See Acres Of Christmas Lights, Hayride, Goats In Pajamas At Run-a-muck Ranch In Bratt
December 16, 2022
The Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt has tens of thousands of Christmas lights, and you are invited to stop by and see them for free. And see the goats in pajamas.
Skip and Kristy Geiser opened the Christmas display two years ago, and it’s even bigger this year.
For a photo gallery, click here.
On our recent visit, children were running and giggling, stopping to stare in awe at the displays. A fire crackled in a fire pit, making it smell like Christmas as marshmallows roasted for s’mores.
The horses were a favorite stop, but there were more “oohs and awes” over the goats in pajamas — Princess, Black Beauty and friends.
Nestled on three or four acres in the woods off Rigby Road, the display is walk-through (not a drive-through). Admission and parking are free, but donations are accepted.
Visitors walk a short distance from the parking lot down a lighted path and cross a small foot bridge into the Christmas wonderland. If it’s rained recently, remember appropriate footwear because it may be muddy. It’s in an open, park-like setting with lots of lights, inflatables, animated display and an old-fashioned hayride down a lighted trail.
Concessions are available — hot cocoa, popcorn, cotton candy, hot tea, bottled water and more are mostly $1 each. A S’mores kit will set you back just $3. Only cash is accepted. There are picnic tables and lounge chairs, and propane patio heaters if it’s cold.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Run-a-muck Ranch is located at 4951 Rigby Road in Bratt (about 1.5 miles from Bratt Elementary). Take Still Road south off West Highway 4 turn left on Rigby Road and look for the signs. Don’t expect to see a lot of lights from the road; it’s a driveway back to the parking lot. (We found that Google Maps was a bit off on the location; click here for a map to the driveway.)
Weather permitting, the lights festival will be open Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 22-24, from 5:30 until 9 p.m. The gate closes at 8:30 p.m., and the last hayride is at 8:15 p.m. each night.
Pictured: A recent night at the Christmas lights festival at Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bonus Gallery: Northview Tribal Beat Band
December 16, 2022
For a bonus photo gallery of the Northview Tribal Beat band’s performance last Saturday night, click or tap here.
The Tribal Beat performed during halftime of the 1R state championship game between Northview and Hawthorne in Tallahassee.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Info: Beulah Christmas Parade, Flomaton Movie; Santa With Atmore And Century Fire Depts.
December 16, 2022
From the Beulah Christmas Parade, to Santa on fire trucks, to The Polar Express, here are several events coming up in the North Escambia area:
Flomaton, December 16
The Flomaton police and fire departments will host a movie night on Friday, December 16.
The Polar Express will be screened on a big screen at 6 p.m. at the stage area next to the post office. There will also be hot dogs, drinks, hot cocoa — all free.
Santa will be there from 6-7 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.
A Flomaton Police Department cruiser will be there as the department collects toys for local children in their “Fill The Cruiser” toy drive.
Beulah Christmas Parade
The 2022 Beulah Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 17 at Windy Hill Baptist Church.
The Beulah Volunteer Fire Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and more will join floats, special vehicles and Santa Claus for the parade.
For a parade route map, click here. The parade will travel from Windy Hill Baptist Church, down Rebel Road, left on Nine Mile, right on Beulah Road, left on Helms, right on Woodside, through Woodside Estates, left on Mobile Highway to Nine Mile, to Vintage Creek, Tower Ridge back to Nine Mile, back on Rebel Road to Windy Hill Baptist.
Atmore. December 19-20, 21-22
Santa will travel Atmore on a fire truck nightly from 5-8 p.m. over four days.
Santa and the firetruck will be in the southwest quadrant on December 19, the southeast section on December 20, the northeast quadrant on December 22 and the northwest section on December 23.
The quadrants are the four sections of Atmore extending from the Main Street and Highway 31 intersection downtown.
Century and Byrneville, December 24
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will take a trip through Century and Byrneville on Christmas Eve morning with the Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue.
For a detailed map of the route, click or tap here.
Along the way, Santa will make stops at the Byrneville Community Center and the vacant lot by Napa Auto Parts on North Century Boulevard.
Pictured: The 2021 Beulah Christmas Parade. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECSO Warns About Scam Calls That Appear To Be From Investigators
December 16, 2022
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is once again warning the public about another warrant scam.
The scammer is calling from what appears to be an ECSO phone number, using ECSO investigators’ names, and asking for personal information. Multiple citizens have reported receiving the calls.
The sheriff’s office wants you to call them at (850) 436-9620 if you have a question about a call that appears to be from them. Do not send any money or provide your personal or financial information to the scam callers.
Cantonment Woman Charged With Elder Abuse For Leaving Man, 70, On The Floor For Two Days
December 15, 2022
A Cantonment woman is accused of leaving a helpless elderly man on the floor with no food or water for two days.
Niquita Lashon Potter, 36, was charged with abuse of an elderly or disabled adult without great bodily harm.
The 70-year old victim was found on the floor of his home after a concerned man went to his home after he did not attend church on Sunday. Deputies determined that the victim had accidently fallen out of his mechanical chair after pressing the wrong button last Friday.
Potter, who lives in the same home, saw that man had fallen and told him to “get up”, according to an arrest report. She then walked away despite his pleas for help.
The victim told deputies that he had been on the floor from Friday to Sunday without food or water, even though Potter was at the home.
Potter remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning with bond set at $200,000.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
December 15, 2022
Jim Allen Elementary School has named their Students of the Month for November. They are Karli Smith and Zyron Williams. Photo for Northescambia.com, click to enlarge.
Natural Gas First Responder Training Course Offered In Century
December 15, 2022
The Town of Century is opening a natural gas first responder training course to area first responders and other interested individuals.
Century will host Florida Gas Transmission’s First Responder Training on Tuesday, December 20 at 10 a.m. at town hall.
The training is open to fire, EMS, law enforcement and other first responders; public works departments; public officials; and other interested parties. The course is a presentation, not hands-on.
There is no charge to attend, and light refreshments will be provided.
Molino Man Claims $1 Million Scratch-off Lottery Prize
December 15, 2022
A Molino man has claimed a $1 million scratch off lottery prize.
Scottie Grant, 58, claimed his million at the Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $820,000.00.
Grant purchased his winning ticket from Lucky Penny, located at 2900 West Jackson Street in Pensacola. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket.
The $50 game, 500X THE CASH, features a top prize of $25 million.
Escambia County Extends Deadline For Children’s Services Council Applicants
December 15, 2022
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners has extended the deadline for applications from county residents to serve on the Children’s Services Council (CSC).
The new deadline to apply is December 29, 2022, by 5 p.m.
In November 2020, 61% of participating voters in Escambia County supported the creation of the Children Services Council to be funded by an increase in ad valorem taxes of up to a maximum of 0.5 mil. The Children’s Trust of Escambia County will provide early childhood education, safety, developmental, preventative, health, and well-being services, including after school and summer enrichment programs.
The CSC is responsible for assessing the needs of the children in the county and developing a strategic plan for addressing unmet needs, which must then be submitted to the Board. The CSC, like the county, must also go through the process of adopting a millage rate and budget in accordance with Florida’s Truth In Millage (TRIM) Act, and the CSC must submit an annual report to the Board as required by Florida law.
Applications are available online at MyEscambia.com or in person at the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, located at 221 Palafox Place, 4th floor. The application consists of several parts: an Escambia County CSC application, a questionnaire for Gubernatorial Appointments and an optional resume. Both applications must be completed and submitted together to be considered for an appointment.
Resumes and both applications may also be submitted via email to boardapply@myescambia.com or by mail to:
Jose Gochez, Program Coordinator
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
P.O. Box 1591
Pensacola, FL 3250
To be considered for the CSC, Florida Statute criteria include the requirement that nominees have been residents of Escambia County for the previous 24-month period and are willing to submit an annual Statement of Financial Interests Form. Florida Statutes also require that gubernatorial appointments are representative of the demographic diversity of the county’s population.
The Board of County Commissioners will nominate six applicants to be submitted to the Governor for review and potential appointment. Following the Board’s selection, the County Administrator will then send a letter to the Governor and the Governor’s Appointments Office with the list of six nominees to be considered for appointment to the CSC. All of candidates will be notified of their nomination. In accordance with Florida Statutes, the Governor then has 45 days to make a selection or request a new list of candidates.
Cantonment Man Facing Drug Charges After Reportedly Passing Out In His Truck At Thrift Store
December 14, 2022
A Cantonment man was arrested on drug charges after deputies received a report that he was passed out in his vehicle at a thrift store.
Jeremiah Lee Hunter, 35, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (methamphetamine), and possession of marijuana less than 20 grams.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Teen Challenge Super Thrift Store on Nine Mile Road just before midnight Monday after receiving a report of a male passed out behind the wheel of a white pickup truck. Deputies looked inside the truck and saw a large cloud of smoke and pipe.
Hunter woke up when a deputy knocked on the truck’s passenger window, according to an arrest report. The deputy noted in his report that there was a strong odor or marijuana when Hunter opened the driver’s door.
Inside the truck, the ECSO said they found 18 grams of marijuana and a white crystal-like substance which tested positive for methamphetamine.
Hunter claimed to have a current medical marijuana card, but the card in his possession expired in August 2021, the report states.
Hunter remained in the Escambia County Jail Wednesday morning with bond set at $7,000.