Gardening: Late Summer Leaf Spots
September 19, 2010
As the hot weather abates just a bit, gardeners find themselves back in the landscape only to find an outbreak of spots on their plants. Hot, humid and rainy weather are perfect conditions for the development of fungal diseases.
One of the most common leaf spot diseases seen in the landscape during late summer is Cercospora leaf spot. While it affects many different landscape plants, it is most commonly seen on hydrangeas. It affects smooth, panicle, oakleaf and bigleaf types of hydrangea. However, this year, there have been numerous occurrences on crape myrtles.
Symptoms
On bigleaf hydrangea, the spots are small, circular and have a purplish halo surrounding them. The centers of these spots eventually turns tan to light gray in color. In contrast, the leaf spots on oakleaf hydrangea appear angular in shape and are dark brown in color. Leaves that are severely affected often become a yellow-green color.
Initial symptoms on crape myrtles are the appearance of dark brown spots that develop first on the lower leaves and progress upward in the canopy from mid-summer through fall. Infected leaves develop a yellowish to orangey-red coloration because of the production of a toxin by the pathogen. These leaves then fall prematurely, particularly in highly susceptible varieties.
Numerous infectious spores are produced in the center of each fungal spot. These spores can be spread by wind, splashing water and can hitch a ride on pruning tools. Frequent late summer rain showers will not only greatly increase the rate of disease spread, but also intensify the level of leaf spotting and defoliation. Extended periods of drought will usually suppress disease development and spread.
Although this disease can be visually alarming, it is generally an aesthetic problem for homeowners because the disease rarely kills the plant. However, if this disease is severe, it can reduce the overall plant vigor by repeated defoliation.
Control strategies
There are some fungicides available to help manage Cercospora leaf spot, but for the homeowner, disease management with fungicides is often not warranted because symptoms usually occur so late in the season. This does not mean, however, that you should ignore the problem. Once this disease is found in a planting, yearly outbreaks are likely to occur.
The fungus easily survives on fallen leaves. Sanitation is perhaps the most important tool in disease management. Be sure to remove and destroy these leaves to help prevent future infections and disease outbreaks.
Another important cultural practice includes surface watering. Because moisture on the leaves allow disease spores to germinate, avoid getting the leaves wet with overhead irrigation. Also be sure to apply enough nitrogen to maintain a moderate growth rate. It is also helpful if your plants are not crowded. Good air circulation permits the leaves to dry quickly after a rain, which helps prevent leaf spot diseases.
However, the use of fungicides may be justified for high-value landscape plantings that develop severe cases of the disease each year. Products containing chlorothalonil, myclobutanil or thiophanate-methyl are recommended. For effective control of Cercospora leaf spot with a fungicide, begin applications when spotting of the leaves is first seen and continue applying that treatment as needed. Be sure to follow label directions!
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Fire Leaves Two Homeless
September 18, 2010
Two adults are homeless after a fire Saturday night at an Old Chemstrand Road mobile home park.
The single wide home was reported to be fully involved when the first firefighters arrived about 9:00 at the Pinecrest Mobile Home Park. There were no injuries reported.
The American Red Cross was called to assist the victims with temporary shelter. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Cantonment, Molino, Beulah, Ensley and Bellview stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the blaze, along with Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured top: This photo submitted by Ashley Cutaio shows a mobile home blaze on Chemstrand Road Saturday night. Pictured below: These photos show the aftermath of the fire. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Escambia Hires New Administrator
September 18, 2010
Charles “Randy” Oliver has been approved as the new Escambia County administrator.
The Escambia County Commissioner voted unanimously Friday to hire Oliver, who said he will be able to start work by November 1. His maximum salary will be $145,000.
Oliver most recently (2008-March 2010) served as city manager in Surprise, Arizona, a city of 118,000 citizens, 850 employees and an annual budget of $300 million. According to The Arizona Republic newspaper, he was fired on the spot on a 4-3 vote by the Surprise Town Council without giving any real reason. The four council members that voted to terminate Oliver issued the following statement:
When former City Manager Oliver was hired, his skills and personality aligned with the needs of the City at that time. Over the last two years, Surprise has undergone many dramatic changes and felt the economic downturn that has impacted communities nationwide. As the City has gone through these growing pains, the focus and direction of the City has changed as well. Mr. Oliver has provided adequate service during much of this time period, but our City needs to move in a different direction.
From 2003 to 2008, Oliver was city manager in Peoria, Illinois, a town of 120,000 residents, 850 employees and budget of $250 million. He resigned at a press conference without the Peoria mayor or city council, according to The Peoria Chronicle:
When asked why he’s leaving, he responded by saying, “I have other things I want to do.” When asked “what other things,” he said “consulting.” Later in the conference he elaborated, saying that he used to do consulting work and enjoyed it, but it required him to travel a lot. Since he had young children at the time, all the traveling wasn’t so good. Now that his kids are grown, his wife can travel with him when he does consulting work.
Oliver was the city manager in Greenville, South Carolina from 1999 to 2003 before resigning.
From 1996 to 1999 he worked to consolidate the City of Augusta, Georgia, and Richmond County. He resigned to accept the job in Greenville, South Carolina, “after years of bickering” according to The Augusta Chronicle.
Oliver served as assistant county manager and assistant for special projects in Polk County, Florida, from 1991 to 1996. He was fired from that position, according to The Augusta Chronicle:
“I was never asked to resign,” he said. “I was terminated from a technical point of view from Lee County…Frankly, probably, the majority of the board – I’m sure the majority of the board in Lee county – would like to have me back,” he said.
Ribbon Cutting For Century Lumber, New Jobs Delayed
September 18, 2010
It will be at least another four weeks before Century Lumber and Land, LLC cuts the ribbon on the old Alger-Sullivan building in Century and official announces new jobs.
The ribbon cutting had been tentatively set for September 18, but now that date has been delayed until October 16.
Century Lumber and Land, LLC plans to join Railmark Holdings and Milton Timber to announce a total of five ventures slated for Century.
The companies will, over a course of time, be in the business of:
- treating railroad crossties
- dry kiln treating domestic lumber for the building industry
- building and selling lumber kilns
- repairing freight railcars, railroad track and maintenance
- processing and marketing Paulownia trees as biomass fuel and wood products
Century Lumber and Land unofficially announced the ventures at a September 2 meeting of the Century Chamber of Commerce. Century Lumber and Land Manager Jim Craft (pictured) said at that meeting that the operations would eventually employee 300 to 500 people within a 36 to 42 month period.
For more information, read the story about the announcement from September 3 — click here.
Pictured: Century Lumber and Land Manager Jim Craft. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Football: Wins For Tate, ECHS; Losses For Jay, Flomaton, EA
September 18, 2010
Here are Friday night football scores from across the North Escambia area:
- Tate 41, Crestview 33 [Click for details.]
- Mobile Christian 21 Flomaton 20 [Click for details.]
- Freeport 42 Jay 6 [Click for details.]
- Escambia County 60 W.S. Neal 0 [Click for details.]
- Prattville Christian 62 Escambia Academy 36
- Pensacola High 38, West Florida High 7
- Niceville 14 Pine Forest 14
SEC Games On TV Today
September 18, 2010
Here’s a look at the SEC football games on TV today, plus a look at the SEC standings:
(all times Central)
SEC Week 3 Games on Saturday, September 18
Arkansas (2-0, 0-0) at Georgia (1-1, 0-1)
11 a.m. ESPN / ESPN3.com
Vanderbilt (0-2, 0-1) at Ole Miss (1-1, 0-0)
11:21 a.m. SEC Network / ESPN3.com
Florida (2-0, 0-0) at Tennessee (1-1, 0-0)
2:30 p.m. CBS Sports / WKRG TV 5
Alabama (2-0, 0-0) at Duke (1-1)
2:30 p.m. ABC Sports / WEAR TV 3 / ESPN3.com
Akron (0-2) at Kentucky (2-0, 0-0)
6 p.m. FSN / ESPN3.com
Furman (1-0) at South Carolina (2-0, 1-0)
6 p.m. USC PPV / ESPN3.com
Clemson (2-0) at Auburn (2-0, 1-0)
6 p.m. ESPN / ESPN 3D / ESPN3.com
Mississippi State (1-1, 0-1) at LSU (2-0, 1-0)
6 p.m. ESPNU
SEC Standings
EASTERN DIVISION (overall records & point differential)
South Carolina 1-0 (2-0)
Kentucky 0-0 (2-0)
Florida 0-0 (2-0)
Tennessee 0-0 (1-1)
Georgia 0-1 (1-1)
Vanderbilt 0-1 (0-2)
WESTERN DIVISION
Auburn 1-0 (2-0)
LSU 1-0 (2-0)
Alabama 0-0 (2-0)
Arkansas 0-0 (2-0)
Ole Miss 0-0 (1-1)
Mississippi State 0-1 (1-1)
Flomaton Fumbles Away Win To Mobile Christian, 21-20
September 18, 2010
The Flomaton Hurricanes were handed a tough, come from behind loss Friday night by the Leopards of Mobile Christian, 21-20.
The Hurricanes were defeated on turnovers — four fumbles and a pass interception.
The Cane’s held a 20-0 lead in the second quarter when Mobile Christian scored on a seven-yard touchdown pass with about nine minutes to go in the half. The third quarter was scoreless, but the fourth was all Mobile Christian.
A Flomaton turnover resulted in the only Mobile Christian score of the first half with about nine minutes to go. Headed into the lockers, the Cane’s were still up 20-7.
With 3:45 to go in the game, Mobile Christian was in for six after a Hurricane turnover. The Cane’s blocked the extra point kick, 20-13.
Then with 2:28, the Canes lost the ball again, and Mobile Christian was in with a 25-yard pass. Mobile Christian faked the extra point kick and ran it in to take a 21-20 lead and win over the Hurricanes.
Neiko Robinson had two touchdown runs for the Hurricanes — 25-yards and 35-yards.
Flomaton will host the Jay Royals next Friday night.
Tate Beats Crestview 41-33
September 18, 2010
There was a lot of celebrating in Cantonment Friday night as the Tate Aggies beat the Crestview Bulldogs 41-33.
The Tate Aggies (2-1) celebrated the 30th anniversary of their 1980 state championship and honored legendary coach Carl Madison. Members of that championship team were also honored Friday night.
Fast forward 30 years to Friday night, and the Aggies bit the Bulldogs early, with a one-yard touchdown run from Josh Dees. The point after failed, and the Aggies were up 6-0 with 6:37 to go in the first quarter. The Bulldogs answered with a five-yarder and a good kick to take the lead 7-6 with 3:36 in the first.
Crestview added another touchdown from about the midfield mark early in the second. The kick was good, and it was the Bulldogs 14-6.
But the Aggies were just getting started with three touchdowns and a field goal in the second quarter. Tate scored with a 33-yard pass from Thumper Grice to Alex Westergreen, a 26-yard run from Lorenzo Long, a 13-yard run from Ladarion Young and a 34-yard field goal from Hagan Mancuso.
In the third quarter, Crestview added a 23-yard touchdown run, and the Aggies had five-yard touchdown run from Long. Crestview scored twice in the fourth, including a touchdown pass with just 54 seconds to go in the game.
With a win in their first home game of the year at Pete Gindl stadium, the Aggiest handed the Bulldogs their first loss of the year.
Tate will be on the road in Santa Rosa County next Friday night in a district game against Pace.
Blue Devils Slam W.S. Neal 60-0
September 18, 2010
A big, big win Friday night for the Blue Devils of Escambia County High School as they destroyed the Blue Eagles of W.S. Neal 60-0 in Atmore.
Demetric Henderson put the Blue Devils on the board in the first quarter with a two-yard touchdown run. A good kick, and the Blue Devils were just getting started. 7-0.
Henderson was in a short time later for a 70-yard touchdown, followed by a five-yarder from Chris Smith. Good kicks, and it was 21-0. Then Henderson added another one to his touchdown list. With a missed kick, Atmore’s Big Blue held a big 27-0 win at the half.
Rico Stallworth added a six-yard touchdown as the half got underway, 33-0. Then it was Smith with another touchdown; this one from 16 yards away. In the fourth, the Blue Devil scoreboard tallied a three-yard touchdown run from Laderrick Crenshaw, a 17-yard TD from Ladereis Payne and a 35-yard run from Tywon Dixon.
When it was all over, the Blue Devils (3-1, 2-1) had a tired scorekeeper and a big 60-0 win over Neal.
Neal had just 25 yards offensively in the entire game, while the Blue Devils racked up about 375 yards.
Escambia County will be on the road next Friday night against Faith Academy.
Local Unemployment Up In Florida, Down In Alabama Over Past Year
September 18, 2010
The latest job numbers released Friday showed increases in unemployment in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties over the past year, while the employment outlook has improved in Escambia County, Alabama.
Greg Evers, the state representative whose district includes a large portion of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, called for changes to improve the employment situation in Florida — including an Arizona-style immigration law.
“I am very concerned by today’s employment numbers and what seems to be a downward spiraling trend,” Evers said Friday. “We have to make serious changes in the coming year to combat unemployment, such as reducing taxes and restrictions on small businesses so they can put more Floridians back to work, and also by passing an immigration law that is similar to Arizona’s original law. We need to make sure that Floridians are not losing job opportunities to illegal immigrants and that all our neighbors have the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families.”
Escambia County’s unemployment fell slightly— down from 11.0 percent in July to 10.9 percent in august. That represented 184 jobs gained in a month for a total county unemployment of 15,607 people. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 9.8 percent.
Santa Rosa County also recorded an a slight decrease in unemployment— from 10.8 percent in July to 10.7 percent in August. Santa Rosa County gained 20 jobs during the period, with a total of 7,869 persons unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 9.7 percent.
The unemployment rate in Escambia County, Ala., held steady over the month at 10.9 percent, representing 1,581 unemployed. Last year’s unemployment rate for the same period in Escambia County was 13.5 percent.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 9.2 percent in August, dropped from July’s rate of 9.7 percent and was below the year-ago rate of 10.6 percent.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August 2010 iss 11.7 percent. This represents 1,084,000 jobless out of a labor force of 9,229,000. The unemployment rate is 0.2 percentage point higher than the July rate of 11.5 percent.
“Although Florida’s unemployment rate has slightly increased, there are still positive indicators of recovery. This is the second consecutive month with an increase in the number of jobs from the previous year,” said AWI Director Cynthia R. Lorenzo. “Historically, mixed signals from economic indicators during the bottom of a recession are common until the economy recovers. Fluctuations in rates of unemployment and job growth are typical examples.”