Lighting Sparks Fire, Causes Power Outage
July 2, 2011
Two different lightning strikes sparked a brush fire and caused a power outage for dozens of homes Friday evening in North Escambia.
Brush Fire
The brush fire was reported about 7:15 p.m. about 100 yards into a wooded area off Highway 168 near Wiggins Road. The fire was reported contained about 8:05 p.m. There were no structures damaged by the blaze.
The McDavid, Century and Walnut Hill stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the blaze. The Florida Division of Forestry was also dispatched to create a line around the fire using two bulldozers.
Power Outage
About 75 homes in the area of Gobbler Road in the Oak Grove area were without power Friday night, apparently due to a lightning strike. Escambia River Electric Cooperative restored power to the area within about an hour.
Mary Jane Salter
July 2, 2011
Mary Jane Salter passed away peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on June 30, 2011, at Jay Hospital. She was a loving, compassionate and dedicated mother to her daughters and a wonderful loving Nanny to her grandchildren. They all loved her dearly. She loved her son in laws so much also.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Earl Salter; parents, Robert and Mary Laid and brother, Ronnie Lail.
She is survived by her daughters, Sherre (Zane) Burkhead, Tammy (Matt) Murphy, and Daina (Daniel) Madden all of Jay, Florida; 7 grandchildren, Daniel, Jake and Emma Madden, Launa and Dutch Burkhead, and Beverly and Bethany Murphy; 2 stepchildren, Darryl Salter, and Donna Tate; sisters, Shirley (Jimmie) Barlow, Bernice “Kat” (Earnie) Gay and Joyce (Sanders) Courtney; brothers, Robert Lail, Donald (Vicky) Lail, Richard (Mary) Lail, and Kenny (Maggie) Lail; three special sister-in-laws, whom she loved dearly, Jeanette Lowery, Grace Carnley, and Peggy Lail and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at Jay Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Carnley officiating services. Burial will follow at Pine Level Cemetery.
Active pallbearers are Wayne Hawthorne, Derek Enfinger, LaManuel Courtney, Lee Deese, David Deese and Josh Daughett.
Honorary pallbearers are Justin Daughett, Jeremiah Daughett, Clayton Stewart, David Smith and Michael Smith.
The family would like to thank Dr. David Smith and Dr. Michael Smith and all of the staff at Jay Hospital for all the wonderful love and care you have shown our mama throughout her illness. We love all of you.
Weekend Gardening: A Red, White And Blue Garden
July 2, 2011
A patriotic flower garden is all about combining dazzling colors of red, white and blue. Red and white flowers are the easiest to find. Flowers that have a dark blue color like the American flag can be more challenging to locate. Generally the blue seen in flowers is a lighter blue, not a navy blue. But feel free to use dark purple flowers for a dark blue effect. Here are some plants that will perform in your garden throughout the summer, not just for the Fourth of July.
Firecracker Plant
Bright red, tubular flowers that resemble little firecrackers hang on this plant during much of the year. Known scientifically as Russelia equisetiformis, this tender small shrub has an unusual look. The rush-like stems are lacking obvious foliage. It has an attractive weeping growth habit with wiry branches that start out erect then fall over to cascade down in lengths as long as four feet.
Firecracker plant grows well in full or broken sun. It will tolerate different soil types but thrives in areas that are well-drained but are regularly watered. This is a must for the butterfly or hummingbird garden.
Bee Balm
Another flower that is a hummingbird and butterfly attractant is this easy-to-grow perennial. Its bright colors and nectar-filled blooms attract a wide variety of “flying jewels.”
The sweet and minty, citrus-scented plant isn’t just for our winged friends, however. Both the leaves and the flowers are perfectly edible-add them to salads or use as garnishes. The dried leaves have been used for centuries to make tea.
Bee balm, or Monarda didyma, comes in many different colors. ‘Jacob Cline’ is an outstanding dark red, powdery mildew-resistant cultivar.
Cat’s Whiskers
Cat’s Whiskers is a member of the mint family and is native to tropical East Asia. Its scientific name is Orthosiphon stamineus. In zone 8, consider this plant an annual since it is tender and will not reliably come back after a freeze.
Cat’s Whiskers has beautiful dark green leaves and unusual white flowers. The flowers consist of an upright spike that contains long flowers and even longer stamens, reminiscent of cat whiskers. Flowering occurs on new growth.
This plant performs best in full sun. It will however grow with several hours of filtered light or spotty direct sun. Cat’s whiskers is a shrub-type plant that will reach heights of two to three feet and spreads three to four feet.
Blue Mist
Caryopteris x clandonensis, sometimes called bluebeard or blue mist shrub, is a cross between two species, and is one of the best small shrubs for late color in the landscape.
It is a low mounding, herbaceous shrub that prefers loose, loamy soil and full sun. It produces sturdy stems with several whorls of blue flowers in the fall. There are several cultivars available. The famous variety ‘Longwood Blue’ has sky blue flowers.
Another popular type, ‘Worcester Gold’, has yellow foliage and blue flowers. Proven Winners has one called ‘Petit Blue’ that is known for its tight, compact growth habit.
Bees and butterflies love them, but deer don’t — a happy combination. The flowers are so attractive to the bees, that the insects aren’t bothered by the presence of people
For more information, contact Theresa Friday at 850-623-3868 or email tlfriday@ufl.edu. Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Maunette Hayes Luker
July 2, 2011
Maunette Hayes Luker went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 28, 2011. She was born on March 17, 1931, in Chumuckla to the late Sidney Martin Hayes and Ruth William Hayes. Although she was born during the Great Depression, she had a very happy and adventurous childhood. She was a true Florida cowgirl going on cattle roundups with her father riding her Mustang horse. Being outside was a blessing to her.
On March 17, 1948, she married Clarence Leonard Luker. She had known him all her life. Leonard was first cousin to Maunette’s best friend, Opal McCall. The couple had been married almost 50 years before Leonard passed away. She was a life time homemaker, avid reader, enjoyed writing poetry and loved working in her yard. Her wonderful storytelling will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Luker was so proud of her heritage. Her ancestors were in Florida before it was a state. She was a member of the Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe, and organizing member of Three Rivers Chapter Daughters American Revolution and an organizing member of Simpson Mounted Rangers United Daughters of Confederacy. She was a member of New Bethel Church. She had known the Lord most of her life having found salvation in Jesus Christ at age 13.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Leonard Luker; infant daughter, Chryll Lynn Luker and sister, Ruth Wynell Hayes Salter.
She is survived by daughters, Gail (Bill) Allred, Debbie Luker, Toni Luker, and Lynn (John) Atkins; her grandchildren, Brandi (Darren) Williamson, Tiffany (Joshua) Odom, David (Lauren) Pennell, Brandon (Jennifer) Spain, Adam Pennell, Brittany Spain, J.D. Atkins, and Sydney Atkins; great-grandchildren, Tristan Pennell, Lilah Odom, Isabelle Pennell, and with four more arriving later in the year; sisters, Betty McMillan and Ollie Jo (Charles) Williams and many nieces, nephews, and cousins that she loved dearly.
Active pallbearers are grandsons, grandsons-in-law, and son-in-laws.
Honorary pallbearers are Rufus Hayes, Ken Ashworth, Dr. Jack Fabian, Tommy Allred, Steve Herrington, Martin Salter, Jackie Salter, Gary Williams, Stan McMillan, Greg McMillan, Bradley Pennell, Jared Salter, Joel Salter, Wesley Salter, Charles Carnley, Bobby Carnley, Gary Daugett, Jason Pocase and Joseph Randolph.
Services will be held at Jay Funeral Home in Jay. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 30, 2011, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 1, 2011, at noon. with Mrs. Luker’s nephew, Dr. Michael Williams, officiating services. Burial will follow at Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. John Salvaggio and Dr. Paul Tamburro for their kindness in caring for our mother.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Lightning Leaves 75 Homes Without Power
July 1, 2011
About 75 homes in the area of Gobbler Road were without power Friday night, apparently due to a lightning strike. Escambia River Electric Cooperative restored power to the area within about an hour.
Lightning Sparks Highway 168 Brush Fire
July 1, 2011
Lightning sparked about a one acre brush fire Friday evening near Bratt.
The fire was reported about 7:15 p.m. about 100 yards into a wooded area off Highway 168 near Wiggins Road. The fire was reported contained about 8:05 p.m.
There were no structures damaged by the blaze.
The McDavid, Century and Walnut Hill stations of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the blaze. The Florida Division of Forestry was also dispatched to create a line around the fire using a bulldozer.
Man Charged With Robbing Grocery Advantage
July 1, 2011
A Cantonment man was jailed Thursday evening after robbing the Grocery Advantage armed with a knife.
Kenneth Lee Purifoy, 45, of 1240 Lake Drive in Cantonment, was arrested at a nearby apartment complex after deputies say he robbed the Grocery Advantage store at knife point.
Deputies responded to the store at 736 North Highway 29 for an armed disturbance just after 6 p.m. Thursday.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Purifoy entered the store with numerous shopping bags that he placed in an empty buggy. An employee observed Purifoy enter a restroom with the items in the buggy, but they were not visible when he came out of the restroom.
Moments later, Purifoy was carrying a pack of ribs when he approached a store employee and employees noticed a pack of steaks in his rear waistband. When he was confronted, deputies said Purifoy rain toward the exit, and another pack of steaks fell from the front of his pants.
An employee told deputies that he tried to stop Purifoy and detain him and a struggle ensued.
During the struggle Purifoy pulled a small folding pocketknife on the employee and reportedly stated “I will stab you”. Purifoy then ran out of the store.
“One of our K-9 units tracked the suspect to a nearby apartment complex, said sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Chris Welborn. “Our deputies were able to locate him on the complex grounds and arrested him without incident.”
Purifoy was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, petit theft, robbery and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked in the Escambia County Jail and held on a $20,000 bond.
Escambia County, City Of Pensacola Consider Joint Youth Curfew
July 1, 2011
A Pensacola city councilman wants a countywide curfew for youth, a idea briefly discussed at a joint meeting of the Pensacola City Council and the Escambia County Commission on Thursday.
Councilman John Jerralds is advocating a curfew modeled after one currently in place in Jacksonville. He wants to make a presentation about the ordinance to the county’s attorney or the entire commission in hopes that city and council will both adopt a youth curfew.
The Jacksonville youth curfew ordinance restricts any unmarried person under the age of 18 from being on the streets between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. weekdays or 6 a.m. on the weekend or holidays unless they are with a parent or guardian.
There are several exceptions in the ordinance, including teens on their way to or from work; a church, school or other organization and other events.
To read the entire Jacksonville youth curfew ordinance, click here.
Both the youth curfew violator and their parents can receive civil citations for violating the Jacksonville law.
Complete List: Public Fireworks Shows
July 1, 2011
Here is a list of public fireworks shows and other events this weekend in the North Escambia area.
Saturday, July 2
Flomaton/Century
The towns of Flomaton and Century, along with their chambers of commerce in each town, will present a fireworks shop Saturday night at dark. The show will be at Hurricane Park on Highway 31 in Flomaton — directly across from Flomaton High School. Bring a blanket or chair. There will be no entertainment prior to the event.
Pensacola Beach
The Santa Rosa Island Authority will host fireworks from the Gulf Pier beginning at 10:30 p.m.
Monday, July 4
Jay
Independence Run at 8 a.m. Monday at Bray-Hendricks City Park. 5K entry fee is $20; 1 mile fun run is $10. All entrants get a t-shirt, awards to be presented. Live entertainment begins at 5 p.m. Fireworks show at dark.
East Brewton
Horseshoe tournament, waterslides for the kids begin at 4:00 Monday, and there’s a duck race at 6 p.m. Entertainment begins at 5 p.m. Food and drinks available all day. Fireworks at 9:30. All events at Fort Crawford Park.
Poarch
The Poarch Creek Indians will host a fireworks show Monday night at on the reservation. Entertainment will begin on stage at Arrow Head Park at 7:30 followed by the fireworks show at 9:00.
Sertoma, Downtown Pensacola
For the 22nd year, area Sertoma organizations are once again coordinating and hosting the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast over Pensacola Bay on Monday, July 4th at 9:00 pm. There will be activities throughout the day, from 11:00 am until 6:30 p.m, in Seville Square to include a free Children’s Area with inflatables and pony rides, arts and crafts, food vendors and live entertainment on the gazebo stage beginning at 11:00 am, with a Hot Dog Eating Contest at noon. Starting at 4:00, there will be live music on the Bayfront Stage. The festivities will culminate with the fireworks show at 9 p.m. over Pensacola Bay, synchronized with music broadcast on Cat Country 98.7 FM.
Pensacola Beach
Fourth of July Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. on Santa Rosa Sound off Quietwater Beach.
Milton
Milton’s Riverfest includes a bike show from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., a car show 10 a.m. until noon, a children’s activity area from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the North Riverwalk Gazebo, entertainment at North Gazebo beginning at 5:30, karaoke at 7 p.m. at the South Pavilion and fireworks over the Blackwater River at dark.
Bay Minette
Fireworks begin just after dark behind Bay Minette Intermediate School.
Escambia Burn Ban Prohibits Private Fireworks
July 1, 2011
A burn ban remains in effect that prohibits private Fourth of July fireworks in Escambia County.
The entire county — including Century and Pensacola – remains under a burn ban for the July 4 holiday weekend. The ban prohibits open burning, campfires, bonfires, burning of trash and fireworks anywhere in Escambia County.
While fireworks can be purchased, fires resulting from fireworks can result in a $400 fine or a mandatory court appearance, not to mention serious damage and injuries, according to county officials.
The only exemptions to the burn ban are state permitted burns, authorized fireworks displays, fireworks sales authorized by state law and outdoor cooking cooking in barbeque grills, smoker and other outdoor stoves at private residences.
Escambia County is encouraging families to attend public fireworks displays planned across our area.