4th Of July Closings
July 4, 2011
The following will be closed Monday in observance of the Independence Day holiday:
- City offices in Century, Flomaton, Jay, Atmore, Pensacola
- Escambia County (Ala. & Fla.) offices
- Santa Rosa County offices
- Florida state offices
- All federal offices
- West Florida Library branches, including Century
- Santa Rosa County libraries, including Jay
- University of West Florida, Pensacola State College closed
- Retail windows at the U.S. Post Office will be closed, and there will be no mail delivered or collected, except for Express Mail.
- ECUA offices
- ECAT buses will run on Monday, but they will follow a Saturday schedule
- There will be no change in ECUA garbage collection.
Local Youth ‘Converge’ On Pensacola During Camp That Served
July 3, 2011
About 200 youth walked into a Pensacola Walmart last week, scattered throughout the store and stood frozen like statues for 30 seconds. “What if happened just like that? Are you ready for Jesus to come back?” they then said in unison.
The youth were part of a church camp called “Converge” which brought youth from across the area together to spread the Gospel and serve the community.
For a photo gallery, click here.
After leaving Walmart, the youth formed a line — like a huge centipede — and made their way through Best Buy and Cordova Mall telling strangers “Jesus loves you”. And, like a giant conga line, mall patrons joined in along the way.
Dozens of the teens were from the North Escambia area. Youth from the First Baptist Church of Bratt, Highland Baptist Church, Heritage Baptist Church and Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church all took part in the inaugural weeklong Converge camp headquartered at East Brent Baptist Church.
A big part of the weeklong camp was about service to the community. The students took part in a Habitat For Humanity build, spent hours collecting food for the Manna Food Pantry, ministered to patients at Nemours Childrens’ Hospital, helped at the homes of elderly community members, and helped with a golf tournament to help pay bills for the family of a child with terminal cancer.
During the hot summer week, the students walked door to door for Manna, collecting over 2,000 canned food items.
The students also gathered during the week for Backyard Bible Clubs for study.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flomaton, Century Celebrate The 4th
July 3, 2011
The area’s fireworks demonstrations got underway Saturday night at Hurricane Park in Flomaton.
The show was sponsored by the town of Flomaton and Century along with the chambers of commerce in each town. It marked the first organized public fireworks show in either town in several years. Plans call for another show to be held next year somewhere in Century.
For a gallery of reader submitted photos from the Flomaton/Century fireworks show, click here.*
Pictured top: Fireworks Saturday night in Flomaton. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
*Reader photos by Carrie Bryan, Mandi Kinley, Jacke Johnston and others for NorthEscambia.com.
Photos: Farmer’s Market In The Running For America’s Favorite
July 3, 2011
The Market at Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church in Cantonment returned Saturday. The market is in the running for the 2011 America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest presented by American Farmland Trust.
The Market is open on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8 a.m. until noon with a variety of locally grown produce and other merchandise.
For a photo gallery from Saturday’s event, click here.
Voting in the 2011 America’s Favorite Farmers Market contest will continue through August 31. To vote, click here. After voting, American Farmland Trust will solicit a donation to protect American Farmland. Donations are not required to vote.
The Market at Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church is located at 699 County Road 95-A South in Cantonment.
The market will be open again on July 16.
Pictured: Scenes from Market at Saint Monica’s in Cantonment Saturday morning. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weather Forecast
July 3, 2011
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Sunday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Independence Day: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
- Monday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Tuesday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Tuesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Wednesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Wednesday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Thursday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Friday Night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Saturday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 30%
4th Recipes: Patriotic Pops, Ice Cream Sandwiches
July 3, 2011
The Fourth of July calls for a carefree party, with good friends, fab food, fun and fireworks – a real star-studded holiday celebration.
Patriotic Pops cut into star shapes definitely say “Happy Fourth of July.” Decorated in red, white and blue icing, red licorice and colored candies, these easy-to-make crispy rice treats are a favorite for both youngsters and the grown-ups. The kids can lend a hand to help decorate by placing the candy pieces on the stars.
Add a taste of nostalgia for the child in all of us with Ice Cream Sandwiches – everybody loves ‘em. Homemade brownies and buttery vanilla cookies, sandwiched with the ice cream flavor of your choice are a cut above ice cream truck offerings. Give them the flair of the Fourth by rolling the edges in patriotic sprinkles and sugars. Or, dip part of the sandwich into melted candy melts and decorate with sprinkles for a fun and festive finish.
(Scroll down to see both recipes.)
Patriotic Pops
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- 24 8-inch Cookie Treat Sticks
- Red, Blue and White Cookie Icing
- Red and blue candy-coated chocolates
- Red licorice
Preparation
- Spray Star Cookie Treat Pan and rubber spatula or wooden spoon with vegetable pan spray.
- In large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows; cook and stir until melted. Remove from heat and add cereal; mix well. Press into prepared pan; insert cookie sticks. When cool to touch, remove from pan. Repeat with remaining cereal mixture. (If mixture becomes hard to work with, microwave at 50% power 30 to 60 seconds to soften.)
- Outline treat as desired with Cookie Icing; add candy and licorice. Let dry at least 1 hour.
Serves
Makes about 2 dozen pops
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Cookies
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup firmly-packed light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract, orange extract or ground cinnamon (optional)
Preparation
- Brownies: Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Ice Cream Sandwich Pan with vegetable pan spray.
- In small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with chocolate chips. Whisk in sugar, eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add flour mixture; stir until just combined. Spoon 2 tablespoons batter into each pan cavity, spreading evenly.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted at an angle toward center comes out clean. Immediately remove to cooling rack; cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Vanilla Cookies: Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Ice Cream Sandwich Pan with vegetable pan spray.
- In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Whisk in sugars, eggs, vanilla and, if desired, other extract or cinnamon; mix well. Add flour mixture; mix until blended. Spoon 2 tablespoons batter into each pan cavity, spreading evenly.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted at an angle toward center comes out clean. Immediately remove to cooling rack; cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
- To Assemble: 1 quart ice cream, any flavor
- Assorted Patriotic Mix Sprinkles and Red and Blue Sugars
- White Candy Melts, melted (optional)
- Scoop about 1/4 cup ice cream onto smooth side of half of the brownies. Top with remaining brownies, pressing gently. If desired, roll edge of sandwiches in sprinkles or sugars. Wrap and freeze immediately.
- Or, dip a portion of the sandwich in melted candy melts; add sprinkles and sugars. Freeze 5 minutes to set, then wrap and freeze until ready to serve.
Serves
Makes about 12 ice cream sandwiches
Library Of Congress Traveling Exhibit In Pensacola
July 3, 2011
A special Library of Congress traveling exhibit-mounted in a customized 18-wheel truck will be on display in Pensacola through Monday, sponsored by the West Florida Public Library.
The 1,000 square foot exhibition will outline the history of the Library, including Thomas Jefferson’s role in re-establishing the Library, when he provided his personal book collection to the nation after the burning of the U.S. Capitol in 1814.
The display will include high-quality facsimiles of many of the Library’s top treasures including the 1455 Gutenberg Bible, a rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, in Thomas Jefferson’s hand with edits by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams and the 1962 drawings for the comic book that introduced Spider-Man to the world.
The “Gateway to Knowledge” exhibition will bring information about the millions of resources in the Library’s unparalleled collections to small towns and rural communities across America.
The “Gateway to Knowledge” will be in Pensacola , at Fountain Park just south of Seville Square in the parking lot adjacent to Bayfront Parkway between Adams St. and S. Alcaniz St. The exhibit is free and will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days.
The trailer expands to three times its road width, and visitors will enter from a central staircase to find several areas of museum-style exhibits including a welcoming multimedia display and computer terminals displaying Library of Congress websites.
This year’s Gateway to Knowledge exhibition debuted at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25, 2010. Photo courtesy Library of Congress, Tom Fontana, for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Boy Appears On Outdoor Channel’s ‘Buckmasters’
July 3, 2011
Taking a child on a first deer hunt is a tradition that Lee Robinson gets to share every year. It was even more special with a child like Dawson Guy. The seven-year old Escambia County boy was born without fully developed arms and only one fully developed leg. He was able to experience the lifelong thrill of a hunt earlier this year.
From his wheelchair, he claimed his first buck.
Dawson’s hunt was part of the Buckmasters national television series Saturday morning on the Outdoor Channel.
Robinson, an Industrial Market Segment specialist at Gulf Power, spends much of his work day touting electric vehicles and large-scale technology advances for industrial customers. As a lifelong hunter, Robinson takes vacation time each year to serve as one of the volunteer guides for the Buckmasters Classic in Alabama. The Buckmasters American Deer Foundation program takes 11 disabled or critically ill children and youth on a guided deer hunt at Jimmy Hinton’s Sedgefield Plantation. Robinson has been doing this for 15 years, guiding some 40 young hunters on the all expenses paid three-day adventure of a lifetime.
“There’s been a lot of special moments over the years and this year with Dawson was one of them,” Robinson said. “Dawson will not let his disadvantage hold him back. He is truly remarkable. Deer hunting was top on his list of things he wanted to do. The thing I remember most about Dawson was his terrific smile, and he smiled and laughed a lot. We had a blast in the deer blinds cutting up and telling stories.”
On a frigid January morning this year, Robinson led Dawson, who lives in Beulah, and his father, Rueben, on the three-day hunt, using a specially prepared deer blind. The rifle was mounted to Dawson’s wheelchair. Through a special tube, Dawson’s mouth activated the specially designed trigger system.
Every year Robinson and other guide volunteers help prepare the hunters for the Classic, learning their abilities, limitations, and helping them harvest their trophy. This year, every one of them claimed a deer.
“Miracles and magic moments happen every year at this event. I am thankful I have the chance to assist them in a small way with a sport that I often find myself taking for granted,” Robinson said. “It renews my spirit and makes me thankful I helped give a little joy to them on their special hunt. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to help make their hunting dream come true, while I help make wonderful memories that will last my lifetime.”
Pictured top: Lee Robinson (far right) of Gulf Power helped Dawson Guy take his first buck earlier this year. Guy was featured on the Outdoor Channel’s Buckmasters program. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pearson, Petty To Wed
July 3, 2011
Nychole Lynn Pearson and William Oliver Petty will be united in marriage at 6 p.m. July 9, 2011, at First Baptist Church in Atmore.
Nychole is the daughter of Wayne Pearson of Birmingham and Dianna L. Wiggins of Atmore. Grandparents are Mrs. Lynn M. Hanks and the late Mr. Homer L. Hanks.
Oliver is the son of Joe Petty of Atmore and Joyce Petty of Atmore. Grandparents are Mary and Jerry Buck of Atmore.
Matron of honor will be Charlotte McGhee, sister of the bride and maid of honor will be Iva Wiggins, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids will be Stacie Rolin, Crystal Hadley, Amanda Mooney, Wendy Lassiter, April Karvelas and Blaze Green. Junior Bridesmaid will be Gabby McGhee. Flower girl will be Bailey Pearson, sister of the bride.
Best man will be Clay Hadley. Groomsmen will be Joey Barber, Josh Montel, Kevin White, Timothy Lassiter, Nick Karvelas, Justin Emmons and John O’Barr. Ring bearers will be Kannon Karvelas and Kaden Lassiter, nephews of the groom.
All friends and family are invited to attend.
Lightning Sparks Large Brush Fire (With Photo Gallery)
July 2, 2011
Firefighters battled a large brush off Highway 97A near Walnut Hill for hours Saturday afternoon.
The fire consumed at least 40 acres in an area off Lamb Road, near Occie Phillips Road. The fire was believed to have been started by a lightning strike sometime about 3 p.m.
The Walnut Hill and Molino stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the blaze. Two bulldozers from the Florida Division of Forestry worked for nearly two hours to cut a line around the fire before declaring it contained just after 5 p.m.
There were no structures threatened by the fire and no injuries reported.
For more photos from the scene, click here.
Pictured above: Fire rages quickly through brush in an area off Highway 97A near Walnut Hill Saturday afternoon. Pictured inset: Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles. Pictured below: A Division of Forestry bulldozer works to cut a line around the fire. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
