Cut Your Own: Local Christmas Tree Farm
November 27, 2011
Many area residents will enjoy a Christmas tradition again this year with a fresh, locally grown Christmas tree. The Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm in Bratt is now open daily until Christmas.
“You come here for the old time experience,” said farm owner Andy Bogdan. “This is so much more than just a plastic tree.”
Visitors to the Christmas tree farm stroll around the trees, which are located in an “L” shape field around a scenic pond with a fountain and ducks. Once the perfect tree is found, visitors can cut their own tree with a supplied saw, or have Bogdan cut it down.
The tree is then shaken to remove any loose needles (and bugs), then it’s ready to head home or it can be bagged for easier transport.
During the “experience”, visitors can also enjoy candy canes for the kids and lots of Christmas music. “The kids can run and play, and have the time of their lives looking for just the right tree,” Bogdan said.
Tree varieties include Virginia Pines, Leylend Cypress and Carolina Sapphires. If you have allergies, he said the Leylend Cypress is the perfect tree. It will not drop needles and has virtually no smell. The Carolina Sapphire has an intriguing aroma that is a mix of lemon, lime and mint. The Virginia Pine has that classic pine Christmas tree smell.
True fresh cut trees cut on the farm will last from before Thanksgiving until well after Christmas, Bogdan said.
Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm is one of the few remaining Christmas tree farms in Northwest Florida or South Alabama, and is the only one in North Escambia. There were a few more prior to hurricane Ivan and Dennis, Bogdan said, but most did not survive.
“You had the direct damage from the wind,” he said. “Then you have the delayed die back from damage to the trees. Exotic bugs and fungus that were not here before were blown in, and trees around here had no resistance.”
“The trees have had good growth since the hurricane. An average seven or eight foot tall Christmas tree will grow from a seedling in about four years. “They grow much faster here in the South than they do up north,” he said.
With a little straightening and tender loving care, Bogdan’s trees post-hurricane are ready for a living room and a visit from Santa. Prices vary depending on the variety of tree and height.
Bogdan and his wife moved to the Davisville area from Miami after he retired from Eastern Airlines. He was looking for a little something to do in his retirement and settled on Christmas tree farmer over 10 years ago.
“I’d never farmed before, but ended up with a Christmas tree farm,” he said. “But it’s a nice business. It’s not like being a doctor or a lawyer where people you deal with are not happy. At a Christmas tree farm, everybody is happy when they come here.”
For more photos from the Christmas tree farm, click here.
The Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm is located at 5001 Still Road, just south of Highway 4. A map is at the bottom of this page. The farm is open 9 a.m. until dark daily. Trees range in size from table-top to 12 feet. (850) 327-4600.
Pictured top: A few of the trees at the Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm near Bratt. Pictured middle: At the Christmas tree farm, you can use one of their saws to cut your own tree. Pictured below: The Country Pine Christmas Tree Farm stand with tree accessories plus goodies like free apple juice, cookies and candy canes for the kids. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Two North Escambia Residents Inducted Into Auburn Harrison School Of Pharmacy
November 27, 2011
Two North Escambia residents are part of the latest class at the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy.
Meridith Lynn Weaver of Molino and Nicole Marie Haubrich of Cantonment were among 148 students entering the Doctor of Pharmacy program. They were inducted into the program during a White Coat Ceremony — a rite of passage for first-year pharmacy students as they don their white coats and make an oath affirming their commitment to the highest standards of ethics and patient care.
Meridith Weaver is the daughter of Archie and Cheryl Weaver of Molino. Nicole Haubrich is the daughter of Nicholas and Ellen Haubrich.
Pictured: Dr. R. Lee Evens, dean of the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, welcomes Meridith Weaver (left) and Nicole Haubrich (right). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Crowds Attend Pow Wow
November 27, 2011
Large crowds attended the 41st annual Pow Wow over the long Thanksgiving weekend at the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation north of Atmore. The event featured tribal dancers from across the country, entertainment, food, arts and crafts and several historical and cultural presentations.
For more photos from the event, click here.
Pictured: The 41st annual Pow Wow on the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation north of Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos by Marcella Wilson, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipe: Orange Morning Kisses
November 27, 2011
Today’s featured recipe is “Morning Kisses” — orange-scented breakfast treats that are much like a traditional beignet.
Federal Budget Cuts Would Mean Big Military Job Losses
November 27, 2011
If the federal government is forced to make a half trillion dollars worth of cuts to defense spending in 2013 as part of the automatic deficit reduction required by the folding of the so-called “Super Committee,” it could cost Florida nearly 40,000, jobs according to a university report.
The state would stand to lose the fourth most jobs because of military cuts, behind California, Virginia and Texas, according to a report by Stephen Fuller, the director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University in Virginia, who has studied federal spending extensively.
Florida is home to several large military installations in multiple services, including Eglin, Tyndall, MacDill and Patrick Air Force Bases, Hurlburt Field, the Pensacola Naval Air Station, Mayport, the naval base in Jacksonville, and the Southern Command headquarters in Miami, as well as several smaller installations.
Fuller estimates the loss of 39,200 military jobs in Florida would mean $2.3 billion in lost earnings and a decrease of $3.4 billion in gross state product
By The News Service of Florida
Joseph Glen Maholovich
November 27, 2011
Joseph Glen Maholovich, 54, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at his home in Atmore Alabama. He was a loving devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed by many.
He leaves behind his wife of 36 years Vanessa; his daughter Marcy Maholovich Mims and spouse Joshua Mims; his son Jacob Maholovich and fiance Whitney McGill; four beloved grandchildren, Zachary Maholovich, Ansleigh Maholovich, Ella Mims and Keaton Mims; sisters Mary Ann Allen and Brenda Berry; and brother-in-law Ronnie Berry. He leaves behind a host of friends and family that will miss him deeply. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Ruby Maholovich and brother Eugene Norris.
Family will receive friends Monday evening November 28th at Johnson Quimby Furneral Home in Atmore from 6-8 p.m. Services will be Tuesday, November 29th at 11:00 a.m. from Johnson Quimby Chapel with Rev. Don Davis and Brother Keith Lisenby officiating. Interment will follow at Godwin Cemetery in Bratt.
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.”
- For a photo gallery with action from the game, click here.
- For a photo gallery with the cheerleaders, click here.
- For a photo gallery with the band and dance team, click here.
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.
- For a photo gallery with action from the game, click here.
- For a photo gallery with the cheerleaders, click here.
- For a photo gallery with the band and dance team, click here.
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.