Fire Damages Mobile Home
February 19, 2011
Fire damaged a mobile home west of Flomaton Saturday afternoon, but firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before the home was destroyed.
The fire was reported about 3:20 p.m. in the 200 block of Fowler Lane off Old Atmore Road, just north of the Alabama/Florida line. The fire was mostly contained to a bedroom at one end of the single wide mobile home.
There were no injuries reported.
The Flomaton, Friendship and Lambeth fire departments, the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County (Florida) EMS and the Flomaton Police Department were among the responding agencies.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
County Approves Tax Collector Move From Cantonment To Molino
February 19, 2011
Escambia County has official approved $113,135 to design a new building at the old Molino School to house offices for the county tax collector and tax appraiser.
Tax Collector Janet Holley’s lease ends in October 2012 at her current location in the old Winn Dixie shopping Center in Cantonment. Her office will move about 10 miles north to the new 7,000 square foot green building in Molino, along with the tax appraiser’s office that will be relocated from Farm Bureau building on Highway 97 in Molino.
The $113,135 to DAG architects will be in addition to the $214,580 contract with the company to design renovations to the old Molino School main building, which was constructed in 1938. The project is anticipated to be ready for bids by the end of April. Construction should start about August, with completion by the end of 2012.
The old Molino School project’s original plans called for a library, complete with the usual shelves of books, children’s areas and computer terminals. But without funding to operate its daily operations and employee salaries, library plans have been shelved for now as the county looks for more funding. Commissioner Kevin White plans to ask his fellow commissioners for $630,000 in April — $480,000 for building expenses and $150,000 for furniture, fixtures and equipment — to make the library portion of the building a reality.
Photo Gallery: Ernest Ward Middle Holds Annual Sports Banquet
February 19, 2011
The fifth annual Ernest Ward Middle School Sports Banquet was held Friday night. Students were honored for their participation in football, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball and swimming.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
The students honored included:
Football
- MVP Offense: Jaran Myles
- MVP Defense: Cameron Newsome
- Coaches Award: Aaron McDonald
- The entire team was honored for an undefeated season.
Boys Basketball:
- MVP: Cameron Newsome
Girls Basketball
- Team Members: Angel Lathan, Annie Bobo, Samantha Sharpless, Allison Woodfin, Jada Tucker, Jensyn Warner, Haley Brown, Mallory Ryan, Abbie Johnson, DeAsia Fountain, Penny Banda, Autumn Albritton, Brianna Parker and Teamber Moorer.
- MVP: Angel Lanthan
Volleyball
- Best Server: Kyndall Hall (62 points)
- Team Captain/Leadership Award: Mallory Ryan
- Best All Around: Reagan Bell
- Most Improved: Mallory Gibson
- Team Members: Mallory Ryan, Leah Fischer, Reagan Bell, Kristen Byrd, Brianna Parker, Kyndall Hall, Peighton Dortch, Kendal Cobb, Jadlyn Bodiford, Domonique Brown, Mallory Gibson, Lorri Harrell, McKenzie Nasser, Autumn Albritton, Courtney Grim, Deandre Johnson and Kaitlyn Abbott.
Cheerleading
- Most Outstanding Performer: Danielle Robinson
- Best All-Around: Hannah Gibson
- Most Improved: BrittneyWard
- Team Members: Hanna Gibson, Morgan Ward, Reagan Bell, MalloryRyan, Kendal Cobb, Kristen Byrd, Jessica McCollough, Kamryn Brock, Kaitlyn Abbott, Jadlyn Agerton, Dariane Guy, Brittney Ward, Danielle Robinson and Jamia Newton.
(Names and sports provided by the coaches.)
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Young Murderer Alex King Arrested For Probation Violaton
February 19, 2011
A day after being arrested on traffic charges, convicted murdered Alex David King of Cantonment has been arrested for violating his probation.
King, 21, was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond Friday afternoon.
King was 13 when he and his 14-year old brother, Derek King, were convicted as adults on second degree murder charges for the death of their father in 2001 . Both boys pleaded guilty to arson for setting fire to their Cantonment home. King was released from prison in October, 2008, while his brother Derek was released in 2009.
Alex King is on probation until 2012 for the death of his father.
Alex King was arrested Thursday by the Florida Highway Patrol and charged with violation of right of way, leaving the scene of a crash and violation of a driver’s license restriction following a traffic crash in Pensacola. He was released from jail Thursday on $1,000 bond.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, King was traveling north on Lanier Drive in a 2003 Dodge Neon early Thursday morning when he pulled into the path of a 1999 Chevrolet van driven by Candace T. O’Conner of Pensacola. After the 12:50 a.m. Crash, King fled the scene on foot, according to the FHP. He was located a short time later by Pensacola Police and taken into custody by the FHP.
A passenger in King’s vehicle, 20-year old Jonathan Aeppli of Milton, was not injured. O’Conner was not injured, while her 14-year old passenger received minor injuries and was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital. A third passenger in O’Conner’s vehicle, a 16-year old female, was not injured.
U.S. Marshals Seek Violent Fugitive That May Be In Escambia Area
February 19, 2011
The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force is asking for help in locating a man wanted for aggravated battery, kidnapping to inflict bodily harm, robbery, and grand theft of a motor vehicle. Marshals say he may be in the Escambia County area.
Bradley Scott Bruce allegedly beat his girlfriend to the point of being unrecognizable and fled into the woods near Gretna, Fla. nearly a week ago. It is thought that Bruce may have traveled to the Escambia County area recently and may be frequenting Pensacola area hotel or motels.
Bruce’s upper body is covered with tattoos with several relating to views of white supremacy. Bruce is a registered career criminal in the state of Florida with an ultra violent criminal history, according to law enforcement. Bruce is a white male, approximately six feet tall, weighing about 180 pounds with blue eyes, and brown hair.
Bruce is thought to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached if thought to be seen. If anyone has information on Bruce’s whereabouts, they are asked to immediately contact the U.S. Marshal’s Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force investigators at (850) 527-9395 or (850) 554-6602 or local law enforcement.
Great Weather Continues
February 19, 2011
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight…Partly cloudy until early morning becoming mostly cloudy. Patchy dense fog late in the evening. Areas of dense fog after midnight. Lows in the lower 50s. South winds 5 to 10 mph in the evening becoming light.
- Sunday…Mostly sunny. Areas of dense fog in the morning. Highs in the mid 70s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.
- Sunday Night…Partly cloudy in the evening becoming mostly cloudy. Areas of fog after midnight. Lows in the lower 50s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.
- Washingtons Birthday…Mostly sunny. Areas of fog in the morning. Slight chance of rain showers in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph becoming 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Chance of showers 20 percent.
- Monday Night…Partly cloudy in the evening becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
- Tuesday…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 60s.
- Tuesday Night…Colder. Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s.
- Wednesday…Mostly sunny. Highs around 70.
- Wednesday Night…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s.
- Thursday…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of showers 20 percent.
- Thursday Night…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of showers 20 percent.
- Friday…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of showers 20 percent.
- Friday Night…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Saturday…Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Last Day Of Little League Registration In Molino, Cantonment
February 19, 2011
Today is the final day of registration for the Molino Recreation Association at Don Sutton Park and Cantonment Little League.
Molino Recreation Association will hold registration each Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. through Saturday, February 19 at Don Sutton Park. The annual draft will be February 19 at 3 p.m.
Registration fees are $50 for the first child, $45 for the second, $40 for the third and free for additional players from the same family. A birth certificate copy is required to be on file for each child.
Click here for complete Molino Ballpark registration information in printable form.
Cantonment registration will be Saturday, February 19 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.. Draft day is February 26 for ages 4-14.
Northwest Escambia Little League Junior and Senior leagues can register until March 19.
Flomaton Hurricanes Fall In Sub-Regionals By Single Point
February 19, 2011
A heartbreaking loss for the Flomaton Hurricanes Friday night — the ‘Canes lost by one to Elba in the 2011 AHSAA Class 2A boys state basketball playoff sub-regionals in Flomaton.
Elba defeated the Canes 82-81.
The area champion Flomaton Hurricanes went into Friday night’s game off a playoff 66-37 win over Mobile Christian and a 60-58 win over Cottage Hill.
Pictured: The Flomaton High School Hurricanes. Submitted photo Mike Newton Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Police, Fire Officials Blast Pension Bills
February 19, 2011
Police and fire union representatives filled a Senate workshop Friday to criticize a pair of bills dramatically overhauling public pensions in Florida, a key cost-saving plan pushed by Gov. Rick Scott and top lawmakers.
A couple dozen speakers generally blasted the legislation by Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, whose Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee rolled out the legislation (SB 1128, 1130) earlier this week.
Friday’s four-hour hearing was designed to gauge opinion of the measures. It was clearly divided, with union officials blasting the proposals and city commission representatives mostly endorsing Ring’s approach.
“I don’t think anyone can say we’re rushing this process through,” Ring said. “This is a critical issue.”
Under the legislation, new employees in both the Florida Retirement System and local pension plans would be required to join 401(k)-style investment plans, with the legislation clearly aimed at phasing-out traditional pension plans.
Base salary – no overtime or other compensation – would be used to determine an employee’s pension benefits under both city and state plans. The legislation affecting the FRS (SB 1130) also would require a still-to-be determined contribution from the plan’s 655,000 government employees, ending full state payments which have endured since 1974.
Ring acknowledged that not having a contribution level set, “creates a lot of angst.” But he said the contribution rate will be determined later – when the state budget is compiled and lawmakers look to close a more than $3.6 billion budget hole.
Scott has proposed a 5-percent employee contribution, which would save $1.3 billion.
But Steve Clelland, representing the Orlando Professional Firefighters union, told the Senate panel that lawmakers should not be revamping the standards for pension agreements negotiated with local governments.
“These are local plans,” Clelland said. “But if you do this, city officials will stand back and say `we didn’t do that – they did, the Legislature.’ But if collective bargaining still exists in Florida, I’m not sure you can even do that.”
Most of the union representatives urged lawmakers to leave local pensions alone, although Ring said financial obligations faced by cities was reaching a crisis.
“Every city is not in crisis,” said Jim Tolley, lobbyist for the Florida Professional Firefighters Association. “Some are in good shape.”
Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan told the committee cities generally support help with easing pension benefits, but want to assure, “flexibility is given for us to negotiate pension benefits.”
The legislation eases requirements on municipalities that dollars accumulated under the insurance premium tax be used solely to cover enhanced pension benefits, a provision sought by the Florida League of Cities. Instead, the bill (SB 1128) lets cities deploy this money to ease liabilities in current pension plans.
Start Your Battle With Summer Weeds Now
February 19, 2011
Weeds are problematic in most landscapes. Even if you do everything right, a weed is going to pop up occasionally in the lawn. Although most of our lawns are still dormant, it’s time to decide if you need to apply a pre-emergence herbicide (weed preventer).
Weeds can be less of a problem if you maintain a healthy lawn through proper cultural practices. Watering correctly, using appropriate fertilizers and maintaining a high mowing height will ensure your lawn is at its peak and can compete with the weeds.
However, if year after year you have an abundance of weeds during the summer, a pre-emergence herbicide may help you in the battle against weeds.
Pre-emergence herbicides are applied before weed seeds germinate. Therefore, it’s critical that these chemicals be applied at the proper time.
In Northwest Florida, timing of a pre-emergence herbicide application for summer annual weeds, such as crabgrass, should be between February 15 and March 5 or when day temperatures reach 65 to 70 degrees F for four to five consecutive days. This generally coincides with the blooming of azaleas and dogwoods.
Some pre-emergence herbicides to look for include:
- dithiopyr (Dimension)
- isoxaben (Fertilome Broadleaf Weed Control with Gallery)
- pendimethalin (Lesco PRE-M or Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer)
- benefin (Hi-Yield Crabgrass Control)
Be sure to apply any product according to the label directions. Even, consistent coverage is essential with pre-emergence herbicides. Any gaps in coverage will allow weeds to emerge.
Once applied, be sure to water-in the product. Do not apply before a rain event. It’s hard to know how much rain will fall at any one time. Too much rain can send your weed killer down the storm drain.
Pre-emergence herbicides are generally effective in controlling weeds from six to twelve weeks following application. Most will begin to degrade when exposed to the environment. Therefore, to obtain season-long control, an additional application should follow six to nine weeks after the initial one.
It is possible to use too much pre-emergence herbicide. Some pre-emergence herbicides have a root-stunting effect on established turf and can thus be detrimental to the health of your lawn if applied at too high of a rate or applied too many times during a season. It is best to time applications when they will be most effective, and to further prevent weeds by maintaining a dense, healthy stand of turf.
It is difficult to find a good time to apply “weed-n-feed” products. Weed control using pre-emergence products should be applied from mid-February to early March. Fertilization should wait until your lawn if fully out of dormancy and actively growing. In our area, that is sometime in April.
When nitrogen-containing fertilizer is applied too early to warm-season grass, it may stimulate the lawn to grow much too soon. If we have a couple of weeks of warm weather followed by a late frost, damage can occur to over stimulated lawns. My recommendation would be to apply your pre-emergence herbicide separately from your nitrogen-containing fertilizers.
If weeds have been a major problem in your landscape consider using pre-emergence herbicides. If applied at the proper rate and at the proper time, the benefits can be tremendous.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.