AAA Urges Thanksgiving Drivers To Ensure Their Vehicle Is Ready For The Road
November 27, 2024
Millions of Americans will hit the road this Thanksgiving. Yet some may travel in a vehicle that isn’t ready for an extended road trip.
AAA estimates 400,000 Americans will need roadside assistance during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The three most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.
“Most vehicle problems like these could be prevented with a pre-trip vehicle inspection,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Before you hit the road this Thanksgiving, make sure to check everything from the battery to the tires. That could make the difference between spending Thanksgiving at the table or on the roadside.”
TOP 5 ITEMS ON A VEHICLE CHECKLIST
- Tires
- Battery
- Brakes
- Fluids
- Wiper Blades
TIRES ARE MOST IMPORTANT
If neglected, tires could create serious consequences – ranging from a simple flat to a dangerous blowout on the highway. In 2020, there were 3,069 tire-related crashes in Florida, resulting in 184 serious bodily insures and 61 fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Check your tires once a month, at minimum, and before taking a long trip.
Inspect all four tires. Since some new vehicles don’t come with a spare tire, know whether you have one and if it’s inflated too. Look for cuts, gouges or sidewall bulges. Drivers should pay special attention to both tire inflation pressure and tire tread depth:
- Check Tire Inflation Pressure – Check tire pressure when the car has been idle and tires are cool. Inflate as needed to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. You will find it listed in the owner’s manual and on the sticker on the driver side door. Do NOT use the number on the tire sidewall.
- Check Tire Tread Depth – Insert a quarter upside down into the grooves. If you see the top of George Washington’s head, it is time for new tires. Be sure to check in multiple spots across your tire to diagnose any uneven wear patterns.
BATTERIES ARE VULNERABLE TO TEMPERATURE CHANGES
Changes in temperature can take a toll on your car battery. Have a service professional do a battery check to determine remaining capacity.
Symptoms of a dying battery include:
- Car hesitates or slowly cranks when you’re trying to start it
- A grinding, clicking or buzzing sound when you turn the ignition
- Dim headlights, especially when your car is idling
- The battery warning light is illuminated
- Corrosion, cracks or bulges on your battery
OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS IN YOUR VEHICLE CHECKLIST
- Brakes – Listen to and feel the brakes – If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection.
- Top off engine oil and other fluids – Check that engine oil, coolant, brake, transmission and power steering fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual.
- Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield cleaner – Rubber wiper blades naturally deteriorate over time. If wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with fluid formulated to remove insects and other debris, and test to make sure the nozzles spray adequately.
- Replenish emergency kit supplies – AAA recommends keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a cellphone charger, flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves and shop rags or paper towels.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE BREAKS DOWN
- Pull off the road to a safe place
- Turn on emergency flashers to notify other drivers
- Call for roadside assistance
- Stay with your vehicle, unless it is unsafe to do so
Traffic Stop Leads To Two Arrests On Drug Charges
November 27, 2024
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office traffic stop led to the arrest of two people on drug charges.
A deputy stopped a silver Kia Optima on W Street for a traffic violation during which narcotics were observed in plain view. ECSO said a search of the vehicle yielded methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Daquarius Dashawn Bell, 30, was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, and possession of marijuana. Jaden Rae King, 21, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bell remained in the Escambia County jail without bond, while King was jailed with bond set at $3,000.
Pictured below: A labeled photo provided by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office showing drugs allegedly seized after a traffic stop. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Minnie Hartley Webb
November 27, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce our Beloved Matriarch, Minnie Hartley Webb, known affectionately as “Granny,” passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 24, 2024, while surrounded by her loving family. Seven and a half months after the love of her life, her husband, our Grandaddy, Edward G. Webb, unexpectedly passed away, our Granny, Minnie H. Webb, and our Grandaddy, are now reunited and rejoicing together in Heaven.
Minnie was born on May 3, 1937, in Greenville, Alabama to the late Frank and Evie Lee Hartley. Minnie and the love of her life, her husband, Edward G. Webb, resided in Molino, Florida, where she was a cherished member of the community. Minnie’s life was one marked by her dedication to her faith and the Lord and to her family. She was the most kind-hearted, woman of God, and loving person you would ever meet. She taught her family to walk with the Lord and work for Him. She instilled values in each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to work hard and pray for everything. She instilled strength in each of us by the way she lived.
Minnie is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Evie Lee Adams Hartley; brothers, Joe Hartley, Haywood Hartley, and Jerry Hartley; sisters, Ruby Beasley, Evelyn Knox, and Barbara Lowery; by the love of her life, her devoted husband, Edward G. Webb, and by her oldest daughter, Deborah Webb Weaver, and her husband, son-in-law, Jimmy Weaver.
Minnie was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Edward G. Webb; and at the time of his passing in April 2024, they had been married for just a few months shy of 70 years. Together, Minnie and Edward built a life rich in love, faith, and family. The love that Minnie and Edward had for one another was extraordinary and the kind of love that we all should strive to have.
Together they raised three children and helped in raising all of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Minnie’s faith and unconditional love for her family were cornerstones in her life. Minnie leaves behind a legacy of her faith-driven life and love for her family, including her children and their spouses–David and Judy Webb and Donna and Tony Garrison. She also leaves behind six grandchildren and their spouses—Wesley and Tiffany McAnally, Ashley and Michael Rhodes, Patricia and Bobby Dix, Josh and Amie Webb, Patrick and Shay Garrison, and Jacob and Caitlyn Garrison. Minnie also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren that she loved to spoil and brag about to everyone. Her great-grandchildren are: Ethan McAnally, Delaney McAnally, Brystal Rhodes, Brodie Rhodes, Brennan Dix, Ian Dix, Kiley Webb, Levi Webb, Mia Garrison, Kayson Garrison, Natalyia Harris, Reese Garrison, and Reagan Garrison. Minnie also leaves behind one brother-law, Melvin Lowery; two sisters-in law, Christine Hartley and Harriet Hartley, as well as a multitude of other extended family members and friends.
Minnie was a long-time member of Highland Baptist Church in Molino, Florida. Minnie’s faith and devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was a foundation of her life and was a testament that she passed on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Minnie was a homemaker, and loved taking care of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren throughout their lives. Minnie had a love for cooking and baking, which she passed down to everyone who entered her kitchen. She loved watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren cooking/baking and enjoying the family recipes that had been passed down through the generations. Minnie also loved to sew, and it was a true blessing to receive a handmade gift from her.
A service to honor Minnie’s life will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Highland Baptist Church (6240 County Hwy 95A, Molino, Florida), with Faith Chapel North, overseeing the services. Family visitation and viewing will begin at 10:30 AM; Open visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM; and the Celebration of Life service will follow, beginning at 12:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to attend and share memories and celebrate Minnie’s life. Burial will be in Highland Baptist Church Cemetery, immediately following the Celebration of Life Services. Speakers at the service will include Highland’s Pastor, Josh Helton, and Bro. Brad Johnson.
Pallbearers will be: Wesley McAnally, Josh Webb, Patrick Garrison, Jacob Garrison, Ethan McAnally, and Brodie Rhodes.
Honorary Pallbearers will be her great-grandsons: Brennan Dix, Ian Dix, and Levi Webb.
Ms. Minnie H. Webb will be remembered as a devoted Christian, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her stories, wisdom, and warmth of her company will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to Ms. Minnie’s grandson, Josh Webb, his wife Amie Webb, and their children, Kiley and Levi Webb, for taking such great care of Granny for the last several months. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for the exceptional care Granny received during the last few months of her life.
James Cameron Gibbs
November 27, 2024
James Cameron Gibbs, known as Cameron Gibbs, 35 years old, Monday, November 25, 2024. He was born in Pensacola, FL to his parents, Kenneth E. Gibbs and Christina Dempsey on November 02, 1989.
James attended J.M. Tate High, Woodham High, P.J.C., and George Stone Technical Collage.
As an adult, James enjoyed attending Transformation Church of Pensacola and Crossfaith Church of Molino.
James Cameron Gibbs first was a lover, he loved hard and was very passionate about everything he did. James loved his family, he loved kids and animals, he would love a stranger if given the chance. He would share his music with everyone, there was never a quiet moment around Cameron, and he made sure of it! It was like a disco ball walked into the room whenever he arrived, and he would make sure that everyone would be the life of the party. Although his life may have been cut short, he had the biggest heart. If you were lucky enough to meet Cameron, you instantly knew he was a genuine person.
He is preceded by his grandfather, E.J. Gibbs, Jr.; and his brother, Grover Zack Prive, IV.
James is survived by his father, Kenneth E. (Sherlyn Franklin) Gibbs; mother, Christina (Joel Williams) Dempsey, brothers, Jerrod (Melody Berens) Gibbs, Richard “Ricky” (Corey Simmons) Gibbs, Caylen Dempsey, and Taylor (Karley) Price; sister, Carley Dempsey; and his best friend and pet, Bella.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., at the Barrineau Park Depot (6499 Old Depot Road, Molino, FL 32577.) John Daniel will be officiating.
Cameron enjoyed showing Steers at the Pensacola State Fair, playing musical instruments, singing, and playing with all children. He will be missed by many.
We love you so much and there will never be another person to love us like you did.
We thank God for allowing us to live amongst an angel for all these years.
Farm-City: Volunteers Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner For 1,000 Needy Families (With Gallery)
November 26, 2024
Monday, students and volunteers from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties worked in fields near Jay to harvest vegetables that will help feed 1,000 needy families this week for Thanksgiving.
The event at the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center is part of Farm to City Week, bringing the bounty of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences farm to the needy of the city.
The students were from agricultural programs and organizations that included FFA members from local schools .
The produce will be distributed to 500 families in Escambia County and 500 more in Santa Rosa County along with a turkey or ham and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal from Feeding the Gulf Coast and the Waterfront Rescue Mission. The food will be distributed Tuesday at the Brownsville Community Center on West DeSoto Street from 9 a.m. until noon. Another distribution will take place Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon at the Milton Community Center at 5629 Byron Street. Both distributions first come, first served with up to two families per vehicle. No walk-ups.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
When Will New ‘Paper Park’ At Former IP Golf Course Open?
November 26, 2024
Construction is continuing at a new park to be known as “Paper Park” on the 68-acre former International Paper golf course in Cantonment. An official opening date for the park is expected in January.
In April, Escambia County leased the property at Highway 29 and Muscogee Road to develop it into a park.
Walking trails have been constructed around the park, and playgrounds have been installed. When we stopped by Sunday morning, several families were already using the playground.
The Escambia County Commission approved the purchase of a play structure and 704 square feet recreational shelter with tables for the property. The total was $369,775.76 for purchase and installation of the GameTime equipment. The recreational area will be open to the public free of charge during daylight hours once completed and opened.
The purchase is being funded from the Cantonment Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
Under the lease agreement for, Escambia County will pay a $5,000 lease fee the first year with an annual increase of 5% with the lease reading $6,077.53 by year five.
The Champion Golf Club course has been closed since 2017.
Pictured: The new Paper Park in Cantonment as seen Sunday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Atmore Police Charge Cantonment Man With Drug Trafficking
November 26, 2024
A Cantonment man was charged with trafficking methamphetamine after a traffic stop in Atmore.
Scott Foley, 53, was charged with drug trafficking and booked into the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center.
The Atmore Police Department stopped a vehicle on Highway 21 due to a license plate registration violation.
The driver, later identified as Foley, acted suspiciously and a K-9 unit was called. Police said the K-9 alerted on the vehicle, leading to the discover over 72 grams of methamphetamine, according to Atmore Police.
Low Near 50 Tonight
November 26, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night: Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thanksgiving Day: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 55. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 57.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 52.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.
Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Declines But Remains Higher Than Pre-Pandemic Levels, Farm Bureau Says
November 26, 2024
Cooking a Thanksgiving feast for your friends and family will cost less than last year but will still be more expensive than before the pandemic. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for 10, which is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person.
This is a 5% decrease from 2023, which was 4.5% lower than 2022. Two years of declines don’t erase dramatic increases that led to a record high cost of $64.06 in 2022. Despite the encouraging momentum, a Thanksgiving meal is still 19% higher than it was in 2019, which highlights the impact inflation has had on food prices – and farmers’ costs – since the pandemic.
The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – helped bring down the overall cost of dinner. The average price for a 16-pound turkey is $25.67. That is $1.68 per pound, down 6% from last year.
Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices Nov. 1-7, before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, the average per-pound feature price for whole frozen turkeys declined further during the second week of November. Consumers who have not yet purchased a turkey may find additional savings in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
“The turkey is traditionally the main attraction on the Thanksgiving table and is typically the most expensive part of the meal,” said AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson. “The American turkey flock is the smallest it’s been since 1985 because of avian influenza, but overall demand has also fallen, resulting in lower prices at the grocery store for families planning a holiday meal.”
The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream, all in quantities sufficient to serve a gathering of 10.
Most ingredients in the survey saw a decline in prices, including fresh vegetables. The drop in prices reflects price volatility in crops this year. The cost of whole milk dropped more than 14%. Favorable weather contributed to the decline in milk pricing. It is important to note, however, that milk prices vary significantly between regions in the U.S.
Items like dinner rolls and cubed stuffing both saw an 8% increase because higher labor costs, among other drivers, are increasing the cost of processed food. Cranberry prices increased almost 12% year-over-year. In 2023, cranberries had the second largest decrease in price of any products in our basket at 18%. The increase this year puts cranberry prices closer to historic norms and, excluding last year, is the least expensive year since 2015.
“We should all be thankful that we live in a country with such an abundant food supply,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We are seeing modest improvements in the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for a second year, but America’s families, including farm families, are still being hurt by high inflation.”
“America has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world. In order to maintain that, we need a strong farm bill which enables Americans to pursue their dreams without worrying about feeding their families,” Duvall said. “A new farm bill with a modernized safety net to support those who raise crops and livestock ensures farmers can survive tough economic times and continue to supply food for America’s families, not just for the holidays, but year-round.”
In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also includes boneless ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, in an expanded menu. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $19.26, to $77.34.
This year’s national average cost was calculated using surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or combined purchase deals.
The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
Individual Prices
16-pound turkey: $25.67 or $1.68 per pound (down 6.1%)
14-ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $4.08 (up 8.2%)
2 frozen pie crusts: $3.40 (down 2.9%)
Half pint of whipping cream: $1.81 (up 4.7%)
1 pound of frozen peas: $1.73 (down 8.1%)
1 dozen dinner rolls: $4.16 (up 8.4%)
Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.75 (down 5.1%)
30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.15 (down 6.5%)
1 gallon of whole milk: $3.21 (down 14.3%)
3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $2.93 (down 26.2%)
1-pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): $.84 (down 6.4%)
12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.35 (up 11.8%)
AFBF analysis revealed regional differences in the cost of the meal. The cost for the classic meal was the most affordable in the South at $56.81.
Give Blood Today At The Century Library
November 26, 2024
The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be at the Century Branch Library Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
All blood donors will receive a $20 egift card, six OneBlood reusable cups, and a wellness checkup that includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and a cholesterol screening.
The Century Branch Library is located at 7991 North Century Boulevard.
A second Big Red Bus will also be at the Main Library, 239 Spring Street in Pensacola from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.