4th Of July: Where To Celebrate With Fireworks Shows, Other Fun Events
July 4, 2018
Here’s a guide to public, non-profit Fourth of July Fireworks shows and events cross the North Escambia area:
Pensacola – Sertoma’s Fourth of July Celebration 2018 - For the 29th year, area Sertoma organizations are hosting the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast over Pensacola Bay on Wednesday, July 4 at 9 p.m. There will beactivities throughout the day in Seville Square, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., including arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, live entertainment and a free children’s area. Free Sparks & Stars performance from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra at the Hunter Amphitheater in Vince Whibbs Community Maritime Park is at 7:30 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Fourth of July Fireworks - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 4. Celebrate your independence with fireworks on the sound side of the island.The best viewing spots would be from the Portofino Boardwalk or Quietwater Beach.
Jay Celebration – July 4 - The day begins with the annual Celebration Freedom 5K Run at Bray-Hendricks Park. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., $25. Live music, food, facing painting, bouncy houses and more fun for the family begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks at dark.
Milton Riverfest – Downtown Milton. Car show 9 am. to noon Elmira Street, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. children’s activity area at north gazebo, wet slides 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. South Willing Street, duck race 5 p.m., live entertainment north gazebo 6:30 until 8:30 p.m., fireworks at dark over Blackwater River launced from south of the railroad trestle.
East Brewton July 4 – Live music begins at 5 p.m., duck race and more. Fireworks at dark.
Farm Hill Methodist Church – On July 4, Farm Hill Methodist Church will have an old fashioned Independence Day celebration fundraiser from 3-9 p.m. with food, games, a huge water slide and bounce house, and fireworks at dark. Donations will be accepted to help church youth with the cost of an Appalachian mission trip.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Food Safety Tips For A Happier Fourth Of July
July 4, 2018
Due to a variety of factors, including warmer temperatures, foodborne illness increases in summer. Stay healthy and safe during warmer months by following these food safety recommendations:
When bringing food to a picnic or cookout:
- Use an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs. Frozen food can also be used as a cold source.
- Foods that need to be kept cold include raw meat, poultry, and seafood; deli and luncheon meats or sandwiches; summer salads (tuna, chicken, egg, pasta, or seafood); cut up fruit and vegetables; and perishable dairy products.
- A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one. When using a cooler, keep it out of the direct sun by placing it in the shade or shelter.
- Avoid opening the cooler repeatedly so that your food stays colder longer.
When cooking on the grill:
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat items like vegetables or bread.
- Keep perishable food cold until it is ready to cook.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure meat and poultry are cooked thoroughly to their safe minimum internal temperatures
- Beef, Pork, Lamb, & Veal (steaks, roasts, and chops): 145 °F with a 3 minute rest time
- Ground meats: 160 °F
- Whole poultry, poultry breasts, & ground poultry: 165 °F
- Always use a fresh, clean plate and tongs for serving cooked food. Never reuse items that touched raw meat or poultry to serve the food once it is cooked.
When serving food outdoors:
- Perishable food should not sit out for more than two hours. In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should NEVER sit out for more than one hour.
- Serve cold food in small portions, and keep the rest in the cooler. After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served – at 140 °F or warmer.
- Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook.
Milestone Reached In Rebuilding Of Tornado Ravaged 114 Year Old Century Church
July 4, 2018
A milestone was reached Tuesday in the rebuilding of a church damaged beyond repair in a February 15, 2016, EF-3 tornado in Century when the cupola with a cross on placed on top.
Pensacola architect Carter Quina designed the new church to look much like the old building. It will include windows, pews, light fixtures, woodwork and more salvaged from the old church.
The Century United Methodist Church was built in 1902, just after Century was established by The Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company. It was constructed of virgin long leaf pine, with interior detail and finish that created a reverent place for worship.
For over 114 years, the sanctuary helped to provide comfort and inspiration to Century residents with weekly services, as well as special occasions such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Time took its toll on the familiar old building, along with a fire and hurricanes. The February 15, 2016, EF-3 tornado that struck Century dealt a blow from which the building could not be recovered. Many architectural details were salvaged before the structure had to be dismantled.
A groundbreaking was held in late January; church members hope to be in the new church building by Christmas. Meanwhile, they are continuing to meet in their Annex Building across the street.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Offers Fireworks Safety Tips
July 4, 2018
Escambia County is offering fireworks safety tips to make the most out of the holiday.
Most fireworks are illegal in the state of Florida. It is unlawful for any person to set off fireworks without a permit. A good rule of thumb is if it flies or explodes, it is not legal in Florida. Using illegal fireworks is a first-degree misdemeanor and is a crime punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
What is illegal in Florida?
- Personal aerial fireworks
- Personal explosive fireworks
- According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause an average of 18,500 reported fires each year. Sparklers account for roughly 25 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries.
- There were four firework-related deaths in 2016, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2016.
What is legal in Florida?
- Over 2,000 state approved sparklers, trick noise makers, and fountains. These products have “emits a fountain or shower of sparks” on the package. These are legal anytime of the year. Read the approved list here.
- Permitted public fireworks displays
The safest way to enjoy fireworks with your family is to enjoy a public fireworks show.
If you decide to celebrate the Fourth of July at home with sparklers, it’s important to know sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Here are some helpful tips to minimize your chance of accident or injury:
- Only purchase state approved sparklers from licensed vendors.
- Prior to use, be sure to read and follow all warnings and instructions.
- Only light sparklers on a flat smooth surface away from combustible materials. Do not light them on grass.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose on hand for emergencies.
- Never have any portion of your body directly over the sparkler when lighting the fuse.
- Never allow children to play or use any sparkler or novelty device without supervision.
- Do not use any unwrapped item that may have been tampered with.
- Light only one item at a time and never attempt to re-light a “dud.” Discard of all products safely.
- Submerge used and “dud” sparklers in water prior to placing in household trash receptacles.
Fireworks: Terrifying For Pets
July 4, 2018
Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of fireworks with celebration. As a result, fireworks can cause a great deal of stress for some pets. Unexpected behavior may be displayed by your pet while trying to escape from the loud noises including jumping a fence to find safety, running away or “flight from fright,” destruction of yard or household items and biting. Please follow these tips:
- Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
- Do not leave your pet in the car while you watch a fireworks display. In only a matter of minutes, the heat in a car can cause serious health problems or even death. A stressed animal can also cause major damage to the interior of your car.
- Be mindful of hot asphalt and sand. Keeping your dog on hot asphalt or sand even for short periods of time can cause severe burns to the pads of their feet.
- Keep pets indoors. Turn on the TV or radio as a distraction and close the curtains.
- Never leave pets unattended outside, not even in a fenced yard or on a chain, if you are near a fireworks display or if your neighbors are lighting small fireworks. They may try to run away or become tangled up in their chain.
- Provide a pet bed or crate in a quiet place to create a small den-like atmosphere and a sense of security.
- If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
- Make sure your pet has proper identification tags with current information in case they run away.
- If your pet often becomes stressed during periods of loud noise like thunderstorms, check with your veterinarian to see if a tranquilizer is appropriate for your pet.
Shelters often see an increase in lost pets after fireworks displays. If your pet becomes lost, post and search for lost pets at myescambia.com/animalshelter or call 850-595-3075.
Pensacola’s White Drops $2.77 Million On Attorney General Race
July 4, 2018
Former Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Ashley Moody continues to post six-figure contribution totals, while her opponent in the Republican primary for attorney general, state Rep. Frank White, has started to dig into his campaign treasury to pay for ads, new finance reports show.
On the Democratic side of the race to replace term-limited Attorney General Pam Bondi, Rep. Sean Shaw of Tampa maintains a big lead in the fundraising contest over Ryan Torrens, a lawyer from Hillsborough County.
White, a Pensacola Republican, spent more than $1 million, mostly on advertising, from June 1 to June 22, while raising $84,200, according to campaign finance reports posted on the state Division of Elections website.
White released a pair of commercials last month that are part of a statewide TV ad buy that is expected to run up to the Aug. 28 primary. The first criticizes politicians, liberal judges and elites that “threaten the Constitution and mock our values.” The second ad highlights White’s pro-life stance and support for the National Rifle Association and President Donald Trump.
White, who serves as general counsel and chief financial officer for the chain of Sandy Sansing auto dealerships, has put $2.77 million of his own money into the race.
White had about $2.4 million on hand as of June 22.
Of the $84,200 raised between June 1 and June 22, $39,000 came from other auto dealerships and real estate companies tied to those dealerships.
Braman auto dealerships and real estate companies in South Florida accounted for $24,000.
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Walk Off In Stunning Fashion
July 4, 2018
The Wahoos mounted a late-game comeback in the bottom of the ninth inning as they defeated the Mississippi Braves 4-3 in Tuesday night’s ballgame at Blue Wahoos Stadium in front of a sellout crowd.
Pensacola entered the ninth inning trailing Mississippi 3-0. The Braves looked to Adam McCreery to secure the win for them in the inning. McCreery issued a leadoff walk to Gavin LaValley to start the inning. With one out from a Chris Okey fly out to center field, McCreery then threw a wild pitch to Taylor Sparks that put LaValley on second base. Sparks reached on a throwing error by McCreery that moved LaValley to third. McCreery was relieved by Chad Sobotka after he hit TJ Friedl with a pitch, to have the bases loaded for the Wahoos. Jose Siri got the Wahoos on the board with a sac fly to left field that scored LaValley to cut the lead to 3-1. Shed Long came to the plate and smashed a line drive RBI single that plated Taylor Sparks to make it a one-run game. With Mitch Nay batting, Sobotka threw a wild pitch that scored Friedl from third. M-Braves catcher Carlos Martinez tried to throw Friedl out at the plate, but his errant throw went up the first base line and Long scrambled around all the way from first to score the winning run.
Despite not factoring in the decision, Mississippi starter Bryse Wilson had a solid outing for the M-Braves. The Braves prospect pitched seven shutout innings allowing one walk, five hits, and a season-high nine strikeouts.
The Wahoos head to Montgomery Wednesday to battle the Biscuits in a four-game road trip. Daniel Wright (3-5, 4.23) will open the series for Pensacola, and RHP Benton Moss (1-2, 3.42) will take the hill for Montgomery
Showers And Thunderstorms For The Fourth
July 4, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Independence Day: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Unclaimed Lottery Ticket Sold On Chemstrand Road Set To Expire
July 4, 2018
The Florida Lottery today announced that a Fantasy 5 top prize-winning ticket worth $68,629.86 sold on Chemstand Road remains unclaimed. The 180-day deadline to claim the top prize is Tuesday, July 10 at 11 p.m.
The winning Fantasy 5 numbers for the January 11, 2018, drawing were: 02 – 13 – 19 – 27 – 28
The winning Quick Pick ticket was sold at 6 Brothers, located at 8702 Chemstrand Road. Players who may have purchased a Fantasy 5 ticket at this retail location are encouraged to check their tickets from the January 11 drawing.
While any Florida Lottery retailer can validate the winning ticket, the Fantasy 5 top prize must be claimed at a Florida Lottery District Office or at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Judy Elaine Thompson
July 4, 2018
Judy Elaine Thompson 66, of Atmore, AL. passed away July 3, 2018 surrounded by her family and friends. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend and she will be dearly missed by all. She was born on November 3, 1951 in Atmore, AL. to the late Odell Donaldson and Sylvia Joan Strawbridge Johnson. She was a member of the McRae Street United Methodist Church. She was retired from Vanity Fair Mills. After retirement she owned a home day care for over 10 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Joe Johnson, brother in law Bill Phillips, nephew Chad Phillips and stepbrother Jim Johnson.
She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years Clark Duval Thompson of Atmore, AL, two sons Shayne Godwin (Ashley Harris) of Spanish Fort, AL, Blake Godwin (Marie Connors) of Bay Minette, AL, four daughters Shelley (Billy) Donald of Atmore, AL, Hope (Shawn) Lassiter of Atmore, AL, Courtney (Chris) Harrison of Atmore, AL, Valerie (Mychal) Reddix of Atmore, AL, a brother Gary Donaldson of Atmore, AL. and sisters Peggy Phillips of Atmore, AL, Patty (Gerald Parmer) of Huxford, AL, Marilyn (Danny) Stone of Birmingham, AL, sister in law Sheila Donaldson, grandchildren Megan, Caitlyn, Hannah, Baylie, Natalie, Eli, Sydnie, Kylie, Meredith, Harper, Riley, Julian, Cam, Sebastian and three great grandchildren Nikko, Aurora and Odin.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 6, 2018 at 3 PM from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Kenny Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Flomaton Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Brandon Phillips, Michael Donaldson, Steven Donaldson, Eli Godwin, Paxton Hobbs and Gary Bailey.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 6, 2018 from 2 PM until service time at 3 PM from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Active pallbearers will be Brandon Phillips, Michael Donaldson, Steven Donaldson, Eli Godwin, Paxton Hobbs and Gary Bailey.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 6, 2018 from 2 PM until service time at 3 PM from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.