Weekend Gardening: Caterpillars Can Devour Your Azaleas
July 21, 2018
by Beth Bolles, Escambia County Extension, for NorthEscambia.com
Azalea caterpillars have made their presence known this summer and are devouring the foliage of one of our favorite evergreen plants.
The brown moths will lay large numbers of eggs on azaleas throughout the spring and then young emerging caterpillars feed in groups, eating entire leaves. As the caterpillars grow in size, they become more brightly colored with yellow bodies and black stripes. They also have bright red legs and a head. If you touch a mature caterpillar, it will often raise it’s head and ‘tail’ in response. These are not stinging caterpillars so that is only a defensive response.
The feeding damage of the caterpillars results in a very unattractive azalea. Some leaves with damage will also turn brown making the damage more noticeable. The good news is that even through plants look terrible, a relatively heathy azalea will grow new leaves during the season.
If you do have an infestation of azalea caterpillars, you may want to consider a treatment. Remember that it is easier to manage young caterpillar so if you have caterpillars that are already two inches in length, your chemical treatment may not be as successful.
One option for management is to physically remove the caterpillars if you only have a small number on your plants. If you choose to use an insecticide, choose an organic product like B.t (Bacillus thuringiensis) or spinosad. These are safe for many beneficial insects that are also helping in the management of the caterpillars. Both products will be available at our local nurseries.
Pictured: An azalea caterpillar on a bush in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Volunteers Sought For The Northwest Florida Health Council
July 21, 2018
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for appointments to the Northwest Florida Health Council, also known as the Northwest Florida Big Bend Health Council.
Escambia County residents interested in serving on the Northwest Florida Health Council are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by the close of business on Friday, Aug. 3. Resumes should be submitted to Judy Witterstaeter, Program Coordinator; Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 1591, Pensacola, FL 32502, or emailed to jhwitter@myescambia.com.
The local health council was established in accordance with the Health Facilities and Services Development Act as a private nonprofit organization serving Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. The council serves to assist the state of Florida with planning for health facilities and services, providing a health data repository and helping counties and local communities to obtain better health care. Based on a rotating formula, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners appoints six members to the council.
Local health councils develop district health plans containing data, develop hospital and nursing home utilization reports for the Agency for Health Care Administration, and provide analysis and recommendations that relate to health care status and needs in the community. The recommendations are designed to improve access to health care, reduce disparities in health status, assist state and local governments in the development of sound and rational health care policies and advocate on behalf of the underserved.
The council meets once per quarter or at the call of the president and chief operating officer. Meetings typically begin at 12:15 p.m. and last 1 to 1.5 hours.
Wahoos Shutout Shrimp 3-0
July 21, 2018
After scoring 17 runs through the first two games of the series, the Blue Wahoos only needed one to clip past the Jumbo Shrimp, 3-0, on Friday. Tony Santillan (W, 2-0) turned in six shutout innings and TJ Friedl paced the offense with three hits in the Wahoos victory in front of a capacity crowd to capture their fourth straight win.
Despite not scoring many, the Wahoos offense got off to a quick start behind Santillan. After a one-out single by Friedl, he advanced to second on a wild pitch, and after moving to third on a groundout, he scored on Rodrigo Vigil’s eight passed ball of the season to make it 1-0.
On Friday, a one-run lead was plenty for Santillan. He retired eight of the first nine Jumbo Shrimp that came to the plate and only twice to did Jacksonville have runners in scoring position. For the first since joining the Wahoos, the 2015 second-round pick looked dominant as he struck out six without walking a batter on 80 pitches.
Pensacola doubled their lead thanks to a defensive miscue by the Shrimp. With Friedl on first, Mitch Nay hit into what looked like a double play ball to first. After Jagielo stepped on first base, his throw towards second sailed by the shortstop Joe Dunand and into left field. Shed Long followed with a single to right field, which brought home Friedl to give the Wahoos a 2-0 edge. Long would plate home a third run with a solo home run on the second pitch he saw from Miguel Del Pozo in the eighth inning.
Despite his starter having thrown only 80 pitches, Jody Davis turned the game over to his bullpen in the seventh inning. He wound up using three different relievers to secure the game’s last nine outs. Jacksonville’s best chance at a late comeback came in the ninth when Monte Harrison led off the inning and reached on Long’s 10th error of the season. However, Alex Powers (S, 10) remained unphased and retired the next three batters in order for the save.
Robert Dugger (L, 2-4) was strong for Jacksonville despite taking the loss. He allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits over his six innings of work. The right-hander walked two and tied his season-high with seven punchouts.
Having earned a series win, Pensacola will look to make it five wins in a row when they take on the Jumbo Shrimp Saturday night. RHP Daniel Wright (4-6, 4.20) will toe the rubber for Pensacola against RHP Merandy Gonzalez (1-4, 5.10).
William Herbert “Bill” Hendrix
July 21, 2018
William Herbert “Bill” Hendrix, Sr., 91, of Atmore, AL, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018, in Atmore. He was born in Goodway, AL, on December 17, 1926, to the late Herbert Henry and Zelma English Hendrix.
He was a graduate of Marion Military Institute and served in the United States Army. He was a longtime member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Atmore. He was active in many of Atmore’s civic organizations and youth athletic programs for many years. He was one of the founders of Escambia Academy in Canoe, AL. He served on the board of directors of First National Bank & Trust, serving many years as chairman. He also served as a trustee of Judson College in Marion, AL. He owned and operated Hendrix Tractor Company, Inc.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Zelma Hendrix; and two brothers, Jack Hendrix and Harold Hendrix.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Dorothy “Dot” Hendrix of Atmore, AL, his son Bert (Sandra) Hendrix of Mobile, AL, his daughter Sheri (Jack) Darby of Atmore, AL, and his son Robert (Melanie) Hendrix of Atmore, AL; Grandchildren Elisabeth (Heath) Ward, Hayley (Zac) Palm, Will Hendrix, Jana Hendrix and Deeya (Silas) Seamans. Great grandchildren Hendrix Ward, Mary-Grace Ward, Anna Kate Palm, Lee Palm, Darby Locke, and Dillon Seamans.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 22, 2018, at 4 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Atmore with Dr. Larry Patterson and Bert Hendrix officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Will Hendrix, Heath Ward, Zac Palm, Jack Hendrix, George Watkins, Thomas Guy, Michael Williamson, and Steve Jernigan.
Visitation will be held Sunday, July 22, 2018, from 2-4 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
The family requests donations be made to The Patterson Chapel Renovation Fund at First Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.
All Students At Many Escambia Schools To Receive Free Lunch, Breakfast
July 20, 2018
Breakfast and lunch will be free for all students, regardless of income, during the upcoming school year at 45 schools in Escambia County.
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program means that parents of the students at these schools are not required to submit an application for the Free and Reduced Meal program at that school. However, siblings attending schools not on the CEP list will need to apply for eligibility.
Participating schools are:
Elementary Schools: Jim Allen Elementary, Bellview Elementary, Bratt Elementary, Brentwood Elementary, Byrneville Elementary, Ensley Elementary, Ferry Pass Elementary, Global Learning Academy, Holm Elementary, Lincoln Park Elementary, R.C. Lipscomb Elementary, Longleaf Elementary, McArthur Elementary, Molino Park Elementary, Montclair Elementary, Myrtle Grove Elementary, Navy Point Elementary, Oakcrest Elementary, Pine Meadow Elementary, Pleasant Grove Elementary, Scenic Heights Elementary, O.J. Semmes Elementary, Sherwood Elementary, Warrington Elementary, C.A. Weis Elementary and West Pensacola Elementary.
Middle Schools: Jim C. Bailey Middle, Bellview Middle, Ernest Ward Middle, Ferry Pass Middle, Warrington Middle and J.H.Workman Middle.
High Schools: Escambia High, Northview High, Pensacola High, Pine Forest High and Booker T. Washington High School.
Alternative Education/Centers: Camelot Academy, Capstone Academy, Escambia Westgate School, George Stone Technical College (Phoenix Initiative Program), Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy, Judy Andrews, Lakeview Center and McMillan Pre-K Center.
Parents of the students at these schools are not required to submit an application for the free and reduced Lunch program at that school — all meals are free.
Families with students attending other ECSD schools are encouraged to apply for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. Applications will be sent home or parents and guardians to complete and return to their student’s school.
Pictured top: Sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables and crackers on the lunch menu at Jim Allen Elementary School. Pictured below: Lunch at Bratt Elementary and Ransom Middle School. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Driver Crashes Through Cantonment Backyards, Stops Short Of Pool
July 20, 2018
A driver crashed through two backyards Thursday night in Cantonment, stopping short of a house and pool, and just missing an exotic bird in a large outdoor cage.
The vehicle crashed through two wooden privacy fences in the Kings Ridge Estates subdivision at the intersection of West Roberts Road and Pine Forest Road just before 11 p.m. The vehicle’s occupants then fled on foot.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol searched the area for the driver. There was no word if any arrests.
There were no injuries.
The FHP is continuing their investigation.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Former NBA Coach To Lead Bratt Basketball Camp Next Week
July 20, 2018
The First Baptist Church of Bratt will host a basketball camp next week with a former NBA, college and high school coach.
The camp for children ages 8-14 will be held July 25-27 at the church. Coach Roger Dutremble of Global Sports Outreach will teach kids the fundamentals of basketball and Biblical awareness.
Dutremble is a a retired coach and member of the International Basketball Hall of Fame. He career includes coaching at every level from high school to the NBA, and into international arenas, with a lifetime coaching record of 687-117 and seven national championships. He was selected “Coach of the Year” six times, and served as national team head coach to Belgium, Scotland, and Jordan. He was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, serving under Paul Westhead and Pat Riley, from 1979-83 and helping the team to three NBA championships with players like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The cost is $45 per student with a limited number of scholarships available. The funds are used exclusively to purchase shoes and basketballs for needy children in other countries where Dutremble conducts camps.
The First Baptist Church of Bratt is located on Highway 4 just west of Northview High School.
All children participating in the camp will receive a certificate of completion and a t-shirt from Dutremble. For registration information, call (850) 327-6529, or stop by the church Monday through Wednesday mornings.
Pictured: Students that participated in a previous basketball camp at the First Baptist Church of Bratt. Inset: Coach Roger Dutremble of Global Sports Outreach. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
$64.5 Million In BP Oil Spill Money Goes To Pensacola Airport, Whiting Aviation Park
July 20, 2018
Pensacola International Airport landed $56 million in BP oil-spill money for an expansion project, under a decision Wednesday by the Triumph Gulf Coast Board of Directors.
The board, meeting in DeFuniak Springs, also awarded $8.5 million for expansion of Whiting Aviation Park in Santa Rosa County. Triumph Gulf Coast Chairman Don Gaetz said in a news release the projects are expected to create more than 3,100 “high-paying” jobs and “grow Northwest Florida as a leader in aviation and aerospace.”
Approvals are still needed that involve funding obligations and performance requirements. Triumph Gulf Coast would be allowed to reclaim money if terms are not met.
The Pensacola grant, which will go for a new maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar, requires Pensacola’s aviation authority to put up more than $75 million from city, county, state and federal sources and $59 million from private companies.
At Whiting Aviation Park, Triumph Gulf Coast is contributing 48 percent of the costs of an expansion project that includes the purchase of 267 acres adjacent to NAS Whiting Field.
The money for the grants came from $300 million that Triumph Gulf Coast has received from the state’s share of a settlement with BP after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The state created the non-profit Triumph Gulf Coast to administer settlement money. The seven-member board is expected to eventually handle three-quarters of the $2 billion the state will get over the next 13 years from BP. Triumph is required to spread out money to eight Gulf Coast counties most affected by the oil spill, with minimum spending benchmarks for each county — Bay, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla and Walton.
by The News Service of Florida
Photos: Summer Reading Program At The Century And Molino Branch Libraries
July 20, 2018
Bucky and Gigi, two former Ringling Bros. circus clowns, delighted Summer Reading Program participants this week at the Century and Molino branches of West Florida Library.
The Summer Reading Program continues next week, juggler extraordinaire Ron Anglin is back with a fast paced and fascinating show. The program is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 25 at the Century Branch Library and 11 a.m. Thursday, July 26 at the Molino Branch Library.
Pictured: Bucky and Gigi at the Century and Molino branch libraries. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Football Team Volunteers At Ronald McDonald House
July 20, 2018
The Northview High School Chiefs football team gave back Thursday, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Pensacola. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
