Weekend Gardening: March Tips
March 24, 2012
Here are gardening tips for the month of March from the University of Florida IFAS Extension office:
Flowers
- Annual flowers that can be planted in March include: ageratum, alyssum, amaranthus, asters, baby’s breath, begonia, calendula, celosia, cosmos, dahlia, dusty miller, gaillardia, geranium, hollyhock, impatiens, marigold, nicotiana, ornamental pepper, pentas, phlox, rudbeckia, salvia, sweet Williams, torenia, verbena, vinca and zinnia.
- Caladium bulbs are extremely sensitive to cold soil. There is no advantage to planting early. Purchase caladiums while there is a good selection, but wait until late March or April before planting them in shady beds.
Trees and Shrubs
- Finish pruning summer flowering shrubs such as althea, hibiscus, abelia, oakleaf hydrangea and oleander.
- Delay the pruning of azaleas, camellias, spiraeas, gardenias and other spring flowering shrubs until after flowering is complete.
- Prune any cold weather-damaged plants after new growth appears.
- If needed, fertilize shrubs and small trees with a slow release fertilizer. A good general-purpose landscape fertilizer is a 15-0-15.
- Mature palms should receive an application of granular fertilizer. Use a special palm fertilizer that has an 8-2-12 +4Mg (magnesium) with micronutrients formulation. Apply one pound of fertilizer per 100 sqft of canopy area or landscape area.
- Last opportunity to spray shrubs with dormant horticultural oil.
- Pick up all fallen camellia blossoms and remove them from your property. This practice helps to prevent petal blight next season.
- Prune ornamental grasses.
- If you are in the market for specific colors of azaleas, visit the local nurseries and garden centers this month. Though this is not the most ideal planting time you are assured of the right flower color without having to wait until next blooming season.
Fruits and Nuts
- Time to finish planting bare-root fruit trees.
Vegetable Garden
- This is the month for establishing a spring vegetable garden. Early March plantings have about an even chance of avoiding a late frost.
- The warm season vegetables that can be planted this month are: bush beans, pole beans, lima beans, cantaloupes, sweet corn, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, southern peas, peppers, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes and watermelon.
- The cool season vegetables that can be planted this month are: beets, carrots, celery, collards, endive, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, bunching onions, parsley, English peas, Irish potatoes, radish and turnips.
- More conservative gardeners might wish to wait until the middle to latter part of the month to risk tender plants such as tomatoes and peppers.
Lawns
- Remove excessive accumulation of leaves from the lawn. This will increase the effectiveness of fertilizers and pesticides applied to the lawn.
- If a preemergence lawn herbicide is needed to control summer weeds, it should be applied in early March. Make certain to choose one that is safe on your kind of grass.
- Keep lawn herbicides away from the root zones of desirable flower, shrubs and other plants.
- Fertilize the lawn only after the danger of frost has passed and when the grass has greened up. Fertilize using a complete fertilizer applied at 0.5 lbs nitrogen per 1000 sqft containing 50% soluble and 50% slow-release nitrogen.
- Service the lawn mower: include a sharpening of the blade and adjusting of the cutting height for your type of grass.
- Anyone considering establishment of centipedegrass from seed should hold off until the soil warms up and stabilizes above 70°F. Add Item Here…
Flomaton Beats Cottage Hill
March 24, 2012
The Flomaton Hurricanes beat the Cottage Hill Warriors 1-0 Friday night in area play.
Zack Watson threw a complete game 7-inning shutout only allowing 5 hits and striking out 11.
Andrew Cash hit in the winning run (Tyler Dove) in the third inning. Watson improved his record 5-1, and Lee Cockrell took the loss for the Warriors. The Flomaton Hurricanes’ record is now 12-3 in the midst of an 11 game winning streak.
The Hurricanes will play Excel on Monday. The JV begins at 4:00, and the varsity plays at 6:30.
Andrew Cash 1-3 1B RBI; James Dean 1-3 1B; Zack Watson1-3 2B; Trey Weeks 1-2 1B; Tyler Dove 1R. Pitching: Zack Watson 7IP 11K 4W 5 hits allowed.
Billy Floyd
March 24, 2012
Billy Floyd passed away on Mar 23, 2012, at his home in Bay St. Louis, MS. Billy was born in Atmore on March 31, 1943.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Martha Houck Floyd; a daughter, LaDonna Floyd Dervin (Mike); two grand-daughters, Schuyler Marie Dervin and Jessica Elizabeth Dervin; two sisters, Janice Floyd Malone (Bill) and Delanith Floyd Donelson; a brother -in-law, Larry Houck (Betty) and his mother-In-law, Helen Courtney. Billy is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceeded in death by his parents, Collis Floyd and Edna Presley; one sister, Anne Floyd Dunn and a nephew, Raymond Scott Wilson.
Billy graduated from Escambia County High in 1960 and has a degree in computer science. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Tech SGT after 21 years of meritorious service. Billy is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force NCO Academy, a Vietnam veteran, the recipient of the Republic of Vietnam Gallant Cross, the Vietnam Service Medal, the RVN Campaign Medal and many other awards. He also retired from the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) Stennis Space Center, Pearlington, MS, after 20 years in computer operations. During his lifetime, Billy loved mechanical work, computers, and was an avid fisherman. He followed the Saints and the Alabama Crimson Tide but foremost was his devotion to God, family and the U.S.A.
Funeral services will be held, Monday 26, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Atmore Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Godwin Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 25, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at Atmore Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
Atmore Company Improves Monster Truck Performance
March 24, 2012
Bigfoot, a legend in the monster truck world, paid a visit to sponsor Alto Products in Atmore on Thursday.
Today, the in second part of our series, we are taking a closer look at the dozen-year relationship between the Atmore company and the monster truck industry. (For part one of this series, click here.)
According to Robbie Ferguson, vice present of the High Performance Division at Alto:
- Bigfoot has been using Alto Red Eagle clutches for 12 years.
- Bigfoot was the first monster truck to start using Alto Red Eagle clutches.
- When the relationship began, Bigfoot was using a competitor’s clutch plates and they could not make it through one weekend of racing without burning up the clutch plates in their transmissions.
- After Alto developed several new products specifically for Bigfoot, their Ford C6 transmissions started lasting six to eight weekends before needing attention.
- After Ford dropped all of their sponsorships at the beginning of 2009, Bigfoot changed to GM 2-speed transmissions and with Alto Red Eagle clutch plates installed their transmissions now last upwards of 6 months.
- Alto now supplies their Red Eagle racing clutches to over a dozen monster truck teams including Gravedigger, Black Stallion and Big Dawg.
- The Bigfoot trucks average about 1,500 horsepower and the “freestyle” portion of their shows are what cause the most damage to their trucks.
- This is the second time that Bigfoot has visited Alto – they did an appearance at a company picnic in Century back in 2002.
Pictured top: Monster truck Bigfoot at Alto Products in Atmore. Pictured below: Alto Products COO Bill Bush is dwarfed by Bigfoot as he points to the Alto logo sponsorship sticker. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Annie Lillian Hudson Thompson
March 23, 2012
Annie Lillian Hudson Thompson also known as “Nama” to her family and friends was born on March 8th, 1917 in Century FL. Nama passed away peacefully on March 20th, 2012 at the Lord at Covenant Hospice in Pensacola FL.
She was born to the late Benjamin and Mabil Hudson of Century, FL as one of eleven brothers and sisters, Quinton Hudson, BW Hudson, Richard Hudson, Frank Hudson, Evelyn Blount, Mary Ellen Holman, Mabil (Claire) Rosser, Marcie Owens, Jean Eddy and Margaret Ramsey.
Nama married Clinton E. Thompson of Pensacola, Fl on June 13th, 1934 a romance that would last over 50 years until his passing in 1987. During that time, Nama and Clinton had two sons, Clinton Jr. and Michael. She spent many years raising her two sons and supporting her husband’s career in the U.S. Navy. Over the next 20 years, Nama and her family would move to San Diego CA, Norfolk VA and finely back to Pensacola where she lived out the remainder of her life. While living in Pensacola, Nama and her family attended Brownville Assembly of God.
A big part of Nama’s life was her sister and best friend Claire. Throughout the years, not a day would go by without Nama and Claire talking on the phone, shopping or just spending time with each other. The two were inseparable. Nama also had another trusted companion, Sweaty Pie, her Toy Poodle that she loved dearly.
Nama will forever be remembered by her devoted son Michael Thompson Sr., his wife Ermina of Fresno CA, his sons Michael Jr. of Jacksonville FL and Kenneth, his wife Angela and their three daughters, Haylee, Paige and Madison of Pensacola FL, along with countless other family and friends whom were blessed to know her.
The family would like to specifically acknowledge the special love, care and support provided by Ms. Judy Teutsch, her son and daughter Wesley Teutsch, Teresa Ward and their families.
Nama touched the lives of many people with her smile and generosity, and maintained her faith in God until the end. Friends and family are invited to meet and reflect at 2 PM followed by a memorial service officiated by Pastor Hudson on Saturday, March 24th, 2012 at 3 PM. The service will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens, 7433 Pine Forrest Rd, Pensacola, FL.
Nice Weekend Forecast
March 23, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms through the night. Patchy fog after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. South winds 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. West wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Northwest wind between 5 and 15 mph.
- Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Women Charged With Repeatedly Tasing Man
March 23, 2012
A woman and her friend were arrested for allegedly kicking and repeatedly tasing a man in armed disturbance in Walnut Hill.
Windy Hall Hudson, age 28 of Century, and Wanda R. McGhee, age 44 of Atmore, were both charged with felony aggravated battery using a deadly weapon after the incident.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to an armed disturbance on Rigby Road where the victim said he was sitting on the porch with his girlfriend and the homeowner. He told deputies that McGhee, who is his estranged wife, along with Hudson and a man he knew only as “Slick” pulled up in the driveway. He said “Slick” headed toward him in an agitated state and punched him in the face and then grabbed him around the neck in a chokehold, according to an arrest report.
While the victim was down on the ground in the chokehold, a witness told deputies that McGhee began to use a taser to tase the victim repeatedly while Hudson kicked him. The witness said Hudson grabbed the taser and also tased the victim. “Slick” and the two women then left the residence.
Deputies later made contact with the women at the Grey Goose Lounge on Highway 97. Hudson refused to answer questions, while McGhee told deputies that her estranged husband had swung at the unnamed male first, starting the fight.
Both women refused to provide the identity of the man known as “Slick”, according to their arrest reports. But the Sheriff’s Office was able to determine the man’s possible identity and are seeking a warrant for his arrest.
Hall was released from the Escambia County Jail on $10,000 bond, while McGhee was released on a $5,000 bond.
Boy, 13, Charged With Attacking Girl, 12, In Her Apartment
March 23, 2012
A 13-year old Century boy is facing charges after allegedly entering an apartment and assaulting a 12-year old girl.
He was arrested for felony lewd and lascivious behavior by a person less than 18 and misdemeanor battery. He was released into the custody of his mother.
The boy, who is not being identified due to his age, allegedly entered a neighbor’s apartment at Century Woods without knocking. He walked to the kitchen table where the victim was playing a board game with her mother and friend. The suspect allegedly hugged the mom and friend, but the victim did not allow him to hug her.
When the mother left the room to do laundry, the victim said the suspect picked her up, slammed her into the couch and punched her in the chest. He then allegedly followed the victim to her bedroom where he allegedly touched her in an inappropriate manner for about 20 seconds, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Report. The victim them allegedly fled to the living room where the suspect punched her again.
The victim claimed the boy had also been continuously bothering her at school.
The mother told deputies that when she exited the bathroom, she observed the suspect and victim grabbing at each other, and she told them to stop because she thought they were just playing. The mother called deputies after the daughter told her the complete story.
The suspect denied the allegations, claiming that he had not inappropriately touch the girl.
Senate Approves New District Maps, Challenges Ahead
March 23, 2012
The Senate approved its second-chance redistricting map by a wide margin Thursday, leaving lawmakers and would-be candidates waiting to see if the House and the Florida Supreme Court will sign off on the change.
The new draft of the boundaries for the upper chamber (SJR 2-B) sailed through on a 31-6 vote, with five Democrats joining all 26 Republicans present in approving the plan.
The plan creates a new District 1 for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties that also encompasses a portion of northern Okaloosa County — including Baker, the home of Sen. Greg Evers.
Senate leaders rebuked by the court for their first draft, which paired no incumbents, praised the new plan for following the anti-gerrymandering Fair Districts amendments approved by voters in a November 2010 referendum.
“There are Republicans pitted against Republicans, there are Republicans pitted against Democrats, and when this Senate convenes again, there will be more minorities on this floor than ever before in Florida history,” said Senate Reapportionment Chairman Don Gaetz, R-Niceville.
But Democrats still slammed the map, saying it ignored the Supreme Court’s 5-2 opinion striking down the first map and still appeared aimed at securing a GOP majority and shielding incumbents. That was particularly galling, Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich said, given that the court spelled out in the first ruling exactly how lawmakers should interpret the new standards.
“We may have had an excuse the first time, but for this go-around there simply is none,” said Rich, D-Weston. “The plans we are voting on I believe seem to ignore much of what the court opinion told us.”
The overall plan still faces potential hurdles before taking effect. The Supreme Court will eventually review the new map, with opponents gearing up to vigorously challenge it in arguments before the justices.
“It has become abundantly clear that the GOP-controlled Legislature lacks the leadership to draw maps that comply with Fair Districts,” Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith said. “As expected, we now turn to the courts to enforce the people’s will.”
There are rumblings that, even before that, some House lawmakers could try to amend the plan to add a fourth majority-Hispanic seat in Miami-Dade County.
Even though the House plan was approved by the court, Gaetz made it clear he still expects House Redistricting Chairman Will Weatherford, a Wesley Chapel Republican set to become speaker in November, to follow the deal.
“My understanding with the speaker-designate is not that he will take bad work, but that he will take good work and that he will defer to the Senate,” Gaetz said.
House lawmakers return to Tallahassee next week to consider the plan.
By The News Service of Florida
North Escambia Fans Turn Out For ‘The Hunger Games’
March 23, 2012
Many North Escambia residents were at the midnight premiere of the movie “The Hunger Games” last night.
While most were at a Pensacola theater with comfy chairs and high definition screens and sound for the midnight showing, Brittney Peebles of Bratt was at camp and decided to “rough it” at the Our Place Youth Center and Family Theater in Monroeville, Ala.
“Since the Rave is over two hours away from the camp we came to a make shift one in Monroeville! The tickets? Yeah, they are rocking the construction paper, the actual theater is a tin building and the chairs are actual chairs! Insane? I think it’s safe to say I really wanted to see this movie,” she said, about a half hour before the film began.
For a photo gallery of some of North Escambia’s “Hunger Games” fans, click here.
Pictured top: (L-R) Megan Ryan, Kolbi Cobb, Kendal Cobb and Mallory Ryan await the midnight premiere of The Hunger Games in Pensacola. Pictured inset: Kara Hardin (left) and Haley Simpson with their tickets. Pictured below: (L-R) Charleigh McPherson, Lauren McCall and Taylor Rigby at a pre-screening party. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
