Farm-City Week Recognizes Importance Of Agriculture
November 26, 2008
Before sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner, the Florida Farm Bureau would like everyone to remember that the meal they will enjoy is made possible by Farm-City partnerships.
National Farm-City Week, celebrated annually on the week leading to and ending on Thanksgiving Day, recognizes the importance of this cooperative network to the success of America’s agricultural industry.
The following was submitted by Dorthy Cunningham from the Escambia County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.
As wise steward and innovative entrepreneurs, dedicated farmers and ranchers improve our well-being by working to ensure a healthy and abundant agricultural supply. To succeed in this important enterprise, our farmers rely on essential partnerships with urban communities to supply, sell and deliver finished products across the country and around the world. National Farm-City Week recognizes the importance of this cooperative network to the success of America’s agricultural industry.
Escambia County Farm Bureau and the Women’s Committee will be recognizing the importance of the connection and partnership that exists between rural farmers and urban residents. Escambia County Farm Bureau Federation believes that events and activities of Farm-City Week will created a greater awareness of the types and sizes of farms in our area. In a county as diverse and geographically divided as Escambia County, agricultural industries are not often at the forefront of the overall population’s attention. It is the intent of the Escambia County Women’s Committee to highlight the agricultural industries that contribute to the our county’s continued economic well-being and encourage consumers to support local agriculture.
Here in Escambia County, agricultural enterprises include forestry, cotton, peanuts, wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables, livestock, and dairy. Traditional row crop and livestock production utilizes more than 30,000 acres, while 250,000 acres are used to produce timber. Together, the value of agricultural, silvicultural, and livestock was worth more than 386 million by 2007 estimates. Our farmers are known for “going green”– local producers are true stewards of our land and want to keep the environment safe for future generations to farm and enjoy. Farm-City Week is the ideal time to get the good word out about farming.
National Farm-City Week strives to increase understanding, cooperation, and relationships between rural and urban residents. As this year’s commemoration again culminates on Thanksgiving, all Americans are encouraged to thank someone who helps make it possible for you and your family to enjoy the bounty of our food supply. It’s a partnership summed up best whether you are from the farm or the city as, “Let’s eat!”
Escambia County Farm Bureau Federation represents local agricultural interests. Its mission is to implement policies that are developed by members and provide programs that will improve economic well-being an quality of life for farmers and ranchers.
For more information about Farm-City Week and local activities, please contact Dot Cunningham at (850) 587-5553. For more information about local agriculture, contact Libbie Johnson at the UF IFAS Escambia County Extension Office at (850) 475-5230.
Pictured top (L-R): Jane Breaul, Martha Carpenter and Dorothy Cunningham from the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee; and Escambia Commissioner Kevin White with the proclamation of Farm-City Week in Escambia County. Pictured middle: Escambia Grain in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com photo.
North Escambia Turkey Day
November 26, 2008
These turkeys were recently spotted by our photographer near Barrineau Park.
They were alongside South Highway 99 near Crabtree Church Road.
There’s no word on how the turkeys will be spending their Thanksgiving.
Pictured above: A couple of turkeys next to Highway 99 in Barrineau Park. Pictured below: A face only a mother could love. Pictured below middle: Showing off. Pictured bottom of page: Why did the turkey cross the road? NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Up This Year
November 26, 2008
Menu items for a classic Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the basic trimmings will cost just a bit more this year, but remain affordable, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
AFBF’s 23rd annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $44.61, a $2.35 price increase from last year’s average of $42.26.
“Throughout the year we’re fortunate to enjoy a bounty of foods produced in every state of our great nation,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “It’s especially appropriate as we gather at the Thanksgiving table to savor not only food and fellowship, but to take a moment to recognize that this blessing begins with our hard-working farm and ranch families.”
The AFBF survey shopping list includes turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and beverages of coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10.
The cost of a 16-pound turkey, at $19.09 or roughly $1.19 per pound, reflects an increase of 9 cents per pound, or a total of $1.46 per turkey compared to 2007. This is the largest contributor to the overall increase in the cost of the 2008 Thanksgiving dinner.
“Food prices rode the energy price roller coaster up during the first half of 2008, and as the year winds down, energy prices have moderated somewhat but food prices have not come down,” said Jim Sartwelle, an AFBF economist. “Despite that, the components of this classic Thanksgiving dinner cost less compared to 1988 when the effects of inflation are removed. Even at these slightly higher prices, the cost per person for this special meal remains lower than what Americans pay for most ‘value meals’ at fast-food outlets.”
Other items showing a price increase this year were: a 12-oz. package of brown-n-serve rolls, $2.20; a 12-oz. package of fresh cranberries, $2.46; a 30-oz. can of pumpkin pie mix, $2.34; two 9-inch pie shells, $2.26; a 14-oz. package of cubed bread stuffing, $2.57; a relish tray of carrots and celery, 82 cents; a half-pint of whipping cream, $1.70; a pound of green peas, $1.58; and three pounds of sweet potatoes, $3.12.
A combined group of miscellaneous items, including coffee and ingredients necessary to prepare the meal (onions, eggs, sugar, flour, evaporated milk and butter) dropped in price by 60 cents to $2.69. A gallon of whole milk dropped 10 cents to $3.78.
Sartwelle said despite recent retail price increases, American consumers have enjoyed relatively stable food costs over the years, particularly when adjusted for inflation. This year’s average cost of $44.61 is equivalent to $20.65 in 20-year inflation-adjusted dollars. The real dollar cost of the Thanksgiving dinner has declined more than 8 percent since 1988, according to Sartwelle.
The 6-percent increase in national average cost reported this year by Farm Bureau for a classic Thanksgiving dinner tracks closely with the organization’s quarterly marketbasket food surveysand the federal government’s Consumer Price Index , Sartwelle noted.
Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers are asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals, such as spending $50 and receiving a free turkey. Shoppers with an eye for bargains in all areas of the country should be able to purchase individual menu items at prices comparable to the Farm Bureau survey averages. Another option for busy families without a lot of time to cook is ready-to-eat Thanksgiving meals for up to 10 people, with all the trimmings, which are available at many supermarkets and take-out restaurants for around $50 to $75.
The AFBF survey was first conducted in 1986. While Farm Bureau does not make any statistical claims about the data, it is an informal gauge of price trends around the nation.
A total of 179 volunteer shoppers from 38 states participated in this year’s survey. Farm Bureau’s survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
Escambia Schools Start Fall Break Wednesday
November 26, 2008
Wednesday is the first day of Fall Break for Escambia County public schools student.
Students will be out of school Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for a combination Thanksgiving and Fall Break holiday. In previous years, students received a full week out of school in October as Fall Break. But due to state school board requirements, that break was replaced by the shorter break this week.
Students will return to school on December 1.
Highway 31 Accident In Alabama Injures 11 Tuesday Afternoon
November 25, 2008
Eleven people were injured in an accident on Highway 31 between Bay Minette and Perdido Tuesday afternoon.
The accident happend about 3:00. Officials say an Alabama Department of Corrections van was stopped in a utility construction area when it was rear ended by a pickup truck. That pickup had been rear ended by an SUV.
Seven prisoners in the van were injured, along with three in the truck and one in the SUV.
None of the injuries were severe.
Minor Fire In Molino
November 25, 2008
Engine 1819 from Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a mobile home in the 2500 block of Molino Road about 8:30 this morning.
Firefighters say the heating system malfunctioned causing it to smoke.
There were no injuries, and there was no major damage.
Outgoing Sheriff Ron McNesby Disposes Of $90,000 In Leftover Campaign Money
November 25, 2008
Ousted Escambia County Sheriff Ron McNesby has disposed of about $90,000 in campaign funds that were still in his account when he lost the primary to David Morgan.
Most of the money went to the Ministry Village at Olive Baptist Church. The Ministry Village, which will provide a medical clinic, shelter and more to the needy in the community, received $40,000 from McNesby’s campaign.
The outgoing Republican sheriff also donated $10,000 to the Emerald Coast Honor Flight program, $10,000 to the Sheriff’s Youth Ranch in Brandenton, Florida, and $7,000 to the Westgate Center.
After paying remaining campaign bills, McNesby had a $2,539.78 balance that he donated to the Council on Aging.
Florida law stipulates that a candidate has 90 days after their last to dispose of their campaign funds. Excess funds can be returned to contributors, donated to a charity or given to a government or political organization.
A total of $215,176.19 was donated to McNesby’s campaign.
Sheriff-elect David Morgan’s campaign received about $117,000 in donations through October 30.
Century Car Plant Backers Owe Over $65,000 In Unpaid State Taxes; Failed To Pay County Tourist Tax
November 25, 2008
The company behind Project Green Leaf that plans to bring an electric car manufacturing plant to Century owe the state of Florida more than $65 thousand in unpaid taxes. And they failed to pay Escambia County thousands in county tourist development taxes.
LHS EV, Inc, owned by Jay and Nash Patel, applied for a $2.5 million grant from the State of Florida’s Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficiency Technologies program. The application was filed with the assistance of Escambia County just a few days ago.
Monday, it was revealed that the Patels’ motel company, LHS Pensacola, Inc., owes the Florida Department of Revenue $65,747.83 in unpaid sales and use taxes on four different Florida properties. There are four pending liens on the properties that were for $21,127.28; $20,339.76; $16,794.21 and $7,486.58.
The taxes are owed on the Patel’s Travelodge Inn and Suites, Days Inn North, Ramada Inn and Howard Johnson properties on Pensacola Boulevard. LHS also owns two hotels in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
In May, Escambia County filed a $2,001.86 tax warrant against the Ramada Inn and LHS Pensacola for failing to pay county tourist development taxes. That tax lien was satisfied by the company in July. Another $1,548.63 lien for unpaid tourist taxes by LHS for their Days Inn was filed in May by Escambia County and satisfied in July. Another $2,185.15 tourist tax lien was filed by Escambia County against LHS and their Howard Johnson in May and satisfied in July.
The Patels have told county commissioners that they have a line of credit worth over $34 million, but they have not named the bank that has extended the credit.
On November 12, LHS spokesperson Art Rocker asked the Escambia Commission for $2.5 million. Last week, LHS said it did not want the cash from the county, but rather $2.5 million in grants from the state.
The company says their plant, which will assembly an electric car manufactured overseas, would provided about 250 jobs in the first year, 585 within three years and ultimately up to 1,100 jobs in five years.
It has also been revealed that Rocker has a federal tax lien of $39,168. Click here for that story.
Car Plant Spokesman Has $39,000 Federal Tax Lien
November 25, 2008
The Internal Revenue Service filed a federal tax lien of $39,168 against the spokesman for the electric car company that plans to locate in Century.
Escambia County Clerk of Courts records show the IRS filed the $39,168 federal lien against Arthur Rocker on August 25 of this year. The lien was filed by the IRS Wage and Investment Area.
A search of the Escambia County Clerk of the Courts records also shows that Beach Community Bank filed foreclosure against two Rocker owned properties in the Norwood Subdivision in May. Those properties were foreclosed upon and sold by the clerk of the court at public auction. They were repurchased by Beach Community Bank.
Rocker is the man that asked the Escambia County Commission for $2.5 million cash on November 12 on behalf of LHS EV, Inc. to build an electric car plant in Century. He later told the commission that he really just wanted assistance filing for a state grant. A $2.5 million grant application was filed by the county on LHS EV’s behalf with Florida’s Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficiency Technologies program.
The owners of LHS EV, Jay and Nash Patel, have tax problems also. They owe the state $66,270 in unpaid sales and use taxes. Click here for that story.
Local Students Cast In Upcoming ‘Chatterbox’ Movie
November 25, 2008
Two best friends, both students at Ernest Ward Middle School, were cast in an upcoming movie. Angel Mitchell and Cheyenne Godwin both had roles in the new movie “Chatterbox”.
Chatterbox is a teen movie about a 13-year old girl that wants to prove her worth to her parents by winning the talent, popularity, and community competition known as the Chatterbox competition. Along the way, lead character Chelsea cheats to win the entire competition. She learns that was the wrong thing to do, makes a public apology and gives up the Chatterbox crown.
Angel (pictured in red on the movie set) played Carlie Mitchell, a dancer and a top five finalist in the Chatterbox competition. Cheyenne (pictured in the cheerleader uniform) was cast as a cheerleader. Other locals Jessica Warner, also a student at Ernest Ward, and Jenson Warner, a student at Byrneville Elementary, had parts as extras in the movie.
“Oh I made it.” That was Angel’s big line in Chatterbox. “I sounded so Southern when I said it,” she said. “It sounded so bad.”
Cheyenne does not have any complete lines in the movie, but she’s heard in the background of a few scenes.
“You could hear me backstage cheering,” Cheyenne said. “There are a couple of spots were you see me between the main characters, but no speaking. But I loved acting in the movie.”
Both girls say the best part about being in the movie, besides their big screen appearances, was meeting new friends. The worst part? Getting called at 1:00 in the morning and being told to be in Gulf Breeze were the movie was filmed. One time, they checked out of school and went to the shooting location. They were home by 3:00 a.m., and they got a call at 4:30 a.m. to be back by 5:00.
“It was a lot of work, but it was fun,” Cheyenne said. “Sometimes the late nights were like a giant sleepover,” Angel added.
Angel, 12, and Cheyenne, 14, recently attended a private screening of the unreleased film.
“It was so weird being up on the big screen,” Angel said. “It was not like I was even looking at me.”
Release plans are in place to show Chatterbox in Indonesia, and producers hope to have a U.S. distribution in place in 2009 for the family-friendly move.
To learn more about the movie and watch a trailer, visit www.chatterbox-themovie.com.
Pictured top: Ernest Ward students Cheyenne Godwin (left) and Angel Mitchell (right) were cast in the movie “Chatterbox”. Pictured below: Angel Mitchell (far left) with cast members from the movie. Pictured bottom: Brianna Chomer (left), the star of Chatterbox, with Angel Mitchell. Submitted and NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
