Deck The Stalls, Santa Hay Ride To Benefit Molino Ranch Tonight
December 4, 2009
Santa will make an early appearance in Escambia County for the seventh consecutive year at the much anticipated Santa Hay Ride. The event, which begins tonight at the Escambia County Equestrian Center, benefits a Molino ranch.
This winter wonderland will be fun for children of all ages. Ride and sing on the hayride, enjoy seasonal, fun activities, such as inflatable “moon walks,” make holiday decorations, and have a chance to give Santa your wish list all at no charge. Bring your own camera for photos with Santa.
Kids can enjoy a holiday horse ride for a $5 donation to the Leaning Post Ranch, a Molino charity whose mission is to provide equine assisted activities and therapeutic riding to individuals with disabilities and at-risk youth in Northwest Florida. This family friendly event provides a great opportunity to make holiday memories that will last a lifetime. Come enjoy the festive music, cheer and holiday refreshments.
This is a season of giving, so this holiday event also serves as an official drop-off site for the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the Marine Corps League Detachment 066. Patrons are also encouraged to drop off broken or old cellular telephones, which will be exchanged for free minutes for overseas troops to call home for the holidays.
The Escambia County Equestrian Center is located at 7750 Mobile Highway. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free.
Century Teen Attends Global Youth Forum
December 4, 2009
A Century teen recently attended the Global Youth Forum in Washington, D.C.
Charles Houston, a resident of Century and a student at West Florida High School, attended People to People International’s eighth annual Global Youth Forum. Houston was one of more than 200 students ages 13-18 who took part in the forum, which was devoted to the theme “Global Sustainability: It’s All Connected”.
GYF delegates are committed to PTPI’s mission of promoting international understanding and friendship among the world’s people, and arrived prepared to learn how they can work together with peers from around the world to create a better, brighter and greener future. During the course of five days, delegates worked through a curriculum that broadened their understanding of sustainability, learning how our choices as consumers have a global impact.
A variety of speakers joined the delegates to share their expertise. Andrew Revkin, an environmental journalist for The New York Times, discussed what he has learned from his years traveling the globe to research how the way we live affects our climate. Simran Sethi, named “one of the top ten eco-heroes of the planet” by the UK’s Independent, asked the students to think about ways in which they can reduce.
Dr. Mathis Wackernagel, executive director of the Global Footprint Network, stressed the need to remember that there is only one planet earth. He explained the depletion of natural resources and went on to introduce the “Ecological Footprint”, a balance sheet that compares how much nature we have to how much nature we use. Each speaker reminded the students that no matter their career paths, they can contribute to a sustainable future.
“The guest speakers were amazing, each of them presented different ways we are affecting the globe and how we can work together effectively make sure the Earth will be sustainable for generations to come.” Houston said.
Additional conference activities included a presentation by the Anacostia Watershed Society, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the Anacostia River, a scavenger hunt through the National Mall and several Smithsonian museums, lunch with “George Washington” at the Hard Rock Café and a trip to the recently opened Newseum.
Seven students contributed additional worldviews to the forum during the International Student Panel session. Panel members hailed from Peru, Macedonia, Jordan, Israel, Bulgaria, Colombia and South Africa. They spoke about their lives and the culture and customs of their countries before participating in a question and answer session with GYF delegates.
“GYF was an amazing experience that I am never going to forget, I never thought that I would have a roommate from Bulgaria or even enjoy breakfast with Mary Jean Eisenhower. The lessons that I learned from GYF are lessons I will keep for a lifetime. I am hoping that I will be able to raise enough money to go to Peru this summer with PTPI to attend what was known as the Global Humanitarian Youth Forum, now called Experience: PERU! In July.”
If you are interested in helping Charles Houston of Century attend the forum in Peru this summer, email us here at news@northescambia.com and we will put you in touch with him.
Pictured top: Charles Houston of Century (third from left) with Mary Jean Eisenhower (second from left), President & CEO of People to People International and granddaughter of PTPI founder and former U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Area Hardee’s Building Sold For $1.2 Million
December 4, 2009
The Atmore Hardee’s building has been sold to a California trust for just over $1.2 million.
The 2,789 square foot building on Highway 21 at I-65 was developed in 2009 on .87 acres at the entrance to a 740 acre mixed-use development called Rivercane. The building was developed by RealtyLink, LLC, and is leased to Hardee’s on a 20 year absolute contract.
The transaction closed escrow for $1,229,000 in cash to a private family trust out of California.
RealtyLink, LLC is a regional development company based in Greenville, South Carolina that specializes in single tenant build to suits, power centers, neighborhood shopping centers and sale leaseback with select tenants.
Snow? It’s In The Forecast
December 3, 2009
The latest forecast from the National Weather Service mentions the possibility of snow in the North Escambia area, but the chances of it sticking, if it happens at all, are almost zero.
The chance of snow will be after midnight Friday and into Saturday morning.
- Tonight…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
- Friday…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s. North winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
- Friday Night…Rain likely in the evening…then rain and snow after midnight. Little or no snow accumulation. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
- Saturday…Partly sunny in the morning then clearing. Slight chance of rain and snow in the morning. Highs in the upper 40s. North winds 5 to 15 mph becoming 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 20 percent.
- Saturday Night…Mostly clear in the evening becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s. North winds around 5 mph.
- Sunday…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s.
- Sunday Night…Not as cool. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Near steady temperature in the mid 40s. Chance of rain 20 percent.
- Monday…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Chance of showers 40 percent.
- Monday Night…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Near steady temperature in the mid 50s. Chance of showers 40 percent.
- Tuesday…Cloudy. Chance of rain showers and slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs around 70. Chance of rain 50 percent.
Sammuel “Sammy” Nichols
December 3, 2009
Mr. Sammuel “Sammy” Nichols, 56, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2009 in Flomaton, AL.
Sammy was a native of Bluff Springs, FL, a resident of Tri-City for most of his life, and a resident of Flomaton, AL for the past 9 years. He worked on oil rigs, was an avid horseman, a devoted father, hunter, member of the Santa Rosa Creek Indian Tribe and attended the Elim Baptist Church.
Survivors Include: his former Wife and Best Friend, Anita Nichols of Flomaton, AL; a Son, William Samuel Nichols of Flomaton, AL; a Brother, Dennis Nichols of Pensacola, FL; and three Sisters, Mickey Roley of Bratt, FL, Lisa Lee of Flomaton, AL, and Susie Nichols of Cantonment, FL.
Funeral services were held Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. John Fillingim officiating.
Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation was held Wednesday, December 2, 2009 between 6:00 and 9:00 P.M. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Rocky Lee, Jr., Steve Crawley, Joey Mathis, David Howington, Todd Bodiford, and Donald Roley.
Flomaton Christmas Tour Of Homes
December 3, 2009
The Flomaton Chamber of Commerce presents Flomaton’s first annual
Christmas Tour of Homes. Saturday December 12, 2009 from 4-7 PM.
For those who love the holidays as much as we do, tis the season to
shine, entertain, be thankful, and unwind with family and friends old
and new. So we invite you to come and enjoy a night of holiday fun. We
start the night at Flomaton’s historical Welcome Center where you can
pick up a map and enjoy some wonderful refreshments. And then on to the
five homes on the tour: Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Blankinchip, Mr. and Mrs.
Scott Hammond, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Hart, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Nall, and Dr.
and Mrs. John Vanlandingham. These homeowners have so graciously opened
their doors to us to get everyone in the spirit of the season. It’s the
spirit of celebration, wonder, giving, and expectation. Please come and
let’s not forget the Reason for the season.
Tickets are $10 each and $15 per couple and may be purchased at the
Flomaton Welcome Center, Escambia County Bank, and United Bank.
ECATS transportation will be available on a first come, first serve
basis.
Rabies Alert Extended Again; Lab Results Positive For Rabid Cat
December 3, 2009
A rabies alert for North Escambia has been extended again, this time until late January of next year.
The rabies alert was extended Wednesday by Dr. John Lanza, director of the Escambia County (FL) Health Department, after another animal in the area tested positive for rabies. The health department received laboratory confirmation of rabies in a cat that exposed at least six people to rabies in late October.
While the health department will not confirm the location of the cat incident, NorthEscambia.com independently confirmed that the incident occurred October 23 near McDavid. According to a source familiar with the incident, a woman was bitten outside her home. She retreated inside her house and called for help from a neighbor because she feared going back outdoors where the cat remained. We were told that four or five people total were bitten or scratched by the animal. Some of those attacked by the cat were attempting to trap the cat. Health department officials would not confirm that an animal control worker called to the scene was also “exposed” to rabies.
“At least six people were exposed to this feral cat,” according to Molly Payne-Hardin, spokesperson for the Escambia County Health Department, “some during the course of trying to trap it.”
The first 60-day Rabies Alert was issued August 28, 2009 to last a period of 60 days after one person was bit by a rabid fox and two raccoons that bit dogs tested positive for rabies. One dog was bitten on Crabtree Church Road in Molino, the second on Handy Road in Cottage Hill. The rabies alert was extended until November 29 when three additional rabid animals — a skunk and two raccoons — were found in the area. The latest extension, prompted by the cat incident, continues the rabies alert until January 26, 2010.
In all of the recent incidents, Payne-Hardin said there is one common denominator.
“All of the rabid animals were attracted to pet food that was left outside,” she said. “It is important to not leave pet food outdoors after your pet has ate, even it you bring it in just for the night.”
The rabies alert is for all of North Escambia, from Muscogee Road north to the Alabama state line, including all areas between the Escambia and Perdido rivers north of Musocogee Road.
“Rabies will kill humans and their pets if it is not treated,” said Dr. John Lanza, director of the Escambia County Health Department. “I urge residents to keep their pets vaccinated, to stay away from wild animals, and to take basic precautions to keep wild animals from coming to your home.”
Escambia residents should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in North Escambia, according to the health department. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public, but they should not give a false sense of security to areas that have not been named as under an alert.
An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and humans should avoid all wildlife contact, especially with raccoons, bats, and foxes.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is usually fatal to warm-blooded animals and to humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.
The following advice is issued:
- All pets should have current rabies immunizations.
- Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially raccoons, bats, and foxes.
- All persons with any unusual exposure incident, or bites, with a wild animal should be evaluated by a physician to determine their need for treatment.
- For general questions pertaining to rabies in animals, contact the Escambia County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at (850) 595-6700.
- Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
- Do not leave pet food outside as this practice also attracts other animals.
- For questions regarding the health of an animal, contact a veterinarian.
- Veterinarian staff and animal control staff should be alert for animals encountered with signs suspicious for rabies and contact the Escambia County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at (850) 595-6700.
For further information on rabies, go to the Florida Department of Health website: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/epi/diseases.htm or contact the Escambia County Health Department, Environmental Health office at (850) 595-6700.
Trials Continued For Jay Teachers Accused Of Relationships With Students
December 3, 2009
Court cases have been continued until late January for two Jay High School teachers accused of having inappropriate sexual relationships with underage students at the north Santa Rosa County school.
Ashley Elenea Burkett (pictured left), 31, and April Burford Watson, 33, both of Jay, were arrested in August on three counts each of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, a second degree felony. Both were released on GPS monitors.
Both women were due in court this week, but requests for continuances were approved by Judge Gary Bergosh, delaying their next court appearances until late January. Burkett and Watson have both pleaded not guilty to both charges.
“The investigation was initiated on July 28, 2009 after an anonymous letter was sent to the Santa Rosa County School District alleging sexual relationships between two Jay High School teachers and male juveniles,” Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Sgt. Scott Haines said after the arrests. The letter was turned over the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office for investigation.
“Interviews were conducted with the alleged victims in the case. Two victims alleged that they were involved in sexual activity with Watson at her residence and the residence of Burkett between the months of July and October 2007. One other victim alleged that he was involved in sexual activity with Burkett at her residence and the residence of Watson between the months of July and October 2007,” Haines said in August. “Both of the suspects were questioned by investigators and they both admitted to the unlawful sexual activity.”
Burkett taught reading and special education students and was assistant volleyball coach last school year, according to the Jay High School web site. Watson taught math and was the advisor for the junior varsity cheerleaders, also according to the school web site. Watson was to be the varsity cheerleader sponsor this school year and Burkett was to be the varsity volleyball coach.
Jay Teen Dies Day After Three Vehicle Accident
December 3, 2009
A Jay teen died Wednesday night from injuries sustained in a Tuesday afternoon wreck.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Alex Bradley Hopkins, 18, of Jay was pronounced deceased at Sacred Heart Hospital at 9:21 Wednesday night. Hopkins was involved in a three vehicle crash at 4:20 Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of Chumuckla Highway and Acy Lowery Road.
Hopkins failed to slow and stop for traffic that was stopped for a vehicle to turn from Chumuckla Highway to Acy Lowery Road, according to the FHP. Hopkins lost control and entered the path of a 2008 Toyota driven by Martin J. Gough, 41, of Pace. Debris from that collision struck a 1996 Dodge driven by Robert M. Lamon, 46, of Milton.
Hopkins, who was driving a 1997 Nissan, was not wearing a seat belt, according to the crash report. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in critical condition following the accident.
Gough was transported to West Florida Hospital with minor injuries. Lamon was not injured.
Century’s Jackson-McMurray Funeral Home Honored
December 3, 2009
The Escambia County Commission has honored Jackson-McMurray Funeral Home in Century for its services to the community over the last six years.
Jackson-McMurray has provided funeral services to the community since 2003 and has been providing indigent burial services for the county since 2008. Jackson-McMurray was among several funeral homes honored by the commission for providing the indigent burial services at a nominal rate to the county.
“These local businesses, by voluntary choosing to participate in the Indigent Burial Program provide this last service of dignity to residents of Escambia County… as a means of giving back to the community,” a proclamation by the commission reads.
“The Board of County Commissioners of Escambia County, Florida, on behalf of its citizens, commends and expresses sincere appreciation to Jackson-McMurray Funeral Home for six years of dedicated service to Escambia County residents and their families, during a most difficult period in their lives,” the proclamation concludes.