Weekend Gardening: It’s Easy To Attract Hummingbirds
September 13, 2014
by Santa Rosa County Extension
Few sights are more thrilling in the garden than rapidly moving hummingbirds darting among colorful flowers. Hummingbirds, also known as hummers, are always a wonder to see, and it’s easy to attract them to your garden.
In Florida, we see three different types of hummingbirds, but the most common is the ruby-throated. This feathered jewel is only about three inches long and weighs as little as a single penny.
For their size, hummingbirds have among the largest appetites in the bird world. They feed every 10 or 15 minutes from dawn until dusk. During this period, they eat more than half their weight in food and 8 times their weight in water.
If you’re fascinated by hummingbirds, you probably hang out a feeder or two in the summer to provide them with sugar water. Artificial feeders will attract hummingbirds.
However, feeders should not be the sole source of food provided. The sugar solution may appeal to the hummingbirds’ sweet tooth, but it provides little nourishment. Nectar is much more vital to the hummingbird than just water and sugar. By planting certain flowers and shrubs, home gardeners can provide food and habitat for hummingbirds.
Typical hummingbird flowers are red, have a tubular shape and have no strong scent. But there are several notable exceptions to this general rule. Many plants with red flowers don’t contain very much nectar. Roses, petunias, geraniums and zinnias have brilliant colors but little nectar.
Plants that produce an abundance of flowers over an extended period of time and those that require little care are good choices. Native plants can “fill the bill” where nectar-seekers are concerned and should be used whenever possible.
Perennials that are recommended as nectar sources include butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), red basil (Calamintha coccinea), shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana), cigar plant (Cuphea ignea), firespike (Odontonema stricta), red star hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), and obedient plant (Physostegia spp.).
It’s also important to plant a mixture of nectar producing trees, vines and shrubs that have overlapping blooming seasons. This will insure that a continuous source of nectar will be available to hummingbirds throughout the growing season. Some of the species recommended include red buckeye, bottlebrush, firebush (Hamelia patens), wild azalea, trumpet vine, and coral honeysuckle.
Contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds are not strictly nectar feeders. Insects and other invertebrates are the primary source of protein for adult hummingbirds and their young. An adult female can consume up to 2,000 insects per day. Small invertebrates including mosquitoes, gnats, small bees, fruit flies, spiders, caterpillars, aphids, and insects eggs make up the hummingbirds diet. So keep your plants free of pesticides. Pesticides destroy the insect food base vital to hummingbirds and their offspring, and may also contaminate the nectar they drink.
And if you do use artificial feeders, remember that the sugar solutions must be kept fresh. Florida’s hot weather can cause rapid bacterial growth in these feeders and birds that drink contaminated water could die. To avoid this, change the solution every 3 to 5 days. Clean the feeders with hot water and white vinegar. Do not use soap or chlorine bleach.
Tate Blows Away Panama City Bay (With Photo Gallery)
September 13, 2014
The Tate Aggies beat Panama City Bay 47-0 Friday night in Panama City in a game that ended with the mercy rule’s running clock.
The Aggies blew the Tornadoes away with 450 yards.
Tate’s first touchdown of the night came on a 10-yard fun from Alondo Thompkins. A few minutes later, the Aggies improved to 12-0 with a nine yard run keeper from quarterback Sawyer Smith. Smith found Payne on three touchdown passes, the first just seconds before the end of the half to put the Aggies up 26-0. The final Tate TD of the night came from reserve quarterback Jacob Hamrick from the one.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The Tate Aggies (2-1) will celebrate homecoming next Friday at 7:30 as they host West Gadsden.
Photos by Jennifer Repine for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman Gets 20 Years For Carjackings After Luring Victims Online
September 13, 2014
An Escambia County woman was sentenced to 20 years in prison for carjackings and related crimes in which she used social media find her victims.
Brianna Nicole Armour, age 19, was sentenced by Circuit Judge Michael Allen to 20 years minimum mandatory state prison. Armour entered a guilty plea on April 29, 2014 to two counts of attempted carjacking with a firearm, one count of shooting at, into or within an occupied vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted delinquent under 24 years of age, two counts of aggravated assault by threat with firearm, one count of grand theft auto, and one count of criminal mischief.
Prosecutors said the defendant utilized the social media website “tagged.com” to lure all three of her victims into meeting her. In the first case, the defendant met the victim and drove to a local gas station whereupon the victim went into the store to purchase a drink. While the victim was in the store, the defendant drove off in the victim’s vehicle.
In the second case, upon Armour meeting the victim, she directed him to drive to a remote location. Once at that location, the defendant brandished a pistol and ordered the victim out of the car. When the defendant attempted to get into the driver’s seat, the victim managed to drive away. Upon driving away, Armour shot out the back window of the vehicle.
In the third case, Armour once again directed the victim to drive to a remote location. Once at that location, the defendant brandished a pistol and ordered the victim out of his truck. A brief struggle over the pistol resulted in the victim receiving a minor gunshot wound to his arm, after which the defendant fled on foot.
Florida Corrections Continues Terminations For Inappropriate And Criminal Behavior
September 13, 2014
Friday, the Florida Department of Corrections announced that in addition to the six members of its staff that were terminated Thursday, this week an additional seven were dismissed under the DOC’s new employee discipline policy.
Five employees of Lancaster Correctional Institution — Officer Earl Short, Officer Stephen Nygard, Officer Julious Riley, Sergeant Robert La Puma, and Sergeant Brittain Williams — were dismissed for battery on an inmate. Officer Houston Biddle of Okaloosa Correctional Institution was dismissed for a DUI arrest and Officer Glen Gordon of Desoto was dismissed for an arrest for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended/cancelled/revoked driver’s license.
Last week DOC announced a strict zero-tolerance policy for employee misconduct and DOC Secretary Mike Crews sent a memo to all employees. DOC employees who commit a criminal act will immediately be placed on administrative leave and the Department will initiate disciplinary action for their dismissal.
“The action we have taken this week makes it clear that we will not tolerate inappropriate behavior or criminal activity by our staff. Our staff should be held to the highest standards, and the zero-tolerance policy that we have put in place ensures that anyone who fails to do the right thing will no longer work for this agency. We value our culture of professionalism and integrity, and we will not let the bad actions of a few undermine and tarnish the reputations of all the hard working men and women in our department. Enforcement of our new discipline policy is a critical step in ensuring that happens,” Crews said in a written statement.
Six Florida Department of Corrections employees were arrested and fired for alleged wrongdoings at a Panhandle facility, as announced Thursday. For that story, click here.
Friday Night Football Finals
September 13, 2014
Here is a look at Friday night’s high school finals.
FLORIDA
- Northview 24, Chipley 6 [Read more...]
- Vernon 42, Jay 3
- Tate 47, P.C. Bay 0 [Read more...]
- West Florida 19, Cairo (GA) 7
- Niceville 48, Pine Forest 0
- Escambia 45, Rutherford 7
- PHS 25, Catholic 17
- Washington 48, Lake Area (LA) 7
- Navarre 49, at Pace 21
- Baker 42, Holmes County 13
- Rickards 28, Crestview 7 12
- Milton 48, Ft. Walton 21
- Arnold 37, Freeport 7
ALABAMA
- Leroy 19, Flomaton 12
- T.R. Miller 55, Cottage Hill 14
- B.C. Rain 29, Escambia County (Atmore) 6
- Ecambia Academy 54, Fort Dale 12
- W.S. Neal — (open)
NWE Chiefs, Cantonment Cowboys In Action Today
September 13, 2014
The Northwest Escambia Chiefs and the Cantonment Cowboys will both take to the field today.
The Northwest Escambia Chiefs will be back in action today against W.S. Neal at Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium at Northview High School. Games will be played as follows:
- Freshmen at 4:00 pm
- Sophomores at 5:15 pm
- Juniors at 6:45 pm
- Seniors at 8:15 pm
The Cantonment Cowboys will be at the Bellview Packers Saturday as follows:
- Mighty Mites at 8:00 am
- Mini Mites at 11:00 am
- Mites at 2:00 pm
- Midgets at 5:00 pm
- Juniors at 6:30 pm
Cantonment Cowboy fans are encouraged to come out, wear maroon and white, and support the teams.
Big Events Today: Barrineau Park 4-H Centennial; Molino Back To School Splash
September 13, 2014
Here is a look at big events going on today in the North Escambia area:
Barrineau Park 4-H Club 100th Birthday Celebration – To commemorate the Escambia County’s Barrineau Park 4-H Club’s centennial, UF/IFAS will host a public celebration for Barrineau Park 4-H Club alumni on Saturday at the Barrineau Park Community Center, 6055 Barrineau Park School Rd, Molino, from 2 to 4 p.m. [Read more...]
Molino Back To School Splash — Water slides, water balloon games, a cookout and more will be part of the Aldersgate Back to School Splash. Everything is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a ream or two of copy paper for Molino Park Elementary School. Saturday, 3-6 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Highway 29 just south of Highway 97, Molino.
Pictured above and below: The 2013 Back to School Splash at Aldersgate UMC in Molino. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Two Seriously Injured In Pine Forest Road Crash
September 12, 2014
Two people were severely injured in three-car pileup Friday morning on Pine Forest Road just north of Five Flags Speedway.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Jason McDaniel, age 41 of Cantonment, was southbound on Pine Forest Road and slowed to turn into a paved median break about 6 a.m. His 1995 Chevrolet pickup was rear-ended by a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 31-year old Casey Williams of Pensacola.
About a minute later, Williams’ disabled Malibu was rear ended by a 2006 Ford pickup driven by 30-year old Shayla Riley of Cantonment.
Riley was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition, while Williams was transported to Sacred Heart also in serious condition. Williams’ 2-year old passenger was no injured. McDaniel received minor injuries and was not transported to a hospital.
Charges against Williams are pending, and Riley was cited for careless driving, according to the FHP.
Photos by Chris Johnson, WEAR 3, for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Second Time In A Week: Pygmy Rattlesnake Bites Victim Near Walnut Hill
September 12, 2014
For the second time in less than a week, someone has been bitten by a pygmy rattlesnake near Walnut Hill and airlifted to a Pensacola hospital.
A 28-year old Flomaton man told first responders that he was along Pineville Road outside Walnut Hill with friends early Thursday evening when he was bitten on the finger by a pygmy rattlesnake, commonly called a Florida ground rattlesnake. Exactly what the man was doing when he was bitten was not clear.
He was driven several miles from Pineville Road to Escambia Grain on Arthur Brown Road where he met first responders. He was then transported by Atmore Ambulance to the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and airlifted by LifeFlight to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola.
The man and his friends were unable to retrieve the snake for species identification; however, his symptoms reportedly were consistent with a pygmy rattlesnake bite. His name and condition were not available Thursday night.
Saturday, 49-year old Sandy Marsh of Walnut Hill was bitten by a rattlesnake while pulling weeds at her home on Highway 97A outside Walnut Hill. For more on that story, including an interview with Marsh and photos of the snake, click here.
Pictured top: A rattlesnake victim was airlifted from the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue Thursday evening. Pictured below: The man was first driven by friends to Escambia Grain on Arthur Brown Road before being flown to Baptist Hospital. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Florida’s Oldest: Barrineau Park 4-H Club Celebrating 100 Years
September 12, 2014
In 1914, cattle in Escambia County grazed in open fields. The fledgling aviation industry, with its flimsy bi-planes and open-air cockpits, got the first United States Navy flight school in Pensacola. Air-conditioning was mere rumor. And University of Florida Extension agent Ed Finlayson started the Barrineau Park 4-H Club.
A century later, 3,500 head of cattle enjoy Escambia’s fenced-in pastures. Pensacola Naval Air Station trains jet fighter pilots. Escambia residents marvel that anyone ever survived summer without air-conditioning, and Barrineau Park 4-H celebrates its status as Florida’s longest continuously operating 4-H club – and one of the nation’s oldest.
A public celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Barrineau Park Community Center. Activities include alumni sharing their 4-H memories with current members.
“It is such a historic event to support and one where the community can join all 4-H club members in the celebration,” said Brian Bell, president of the Escambia County 4-H Foundation. “The Barrineau Park 4-H program has bragging rights and we want the world to know how proud we are of the club and the people who made this possible.”
The club is also celebrating in true 4-H fashion by helping others. Members have been busy performing 100 hours of community service, gathering magazines to donate to nursing homes, collecting shoes for needy families and food for area food banks, baking cookies and cupcakes to give to the local fire department (pictured) and writing thank you cards to military personnel.
According to Barrineau Park Historical Society member Nita Berry, about 10 boys joined in 1914. They held their meetings in homes, church fellowship halls, Gindl’s Store and Barrineau Park School and Community Center. They learned to grow tomatoes and corn, garden, sew, and raise poultry and livestock.
Over the years, hundreds of boys and girls have joined the Barrineau Park 4-H club. Today, 23 students are active in everything from leadership, citizenship, livestock, horses, food and nutrition, environmental education, marine science, shooting sports and public speaking. The club has become known for raising and showing prize-winning hogs.
“They have traditionally had strong 4-H leaders and parents who support the educational activities selected by the members,” said Pamela Allen, Escambia County Extension director. “Over the years, youth in this club have excelled in county, district, state and national 4-H events and activities.”
Tena Gindl, a ninth-grade algebra teacher at Tate High School, is the club’s current leader. The family of her late husband, Bobby Gindl, who famously encouraged students that “your best is yet to come,” has been involved in the club almost since its inception.
Gindl’s 91-year-old aunt, Dorothy Gindl Casey, joined the club in the early 1930s, learning to sew and to can fruits and vegetables. Gindl’s father-in-law, Francis Gindl (pictured), now 86, joined in the 1940s and eventually led the club, as did Tena Gindl’s husband, who excelled at public speaking. Their three grown daughters were members. Beth and Kellie Gindl showed hogs; Kellie won grand champion two years in a row and Beth placed first in her class. As a high school freshman, Carrie won the Florida 4-H Congress public speaking contest.
While today’s 4-H maintains its traditional programs, it also has modern flair, with clubs that concentrate on computers and robotics or global-positioning satellite programs. But the best reason to join, Gindl said, is the interaction with other people.
“The experiences that you get in 4-H are just positive experiences and you never know where it’s going to take you and lead you in your life,” Gindl said. “Many kids have come back and said, ‘If it wasn’t for 4-H, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
To learn more about 4-H, the Escambia County Extension office at 850-475-5230.
Pictured top: Top 4-H corn producers in Escambia County (year unknown). Pictured (L-R): Kenneth Reemer, eighth place with 88.4 bushels per acre; Lamar Wheeler, ninth place with 77.2 bushels; Craig Exner, seventh with 89.9 bushels; “Skippy Lambert”, third with 103.1 bushels; Jacky Cunningham, fourth, 99.4 bushels; Douglas Lamb, sixth, 95.2 bushels; Mike Godwin, second with 107.5 bushels; David Lamb, fifth, 99.3 bushels; Steve Lamb, tenth, 73.5 bushels; and John Godwin, first, 111 bushels. Pictured middle inset: Current members of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club. Pictured below: County 4-H officers (year and names unavailable). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.