Weekend Gardening: Hit A Home Run With Knock Out Roses
March 28, 2015
by UF/IFAS Extension
Landscape shrub roses will not make you great cut flowers, but they will give your landscape an abundance of rose flowers for the majority of the year. They practically bloom non-stop during the growing season, from March to November in Northwest Florida. Also, they are much less prone to blackspot disease than the traditional hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora roses.
The Knock Out family of roses was started by rose breeder Bill Radler when he crossed seedlings of ‘Carefree Beauty’ with ‘Razzle Dazzle’ to create the original Knock Out rose. The family now includes varieties that range from blush to vibrant red and even yellow.
In general, Knock Out roses are drought tolerant, self cleaning, and resistant to black spot and powdery mildew. Since they require little maintenance, they are ideal for gardeners who enjoy roses but who aren’t interested in the upkeep required to grow hybrid tea roses. The only drawback of Knock Out roses is that they don’t have a strong fragrance. According to the Conrad Pyle website, the only true fragrant Knock Out is the yellow ‘Sunny’ cultivar.
Like all roses, Knock Out roses need to be planted where they will receive at least six to eight hours of sun each day. It also helps to have a site with good air movement and well-drained soil that falls between pH 6.0 and pH 6.5.
Knock Out roses generally grow three to five feet tall and equally as wide, but some sources say they can reach eight feet tall if not pruned, so be sure to space them appropriately.
After planting, water them regularly until they get established. Apply a three-inch layer of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil, pulling the mulch back from the stem of the plants. Be sure to avoid overhead watering which can increase the chance of fungal leaf spots. They prefer a deep watering every once in a while rather than frequent light waterings.
Knock Out roses are referred to as self-cleaning meaning that the spent blooms will fall off on their own. They will re-bloom every five to six weeks regardless of your deadheading practices. Deadheading is the removal of faded blooms. Most gardeners have found, however, that occasionally deadheading will create and maintain a tidier, more attractive plant.
For more information on rose pests and diseases, refer to the University of Florida/IFAS online publication at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep371 or contact your local Extension Office.
Santa Rosa Death Investigated As Homicide
March 28, 2015
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death has a homicide.
Stephen Richmond Rice, Jr., 43, was found deceased in his Persimmon Hollow Road home after deputies responded for a welfare check. Deputies said it was evident that Rice had been dead in the home for an undetermined period of time.
The Sheriff’s said foul play is suspected.
The cause of death is not yet known as investigators await the outcome of an autopsy by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers at (850) 437-STOP.
Area Unemployment Rate Falls
March 28, 2015
The latest job numbers released Friday show the unemployment level decreasing in the North Escambia area.
Escambia County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.1 percent in January to 5.9 percent in December. There were 8,125 people reported unemployed during the period. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 6.8 percent.
Santa Rosa County unemployment decreased, from 5.1 to 4.8 percent from January to February. Santa Rosa County had a total of 3,530 persons still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 5.3 percent.
In Escambia County, Alabama, unemployment decreased from 7.6 percent in January to 7.0 percent in February. That represented 974 people unemployed in the county during the month. One year ago, the unemployment rate in Escambia County, Alabama, was 9.4 percent.
Florida’s unemployment rate dipped slightly from January to February, with Gov. Rick Scott continuing his focus on private-sector job creation. The state’s jobless rate for February stood at 5.6 percent, down from 5.7 percent a month earlier, the state Department of Economic Opportunity announced Friday. Out of a workforce of 9.7 million, the monthly mark represented an estimated 548,000 jobless Floridians, a decrease of 6,000 from January, according to the state agency. The largest month-to-month gains were found in the fields of education, health care, food and drink services, administrative and support services, and state and local government. Increases were also recorded in construction, real estate, and transportation.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 5.8 percent in February, was down from January’s rate of 6.0 percent and was below the year-ago rate of 7.2 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.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Northview Tops Central; NHS Over Neal; Tate Beats Monroe; Tate Over Pines
March 28, 2015
Northview 13, Central 6
Northview 6, W.S. Neal 1 (JV)
The Northview Chiefs beat Central Friday night 13-6. Thomas Moore had a home run for the Chiefs, along with three RBI’s as he went 2-5 at the plate for the Chiefs.Quentin Sampson was 2-5 with a RBI; Brian Cantrell 2-5; Brett Weeks 2-5 with a RBI; Roman Manning was 2-4 with two RBIs; and Aaron McDonals was 1-5 with a RBI. McDonald pitched the win for the Chiefs allowing five hits and five runs, two errors and three strike outs. The varsity Chiefs will travel to PCA on March 31; the JV will travel to Tate on April 2.
Tate 7, Monroe 0
Trace Penton pitched the win as the Tate Aggies beat Monroe 7-0. Sawyer Smith was 2-2 with a run and RBI; Mark Miller was 2-4; Stephen Harris was 1-2 with two runs; Hunter Worley was 1-3 with a run and double; and Josh Kea was 1-1 wih two runs, two RBIs and two SB.
Kississimee Klassic
Tate 2, Pembroke Pines 1
Pictured: Northview versus Central. NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Cold, Down In The 30’s Tonight, Sunny Mid 60’s For Saturday
March 27, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light after midnight.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Monday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. West wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Wednesday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80.
Wednesday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Thursday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.
Thursday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Deputies Name Suspect In Century Double Shooting
March 27, 2015
Two people are recovering after being shot Thursday night in Century, and the Escambia Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s help in locating a suspect
Deputies are searching for 28-year old Brian Keith Sanders (pictured, but deputies said his head is now shaved). He is wanted on charges of aggravated battery, deadly missiles, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and criminal mischief. Deputies said he should be considered armed and dangerous and not approached.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Jay Hospital emergency room Thursday night alerting them that two gunshot victims had arrived in a private vehicle seeking treatment. The gunshot victims advised that they were shot on Jefferson Avenue in Century.
Both victims were shot in the shoulder or upper-arm area, and they were treated and released .
They were apparently shot while in a vehicle that was discovered on Mayes Street at Jefferson Avenue. It appeared that the driver’s window of the Chevrolet Impala had been shot out.
Anyone that knows the whereabouts of Sanders is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or CrimeStoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Further details were not released.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Help Manna Feed ‘SomeBunny” At Food Drive Today
March 27, 2015
A “Let’s Feed Somebunny” food drive will be held from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. today.
People are invited to fill the Easter float with non-perishable food items for Manna Food Pantries at the Baptist Medical Park at the corner of 9 Mile Road and University Parkway. The annual event is sponsored by Harvester’s Federal Credit Union.
‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day’ Planned For Saturday
March 27, 2015
Saturday is “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” in the city of Atmore, and organizers are encouraging Vietnam veterans from across the area and the public to attend a special ceremony.
The event will be held this Saturday, March 28 at 4 p.m. at Heritage Park at the corner of Main and West Craig streets in Atmore. It is hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 7016. Vietnam veterans from the entire area, both from Alabama and Florida, are encouraged to attend.
For more information, call (251) 294-2356, (251) 363-0000, or (251) 359-1768.
Pictured: The 2014 “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Student Struck And Killed By Train In Cantonment
March 27, 2015
A Tate High School student was struck and killed by a train Thursday afternoon in Cantonment. She has been identified as 15-year old Katelyn White.
The accident happened about 4:15 p.m. on the CSX tracks north of 10 Mile Road, roughly between Tara Dawn Circle and the end of Gateway Lane. White was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the incident was a “tragic accident”.
NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Jay Lindsey Named Tate Interim Head Football Coach
March 27, 2015
Jay Lindsey has been named the interim football coach at Tate High School.
He will hold the position through the spring as Tate follows school district policies in advertising the job, according to Tate Principal Rick Shackle.
Lindsey was offensive coordinator for the Aggies last season. He has nine years coaching experience, including his time at Tate and years at Pace High school.
Lindsey’s appointment follows the resignation of Ronnie Douglas, who stepped down to spend more time on his car wash business ventures.