Photos: Northview Summer Ball
June 23, 2013
After 22 games against several larger local schools and teams from as far away as Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana, the Northview Chiefs will wrap up their summer ball schedule on Sunday with games at Catholic and Escambia.
Pictured: Northview summer ball action from Saturday. Photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mattie Ruth Hall
June 23, 2013
Mattie Ruth Hall, age 85 of Jay, passed away June 20, 2013, in Texas. Mrs Hall was born and raised in Santa Rosa County, Florida, but had resided in Texas the past six years. She was retired from Monsanto and a member of Cora Baptist Church. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister and friend to many.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Susan Sasser; husband, Ernest Hall; siblings, Grover, Lucius, Gus, Bernice, Viola, Esten and Danny Molloy.
She is survived by sons, Clarence Hall, Wayne (Sarah) Hall, and JD Hall; daughters, Clara (William) Harrison, Sue (Forrest) Karns and Shirley (Rodney) Phillips; many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Cora Baptist Church with Rev. LaDon Hall officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
A visitation will be held Monday, June 24, 2013, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home.
Biscuits Walk Off Over Wahoos
June 23, 2013
Robby Price belted a two-run walk-off homer lifting the Montgomery Biscuits to a 4-3 victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Saturday night at Riverwalk Stadium.
Entering the frame trailing 3-2, Kevin Kiermaier reached on a one-out hustle double setting the stage for Price, who ripped a no-doubt shot off Pensacola hurler Loek Van Mil (0-4). It was Van Mil’s third blown save of the year.
The back-and-forth affair was scoreless headed to the last of the fifth. Kyeong Kang led off the frame with a single and came around to score on a Robi Estrada single through the right side. The Biscuits ended up loading the bases in the fifth with one out against Pensacola starter Shaun Ellis, but Ellis induced two lazy pop-ups to escape the jam.
Ellis earned a no decision for the Wahoos, but once again gave a superb outing. The right-hander allowed just a run on six hits in five innings with two strikeouts.
Pensacola knotted the game at one in the top of the sixth on Yorman Rodriguez’s RBI single that extended his hitting streak to 13 games between Bakersfield and Pensacola. Much like Montgomery, the Wahoos loaded the bases with two outs, but Erik Hamren got Barnhart to pop out to end the threat.
Montgomery pushed back on top 3-2 in the seventh inning on a two-out double from Mikie Mahtook. Wilkin De La Rosa was able to retire Cameron Seitzer with two insurance runs in scoring position.
The Blue Wahoos rallied for a pair of runs in the eighth inning against Hamren. With runners on second and third and one out, Travis Mattair bounced a ball to the third baseman, but it was hit softly enough that it allowed Corey Wimberly to scamper home with the tying run. After a walk to Marquez Smith, Barnhart greeted new pitcher C.J. Riefenhauser with a solid single up the middle to score Devin Lohman from second.
Despite allowing the then go-ahead run, Riefenhauser ended up picking up the win to improve to 3-0 on the year. The southpaw tossed a scoreless 1.1 innings, but allowed an inherited runner to score.
The two teams will square off in the rubber game of the series on Sunday night at 6:05 p.m. Josh Smith (5-6, 3.66) gets the start for Pensacola against Montgomery’s Jake Floethe (1-1, 6.00).
story by Kevin Burke
Murder Under Investigation
June 22, 2013
An early Saturday morning murder is under investigation in Escambia County.
Just before 1 a.m., the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a report of shots fired near the intersection of North “S” and West Cross Street. When deputies arrived, they discovered a female on the ground suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. The, later identified as 31-year old Taccora L. Luckett, was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
Further details are not yet been released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Flags At Half Staff Today For Fallen Local Soldier
June 22, 2013
Gov. Rick Scott has ordered flags be flown at half staff in Escambia County on Saturday in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Jesse L. Thomas, Jr.
Specifically, Scott ordered the national and state flags at the Escambia County Courthouse and the Pensacola City Hall to half staff. The flags at the state capitol in Tallahassee will also be lowered in honor of Thomas.
Thomas, a Pensacola native, died on June 10, 2013, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His funeral service will be held on Saturday.
Thomas is survived by a wife and three children.
Citizens Property Insurance Considers Rate Hike
June 22, 2013
The Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Board of Governors will review proposed rate increases for the state-backed agency’s 1.26 million policy holders next week during meetings at Miami Dade College.
The new rates, which for policy holders will vary depending on coverage and location, are expected to be between 6.9 percent and 8.8 percent higher.
The premium costs are expected to cover Citizens’ projected losses and expenses during the next year. The 6.9 percent increase would create a $178 million increase to premiums. An 8.8 percent increase translates into $226 million more in premiums.
Citizens’ committee meetings are planned for Tuesday, with the board meeting on Wednesday.
Blue Angels Visiting Local Libraries Next Week, Starting With Molino
June 22, 2013
During West Florida Public Library’s Summer Reading Program next week, a member of the Blue Angels team will visit each library branch to read about flying, airplanes, and blue skies.
The Blue Angels will read to the children and share their stories about what it is like to be a part of this elite service group. These special story times will take place beginning Monday as follows:
- Monday, June 24 at 2:45 P.M.,: Molino Branch, 6450A Hwy 95A.
- Wednesday, June 26 at 10:30 A.M.,: Main Library, 239 N. Spring St.
- Wednesday, June 26 at 2:30 P.M.,: Century Branch, 7991 N. Century Blvd.
- Thursday, June 27 at 10:30 A.M.,: Tryon Branch, 1200 Langley Ave.
- Saturday, June 29 at 2:30 P.M.,: Westside Branch, 1580 W. Cervantes St.
- Tuesday, July 2 at 10:30 A.M.,: Southwest Branch, 12248 Gulf Beach Hwy.
Local Unemployment Numbers Creep Up
June 22, 2013
The latest jobs numbers released Friday show the unemployment rate fell statewide in Florida and Alabama, but the local jobless rate held steady or increased.
Escambia County’s unemployment rate inched upwards from 6.4 percent in April to 6.7 percent in May. There were 479 more people reported unemployed during the period, for a total Escambia County unemployment of 9,497 people. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 8.3 percent.
Santa Rosa County unemployment held steady at 5.9 percent from April to May. Santa Rosa County had a total of 4,334 persons reported to be still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 7.4 percent.
In Escambia County, Alabama, unemployment increased from 7.4 percent in April to 7.7 percent in May. That represented 1,107 people unemployed in the county during the month. The year-ago rate was 8.7 percent.
The jobless numbers released by Florida and Alabama do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.
Florida’s unemployment rate was 7.1 percent, which is the lowest since September 2008. The state’s seasonally adjusted figure is down from 7.2 percent in April, according to the Department of Economic Opportunity. The job growth continues to be led by the trade, transportation and utility sector. Leisure and hospitality, private education, health services, and construction also continue to see significant gains in jobs as well, the state Department of Economic Opportunity said.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 6.8 percent in May, was down from April’s rate of 6.9 percent and was below the year-ago rate of 7.5 percent.
Healthy Summer Series: Happy, Healthy Travel, Making Smart Choices
June 22, 2013
The following article from our “Healthy Summer Series”, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Health, takes a look at summer travel and healthy choices.
Happy Trails Can Be Healthy Trails: How to Make Smart Choices While Traveling
No matter your level of pre-vacation excitement, we can all agree on one thing—traveling is exhausting. But just because an 8-hour flight or seemingly endless drive may make you feel like you just ran a marathon, it’s important to remember that you didn’t. It’s no secret that vacation is a dietary and exercise wasteland, where healthy routines fall by the wayside and indulgence becomes the rule, not the exception. Cruise buffets, long layovers, and afternoons by the pool sipping calorie-laden cocktails are the recipe for a dietary disaster, and after a draining family reunion or eventful exotic adventure, the last thing you want is to rejoin the real world tasked with working extra hard to shed those extra vacation pounds. The solution? The Florida Department of Health (DOH) reminds you that a little planning and a few healthy choices can go a long way to making your vacation healthy without taking away any of the fun.
Sometimes It’s About the Journey, Not the Destination
When we think of over-eating on vacation, we think of hitting the aforementioned cruise buffet for thirds or indulging in dessert after every meal. Remember, you needn’t only watch what you eat at your vacation destination, but also mind your food choices as you journey there. A long layover or road trip pit stop will, more often than not, land you in fast-food mecca. Swap by-the-slice pizza stands and sinfully sweet coffee shop bakeries for homemade snacks. Add baked apple chips, trail mix, crackers and other healthy favorites to your packing list so you can skip the fast food and munch on healthy options instead. Check out easily portable healthy snack recipes from Livestrong as you plan your trip. http://www.livestrong.com/article/408585-healthy-homemade-snacks-on-the-go/
Take Advantage
Find yourself at a hotel with a fitness center or swimming pool? Take advantage. Regardless of pace, walking a mile burns about 100 calories. Get on the treadmill and cover some ground before you hit the hay, or go for a swim if running isn’t your thing. According to the Mayo Clinic, a person weighing 160 pounds who swims for an hour burns about 423 calories, an amount that can go a long way in cancelling out extra calories consumed throughout the day. Staying at a relative’s for a couple of days? Offer to walk their dog or lend a hand with calorie-burning housework, such as gardening. If you fall victim to a cancelled or delayed flight, strap on your backpack and stroll the airport to reap some health benefits from an otherwise unfortunate situation. Check out the calories burned by these activities and more on Mayo Clinic’s website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/SM00109.
Sit Less, Move More
Fitness-friendly vacations are in, and DOH invites you to join the trend and change it up this summer. Have a beach trip planned? Go snorkeling, take lengthy walks, or challenge your kids to a swimming contest. Going camping? Make time for a hike or get a bike rack so you can hit the trails on wheels. Is sightseeing in your future? Explore the city on a bike tour or on foot. If you’ve got kids in tow, get them moving too! Check out this guide from Nemour’s Kids Health to plan a kid-friendly, activity-filled vacation that will make staying fit a family affair: http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/staying_fit/active_vacations.html#
Drink Up
Before digging into that shrimp cocktail, make sure to pour yourself a tall glass of H20. Drinking water is a dieter’s best friend, and a helpful tool to keep from over-indulging on vacation. A study released by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that adults who drank a large glass of water before meals ate an average of 75 fewer calories in that meal. That amount of calories may not sound like a lot in the grand scheme of caloric intake, but the same study revealed that cutting out those extra calories at lunch and dinner can lead to a 14 pound loss in a year. To read more from the Academy, visit: http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442468394.
Soak It All In, Write It All Down
Ever look back and wish you’d recorded great memories with family and friends? A travel journal will not only keep good times alive, but can help you remain conscious of your choices too. Jot down funny moments and descriptions of beautiful scenery, as well as the day’s meals and activities. Logging food and exercise each day will help you make smarter decisions tomorrow. If you decide to keep up this habit after vacation has come and gone, check out some advice from the Cleveland Clinic on how to keep a food journal that will make a true difference in helping you reach your health goals: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/weight_control/hic_keep_a_food_journal.aspx
Sleep, Sleep, Sleep
The equation for a healthy weight is a combination of diet, exercise and…sleep? That’s right. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a good night’s rest on vacation will do more than keep you relaxed. Catching a few extra zzz’s can control your hunger, deter unhealthy late-night snacking, and repress cravings for high-carb, high-calorie options. Waking up rested may eliminate the need for creamer-filled coffee or a sugary energy drink, and may give you the energy you need to squeeze in a vacation workout. Read more on this Harvard study here: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-causes/sleep-and-obesity/
Eat Out, Just Eat Smart
We all know that restaurants are a dieter’s greatest downfall. Reserving a condo with a kitchenette is a great way to save money and calories on vacation, but if you do eat out, just remember to eat smart. Check out restaurant menus online and decide what to order before arriving so you aren’t influenced by another’s choice. If you get a hefty portion, ask for a box early into your meal so you can save half for later. Mix and match: if you’re getting dessert, get a light entrée, or indulge in that pasta dish and skip the cheesecake. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has great tips for eating healthy while eating out, check them out at: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/weight-management/better-choices/eating-out.html#overcome Vacation is, after all, about having a good time. Sample local cuisine in moderation and give yourself a cheat day, take naps and lounge by the pool, but be smart about food and activity so you take a vacation from the daily grind, not from a healthy routine..
NorthEscambia.com’s “Healthy Summer Series”, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Health, will take a weekly look at issues aimed at keeping your Florida summer safe and healthy.
Growing Together: Carver Community Center Kids (Part 2)
June 22, 2013
The children and youth from the day program at the Carver Community Center have wrapped up their “Growing Brunch” series with the staff from UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County.
(This is the second part of this story. For part one, click here),
Along with Carver Community Center Director Marilyn Robinson, the children have taken part in lessons this week related to nutrition, preparing healthy food, water resources, insects, livestock, discovering where food originates, and healthy choices for the youth of Century.
In addition to visiting local farms earlier in the week, the students visited Sigafoose Dairy. Boyd Sigafoose, in the dairy business since the 1950’s, explained the milking process, milk handling and transportation to the children. They also had the opportunity to meet a newborn calf.
(story info continues below each photo)
Above: Carver Community Center program participants meet a newborn calf at Sigafoose Dairy.
Above: Jamie Spiker taught knife handling skills and had the youth practice on cheese that they later used as a snack with whole wheat crackers.
Above: Allison Meharg brought live rabbits so youth could learn how to take care of small animals. The youth then made a rabbit craft.
Above: Participants also prepared a healthy snack by using whole wheat tortillas, salsa, and other ingredients to create a soft taco.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.