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Ernest Ward Cheerleader Crabtree Performs At Disney

Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleader Jerni Crabtree was one of many cheerleaders and dancers from across the country that performed in the 2013 UCA/UDA Thanksgiving Tour during the Thanksgiving weekend at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Crabtree, of Molino, performed with the UCA/UDA All-Americans group in the pre-parade at the Magic Kingdom Park on Thanksgiving Day.

The individuals invited to perform in the parade are part of a select group of cheerleaders and dancers chosen as All-Americans during the Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association summer camps across the country.

Man Dies In Hunting Accident

An area man is dead following a deer hunting accident Saturday evening.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 30-year old Christopher Garrett of Milton was hunting with friend Johnny Farmer on family property near Munson Highway in Santa Rosa County. They both left their tree stands about dusk. Farmer saw movement and fired, striking Garrett.

Garrett was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where he passed away about 11:00 Sunday morning.

Florida Fish and Wildlife said they are investigating the incident as a hunting accident. As is standard procedure, the State Attorney’s Office will review the case.

Bridge Work Beginning On Hanks And Pine Barren Roads

Walnut Hill and Bratt area drivers can expect delays on two bridges this week. Road crews will be working on bridges on Hanks Road and also Highway 168.

Hanks Road Bridge

Work on the Hanks Road Bridge, just off North Pine Barren Road, was scheduled to begin on Tuesday. During the first phase of the project, crews will inspect and repair the underside of the bridge. By the end of the week, crews will turn their attention to the top side of the bridge. The focus on top of the bridge will be to clean and repair in order to best maintain the bridge.

Some lane closures are expected, mostly likely during the second phase of the project later in the week.

Highway 168 Bridge

Work on a Highway 168 Bridge, just west of Pine Barren Road, was scheduled to begin Tuesday morning. Work is expected to continue through December 10 during the hours of 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Some single lane closures are expected during work hours.

Pictured top: A bridge that will undergo repairs on Hanks Road. Pictured below: A bridge that will undergo repairs on Pine Barren Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Big Ticket Items Spur Growth In Florida Consumer Confidence

Florida’s consumer confidence showed some life in November after falling sharply in October as the federal-government shutdown and another debt-ceiling debate loomed in Congress, according to a University of Florida report.

On a scale that ranges from 2 to 150, confidence among Floridians rose to a 76 from a revised 70 in October, according to numbers released Tuesday. A big reason for the increase is an improved perception that now is a good time to buy big-ticket items, such as cars.

“That component is now at the highest since April 2007 when the economy was showing signs of the bursting housing bubble which led to the Great Recession,” Chris McCarty, director of UF’s Survey Research Center in the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, said in a news release.

Despite the overall increase in optimism, Florida seniors remain the most pessimistic consumers, McCarty noted.

“They were likely concerned over the potential consequences of a default on U.S. debt, such as potential delays in the distribution of Social Security and the negative effects such a default would have on an otherwise strong stock market,” McCarty said.

31 Fire Safety Tips: Keep The Wreath Green

As part of the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign, Escambia Fire Rescue and the City of Pensacola public safety officials have joined forces to promote fire safety during December with a month’s worth of holiday safety tips:

• Dec. 1 - Prior to buying a live tree, test its freshness by pulling along a small branch. If the needles fall away in your hand, the tree is already too dry.
• Dec. 2 - Prior to buying an artificial tree, make sure the tree bears a UL label of approval and be certain the tree is made of fire retardant materials.
• Dec. 3 - To keep a live tree fresh cut 1-2 inches from the bottom to expose fresh wood and place it in water. Make sure your tree stand can hold water. Check the water level every day, and add water as needed. Do not place trees near sources of heat like radiators, space heaters or heating ducts.
• Dec. 4 - Use candles with care. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Burn candles inside a 1-foot circle of safety, free of anything that can ignite. Use sturdy candle holders that will not tip over. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Dec. 5 - Make sure all holiday lights are UL labeled and inspect them prior to use. If possible, use LED lights since they burn cooler. Check each set of lights for broken or crushed sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard all damaged lights.
• Dec. 6 - When hanging holiday lights, either on your tree or outside, make sure you follow the manufactures guidelines on how many strands can be connected together. Usually it is not more than 3. Make sure you do not overload electrical outlets or circuits. Do not run power cords underneath rugs or carpets.
• Dec. 7 - When decorating, remember not to block stairways, doors, or windows. Remember to always unplug lights and extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Dec. 8 - Have a plan in case you have a fire:
  • Step 1 – Design a plan for your home and your family. Make sure every one understands exactly what to do and where to go in an emergency. Also, make sure you have enough smoke alarms.
• Dec. 9 - Have a plan in case you have a fire:
  • Step 2 – Know two ways out of every room and practice them to make sure you can do it.
• Dec. 10 - Have a plan in case you have a fire:
  • Step 3 – Make sure you crawl low under smoke and feel closed doors for heat. If you come to a door that is warm, find another way out.
• Dec. 11 - Have a plan in case you have a fire:
  • Step 4 – If you become trapped, close doors and stuff the door cracks to keep smoke out. Try to call 911 and let them know exactly where you are and signal for help from a window.
• Dec. 12 - Have a plan in case you have a fire:
  • Step 5 – Pay special attention to young children, elderly people and the disabled. Be sure to include them in your plan.
• Dec. 13 - Have a plan in case you have a fire:
  • Step 6 – Get out as fast as you can and stay out. Never go back inside. Once you’re safely outside have someone go to a neighbor’s house and call 911.
• Dec. 14 - Remember, matches and lighters are tools for adults. Store them in a safe place above the reach of children. Also teach youngsters to never touch them, instead tell a grownup.
• Dec. 15 - Have a fire extinguisher readily available in your home and make sure it is fully charged. Know how to use your fire extinguisher.
  • Remember the PASS system:
    • Pull the pin,
    • Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire,
    • Squeeze the trigger lever, and
    • Sweep the stream side-to-side at the base of the fire.
• Dec. 16 - Have your chimney and fireplace inspected by a professional to make sure it’s clean and free of obstructions. Never burn paper or trash in the fireplace.
• Dec. 17 - Be sure your fireplace is covered with a metal screen or glass doors to prevent the spread of sparks and fire.
• Dec. 18 - Make sure to have a working smoke alarm outside of every bedroom and on every level of your house. Make sure to test monthly and change batteries every time you change your clocks.
• Dec. 19 - With children out of school, people doing yard work, dry vegetation, high-winds and low-humidity, remember that wildfires can happen quickly.
• Dec. 20 - If you are enjoying the great outdoors during the holidays, don’t leave campfires or warming fires unattended – make sure they are completely out!
• Dec. 21 - Never leave cooking food unattended. Handles on stovetop pots should be turned away from the front, so they won’t be accidentally tipped or knocked over.
• Dec. 22 - Before you cook that holiday dinner be sure that the oven and stovetop are clean, free of grease, and are in good working order.
• Dec. 23 - Keep cooking areas clean and free of grease and other combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, drapes, and food packaging), which can catch fire easily.
• Dec. 24 - Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace because of the high flammability, dangerous sparks and possibility of flash fires.
• Dec. 25 - Remember to be safety conscious and have a happy holiday.
• Dec. 26 - When purchasing a space heater look for heaters that have safety features such as cut-off switches that turn the heater off if they accidentally tip over or overheat.
• Dec. 27 - Space heaters need space. Make sure they are at least 3 feet away from combustible materials such as draperies, furniture, bedding, clothing and decorations. Also teach youngsters to keep away from them.
• Dec. 28 - Use only UL labeled space heaters and follow the manufactured instructions. Never use stoves, ovens or other cooking appliances to warm your home.
• Dec. 29 - Turn space heaters off when you leave the room. Also, remember to constantly supervise children and pets when space heaters are in use.
• Dec. 30 - Don’t cut up and burn your tree in the fireplace. Burning evergreens give off tar and creosol, which can ignite and cause a chimney fire. Dispose of your tree by following the instructions of your local trash disposal service.
• Dec. 31 - Don’t drink and drive, have a designated driver or call a friend.

Columbus Ray Godwin

Mr. Columbus Ray Godwin, age 67, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2013, in a Mobile hospital.

Mr. Godwin was a native and life long resident of Flomaton. He owned and operated Godwin’s Florist in Atmore for a number of years. He was a member of McCullough Christian Center. Mr. Godwin was preceded in death by his parents, John Godwin and Mazie Evans Godwin Bradford.

He is survived by two sons, Johnny (Kristy) Godwin of Damascus, AL and Carl Franklin (Misti) Godwin of Brewton; one brother, Ronald (Betty) Godwin of Mobile; two sisters, Jeanette (Nelson) Bell of Flomaton and Shelby Godwin Kelly of Brewton; a special friend, Chris Brown; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Craver’s Funeral Home with Rev. Chad Griggs and Rev. John Hodoh officiating.

Interment will follow in Pollard Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Craver’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 3, from 12 noon until service time at 2 p.m.

Weather Gets Warmer Each Day

Here is your official North Escambia forecast:

• Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 47. Calm wind.
• Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
• Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
• Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 74. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
• Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
• Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 74.
• Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
• Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72.
• Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.
• Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 59.

Cottage Hill Forest Makes Final Cut Of State Lands That Could Be Sold

The number of potential parcels remaining in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s effort to sell state-owned property to help fund future land-conservation efforts is down to 77 as the public comment period has come to an end. Four land areas in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are still on the list.

In Escambia County, the state may look to sell the Cottage Hill State Forest and 3.4 acres of the Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park. In Santa Rosa County, and 4.8 acres of the Blackwater Heritage State Trail and the  20 acre Gillis Road Track could be put on the market.

The money from any sales will be combined with $20 million that lawmakers included in the budget for the purchase of land to protect springs, water quality, water quantity or to serve as buffers for military bases. It is unknown how much the state would generate from the parcels that remain under consideration. No estimate may be made until the final list is set.

The Legislature approved the state land-sale program with the hope of raising $50 million. The list initially had 169 sites that combined for roughly 5,300 acres. Before the first parcel is offered to the public, the DEP must make the sites available to other state agencies and universities, and then to local governments.

In North Escambia, the Cottage Hill State Forest is located in the Cottage Hill Community north of Cantonment. The forest has no public road frontage, but is in the area bounded by McKenzie Road, Chavers Road, Williams Ditch Road and Highway 95A.  About 24 acres of the site is uplands, while 4.7 acres is flood plain and wetlands.

University of Florida/IFAS Extension Dean Nick Place made a three-part final recommendation in July for Escambia County 4-H. Following the sale of the Langley Bell 4-H Center to Navy Federal Credit Union, Place was tasked with deciding a future location or locations for the 4-H program. His proposal included the Cottage Hill State Forest for environmental and horticultural sciences, outdoor education, forestry and other 4-H activities.  [Read more...] According to a task force report, the state was willing to deed the property to Escambia County at no cost, while the state would continue to maintain fire breaks on the property.

Pictured: The Cottage Hill State Forest as shown on a Florida DEP map.

Bill Filed To Bar Insurers From Considering Gun Ownership

Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, has filed a measure (SB 424) that would prohibit property and auto insurers from canceling policies or refusing to issue coverage because of customers’ legal ownership of firearms.

The proposal would also prohibit insurers from imposing an “unfairly discriminatory rate” due to gun ownership.

The measure, a companion to a proposal (HB 255) filed Nov. 4 by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, also prohibits insurers from disclosing to other parties the lawful ownership or possession of a firearm by an applicant or policyholder.

by The News Service of Florida

NWE Juniors Win Gulf Coast Youth Championship; Outscore Opponents 410-19 This Year

The Northwest Escambia Juniors won the Gulf Coast Youth Football Championship Saturday in Gulf Shores, wrapping up an impressive 12-0 season in which NWE outscored all opponents 410-19.

The Eagles shut out Trimmier Park Saturday 7-0 after a 13-0 shutout of the Eight Mile Giants on Friday.  The Trimmier Park Saints are a combined all-star team made up from four parks in Mobile.

Odom scored the only touchdown for the Eagles with Jaden Cunningham scoring the extra point. Eagles defense held the Saints scoreless, even in a first and goal situation on the Saints 3-yard line. AJ Hasty, Keaundre Richardson, Jayden Jackson, Jaheem Durant, Da’Merion Findley and Kaden Odom had several tackles each. Kaden Odom completed two passes to Tanner Boone for short gains. Jayden Jackson also completed a 30-yard pass to Keaundre Richardson.

For a recap of Friday’s game, click here.

Pictured: The Northwest Escambia Juniors won the Gulf Coast Youth Football Championship in Gulf Shores Saturday. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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