Farm Bureau: Time For Congress To Create Diverse Energy Supplies
September 23, 2008
The state’s largest general-interest agricultural associaton is calling for Congress to pass comprehensive energy legislation that will encourage creation of a more diverse domestic energy supply. As Congress returned to Washington this week, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation was pressing for a plan that will address all aspects of the nation’s energy needs.
“Farmers and ranchers in Florida and consumers across the nation are being beaten up financially by high energy costs,” said Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick. “Row crop producers are harvesting, the citrus industry is preparing to pick and our vegetable producers are looking toward the winter growing season. It is a critical time for our producers as they face escalating gasoline and diesel prices and fertilizer costs that have doubled in only two years and have been exacerbated by hurricanes. America is looking to Congress for leadership.”
Hoblick said consumers can expect higher costs due to increased shipping costs, and members of Congress can expect to hear from the public as well as from agricultural producers.
“What is needed,” Hoblick said, “is for Congress to develop a bipartisan, comprehensive national energy policy that focuses on energy independence while diversifying the sources of the nation’s energy supply.” Strategies, he said, should include tapping domestic oil and natural gas supplies as well as concentrating on development of renewable energy sources including ethanol, biodiesel, biomass, wind and solar.
Congressional action now will help assure consumers that fuel prices will not whip-saw in the future while stabilizing costs agricultural producers pay to plant, fertilize and ship their products. Florida, as the nation’s winter salad bowl and a major tourist destination, is especially vulnerable to increased energy costs.
The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general-interest agricultural association with about 140,000 member-families statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, the Federation is an independent, nonprofit agricultural organization.
Local Rotary Making A Difference In The Tri-Cities And The World
September 22, 2008
The Tri-Cities Rotary Club is looking for a few good members to join the club in making the tri-cities and the world a better place to live, even if it means buying a water buffalo or two.
The local Rotary Club, which includes Flomaton, Century and Jay, is involved in a long list of community projects, according to Bo Brantley, club president.
Locally, the club provides scholarships, Thanksgiving meals, Christmas meals, Christmas presents for needy children, support for the humane society, locator bracelets for alzheimer’s patients, dictionaries for elementary students and more.
The Tri-Cities Rotary recently sponsored “the biggest thing to hit Escambia County since Ivan,” Brantley said. That event was a “Bull Riding Blowout” in late August in Flomaton. The family friendly event feature bull riding, country music, food and more. “We worked hard, raised a little money. But, best of all, we brought some family friendly entertainment to the area, and everyone had a good time.”
The local Rotary Club has even had a hand in buying water buffaloes for little girls in third world countries.
“Sometimes the craziest ideas get the best results,” Leon Hirsh from the Pensacola North Rotary Club told local members. “A young girl with a water buffalo gains status in her world in is allowed to go to school to learn to ready. Without the water buffalo provided by Rotary, she would never have the chance to attend school or learn to read.”
Studies have found that the one girl that learns to read will learn to teach as many as five others how to read, Hirsh said, increasing the literacy rate in countries like India.
The 12 Rotary clubs that make up the Combined Rotary of Pensacola, were among the the first in the world to raise funds for water buffaloes. The group, which includes the local Tri-Cities Rotary Club, raised enough money to buy 50 water buffaloes. With a matching grant from the national Rotary organization, 100 water buffaloes were purchased to increase literacy.
The local club is also supports Rotary’s PolioPlus program.. The program works worldwide with one goal — eliminate all polio from the world. Vaccines are purchased for poor children around the globe, with the program having made dramatic progress against the disease around the world. Polio now basically limited to just four countries across the globe.
“That’s a wonderful example of how a club like the Tri-Cities Rotary Club can make a worldwide impact,” said John Tice from the Pensacola North Rotary Club. “This club, especially for its size, does a remarkable job.”
Sometimes the club’s efforts pay off in a more personal way.
Just before Christmas a few years ago, Brantley delivered a check to a local woman to buy Christmas gifts for her children and food for the holidays.
“We sat in the swing outside,” he said. “She cried. I cried. This club can having an amazing impact on the people in our community.”
Everything a Rotarian does is suppose to pass the “Four Way Test”:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendship?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
The Tri-Cities Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon upstairs at the Escambia County Bank in Flomaton.
You can learn more about the basics of Rotary by clicking here. (700k pdf file)
Rotarians from around the world, including those in the Tri-Cities Rotary Club, partner for PolioPlus to rid the world of the diseases. Pictured above, a child in Moradabad, India, receives the polio vaccine from a Rotary Club member. Courtesy photo.
Northview’s Head Coach Recognized For Exceptional Sportsmanship
September 22, 2008
Northview High School and Cody Keene, head football coach, have been recognized by the Florida High School Athletic Association for Exceptional Sportsmanship.
Exceptional Sportsmanship reports are submitted to the FHSAA for acts that go “beyond orginary expectations”.
“I had the pleasure of officiating a game on Friday (9/12/08) that was on of the most enjoyable experiences of my 30 year offication career in high school sports,” wrote Bruce M. Breegle who served as the head linesman referee at Northview’s game at Chipley just over a week ago. Breegle said that Keene repeatedly referred to him as “sir” and was polite, much unlike many other high school head coaches.
“He was never critical or demeaning and always pleasant,” Breegle wrote. “This would be my pick for a sportmanship award for the year!”
Pictured above: Northview Head Coach Cody Keene at Friday night’s game at home against Walton. Pictured below the entire Florida High School Athletic Association Exceptional Sportsmanship narrative.
Two Adults Injured In Enon Crash; Baby Uninjured
September 22, 2008
Two people were injured in a one vehicle accident Sunday morning near Enon.
The accident happened just after 9:00 a.m. in a 90 degree curve on Highway 97A near Waters Ferry Road. The driver of a Chevrolet Z71 pickup failed to make the curve and hit a concrete ditch. The driver and a passenger were transported to the hospital by Atmore Ambulance. Their injuries were not life-threatening.
A baby in the vehicle was not injured. The baby was restrained in a carseat.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Atmore Ambulance and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the accident.
Pictured above and below: Two people were injured in this one vehicle accident Sunday morning near Enon. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Weekend Sports In Pictures: Northview, Flomaton And NWE
September 22, 2008
NorthEscambia.com had complete sports photo coverage this weekend from Northview High School, Flomaton High School and Northwest Escambia football.
Click here for for coverage from Northview versus Walton High.
Click here for coverage from Flomaton versus Leroy.
Click here for coverage from NWE versus Gulf Breeze.
Click here for video from Northview versus Walton.
County Meeting Tonight To Discuss Fire Unification Plan
September 22, 2008
Escambia County will hold a special meeting with fire-rescue staff and the volunteer fire chiefs to finalize the county’s fire department unification plan.
The Escambia County Commission was set to approve the unification plan at their meeting last Thursday, but they decided to delay the vote for at least a week.
Fire Chief Kenny Perkins says the extra week will give him the time needed to line up the support of all 15 volunteer chiefs and iron out differences over what to do about volunteer officers that do not meet minimum standards for their positions under the plan.
The meeting with the firemen and their chiefs will be held at the Bureau of Public Safety, 6575 North “W” Street tonight at 6:30.
The commission has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday to adopt the fire unification plan.
Click here to read the entire unification plan as it currently stands. (63 pages, 3.73 Mb pdf)
Click the following links to read recent NorthEscambia.com articles about the fire unification plan.
- Commission Expresses Concern Over Fire Dept. Unification Plans
- County Leaders Talk Fire Unification Plan With Local Volunteer Firefighters
- Top County Leaders Explain Local Impact Of Volunteer Fire Dept. Consolidation
Second Escambia West Nile Case
September 22, 2008
A second person in Escambia County has been confirmed to have the West Nile virus, according to the county’s health department.
The Escambia County Health Department issued a Health Alert for West Nile virus earlier this month following the report of the first adult case of West Nile Virus since 2006. Residents and visitors are urged to take the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The health department says residents in North Escambia should follow the “5 D’s of Prevention”:
The 5 D’s of Prevention
• Dusk and Dawn: Do not go outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood during the
twilight hours of dusk and at dawn.
• Dress: Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
• DEET: When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing
DEET are recommended. Check labels before using a product on infants and children. If
an infant is too young to wear repellent and must be outdoors, a parent should place
mosquito netting over the infant’s carrier. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other
repellent options for individuals who cannot wear DEET.
• Drainage: Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where
mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Elimination of breeding sites is one of the keys to
prevention.
• Screens: Make sure window and door screens are in good condition, without any tears
or holes that allow mosquitoes to enter your home. Place screens on open windows.
Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
• Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
• Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.
• Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
• Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
• Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
• Pump out bilges on boats.
• Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.
• Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.
What is West Nile Virus?
• West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness – about one in 150 people infected with
WNV will develop severe illness.
• The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor,
disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness
and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may
be permanent.
• Mild Symptoms in Some: Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have
symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes
swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last
for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several
weeks.
• No Symptoms in Most People: Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5)
who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
NWE Shuts Out Gulf Breeze In 2 Of 3 Saturday Games
September 21, 2008
The Northwest Escambia Football League hosted Gulf Breeze Saturday, with two of three NWE Eagle teams shutting out the Dolphins.
The NWE Mini Mites started the games off by falling to the Dolphins with a loss of 30-0. Chase Gifford and Hunter Edwards made several tackles which slowed the advancement of a seemingly unstoppable Dolphin team. This primarily rookie team kept their spirits high with the experience of this loss preparing them for East Milton next week.
On the flip side, the NWE Mites obtained their first regular season victory with an incredible 42-0 shut out against the Dolphin team. Chasen Freeman took control of the game in the first play by running for an exhilarating 40 plus yard touchdown on the opening kickoff for the Eagles. With such an exciting start, the Eagles kept the momentum going by maintaining a flawless defense and an invincible offense. This win is exactly what the Mites needed to catapult them into a winning season.
The NWE Midgets following suit a Dolphin defeat. This was the second win of the season for the Midget Eagles. The Eagle defense shut the Dolphins down by keeping them off the scoreboard. The final score was Eagles 40, Dolphins 0.
All three teams play again at the Ernest Ward Middle School Field next Saturday at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon against the East Milton Jaguars.
Submitted story.
For a complete photo gallery with pictures from all three games, click here.
Pictured above and below: NWE versus Gulf Breeze Saturday at Ernest Ward Field. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rabid Fox Found
September 21, 2008
A rabid fox was found recently in the Gonzalez area of Escambia County, according to the Escambia County Health Department.. Individuals or their pets who have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal should contact the health department at 595-6700.
Rabies is fatal to humans and pets. It can be transmitted to humans through a wild animal’s saliva from a bite or a minor scratch. Residents are reminded not to interact with wild animals.
To Avoid Rabies from Wild Animals
- The best way to avoid exposure to rabies is to avoid contact with wild animals. Do not keep wild animals as pets.
- Keep wild animals such as foxes and raccoons out of the house and yard – do not place feeders in the yard.
- Protect pets by vaccinating them for rabies and keep their shots up-to-date.
- Unsupervised outdoor pets are at risk for exposure to rabies through contact with wild animals.
To Keep Wild Animals Off Your Property
- Eliminate artificial feeding sources – bring in pet food at night, secure trash cans with fasteners or enclose them in lockable bins.
- Make sure bird feeders are not accessible to wild animals; most squirrel-proof coverings also deter wild animals.
About Rabies
Rabies is a disease that affects the central nervous system. The rabies virus is carried in the saliva of infected animals and is usually transmitted to people and other animals when they are bitten or scratched by the rabid animal. Rabies is fatal to humans and animals.
Report all Animal Bites
Immediately seek medical attention and report the bite to the Escambia County Health Department at 595-6700 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or 418-5566 after hours and on weekends. Wild animals may have rabies and can carry rabies without showing any signs of the disease.
If You See a Suspicious Wild Animal
If you see a suspicious wild animal in your yard or neighborhood, contact a private pest control service. County Animal Control no longer responds to wild animal calls.
Photo Gallery Flomaton Vs. Leroy
September 21, 2008
Flomaton traveled to Leroy Friday night to take on the Leroy Bulldogs.
Both teams were unbeaten going into the game. Leroy scored very early in the first quarter and would hold on the lead throughout the game. The final was Leroy 48, Flomaton 12. The Hurricanes are now 3-1 overall. Next week will be homecoming for Flomaton with a game against Central Hayneville.
Flomaton star Tony Ellis was held to just 58 yards on 24 carries Friday night.
Ellis came into the contest at Leroy averaging 212 yards per game. The top ranked Bears extended their regular season winning streak to 14 games.
Submitted story.
For more photos from the game, click here.
For even more photos, visit www.mikenewtonphotography.zenfolio.com.
Pictured above and below: The Flomaton Hurricanes lost to Leroy Friday night. Submitted photos by Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
