Flood Recovery: Brewton Celebrates With Christmas Parade (With Photos)
December 20, 2009
As the flood recovery process continues in Brewton and East Brewton, residents of the area took the time to celebrate Christmas Saturday with their annual parade.
The parade was scheduled to roll through the two towns on Saturday, December 12, but it was delayed by rain. Then, by Tuesday, portions of Brewton and East Brewton were underwater in a flood the state says did $5.8 million in damage in Escambia County, Ala.
But Saturday afternoon, the smiles returned to the streets of Brewton and East Brewton as the parade traveled the flood damaged streets.
Click here for more photos from the Brewton Christmas parade.
Pictured above and below: Scenes from Saturday’s Christmas parade in Brewton and East Brewton. Submitted photos by Angie Baker for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Santa Visits North Escambia Children
December 20, 2009
Santa traded in his sleigh Saturday for a big red fire truck as he visited many boys and girls in neighborhoods across North Escambia.
NorthEscambia.com was along for the ride in the Christian Home community as Santa and one of his elves visited with dozens of children, listening carefully to those last minute wish lists.
“Have you been good this year?” Santa asked the boys and girls that ran outside to meet him when they heard the sirens and Christmas music blaring from the approaching McDavid Volunteer Fire Department truck. Some said “yes”, some shyly shook their heads, and one or two seemed to avoid the all-important question.
Santa took note of all the Christmas wishes. Dolls, stuffed animals — and even musical instruments.
“One of them asked for a violin, and one of them asked for a piano,” Santa said when he returned to the fire truck from one home.
Santa, of course, knows where all of the children live, so when he came to a house where the children did not run out, Santa knocked on the door. Santa knocking on a child’s door on a Saturday morning is a guaranteed smile.
“We’ve been doing this for about 20 years,” McDavid Chief Eric Gilmore said. “The kids just love it; it’s a tradition.”
The children were not the only ones smiling — the adults were out to meet Santa too. At one house in Christian Home, Santa was greeted by a lady who came outside with homemade goodie bags for Santa, his elf and the firemen that serve the community.
Santa’s elf was prepared for four-legged visitors, good or bad. Especially bad. Santa’s elf was passing out Milk-bone biscuits for the dogs along his route.
Click here for more photos from Santa’s North Escambia visit.
Pictured above and below: Santa visits with families in the Christian Home community Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cool Tonight, Rain By Mid-Week
December 20, 2009
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
- Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 34. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 10 mph.
- Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. West wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.
Occie Phillips Road Open Again
December 20, 2009
Occie Phillips Road has reopened. Occie Phillips was closed between Highway 97A and South Pineville Road last week due to flooding at Brushy Creek. Pictured above: Occie Phillips Road last week. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
High School Basketball Scores: Tate, Jay, EA
December 20, 2009
Here is a look at recent high school basketball action from around the area:
Baker 58, Jay 36
Baker handed Jay (3-6) a loss in the final game of the year for the Royals, 58-36. Luke Rowell led the Royals with 16.
Jay — Dakota Walker 9, Luke Rowell 16, Hunter Boutwell 2, Stephen Brabham 3, Tyler Prescott 6.
Baker 19 11 11 17-58 Jay 8 7 5 16-36
Pensacola High 57, Tate 30
Tate — Chelsea Hall 8, Courtney Brown 7, Megan Burke 6, Cecila Olsen 6, Ashlee Thompson 2, Kat Tucker 1.
Tate — 8 4 10 8-30 PHS 10 14 17 15-57
Escambia Academy 40 Atmore Christian 32
Keaton Maher led the Escambia Academy Cougars over Atmore Christian, 40-32.
Escambia Academy — Keaton Maher 16, Darron McGhee 9, James White 7, Nate Smith 6, Brandon Goddard 1, Tanner Kirk 1.
Escambia Academy 21, Atmore Christian 19 (JV)
Jordan Sasser 10, Paul Arnold 4, Jacob Dean 2, Garrett Kirk 3, Eddie Agrait 2.
Don’t see your team? Submit your scores and stats! Email your results as soon as possible after the game to news@northescambia.com
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Angels Helping Others
December 19, 2009
In the children’s television show, Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree was, to put it kindly, sad. But thanks to Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends — including angels from Atmore — Christmas will be better for more than dozen area families.
It was a cold night on December 5th when, for the second night in a row, the Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA), loaded their Christmas float with candy and beads and set out intent on winning first place. On the previous night, they had succeeded in placing first in the 2009 Poarch Creek Indian Parade. Now they had their sights set on winning the top prize in the 2009 Atmore Christmas Parade.
Dressed in a multitude of layers as they set out in the bitter night air, they had no idea that they would end up warming the hearts of the less fortunate in the community. Their float was based upon “Snoopy the Musical” and included larger than life character renditions of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, Pig Pen, Schroeder, Marcie, Sally, Peppermint Patty and Linus.
They did place first in the Atmore Christmas Parade and that night, they made history. For the first time ever, a float from the Poarch Creek Indians won a total of three awards. They finished first place in both the Poarch Creek Indian and Atmore Christmas Parades plus won the Atmore Christmas Parade’s “Ahhh Award”. What made their achievement so special was not that they won the competition, but how they spent the $300 cash prize they received for winning.
The crew knew they wanted to use the money to help the community when so many families are enduring tough economic times. They drew inspiration from a line in Charlie Brown’s Christmas. In the story it was asked, “Isn’t there anyone who understands what Christmas is all about?” “Sure,” said Linus. “I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”
Their goal was to show that they understood the real meaning of Christmas. Their plan was to provide 10 Christmas dinners for local families in need. They received additional assistance from individuals from the CIEDA Board of Directors and staff, Poarch Creek Indian Government offices and some Wind Creek Casino employees, as well as the local Piggly Wiggly who offered to sell them the hams at cost.
That enabled the float crew to present a total of 13 families with Christmas dinners made up of ham, sweet potatoes, brown sugar, green beans, corn, stuffing, gravy, dessert, rolls and cranberry sauce. The donations were so extensive they were able to add a loaf of bread, jars of jelly and peanut butter, bags of oranges and apples, whipped cream, marshmallows, butter, an assortment of candies, and a blanket for each family. Included with each gift box was a Christmas card giving well wishes.
The saying goes a man cannot help another without also helping himself. The CIEDA float crew and staff understand that all too well. Donna Henry, the float crew leader stated, “So many people are hurting right now, it just feels good to help someone else.”
Pictured top and top inset: The Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority float in the Atmore Christmas parade. NorthEscambia.com photos. Pictured bottom inset: Some of the food provided for needy families. Pictured below: Float ushers Ginger Stabler, Judson Stabler, Lee Moons, Kitty Stuart, Tasha McGhee, Teresa McLaughlin, and Paula Smith. Characters (from left) Peppermint Patty – Brenda Helton, Pig Pin – Michelle White, Charlie Brown – Judge Mark Kennedy, Lucy – Amanda McGhee, Marcie – Judy McElhaney, Snoopy – Paula Miller, Schroder – Bryan Fayard, Charlie Brown – Tammy Gaffney, Linus – Curtis Hayes, Lucy – Brandi Helton and Sally on Knee – Donna Henry. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Alabama Gov. Riley Estimates $5.8 Million In Flood Damage, Tours Area
December 19, 2009
As the flood cleanup continued in Escambia County, Alabama, Gov. Bob Riley toured the hardest hit areas of Brewton Friday afternoon.
Brewton, Flomaton, Atmore and other areas of the county suffered almost $6 million in damage. Riley promised that help from his office and other state departments would be on the way by Christmas Eve. The governor also said his office would work to get federal agencies involved in the cleanup and recovery process.
“The state will do everything it can to help our citizens and our communities,” Riley said.
During his Friday visit to Escambia County, Riley visited with local and county leaders and toured the county’s emergency management agency.
Riley declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in Escambia and three other Alabama counties due to the significant rainfall and flooding. By declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorized the Alabama Emergency Management Agency to assist communities, make the appropriate assessments of damage and seek state and federal assistance for the affected areas.
Pictured top: Flooding in Flomaton Tuesday morning. Pictured inset: Alabama Gov. Bob Riley. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Almost 24,000 Out Of Work In Area; Unemployment Rates Increases
December 19, 2009
The unemployment rate continues to rise in Escambia County, up nearly a full percentage point over last month. The number of jobless was also up in Santa Rosa County and across Florida. In Escambia County, Alabama, unemployment dropped slightly. There were 23,890 total persons out of work in the three counties.
In Escambia County, unemployment data released Friday shows that 10.9 percent of the labor force was out of work in November. That’s 15,297 people, up from 10 percent, or 13,911 people in October.
There were 6,853 Santa Rosa County residents out of work last month. Santa Rosa County’s unemployment rate was 9.9 percent in November, up from 9.4 percent in October.
Escambia County, Alabama, saw an improvement, with November’s 12.5 percent unemployment rate compared to 12.7 percent in October. That decrease represents 43 people that found work.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November 2009 is 11.5 percent. This represents 1,056,000 jobless out of a labor force of 9,202,000. The unemployment rate is up 0.2 percentage point from the revised October rate of 11.3 percent, and up 4.3 percentage points from the November 2008 rate. The state’s current unemployment rate is 1.5 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate of 10.0 percent. November’s rate is the highest since May 1975 when it was 11.9 percent.
Industries losing the most jobs in Florida were construction; trade, transportation, and utilities; and professional and business services. These three industries account for more than two-thirds of the job losses in the state. Health care has been Florida’s only growth sector for most of 2009.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 10.5 percent in November, decreased from October’s rate of 10.9 percent but was above the year-ago rate of 6.2 percent.
Salvation Army Appeals For Help In Red Kettle Campaign
December 19, 2009
There are only six days remaining before Christmas, and the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is lagging behind the last two year’s figures.
“Hurricane Ida, tropical storm like weather, the changes in the economy and the drop in volunteerism has made a harsh impact on our kettle campaign,” said Major Richard Watts, commanding officer of The Salvation Army in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The Salvation Army has been providing services to the community since 1901 and hopes to raise $300,000 to support its year round programs. But Watts said less than $175,000 had been donated as of Tuesday.
The campaign started November 6 and ends Christmas Eve. The kettles staffed by volunteers and paid workers are found outside stores in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. In the North Escambia area, there is a kettle located outside the Winn Dixie store in Cantonment.
Services provided by the Salvation Army include emergency services, including rental, utility and prescription medication assistance, emergency transitional housing, and a safe environment for the youth in the community center.
Christmas Gift Bargains: Try An Area Thrift Store
December 19, 2009
If you are looking for bargains on your last minute Christmas shopping, one of the area thrift stores might just have what you need. From the We Care Economy Shops in Atmore and Flomaton, to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Century, to the Junior Humane Society Thrift Store in Cantonment, the deals await Christmas shoppers looking to save.
We Care Economy Shops, Atmore and Flomaton
The We Care Economy Shops in Flomaton and Atmore offer a wide variety of merchandise, from clothing for the entire family to housewares and furniture in their thrift shop.
“It’s good and clean merchandise at a good price,” Flomaton store manager Diane Bennett said. “Everything we sell is from donations, but we go through everything to make sure it is clean and in good shape.”
The store also sells a variety of household goods, toys, furniture and clothing. All of the items are inspected before being sold, and some items are new.
Proceeds from the store fund the We Care Program, a prison ministry program founded in 1970. The We Care Program spreads the Word of God in prisons, including Holman and Fountain in Atmore and the Century Correctional Institute.
The We Care Economy Shop in Flomaton is located on Highway 31 about a half mile from Highway 113 in a former hardware store building. The We Care Economy Shop in Atmore is located downtown at the intersection of Highway 31 and Main Street. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Century
The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store also offers a variety of merchandise at bargain prices.
The store offers a vast array of items including glassware, toasters, lamps, couches, desks and office equipment, books, movies, shoes and the complete range of clothing from infant to size 4X men’s and women’s apparel. The store also offers men’s suits, ladies formal dresses, a bridal gown, a chain saw, plus a marble counter top bathroom sink and even a stainless steel kitchen sink.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international organization with a mission to help the poor and homeless. Their thrift stores are a way of raising money to accomplish that mission.
The store is located in the former Country Bumpkin building at 7850 North Century Boulevard. The store is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. They will also be open this Monday for Christmas shoppers.
Junior Humane Society Thrift Store, Cantonment
The Junior Humane Society Thrift Store in Cantonment held their grand opening in mid-November.
The store features a variety of clothing for all ages, shoes, office furniture, kitchen supplies, books, toys, pet supplies and other items with new merchandise arriving daily. The JHS Thrift Store is open Wednesday – Friday from noon until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The store also features a wall featuring photos of dogs and cats looking for new homes through JHS.
Proceeds benefit JHS activities, such as finding homes for homeless cats and dogs, while also providing unbelievable bargains for area residents battling tough economic times.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.