Escambia Double Murder Under Investigation
October 26, 2013
An apparent double murder Friday night in Escambia County is under investigation.
Deputies found the victims on Washburn Street- that’s in an area between Nine Mile Road and East Johnson Avenue behind the John R. Jones Athletic Complex – about 10:30 p.m.
One victim was reportedly found slumped over in the passenger seat, while the other victim was found partially out of the vehicle.
No details on the shooting have officially been released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office as they continue their investigation.
Shoppers Finding Higher Prices For Poultry And Dairy Products
October 26, 2013
Shoppers are paying slightly more for food items at the grocery store compared to the first half of 2013. Higher retail prices for meat items such as boneless chicken breasts and dairy products, among other foods, resulted in a slight increase in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s latest Semi-Annual Marketbasket Survey.
The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $53.20, up $1.66 or about 3 percent compared to a survey conducted about six months ago. Of the 16 items surveyed, 11 increased and five decreased in average price.
“Several poultry and dairy product items increased in price during the second half of the year, accounting for much of the increase in the marketbasket,” said John Anderson, AFBF’s deputy chief economist. “As anticipated, food prices have increased by about 3 percent so far during the year, which is slightly higher than the average rate of inflation over the past 10 years,” he said.
Items showing retail price increases included chicken breasts, up 61 cents to $3.93 per pound; Russet potatoes, up 49 cents to $3.18 for a 5-pound bag; bacon, up 43 cents to $4.71 per pound; whole milk, up 25 cents to $3.71 per gallon; vegetable oil, up 20 cents to $3.12 for a 32-ounce bottle; orange juice, up 19 cents to $3.47 per half-gallon; white bread, up 18 cents to $1.83 for a 20-ounce loaf; toasted oat cereal, up 18 cents to $3.09 for a 9-ounce box; bagged salad, up 12 cents to $2.83 per pound; shredded cheddar cheese, up 4 cents to $4.51 per pound; and flour, up 4 cents to $2.66 for a 5-pound bag.
These items showed modest retail price decreases: deli ham, down 68 cents to $4.71 per pound; sirloin tip roast, down 28 cents to $4.35 per pound; ground chuck, down 5 cents to $3.69 per pound; apples, down 4 cents to $1.59 per pound; and eggs, down 2 cents to $1.82 per dozen.
The year-to-year direction of the marketbasket survey tracks closely with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.
“Through the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Anderson said.
Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across-the-board, the farmer’s share of this $53.20 marketbasket would be $8.51.
Great Weekend Weather
October 26, 2013
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
- Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 43. Calm wind.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
- Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.
- Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
- Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
- Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Tate’s Winning Season Continues
October 26, 2013
After winning a tough game against Crestview last week, Tate traveled again to Okaloosa County to play Fort Walton Friday night. The game was a defensive battle, but Tate dominated on both the offense and defense in the fourth quarter to win 24-13.
Tate started out their first series by trying to go for it on fourthand short, but was unable to get the first down.
Fort Walton took possesion on Tate’s 21 yard line after the turnover on downs. Tate’s defense faced a big test early and held Ft Walton to just a field goal to make the score 3-0. That would be all the scoring in the first quarter, as the defenses for both teams proved to be strong.
In the second quarter, the Aggies’ Taylor Brown intercepted a Vicking pass and returned it for a touchdown. Tate took the lead 7-3. Tate again fumbled the ball deep into their own territory and Fort Walton recovered. The Aggies’ defense was up to the challenge again and held the Vikings to just three points. Tate still held a 7-6 advance. Fort Walton scored late in the second quarter on a 20 yard run to lead at the half 13 – 7.
The second half would be all Aggies. Tate’s defense would not allow the Vikings to score any more points for the night.
Tate’s Dylan Mancuso kicked a 40- yard field goal in the third to make the score Tate 10, Fort Walton 13. Early in the fourthquarter, Sawyer Smith scored on an 18ard run to regain the lead 17-13.
Later in the fourth, Diamonte Thompson intercepted a Viking pass and would run it all the way back for a apparent touchdown. But Tate was penalized for holding and the touchdown was nullified and the ball was brought out to the 20 yard line. A few plays later, Tay Samuel ran it in for another Aggie touchdown.
Tate’s defense faced many challenges during the game and held strong throughout. There was only one series that the defense were not able to stop the Vickings and allowed a touchdown. The two field goals that Fort Walton scored were on offensive turnovers deep in Aggie territory and the defense kept them from scoring a touchdown.
Tate improved their season record to 7-2 for the year. Tate has a bye next week before facing Escambia High on November 8th at Emmitt Smith Field at 7:30 p.m.
Walton Tops Northview
October 26, 2013
Turnovers certainly hurt the 1A Northview High School Chiefs Friday night in their 20-12 loss to 4A Walton on the road in Defuniak Springs. And then there was the whistle-happy referee.
“It really was two evenly matched teams,” Northview Coach Sid Wheatley said. “I don’t think the final score was a true indicator of how the two teams played.”
The Chiefs were plagued by turnovers, with three interceptions and two fumbles.
A pass to a Chief in the end zone was batted up and then caught by a Brave, resulting in a defensive touchdown. And during an 80-yard punt return by Neino Robinson for a touchdown, a referee attempting to call a penalty for a block in the backfield inadvertently blew his whistle, calling back the TD.
“Overall, our offense played well; our defense played well,” Wheatley said. Offensively, the Chiefs earned over 330 yards Friday night, about 175 in the air and 160 rushing. The Chiefs scored on a 1-yard dash from junior Ladarius Thomas and 19-yard pass from Daulton Tullis to senior Neino Robinson.
Now, the Chiefs are turning 100 percent focus to next Friday night in what will be their biggest regular season game as they host the undefeated Baker Gators in a district matchup.
“We are ready,” Wheatley said Friday night. “I saw the effort in our guys tonight. We’ll practice hard and work on improving. But we are ready.”
The Northview Chiefs (3-4, 2-0) will host the Baker Gators (8-0, 2-2) with kickoff set for 7:00 in Bratt. Northview’s Senior Night activities will precede kickoff.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge
Jay Beats Cottondale
October 26, 2013
The Jay Royals beat The Cottondale Hornets Friday night 39-28 in a non-district game.
Tate Upton was 7-for-14 for three touchdowns and 169 yards. Braden Cross gained 168 yards for the Royals.
The Royals (4-4, 0-2) will host the Freeport Bulldogs (0-8, 0-2) next Friday night in Jay in district matchup. The Royals will wrap up regular season play the following Friday night as they host Maclay of Tallahassee in Jay.
Pictured: The Jay Royals beat Cottondale Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photos by Michele Gibbs, click to enlarge.
Abundance Of North Escambia Fall Festivals, Events Planned
October 26, 2013
A wide variety fall festivals and other events are scheduled for this weekend and next week in the North Escambia area:
Molino Library Parade, Trick or Treat
The Molino Branch Library will host a Not-So-Scary for Little Goblins story time and parade at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 28 for children ages 0-5. Beginning at 6 p.m. and in conjunction with the Mid-County Historical Society, the library will be hosting their 1st Annual “Trick-or-Treat Down a Spooky Museum Street” with a special guest visit from the Florida Garrison 501st Legion. Enjoy stories and songs and some silly theatre presented by staff. This event is for children ages five and up and their grown-ups.
Mexican Dinner For Molino Park Elementary
Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino will host a Mexican Dinner on Wednesday, October 30 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Eat in or take out during this time. Cost is by donation with proceeds going to Molino Park to help with replacement of electronic equipment. (850) 587-5294.
Cantonment Pumpkin Patch
Allen Memorial United Methodist Men’s Pumpkin Patch is now open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The pumpkin patch is located on Highway 29 at Neal Road, just north of the paper mill.
Molino Community Fall Festival
A Community Fall Festival will be held Thursday, October 31, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Victory Assembly of God Church located on Highway 29 in Molino. Come join the churches of the community for a fun-filled evening of games, candy, great food and fellowship.
Century Library Program
The Century Branch Library will have their Halloween program on Thursday, October 31 at 5 p.m. There will be ghost stories and lots of goodies for little goblins. Everyone is invited to attend and wear their costume.
Beulah Chapel Fall Festival
Fall Festival, Thursday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. at the Beulah Chapel Assembly of God at 2311 Highway 4A. Food, games, bounce house and more.
Trunk Of Treat
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, 699 S. Hwy. 95-A, Cantonment will host Trunk or Treat from 6-8 pm Thursday, October 31st in the church parking lot. Children are invited to trick or treat free from trunk to trunk. There will be music provided by our DJ and a hay ride. Chili and refreshments will be also be available.
Cottage Hill Fall Festival
First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill will hold their community wide Family Fun Fall Festival on Thursday, October 31, from 6 – 8 p.m. There will be an inflatable bounce house, lots of carnival booths with lots of candy, face painting, hayrides, cake walk, chili with all the fixings, hot dogs, desserts, and drinks. Everyone welcome and everything is free. More info: edavidson@cottagehillbaptist.net or (850) 968-2357.
Living Truth Fall Festival
Living Truth Church will hold their Fall Festival on Thursday, October 31, from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the church, located at 8897 Byrom Campble Road. Admission is free and there will be lots of food and games.
Century Care Fall Festival
Century Care Center will hold their annual fall festival, October 31, beginning at 4 p.m. There will be games prizes, food, a give away basket drawing, and a haunted house. Everyone is invited to attend.
Arts and Crafts Festival, Car Show
Pine Forest United Methodist Church will hold their 24th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival and Car Show on Saturday, November 9 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Live music by Nashville artist Ron Jeffers. Activities include over 130 arts, crafts & other vendors, food, homemade baked goods, and a holiday luncheon. Free admission. Free parking. Door prizes. 2800 Wilde Lake Boulevard. (850) 944-0170. Proceeds for community ministries. www.pineforestumc.org.
Walnut VFD Fish Fry
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department 44th Annual Catfish Fry will be held Saturday, November 2 from 11 a.m. until 2 pm. At the Walnut Hill Fire Station on Highway 97. Catfish fillets or grilled chicken, hush puppies, baked beans, cole slaw, homemade bread, cakes. $7 per plate. Door prize drawing at 1 p.m. Baked goods and live auction.
Dogwood Park Fall Festival
Dogwood Park Baptist Church will hold their annual old fashioned peanut boil and fall festival on Saturday, November 2, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at 3301 Highway 97. Lots of boiled peanuts, bounce house, live music, horse rides, games and more. Everyone is invited to attend.
Pictured: The Allen Memorial Pumpkin Patch on Highway 29 at Neal Road in Cantonment. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Finals
October 26, 2013
Here is a look at Friday night games from across the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Walton 26, Northview 12 [Read more...]
- Tate 24, Fort Walton 13 [Read more...]
- Jay 39 Cottondale 28 [Read more...]
- West Florida 55, Arnold 3
- Pace 56, Escambia 42
- Milton 28, Pine Forest 20
- Baker 54 Franklin County 13
- Pensacola 45, Washington 0
- South Walton 35, Freeport 21
- Catholic 35, Gulf Breeze 7
ALABAMA
- Millry 40 ,Flomaton 38
- T R Miller 28 , W S Neal 0
- Andalusia 48, ECHS 32
- Escambia Academy 40, Southern 0
Outta’ The Woods: Hunting Season Is Here
October 26, 2013
Finally, the time of year we’ve been waiting for is here.
From Escambia and Santa Rosa east to about Leon County, you’re in Zone D, where archery and crossbow seasons began October 26 on private lands.
To hunt during archery season, you’ll need a Florida hunting license and an archery permit. During crossbow season, you’ll need a hunting license and crossbow permit. If you’re a Florida resident, an annual hunting license will cost $17. Nonresidents have the choice of paying $46.50 for a 10-day license or $151.50 for 12 months. Archery and crossbow permits cost just $5 each, and all deer hunters must have the $5 deer permit. Anyone planning on hunting one of Florida’s many WMAs must purchase a management area permit for $26.50.
And don’t forget to pick up the WMA brochure for the area you wish to hunt, because hunting season dates on many of the areas are often different from what the zonal dates are. You can pick up a copy of these WMA brochures at your local tax collector’s office or read them at
During archery season and that part of crossbow season that is concurrent with archery, you can take deer of either sex, regardless of antler size (except for spotted fawns). After archery ends, during the remaining portion of the crossbow season, only legal bucks (having at least one antler that is at least 5 inches long) may be taken. The daily bag limit on deer is two. Bag limits for deer on WMAs can differ, so check the specifics of the area before you hunt.
You can hunt wild hogs on private lands year-round with no bag or size limits. On most WMAs, there’s also no bag or size limits, and hogs are legal to take during most hunting seasons except spring turkey. On a few WMAs, bag and size limits do apply, so be sure to check the brochure for the specific area to be certain.
It’s also legal to shoot gobblers and bearded turkeys during archery and crossbow seasons, given you have a turkey permit ($10 for residents, $125 for nonresidents). You can take only one turkey per day, and there’s a two-bird fall-season limit. It’s against the law to hunt turkeys in Holmes County in the fall, and it’s illegal to shoot them while they’re on the roost, over bait, when you’re within 100 yards of a game-feeding station when bait is present or with the aid of recorded turkey calls.
On private property, if you’re hunting during the archery season, you may hunt only with a bow, and you must have the $5 archery permit. During crossbow season, you may use either a crossbow or bow, but you must have the $5 crossbow permit. On WMAs, only hunters with a disabled crossbow permit are allowed to use crossbows during archery season. All bows must have a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds, and hand-held releases are permitted. For hunting deer, hogs and turkeys, broadheads must have at least two sharpened edges with a minimum width of 7/8 inch.
Tony Young is the media relations coordinator for the FWC’s Division of Hunting and Game Management. He can be reached with questions about hunting at Tony.Young@MyFWC.com.
One Final Tate Drama Performance Of “Jabberwock” Set For Tonight
October 26, 2013
The Tate High School Drama Department will present “Jabberwock” for one final show tonight.
Jabberwock is based on the early life of James Thurber who was an American author and cartoonist who contributed to The New Yorker during the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee adapted Thurber’s writings and drawings into this play that tells the story of a young Jamie Thurber and his eccentric family in the years before and during World War I.
Jabberwock will be performed at 7 p.m Saturday in the school cafetorium. Tickets are $7 at the door.
Pictured: The Tate High School Drama Department’s presentation of Jabberwock. Photos by Jennifer Beal for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
