Scattered Showers This Afternoon, Otherwise A Sunny Fourth
July 4, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Independence Day: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
Fourth Of July Cookout Costs Slightly More This Year
July 4, 2016
A cookout of Americans’ favorite foods for the Fourth of July, including hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pork spare ribs, potato salad, baked beans, lemonade and chocolate milk, will cost slightly more this year but still comes in at less than $6 per person, says the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Although the cost for the cookout is up slightly (less than 1 percent), “Prices in the meat case are starting to look better from the consumers’ perspective,” said Veronica Nigh, an AFBF economist. “Retail ground round prices are trending lower,” she noted, pointing to the nation’s cattle inventory and commercial beef production, which continue to rebound from dramatically low levels in 2014 and 2015.
In addition, “On the pork side, commercial production also continues to grow and is at the highest level in 25 years,” Nigh said. Spare rib prices are about the same as a year ago, while the amount of product in cold storage is up 121 percent, Nigh pointed out. “This is helping mediate the normal seasonal upswing in spare rib prices we typically see around the July 4th festivities,” she said.
AFBF’s summer cookout menu for 10 people consists of hot dogs and buns, cheeseburgers and buns, pork spare ribs, deli potato salad, baked beans, corn chips, lemonade, chocolate milk, ketchup, mustard and watermelon for dessert.
Commenting on factors driving the slight increase in retail watermelon prices, Nigh said, “While watermelons are grown across the U.S., most come from four states – Texas, Florida, Georgia and California – which together produce approximately 44 percent of the U.S. crop. Shipments of watermelons are down nearly 8 percent compared to the same time period last year,” she said.
U.S. milk production is up 1 percent compared to the same period last year. During the first quarter of 2016 (January-March), U.S. milk production reached historic levels, putting significant downward pressure on the price farmers receive for their milk.
Nigh said the increase in the price of cheese slices highlights the spread in prices that often occurs between values at the farm, wholesale, and retail stages of the production and marketing chain.
Farm Bureau members (volunteer shoppers) in 26 states checked retail prices for summer cookout foods in mid-June at their local grocery stores for this informal survey.
The summer cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey and two additional surveys of common food staples Americans use to prepare meals at home.
The year-to-year direction of the marketbasket survey tracks closely with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.
“Through the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 17 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Nigh said.
Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across-the-board, the farmer’s share of this $56.06 marketbasket would be $9.53.
Escambia Extension Urges Smart Grilling For Food Safety
July 4, 2016
Safety is an important consideration when operating a grill. Improper use can cause a fire or explosion. Keep the area around a lighted grill clear of combustible materials, and never use a grill in an enclosed area such as a sheltered patio or a garage. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing that may catch fire. The cooking grids should be cleaned after every cookout. The last thing you want to do is cause someone to become ill due to improper cleaning or unsafe food preparation practices.
Wash your hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds before starting to prepare any foods, and wash your hands again if you do anything else—change a diaper, pet an animal, or blow your nose, for example. Cover any cuts or sores on your hands with a bandage, or use plastic gloves. If you sneeze or cough while preparing foods, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and turn your face away, or cough into your sleeve. Always wash your hands afterwards.
Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Most food-borne illness-causing bacteria cannot grow well at temperatures below 40°F or above 140°F. Thaw foods in the refrigerator or in the microwave. Never leave foods out at room temperature.
Keep everything that touches food clean. Bacteria can hitch rides around your kitchen on all sorts of things—plates and cutting boards, dirty utensils, dish rags and sponges, unwashed hands.
Never chop fresh vegetables or salad ingredients on a cutting board that was used for raw meat without properly cleaning it first. If possible, keep a separate cutting board just for the preparation of raw meat, poultry, and fish.
Wash cutting boards thoroughly with hot soapy water, and then sanitize with a solution of household bleach and water.
Keep raw meat, poultry, fish, and their juices from coming into contact with other foods during preparation, especially foods that will not be cooked. Wash all utensils and your hands with hot soapy water after contact with raw meat.
Marinate meat, poultry and seafood in the refrigerator in a covered, non-metal container. Throw away any leftover marinade.
Grill food to a safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to assure correct doneness of the food being grilled.
Safe minimum internal temperatures:
- Poultry (whole, ground, and breasts): 165°F
- Hamburgers, beef: 160°F
- Beef, veal, and lamb (steaks, roasts and chops):
- Medium rare: 145°F
- Medium: 160°F.
- All cuts of pork: 160°F.
Hold meat at 140°F until served. Use a clean platter for transferring cooked meat from grill to serving table.
Summer is the time for getting together with friends and family and cooking outdoors. Make your outdoor grilling experience safe and enjoyable.
For further information regarding food safety and other related topics, go to the University of Florida’s Solutions for Your Life website: http://www.solutionsforyourlife.com.
Dorothy C. Lee, CFCS, is an Extension Agent II, Family & Consumer Sciences with the Escambia County Extension Service. Reference: Safe Food Handling Fact Sheet, United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Series.
Firefighters Battle Hay Bale Fire For Hours
July 4, 2016
Firefighters spent a couple of hours Sunday, battling heat at humidity, working to put out a hay fire.
The fire was reported about 4:30 on Morgan Road, south of Arthur Brown Road. About 20 large round bales of hay were stacked next to each other and burning. Equipment was used to separate the smolder bales in order to work toward extinguishing the fire.
There were no injuries and no property damage reported.
The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Winn Dixie To Donate Today’s Profits To ‘Hope For Warriors’
July 4, 2016
All profits generated at Winn Dixie stories today, July 4, will be donated in support of veterans and service members.
This year, Southeastern Grocers has partnered with Hope For The Warriors. Hope for the Warriors is celebrating 10 years of service, and is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for veterans, service members and military families.
Ian McLeod, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers said, “This Independence Day, we continue to honor and give thanks to our military and their families for the sacrifices they make for our nation and the world. We fully recognize the selfless contributions of those who have, and continue to serve. This Fourth of July, we are once again donating every cent of every dollar of profit generated as just one way we can show
our support.”
Robin Kelleher, co-founder, president and CEO of Hope For The Warriors said, “Hope For The Warriors is humbled and very thankful to Southeastern Grocers for this incredible opportunity and support. Through this unique promotion, they are helping us reach thousands of patriotic Americans who truly understand the sacrifices of our veterans, service members and military families.”
4th Weekend Recipe: Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats
July 4, 2016
Looking to spend some time with the kids in the kitchen? Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats are a fun, easy and patriotic way to celebrate.
The recipe is not only easy, but it also lots of fun. It’s terrific for a “just-because” snack or as a sweet way to finish off a family picnic. And kids of all ages can help – from pouring and stirring to dipping and decorating, there’s something everyone can do.
Yankee Doodle Dandy Treats
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 package (10 ounces, about 40) regular marshmallows OR 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal OR 6 cups Kellogg’s® Cocoa Krispies® cereal
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate morsels
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- Red-, white- and blue-colored sprinkles
Preparation
- In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Add cereal. Stir until well coated.
- Using buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Crosswise cut in half, forming two 9 x 6 1/2-inch rectangles.
- Meanwhile, in small saucepan melt white chocolate morsels over low heat, stirring frequently. Stir in oil. Add powdered sugar, stirring until combined. Add water. Stir until smooth.
- Spread chocolate mixture over one cereal rectangle. Top with second rectangle. Sprinkle with red, white and blue sprinkles, pressing lightly into cereal mixture. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set. Cut into 3 1/4 x 1-inch strips. Best if served the same day.
Serves
Servings 18
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Jay Celebrates The Fourth With Fireworks; Show Tonight In Century (And Many More Monday)
July 3, 2016
Hundreds of people turned out for an Independence Day Weekend fireworks show at Bray-Hendricks Park In Jay Saturday night. Flomaton and Century will celebrate tonight with a show at Showalter Park in Century, and numerous fireworks shows are planned for Monday.
For more photos from Jay, click here.
Here’s a guide to public, non-profit Fourth of July Fireworks shows across the North Escambia area:
Sunday, July 3
Century-Flomaton Fireworks Show
The towns of Century and Flomaton will present their annual fireworks show on Sunday, July 3 at 9 p.m. at Showalter Park in Century.
Monday, July 4
Sertoma — Downtown Pensacola
For the 27th year, area Sertoma organizations are once again coordinating and hosting the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast over Pensacola Bay on Monday, July 4th at 9:00 pm.
There will be activities throughout the day, from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm, in Seville Square to include a free Children’s Area with inflatables, pony rides, rock climbing wall, “meet and greet” with characters, face painting, and much more. There will also be a variety of arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and live entertainment on the Bayfront stage in the afternoon. There will also bee a Hot Dog Eating Contest at noon. New this year is the free Pensacola Symphony Orchestra concert at Hunter Amphitheater in Community Maritime Park at 7:30 p.m. This live orchestra concert will be broadcast to speakers along Bayfront Parkway and to Wahoos Stadium.
The festivities will culminate with the fireworks show over Pensacola Bay at about 9 p.m. synchronized with music broadcast on Cat Country 98.7.
Jay 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
Annual Celebrate Freedom 5K and 1 Mile Run Run at 8 a.m. Monday at Jay City Park. 5K entry fee is $25; One mile fun run is $10. Awards to be presented. (Fireworks are Saturday night.)
Pensacola Beach
Red, White and Blues week begins with the Pensacola Beach Fourth of July firework show and celebration at 8:30 pm Monday over Santa Rosa Sound near Quietwater Beach. .
Riverfest, Milton
Riverfest will be held Monday, July 4 in Milton. Festivities include the annual Firecracker Bike Show at 9 a.m., a Freedom Car Show at 9 a.m., a Children’s Activity Area, annual Great Mill Town Duck Race at 5 p.m., live entertainment at 5:30 p.m., a Veteran’s Salute at 6:30 p.m. and karaoke at 7 p.m. The day will end with a fireworks display over the Blackwater River at dark.
East Brewton
East Brewton will celebrate Monday, July 4, with a fun-filled day beginning at 9 a.m. at Fort Crawford Park and ending with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Plastic duck race at 6 p.m.
Bay Minette
The Rotary Club of Bay Minette will host a fireworks show on Monday, July 4, beginning at dusk behind Simmons Field.
Pictured: Fireworks Saturday night in Jay. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No Rain Tonight
July 3, 2016
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Independence Day: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
FDOT: Road Construction Suspended For 4th Weekend
July 3, 2016
The Florida Department of Transportation is suspending highway construction projects on major major roadways across Northwest Florida for the holiday weekend. There will be no lane closures on the state road system until 12 a.m. Tuesday, July 5.
Although no construction closures are scheduled over the Independence Day holiday, existing state highway work zones will remain in effect. Motorists are reminded to use caution while traveling through work zones around barricades and equipment.
FDOT is encouraging drivers to allow extra travel time and to use extra caution in existing work zones along state highways. Drivers are urged to make sure they buckle up, along with their passengers. FDOT and other safety agencies also ask drivers to obey speed limits, get adequate rest before traveling, avoid distractions and never drink and drive.
Drivers also are urged to be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to accidents, disabled vehicles or other events. Motorists should be alert to changing weather conditions while traveling.
Travelers can access Florida’s 511 service from cell phones, landlines, and the Internet at www.FL511.com to receive updates on travel in the area.
Ag Boss: Avoid Gas Skimmers While Traveling This Weekend
July 3, 2016
Ahead of what’s expected to be another record-breaking holiday travel weekend, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam, along with Senator Anitere Flores and the Miami-Dade Police Department, today offered tips to avoid identity-stealing card skimmers placed on gas pumps and provided information on a new anti-skimmer law that will help protect Floridians and visitors from skimmers.
“Floridians and visitors are all too often the victims of fraud, and identity-stealing card skimmers are the last thing they want to deal with this travel season,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “When filling up your gas tanks this summer, be sure to take simple steps to protect yourselves from skimmers.”
In a little over a year, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has found and removed more than 250 skimmers, devices that illegally capture consumers’ credit or debit card information, from gas pumps across Florida. The number of consumers victimized by each skimmer is estimated to be about 100 per device, with an average of $1,000 stolen from each victim. On average, each skimmer represents a $100,000 threat to consumers.
Travelers can take the following steps to avoid skimmers at gas stations:
· Pay in cash inside the store to ensure credit card information stays safe.
· Check to make sure the gas pump dispenser cabinet is closed and has not been tampered with. Many stations are now putting a piece of security tape over the cabinet to ensure it has not been opened by unauthorized individuals.
· Use a gas pump closer to the front of the store. Thieves often place skimmer at the gas pumps farther away from the store so they are not noticed as quickly.
· Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have better fraud protection, and the money is not deducted immediately from an account.
· If using a debit card at the pump, choose to run it as a credit card instead of putting a PIN number in. That way, the PIN number is safe.
· Monitor bank accounts regularly to spot any unauthorized charges.
· Consumers who suspect their credit card number has been compromised should report it immediately to authorities and their credit card company.
Consumers who suspect that a gas pump has been tampered with should contact the gas station manager, local law enforcement or the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).