Northview Beats Freeport For Regional Title

November 26, 2011

The Northview Chiefs beat Freeport 43-13 for the school’s second in a row Class 1A Region 1 championship.

“I can’t put into words how much these kids have worked and what they have been able to achieve,” Northview Head Coach Sid Wheatley said, “Just an awesome win by those men right there. I’m very proud of every one of them.”

The win puts the Chiefs (9-3) back in action next Friday night at home in Bratt in the the state semifinals. They will take on Chipley (10-2), a team that beat the Chiefs 34-27 on a game of turnovers back on September 16.

“We have been through some battles now, and I think we are ready for that (another chance at Chipley),” Wheatley said.

Friday night’s matchup against Freeport saw five Chiefs scores touchdowns and a defense that produced nine quarterback sacks.

“Our defense was outstanding tonight,” Wheatley said. “We had some big plays defensively…the defense was solid tonight.”

The game produced double-double unsportsmanlike penalties. The first double unsportsmanlike conduct was called on Freeport Coach Jim Anderson after a Chiefs’ touchdown. The second double unsportsmanlike conduct was called on Chiefs’ quarterback Brandon Sheets after a 6-yard touchdown run. Officials said he was clapping and taunting.

“There were two unsportsmanlikes called,” Wheatley said. “As far as anything else goes, I don’t know what to tell you.” Wheatley added that he believed Sheets was  only disqualified from the remainder of the Freeport game, leaving him eligible to play against Chipley next week.

Northview 43, Freeport 13  Summary

The Chiefs opened first quarter scoring at 2:28 with a 4-yard run from junior LaMikal Kyles and a good Kevin Vaughan kick for a 7-0 lead.

In the second quarter, the Chiefs scored twice. At 7:49, Dalton Daniel scored a touchdown on a 5-yard Brandon Sheets pass. A good Vaughan kick, 14-0. With 1:43 in the half, Sean Knight returned a Freeport fumbled 56 yards for another Chief touchdown. After a blocked kick, Northview held a 20-0 lead headed into the half.

Freeport scored in the second half on a 10-yard pass, followed by a 16-yard touchdown run for the Chiefs by Roderick Woods and a 6-yard TD run from Sheets. Montaio Mitchell was in for a two point conversion. Freeport struck again with 1:58 to go in the third on a 43-yard touchdown pass.

In the fourth, Northview scored on a 1-yard run from Vaughan to seal a 43-13 victory.

Chipley defeated Holmes County 27-6 Friday night to earn a trip to Bratt to take on Northview in the state semis at 7:30 next Friday, December 2.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Want To Save Money On Your Escambia Property Tax Bill?

November 26, 2011

Do you want to save four percent on your property tax bill?

The four percent discount to pay your real estate and tangible personal property taxes ends on November 30, according to  Escambia County Tax Collector Janet Holley.

Payments will receive the 4% discount if:

  • mailed with a postmark of November 30;
  • left in a 24-hour drop box available at any tax collector office by midnight November 30;
  • made on www.escambiataxcollector.com by midnight November 30; or
  • made by phone with credit card on a after-hours automated service at (800) 601‑1055 by midnight November 30 (convenience fee applies).

Drive thru service and 24-hour drop boxes are available at all locations.

To check the status of your taxes and pay online, visit  www.escambiataxcollector.com. For more information, call the tax collector’s office at (850) 438-6500, ext. 252.

Authorities Seek Sexual Assault Suspect Last Seen In Escambia County

November 26, 2011

Authorities along the Gulf Coast are looking for a sexual assault suspect last seen in Escambia County early Thanksgiving morning.

The man is suspected of sexual assault, robbery and kidnapping in Bay County. He is described as a white male about 5-foot, 10 inches tall. Authorities said he may have a tattoo on his right forearm.

The man was last seen in Pensacola in the early morning hours of Thursday, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information about the man is asked to call Sgt. Daffin with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office  (850) 248-2115 or their local law enforcement agency.

Pictured: Authorities are looking for this man on possible charges in Bay County. These photos, provided by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was taken at a RBC Bank in Panama City on November 23.

Rain Tonight, Sunday; Unseasonably Cold By Monday

November 26, 2011

An approaching cold front will bring an increasing chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday. By Sunday night, the rain will clear, giving way to colder weather.

  • Tonight: Showers likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
  • Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 70. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
  • Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. West wind around 10 mph.
  • Monday: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. West wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
  • Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
  • Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
  • Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 59. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
  • Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. North wind around 5 mph.
  • Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 58.
  • Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.
  • Friday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
  • Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40.
  • Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 63.

Blood Drive Today In McDavid, Next Week At IP

November 26, 2011

Area residents can give the gift of life today in McDavid or International Paper employees can donate blood on Wednesday.

The Northwest Florida Bloodmobile will be at the McDavid Mini Mart near the corner of Highway 29 and Highway 164 today from noon until 4:30 p.m. The Bloodmobile will also be at International Paper in Cantonment from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

Creative Gardening Gift Ideas

November 26, 2011

theresafriday.jpgStill don’t have a Christmas present for your favorite gardener? Take heart, there is still plenty of time to find, or make, that perfect “green” gift.

Many gardeners don’t think of their landscapes as just plants in the ground. To the knowledgeable landscape designer, the landscape is a series of rooms; rooms that may require decoration.

Garden art can be anything from the whimsical garden gnomes, functional obelisks or metal sculptures.

Garden obelisks can serve many functions. In addition to providing interest during all four seasons, they can act as beautiful focal points in the garden. They can make your garden look as if it was designed by a professional.

In a flower garden, they provide support for plants such as climbing roses, flowering vines and many other climbers and twiners. In the edible garden, many types of fruits and vegetables, such as various types of beans, can be grown on obelisks.

Obelisks come in many different sizes and shapes. Common shapes include tall, rounded or oblong forms, rectangular forms, and pyramids. Most vining plants will take to any shape. Choose the shape that is pleasing to you and blends in with your garden design. Obelisks can be made from a variety of materials including cedar, copper and wrought iron.

Furthermore, if you are an avid recycler, there are plenty of materials just laying around that can be made into a functional obelisk with a minimum amount of skill and time. Take a look on the internet and you will find plenty of help in fashioning a home-made creation.

A “growing” trend is metal garden art. Metal garden art can be fun, playful or even classical. It can be used to create a focal point in the garden or to brighten up a dull spot. From small garden stakes, to colorful wall art, to sculptures small and large, the possibilities are endless. With so many materials to choose from and so many artists working in the field you will be sure to find at least one piece to add color and character to your yard.

Again, if you are an avid recycler, you will be able to find many pieces made from recycled metal. Recycled steel drums or tanks, discarded bicycle or tricycles, old car parts, these all provide the raw materials for the creative eco-artist.

Copper is widely used in metal garden art because it is beautiful, durable and adds elegance to any garden. If allowed to oxidize it will age gracefully to a natural weather worn green patina. It can also be preserved with a clear coating to maintain its bright, shiny look. Copper sculptures, wall art and garden stakes add a touch of class to any decor.

For a classic look add a bronze garden sculpture. Bronze sculptures have been around for thousands of years. They remain popular today because they are classic, timeless and will last for generations.

Whatever your taste, classic, contemporary or just playful, garden art will warm your heart even on the coldest winter day.

Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.

Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Photo Gallery: Northview Cheerleaders, Band And Dance Team

November 26, 2011

The Northview Chiefs defeated Freeport Friday night for a regional championship.

For a game summary, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

No Injuries In Hwy 97 Crash

November 25, 2011

There were no injuries in a single vehicle wreck Friday afternoon in Walnut Hill.

The driver of Chevrolet 1500 lost control while attempted to avoid a vehicle stopped from traffic at Highway 97 and Orchard Lane about 1 p.m. The female left the roadway, traveled through thick brush and struck a tree. She denied injury and refused treatment when the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue arrived on scene.

The woman, whose positive identity was not immediately known, left the scene before the Florida Highway Patrol arrived. The FHP is continuing to investigate the crash.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Reader Photos: Black Friday Sales

November 25, 2011

Retailers got an early jump on the traditional Black Friday sales, with many stores opening their doors Thursday night.

Lots of North Escambia area residents hit the stores Thursday night and Friday morning, and they have shared their photos with us.

If you have shopping photos to share, email them to news@northescambia.com or share them on this Facebook page.

For more photos, click here.

Pictured top: Charla Starkk, Savannah Singleton and Brandy Gifford wait in line to buy an item Thursday night at Walmart in Ensley. Pictured below: The line stretched past Publix Thursday night for the Black Friday deals at Toys R Us in Pensacola (from Amy Lambeth). Pictured inset: Crowds wait for $19.95 sheets at the Pace Walmart  Thursday night. Pictured bottom: Shopping 10pm specials at the Tanger Outlet in Foley Thursday night. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.


Rainy Weather In Store

November 25, 2011

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

  • Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
  • Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Southeast wind between 5 and 15 mph.
  • Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 58. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
  • Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 67. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
  • Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. West wind around 10 mph.
  • Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. West wind around 5 mph.
  • Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. North wind around 5 mph.
  • Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
  • Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.
  • Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

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