Fall Gardening: Time To Tackle The Chaos And Prepare For Winter
October 2, 2010
Towards the end of the growing season, many landscapes are overgrown and untidy. Allowing plants to tower over others can mean the demise of the smaller plant. It’s time to tackle the chaos and prepare for winter.
First and foremost, take a good look at your landscape. If a plant has outgrown its allotted space, perhaps it was the wrong plant in the wrong place. Avoid these types of problems by becoming familiar with a plant before you plant it. While you can try to control the size of the plant to fit its space, it will never be a happy, stress-free plant.
Information on the mature size of a plant and their site requirements can be found in several Extension publications. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) “Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design” is intended for homeowners who want to take the next step and design their own Florida-Friendly landscapes. Included in this book is information on landscape design strategies, a landscape planning worksheet, and the FFL plant list containing many of the UF/IFAS recommended Florida-Friendly plants for each region of the state. It’s available online by clicking here.
Even in a well-planned landscape, though, the gardener’s controlling influence is important. The most useful methods for dealing with especially enthusiastic plants are removing, pruning, supporting or creating barriers to prevent unwanted spreading.
Removing and replacing
Autumn is an excellent time to establish shrubs and trees. Consider removing oversized plants and replacing them with carefully chosen ones that will happily fit within your defined boundaries. Plants that are installed late in the year will develop strong roots systems before hot weather arrives next spring.
Pruning
When it comes to pruning, it’s good to remember that it’s better to prune lightly occasionally as needed, than to allow a plant to get way overgrown and then cut it back severely. A few prudent snips here and there will help keep more vigorous plants from overwhelming their less vigorous neighbors.
Emphasis must be placed on the word “light.” It’s important to remember that late summer pruning may stimulate an additional flush of shoot growth on species which flush several times each year. These shoots could be damaged by an early frost.
Supporting
Another technique to improve the look of an overgrown landscape is staking. Staking or otherwise supporting plants keeps them from leaning or falling over onto others. It helps the tall plant look better, and obviously benefits the plants that would otherwise be covered. The stake should be tall enough to do the job but not be too obvious.
Stakes may simply be placed in such a way that the plant is supported by leaning up against it. On the other hand, it may be necessary to tie the plant to the stake. Typically, twine or plastic ties are used for this purpose. Make sure you tie the lower and upper parts of the plant to the stake to provide proper support.
Other techniques for support include tying twine in a loop all the way around a plant, using a wire cage – this is best done early in the growing season to allow the plant to grow into it – tying a plant to a sturdier, nearby plant or using one of the commercially available support systems.
Barriers
Many perennials and tropical plants spread by underground structures called rhizomes. If growth shows up outside the area you’ve allotted for that plant, promptly dig out the unwanted growth and replant it somewhere else.
Barriers extending at least one foot down into the ground around aggressive spreaders can sometimes help keep them under control. Digging, dividing and replanting clumps of aggressive spreaders annually is another good way to make sure they stay put.
Overgrown shrubs can cause a house to lose its curb appeal. Proper, regular control measures should be employed to keep a landscape looking its best.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Photo Gallery: Ernest Ward Presents Talent Show
October 2, 2010
Ernest Ward Middle School held their annual talent show Friday night at the school.
The following awards were presented:
Critics Choice Awards – First Place, Lori Harrell singing “I Wonder”; Second Place, Annie Bobo, Megan Bryan, Tamara Wise, comedy routine “I’m A Dork”; Third Place (tie) Morgan Wiggins, twirl routine; Koriaun Lewis, singing “You Raise Me Up”.
Peoples Choice Award – Annie Bobo, Megan Bryan, Tamara Wise for their comedy routine “I’m A Dork”.
For a photo gallery from the talent show, click here.
Participants in the Ernest Ward Middle School talent show were:
Katrina Rau; Amy Branch; Deasia Fountain, Felcia Muhammand, Flenequa Mitchell; Morgan Wiggins, Morgan Pope, Aliyah Creamer, Koriaun Lewis, Morgan Packer, Shania Ward, McKenzie Nassar, Lindsey Gindl, Kaelyn Coffey, Haley Coffey, Haley Brown, Annie Bobo, Megan Bryan, Tamara Wise, Gavin Coon, Jason Ogle, Abbie Johnson, Lori Harrell, Justin Moore and Amber Freeman.
Pictured top: Annie Bobo, Megan Bryan, Tamara Wise present their “Peoples Choice Award” comedy routine “I’m A Dork” Friday night during the annual Ernest Ward Middle School talent show. Pictured inset: Lori Harrel won the “Critics Choice Award”. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Schools Consider Four Out Of Town Law Firms To Sue BP
October 1, 2010
The Escambia County School District was set to vote Thursday on hiring four out of town legal firms to sue over the Gulf oil spill, but the contract was pulled from the agenda.
According to an attorney employment contract that had been on the agenda for Thursday afternoon’s school board special meeting, the school district is seeking legal relief against BP, Tranocean, Ltd., Halliburton Energy and related companies. The board is seeking reimbursement for losses incurred as a result of the summer oil spill, including decreased tax revenue.
Four firms were to be hired by the school district: Nix, Patterson & Roach in Texarkana, Texas; Harrison, Sale, McCloy, Duncan & Jackson in Panama City; Harrison Rivard in Panama City and Carl R. Nelson in Tampa.
The Nix Patterson firm would receive 20 percent of any settlement, while Harrison Rivard and Harrison Sale would receive 10 percent and Fowler White would receive 7.5 percent. The attorneys would be hired on a contingency basis — if there was not financial recovery, the attorneys would not be paid.
School Board member Jeff Bergosh said he will not support the contract with the four firms until local legal firms are considered by the board.
“I have no problem with any of the firms represented in this contract–I just don’t know who they are,” Bergosh wrote on his blog. “I want to know why no local firms were considered. We have some highly qualified, nationally respected firms that are quite capable of representing us effectively. These well qualified local firms hire local residents and create jobs here in Pensacola. If all things are equal, I prefer to hire locally.”
The Escambia County School Board is expected to consider the legal services contract again at an October meeting.
New Year, Increased Half Million Dollar Budget Begins Today In Century
October 1, 2010
Friday was the first day of the fiscal year 2010-2011 budget in Century with over a half million dollars in increases and increased ad valorem tax rate.
The town’s total budget is $3,337,231 — a decrease over the 2009-2010 budget of $4,587,744. The difference is due to a one-time $1.83 million grant for a water infrastructure project during the last fiscal year. The new budget represents an increase of $579,487 over last year’s budget minus the water grant.
Outside of the grant-funded water project, the town’s biggest source of revenue — $1,825,000 — is from water, gas and sewer charges, and the biggest expense is $1,464,178 to pay for the costs associated with providing the water, sewer and natural gas service for the town’s residents.
Ad valorem taxes will increase slightly — from .823 mils last year to .9048 mils. The new millage rate is estimated to generate $30,000 for the town during the 2010-2011 budget year, compared to $26,000 in the last fiscal year.
The budget passed 4-0 with council member Henry Hawkins absent from a recent budget hearing. No members of the public spoke for or against the budget.
To view a summary of the budget in pdf format, click here or the image below.
Pictured top: The Century Town Council meets earlier this month in regular session. From the left: Nadine McCaw, Ann Brooks, Sharon Scott, Henry Hawkins and Gary Riley. Hawkins was absent from a budget public hearing held just prior to the council meeting. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Photos: Molino Park 5th Graders Present “Cooking It!”
October 1, 2010
Refined sugar isn’t so sweet, but fruit and veggies are good — that’s the message behind a play and puppet show presented today at Molino Park Elementary School.
Molino Park’s fifth graders and professionals from the Pensacola Little Theatre presented “Cooking It!” — an original musical play designed to facilitate healthy eating and address childhood obesity.
For a photo gallery from a Thursday practice, click here.
“If you can’t pronounce it, renounce it,” says character Chef Freda, portrayed by PLT’s Tricia Hartley in the play after the students learn that refined sugar can “hide” behind names like manitol, sorbitol, dextrose and galactose.
But puppet characters Brussels Sprout and Carrot, along with Farmer Mark, spread the word that fruits and vegetables can be a tasty and healthy alternative, especially when sweetened with just a pinch of raw sugar and the flavorful help of the “Spice Girls.”
“Too much sweet stuff in your food is not good for you,” said fifth grader Domonique McNeill. “Sugar hides itself; you have to read the label to learn where the sugar is,” added Kylee Jackson.
The students have practiced all week under the direction of Michelle Hancock, Pensacola Little Theatre’s Beyond Boundaries coordinator.
“We’ve learned how to do a play with real actors,” said Aaron Dees. “It’s been great.”
For a photo gallery from a Thursday practice, click here.
Pictured above and below: Fifth grade students at Molino Park Elementary practice Thursday morning for a Friday performance of “Cooking It!”. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Monday Last Day To Register To Vote In November General Election
October 1, 2010
Monday is the last day to register to vote in the November 2 General Election, according to Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford.
Florida law mandates that registration books close 29 days before an election. New registrations must be completed on or before October 4th in order for them to be effective for the November 2nd election. If you are unsure of your registration status, visit EscambiaVotes.com and click “Am I Registered?”.
Escambia County citizens have several ways to register or update their record:
Online/By Mail: Visit EscambiaVotes.com and complete, print, and sign the online application. Be sure to include a valid Florida Driver’s License number, a valid Florida ID number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number in the appropriate space. Mail the completed application no later than October 4th to: Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, PO Box 12601, Pensacola, FL 32591-2601. Or, take the completed application to the Elections Office at 213 Palafox Place, 2nd Floor, in downtown Pensacola. Or, call (595-3900) or e-mail the Elections Office (soe@escambiavotes.com) to have a form mailed to you.
In Person: You can register at the Elections Office at 213 Palafox Place, 2nd Floor, in downtown Pensacola, at any Florida Driver’s License Office, and several other governmental offices and public assistance centers. Registration forms are also available to pick up at many locations countywide. For a complete list of locations throughout Escambia County, visit EscambiaVotes.com or call or e-mail the Elections Office.
For voters who wish to cast an absentee ballot, go to EscambiaVotes.com and complete the online request form, or call or e-mail the elections office. Early voting begins October 18th at four locations throughout Escambia County. For more information, including sample ballots, visit EscambiaVotes.com.
High School Volleyball: Northview Takes On Catholic
October 1, 2010
Catholic downed the Northview Lady Chiefs in varsity and junior varsity volleyball Thursday, while the 9th grade Lady Chiefs beat the Crusaders.
Varsity
The Chiefs dropped a four game set to the Crusaders, 13-25, 11-25, 15-25.
“The varsity team played hard tonight. The effort they displayed through out the matches was wonderful. We just have to work on bringing our mistake level down. We hurt ourselves more than the other team hurt us,” Head Coach Betty Heaton said.
Shawna Montgomery had four kills, two blocks and two digs for the Lady Chiefs, while Ashley Digmon recorded two assists, two digs and two aces. Kara Hardin added two aces and one dig, and Raylin Spence had on assist and three digs.
The Northview varsity team is 5-12 overall and 3-1 in district play.
Junior Varsity
The Northview JV team fell to Catholic, 20-25, 17-25.
“The JV team played well tonight. We are working on increasing the communication on the court,” Heaton said.
Madison Arrington had two aces for the Lady Chiefs. Danielle Steadham had one kill and a block, and Taylor Roberson added one kill, one ace and a dig.
The JV Chiefs are 3-8 overall.
9th Grade
The 9th grade Lady Chiefs improved to 3-0 with a two game sweep of the Catholic Crusaders, 25-15, 25-15.
“The 9th grade team did a great job of increasing the communication on the court. It made a real difference in their game tonight,” Heaton said.
Mallory Wiggins had four assists and five aces for Northview, while Paeton Hadley added four assists and two aces. Ali Martin recorded eight kills and two aces.
Human Remains Found In Search For Missing Girl
October 1, 2010
Human remains were found Thursday as Escambia investigators stepped up their search efforts for a missing 11-year old girl.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine if the remains are those of Tia McShane, a handicap girl reported missing after not being seen in several years. Investigators began their search and found nothing Thursday on Continental Court near the intersection of Fairfield Drive and Lillian Highway.
Witnesses and friends of the girl’s mother tipped off investigators that Alicia McShane had rented a storage unit in the 8000 block of Lillian Highway. Inside the storage unit, they made a grizzly discovery.
“A search of the storage unit turned up what was believed to be human remains. The medical examiners office responded and confirmed the remains as human,” said Sgt. Ted Roy, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Tia McShane’s father, William McShane, reported his daughter missing after Alicia McShane died. In a press release, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said:
“On August 30, 2010 the Escambia Sheriff’s Office responded to 6101 Chicago Ave in reference to a missing person. Contact was made with William McShane (37) who stated that his daughter was missing. McShane stated to deputies that he had been separated from his wife, Alicia McShane for several years. He stated that on 7/27/10 he found out that his wife had died in June in Mobile Al. McShane stated he located his son in Pensacola who was in the custody of his wife’s friend and retrieved him. McShane stated that no one seemed to know the whereabouts of his daughter, eleven year old Tia McShane. William McShane stated that Tia is confined to a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy.
“Friends told McShane that the mother had placed the child in foster care in Alabama due to the medical needs of the child. Attempts to locate the child by way of the Department of Children and Families, Social Security Office and the Medicare Office met with no results.Escambia Sheriff Missing Person’s Investigator Troy Brown was assigned the case and contacted the Alabama Department of Human Resources who advised that the father would need to file a petition with DFC in Florida to legally locate his daughter. Mr. McShane advised that he would go that route and contact the Sheriff’s Office at a later date if the search turned up nothing.
“On 09/27/2010 Mr. McShane contacted the Sheriff’s Office and advised that Alabama had no record of Tia in their system. Investigator Brown and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement had contacted the Alabama Bureau of Investigation who advised that Tia was not in any legal foster care in their state. She is also not in any type of legal foster care in Florida.The child was last seen living on Continental Court in Pensacola around the fall of 2006. Her Medicaid has not been used since 2006 and this was the last time a doctor visit was made.”
Anyone with any information on Tia McShane or who have any information that may help investigators with this case are asked to call Investigator Brown at the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620, or call Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Arrest Made In Escambia Execution Style Murder
October 1, 2010
An arrest has been made in the execution style murder of an Escambia County man on August 25.
Larry Cox, Jr., 22, was charged Thursday with an open count of murder for the shooting death of Matthew Suarez, 23, on August 25 on Madison Drive. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office investigators said evidence as well as witness testimony led to the arrest of Cox.
Cox had been named a person of interest in the case and was questioned early on in the investigation after being arrested on unrelated charges, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Witnesses said Suarez was sitting in the driver’s seat of Chevrolet Impala in his father’s driveway when Cox walked up and shot him as he rolled down the car’s window. Investigators said the shooting was believed to be drug related.
School Bus In Hit And Run; Nine Students Injured
September 30, 2010
Nine students were injured when a school bus driven by a Century woman was rear-ended by a vehicle that fled the scene this morning in Pensacola.
The incident happened about 8:15 a.m. at Pine Forest Road and Longleaf Drive. The Florida Highway Patrol says the 1999 Escambia County school bus driven Cynthia Lambert, 54, of Century was struck in the rear by a late model sliver Chrysler four door sedan. The car left the scene traveling south on Pine Forest Road.
A total of nine students on the bus, which was headed to Pine Forest and West Florida high schools, were injured. Their injuries were considered minor. Lambert was not injured.
The accident is still under investigation by the FHP.