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Hot Weather Continues

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:

• Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
• Tuesday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
• Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 95. West wind around 5 mph.
• Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
• Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
• Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
• Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
• Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
• Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 91.
• Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 65.
• Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 91.
• Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 67.
• Monday: Sunny, with a high near 95.

Critical Need For O Negative Blood

There is a current a critical need for O Negative blood donors, according to Betty Roberts of Northwest Florida Blood Services.

“We need your help to boost the blood supply around Memorial Day weekend,” she said.

All donors today will receive a $10 Walmart gift card from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Northwest Florida Blood Services location at 1999 East Nine Mile Road (just east of Target).

Memorial Day Closures, Trash Schedule

Here is a look at what’s closed on this Memorial Day Monday in the North Escambia area:

• All county offices in Escambia (Fla. and Ala.) and Santa Rosa
• All city offices in Century, Jay, Pensacola, Atmore and Flomaton
• Schools in Escambia Escambia (Fla. and Ala.) and Santa Rosa
• West Florida and Santa Rosa County public libraries
• University of West Florida
• Pensacola State College
• ECUA business offices
• U.S. Postal Service, with no mail delivery except for Express Mail
• There will be no change in ECUA garbage collections, with North Escambia pickups as usual on Tuesday.

Boots On The Ground: Escambia Men To Run Pcola Marathon For Wounded Warrior Project

On November 11, 2012, a pair of friends — one a dedicated Army veteran and the other a civilian — will be two of nearly 1,600 people running the Pensacola Marathon.

However, Brad King and Alan Moses will not be wearing the normal athletic running gear associated with a 26.2 mile race.  Rather, they’ll be running the Pensacola Marathon in military boots and a 50 pound ruck sack in an effort to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.

“This challenge is my attempt to say ‘Thank You’ to these heroes,” commented Brad King, former Army Ranger.  “Without these men and women who selflessly continue to leave their families at home and put themselves in harm’s way, we would not be the strong and proud Country we are today.”

The Pensacola Marathon, a Boston Marathon Qualifier, also features a half marathon course (13.1 miles).  Runners are greeted by a beautiful sunrise over Pensacola Bay as the course winds through historic neighborhoods, the downtown district, views of Pensacola Bay, and finishes at Veteran’s Park, home to the country’s only replica of the National Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Alan Moses is a lifelong resident of Gulf Breeze, a small coastal community between Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.  “When Brad approached me about running the Pensacola Marathon with a 50 pound ruck sack, AND wearing boots, I told him he needed to start wearing more sunscreen,” Moses jokingly commented.  “However, after much thought and research, I realized there could not be a more appropriate way to offer up my gratitude to those who have sacrificed so much to defend the freedoms I often take for granted.”

People can contribute to the fundraiser by visiting the events website at www.marathonpensacola.com or by e-mailing Brad King at bradwick.king@yahoo.com.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a not-for-profit whose mission is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.  They rely on this type of fundraiser and many more to help injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct program and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

“We are thrilled these two men chose the Pensacola Marathon as a vehicle to spread the word and raise money for such a great cause as the Wounded Warrior Project,” said Ray Palmer, Executive Director of the Pensacola Sports Association, the race’s management organization.  “We have such a strong active and retired military presence in the Pensacola area so this fits perfectly.  We congratulate and wish these gentlemen the best of luck in raising funds and for their efforts in running the Pensacola Marathon in November.”

Recipes: Flavorful, Festive and Fun Memorial Day

Memorial Day is often synonymous with a backyard barbecue to kick start the summer. As you celebrate this holiday weekend, have a delicious, grill-inspired meal ready in 45 minutes or less with these fun, flavorful recipe ideas.

With mouthwatering grilled beef, high-quality ingredients like canned tomatoes and bold bursts of flavor from lime juice, chimichurri and barbecue sauces, your Memorial Day menu is sure to be a memorable hit.

Get your grill sizzling with recipes like Lime-Marinated Flank Steak with Stuffed Poblano Peppers and Chimichurri Steak Wraps. And don’t forget a refreshing salad to complete your grilling holiday menu. Spicy Barley and Black Bean Salad is a fast option with a flavorful twist – perfect for your Memorial Day table.

(Scroll down to see all three recipes)

Ingredients

• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Ro*Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
• 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 beef flank steak (about 1-1/2 pounds)
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) reduced-sodium or regular black beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 medium poblano chili peppers (about 4 inches long)

Toppings

• Toasted shelled pepitas (pumpkin seeds), crumbled queso frescos and lime wedges (optional)

Preparation

1. Drain tomatoes, reserving juice for marinade. Set aside diced tomatoes with green chiles.
2. Combine reserved tomato juice, 1/2 cup cilantro, lime juice and olive oil in medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate 1/3 cup marinade for rice. Place beef steak and remaining marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
3. Combine rice, reserved 1/3 cup marinade, diced tomatoes, black beans and remaining 1/4 cup cilantro in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Set aside.
4. Cut slit lengthwise down 1 side of each poblano pepper to create pocket, leaving stem and tip intact. Make another small crosswise cut just below the stem to form T-shaped opening. Remove and discard seeds and membranes, being careful to keep peppers intact. Spoon rice mixture evenly into peppers. Wrap each tightly in aluminum foil to seal.
5. Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Place steak in center grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange peppers around steak. Grill steak, covered, 11 to 16 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 16 to 21 minutes) for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally. Grill peppers, covered, 25 to 30 minutes (20 to 25 minutes on gas grill) or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through, turning occasionally.
6. Carve steak across grain into thin slices. Remove peppers from foil. Serve peppers with steaks and toppings as desired.

Serves
Makes 6 servings

Total Time:
45 to 50 minutes

Marinate Time:
6 hours to overnight

Ingredients

Chimichurri Sauce

• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Steak Wraps

• 4 medium whole wheat tortillas (8 to 10-inch diameter)
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 12 ounces grilled beef steak, cut into slices

Preparation

1. Place parsley and garlic in food processor or blender container. Cover; process until finely chopped. Add oil, vinegar and salt; process just until blended.
2. Spread each tortilla evenly with Chimichurri Sauce, leaving 1/4-inch border around edge. Top with equal amounts spinach, bell pepper slices and beef slices on top two-thirds of tortilla. Fold bottom of tortilla up over filling. Fold right and left sides to center overlapping edges; secure with wooden picks; if desired.

Serves
Makes 4 servings

Total Time:
15 to 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quick cook barley, uncooked
• 1 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces each) whole black beans, drained, rinsed
• 2 cans (10 ounces each) Ro*Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions, white and green parts
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Preparation

1. Cook barley according to package directions; drain if necessary. Place barley in large bowl.
2. Add corn, garlic salt and pepper; toss to combine. Add black beans, drained tomatoes and onions.
3. Sprinkle with cheese just before serving.

Serves
Makes 4 servings (1-1/2 cups each)

Total Time:
25 minutes

Beryl Makes Landfall In Florida

Tropical Storm Beryl made landfall near Jacksonville Beach this morning with winds of 70 mph. About 24,000 customers were without power, and trees were downed across the Jacksonville area.

Beryl, the second named storm of the 2012 hurricane season marked the first time since the 1908 hurricane season that two Atlantic named storms have formed this early in the year. The only other year with two storms this early was 1887. Records of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic extend back to 1851.

The latest information on Beryl is in the graphic below, click to enlarge for details.

Pictured top: Palm trees blow in the wind as clouds from Tropical Storm Beryl roll in to Jacksonville Sunday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Wahoos Get Comeback Victory Over the Mississippi Braves

Pensacola center fielder Andrew Means launched a three-run home run in the eighth inning to lead the Blue Wahoos to a 7-5 comeback victory over the Mississippi Braves, as the Fish sold out all five games of their homestand, including their 18th capacity crowd of the year on Sunday afternoon at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.

The Braves won the series 3-2, having clinched on Saturday evening, though they fell to 22-27 with the loss Sunday. The Blue Wahoos improved their season mark to 24-26 with the win. The sellout crowd was the 18th of the year in 24 home openings this year.

After entering the eighth down 5-3, RF Josh Fellhauer led off the frame with a double and subsequently scored on 1B Joel Guzman’s RBI single to narrow the deficit to one. 3B David Vidal would then single to set the stage for Means, who rocketed an 0-1 pitch over the left field wall to complete the comeback.

Mississippi got off to an early 3-0 lead after three frames thanks to a two-run double from RF Cory Harrilchack in the second, while the third tally came across when C Matt Kennelly was hit by a pitch in the next inning. The Braves added single tallies in the seventh, courtesy of Kennelly’s RBI base knock, while SS Andrelton Simmons belted his third longball of the season and the series in the eighth.

Pensacola got their first two runs in the fifth, when C Mark Fleury drew a bases-loaded walk and 2B Brodie Greene was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. The Blue Wahoos also got a run in the seventh when SS Didi Gregorius tripled to bring home Means, who singled earlier in the frame.

Means (3-4, 2 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI) was the lone Blue Wahoos batter to record a multi-hit effort in the contest with his three base knocks, while Simmons (2-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB) and 3B Joe Leonard (2-3, 2 R, 2 BB) each collected a pair of hits for the Braves.

Pensacola reliever Mark Serrano (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 SO) earned his fourth victory of the year after yielding a run on a hit in one frame, while closer Donnie Joseph (1.0 IP, 1 BB, 2 SO) notched his Southern League leading 12th save with a hitless ninth, fanning two. Blue Wahoos RHP Drew Hayes (2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 2 SO) had a strong outing, firing 2.1 scoreless innings in relief. Mississippi RHP Cory Rasmus (1.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 1-1 after allowing four runs on four hits in the eighth.

The Blue Wahoos will now travel to Jackson, Tennessee for a five-game series with the Generals, the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, with the series opener on Monday with first pitch set for 7:05 pm. The Fish are scheduled to send RHP Tim Gustafson to the mound, while Jackson is expected to give the ball to LHP Danny Hultzen.

By Andrew Green

Pictured: Closer Donnie Joseph notched his Southern League leading 12th save Sunday. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Video: Northview 2012 Senior Ensemble Performs “White Flag” At Baccalaureate

Video: Northview 2012 Senior Ensemble Performs “White Flag” At Baccalaureate

Coming Monday: Northview Class Of 2012 Holds Baccalaureate

The Northview High School Class of 2012 held their Baccalaureate service Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church of Bratt. Coming up Monday morning, NorthEscambia.com will have a photo gallery and coverage from the event.

Pictured: The Northview High School Class of 2012 Senior Ensemble performs Sunday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Memorial Day Travel A Bit Cheaper This Year

Memorial Day weekend travel was a little easier on the wallet this year, with gas prices creeping downward.

According to the AAA Fuel Gage Report, the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded in Escambia County was $3.37 headed into the long weekend, down from $3.76 a year ago. In North Escambia Saturday night, that gallon of gas was as low as $3.27 at the RaceWay on Highway 29 and Muscogee Road in Cantonment, the Tom Thumb in Cantonment and few other stations.

AAA projects 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, an increase of 1.2 percent – or 500,000 travelers – from the 34.3 million people who traveled one year ago. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 24 to Monday, May 28.

Approximately 30.7 million people plan to drive to their destination, an increase of 1.2 percent from the 30.3 million who drove last year.  Almost nine out of ten holiday travelers (88 percent) will take to the nation’s roadways during the Memorial Day weekend keeping automobile travel in the traditional lead as the dominate mode of holiday travel transportation.

A survey of intended travelers found that 53 percent said recent increases in gasoline prices would not impact their Memorial Day holiday travel plans. Of the remaining 47 percent of travelers who said gas prices would impact their travel plans, nine percent are planning to take a shorter trip, four percent will travel by an alternate mode of transportation and 34 percent will economize in other areas. Those who intend to economize in other areas plan to reduce spending on entertainment (65 percent), stay at a lower priced hotel (34 percent), stay with friends and relatives instead of reserving a hotel room (31 percent) or stay in a hotel that includes value-added amenities like free breakfast and internet (27 percent).

National gasoline prices may have peaked in April despite seasonal highs in early spring when motorists experienced average price increases for all but four days in February and March. April experienced a full reversal as prices fell for 23 of 30 days during the month, helping to break a streak of 911 days since the national average price was lower than the previous year. The current national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is approximately 25 cents lower than this time last year.

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