Parade, Santa Claus And More In Christmas Festival In Jay Today
November 28, 2009
Santa Claus is coming to Jay today, part of an all-afternoon and early evening Christmas festival and parade.
From noon until 7:00 tonight, the Christmas festival will feature over 30 Christmas gift vendors with baskets, pottery, jewelry, children’s clothes, games, homemade cakes, boiled peanuts, peanut brittle, homemade honey and more. There will also be carnival type games for the children.
Santa Claus will be in the town’s Christmas parade at 2 p.m., and the jolly old elf will visit with children after the parade. Photos with Santa will be available for a small charge. There will be prizes, including a $300 first place prize, for the best float in the parade.
There will be live music, from gospel to country to dance. Entertainment will include everything from the Bluegrass sounds of Sons of the Pines to the North End Stompers to Elvis Presley.
Proceeds from the Santa photos and vendors will be used by the Jay Historical Society toward refurbishing their museum building.
Admission to the festival is free. Events take place in downtown Jay along Commerce Street.
The entertainment scheduled is as follows:
- Noon: Sons of the Pine
- 1 p.m.: Robbie McCurdy
- 2 p.m.: North End Stompers
- 3 p.m.: The Lunsfords
- 4 p.m.: The Calloways
- 4:30 p.m.: C.J. Penton
- 5 p.m.: Elvis Presley
Salvation Army Needs Christmas Help
November 28, 2009
The Salvation Army in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties is seeking people to adopt a child or a family for the Christmas season.
“Instead of buying a gift for someone who has everything, adopt an angel in their honor,” said Yvonne Warthen Christmas coordinator for the Salvation Army.
People interested in providing support to a struggling family through the program have until December 10th to sign up. They can do so by calling (850) 432-1501 ext. 13 or emailing escarosa@uss.salvationarmy.org. Callers should denote the sex and number of children or the size of the family they want to sponsor.
Staff will provide the sponsors with their recipient family’s gift request list. The families’ identities will remain confidential, though sponsors will know the ages and genders of its family members.
The large number of unmatched children and families results from the economic downturn and a declining supply of jobs, said Warthen.
Angel Trees are located at all Members First Federal Credit Unions can be faxed or emailed from The Salvation Army’s office.
Deer Season: What You Need To Know
November 28, 2009
We are in the four-day Thanksgiving weekend deer season, and here are some tips and reminders from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers the following tips and reminders.
After two tree stand hunting deaths in the area, the FWC is urging hunters using a tree stand to wear a safety harness. Read that story here.
The general gun season comes in Thanksgiving Day and lasts four days through November 29. Two weeks later, the season reopens December 12 and runs through February 17.
The highly anticipated antlerless deer season, often called “doe week,” is December 19-25.
During doe week, the daily bag limit’s one buck and one doe, or two bucks. You may not take two does in one day like you may during archery season, and spotted fawns are never legal game. And by the way, WMAs do not have an antlerless deer season.
Hunters can take bucks having at least one antler 5 inches or longer. On private lands, the daily bag limit for deer is two.
Fall turkey season in Northwest Florida is November 26-29 and December 12 – January 17. Only bearded turkeys and gobblers are legal game, and you must have a $5 turkey permit to hunt them. The bag limit’s one bird per day, and a total of two during the archery, crossbow, muzzleloading gun and fall turkey seasons combined.
Shooting hours for deer, turkeys, quail and gray squirrels is a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. All legal firearms, muzzleloaders, bows, crossbows and handguns are legal for taking these resident game animals during the general gun, antlerless deer, fall turkey, and quail and gray squirrel seasons.
The first thing you need to do is pick up a $17 Florida resident hunting license. Nonresidents pay $46.50 for a 10-day license or $151.50 for 12 months.
If you plan to hunt one of Florida’s many wildlife management areas (WMAs), you’ll also need a $26.50 management area permit, but don’t forget to study the brochure for the specific area you plan to hunt, because dates, bag limits and rules differ greatly from area to area.
You can buy your license and permits over the telephone by calling toll-free 888-HUNT-FLORIDA or online at www.wildlifelicense.com/fl. Just have your credit card ready. You also can purchase them from tax collectors’ offices and most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies.
Northwest Florida Hunting Season Dates
(not applicable on wildlife management areas)
Archery Oct. 17 – Nov. 15
Deer-dog training Oct. 31 – Nov. 19
Crossbow Nov. 30 – Dec. 6
Muzzleloading gun Nov. 20-22 & Feb. 18-28
General gun Nov. 26-29 & Dec. 12 – Feb. 17
Antlerless deer Dec. 19-25
Fall turkey Nov. 26-29 & Dec. 12 – Jan. 17
Quail and gray squirrel Nov. 14 – March 7
Bobcat and otter Dec. 1 – March 1
Spring turkey March 20 – April 25
Wild hogs, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, skunks, nutrias, beavers and coyotes may be taken year-round.
Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, except during spring turkey season when shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset on private lands.
For hunting regulations and dates on wildlife management areas, click the following links:
For other wildlife management area regulations, click here.
For complete Florida hunting information, click here.
Information courtesy Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Good Weekend Weather; Rain Next Week
November 28, 2009
After a cool start to your Saturday, expect sunny skies and comfortable afternoon temperatures today and tomorrow. But by Monday, the sun will give way to rain returning to the Gulf Coast.
Here is your official North Escambia weather forecast:
- Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Calm wind.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
- Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
- Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 68. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
- Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 45. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. East wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Tuesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 49. East wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. West wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. West wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 60.
- Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 58.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 61.
Sandy Marie Calloway
November 27, 2009
Sandy Marie Calloway, age 37, passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2009 in Flomaton, Ala. She was a native and lifelong resident of Flomaton and attended the Holiness Church.Mrs. Calloway is survived by her husband, Dennis Calloway of Flomaton; her son, Dylan Calloway of Flomaton; her father, Eddie Davidson of Brewton, Ala.; her mother, Maxine Creamer of Pollard, Ala.; a brother, Jason and Brandi Davidson of Flomaton; grandmother, Daisy Childress of Flomaton; an aunt, Marie King of Flomaton; an uncle, Shelby King of Flomaton; two nieces, Jayda Davidson and Julie Davidson, both of Flomaton; and a nephew, Tyler Davidson of Flomaton.
Funeral services were held Monday, November 30, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. James Pugh officiating. Burial followed at Pollard Cemetery.
The family received friends Sunday, November 29, 2009 between 6 and 9 p.m. at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Denver Graves, Chris Chandler, Hub Wilson, Jason Davidson, Donnie Davidson, and Wayne Lucas.
No Serious Injuries In Friday Morning Highway 97 Wreck
November 27, 2009
Two people received minor injuries in a single vehicle rollover accident Friday morning in Walnut Hill.
The accident happened on Highway 97 just north of Wiggins Lake Road. The Florida Highway Patrol says Benjamin Hess, 19, of Atmore, failed to negotiate a curve while headed north on Highway 97. His 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix went airborne over a driveway and overturned in a ditch before coming to rest upright. Hess and his passenger, Trey Lambert, of Atmore, were not seriously injured. Both were wearing their seat belts. They refused to be transported to the hospital.
The FHP says Hess was cited with failure to use due care.
Atmore Ambulance, the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the call.
Pictured above and below: Two people escaped serious injury in this accident Friday morning on Highway 97 Pictured inset: A front tire was ripped off the vehicle when it hit a culvert. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cut Your Own: Local Christmas Tree Farm
November 27, 2009
Many area residents will enjoy Christmas tradition again this year with a fresh, locally grown Christmas tree.. The Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm near Bratt is now open daily until Christmas.
“You come here for the old time experience,” said farm owner Andy Bogdan. “This is so much more than just a plastic tree.”
Visitors to the Christmas tree farm stroll around the trees, which are located in an “L” shape field around a scenic pond with a fountain and ducks. Once the perfect tree is found, visitors can cut their own tree with a supplied saw, or have Bogdan cut it down.
The tree is then shaken to remove any loose needles (and bugs), then it’s ready to head home or it can be bagged for easier transport.
During the “experience”, visitors can also enjoy free cookies, apple juice, candy canes for the kids and lots of Christmas music. “The kids can run and play, and have the time of their lives looking for just the right tree,” Bogdan said.
Tree varieties include Virginia Pines, Leylend Cypress and Carolina Sapphires. If you have allergies, he said the Leylend Cypress is the perfect tree. It will not drop needles and has virtually no smell. The Carolina Sapphire has an intriguing aroma that is a mix of lemon, lime and mint. The Virginia Pine has that classic pine Christmas tree smell.
True fresh cut trees cut on the farm will last from before Thanksgiving until well after Christmas, Bogdan said.
Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm is one of the few remaining Christmas tree farms in Northwest Florida or South Alabama, and is the only one in the immediate area. There were a few more prior to hurricane Ivan and Dennis, Bogdan said, but most did not survive.
“You had the direct damage from the wind,” he said. “Then you have the delayed die back from damage to the trees. Exotic bugs and fungus that were not here before were blown in, and trees around here had no resistance.”
“”The trees have had good growth since the hurricane. An average seven or eight foot tall Christmas tree will grow from a seedling in about four years. “They grow much faster here in the South than they do up north,” he said.
With a little straightening and tender loving care, Bogdan’s trees post-hurricane are ready for a living room and a visit from Santa. Prices vary depending on the variety of tree and height.
Bogdan and his wife moved to the Davisville area from Miami after he retired from Eastern Airlines. He was looking for a little something to do in his retirement and settled on Christmas tree farmer over 10 years ago.
“I’d never farmed before, but ended up with a Christmas tree farm,” he said. “But it’s a nice business. It’s not like being a doctor or a lawyer where people you deal with are not happy. At a Christmas tree farm, everybody is happy when they come here.”
For more photos from the Christmas tree farm, click here.
The Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm is located at 5001 Still Road, just south of Highway 4. A map is at the bottom of this page. The farm is open 8 a.m. to dark daily. Trees range is size from table-top to 12 feet. (850) 327-4600.
Pictured top: A few of the trees at the Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm near Bratt. Pictured middle: At the Christmas tree farm, you can use one of their saws to cut your own tree. Pictured below: The Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm stand with tree accessories plus goodies like free apple juice, cookies and candy canes for the kids. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Keep The Wreath Green Campaign Kicks Off Next Week In Escambia
November 27, 2009
Escambia County Fire-Rescue and the City of Pensacola Fire Department are participating in “Keep the Wreath Green,” a holiday safety program designed to promote fire safety during the month of December. With this program, officials hope to reduce the number of fires during a time of serious fire danger with simple, life saving tips.
This year, the sixth 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.
To help citizens stay safe and “keep the wreath green,” officials are providing a holiday safety tip for each day of the month; visit www.keepthewreathgreen.com for a complete list.
A kick-off event for the campaign will be held on Monday.
Escambia County Fire-Rescue and the City of Pensacola encourage everyone to follow the safety tips and have a happy holiday season.
Pictured above: The wreath at the Century fire station. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Brrr…Cold Again Tonight
November 27, 2009
It’s going to be cold again tonight in the North Escambia area.
A fire weather watch is also in effect. Low humidity will make outdoor burning extremely dangerous.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Today: Sunny, with a high near 61. West wind around 5 mph.
- Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. South wind around 5 mph.
- Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 48. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 58. Northeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 47.
- Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 60.
Local Teen In National Kart Racing Championships This Weekend
November 27, 2009
A North Escambia teen will be competing in the National Indoor Kart Championship today and Saturday. It’s a big race for the Northview freshmen, and he’s hoping for a big win in his small kart.
Jarrett Parker, 15, won the state championships in both Alabama and Mississippi this year. The Molino resident will compete in a couple of classes in Batesville, Mississippi, during the kart championships this weekend.
On Friday, he will compete in the “Animal” and “Flat Head” races, and on Saturday he will compete in the “Animal” and “Pro” races. He has two cars, a black #46 and a yellow #46; he should race both cars on both days. The races will be streamed live on the internet at www.indoorkartnationals.com. He has previously competed, either winning or placing, in races across Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama. He has appeared in races on ESPN and The Outdoor Channel.
Jarrett, who has been Kart racing since 2003, is the son of Scott and Tammy Parker of Molino.
Pictured above: Molino teen Jarret Parker has made it big the in the world of kart racing. Pictured below: Parker after a big win at the MB Motorsports Racer’s Appreciation Race at Dexter Raceway in Georgia. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
