Rain And 30’s For Tonight
March 3, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 36. North wind around 10 mph.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 62. Breezy, with a west wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
- Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 38. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday: Sunny, with a high near 69. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. North wind around 5 mph becoming east.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 66. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 69. East wind around 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. East wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
- Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73.
- Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 52.
- Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 68.
School Nurses Being Cut
March 3, 2012
Over five dozen school nurses and health support technicians are being cut out of Escambia County Schools next year, but officials say there will still be someone available to treat children’s illnesses and injuries.
An estimated budget deficit of $3.18 million is leading to the cuts by the Escambia County Health Department totaling about $1.8 million in the school nursing program. Across the county, there will be 42 nurses, 24 health support technicians and one senior administrative clerk cut from the payroll.
Currently there is at least a two-person health care team in each county public school comprised of a full time school nurse and a health technician. Beginning next year, there will only be 15 school nurses, seven of which will serve a regional cluster of schools. There will be 54 health support technicians remaining, with one in every school.
Next year’s reduced staffing will be similar to 1996, the year the school health nurse program was expanded to each county school.
Cutting nurses will also mean and end to health education classes and Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings.
“In addition, at most schools, a nurse will not be on campus to respond to emergencies, oversee medication administration and health procedures, and manage student illnesses,” Said Dr. John Lanza, Escambia County Health Department director. “In addition, the loss will hamper the ECHD’s ability to respond to disasters in our community.”
Pictured : Northview High School School Nurse Michelle Hinote treats a student’s minor arm injury Friday morning at the school. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Highway 113 Rollover Crash Claims One Life
March 3, 2012
A 26-year old man died in single vehicle wreck north of Flomaton Friday night.
The driver of a of a Mitsubishi Montero lost control about 8:30 p.m. on Highway 113 near Hall Creek Road, about seven miles north of Flomaton. The vehicle rolled over, ejecting the driver. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Escambia County EMS. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.
The accident remains under investigation by Alabama State Troopers. The name of the victim has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The Flomaton, Pineview, Barnett Crossroads and Friendship volunteer fire departments, and Escambia County (Fla.) EMS also responded to the crash.
Pictured: One person was killed in this single vehicle wreck north of Flomaton Friday night. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ball News: Flomaton Needs 3-4 and 9-10 Year Olds; DCT Tourney Canceled
March 3, 2012
Here’s a look at little league news for Northwest Escambia and Flomaton:
Weather permitting, NWE will hold a workday a Bradberry park from 9 a.m. until today. All help is welcomed and appreciated from the community.
Flomaton Little League is in need of a few players to complete teams. Three or four players, boys or girls, are needed for an age 5-6 t-ball team. Also, a few more 9-10 year old boys for a team. They must not turn 11 until May 1 or after. For more information, contact Ricky Hart at (251) 370-4437.
The Northview DCT Coed Softball Tournament that was scheduled for Northwest Escambia’s Bradberry Park has been canceled due to weather. It will be rescheduled for a later date to be announced. For more information, call (850) 327-6681 or (251) 294-1947.
Gulf Power Linemen On Hand As House Approves ‘Lineworker Appreciate Day’
March 3, 2012
Four Gulf Power linemen were among about 80 lineworkers from across the state who were recognized Friday in the House of Representatives in Tallahassee.
Clint Floyd, Mark Truitt and Robert Duke, all line techs in the Escambia County area, and David Cope, the Planning & Construction team leader in Panama City Beach, were there to support the introduction of a resolution to make August 26, 2012, “Lineworker Appreciation Day” across the state.
The motivation for Lineworker Appreciation Day comes from Tracy Moore, wife of former Lakeland Electric lineman Marc Moore, who died while working on Aug. 26, 2002. The resolution will honor thousands of men and women who risk their lives every day, ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity throughout the state.
“We are honored to be here,” Floyd said. “As lineworkers, we are all brothers and sisters, whether it’s at Gulf Power, the state or the nation. We care about each other and we show support for each other.”
The four, along with Carl Punyko, Governmental Affairs manager, met with Moore and her family. She gave them wristbands that read, “Linemen are Heroes Too … Never Forget Aug. 26.” They presented her and her two sons with Gulf Power hats.
Later, the four Gulf Power linemen were recognized again by Rep. Debbie Mayfield (R-Vero Beach), who is a Pensacola native and whose brother, Steve Minton, works at Gulf Power. The linemen also met local representatives Clay Ford and Clay Ingram.
“It’s nice that the state wants to recognize lineworkers,” Duke said. “We appreciate their efforts.”
Pictured top: : Tracy Moore, center, with the Gulf Power linemen, from left, Clint Floyd, Robert Duke, Mark Truitt and David Cope, and Carl Punyko, Governmental Affairs manager, at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee on Friday. Moore, whose lineworker husband in Lakeland died on the job in 2002, spearheaded a resolution that will make Aug. 26 “Lineworker Appreciation Day” in the state. Pictured below: Mark Truitt, red hat, a Gulf Power lineman, stands with other lineworkers across the state as Rep. Seth McKeel (R-Lakeland) talks about the resolution to honor lineworkers across the state on Aug. 26. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Caring For Camellias
March 3, 2012
One of Northwest Florida’s most reliable and rewarding shrubs is the camellia. Providing dark green leaves throughout the year, gardeners are rewarded in late winter or early spring with a variety of beautifully colored and shaped flowers. Camellias tend to thrive in our acidic soil but they do require some routine maintenance.
Pick up the fallen flowers. A fungal disease known as petal blight will rapidly turn entire flowers brown. If a camellia has petal blight, remove and dispose of all blighted flowers both on the plant and on the ground. You may also consider discarding the old mulch around the shrub and apply a layer of fresh mulch. This practice sometimes helps prevent fungal spores from blowing back onto new flowers. One of the best ways to prevent this disease is to pick up and destroy fallen blooms. Flowers will continue to drop for several weeks, so it’s important to pick up blooms several times a week.
Scout for tea scale. One of the most common insect pests of camellia is a scale insect known as tea scale. Check the underside of leaves regularly for this annoying pest. These small, sessile, white, thin, sap-sucking insects can build up large numbers if you do not regularly inspect your plants and take corrective measures when scale is first found. Often your first clue will be spotty yellowing on the upper surface of the leaves. Horticultural oil can be used in the winter time if used before blooming or in spring after blooming. Do not apply horticultural oil when near-freezing temperatures may be expected. Always carefully read and follow pesticide label directions before use.
Expect some leaves to fall in the spring. Camellias are “evergreen” meaning that they have leaves on the shrub year round. However, as individual leaves age, they will fall from the shrub and are replaced with new leaves in the spring. It is not unusual for camellia to drop up to 30 percent of their leaves. As long as new leaves are developing, there is no need for concern.
Camellia can be pruned after they flower. The most important reason for pruning camellias is to improve the overall health of the plant. Many times, camellias that have not been pruned in a few years will develop dead or deteriorating twigs. Removing the dead and dying limbs will minimize the possibility of diseases such as “dieback” and will also allow the plant to re-concentrate its energies. In many instances, camellias that have been neglected for a number of years will become infested with scale insects. Pruning is an effective way to provide for better coverage of chemical sprays and increase air circulation.
Lichens are warning signs. Lichens are gray-green to green mossy growths on the stems of old, neglected camellias. The lichen is a combination of a fungus and an alga that grows symbiotically. They are not parasitic to the camellia. Affected plants usually need fertilizing, watering, and mulching for better growing conditions.
Fertilizer applications help to achieve maximum performance. Apply fertilizer in the spring after blooming but before new growth starts. With many fertilizers, small amounts at frequent intervals are better than heavy applications. Special camellia fertilizers are available at your local stores. One application in early spring after blooming should be followed by a second application in mid June to early July. Scatter the fertilizer evenly on top of the mulch and away from the main stem of the plant. Water the fertilizer into the soil. Do not fertilize after July, so the plants will have a longer time to harden off and avoid freeze damage.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Named (With Photo Gallery)
March 3, 2012
Jadlyn Agerton was named Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Friday during the school’s annual pageant.
First runner-up was Raegan Harrell; second runner-up was Lillie Allen; and third runner-up was Alexys Smith. Elizabeth Wright was named Miss Congeniality, while Agerton received the Physical Fitness Reward. The Poise and Appearance award was presented to Harrell.
Picture top: (L-R) Second Runner-up Lillie Allen, First Runner-up Raegan Harrell, Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Jadlyn Agerton and Third Runner-Up Alexys Smith. Pictured left: Agerton awaits the judges’ decision backstage during Friday night’s Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School pageant. Pictured below: Allen is crowned third runner-up. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
House Passes Bill To Drug Test State Employees
March 3, 2012
The House voted largely along party lines Friday to allow state agencies to set up drug testing programs for their workers over the objection of Democrats who said it wasn’t just unconstitutional, but a bully tactic.
The bill follows a similar requirement for random drug testing and pre-employment screening put in place a year ago by executive order of Gov. Rick Scott. That order is on hold pending the outcome of a court challenge, with Scott telling most agencies in June to hold off on the plan until the courts rule.
Regardless, the state prisons agency has gone ahead with drug testing of employees.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness, doesn’t require the drug tests, but would let agencies set up such programs. It limits the number of employees tested to no more than 10 percent of each agency’s workforce every three months.
Want To Start Farming? This Course Is For You
March 3, 2012
Escambia County Extension is offering a “Beginning Farmers: Planning for Your Successful Farm” course. The six classes will be held on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 5, 12, 19, and April 2, 9 and 16.
The course is designed for aspiring and beginning farmers, second career farm entrepreneurs, and landowners interested in developing farming industries, including fruit and vegetable production. It is intended for those who have from zero to five years of experience in managing a farm.
Participants will develop key skills and knowledge that are critical to manage a successful fruit and vegetable farm operation. Participants will assess their resources and select various options for developing individual farming plans, such as:
- Crop selection
- Marketing
- Soil Management
- Fertility Management
- Integrated Pest Management
- Cropping Systems
Classroom sessions will be held at the Escambia Extension office, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment. The cost of the course is $15. The class is limited to 20 participants.
TORNADO WARNING: Escambia, Ala. Including Atmore, Poarch
March 2, 2012
THIS WARNING HAS EXPIRED.
The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a
* Tornado Warning for…
southwestern Conecuh County in south central Alabama…
northwestern Escambia County in south central Alabama…
south central Monroe County in south central Alabama…
north central Baldwin County in southwest Alabama…
* until 545 PM CST
* at 500 PM CST…National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a
severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado 15 miles west of
Atmore…or 6 miles northwest of i65 and CR 47…moving northeast
at 30 mph.
* Locations impacted include…
Poarch creek reservation… Perdido…
i65 and CR 47… McCullough… i65 and CR 1…
i65 and al 21… i65 and al 113…
This includes Interstate 65 between mile markers 43 and 73.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
The safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement. Get under a
workbench or other piece of sturdy furniture. If no basement is
available…seek shelter on the lowest floor of the building in an
interior hallway or room such as a closet. Use blankets or pillows to
cover your body and always stay away from windows.
If in manufactured homes or vehicles…evacuate them and get inside a
substantial shelter. If no shelter is available…lie flat in the
nearest ditch or other low spot and cover your head with your hands.