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Mother’s Day: Meet Several Local Moms

Happy Mother’s Day! NorthEscambia.com invited our readers to submit stories about their mothers. We’ve selected a few and included them below.

If you would like to tell your mom’s story, or just wish her a Happy Mother’s Day, please do so in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Debbie Adcock, Barrineau Park
submitted by Tracy Adcock

How do you describe the best mother in 300 words or less? Let’s try this. My mom has been the rock in my life that refuses to move no matter what storm blows through. She is always there for me whether I want her there or not! She is a phenomenal mom to my other siblings. She also takes care of my grandmother. With so many depending on her she is always positive and always there to give of herself no matter what she is going through. I am so proud of everything she’s done and accomplished. I’ve been truly blessed to have such a wonderful lady in my life and to top it off she’s my mother too.

When going through life feeling battered and bruised,
She’s been the constant that’s helped me through.
She’s the first one to me and the last to go,
She’d be there in the fury of rain or blinding snow.
She’ll tell me when I’m wrong and she’ll tell me when I’m right,
And when I need a hug she’ll be there to hold me tight.
She’s always been someone on whom I can depend,
From the moment of conception till the very end.
She is the one and only, above her is no other
She is my very own, uniquely mine, my mother.

Yes, I’ve through a few words and rhymes out there about my mom, but there are really no words that can describe what she truly means to me. I am thankful to be able to have a mom that cared enough about me to see me through everything in my life and always behind me pushing me to do my best. There are a lot of awesome moms out there….I just happen to think I have the best.

Pictured top: Mom Debbie Adcock, granny Mary Ann, sister Amy, Tracy, and sister Tiffany and on the bottom is brother Jesse.

Willie Jean Edwards, Bratt
submitted by Brandi Edwards

My mother in-law is like no other mother that I know. She has been my inspiration for 10 blessed years. I know I would not be the wife or the mother without her encouraging me and helping me. Our family has had a lot of trials through these 10 years but its her faith and trusting in Jesus Christ that has got this family through all the ups and downs.

She is a very quite woman but her actions speak loudly. She loves the Lord with all her heart.

She is a Proverbs 31 woman through and through. People that know her will agree. She has a lot to teach people if they would listen. Her husband,children and grandchildren praise her in all she does and says. I pray I can be that mother to my children as she has to me.

She respects her husband as she has worked beside him over 40 years. She has good business skills, loving,compassionate,you can trust her,she is kind, she has a lot of wisdom, she loves her kids and grandkids. She prays and is faithful. She is a beautiful woman inside and out.

I’m glad I have this opportunity to honor (Willie Jean Edwards).

Mamma,thank you so much for loving me and believing in me. I love you so much. Happy Blessed Mother’s Day!!!!

Gail Webster, Atmore
submitted by Susan Eiland-Odom

My name is Susan Eiland-Odom and my mom is Mrs. Gail Webster. Originally from Indiana, we moved to Pensacola around 1974 and lived there until my Dad died 10 years ago. It was then that Mom moved to Atmore to be near me.

I’m really blessed to have her as my mom for so many reasons. Mom and Dad couldn’t have children so she actually chose me before I was even born, which makes me feel extra special. Some who know Im adopted ask me if I know my “real” mom. You bet I do because my real mom is the one who raised me! Even through the turbulent teen years, my mom has always been there for me without fail. She carted me from pillar to post, took me shopping and to luncheons,taught me to cook, tried to guide me and worked in countless band booster projects, just for starters. Through all of life’s trials, she has always been available for me.

Now that I am a wife and mother, I have a whole new appreciation and understanding of her. Things I once couldn’t understand and angered me now make total sense! I find myself more and more sounding like my mother with my own children, which I find funny yet makes me feel blessed. She makes it well known that she is a very proud grandmother of six; Karen, Dane and Darian Eiland, Ashley and Kim Odom and Missy Odom-Bass. Whether it is a ride home from school, ball games, school functions, holidays, birthdays, showers or weddings, we know we can count on her love and support.

So this Mothers Day, I want to tell my mother THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all that she has done for me and our family. There are not enough words to express how much we appreciate and love her. My hope is to be the wonderful kind of mother that she have always been to me. Love, Susie

Pictured: Gail Webster’s senior portrat from Rushville High School in Rushville, Indiana, from about 1959.

Susie Conner
submitted by Amy Conner

My mom, Susie Conner, is a very special woman. She is always putting others before herself and she is always lending a helping hand. My mom not only takes care of my two sisters and I, but also my grandmother who lives with us. Everyday she cooks, cleans, washes clothes, and helps my grandma get anything and everything she needs. My mom also helps a couple in our area with their everyday needs as well. Three or four times a week she goes to their home to cook, clean, and help them in any way she can. My mom has always been an avid volunteer and she always has a positive attitude. She is very loving, caring, and courteous. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better mother and role model because she has always put everyone else’s needs before her own. She is always open to lend a hand to help and I love her very much. I don’t know what I would do without her, and I know everyone that she cares for and helps feels the same.

Inola Driver, Century
submitted by Beverly Driver Cawby

My Beautiful mother means so much to me! She has been my guiding hand and earthly angel for fifty-five years now. Mom exemplifies the words from the Bible found in Proverbs; “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies, Let her own works praise her.”

This precious lady, small in statue, big of heart has been an inspiration to her family and many others during her seventy plus years. Born to the James Boutwell family of Flomaton, Alabama, she grew up to marry my father, Bennie Driver in 1953. She became a mother to three children, Beverly, Jeff and Holley, and a great grandmother to five children, Ryan, Kamden, Ryleigh, Madison, and Jiana.

My mother served her church well in her capacity as a Pastor’s wife. She was and is a wonderful Christian. A few days after Mother’s Day, ten years ago, she said good bye to the one and only sweetheart of her life. Mom continues to mentor her family with words of wisdom and encouragement. Mere words could never tell how much my mother means to me, so I will just end by saying: Happy Mothers Day to the best mom in the world, Inola Driver, I love you!

Pictured: Four generated in March 2010, (L-R) Beverly Driver Cawby, Jiana Morrow, Inola Driver, Joni Cawby Morrow. Click to enlarge.

Ann White, Century
submitted by Kimberly Burkett

I really don’t even know just where to begin on the wonderful and loving things that my mother Ann White has done over the years. First of all my mother has battled Parkinsons Disease for over thirteen years. It is very hard to see my mother struggle with it in everyday life but she does not let it stop her from getting out and helping others. I have watched my mother take care and cook meals for her neighbors that was very sick with cancer.

Everyday my mother would cook and deliver them meals and even take them to doctors visits. Yes I say neighbors in the plural form because she has lived in the same neighborhood and became friends with all the surrounding neighbors over the past forty five years and she lost five that I can think of to cancer and was always there for them. Now she is devoted to taking care of her mother and helping her sister that lives at home with her mother.

There are days that I don’t see how she goes but she is either running errands for others, taking care of my grandmother, working in her church or doing her favorite past time working in her flowers. I have a mother to look up to and admire and I thank the Lord above for giving me such a special and loving mother.

Lisa Jones
submitted by Haley Smith

Mom, i just wanted to show North Escambia how much you mean to me. Not only are you my mom but also my best friend. When I don’t have anyone to turn to you are always there for me to call on. I will always know that you have my back no matter what good or bad. I’m graduating in less than a month and the big world is gonna hit me right in the face. When I’m down from hard situations you will always be there to pick me right back up. I just wanted you to know that I’m thankful your my mom and always remember I LOVE YOU!!!

Pictured: Mom Lisa Jones and daughter Haley Smith, click to enlarge. 

Cassie Cufr
submitted by Matthew Cufr

My kids mother: my wife.
Of all the people I’ve met in my time on this earth, there is one that headlines them all. Life has been about as hard for our family as it could be the last ten years this May. Without the support, strength, love, and hope that my wife gives we wouldn’t have been able to make it this far. The mother she is to my kids is more than I could have ever asked. So for this mothers day I send a special thank you to a different mother of mine.
Thanks Cass for all you do.
Love Matthew, Maggie, Emma, and Jackson.

Judy Redmond, Walnut Hill
submitted by Quinshanna Redmond

Our mother is Judy Redmond of Walnut Hill, Fl. Our mom is special to us in many, many ways. She is such an incredible person that we cannot begin to put into words. She is such an joy to be around and always keeps you laughing and smiling. Our mom is our HERO, we will always admire her for being the most understanding and patient woman we know. We are so lucky and proud to say that we have a mother like her, she TRULY is one of a kind, and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better than her. Although, I know we probably don’t say these words enough, We want you to know WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH and hope you enjoy your Mother’s Day! From all your kids and grandkids!

– Quinshanna, Tabarin, Tymiriana, T’ahna, Tiffany, Malonie, Talaysha, Quindale, Quindarius, Myasia, Lenele, and Kassey.

Charlotte Bradley
submitted by Michelle Franklin

My name is Michelle Franklin and my mom is Charlotte Bradley . I live in Bratt and she resides in Gulf Breeze. She is the BEST MOM ever! When I was just 6 years old, my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. Mom stood by my dad through thick and thin. After his surgery she would feed him, bathe him, help him learn to talk, and practically how to do everything all over again, not to mention changing out catheters on a daily basis. At the same time, she took my brother, sister and I everywhere we needed to go, baseball and football practice, gymnastics, and cheerleading practice , etc. She was the mom and the dad all in one. She would work a graveyard shift at Escambia Molded Plastics so she could make ends meet. After dad died, mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The doctors have told her that she would have to use a walker or scooter everyday, and she still walks ( when she is not to weak ) up her stairs on a daily basis. She has taught me to be strong no matter what God puts in front of us. I love my mom and don’t know what I would do without her.

Latest Escambia Oil Update

Here is the latest Deepwater Horizon oil spill information specific to Escambia County:

Oil Related Information

• On the afternoon of May 7, a kerosene-like odor was detected in areas of Escambia County. While this odor was most likely associated with the oil spill, the spill remains well to the south. Escambia County officials deployed staff to check the waters, however there is no oil sheen or slick sighted near our coastlines.
• For air quality reports, visit http://www.airnow.gov. For health and safety information, visit http://www.escambiadisasterresponse.com.
• Individuals experiencing symptoms that are aggravated by the odors from the oil spill should consider: staying indoors, in air conditioning, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. If symptoms do not improve, contact a primary care physician or other health care provider for medical advice.
• If anyone sees anything out of the ordinary on the beaches that they feel they need to report, if in Perdido Key please contact the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce at 850-492-4660 or for Pensacola Beach please report to the Lifeguards on duty.
• Reminder: If oiled wildlife is spotted do not attempt to make contact with the animal, please call the Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research 1-866-557-1401.
• Deflective boom – large floating barriers that help contain floating oil – around sensitive shorelines.
• We are not anticipating any oil impact over the weekend.
• We are forecast for favorable weather conditions for oil response preparations.

BP Actions

• BP reported that 7 claim adjusters are on site in Florida and there are currently 373 open claims.
• BP has completed construction of a dome, which will be used in an attempt to contain the oil discharge. BP has also begun drilling a relief well to eliminate the discharge. The dome is roughly 125 miles offshore, southwest of Pensacola.
• BP Vessel of Opportunity – master vessel charter agreement and vessel requirements checklist online www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.
• BP claims categories
• BP is working on the following programs:
• Shoreline Assessment and Clean Up Plan
• Pre Impact Debris Removal Program
• BP has put up a $25 million Block Grant for the State of Florida.
• BP Officials want everyone to be aware of scam artists posing as BP contractors. Citizens are discouraged from signing any documents provided to them in return from money form BP or anyone else until they know the extent of their loss.
• BP officials carry proper identification badges or business cards.
• BP is handling volunteer registration. Anyone interested in helping, should use the toll free number to register, 1-866-448-5816. They do not use contractors to contact or solicit anyone to volunteer for cleanup, nor will they ever ask for any kind of advance fee from you.
• Training offered by BP is free. There are no fees for classes or registration.
• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research (Tri-State) who is contracted by BP to provide assistance to oiled wildlife. The service recognizes Tri-State’s expertise in wildlife oil spill response, and while many wildlife organizations and individuals have expressed interest in providing their assistance, all rehabilitation efforts must be coordinated through the service and Tri-State. Coordination is vitally important for recovery and research efforts, and specific safety and other requirements must be met before anyone will be allowed on-site for any participation . If you already have wildlife training, call BP with 1-866-557-1401.

Guidelines for Waterfront Property Owners

• Oil is a hazardous material. It should only be handled by professionals trained in handling hazardous material.
• Avoid entering areas where oil can be seen or smelled.
• Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water, sediment, and wildlife.
• Do not swim, ski, or fish in areas affected by the oil spill.
• If you get oil on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
• Do not eat dead fish, fish with oily residue, or fish that have a petroleum odor.
• Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
• Report oiled shorelines to 866-448-5816
• Report oiled wildlife to 866-557-1401
• Report claims to BP at 800-440-0858
• Take photographs of your shoreline to document pre-impact baseline conditions, and after oil impact.
• On inland waters (bays, bayous, estuaries, rivers), private property owners may install oil absorbent material, booms, or fences on private property above the mean high waterline (MHWL) only. No material may be installed or sprayed below the MHWL.
• On Gulf-front property, the use of silt fences, obstructions, hay bales, peat, surfactants, or other material is not approved. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the permitting agency for Beaches and Coastal Systems. No obstructions to sea turtle nesting behavior is allowed.
• BP has the lead for response and clean-up activities.

Federal Actions

• On May 7, NOAA has modified and expanded the boundaries of the closed fishing area to better reflect the current location of the BP oil spill, and is extending the fishing restriction until May 17. Details click here.

State of Florida

• The Florida Small Business Development Center Network is part of the State’s EOC Emergency Support Function as a responder for assistance in business recovery. The Mobile Area Commands are fully self-contained and staffed by SBDC Certified Business Analysts who are experienced in providing assistance to businesses impacted by disasters, including providing assistance with both federal and state disaster loan programs. The MACs are currently deployed here in Pensacola and SBDC staff are meeting with area business leaders and available to provide technical assistance to local businesses.
• For more information, please visit http://www.floridasbdc.org/SpecialPrograms/bcrm.asp
• The fisheries and seafood off Florida’s coast in state waters are safe and there are no health alerts at this time.
• Pre-Oil Arrival Beach Cleanup Guidelines and Checklist
• In response to the possibility of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill affecting the West Coast of Florida, representatives from BP, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), along with several federal, state and local agencies have officially established the incident command post in St. Petersburg.
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has temporarily suspended the restriction on use of purse seines landward of the COLRGEGS demarcation line in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.
• Safety Resources for Volunteers
• The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is encouraging Floridians and visitors to watch for oiled wildlife, vegetation and beaches by becoming a Coast Watch volunteer.
• Coast Watchers will assist BP, the state of Florida and partnering organizations in identifying beaches that need attention.
• Coast Watchers will work within the coastal communities where they live or visit and commit to do the following.
• For information on scheduled beach cleanups and other volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org/.
• CFO Sink also noted that in all oil spill circumstances, affected businesses should file a claim with BP via the hotline number — (800)-440-0858. Additional guidance to help small businesses survive a disaster can be found at www.MyFloridaCFO.com or by calling (850) 413-3089 or toll-free at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).
• The state of Florida reminds its residents and visitors that the state’s coastline has not been impacted at this time and remains open for the public enjoyment.
• At this time, there are no indications of health risks to Floridians due to the Deepwater Horizon incident. The Department of Health (DOH) and DEP are closely monitoring health and environmental impacts to Florida’s beaches and will notice an advisory if conditions become unsafe.
• The Attorney General’s office reported instances of fraud from companies claiming to be working with BP to set up training classes and asking people to pay up front. The training classes for oil cleanup being offered through BP are free and available to those that have registered. If you feel that you have been approached fraudulently, please call the Attorney General’s Office fraud hotline at 1-866-966-7226.
• The state emergency operations center remains at a level 2 activation.

Actions by Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Staff

• Boom has been deployed in all locations of the Local Action Plan and addendum one. Staff continues to evaluate areas to determine if more boom is needed and is currently monitoring all deployed boom.
• Environmental staff has completed collection of sediment, water and oyster tissue samples. The samples are currently at the lab for analysis.
• Due to the exceedingly remote possibility of the oil hitting our shores over the weekend, the SRIA lifeguards are temporarily suspending the 24 hour watch. They will continue patrolling our beaches from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
• The Declaration of Local State of Emergency has been extended to May 21, 2010.
• On Thursday, May 6, Escambia County’s contractors deployed 5,300 feet of boom.
• To keep waterways open as long as possible, boom will be “wet staged” at some locations. When floating petroleum becomes an imminent threat, boom will be fully deployed. “Fully deployed boom” is described as boom anchored into a functional configuration.
• Coordinating with city officials on additional boom deployment locations.
• BP has assumed deployment of boom to the Pensacola Pass East and West potions of the Escambia County Local Action Plan.
• County staff will make adjustments to utilize the boom priorities of Stage One and Stage Two sites. For a complete listing of sites see the Local Action Plan beginning on page 4 and the corresponding boom deployment map.
• The Local Area Plan has been approved by Secretary Sole for funding. (Plan)
• A Special Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m., May 13. The purpose of the meeting is to allow staff the opportunity, if necessary, to present to the Board, time-sensitive recommendations relative to the Deep Horizon Oil Plume. The meeting will be held in the Escambia County Governmental Complex, Board Chambers, Room 100, 221 Palafox Place.
• We are evaluating several operational options from contractors for coastal protection and recovery.
• We are looking at every viable proposal, coordinating with Unified Command and we will share that information as it is approved.
• The Celebrate Escambia Waterways Beach Fun and Safety event for Saturday, May 8 has been postponed until further notice.
• All along our Gulf front shoreline beaches are small, basically clear and somewhat “pointy” plankton. The Pteropod, also known as the sea butterfly, is a larval snail that is naturally occurring. These plankton blew in with the Portuguese Man-O-War and By the Wind Sailors. Although they are fairly sharp and may stick your fingers and hands when picked up or your foot when you step on them, they do not pose a threat to people. They are not washing ashore due to anything oil related.
• Residents and business owners with any water access on their property should have pre-assessments prepared now (photos, video, anything documenting the current condition of your property).
• The brown foam seen on the beaches recently is not associated with the oil spill. This is a common natural occurrence especially in the spring when fish are spawning and there are hard winds, rain, and wave action.
• Officials continue to monitor coastlines.
• The EOC remains at level 2 activation. This is a minimal activation with only specifically involved agencies activating at this time.
• Meetings of all essential local emergency support agencies are being held daily.
• Pre-qualified contractors and consultants are coordinating with county staff on the disaster response.
• Environmental staff are confirming pre-assessments on air and water quality, and identifying any gaps.
• County officials continue working through state and federal channels to establish a process for resources and equipment.
• Emergency Management officials continue to communicate with the State of Florida liaison at unified command.
• County staff is continuing to coordinate with the Santa Rosa Island Authority on equipment necessary for the response effort.

Local Beaches

• Remain open, water is clear and air quality is good.

City of Pensacola

• Coordinating with county officials.

Volunteer Opportunities & Training

• Training Courses for Tuesday, May 11 and Wednesday, May 12 are now open. Click here to register or call 850-471-6600 for information if you do not have computer access.
• BP has trained over 500 volunteers to date.
• This is for the health and safety training. This is not training for handling oiled wildlife.

Safety Messages
Wildlife

• Do not attempt to rescue oiled or injured birds or wildlife. Doing so can cause additional injuries.
• If oiled, injured or dead wildlife are found, call the Oiled Wildlife hotline at 866-557-1401, please provide location of where the wildlife was sighted.
• May is the hatching season for many birds and reptiles. Please use the toll free number above.

Boats

• Boats should keep a safe distance from any of the booms. Do not drive boats over any booms.
• Boat owners are urged to dry-dock boats.

Beaches and Waterways

• Citizens should take precautions around waterways to avoid contact with oil substances.
• Officials are closely monitoring potential public health and environmental concerns.

Personal Safety (if areas are affected by oil)

• Avoid entering areas where oil can be seen or smelled. If you see or smell oil, leave the area immediately.
• Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
• Do not swim or ski in areas affected by the oil spill, and if you travel through the area by boat, take precautions when hoisting the boat anchor. If you get oil on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
• Do not fish in the oil spill-affected waters.
• Do not harvest and eat dead fish, fish with oily residue or fish that have a petroleum odor.
• Do not drive your boat through slicks or sheens.
• Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
• Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
• Those near Florida’s Gulf Coast may detect an odor because of the oil spill. Some people are more sensitive to these odors and may experience nasal irritation and feelings of nausea. In combination with seasonal allergies, such as sensitivity to pollen or pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, some people may experience more severe symptoms.
• Individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness should contact their health care provider if feeling symptomatic.
• Report oiled shorelines to 866-448-5816. Report oiled wildlife to 866-557-1401.

Businesses Information

• Take detailed records of canceled reservations. It is important that when these cancellations occur, the canceling party is questioned whether the cause is because of the oil spill. If the answer is yes, keep a record of the person’s name and contact information, and also the revenues lost as a result of the cancellation.
• Businesses, including hoteliers, sport fishing charters, watersports rental companies, etc., that may be negatively impacted are asked to keep detailed profit and loss records and track any cancellations, should a claim need to be presented.
• Calculate estimated losses for a six-week period and be able to provide records, sales receipts and documentation to support such a claim. A good idea would be to compare business now to a five-year average of revenues between May and June, which can offer insight as to the damages incurred.
• Make a detailed list of assets, including non-structural, and include appropriate records to support the list. For example: if your hotel or restaurant is within walking distance to the beach and that beach has oil reach its shores, the business’s assets could be damaged even though there is no physical damage to the structure and it is important to record this depreciation.
• The Vessels of Opportunities Program call 281-366-5511.
• BP has established a claim system and toll free number, 800-440-0858. This system will allow people to being to process to recover lost income or recoup damage related expenses.
• If you are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, there is an additional avenue for assistance available through the Coast Guard once BP has finalized your claim. Those who have already pursued the BP claims process can call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118.
• More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found at www.uscg.mil/npfc.
• To register as a consultant, contractor, vendor or submit information on alternative response technology, services products or suggestions, call BP at 281-366-5511.

Citizen Information

• The Citizen Information Center phone is open for questions from residents, 850-471-6600.

Contact Numbers

• Volunteer hotline: 1-866-448-5816
• Transocean hotline: 832-587-8554
• MI Swaco hotline: 888-318-6765
• BP Investor Relations: 381-366-3123
• BP family hotline: 281-366-5578
• BP third party contractor hotline: 281-366-5578

Great Sunday Weather

Our weather looks almost perfect on this Mother’s Day with lots of sunshine and low humidity.

We will gradually warm over the week, with no mention of rain.

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

• Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
• Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
• Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. East northeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south southeast.
• Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. South southeast wind between 5 and 15 mph.
• Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
• Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
• Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
• Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.
• Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 84.

Good Eats: Blueberry Bake-Off Returns This June

The Great Blueberry Bake-Off will return to the Blueberry Jamboree this June in Barrineau Park.

The Escambia County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee invites bakers to bring their homemade blueberry goodies to The Great Blueberry Bake-Off, a competition held in conjunction with the Blueberry Jamboree.

Contestants may enter in any of three categories: pies/cobblers, cakes, and other assorted baked blueberry dishes. Entries should be brought to the Barrineau Park Community Center cafeteria on a disposable plate, covered with plastic, between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on June 12. A copy of the recipe must be included with the free registration.

Judging begins at 10:30 a.m., and winners will be announced at 1:45 p.m. Youth and adult entries will be judged together. Judges’ decisions are final. Winners will receive monetary prizes; first place: $50, second place: $30, and third place: $20.

The Blueberry Jamboree will be Saturday, June 12th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Barrineau Park Community Center, 6055 Barrineau Park School Road, in Molino.

The event is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com, the Escambia County Office of Public Information and the Escambia County Extension Office.

Pictured above: The second place winner in the “Pies and Cobbler” division of last year’s Great Blueberry Bake-Off was Blueberry Dream Pie from Marti Penland Koemmerer. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers Honored

The Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers program has been honored for work leading to hundreds of arrests and closing over 1,000 cases last year.

Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers Inc. received the Crime Stoppers 2009 Productivity Award at a recent conference in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.

In 2009, Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers was assisted in closing 1,135 cases, led to 312 arrests and gave out 286 rewards to those that provided tips.

“I am so proud of this program,” Deputy Jeff Van Camp, coordinator of the Gulf Coast program said, “It’s the hard work and cooperation of all the men and women of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that make productivity like this possible.”

The award is given to the Crime Stoppers program in the Southeast that clears the most cases for the given year. The award is specifically for organizations serving areas with a population between 200,000 and 299,000, according to the sheriff’s office.

For more information on the Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers Program, Van Camp at (850) 436-9387 or visit gulfcoastcrimestoppers.org.  To submit a crime tip, call (850) 433-STOP.

Giving Praise: Entire Bible Read Aloud In 30 Minutes

The entire Bible was read aloud in about 30 minutes Thursday evening in Atmore. Almost 200 people surrounded the walking track at Tom Byrne Park, each reading a different part of the Bible out loud on the National Day of Prayer.

For a photo gallery from the event, click here.

Photos courtesy Erin Pritchett, Cutting EJ Photography for Northescambia.com, click to enlarge.

May Lawn, Gardening Tips From The Master Gardeners

The Escambia County Master Gardeners offer the following May lawn and garden tips:

• Continue planting summer annuals. Try one or two that you’ve never grown and/or one that is not available in stores as transplants.
• Plant heat-resistant summer flowering annuals such as begonias, impatiens, coleus, salvia, marigolds, torenia, verbena, ornamental peppers and gaillardia.
• Bulbs: Caladium, gladiolus.
• Vegetables: Continue planting warm weather seeds and transplants (Shade those transplants!). Use transplants for cherry tomatoes, eggplant and sweet potatoes. Plant seeds of lima beans, okra, southern peas: purple hull, crowder, etc.
• Prune and shape spring flowering shrubs and trees now. Later pruning may destroy next year’s blooms.
• Good cultural practices help maintain a healthy lawn and discourage insects and disease. Mow with a sharp blade. Centipedegrass should be cut to a height of 1½ to 2 inches. St. Augustinegrass normal growth habit cultivars should be cut to a height of 3 to 4 inches.
• Climbing roses are pruned after they finish blooming. Blooms form on one-year-old canes, so any older ones may be removed to make them more tidy. Cut each flowering stem back to the first five leaflet stem to encourage them to bloom again.Spray with horticultural oil or malathion for mites, scale and white flies, if insects are present, before it gets too hot (85 degrees).
• Yellow leaves on azaleas may mean they need iron. Apply iron sulphate or chelated iron.
• Feed citrus plants using special citrus fertilizer. Broadcast under the tree canopy and water in.
• Begin planting palms while the weather is warm and rainy.
• Make cuttings of azaleas, hollies, camellias, and other choice shrubs as new growth becomes halfhardened.
• Take soft wood cuttings to root: alyssum, begonia, chrysanthemum, shrimp plant, dianthus, geranium, hibiscus, hydrangea, etc.
• Dig bulbs after foliage turns brown if they need to be divided or the space is needed for other plants. If the space isn’t needed, braid the foliage.
• Cut back the vines of Irish potatoes when they begin to die but leave the tubers in the ground for about two weeks longer to toughen the skin. Handle the potatoes carefully during digging, as skinned or bruised potatoes decay quickly when stored.
• Divide crowded and vigorously growing perennials.
• Promote continued flowering of bedding plants by removing faded blooms.
• Encourage coleus to branch and produce more colorful leaves by pinching off the flower stalks as they form.
• Prune poinsettias when new growth is 10-12 inches high (back to the last four leaves). Prune new growth at the base throughout the summer.
• Stop pruning after Labor Day.
• Keep roses watered, cut out weak spots, feed every six to eight weeks or at every new flush of growth, dust.
• For insect or disease problems in your garden, use the least toxic control possible.

May Lawn, Gardening Tips From The Master Gardeners

Nearly 500 Students Take Part In Sunshine Math Competition

Nearly 500 Escambia County third, fourth and fifth grade students took part in the annual Sunshine Math Competition Saturday morning at Tate High School. Bratt, Molino Park and Jim Allen elementary schools participated from the North Escambia area. Hannah McGahan from Molino Park Elementary placed third in the individual third grade category. Pictured top: The third grade Bratt Elementary team. Pictured left: Hannah McGahan. Pictured below: The Sunshine Math  Competition at Tate High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Piehl Guilty; Faces 20 Years For Shooting Over $40 Worth Of Fake Crack

A Molino man is facing at least 20 years in state prison after being found guilty of shooting into an elderly woman’s home in a dispute over $40 in fake crack cocaine.

Robert Grant Piehl, 42, of Wilder Road, Molino, bought what he thought was crack cocaine for $40 on April 15, 2009, on Barth Lane, according to his original arrest report. But when he discovered the crack was fake, he returned to confront the alleged dealer with a .22 caliber rifle.

Armed with the rifle, he confronted two women — one 88-years old at the time — in the front yard of a home on Barth Lane and eventually fired several rounds through the front door of the residence near where the two women were standing, according to the State Attorney’s Office. Piehl then proceeded to the residence next door where he fired yet another round through a window.

As Piehl left the scene, he was immediately apprehended by an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy responding to a 911 call from the area. The .22 caliber rifle and ammunition were found in Piehl’s truck. Testing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement discovered gunshot residue on Piehl’s hands.

He will be sentenced by Circuit Judge Terry Terrell on June 21. At sentencing, he will be facing a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years under Florida’s 10-20-Life law, according to the State Attorney’s Office.

There was a second man with Piehl at the time his truck was stopped by deputies; charges against him were later dropped.

Place Food By Your Mailbox Today And Help Stamp Out Hunger

Today is the day to place food out by your mailbox to help local families in need.

Americans in more than 10,000 communities will partner today with letter carriers to help “Stamp Out Hunger.” The Letter Carriers Food Drive is the largest, single-day effort to combat hunger in America.

To participate, residents are asked to place a bag of non-perishable food items, like canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal, by their mailbox before their mail is delivered on Saturday, May 8. Letter carriers will collect the food items and deliver them to hunger relief agencies with the help of volunteers.

Local hunger relief organizations including Manna Food Pantries, Bay Area Food Bank, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Warrington Emergency Aid, ACTS Ministries, and We Care Ministry will receive the food donated locally and distribute it to needy families throughout the summer.

Last year, letter carriers across the country collected a record total of more than 73.4 million pounds of food. But with hunger impacting 49.1 million Americans, including 16.7 million children, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual study measuring food security in the United States; help is needed now more than ever before.

“While we’re very proud of our success over the years in the battle against hunger, the fact remains that more Americans than ever are in need, which is why we remain committed to this drive,” said Fredric V. Rolando, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

In a recent survey conducted by Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic-hunger-relief organization, its 203 food bank members consistently reported increased demand for emergency food assistance, ranging from five to 150 percent. Food banks are also notoriously empty during summer months, having exhausted the supply of donations received from food drives conducted during the holidays that are then distributed during spring. Summer donations are even more critical since many children in need no longer have the benefit of their school lunch program.

For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger effort, ask your letter carrier, contact your local post office or visit www.helpstampouthunger.com. You can also follow the drive at www.twitter.com/StampOutHunger or text STAMP3 to 30305 to sign up for mobile reminders.

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