Donate Now: Annual Peanut Butter Challenge Is Underway
November 2, 2021
The annual Peanut Butter Challenge is still underway in Escambia County help families in need, and along the way promote peanuts.
The Peanut Butter Challenge, UF/IFAS Extension’s annual jar collection for local food pantries, first launched in the Florida Panhandle in 2012. It has since launched statewide, giving counties the chance to compete for most jars of peanut butter donated. The challenge serves a way to feed hungry families ahead of the holidays and also promotes peanuts grown in Florida.
Unopened jars of peanut butter can be donated at the following locations through November 24:
- Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
- Escambia County Farm Bureau, 153 Highway 97, Molino
- Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 North W Street
- Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 7979 North Ninth Avenue
- Gilmore Services, 31 East Fairfield Drive
- Escambia County Administration, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor
- Pensacola City Hall, 222 West Main Street,
- Holy Spirit Catholic, 10650 Gulf Beach Highway
- Perdido Bay United Methodist Church, 13360 Innerarity Point Road,
- Pensacola Beach Visitors Information, 7 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach
“We are always impressed and touched by the communities’ grassroots support for this program,” said Libbie Johnson, agricultural agent for UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County and co-organizer of the challenge since its inception. “The peanut industry is a great contributor to our state, but this event also shows how the nutritious food it produces can help our fellow community members who may be struggling.”
In addition to the community donations, the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) have partnered with the project for years. These organizations are based in the northwest and northeast peanut-producing regions of the state and will again contribute to the totals distributed to food pantries in those regions.
In the 2020 Peanut Butter Challenge, the first year the event was conducted statewide, participating UF/IFAS Extension county offices received over 27,000 total pounds of peanut butter.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Charged With Aggravated Battery, False Imprisonment Of Pregnant Woman
November 1, 2021
A Century man is charged with the battery and false imprisonment of a pregnant woman after she tried to deliver food to him, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Tyler Gregory Qualls, 20, was charged with felony domestic violence aggravated battery when the offender knew the victim is pregnant, kidnapping false imprisonment and depriving a person the use of 911.
The victim told deputies she was taking food to Qualls at his residence when he began beating on her vehicle and climbed on the hood, according to an arrest report. She continued to say that she got out of her vehicle in an attempt to remove him from the hood, and he bit her on her finger, the report states.
Qualls also entered the vehicle “to gain control of it, taking the keys”, the report continues. When the victim called 911, he took her phone, according to deputies.
Qualls remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $3,000.
Portions of the arrest report are redacted, and the remaining portions do not detail the exact relationship between Qualls and the female.
Property Tax Collection Begins Monday. Here’s How To Get A Discount, Or Even A Payment Plan
November 1, 2021
Collection of 2021 property taxes begins Monday, there’s a way to get a discount on what you owe or even a payment plan.
According to Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford, this year’s tax rolls include 180,749 accounts totaling over $344 million. And the bills are in the mail.
There is a discount for early payments — as much as 4% for paying in November. The discount goes down by 1% each month until March with no discount. The balance is due March 31, 2022, and anything after that is late with a penalty added.
When mailed, discounts are determined by postmark of payment. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the discount period will be extended to the next business day for online payments or walk-in customers.
Help is available for those taxpayers who may need to make partial payments. If a property owner decides to make partial payments, the following information applies:
- Property owner must submit an application (found on the back of the tax bill, online at EscambiaTaxCollector.com or available at the tax collector’s office) with initial partial payment.
- Partial payments are accepted for current year taxes only between November 1 and March 31.
- No discount allowed for partial payments.
- A $10 processing fee is deducted from each partial payment.
- Partial payments are not accepted after March 31, and any remaining balance as of April 1 is delinquent and subject to all applicable penalties and fees.
Payment options include:
- online payment center at EscambiaTaxCollector.com – Pay by eCheck. There is never an extra fee.
- 24–hour drop box
- phone – call (850) 438-6500, ext. 3252
Northview FFA Horse Judging Team Receives Gold Emblem Award At Nationals
November 1, 2021
The Northview High School Horse Judging Team was recognized with a Gold Emblem Award at the 2021 National FFA Convention.
Team members include Audrey Goetter, Leia Grantham, Hannah Hassebrock and Samantha Kimmons.
Goetter, Grantham and Hassebrock placed gold as individuals, while Kimmons placed bronze.
After being named as the state champion team in April, the team competed in the virtual team activity and written exam earlier in October, and the final rounds in-person at the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The team is coached by sisters Courtney and Stephanie Solari, both Northview graduates.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bonus Photo Gallery: Tate Aggies Showband, Cheerleaders And Fans
November 1, 2021
The Tate Aggies took on Niceville Friday night.
For a bonus photo gallery with the band, cheerleaders and fans, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Photos, Scores: NWE Football
November 1, 2021
Her are NWE Football scores from Saturday:
Seniors
- NWE Garnet 24, Atmore 6
- Brewton 2 — NWE Gold 0 (forfeit)
Juniors
- NWE Garnet 24, Atmore 0
- Brewton 13, NWE Gold 6
Sophomore
- NWE Garnet 35, Atmore 0
- Brewton 13, NWE Gold 0
Freshmen
- NWE Garnet 35, Atmore 0
- NWE Gold 14, Brewton 13
In the Escambia River Conference, NWE Garnet is No. 1 for freshmen, sophomores, and seniors. NWE Garnet is No. 2 behind Andalusia in juniors.
For an action photo gallery, click or tap here.
Photos by Shawn Gomez for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
District 5 Cantonment, Farm Hill Neighborhood Cleanup Collects Over 21.5 Tons of Debris
November 1, 2021
Escambia County collected and disposed of approximately 24 tons (48,000 pounds) of debris during the District 5 Cantonment and Farm Hill Neighborhood Cleanup recently, as part of the county’s ongoing effort to help keep local neighborhoods and communities clean and safe. The event allowed residents to leave items at the curb to be disposed of free of charge by the county and partnering agencies.
The cleanup resulted in the collection of 21.58 tons of debris. That included 3.48 tons of yard waste, 700 pounds of household hazardous waste, 48 gallons of paint and 264 tires.
The county’s neighborhood cleanup program is hosted by the Escambia County Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program. Local partners include Escambia County Waste Services, Environmental Code Enforcement, Public Works, Animal Services and Road Prison, along with the City of Pensacola Sanitation Department.
Pictured: A Cantonment and Farm Hill Neighborhood Cleanup. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia’s Average Gas Price At $3.29
November 1, 2021
After moving higher for most of the month, October ended with gas prices holding steady. Last month, Florida gas prices increased a total of 27 cents over the course of two weeks. However, prices at the pump finally plateaued at around $3.31 per gallon throughout the past 12 days.
Florida gas prices averaged $3.31 per gallon on Sunday. That’s the most expensive daily average in seven years (October 2014). The state average is the same as a week ago, 25 cents more than last month, and $1.26 per gallon more than this time last year, according to AAA.
In Escambia County, the average price was $3.29. In North Escambia, a low of $3.28 could be found at several Highway 29 stations.
A Brighter Place: Street Lights Upgraded To LEDs Across Century
October 31, 2021
Century is a brighter place at night, thanks to new LED street lights.
Gulf Power replaced 261 street light fixtures across town at Century’s “request to create a safer and well-lit community”, according to Kimberly Blair, Gulf Power spokesperson. The upgrade included converting the old-style high pressure sodium lights to LED lights that illuminate the area better.
“The sodium lights spread light in all directions instead of focusing light downward, where it’s needed. The LED lights also provide 40% greater lumens – or brighter light – than the sodium lights,” Blair said.
The town is expected to save money with the switch to LED lighting.
Pictured: New LED street light fixtures illuminate North Century Boulevard near the Century Post Office Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview’s Shelby Kent Advances To Regional Cross Country Meet
October 31, 2021
Northview Cross Country participated in the 2A Region 1 District 1 meet in at West Florida High School on Saturday.
Shelby Kent, a Northview junior, qualified to advance to the 2A Region 1 meet in Jacksonville next Friday, November 5.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.