Christmas Parades Today In Molino, Flomaton, Atmore
December 5, 2009
It’s the perfect day for a Christmas parade, and there will be three in the North Escambia area today.
The Atmore Christmas Parade will be held at 5:00 p.m. Flomaton and Molino held their annual parades earlier today. We’ll have complete photo galleries from both parades Sunday morning on NorthEscambia.com.
Here is complete information about today’s parades, as well as area parades planned for next weekend in Chumuckla, Pensacola and Brewton:
Atmore Christmas Parade, Saturday, 5 p.m. Atmore’s 2009 Twilight Christmas Parade “A Broadway Christmas” will begin at 5:00 Saturday evening and travel from City Hall through downtown along Main Street to Lindberg Avenue, ending at Escambia County High School.
Bands from Northview, Escambia County, Flomaton and J.U. Blacksher high schools will be joined by floats, the Abba Shriners, Santa Claus and more for the annual event. Floats will be based upon Broadway shows and musicals.
Brewton Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 12, 2 p.m.
The Brewton Christmas Parade will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 12. Santa will visit with children at the Brewton City Park following the parade. The parade will begin in East Brewton, travel over the Mildred Street bridge to St. Jospeh Street to Belleville Avenue. For more information, contact the Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce at (251) 867-3224.
Pensacola Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 12, 5:15 p.m.
The Pensacola Christmas Parade will wind through the streets of downtown Pensacola on Saturday, December 12 beginning at 5:15 p.m. The parade will feature over 50 floats with unique holiday themes. The annual event, which draws over 50,000 people each year, will showcase bands from each high school in the county, the Blue Angels flight team and Santa Claus. The parade will be broadcast live on WKRG TV 5.
Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade, Sunday, December 13, 2 p.m.
The Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade will be Sunday, December 13 at 2 p.m. at Chumuckla Crossroads. The Redneck parade is a project of the Chumuckla Athletic Association to help needy families with Christmas. Last year, the association sponsored nearly 50 children and families. This year, people are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy to put on the Caring at Christmas float in the parade. All donations help local children. For more information, click here.
Four Fires In Escambia In Two Days; One Leads To Child Abuse Arrest
December 5, 2009
Escambia County has had four residential fires in just two days, replacing four green bulbs with four red bulbs in the “Keep the Wreath Green” holiday safety campaign. One of the Friday fires resulted in a Pensacola woman being arrested for aggravated child abuse.
At 9:10 Friday morning, a fire was reported in the 700 block of Truman Avenue at Oakwood Terrace Apartments. When Ladder 12 from the Osceola Fire Station arrived on scene, they found smoke coming from an apartment on the second floor of the complex. At 9:25 a.m. the fire was reported out, with major damage to one bedroom in just one apartment and smoke damage to the rest of that unit.
A six month old child suffered minor burns after being left alone in the apartment. Officials with the fire department told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that power had been disconnected to the apartment on Thursday. According to the officials, several candles were used to illuminate a back bedroom when one fell from a windowsill onto the bed starting the fire. A six month old infant was lying on the bed and suffered burns to her scalp before being removed from the bed by an unidentified relative.
The infants mother, identified as Caroline Bramlet, 21, told firefighters that she had left the infant there while she was outside speaking to neighbors, according to Chris Welborn, spokesperson for the sheriff’s department.
The infant was transported to a local hospital by ambulance and treated for her injuries. Firefighters also located drug paraphernalia in the apartment and turned that evidence over to deputies. The Florida Department of Children and Families was contacted and took custody of the infant.
Bramlet was then arrested for aggravated child abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia. Upon taking her into custody deputies found marijuana on her person which resulted in the additional charge of possession of marijuana, less than 20 grams, Welborn said. Early Saturday morning, Bramlet remained in the jail on $2,000 bond.
An infant in the apartment received minor injuries and was transported by Escambia County Emergency Medical Services to Sacred Heart Hospital.
Three Other Escambia Fires
At 10:13 Friday morning, a fire was reported in the 900 block of Artesian Avenue. When Engine 3 from Brent Fire Station arrived on scene, they found heavy fire coming from two windows at the rear of the house. At 10:26 a.m. the fire was under control. There was major damage to one room and moderate damage throughout the rest of the house. There were no injuries reported as the house was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
At 11:44 Thursday night, a fire was reported in the 300 block of Vera Street. When firefighters from Ensley Fire Station arrived on scene, they found a working fire in a two-story house. At 12:19 a.m. the fire was out, with major damage to approximately half of the house and smoke and heat damage to the rest. There were no injuries reported.At 12:05 Thursday afternoon, a fire was reported in the 4900 block of Ravenswood Avenue. At 12:07 p.m., Engine 17 from West Pensacola arrived on scene and found a heavy fire on one side of the house. At 12:37 p.m. the fire was reported out, with major damage to half of the house and smoke damage to the rest. There were no injuries reported as the house was unoccupied at the time of the fire, but three adults and three children live in the home. The fire was caused by an electrical space heater that was left unattended too close to combustible materials.
Escambia County Fire-Rescue and the City of Pensacola Fire Department will continue the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign throughout the holiday season. This year, the fifth year of the campaign, five-foot wreaths will be on display at 22 different locations throughout the holiday season. These sites are the Old Escambia County Courthouse on Palafox Place, the Public Safety Building on W Street, all 18 primary county fire stations, and two fire stations within the City of Pensacola. Every time firefighters respond to a residential fire a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by holiday decorations.
Photos: Byrneville Elementary Holds Annual Christmas Carnival
December 5, 2009
Byrneville Elementary School held its Christmas Carnival Friday night at the school.
The annual event, sponsored by the school’s P.T.O., featured a special guest from the North Pole. Santa Claus was on hand for photos and Christmas wish lists.
The carnival also included a host of games, including a ring toss, cake walk, football toss and more. The evening’s festivities ended with a gift basket auction, with proceeds going to the P.T.O.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the Byrneville Elementary Christmas Carnival, click here.
Pictured above: Hailey Smith (left), 4, presented her written Christmas wish list to Santa Claus Friday night at Byrneville Elementary School. Her sister, Ciara Smith, 7, looks on as Santa reads the list. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Tate Band Performing In Disney Christmas Parade Today For ABC TV
December 5, 2009
Today is like Christmas for the members of the Tate High School Showband of the South. Band members are at Disney World, for a performance in the 2009 Disney Christmas Day Parade that will be nationally televised Christmas morning on the ABC television network.
The Tate band traveled to Orlando Thursday for the parade that is being filmed today in Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park for the Christmas morning showing. The band will also get to participate in opening scenes for the parade.
Each year, Disney invites bands to apply for the chance to appear in the nationally televised parade. Tate Band Director Joe Hooten submitted an application back in January based upon the band’s 37 years of superior rates, their 2008 appearance in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland as well as video footage and pictures from local events.
The Tate High School Showband of the South was the only band in the nation selected to perform at the 2009 Disney Christmas Day Parade.
While at Disney, the Tate band members also participated in an educational behind the scenes clinic with cast members from Cirque du Soleil.
Pictured above and below: The Tate High School Showband of the South previews their Christmas music planned for the Disney Christmas Parade. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Pharmacy Holding Annual Open House Today
December 5, 2009
Century Pharmacy will hold its 11th Annual Open House today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Santa Claus will arrive at 11 to visit with the children, and he’ll be available for photographs from 11-2.
Fresh, hot, French Market Beignets (a French doughnut coated with powdered sugar), warm cookies, and coffee will be served free to all visitors from 8-2. The Beignets and coffee alone are worth the trip to Century Pharmacy on Mayo Strett in the Historic District of Century, according to Pharmacist Julie Boothe-Moran.
There will be numerous drawings and prizes, including a “Discount Tree” giving 5-25 percent off of the most expensive item purchased, drawings for free gift certificates, a drawing for a giant stuffed bear, and a drawing for a $100 shopping spree at Century Pharmacy.
This year, there will be a special drawing for the kids. Two kid’s 20-inch bicycles (one boy’s and one girl’s) will be given to two lucky kids who visit with Santa Claus.
There will be a live remote on WPFL 105.1 radio during the day.
Century Pharmacy is located at 7531 Mayo Street, across from the former county health department building in the Century Historic District, one block north of Front Street.
Pictured above: The 2008 Century Pharmacy Christmas staff photo. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Updated: A Little Snow For North Escambia?
December 4, 2009
There’s a slight chance we’ll see some snow in the North Escambia area Friday night into Saturday morning. If you are willing to travel a few miles north or northwest, you might get to see a few inches of the white stuff on the ground.
We’ll start will rain Friday night, but forecasters say that it could become mixed with sleet or snow by morning in the North Escambia area. The further north you are in North Escambia, the better your chances of seeing a little white stuff. But don’t expect it to stick to anything; forecasters are calling for any snow that falls in our area to melt as soon as it hits the ground.
If the forecasters are wrong a little bit and you do get snow on the ground, email us pictures to news@northescambia.com so we can share them.
But 1-3 inches of snow is being forecast by Saturday morning in a line west and northwest of I-65. A winter storm advisory has been issued as close to North Escambia as north Baldwin County. The map above shows the winter storm watch.
Forecasters caution that any shift in a cold front or an approaching low pressure could greatly alter their forecast. We’ll keep you updated on NorthEscambia.com with the latest on our chances for seeing a few snowflakes.
Here is your official National Weather Service forecast for North Escambia:
- Tonight…Chance of rain early in the evening…then rain likely late in the evening. Rain…possibly mixed with snow after midnight. No snow accumulation. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
- Saturday…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph.
- Saturday Night…Colder…clear. Lows in the mid 20s. North winds around 5 mph.
- Sunday…Sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. East winds around 5 mph.
- Sunday Night…Not as cool. Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Lows around 40. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
- Monday…Warmer…cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
- Monday Night…Cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Lows 48 to 53. Chance of rain 20 percent.
- Tuesday…Cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
- Tuesday Night…Cloudy. Chance of rain. Near steady temperature around 60. Chance of rain 50 percent.
- Wednesday…Partly sunny. Chance of rain. Highs around 70. Chance of rain 50 percent.
- Wednesday Night…Colder. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Lows in the lower 40s. Chance of rain 20 percent.
- Thursday…Sunny. Slight chance of rain. Highs in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 20 percent.
A Christmas Wish: A Cure For Olivia
December 4, 2009
The Bush family’s Christmas wish is simple — a cure for Olivia.
Olivia Bush’s story started July 22, 2003, almost four months before there should have been a first chapter in her life. Born at just 22 weeks, she weighed only one pound six ounces. She stayed in the NICU three and half months, defying doctors and coming home two weeks before her due date. Olivia is the second youngest baby to ever survive at Sacred Heart Hospital.
The current-day chapter Olivia’s story is perhaps best told by her mother, Amber Bush:
“Olivia is now 6 years old. She is blind and can only see light with her left eye. She has a shunt to drain fluid off of her brain, and has frequent seizures.
“Our little miracle girl started first grade this year and loves to go to school. She is spoiled rotten by everyone she meets and has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. She loves to rock and spin and everything needs to be fast. Roller coasters, throw up rides, and bumps are her friends. Olivia doesn’t meet a stranger. She has the greatest smile and laugh and always brightens our day. She is such an inspiration to everyone she meets, and she has come such a long way. Her favorite song is the BIBLE and she tells everyone to sing it to her.
“After enduring the NICU, she came home on oxygen and a heart monitor, and doctor after doctor. Then started the therapy. She is still in physical, occupational, speech, vision, and mobility therapy.”
Now, Olivia is heading to Miami Children’s Hospital. She will she the same doctor that cured the seizures of her cousin, Northview High student Nathan Therrell. NorthEscambia.com introduced our readers to Nate in November of 2008 when he was on the sidelines as Northview’s waterboy. After undergoing surgery at Miami Children’s Hospital, Nathan played in Northview’s Garnet and Gold Game in May of 2009, void of seizures. (Read about Nathan here.)
Olivia will be in Miami Children’s Hospital December 14-16 for a battery of tests that her parents hope will end with a successful treatment plan. It’s their Christmas wish.
“Pray for guidance in this matter and that the seizures will subside,” mom Amber said. “Please pray for Olivia. She has come such a long way, and we are so thankful. God has truly blessed us with a living angel and we are very grateful.”
A successful benefit car wash for Olivia Bush was held in Century on Saturday, December 5.
Pictured top: Tad, Olivia, Simon and Amber Bush. Pictured top inset: Olivia was just one pound six ounces when she was born at 22 weeks. Pictured bottom inset: Olivia Bush at six-years old. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Christmas Parades In Molino, Atmore, Flomaton And More
December 4, 2009
Santa Claus will be a busy man across the area this weekend with Christmas parades scheduled in Molino, Atmore and Flomaton. And next weekend, there will be even more parades in the area.
Flomaton Christmas Parade, Saturday, 10 a.m.
Flomaton’s Christmas Parade “Candy Canes and Christmas Carols” will begin at 10:00 Saturday morning. The parade will travel from Ringold Street to Palafox Street to College Street to Houston Street back to Ringold. The parade will feature a variety of floats and Santa Claus.
Molino Christmas Parade, Saturday, 1 p.m.
The 7th Annual Molino Christmas Parade will be held this Saturday afternoon at 1:00 with a special guest from the North Pole.
The parade will begin again this year on Crabtree Church Road at Sunshine Hill Road and end 1.8 miles away at the Molino Ballpark.
After the parade, for all the good little boys and girls, Santa Claus himself will be on hand at the ballpark for a visit and Christmas gift wish lists. A meal including a hot Alabama Wing House barbecue sandwich, chips and a drink for $5 will be available at the Molino Ballpark after the parade. Bake sale goods will also be available.
All funds raised from parade entry fees, the bake sale and the barbecue meals will benefit needy children in the Molino community, according to Sonja Luker, one of the parade organizers. The guidance counselor at Molino Park Elementary School will assist in choosing Molino area children in need of Christmas gifts.
If you or your organization would like to be in the parade, you can pre-register at Fran’s Diner, or register the day of the parade. Fees are $15 for a float or vehicle and $5 for each motorcycle, golf cart or horse. Four-wheelers and go-carts will not be allowed. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded for best float and best horse. Parade participants must line up by noon.
For more information, contact Sonja Luker at (850) 232-4973; Jayson Ging at (850) 587-2825 or Fran’s Diner at (850) 587-2803.
Donations such as toys and non-perishable foods can be dropped off at Fran’s Diner.
For more information and a parade entry form, click here.
Atmore Christmas Parade, Saturday, 5 p.m.
Atmore’s 2009 Twilight Christmas Parade “A Broadway Christmas” will begin at 5:00 Saturday evening and travel from City Hall through downtown along Main Street to Lindberg Avenue, ending at Escambia County High School.
Bands from Northview, Escambia County, Flomaton and J.U. Blacksher high schools will be joined by floats, the Abba Shriners, Santa Claus and more for the annual event. Floats will be based upon Broadway shows and musicals.
Brewton Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 12, 2 p.m.
The Brewton Christmas Parade will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 12. Santa will visit with children at the Brewton City Park following the parade. The parade will begin in East Brewton, travel over the Mildred Street bridge to St. Jospeh Street to Belleville Avenue. For more information, contact the Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce at (251) 867-3224.
Pensacola Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 12, 5:15 p.m.
The Pensacola Christmas Parade will wind through the streets of downtown Pensacola on Saturday, December 12 beginning at 5:15 p.m. The parade will feature over 50 floats with unique holiday themes. The annual event, which draws over 50,000 people each year, will showcase bands from each high school in the county, the Blue Angels flight team and Santa Claus. The parade will be broadcast live on WKRG TV 5.
Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade, Sunday, December 13, 2 p.m.
The Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade will be Sunday, December 13 at 2 p.m. at Chumuckla Crossroads. The Redneck parade is a project of the Chumuckla Athletic Association to help needy families with Christmas. Last year, the association sponsored nearly 50 children and families. This year, people are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy to put on the Caring at Christmas float in the parade. All donations help local children. For more information, click here.
Santa Tonight: Christmas Carnival At Byrneville Elementary
December 4, 2009
Byrneville Elementary School will hold its annual Christmas Carnival tonight at the school.
Games will be held from 5:00 until 7:00. The basket auction will begin at 7:00. Tickets can be purchased in advance 5/$1 or the night of the carnival 4/$1.
Santa Claus will also be at the carnival for pictures with the kids, and he’ll be taking Christmas wish lists.
Pictured above: Santa Claus made a special appearance at least year’s Byrneville Elementary Christmas Carnival. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
A Down Home Good Time
December 4, 2009
There will be some good entertainment on stage tonight in Barrineau Park — and it’s free.The monthly Barrineau Park Music Night will be tonight at the Barrineau Park Community Center. The featured local groups tonight are “Rowell Bluegrass Band” and “Sons of the Pines”.
The singing starts at 7 p.m. and is free. Food and refreshments will also be available beginning at 6 p.m.
The event is family-friendly — no alcohol is permitted on the property, and no smoking is allowed in or near the building.
For more information, call (850) 587-5575.
The Barrineau Park Community Center is located on Barrineau Park School road, about three miles west of Molino.
Pictured above: Sons of the Pines will perform tonight during the monthly Barrineau Park Music Night. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.