Small Farms Programs To Help Producers

July 25, 2010

Upcoming workshops will help small farm producers get their product to local markets, address obstacles for small producers, and identify new market segments for selling products locally.

Florida Small Farms Outreach Program is offering four training sessions statewide. These workshops are available via video teleconference through Escambia Extension, 3740 Stefani Road. The program is open to the public for $5 per session.

Early registration is recommended for participants. The availability of program notebooks and materials will be based on pre-registration numbers.

The programs will offer a discussion by farmers and experts on their selected topics. Sessions are two hours each starting at 6 p.m. as follows:

  • August 3 – Food Safety Requirements for Small Farmers
    August 17 – Taking Care of Business: Price Discovery , Accountability, Basic Merchandising
    August 24 – The Art of Selling

Pre-registration is required. Contact Escambia Extension Office at 475-5230. For more information about Small Farms Outreach, visit their website at http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu.

Gates, Levins To Wed

July 25, 2010

Jordan Alexandria Gates and Brady Ryan Levins announce their engagement and forthcoming marriage.

The bride-elect is the daughter of Chad and Alison Fournier of Atmore. She is the granddaughter of Billy and Linda Gates of Atmore.

The prospective groom is the son of Dale and Marie Levins of Byrneville, Fla. He is the grandson of Vera Presley of Byrneville and the late Wilson H. Levins and Robert A. Cawthon of Byrneville and Cecilia Morris of Jay, Fla.

Miss Gates is a 2008 graduate of Escambia County High School in Atmore, Ala. She also received an associates degree in science in 2010 at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette. She is currently employed by Portrait Innovations in Pensacola as a photographer.

The prospective groom is a 2006 graduate of Northview High School in Bratt. He also completed the law enforcement course at George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center in Pensacola in 2009. He is currently employed by TBH Construction, Inc. in Flomaton.

The couple will exchange vows Saturday, July 31, 2010, at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Atmore.

Following the ceremony, a reception will be held at the Wisteria in Atmore. All friends and family are invited to attend.

Submitted photo, click to enlarge.

Rep. Rick Scott To Bring Governor Campaign To Escambia

July 25, 2010

Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott, who announce Friday that he will work for free if elected, will bring his campaign to Pensacola Monday evening.

Scott will make an afternoon appearance at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition in Pensacola before knocking doors on La Belle Terre Boulevard. He will then end his statewide bus tour at the Veterans Memorial Park on Bayfront Parkway will a free concert by the Bellamy Brothers.

Scott announced Friday that he will forgo a salary if elected governor. The multi-millionaire said that he does not really need the $130,000 per year that Florida’s governor is paid.

Featured Recipe: ‘Famous’ Special Cheese Lasagna

July 25, 2010

This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is a Lasagna Made “Famous” By Special Cheese Sauce. It’s bursting with a wonder combination of sweet and tangy flavors instead of the normal ricotta cheese filling.

To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.

Evelyn G. Avery Vannoy

July 24, 2010

Evelyn G. Avery Vannoy (GiGi) of Pensacola, Florida at age 70 passed away quietly the morning of Friday, July 23, 2010 at Sacred Heart Hospital after going through open-heart surgery.

Evelyn was born on April 17, 1940 in Bratt, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents Inolia and Charlie Avery one aunt, three uncles, one niece, and two nephews. She is survived by her husband Gordon, two children Jeffrey Clay Vannoy and Vicki Michele Beauchaine, and their spouses, Beverly Bell Vannoy and Brian Beauchaine. She has four grandchildren Langley Bell Vannoy, Clayton Jeffery Vannoy, Blake Gordon Dungca, and Avery Nicole Beauchaine.

Evelyn has one sister Helen Chavers, two sisters in law Kathy Forrester and Leila Vannoy. She also has a very close cousin Shirley Jordan. She had two aunts Beatrice Singleton and Lillian James.

She attended Tate High School where she was a majorette in the band. Tate High is where she met her husband of 53 wonderful years, Gordon Vannoy. She was a member of the eastern star, a long time employee of a few local Ford dealerships, a member of Bernice Star Step dance studio where she loved to tap dance. Over the last 10 years she has enjoyed NASCAR. She was a fan that will truly be missed. Evelyn and Gordon loved to travel to many NASCAR events where she had many great friends as she fondly referred to as her ”racing buds”, and she was better known as Miss. Talladega Blvd. Her most valued possessions were her children and grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She was loved by many special family members and friends, too many to mention. She will be loved and missed.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Shrine Transportation fund.

Graveside services will be 10:00 am, Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at Pensacola Memorial Gardens with Reverend Bill Hodge officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 100 Hwy 29 South, Cantonment, Fl.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola is in charge of arrangements

Andrew “Drew” Brian Crosby

July 24, 2010

Andrew “Drew” Brian Crosby, 27, of Cantonment, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 following an automobile accident.

Andrew was born in Columbus, MS on January 19, 1983. He moved to the Pensacola area at the age of 3. He was employed by Defense Stamping and Engineering as a Machinist/ Welder for the past 4 years. He grew up with a love of sports, including baseball, soccer, and golf. He graduated from J. M. Tate High School in 2001.

On September 29, 2005, the brightest light and love of his life was born, his beautiful baby girl, Brooke. They were inseparable when they were together. They especially loved snuggle time, playing games, swimming, and going to the park. She will greatly miss her Daddy!

He is survived by his “41/2″ years old daughter, Brooke Paige Crosby, his parents, Larry and Mary Crosby of Cantonment, his sister Amanda McGee and her husband J.R. of Pensacola, Grandparents Bud and Billie Jean Crosby of Petal, MS, grandparents Buck and Mary Rogers of Petal, MS, aunt Deborah (Blaine) Sills, aunt Denise (Mike) Jenkins, Uncle Buddy (Mary) Rogers, William (Joyce) Rogers all of Mississippi, Marina (Craig) Willeford of Oklahoma and many loving and supportive cousins, as well as other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his twin nephews, Matthew Caleb and Jacob Connor McGee.

He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church for the past 4 years, where he made many new friends. The pastor and members of the church have been a great support to Andrew as he has struggled with health problems the last few years.

Even though health problems plagued Andrew the past 2 years, he was still able to maintain a positive and upbeat attitude. He was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others in need. The sweet nature that GOD gave him was even more evident in the way children and animals were drawn to him. In his short time he has touched many lives: strangers, friends, and family alike. He would want us all to celebrate his life and focus on happier, good times. He will be greatly missed by many and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Andrew Crosby to Home of Grace: Funeral Services will be Saturday July 24, 2010 at 10:00 AM in the Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home with visitation from 6 to 8 PM Friday in the Funeral Home. Eastern Gate

Keith Douglas Williams, Sr.

July 24, 2010

Keith Douglas Williams, Sr., 67, of Cantonment, passed away on July 22, 2010.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Orvis and Loyie Williams. He is survived by his children, Angie (Martin) Mitchell and Keith (Mary) Williams, Jr.; grandchildren, Keith Williams, III, and Kayla and Shane Mitchell; and brothers, Gerald (Opal), Harold (Juanita), Don (Denise), Ronnie (Vicki), and Steve(Connie) Williams.

A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at Trahan Family Funeral Home with services starting at 11:00 a.m. Trahan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Northwest Escambia 11-12 Softball Ends Season At State Tournament

July 24, 2010

The Northwest Escambia 11-12 year old softball team ended their season Friday in Fort Myers as the Florida Little League Section 1 Champions.

In state tournament action Friday afternoon, NWE fell 11-1 to St. Cloud in a three hour game in rain from Tropical Storm Bonnie. In their final game Friday night, South Tampa got past Northwest Escambia 1-0.

Members of the NWE 11-12 year old All-Stars are: Savanna Roux, Peighton Dortch, Courtney Peebles, Kyndall Hall, Penny Banda, Addy Lee, Kendal Cobb, Mallory Ryan, Kristin Byrd and Natalie Goetter. The team is managed by Jerry Mason, and coached by Ronald Peebles and Eddie Ryan.

Pictured top: The Northwest Escambia All-Stars 11-12 softball team finished their year as Section 1 Champions.  Pictured below: The NWE girls pose while waiting for a break in the rain from Tropical Storm Bonnie in Fort Myers. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.


Perritt To Continue House Campaign After Wife Arrested On Drug Charges

July 24, 2010

Days after the arrest of his wife on drug trafficking charges, Florida House District 1 candidate Ricky Perritt has announced that he will stay in the race.

(Update: Ricky Perritt was arrest on drug trafficking charges on July 26. Click here for the story.)

“I am running to give the common citizens a voice in Tallahassee,” Perritt said.  “We must remember that leadership is earned, not inherited.”

Perritt’s wife, Jennifer Rene Perritt, 38, of Wallace Lake Road, Pace, is charged with drug trafficking,  prescription forgery and fraud. She was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail where she was later released on $31,000 bond.

A statement issued by Perritt’s campaign said Jennifer Perritt has suffered from a degenerative spinal condition for the past seven years, and that she became addicted to her prescribed pain medications.

“…Mrs. Perritt voluntarily reported to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff to answer questions regarding allegations that she mishandled prescriptions,” the press released stated. “Mr. Perritt is concerned for the health of his wife and he is consulting with the appropriate professionals to evaluate the situation. During this time Mr. Perritt asks you to pray for his family and asks that you respect his wife’s privacy.”

Bond for Jennifer Perritt was originally set at $620,000, but later reduced to $31,000.

Florida House District 1 includes the northern two-thirds of Escambia County, most of Santa Rosa County and a portion of Okaloosa County. The seat is being vacated by Greg Evers who is running for Florida Senate District 2.

Old Fashioned Political Stump Rally Today In Jay

July 24, 2010

There will be an old-fashioned political rally in Jay this afternoon.

Candidates for various offices for have five minutes to get up on a stump and deliver their stump speeches, according to event organizers. The candidates will also have tables or tents set up to distribute signs and materials.

The event is a fundraiser for the Jay Historical Society toward renovation expenses to turn the old Cannon Building into a museum.

Candidates for State Senate; Florida House District 1; Santa Rosa County Commission Districts 1, 3 and 4; Santa Rosa School Board District 1, 3 and 5; circuit judge, Jay city candidates, and U.S. Representative are tentatively scheduled to appear.

The event begins at 4:30 at Jay City Park and will also include entertainment by the “Soggy Bottom Boys” and food. Fried catfish dinners will be $7 with catfish, hushpuppies, baked beans, coleslaw and ice tea or lemonade.

« Previous PageNext Page »