Make A Little Magic: Summer Fun At The Library
June 24, 2009
It was a magical Summer Reading Program Tuesday at the Century Branch Library with magician Beau Broomall.
Broomall delighted and amazed with magic tricks galore, and he even shared a few magical secrets.
For a photo gallery from the program, click here.
On Tuesday, July 7 at noon, kids of all ages can meet Tuffy the American Quarter Horse at the Century Branch Library as he teaches teamwork and respect for others.
The free program for children of all ages will be at the Century Branch Library, 7991 North Century Boulevard. For more information, call the library at 256-6217.
Pictured above and below: Magician Beau Broomall performs at the Century Branch Library Tuesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Battery Charges Dropped Against Century Town Employee
June 23, 2009
Charges have been dropped against a Town of Century employee that reportedly left a state prisoner unattended in a store parking lot while he got into fight inside the store.
The case of Robert Allen Powell, 56, of McDavid was scheduled to be heard Monday in front of an Escambia County jury, but prosecutors dropped battery charges against him.
According to reports filed with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department, Powell allegedly got into a fight with Randall Keith Grimes, 47, of Century at the town’s Dollar General store in late January.
Powell stopped at the Dollar General in a town truck along with a prisoner from the Century Correctional Institution that was on work detail for the town, according to the ECSO report. Powell reportedly went into the store to purchase cold medication, leaving the prisoner unattended in the parking lot. Inside the store, Powell ended up in the altercation with Grimes, the report said.
Their stories differ on what happened. Powell told deputies that Grimes called him names and then punched him. Grimes said Powell called him a “retard” and a “bastard” before Powell punched him in the face. Powell told deputies the entire incident stemmed from Grimes’ involvement with his ex-wife.
The report says store surveillance video shows that Powell threw the first punch, according to the ECSO report. Powell was arrested on a battery warrant, and released on a $2,500 bond.
Powell filed for a restraining order to keep Grimes away from him, but that order was denied by Circuit Judge Kim Skievaski.
The only action the Town of Century took against Powell for leaving the prisoner unattended was a verbal reprimand, according to Mayor Freddie McCall.
The big issue for some members of the Century Town Council was not the fight, but the fact that Powell left the prisoner unattended outside the store.
McCall told the council at a February 16 meeting that the prison would give one of their own employees committing the offense a verbal or written warning the first time. The second offense would bring a written warning. The third offense would be met with three to 10 days suspension, and termination would take place on the fourth offense.
The council was reportedly advised by Matt Danheisser, their attorney, that any employment policy could not be made retroactively to apply to Powell.
“Our working rules call for a verbal reprimand, and I issued one,” McCall said at that February council meeting.
Council President Ann Brooks said that the town would address any possible future similar situations with a policy to be discussed when the town works on a policies and procedures manual.
McCall said Powell will not be able to supervise an inmate until after his court process is complete, but McCall said prison officials had stated that he would be able to supervise prisoners in the future.
McCall said the prison system would “overlook” the fact that Powell stopped to get the cold medicine, and that the prison warden did not consider it a big problem.
Hot Spot: Jay Hits 104; More 100+ Temps Today
June 23, 2009
Our early summer heat wave continues today with another heat advisory in effect for the North Escambia area. Today’s forecast high is once again 99-102 with a heat index of 103 to 108.
Highs Monday across the North Escambia area were:
- Bratt 98
- Century 102
- Cantonment 99
- Jay 104
- Molino 99
- Walnut Hill 100
The National Weather Service offers the following advice for today’s heat:
Persons planning on being outdoors for an extended time are urged to consume plenty of liquids, especially water, wear light colored and loose fitting clothing. and to take frequent breaks from the heat in an air-conditioned room. The best time to perform outdoor activities is during the early morning before 10 a.m., or during the early evening hours after 6 p.m. The intake of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages should be restricted.
Children should be watched for signs of heat exhaustion if playing outdoors, and check up on relatives and neighbors. The elderly should frequently be checked on as well. Pets should be provided plenty of fresh water and shade and be monitored frequently.
Making Rainbows: Dry Weather Irrigation Creates Colorful Masterpieces
June 23, 2009
Dry weather has forced area farmers to turn to center pivot irrigation systems to save their crops. The overhead sprinkler systems can create rainbows that can sometimes been seen for hours . The wheeled towers with the sprinklers are advanced slowly in a circular pattern around a center pivot. A nearby well provides the water supply for each irrigation system.
For more photos of the irrigation rainbows, click here.
Pictured above : A rainbow formed beneath an irrigation system in a Walnut Hill field. Pictured below: The water paints a rainbow. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Pet Hurricane Shelter Planned For Molino Park
June 23, 2009
Plans are moving forward for Escambia County’s first pet-friendly hurricane evacuation shelter to be located at Molino Park Elementary School.
While there are over 1,500 local hotel and motel rooms that will accept pets, the county determined the need for a pet-friendly shelter as a last resort for those unable to evacuate their pets elsewhere or simply will not evacuate without their pets. The domestic pets would be housed in the 3,158 square foot area of the school’s gym, about 100 feet from the man building.
The county says the gym will house between 148 to 350 pets in pet carriers or cages. The main school building, which has previously served a hurricane shelter, can house 2,200 people under the supervision of the American Red Cross.
The shelter would be for household cats and dogs only, with no other pets or animals allowed. Pet owners would be responsible for providing their own food, water, medicine and cleanup supplies.
Owners would not be allowed to shelter with their pets in the pet area, nor would pets be allowed in the people shelter area of the school.
The gym floor will be protected with plastic and mats. A contractor will be used to sanitize the school and spray for fleas before students are allowed to return.
The plan has been approved by the Escambia County School Board and must now be approved the by the Escambia County Commission.
Check Out The Magic Today At The Century Branch Library
June 23, 2009
There will be a magical way to entertain the kids and stay cool today at the Century Branch Library — with Northwest Florida’s favorite local magician.
Beau Broomall will create magic at noon today as the free summer reading program continues at the library. He will delight and amaze with magic tricks galore and share a few magical secrets.
The program for children of all ages will be at the Century Branch Library at noon, 7991 North Century Boulevard. For more information, call the library at 256-6217.
Gulf Power Offers Hot Weather Tips For Saving Money
June 23, 2009
As temperatures soar throughout Northwest Florida, Gulf Power has released handy tips for saving money on your electric bill:
Set your thermostat and leave it
During the summer, your air conditioner is the biggest user of electricity. For many homes, it accounts for more than half of the summer electric bill.
- Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and leave it there. For every degree below that setting, you’ll use 3 to 5 percent more electricity.
- Set the thermostat even higher when at work or away from home for long periods of time, but no more than five degrees higher.
- Change or clean your air conditioner filter regularly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.
- Use your ceiling fan for more comfort. Only turn it on when you’re in the room. Ceiling fans only cool people, not rooms.
- Clear outside AC units of plants or brush so they can run more efficiently.
Insulate
- Increase attic insulation, which can save up to 30 percent on cooling and heating costs.
- Insulation is measured in R-value, which is a measure of resistance to heat flow. So the higher the R-value, the better the insulation value.
- Experts recommend you use an R-value of R-30 in ceiling areas.
- Check your windows and doors for air leaks. Install weather stripping or caulking if needed.
Kitchen
- Whenever possible, cook a lot of meals at the same time. This uses less energy than when you cook each meal separately.
- If you’re baking, avoid opening the oven door. This lets out 20 percent of the heat. Use a cooking timer instead.
- Use pots and pans that match the size of the burners on your stove. This allows more heat to the pan and less heat will be lost to surrounding air.
- Try to use the range instead of the oven. Better yet, turn on the microwave or use a pressure cooker. Both use less power than a standard electric range.
Refrigerator
- Choose the right size refrigerator for your needs. Larger models use more energy. Open and close the refrigerator door quickly. Know what you want before opening the door.
- Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Check it by closing a piece of paper in the door, half in and half out. If you can pull the paper out easily, you may need to make some adjustments or replace the seal.
- Keep your food covered. Moisture buildup in the refrigerator makes the air inside harder to cool.
Dishwasher
- Run the dishwasher, dryer and the stove after the sun has gone down to avoid adding heat to your house.
- When using the dishwasher, turn off the drying cycle if you don’t need dishes right away.
- Wait until the dishwasher is full before running it. Partial loads can use just as much water and power as a full load.
- Scrape dishes before loading them into the dishwasher so you don’t have to rinse them. If they need rinsing, use cold water.
Lighting
One of the best ways to save energy is to turn off lights that aren’t in use.
- Use fluorescent lighting or CFLs when possible. They last about 10 times longer than incandescent lamps. And they can produce four times more light than standard incandescent lamps, for the same amount of energy.
- Use one large bulb instead of several small ones in areas where bright light is needed.
- Use smaller lamps in work areas, like sewing areas and computer desks, so you don’t light the entire room.
- Lighter-colored walls, drapes, blinds and upholstery reflect light. Dark colors absorb heat and require more artificial light.
Gulf Power customers can call 1-877-655-4001 or visit www.gulfpower.com for summer money-saving tips. Customers can also do their own Energy Check Up online — a 5-minute EZ Check Up or more detailed 20-minute Full Check Up is available to help identify low cost and no cost ways to make your home more energy efficient.
Fire Danger Remains High
June 22, 2009
Officials with the Florida Division of Forestry’s Blackwater Forestry Center are advising the public that great caution should be used when outdoor burning, disposing of smoking materials, or any activity which could result in accidentally starting a fire.
“Every day without rain increases the chance for a wildfire. Our drought index will go above 500 today and is the highest in the state. Extremely high temperatures make it easier for a fire to start, and even though it’s summertime, there’s still plenty of fuel, in fact, we are responding to small fires in our district almost every day now,” According to Ben Wolcott, operations administrator for the Division of Forestry. “Use extra caution if burning outdoors, or wait until we’ve had some rain.”
Florida has approximately 5,000 wildfires annually which burn an average of 100,000 acres across the state, and most occur as a result of escaped debris burning or arson.
For more information about outdoor burning rules, contact the Florida Division of Forestry at 850-957-6145 or www.fl-dof.com.
Century Convenience Store Robbed At Gunpoint; Robber Runs With Register
June 22, 2009
Authorities are looking for robbery suspect after he took the register at gunpoint from a Century convenience store Sunday night.
Deputies say the black male entered the Southern Pit Stop on North Century Boulevard about 10:25 Sunday night. He displayed a black semi-automatic handgun and ran off with the register. He was last seen running –with the cash register — across North Century Boulevard near the offices of Ann Brooks, CPA as he headed toward Jackson Street. The cash register was recovered a short time later on Zion Street.
The suspect was described as being about 5-foot six-inches tall and weighing about 130 pounds. He was wearing a red shirt and black pants or shorts. The store clerks told deputies that he had a white shirt made of a silk-like fabric, wrapped around his head to conceal his identity.
Multiple agencies including the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Department and the Flomaton Police Department responded to the call.
The officers created a perimeter around the area while tracking dogs from the Century Correctional Institution were used in an attempt to locate the suspect. As of early Monday morning, the suspect was still on the loose.
There were no injuries reported in the incident.
This was not the first time in the past year the store has been robbed. During a robbery last July, the suspect did not display a weapon.
Further details were not immediately available early Monday morning.
Pictured above: The Southern Pit Stop in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Unemployment Jumps To 10 Percent; 13,225 Without Jobs In Escambia
June 22, 2009
Florida’s unemployment rate has surpassed 10 percent for the first time in 34 years.
At 10.2 percent, Florida’s jobless rate in May was up from 9.7 percent in April and higher than the national level of 9.4 percent. The 10.2 unemployment rate represents 943,000 Florida residents out of a job. The last time the unemployment rate was higher than May 2009 was October 1975 when it was 11.0 percent.
Escambia County’s unemployment rate was up to 9.4 percent, or 13,225 people jobless. That was up from 9.1 percent in April.
In Santa Rosa County, the unemployment rate was up to 8.6 percent, or 5,919 people out of work. That was an increase from 8.2 percent in April.
The downturn started with declines in construction jobs, but has now spread to most all other major industries. Experts say Florida’s jobless rate could remain high for up to two years while employers play it safe — making sure that things really area better before hiring new workers.