Ramp Closure Tonight, Early Monday From Highway 29 To I-10
March 16, 2014
The on-ramp from southbound Highway 29 to westbound I-10 in Escambia County will be closed from 10 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday as crews continue installing a barrier wall.
Motorists will be directed to use the northbound U.S. 29 on ramp during the temporary closure. Drivers are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through the work zone by the Florida Department of Transportation.
The work is part of the I-10 resurfacing project which extends from U.S. 29 to east of Palafox Street. The project also includes the milling and resurfacing of all ramps and ramp shoulders associated with the U.S. 29/I-10 interchange, shoulder widening, guardrail upgrades, crash cushion replacement, removal of portable traffic monitoring sites (PTMS), installation of new signs, pavement markings and sodding. The entire project is slated for completion during the summer 2014.
During construction drivers will encounter overnight lane restrictions on both I-10 and the U.S. 29/ I-10 interchange. Lane closures on I-10 and intermittent closures or restrictions on the interchange will be limited to 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Weekend Gardening: Daffodils Signal Spring
March 16, 2014
Few plants seem to signify the freshness of spring quite as well as daffodils. The name “daffodils” is derived from “addodell” a variant of Asphodel (a plant of the Asphodelus genus.) In historical documents and the common language of 16th century Europe, the term “daffodil” referred specifically to the wild daffodil, Narcissus pseudonarcissus.
The derivation of the Latin narcissus is unknown. It is frequently linked to the Greek myth of Narcissus, who was rumored to be so obsessed with his own reflection that he died while gazing at himself in a pool of water. From the location of his death sprang the narcissus plant. Another Greek myth finds Persephone, daughter of the goddess Demeter, lured to her doom by the God Hades while picking a narcissus. Therefore the plant is perceived as a symbol of vanity in some Western culture.
Others attribute the plants’ name to its narcotic properties. One translation of the Greek name is “I grow numb!” All narcissus species contain the alkaloid poison lycorine, mostly in the bulb but also in the leaves. Members of the Amaryllidaceae family contain unique types of alkaloids. They are responsible for the poisonous properties of a number of the species. Of the 200 different chemical compounds found in this plant family, at least 79 of them can be found in narcissus.
Daffodils are a popular potted plant for cut flowers, but also make attractive naturalized ground covers in gardens and around trees, providing color from the end of winter through late spring. If the narcissus blooms on Chinese New Year, it is said to bring wealth and good fortune throughout the year. The flower color varies from white through pinks and yellows to deep reddish-orange with multiple petal forms. Hundreds of cultivars are available.
Planting dates vary according to geographical location, but bulbs are usually planted in the fall when the soil is cool. Daffodils grow well in full sun or light shade, with the blooms lasting longer when protected from the noon day sun. When selecting a location for planting, it should be noted that the individual flowers will face the sun.
Pre-chilled bulbs should be planted in 6-8” deep holes with a tablespoon of slow release fertilizer added to the soil directly under the bulb and with 4-5” of soil covering the bulb. Watering throughout the winter will be necessary if rains are infrequent. After flowering, the daffodils need to be fertilized and watering should continue. The foliage will naturally turn yellow and die as stored food is restored to the bulb.
Division, transplanting and collection for forcing potted plants can be done after all the foliage has declined. To force Daffodils to bloom at varied times in a container the dried bulbs will need to be stored at a 45° F temperature for 4-6 weeks prior to being placed in the sun to grow.
The bright, cheery Daffodil flowers are beginning to bloom now and will continue as Easter approaches, reminding us that spring really is coming.
Email Sheila Dunning at sdunning@ufl.edu.
Photos by Matthew Orwat for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ST Aerospace Job Recruitment Session This Week
March 16, 2014
Community partners, Career Source Escarosa, NAS Pensacola Fleet and Family Support Center and the Greater Pensacola Chamber will co-host a Recruitment and Information Session for ST Aerospace on Thursday, March 20, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Pensacola State College’s Main Campus, 1000 College Boulevard in Pensacola.
ST Aerospace representatives will be onsite to discuss available employment opportunities regarding potential jobs in Pensacola for its future facility. ST Aerospace is seeking information on qualified candidates to determine viability for their workforce in the Pensacola vicinity.
Detailed job descriptions and requirements for each position are available on the Employ Florida Marketplace at www.employflorida.com.
ST Aerospace primarily engages in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft. Their current location in Mobile employs more than 1,300 people. Plans to construct a satellite operation inside the Pensacola International Airport Commerce Park may produce as many as 300 jobs for the area.
Townsend, Anderson Graduate From Basic Training
March 16, 2014
Air Force Airman Eric F. Townsend graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, TX.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Townsend is the son of Racheemba Battles of Durante Place, Durham, N.C., and Earl Townsend of Baker Street, Pensacola, Fla. He is a 2011 graduate of West Florida High School of Advanced Technology in Pensacola.
Army Pvt. Dillon D. Anderson has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, GA.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
Anderson is the son of Dawn and Jonathan Kelley of Perch Street, Atmore.
He is a 2012 graduate of Escambia Academy, Atmore.
Students Learn About Ag During Fresh From Florida Event
March 15, 2014
Formerly known as the “Food For America program”, the event gave students the chance to learn about agriculture first hand up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more to learn how food gets from the farm to their tables. Students were even able to make and enjoy eating their own fresh butter.
The Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” program has been honored as the No. 1 program in the state multiple times and the chapter was recently name one of the best in the United State by the National FFA Organization..
Pictured top: Students get up close with a horse during Friday’s Fresh from Florida event at Northview High School. Pictured inset: A young lady enjoys butter she made by hand with the help of Northview FFA stduents. Pictured below: A variety of exhibits at the event. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Motorcyclist Hit By School Bus Monday Has Passed Away
March 15, 2014
A motorcyclist has passed away from injuries he received when he hit a school bus that pulled into his path Monday afternoon.
School bus driver Brenda Gentry Matchett, 66, attempted to pull from the stop sign on 46th Avenue onto Lillian Highway. She failed to see motorcyclist Larry Dakota Austin, 22, and pulled the school bus into the path of his 1998 Honda motorcycle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Austin attempted to stop before hitting the bus but was unable to do so, according to the FHP. He slid under the bus, colliding with the right rear tires before sliding out into Lillian Highway, troopers said.
Austin was transported by Escambia County EMS to Baptist Hospital in critical condition. He passed away from his injuries Friday morning.
Charges in the accident are pending investigation, the FHP said.
Memorial Services Scheduled For Askew
March 15, 2014
Former Florida Governor Reubin Askew, who died last Thursday at age 85, will be remembered in a series of services next week in Tallahassee and in his hometown of Pensacola.
Askew’s body will lie in state in a flag-draped casket at Florida’s Historic Capitol from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Gov. Rick Scott, the Florida Cabinet, Supreme Court Chief Justice Ricky Polston, Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford are among the dignitaries scheduled to honor the late governor, one of the state’s most influential politicians in modern history.
On Wednesday, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee.
On Thursday, Askew will lie in repose from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. CT at his former home church, First Presbyterian Church Pensacola, 33 East Gregory Street, where his casket will be accompanied by an honor guard and escort provided by Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan. Askew will be buried with full military honors Friday at Bayview Memorial Park, 3351 Scenic Highway, Pensacola. The graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. CT and is open to the public.
Askew is survived by his wife Donna Lou; a son, Kevin and a daughter, Angela White; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Children’s Home Society of Florida, Lafayette Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
by The News Service of Florida
Hundreds Of EREC Customers Without Power Early Saturday
March 15, 2014
Hundreds of Escambia River Electric Cooperative customers were without power for a while early Saturday in a planned outage.
Power was cut about midnight for customers served by the company’s Bratt substation — from Bratt, to Byrneville and parts of McDavid to Highway 29 just outside Century. The outage was necessary for the company to upgrade high voltage lines that service the power substation.
Northview Bites The Bulldogs
March 15, 2014
The Northview Chiefs took two from Freeport Friday in Bratt. In varsity action, Northview beat Freeport 11-1, and the junior varsity Chiefs beat the Bulldogs 13-6.
The junior varsity Chiefs will travel to Pensacola High for a 2 p.m. game next Tuesday, and the varsity will take on PHS at 4:00.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Clay Ingram: Session Week 2 Was Productive, Four Bills Pass Comittee Stops
March 15, 2014
submitted by Rep. Clay Ingram
Week 2 of Session is in the books and it was a productive one. Four of the bills I am sponsoring were heard and passed in committee this week.
HB 697 passed the Justice Appropriations Subcommittee. This bill would add new mixes of synthetic drugs to the Schedule 1 list of controlled substances in Florida. I am proud to work with Attorney General Pam Bondi as we continue the fight to keep the drugs away from our children.
HB 633 passed the Regulatory Affairs Committee and is now ready to be heard on the House floor. HB 633 streamlines the licensing process for insurance agents and protects consumers by keeping those accused of criminal activity from preying on our citizens.
Two Trust Fund bills I am sponsoring passed the Appropriations Committee and are now ready to be heard by the entire House.
On Tuesday we honored our heroes during Military Appreciation Day in the House of Representatives. It is always awe-inspiring to be a part of this special day where we honor those who protect our freedom.
On Thursday we had the thrill of having former Governor Jeb Bush speak to House Republican Caucus. Jeb is one of my political heroes and he always provides us sound advice as we debate the important issues facing our state.
I also had the privilege of speaking to 4th grade students from Pine Meadow Elementary School, students from the PACE Center for Girls and a leadership group from Pensacola State College. As a former teacher, I always enjoy interacting with students of all ages.
I’m glad to be home for the weekend and look forward to Week 3!