Photo Gallery: Combined Armed Forces, Memorial Day Parade
May 16, 2010
A combined Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day parade was held Saturday in Atmore. The parade honored those that have served, or are serving, in the armed forces.
The parade featured floats with area veterans; bands from Northview High, Escambia County High, Flomaton High and Ernest Ward Middle schools; ROTC units from Escambia County High and Northview High; motorcyle riders, the Ernest Ward Middle School Drama Team and more.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the parade, click here.
Pictured above: The Ernest Ward Middle School Drama Team reenact the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. Pictured inset: Merrilene Garret, chaplain of VFW Post 7016 smiles as she rides a float. Pictured below: A group of veterans ride in Atmore’s combined Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day parade Saturday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Competes In Horse, Livestock Judging At State Fair
May 16, 2010
The Northview High School FFA horse and livestock judging teams competed at the Florida State Fair in Tampa. The members of the Horse Judging team were Heather Kite, Stephanie Solari, Brittany Thompson, and Dillian Crutchfield. Members of the Livestock Judging Team were Micah Byars, Lydia Weaver, Allie Vidak, and Brandon Chambless.
Pictured above: (L-R) Heather Kite, Stephaine Solari, Dillion Crutchfield, Alli Vidak, Brandon Chambless, Courtney Solari, Micah Byars, Brittany Thompson, and Lydia Weaver. In back: FFA Sponsor Perry Byars. Pictured below: Students judge. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Unusual And Entertaining Sights Found In Local Oak Trees
May 15, 2010
Local oak trees are putting on a show this year. Loaded with thousands of flower tassels or catkins, some say that the pollen is as bad as they have seen. Look closely however, and you’ll see more than just a pollen-laden tree.
Green acrobatic caterpillars
If you’ve been walking or raking under local oaks, then you’ve probably noticed the small green caterpillars performing acrobatic moves on thin whips of silken thread. If you haven’t noticed them, then probably someone has had to pick a caterpillar off your shirt or out of your hair.
Hundreds of these little caterpillars are hanging from panhandle oaks. What are they? While many will call them inchworms after their characteristic looping gait, they are technically called oak leafrollers.
Oak leafrollers are the larval forms of an earthy-colored moth. The moth lays masses of 40 to 50 eggs at the base of large branches and rough bark patches on both tree trunks and limbs. These eggs begin hatching in early spring and the caterpillars begin eating the leaves.
While they can eat an abundance of oak leaves, don’t worry. A little defoliation will not seriously harm a large oak tree.
Galls galore
Abnormally large round growths can be seen on many leaves of local oaks. These swellings are known as galls. While a variety of living organisms, including insects, mites, bacteria, and fungi are capable of causing galls, oak galls are typically caused by insects called gall wasps.
The tiny gall wasp begins the gall making process in early spring by piercing a selected tree part with its egg laying device and depositing an egg inside the plant tissue. Fluids deposited with the egg cause the plant cell multiplication process to begin. The larva that hatches from the egg produces additional substances that maintain and control cell division. The larva develops within a cavity inside the gall, feeding on material produced in the cavity lining. At maturity, the larva transforms into a pupa, and later becomes an adult that chews its way out of the gall. By causing the tree to form a gall, the gall wasp has provided food and shelter for its offspring.
Most galls are not harmful to oak trees. A healthy tree can support numerous galls without being seriously harmed.
Blisters erupt
If the caterpillars and gall wasps aren’t enough, a disease is also causing some unattractive leaves on local oaks.
Oak leaf blister is caused by a fungus. Early in the spring as leaves begin to expand, the fungus causes small, rough (concave, convex) spots. Gradually, the spots thicken and become pale green in color. Older spots are generally brown to greenish brown. Several blisters may merge, forcing the leaf to curl and can cause premature defoliation.
Because the oak leaf blister does not seriously affect the overall health of the tree, chemical control measures are usually not recommended. Collecting and disposing of the leaves as they drop may be of some benefit in reducing the inoculum for the following spring.
Local oaks are offering several interesting sights. All of the above issues will typically only cause leaves to look strange or unattractive. The trees themselves are not usually harmed by these strange and entertaining sights.
For more information, contact Theresa Friday at 850-623-3868 or email tlfriday@ufl.edu. Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Courtesy photos by Theresa Friday for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NorthEscambia.com Photos: The Final Launch Of Space Shuttle Atlantis
May 15, 2010
Space shuttle Atlantis launched Friday afternoon on its final planned mission.
The STS-132 launch put Atlantis in pursuit of its target, the International Space Station. Atlantis lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center right on time at 2:20 p.m. EDT, rising into a picture-perfect Florida sky and capping a relatively problem-free countdown.
“It was an amazing experience,” said Melissa Aiken Rawson of Cantonment who took the photos on this page for NorthEscambia.com. “It was great to be a part of that history.”
“Launch was just phenomenal,” said Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier during a postlaunch news conference. He cited the launch and processing teams’ hard work in preparing Atlantis for liftoff, even with a tighter timeframe after the vehicle’s rollout to Launch Pad 39A was delayed in late April due to weather.
“The teams stayed focused, they kept moving forward and they just did a great job,” Gerstenmaier added. “The vehicle looks like it’s in really good shape. We’re ready to go do the very challenging mission in front of us.”
Atlantis’ on-time liftoff followed a countdown remarkably free of problems. A small stress fracture spotted on an umbilical strut during the vehicle’s final inspection is not unusual, according to Mike Moses, chair of the prelaunch Mission Management Team. Moses also mentioned an issue that was brought up during the countdown’s final hold, concerning a ball bearing found days earlier in the shuttle’s payload bay. The bearing was determined to likely be a part of a camera system, and was ultimately ruled out as a concern.
And although weather is a frequent prelaunch topic at the Florida launch site, the day started out with a 70 percent “go” forecast, which improved to 90 percent “go” by launch time.
“It was a great launch today,” said Launch Director Mike Leinbach. “I’m very, very proud of the team. It’s the start of a good mission.
During the 12-day flight, Atlantis and six astronauts will fly to the International Space Station, leaving behind a Russian Mini Research Module, a set of batteries for the station’s truss and dish antenna, along with other replacement parts. Atlantis’ 32nd flight is scheduled to last 12 days and include three spacewalks and extensive robotics work.
Saturday, the six astronauts will survey the shuttle’s heat shield, checkout the spacesuits for the upcoming spacewalks and prepare for docking to the International Space Station on Sunday.
NASA astronaut Ken Ham commands an all-veteran flight crew: Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Michael Good, Garrett Reisman, Piers Sellers and Steve Bowen.
Pictured top and inset: The final flight of space shuttle Atlantis lifts off from Kennedy Space Center Friday afternoon. Pictured below: The crew of STS-132 as they head toward the launch pad. NorthEscambia.com photos by Melissa Aiken Rawson, click to enlarge.
Tate High AJROTC Places In State Drill Competition
May 14, 2010
The J.M. Tate High School AJROTC Drill Team recently participated in the Florida State Drill Competition in Lakeland, Florida. This year’s competition was one the largest and most competitive with more than 80 teams in attendance.
The Tate “Aggies” placed well in each of their events, and proudly displayed the culmination of their hard work. The Regulation Armed Squad had the top scores for the battalion, placing 9th out of 35 teams. The Male Individual Drill placed 12th, Regulation Armed Platoon and Exhibition Armed Squad both placed 14th, Regulation Unarmed Platoon placed 20th, and Dual Male Drill placed 21st.
The teams competed for trophies and a place in the National Drill Competition. The young men and women were commended for their positive attitudes and unrivaled display of teamwork. Meanwhile, the cadets returning to the AJROTC program are dedicated to improving their skills in hopes of obtaining even higher rankings next year.
For more Tate AJROTC photos from regional and state drill meets, click here.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Cornbread’ Named Inspirational Hero
May 13, 2010
Cornbread is an inspirational hero — as most everyone around Northview High School knows.
Chris Moorer — also known as Cornbread — was named an inspirational hero by Cox Gulf Coast during their 16th annual Inspirational Student Hero Celebration Tuesday night. The event honors students that have faced significant challenges, including the loss of their parents, physical illness, handicaps and language barriers.
“Chris is the type of student every student and teacher knows at school. He brings smiles, compliments, and cheers to everyone’s day. He is a hard worker in class and takes pride with his job at school. Chris was awarded the Most School Spirit Award for this school year,” Northview reading teacher Natalie Nall said about Chris.
According to the event program, “Chris has brought smiles to the halls of Northview and into the lives of the school personnel and students. His proudest success is being able to complete his assignments. He is also very proud that he has learned not to be easily influenced and to take responsibility for his actions.”
Chris, a senior, was also awarded this year’s Most School Spirit Award at Northview.
Other North Escambia area students that received the Cox Inspirational Hero award were Tashima Talton of Cantonment, Escambia Charter School; Sarah Martin, Jim Allen Elementary; Jon Walker, Ransom Middle School; and Rebeccah Elizabeth Godwin, Tate High School.
Pictured above: Chris Moorer, also known as Cornbread, poses for pictures at the Cox Gulf Coast 16th annual Inspirational Student Hero Celebration. Pictured below: About 40 students were honored at the event. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Memorial Held For Pedestrian Killed Last Week
May 13, 2010
Friends and family gathered at his favorite fishing spot on Pensacola Beach Wednesday night to remember Billy G. Beck III.
Beck, 23, was walking on New Chemstrand Road May 6 when he was struck by at least three vehicles. The driver of the first vehicle to strike Beck fled the scene and has not yet been located by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Family members said that by sharing the photos here on NorthEscambia.com, they hope that it will show that Beck was loved and the amount of pain his death has caused his family. They hope that someone will step forward with information that will lead to the arrest of the unknown driver.
For more photos from the service, click here.
Billy Beck III is survived by his parents, Billy Jr. & Cathy Beck; brothers, Victor (Desiree) and Austin Beck; grandparents, C.A. & Mildred Longo; aunts & uncles, James Beck, Darlene Thompson, Susan Fonté, Anthony Longo and Charles Longo; his girlfriend, Jesseca Madrid; and close friends, Jason Fetters, Clint Wooten & Cami Wooten and a host of other family and friends.
“Superman loved to draw and fish the Bob Sikes Bridge, Ft. Pickens and area ponds and creeks. One can imagine that he’s finally found that perfect fishing hole,” his obituary stated.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Beck was walking northbound on the paved portion of New Chemstrand Road just south of 10 Mile Road when he was struck by a northbound vehicle. That vehicle fled the scene.
Beck was then struck by the front undercarriage of vehicle driven by Devin J. Poe, 18, of Cantonment. Poe and passenger in his vehicle, Joshua F. Valentine, 18, of Pensacola, were not injured.
A third vehicle, driven by Julian J. Donato, 24, of Pace, then struck Beck.
Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation, according to the FHP.
The FHP said they have no information or description of the vehicle that fled the scene. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Cpl. Michael J. Tucker at the Florida Highway Patrol Station in Pensacola, (850) 484-5000 ext.331.
Pictured top: A memorial service Billy G. Beck III of Cantonment was held Wednesday night on Pensacola Beach. for Pictured inset: Parents Billy Jr. & Cathy Beck. Pictured below: Brothers Victor and Austin Beck. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Close Call? Pictures Appear To Show Blimp Almost Hitting Water Tower
May 12, 2010
Pictures we shot over the weekend appears to show the Wind Creek Casino blimp hitting a radio antenna on top of a water tower in Walnut Hill. The pictures, shot with a zoom lens from nearly a mile away, are optical illusions; the blimp was simply passing behind and above the water tower. The series of photos at the top (L-R) shows the blimp passing the tower. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mother’s Day: Meet Several Local Moms
May 9, 2010
Happy Mother’s Day! NorthEscambia.com invited our readers to submit stories about their mothers. We’ve selected a few and included them below.
If you would like to tell your mom’s story, or just wish her a Happy Mother’s Day, please do so in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Debbie Adcock, Barrineau Park
submitted by Tracy Adcock
How do you describe the best mother in 300 words or less? Let’s try this. My mom has been the rock in my life that refuses to move no matter what storm blows through. She is always there for me whether I want her there or not! She is a phenomenal mom to my other siblings. She also takes care of my grandmother. With so many depending on her she is always positive and always there to give of herself no matter what she is going through. I am so proud of everything she’s done and accomplished. I’ve been truly blessed to have such a wonderful lady in my life and to top it off she’s my mother too.
When going through life feeling battered and bruised,
She’s been the constant that’s helped me through.
She’s the first one to me and the last to go,
She’d be there in the fury of rain or blinding snow.
She’ll tell me when I’m wrong and she’ll tell me when I’m right,
And when I need a hug she’ll be there to hold me tight.
She’s always been someone on whom I can depend,
From the moment of conception till the very end.
She is the one and only, above her is no other
She is my very own, uniquely mine, my mother.
Yes, I’ve through a few words and rhymes out there about my mom, but there are really no words that can describe what she truly means to me. I am thankful to be able to have a mom that cared enough about me to see me through everything in my life and always behind me pushing me to do my best. There are a lot of awesome moms out there….I just happen to think I have the best.
Pictured top: Mom Debbie Adcock, granny Mary Ann, sister Amy, Tracy, and sister Tiffany and on the bottom is brother Jesse.
Willie Jean Edwards, Bratt
submitted by Brandi Edwards
My mother in-law is like no other mother that I know. She has been my inspiration for 10 blessed years. I know I would not be the wife or the mother without her encouraging me and helping me. Our family has had a lot of trials through these 10 years but its her faith and trusting in Jesus Christ that has got this family through all the ups and downs.
She is a very quite woman but her actions speak loudly. She loves the Lord with all her heart.
She is a Proverbs 31 woman through and through. People that know her will agree. She has a lot to teach people if they would listen. Her husband,children and grandchildren praise her in all she does and says. I pray I can be that mother to my children as she has to me.
She respects her husband as she has worked beside him over 40 years. She has good business skills, loving,compassionate,you can trust her,she is kind, she has a lot of wisdom, she loves her kids and grandkids. She prays and is faithful. She is a beautiful woman inside and out.
I’m glad I have this opportunity to honor (Willie Jean Edwards).
Mamma,thank you so much for loving me and believing in me. I love you so much. Happy Blessed Mother’s Day!!!!
Gail Webster, Atmore
submitted by Susan Eiland-Odom
My name is Susan Eiland-Odom and my mom is Mrs. Gail Webster. Originally from Indiana, we moved to Pensacola around 1974 and lived there until my Dad died 10 years ago. It was then that Mom moved to Atmore to be near me.
I’m really blessed to have her as my mom for so many reasons. Mom and Dad couldn’t have children so she actually chose me before I was even born, which makes me feel extra special. Some who know Im adopted ask me if I know my “real” mom. You bet I do because my real mom is the one who raised me! Even through the turbulent teen years, my mom has always been there for me without fail. She carted me from pillar to post, took me shopping and to luncheons,taught me to cook, tried to guide me and worked in countless band booster projects, just for starters. Through all of life’s trials, she has always been available for me.
Now that I am a wife and mother, I have a whole new appreciation and understanding of her. Things I once couldn’t understand and angered me now make total sense! I find myself more and more sounding like my mother with my own children, which I find funny yet makes me feel blessed. She makes it well known that she is a very proud grandmother of six; Karen, Dane and Darian Eiland, Ashley and Kim Odom and Missy Odom-Bass. Whether it is a ride home from school, ball games, school functions, holidays, birthdays, showers or weddings, we know we can count on her love and support.
So this Mothers Day, I want to tell my mother THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all that she has done for me and our family. There are not enough words to express how much we appreciate and love her. My hope is to be the wonderful kind of mother that she have always been to me. Love, Susie
Pictured: Gail Webster’s senior portrat from Rushville High School in Rushville, Indiana, from about 1959.
Susie Conner
submitted by Amy Conner
My mom, Susie Conner, is a very special woman. She is always putting others before herself and she is always lending a helping hand. My mom not only takes care of my two sisters and I, but also my grandmother who lives with us. Everyday she cooks, cleans, washes clothes, and helps my grandma get anything and everything she needs. My mom also helps a couple in our area with their everyday needs as well. Three or four times a week she goes to their home to cook, clean, and help them in any way she can. My mom has always been an avid volunteer and she always has a positive attitude. She is very loving, caring, and courteous. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better mother and role model because she has always put everyone else’s needs before her own. She is always open to lend a hand to help and I love her very much. I don’t know what I would do without her, and I know everyone that she cares for and helps feels the same.
Inola Driver, Century
submitted by Beverly Driver Cawby
My Beautiful mother means so much to me! She has been my guiding hand and earthly angel for fifty-five years now. Mom exemplifies the words from the Bible found in Proverbs; “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies, Let her own works praise her.”
This precious lady, small in statue, big of heart has been an inspiration to her family and many others during her seventy plus years. Born to the James Boutwell family of Flomaton, Alabama, she grew up to marry my father, Bennie Driver in 1953. She became a mother to three children, Beverly, Jeff and Holley, and a great grandmother to five children, Ryan, Kamden, Ryleigh, Madison, and Jiana.
My mother served her church well in her capacity as a Pastor’s wife. She was and is a wonderful Christian. A few days after Mother’s Day, ten years ago, she said good bye to the one and only sweetheart of her life. Mom continues to mentor her family with words of wisdom and encouragement. Mere words could never tell how much my mother means to me, so I will just end by saying: Happy Mothers Day to the best mom in the world, Inola Driver, I love you!
Pictured: Four generated in March 2010, (L-R) Beverly Driver Cawby, Jiana Morrow, Inola Driver, Joni Cawby Morrow. Click to enlarge.
Ann White, Century
submitted by Kimberly Burkett
I really don’t even know just where to begin on the wonderful and loving things that my mother Ann White has done over the years. First of all my mother has battled Parkinsons Disease for over thirteen years. It is very hard to see my mother struggle with it in everyday life but she does not let it stop her from getting out and helping others. I have watched my mother take care and cook meals for her neighbors that was very sick with cancer.
Everyday my mother would cook and deliver them meals and even take them to doctors visits. Yes I say neighbors in the plural form because she has lived in the same neighborhood and became friends with all the surrounding neighbors over the past forty five years and she lost five that I can think of to cancer and was always there for them. Now she is devoted to taking care of her mother and helping her sister that lives at home with her mother.
There are days that I don’t see how she goes but she is either running errands for others, taking care of my grandmother, working in her church or doing her favorite past time working in her flowers. I have a mother to look up to and admire and I thank the Lord above for giving me such a special and loving mother.
Lisa Jones
submitted by Haley Smith
Mom, i just wanted to show North Escambia how much you mean to me. Not only are you my mom but also my best friend. When I don’t have anyone to turn to you are always there for me to call on. I will always know that you have my back no matter what good or bad. I’m graduating in less than a month and the big world is gonna hit me right in the face. When I’m down from hard situations you will always be there to pick me right back up. I just wanted you to know that I’m thankful your my mom and always remember I LOVE YOU!!!
Pictured: Mom Lisa Jones and daughter Haley Smith, click to enlarge.
Cassie Cufr
submitted by Matthew Cufr
My kids mother: my wife.
Of all the people I’ve met in my time on this earth, there is one that headlines them all. Life has been about as hard for our family as it could be the last ten years this May. Without the support, strength, love, and hope that my wife gives we wouldn’t have been able to make it this far. The mother she is to my kids is more than I could have ever asked. So for this mothers day I send a special thank you to a different mother of mine.
Thanks Cass for all you do.
Love Matthew, Maggie, Emma, and Jackson.
Judy Redmond, Walnut Hill
submitted by Quinshanna Redmond
Our mother is Judy Redmond of Walnut Hill, Fl. Our mom is special to us in many, many ways. She is such an incredible person that we cannot begin to put into words. She is such an joy to be around and always keeps you laughing and smiling. Our mom is our HERO, we will always admire her for being the most understanding and patient woman we know. We are so lucky and proud to say that we have a mother like her, she TRULY is one of a kind, and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better than her. Although, I know we probably don’t say these words enough, We want you to know WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH and hope you enjoy your Mother’s Day! From all your kids and grandkids!
– Quinshanna, Tabarin, Tymiriana, T’ahna, Tiffany, Malonie, Talaysha, Quindale, Quindarius, Myasia, Lenele, and Kassey.
Charlotte Bradley
submitted by Michelle Franklin
My name is Michelle Franklin and my mom is Charlotte Bradley . I live in Bratt and she resides in Gulf Breeze. She is the BEST MOM ever! When I was just 6 years old, my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. Mom stood by my dad through thick and thin. After his surgery she would feed him, bathe him, help him learn to talk, and practically how to do everything all over again, not to mention changing out catheters on a daily basis. At the same time, she took my brother, sister and I everywhere we needed to go, baseball and football practice, gymnastics, and cheerleading practice , etc. She was the mom and the dad all in one. She would work a graveyard shift at Escambia Molded Plastics so she could make ends meet. After dad died, mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The doctors have told her that she would have to use a walker or scooter everyday, and she still walks ( when she is not to weak ) up her stairs on a daily basis. She has taught me to be strong no matter what God puts in front of us. I love my mom and don’t know what I would do without her.
Giving Praise: Entire Bible Read Aloud In 30 Minutes
May 9, 2010
The entire Bible was read aloud in about 30 minutes Thursday evening in Atmore. Almost 200 people surrounded the walking track at Tom Byrne Park, each reading a different part of the Bible out loud on the National Day of Prayer.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Photos courtesy Erin Pritchett, Cutting EJ Photography for Northescambia.com, click to enlarge.
