Gardening: September’s Need To Know
September 11, 2010
September marks the beginning of the fall gardening season. Usually by the second week of the month the weather begins to cool. It’s time to break out of
the summer doldrums and head into the garden and landscape because there are many projects that are best done this month.
September is the prime time to plant many of the cool season vegetables. You can sow seeds of beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, collards, endive, escarole, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onions, parsley and radishes. If plants of these are available they can also be set out.
If you plant early in the month, you can still plant some of the warm season vegetables including beans, cucumbers and summer squash.
Fall is also a great time to divide clumping perennials such as daylilies, mondo grass and liriope. Division is the quickest and easiest method of multiplying most herbaceous perennials. Simply dig the plants and shake off the soil. It will be apparent where to separate the plants into smaller units having roots and leaves.
Division simply involves separating the clump into pieces with adequate roots and shoots for reestablishment. A small clump with one to two shoots and adequate roots for transplanting is called a bib. Some plants may be real woody and require an ax or saw to separate them while others may be soft and succulent and can be separated by hand. Divided pieces should be replanted at the same depth as they grew originally.
September is also a good time to start your preparation for planting trees and shrubs. Planting during fall and early winter allows the plants to establish their root systems during our relatively mild winters. When hot weather arrives next summer, fall planted trees and shrubs are already well established and better able to cope with the heat stress. Choose your trees and shrubs carefully. Learn about the plant before you buy it. Know its mature height and its sun or shade requirements. Even a well-chosen tree or shrub can become a problem if planted in the wrong location.
September is also the last month to fertilize our lawns and many of our landscape plants. Do not fertilizer too late, no later than the last week of September. A late season application of high nitrogen fertilizer can cause a flush of new growth too late in the year. It “wakes” the plant up at a time when it should be getting ready to “go to sleep” or enter dormancy. A late season growth flush decreases the plant’s winter hardiness and increases the possibility of cold damage.
Carefully select your fertilizer. For your lawn, consider an application of low nitrogen, high potassium fertilizer such as a 5-0-15, 5-0-20 or a 5-5-30. And don’t be misled by the term “winterizer” fertilizer. Many fertilizers advertised as winterizers are very high in nitrogen and are not good choices for a late season application.
Pine needles fall during September and October. Rake and use them in your flower and shrub beds. Pine needles make excellent mulch.
Apply generously to obtain a depth of two to three inches after they have settled.
Judge: Class Size Amendment 8 To Remain On Ballot
September 11, 2010
A proposal to relax limits on school class sizes will remain on the November ballot, a judge ruled Friday.
Following up on promises of a speedy ruling, Leon County Circuit Court Chief Judge Charles Francis ruled that Amendment 8, a Legislative attempt to eliminate strict enrollment caps, was neither misleading nor ambiguous and can be included on the ballot with other proposed amendments.
The amendment, approved by lawmakers earlier this year, was challenged by the state’s largest teachers union, which argued that voters would be largely unaware that the proposal could result in reduced funding for public schools. In a 10-page ruling, Francis disagreed.
“The court finds the ballot and title summary are very clear and unambiguous as to what the amendment purports to do in reference to the changes in class size,” Francis wrote. “It revises them as plainly and simply as the title so indicates.”
The Florida Education Association, which filed suit to strike the issue from the ballot, plans to appeal, according to a statement issued by its attorney shortly after Francis released his ruling.
“The Legislature tried to ‘hide the ball’ from Florida voters by misrepresenting the chief purpose of Amendment 8 – which is to reduce the state’s obligation to adequately fund public schools,” FEA lawyer Ron Meyer said.
Facing stricter class standards that kicked in at school districts around the state this fall, lawmakers earlier this year approved changes to the 2002 class size amendment that gives school administrators flexibility in assigning students to classes. The FEA argued that it should be thrown off the November ballot because voters may not realize the proposal could change how much money schools receive from the state.
If approved by 60 percent of voters in November, the proposal would allow school officials to use averages instead of class by class totals when complying with class size requirements Currently, the caps are set at 18 students in kindergarten through third grade, 22 in fourth through eighth grade, and 25 in high school.
During a hearing before Francis earlier this week, Assistant Attorney General John Glogau argued the union could not produce any concrete figures as to how funding would change over the next few years.
School administrators have argued the tight caps have made it more difficult to set schedules and have resulted in some classes being cancelled and difficulty when they are at capacity and new students enroll in the district.
The Escambia County School District held two public workshops to lobby for a “Yes” vote on Amendment 8. Click here for that story.
“The hard caps on class sizes this year have forced superintendents to make what they consider to be academically unsound decisions for students,” said Bill Montford, CEO of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. “They need the flexibility to make reasonable and sound decisions that reflect what is best for the students from an academic standpoint.”
Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, argued that strictly adhering to the more inflexible caps would necessitate cuts elsewhere.
“The current hard caps on class size amount to a fiscal straightjacket on the wallets of hard-working Florida families,” Weatherford said.
U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, who spearheaded efforts to pass the 2002 cap, decried the ruling in a statement, saying the Republican-led Legislature’s proposal is an affront to the voters who only eight years earlier made it clear they wanted more money spent on schools.
“Amendment 8 is a misleading attempt to trick Florida voters into watering down hard-fought class size limits and reduce funding for our schools and children,” said Meek, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate. “Backers of Amendment 8 are full and active participants in the culture of special interest bidding that has gone on for too long.”
By Michael Peltier
The News Service Florida
ECUA Seeks Rate Increases, Pay Hikes
September 10, 2010
ECUA garbage, water and sewer customers will see higher bills in the coming months if the utility approves rate increases currently under consideration. And ECUA employees may receive across the board pay raises.
Emerald Coast Utility Authority customers in North Escambia only have garbage service. ECUA is proposing a three percent rate increase to take effect on October 1. That would increase the the bill by 54 cents per month from $17.99 to $18.53 for a customer with one standard 90-gallon container. Senior citizens would pay 45 cents more per month, from $15.08 to $15.53.
Significant increases for water and sewer customers would be in four stages, with a 10 percent increase on October 1, 2010, an a additional eight percent on October 1, 2011, another eight percent increase on October 1, 2012, and another eight percent increase on October, 2013.
The current average water and sewer bill would rise from $65.50 per month now to $70.36 in October.
The ECUA board voted 3-2 in favor of the rate increases, with Lois Benson and Dale Perkins against. Elvin McCorvey, Elizabeth Campbell and Larry Walker voted in favor of the rate hike.
ECUA’s new budget for 2010-2011 would also give pay raises to over 500 employees. There would be an across the board one percent pay hike, with an additional two percent merit pay increase for some employees. Benson and Perkins votes against the pay hikes, while McCorvey, Campbell and Walker voted in favor.
ECUA will hold a public hearing on the water, sewer and sanitation rate increases at 3 p.m. on September 23 at the ECUA board meeting room in the Ellyson Industrial Park, 9250 Hammon Street in Pensacola.
Lady Chiefs Defeat ECHS (With Photo Gallery)
September 10, 2010
The Northview Lady Chiefs swept Escambia County High School in three games Thursday afternoon in Atmore.
The Lady Chiefs beat the Blue Devils 25-13 in the first game, 25-14 in the second game and 25-11 in the final game of the match.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the game, click here.
Senior Shawna Montgomery had two kills, seven aces and one assist for the Lady Chiefs, while senior Kara Hardin recorded four kills, one ace, one assist and a block. Ashely Digmon, also a senior, had a half dozen assists and five aces. Raylin Spence, who is a junior, added two aces, five assists and a dig for the Northview Lady Chiefs.
“The team did a good job tonight of continuing to work on quickening our offense. We also worked on changing our game strategy regarding our setters,” said Northview Head Coach Betty Heaton. ” The girls did a good job adjusting to these changes. I look forward to seeing how our changes will work against Baldwin County and Murphy on Tuesday.”
The JV Chiefs will be in action this Saturday in tournament action in Spanish Fort. The JV and varsity will be action Tuesday against Baldwin County High School and Murphy High in Bay Minette. The first home games for the Lady Chiefs will be September 23 against Freeport.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the game, click here.
Pictured top: (L-R) Ashley Digmon, Kara Hardin, Morgan Payne and Sarah Killam. Pictured inset: Northview’s Kara Hardin stops an Escambia County High School shot Thursday afternoon in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
More Eastern Equine Encephalitis Cases Confirmed
September 10, 2010
Alabama health officials have confirmed cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in three horses, including one in Escambia County, less than a month after a Molino horse was confirmed to have the disease.
Thursday, the Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed three positive cases of Eastern equine encephalitis in horses located in Escambia, Baldwin, and Washington counties.
A Molino horse named Spirit was euthanized in late August after showing symptoms of EEE, a diagnosis confirmed by laboratory tests, according to Katie Miller, spokesperson for the Escambia County (Fla.) Health Department. The horse was pastured on River Bend Road, near the Escambia River, near Fairgrounds Park.
EEE, West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes after they feed on birds. The same mosquitoes can then infect mammals, particularly humans and horses. Humans and horses can sometimes become seriously ill from the infection. Typically one or two human cases are reported each year in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health. The state averages over 70 reported cases of equine EEE each year.
Miller said it is still a good idea to follow the “5-D’s ” of mosquito protection:
- Don’t go outdoors at DUSK and DAWN when mosquitoes are most active.
- DRESS so your skin is covered with clothing
- Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET to bare skin and clothing. Other effective repellents include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535.
- Empty containers and DRAIN standing water around your home where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the majority of cases of EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases in horses can be prevented through proper vaccinations. Horse owners are urged to check with their veterinarian to make sure their animals have received current vaccinations and booster shots against EEE and West Nile Virus, and that these shots are kept up to date.
Pictured top: Jessica Mullins with Spirit, the Molino horse that contracted Eastern equine encephalitis. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Considers $377 Million Budget
September 10, 2010
Last night, Escambia County Commission held the first of two public hearings on their proposed $377,608,676 budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
The budget includes the following major changes when compared to last year, according to the county:
- Reduction in Ad-Valorem and MSTU – $5,528,198
- Reduction in SRIA budgeted reserves (beach taxes) – $3,012,085
- Reduction in the total General Fund Budget of – $582,322
- Reduction in BCC position counts of 17 positions – $710,406
- Reduction in the General Fund Transfer to Code Enforcement Fund – $164,282
- Reduction in the West Florida Library Budget – $34,734*
- Reduction in the Building Inspections Budget – $301,160
- Reduction in the Emergency Medical Services Budget – $502,856
- Net reduction of Elected Officials General Fund Budgets – $112,656**
- Century Courthouse/included in the Clerk’s Budget – $60,709
- Increase in the Sheriff’s General Fund Budget – $2,552,418
- Increase in the General Fund transfer to ECAT – $541,253
- Increase in Grants to the County over FY2009/10 levels – $7,467,819
- Increase in the Solid Waste Budget – $5,853,566
- Increase in the Civic Center Subsidy from the TOT – $349,810
- County General Fund Reserves are at FY2009/10 levels – $12,723,349
- Employee health insurance premiums will remain at the FY2009/10 levels
* According to the contractual funding formula the County’s $34,734 reduction will trigger a reduction of between $9,000 and $10,000 in the city’s required funding.
** Includes the Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Clerk, and Supervisor of Elections only. (Excludes the Sheriff’s budget)
A second public hearing on the budget will be held September 23 at 5:01 p.m. in the Board Chambers on the first floor at 221 Palafox Place.
Angel Food: Get About $60 Worth Of Groceries For $30
September 10, 2010
As the cost of food continues to rise, there is a program available locally that can save more than half of the cost of groceries. And, perhaps best of all, everyone qualifies, no strings attached. It’s called Angel Food Ministries, a program that provides food relief to more than a half million families a month across the nation.
It’s a simple concept…pay $31 for a box of food worth about $60. There are no applications; everyone qualifies regardless of family status or income. The process is simple too…just stop by one of the designated local locations, pay the $30 and return on the designated pickup day to receive the box of food. They even accept food stamps. Or, the food can be ordered online at angelfoodministries.com.
This months “Signature Box” contains a variety of items — including split chicken breasts, been and cheese burritos, hamburger patties, boneless pork chops and more more. (See the complete items at the bottom of this page.)
In the North Escambia area, orders can be placed online or through Allen Memorial United Methodist Church or Pine Forest Assembly of God in Cantonment, New Life Baptist Church in Century or the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Click here for a complete list of locations in the North Escambia area.
At Allen Memorial United Methodist Church in Cantonment, orders can be placed in person on Saturday, September 11 from 10:30-11:30 or September 13-14 from 3-4 p.m. Click here for the complete Angel Food menu and ordering information from Allen Memorial or call (850) 968-6213. Allen Memorial even serves a complimentary breakfast to all guests on distribution day.
To order online for pickup at any of the North Escambia area sites, visit www.angelfoodministries.com. When ordering online, enter the code “Just4me5″ to save five percent on the Just 4 Me After School Box or enter the code “Blessed5″ to save five percent off the Bountiful Blessing Box.
Pictured: The graphic below shows the items in the “Signature Box” from Angel Food Ministries available from several local churches and organizations. Courtesy graphic for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
JV Chiefs Fall To West Florida
September 10, 2010
The junior varsity Northview Chiefs lost their season opener Thursday night to the Jaguars of West Florida High School, 44-6.
The JV Chiefs will be on the road again next Thursday at 6 p.m. against the Baker Gators. Their first home game will be September 27 against the Blue Devils of Escambia County High School of Atmore.
For a photo gallery from the game, click here.
Pictured above: Action from the JV Chiefs versus the West Florida Jags Thursday in Pensacola. NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Fischer, click to enlarge.
Driver Hits Tree At School
September 9, 2010
Two people were injured in a single vehicle accident about 10:15 this morning at the Escambia Charter School in Cantonment.
The driver of a car hit a tree next to a building at the school, which is located at the intersection of Goldenrod Road and 90 & 9 Ranch Road, just north of Old Chemstrand Road.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Teen Gets 50 Years In Prison For Murder Of Century Native
September 9, 2010
A Bay Minette teen has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the shooting death of a Century native last year.
Ellis Jarel McArthur, now 19, of Bay Minette, Ala., will serve a minimum of 25 years of the 50 year sentence in state prison under the sentenced handed down Wednesday by Judge Nickolas Geeker.
McArthur shot Jeffrey Kimbrough, 41, of Pensacola in the right eye on June 14, 2009, in the 1500 block of Gulf Beach Highway in the Warrington community in the southwest part of the county. The incident occurred at the Heritage Oaks Mobile Home Park, which had been without water for about a week due to a bill that the park owner did not pay to the Peoples Water Service.
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies said Kimbrough confronted McArthur about a stolen wallet. That is when, according to deputies, McArthur pulled out a handgun and shot Kimbrough in the right eye. Kimbrough died a short time later at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.
The shooting incident occurred not far from where members of Pensacola’s First Assembly of God Church were holding services, grilling hot dogs and giving away water to the trailer park residents. Several members of the church witnessed the shooting.
Kimbrough was born in Century and attended Century Elementary and Carver Middle school. During the time he lived in Century, Kimbrough was a member of Century Volunteer Fire Department where he obtained the rank of captain. After moving from Century, he served as a volunteer for the Pensacola Fire Department. He was employed the last five years at the Pensacola Civic Center.
He was survived by his wife of 24 years Clara Ann Nettle; children Bridgett, Leroca, Elandarge and Tamara; mother Carrie Kimbrough; four brothers and three sisters. His funeral was held at New Life Baptist Church in Century, and internment was in the Century Cemetery.