County Cutting Down Old Oak Trees To Pave Dirt Road
January 24, 2014
One Enon School Road resident is questioning why several oak trees estimated to be over 100 years old are being cut down to pave the road, rather than routing the road around the trees.
But Escambia County says they were given the right of way by a property owner on the side of the road with the trees, and they don’t have any right of way to go around the trees.
The dirt Enon School Road is about a mile and a half long between Highway 97A and South Pineville Road in a remote area of the county near the Perdido River about 10 miles south of Walnut Hill. The road is sparsely populated, but is home to the Enon Country Manor, a 25-bed assisted living facility.
Pictured top and below: Workers cut down several oak trees in Enon Thursday afternoon. Escambia County was given the right of way to needed to pave Enon School Road on the side of the road with the pictured oak trees. The trees are being cut down for the paving project becuase the county does not have right of way to go around the trees. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cold Air Hangs Around
January 24, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 15 and 25. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Calm wind.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 59. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.
- Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 60. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.
Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Giveaway Going On Now In Molino
January 24, 2014
Escambia County Extension will host an Arbor Day celebration and tree giveaway event until noon today at the Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A North.
To obtain a free tree, residents must participate in a 10 minute tree-based educational session that will include site selection, proper planting, watering and general care and maintenance. Two tree species will be offered, mayhaw and willow oak, in one gallon containers. The giveaway is limited to one tree per client.
Information about the two tree species:
The willow oak (Quercus phellos) is native to North America. As a deciduous shade tree, it averages 70 feet in height and 40 feet in width. Leaves are narrow and grow up to 5 inches long. Fall leaves are a pale yellow color. Younger trees are pyramidal in shape becoming rounded with age. The willow oak grows in many soil types and is drought tolerant once established. Acorns attract many birds and trees are used for nesting and cover.
The mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) is native to southeastern United States. At full maturity, it will be a large shrub or small tree with height and width averages 20 feet. The small leaves of the mayhaw drop in the fall. It should be noted that the branches have thorns. Trees bloom with white flowers in late winter before leaves emerge. Small fruit (about ½ inch in diameter) form about May. The mayhaw prefers soils with some moisture but well drained and grows best in sun.
Pictured: This morning’s tree giveaway in Molino. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kenneth Earl Higdon, Jr.
January 24, 2014
Kenny Higdon, age 59, a lifelong resident of Beulah, entered Heaven’s Gate Tuesday, January 21, 2014. He was born January 17, 1955, the first born son of the late Kenneth Earl and Peggy Higdon. He is survived by his brother, Jamey Higdon and Jamey’s wife Sue Higdon; nephew Jeremy Higdon (Bullfrog), and niece Emily Higdon (Princess Emily/ Moe, the apple of his eye); and many relatives and friends. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.
Kenny will be remembered by many and forgotten by few. He was a highly respected deep sea boat captain and fisherman. He knew where they were, and how to find where they hid. He was a giant of a man. To borrow one of Kenny’s unlimited reserve of sayings, he was “tougher than four kinds of nails”! But he had a heart so big it would be difficult to find someone who knew Kenny and did not love him.
Kenny lived an incredibly full life. His greatest loves were his family, fishing, boating, and serving as a cook extraordinaire for gatherings in Beulah, or wherever his boat was anchored. He was content sipping on a beverage, frying mullet, snapper, and shrimp and watching grateful diners enjoy the fruits of his labor.
Kenny’s friends from far and wide are so many they would overflow most auditoriums. If they all gathered in one spot and began recounting “Kenny” stories (most of which are suitable for mixed company), the tales would never end. Embellishment would not be necessary.
A visitation and memorial service celebrating Kenny’s life will be held Saturday, January 25th at Faith Chapel, 1000 S. Highway 29, Cantonment, Florida. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m.. The Service will begin at 2p.m.. Burial will follow at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. A fellowship will follow at “Kenyea’s on the Lake” on Beulah School Road. Messages of condolence may be posted at Higdonracing@aol.com.
FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME NORTH, 1000 Hwy 29S, Cantonment, FL is in charge of arrangements.
Several Recent Escambia , Santa Rosa Wildfires Linked To Arson
January 24, 2014
Officials say several wildfires in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties that past few days were likely arson. Firefighters with Florida Forest Service’s Blackwater Forestry Center have responded to 20 wildfire calls in the past week.
“Indicators at the scene of wildfires in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties point to human causes,” said David Smith, operations administrator for Blackwater. “Natural causes, such as lightning, have been ruled out as a possibility, and there is no evidence to suggest the fires were caused by equipment. These will be investigated as arson cases.”
The suspected arson cases are not thought to be linked and have been found throughout the district. Authorities will not release a specific number or location of the suspicious fires because of ongoing investigations but are asking residents to be vigilant and report any suspected arson activity to the Florida Forestry Association’s Arson Alert Hotline at 1-800-342-5869.
Callers can remain anonymous and information about an arson-caused wildland fire could be worth up to a $5,000 reward. When reporting suspected woods arson activity, callers should include the following information:
- Descriptions of vehicles and license plates (make, model, color, etc.)
- Physical descriptions of individuals (approximate height, weight, hair, clothing, etc.)
- Be watchful for suspicious behavior and pinpoint the area to assist law enforcement in their response
- Call 9-1-1 immediately if you see suspicious behavior
- Do not approach the suspect. Safety comes first.
Pictured: A grass fire late last week along Highway 97 just north of Dogwood Park. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Failed Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested
January 24, 2014
A suspect has been arrested in an armed robbery attempt that the victim stopped by pulling out his own firearm.
Sean Robert Dvorak, 18, was charged with first degree felony armed robbery. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond Thursday afternoon.
About 6:40 Monday evening, deputies responded to a residence on Air Blanc Circle in reference to a shots fired complaint. Deputies said Dvorak, who was known to the victim, came over to the home and attempted to rob the victim at gunpoint.
The victim pulled his firearm in self-defense and was able to prevent the robbery.
Ball Registrations Continue For NWE, Molino
January 24, 2014
Here is baseball and softball registration information for NWE’s Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill and the Molino Ballpark:
Northwest Escambia’s Bradberry Park will hold open registration for ages 3-18 on Saturday, January 25 from 10 a.m. until noon. Registration fees vary and a payment plan is available. A birth certificate is needed at the time of registration. For complete information, click here.
The Molino Ballpark is accepted all age groups from 3-16 year old. Registration will be held at the Don Sutton Ballpark on Crabtree Chuch Road on Saturday, January 25 and Saturday, February 1 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Registration is $55 for the first child, $50 for the second child and $45 for the third child. A birth certificate is needed at the time of registration. For more information, click here.
Miss EWMS Pageant Tonight
January 24, 2014
The Jr. Miss EWMS pageant will be held tonight at Ernest Ward Middle School.
The pageant will begin at 7:00. Admission is $5 for adults or middle school students, and $3 for elementary students.
Pictured: Jr. Miss EWMS contestants (front, L-R) Bailey Seibert, Ashlan Harigel, Cloe Smith, Kally White, Jayda Crabtree, (middle) Gabbie Peebles, Allison Rice, Shelby Bashore, Hannah Ellis, Nikoal Creamer, Madison Sherouse, Gabrielle Kline, Emma Fennell, (back) Bailee Hinote, and Jerni Crabtree. Not pictured: Lauren Sapp, Raeleigh Woodfin, and Cailee Wilburn. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Takes Two From Rocky Bayou; Friday’s Game Canceled
January 24, 2014
The Northview Chiefs beat Rocky Bayou in boys and girls basketball action Thursday night.
Northview 93, Rocky Bayou 61
The Northview varsity boys beat Rocky Bayou 93-61 Thursday night in Bratt.
Leading scorers for the Chiefs were Neino Robinson with 30 and Tony Mcaroy with 23 points. Also scoring for the Chiefs were Eric Williams with 16, Cameron Newson 10, Tydre Bradley 6, Trent Howard 3, Brodie Amos 2, Nick Lambert 2, and Jeffery Taylor 1.
The Northview varsity boys game against Escambia Charter scheduled for Friday night has been canceled.
Northview 41, Rocky Bayou 20 (Girls)
The Northview varsity girls beat Rocky Bayou 41-20 Thursday night in Bratt.
The Chiefs led 25-6 at the half and held the Knights to just six earned field goals. The NHS Chiefs were led by E’Layzha Bates with 12 points, Danielle Steadham with 11 and Lana Clayton with 11. Jada Tucker had 3, and Zacarra Davis and Mallarie Rigby added 2 points each.
West Florida has canceled girls games for Friday; the girls will play next Tuesday versus Jay at Jay in the district tournament at 6:00.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Molino Museum To Open Saturday
January 24, 2014
Grand opening for the Molino Museum be held at 10:00 this Saturday morning inside the Molino Community Complex.
At 2 p.m., Lil King, president of the Molino Mid-County Historical Society will host a presentation on “The History of Molino”. A special tour of the museum will be given following the event at 3 p.m.
With its location just 25 miles north of Pensacola, the Molino area, including the old town of Molino, played a vital role in the area’s settlement and development. From its start as a Spanish mission in the 1700s, an important mill town during the Industrial Revolution and into the modern era, Molino’s history is the story of life in rural Florida and how it has changed over the years.
The Molino Community Complex — the former Molino School — is located at 6450 Highway 95A.
