel George from West Florida High School and Jennifer Lewis from Escambia High School. Grand prize winner was Destiny Williams from Booker T. Washington High School.
The Four-Way Test Essay Contest is open to all Escambia County sophomores and juniors, with each participant writing a short essay on the topic “Why is the Rotary Four-Way Test relevant today?”. The Four-Way Test is used by Rotarians to encourage value-driven, ethical behavior at work, at home and in the community.
During a recent luncheon, the winners read their essays to the club and were presented with certificates of achievement and cash prizes. The contest finalist from each participating high school received a $100 award, and the grand prize winner received a $500 award.
Pictured: Justin Halteman of Northview High School reads his award winning essay to the Suburban West Rotary Club. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview, Jay Basketball Games Canceled
November 29, 2011
Tuesday’s scheduled basketball games between the Northview Chiefs and the Jay Royals were canceled — including both boys and girls varsity and junior varsity games — as the Chiefs prepare for football playoff action Friday night.
The games are expected to be rescheduled.
Morning Wreck Claims One Life
November 29, 2011
A Pensacola woman was killed in a single vehicle wreck early Tuesday morning in Escambia County.
Jacquline Sussanne Parizo, 28, lost control of her 1991 Jeep Cherokee for an unknown reason while traveling south of Bauer Road near Sorrento Road about 3:45 a.m. She struck several trees before the vehicle overturned and large tree hit her windshield, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Parizo, who was alone in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Four Busted After Convenience Store Burglary, Manhunt
November 29, 2011
Four people from Flomaton and McDavid were busted following an early morning convenience store burglary and subsequent manhunt in Alabama.
About 3 a.m. Saturday, the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office received a burglary in progress call from Anthony’s Country Store southeast of Brewton on Travis Road. A witness called 911 and told deputies that they heard someone breaking into the store before giving chase.
A K-9 tracking team from Fountain Prison in Atmore located all four suspects nearby.
Courtney Wiggins, age 19 of McDavid; and 20-year old Devenick Thomas, 25-year old Alphonso Wesley, and 20-year old Daniel Woods, all from Flomaton, were each charged with burglary third degree, criminal mischief second degree, theft of property third degree, and third degree trespassing. The four suspects were booked into the Escambia County (Ala.) Detention Center in Brewton.
Deputies said entry was made into the store and undisclosed items were taken. The case remains under investigation.
In addition to the Fountain Prison K-9 team, the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Brewton and East Brewton police departments.
Name The Northview Mascot; Order T-shirts; Pep Rally For Thursday
November 29, 2011
The Northview Chiefs will hold a community pep rally Thursday night, and the Chiefs are also looking for an official name for the school’s mascot.
Ashton Gibbs has served as the school’s mascot this year; however, the mascot character has never been given an official name. Name suggestions should be sent to TJohnson5@escambia.k12.fl.us. The name will be announced as early as Thursday or Friday.
Northview High School is selling t-shirts in advance of the pep rally. The shirts will feature a team photo of the Northview Chiefs. Shirts can be pre-ordered by Wednesday for $10.70 by calling Teresa Johnson at (850) 327-6681 ext. 225.
The pep rally will take place from 6-6:30 p.m. Thursday in the school gym featuring the cheerleaders, dance team, mascot, band, color guard, majorettes and the 2011 Northview varsity Chiefs. Prior to the pep rally, varsity players will sign 2011 Northview Chiefs t-shirts. Those that purchased a t-shirt on may pick up the shirt and have it signed between 5-5:30 p.m. in the gym.
Noise makers are encouraged at both the pep rally and Friday night’s semifinal game against Chipley. Air horns and glass containers are not permitted.
Pre-sale tickets will be available Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the school. All tickets are $9 as set by the FHSAA.
Pictured: Ashton Gibbs as Northview’s yet to be named mascot at last Friday night’s game against Freeport. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Funeral Held For Gulf Coast Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
November 29, 2011
Funeral services were held Tuesday for a Gulf Coast soldier killed in Afghanistan on November 16.
The funeral for Army Pfc. Matthew Colin, 22, of Navarre was held at the Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel at Pensacola Naval Air Station. Burial followed at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Florida Governor Rick Scott ordered flags in Santa Rosa County and at the state capitol to be flown at half-staff Tuesday in honor of Colin.
Colin was killed on patrol by a roadside bomb near Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was a 2007 graduate of Navarre High School.
Numerous Shots Fired Near Pensacola State College
November 29, 2011
[Updated] Numerous shots were fired in what was believed to be a drug related incident Monday night near Pensacola State College.
Numerous bullet holes were found inside and outside apartments at the Arbor Club Apartments at 700 College Boulevard after the 6:30 shooting.
Pensacola Police Department investigators said they recovered a handgun and rifle, live rounds, spent shell casings, cocaine and marijuana during the investigation.
The investigation has revealed at least one person is believed to have started the incident and another eventually returned fire, said Detective Jon Thacker.
Numerous people have been interviewed and arrests are pending. One person – Jimmy Gilliams, 22, of 1260 Cheyenne Circle, Pensacola – was arrested after officers learned he had outstanding warrants with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
No injuries were reported, and Pensacola Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.