AAA: Hands-free Devices Are Especially Distracting For Older Drivers
July 25, 2019
Hands-free devices are especially distracting for older drivers, according to AAA.
Now that texting while driving is illegal in Florida, drivers are now more likely than ever to utilize voice-to-text or other in-vehicle infotainment systems. However, new research from AAA shows that this technology still creates potentially dangerous distractions for all drivers, but the risk is highest among older adults.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety partnered with researchers from the University of Utah to test the visual and cognitive demand created by the infotainment systems in six 2018 vehicles. Study participants in two age groups (21-36 and 55-75) were required to use voice commands, touch screens and other interactive technologies to make a call, send a text message, tune the radio, or program navigation, all while driving.
During the study, drivers used voice-based and touch screen in-vehicle technology features. Both older and younger drivers were visually and mentally distracted for 17 to 40 seconds when completing tasks like programming navigation or sending a text message. The distraction was more significant among older drivers (ages 55-75), who removed their eyes and attention from the road for more than eight seconds longer than younger drivers (ages 21-36).
“Regardless of their age, drivers should be very cautious when using in-vehicle infotainment systems,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Drivers may be lulled into a false sense of security that since they’re not using their handheld device, they are a more focused driver. AAA warns that many of these systems are so complex or poorly designed that they divert the driver’s attention away from where it should be – the road.”
By 2030, more than one in five drivers on the road will be over the age of 65. With seniors becoming the fastest growing demographic in the U.S., finding ways to design technology to improve their comfort and safety is critical and may hold the key to enhancing the safe use of this technology for all drivers, AAA said.
Fourth Annual Barrineau Park Elementary Reunion Held (With Gallery)
July 21, 2019
The Fourth Annual Barrineau Park Elementary School Reunion was held Saturday at the Barrineau Park Community Center.
The reunion was for anyone that attended the school from its origin in 1938 until its closure in 2003. Attendees enjoyed lunch, live entertainment and plenty of fellowship.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com.
Weekend Gardening: July Tips
July 20, 2019
The heat, humidity and frequent rains of July are great for tropical plants. Gardeners, however, take a bit of a beating. Remember to keep the sunscreen, insect repellant and iced tea handy as you venture out into your garden to perform some needed summer maintenance.
A midsummer application of fertilizer is usually required, especially on annual flowers, lawns, shrub beds and vegetable gardens. This is a supplemental application, so don’t overdo it. A 15-0-15 slow-release fertilizer is a good general purpose landscape fertilizer for most plants.
Major pruning jobs should have been done earlier, but there is still some maintenance pruning that should be done. Deadhead, or clip old flowers, from summer flowering shrubs as soon as they fade to help insure an extended season of bloom. Crape myrtles, hibiscus, hydrangeas and althea are examples of shrubs that will bloom repeatedly if light, selective pruning is done.
Flowering annuals also respond well to deadheading. Snip off old flowers and flower spikes before they have an opportunity to form seed. Allowing annual flowers to set seed can shorten their blooming season considerably.
Inspect your lawn and shrub plantings frequently in order to identify pest problems as early as possible. The most severe damage from pest insects normally begins in July. Be on the lookout for chinch bugs in St. Augustine grass; spittlebugs in centipede grass; sod webworm in all lawns-especially new ones; lacebug and caterpillars on azaleas; whiteflies on gardenia and spider mites on lots of different types of shrubs.
Sod webworms often attack lawns in the summer. They eat the grass blades producing areas that look as if they have been mowed too short. Close inspection will reveal that the blades have not been cleanly cut as with a mower blade but have been chewed along their edges and tips. These caterpillars feed at night and rest during the day down among the runners and in the thatch.
Once an insect pest is found, evaluate the damage and determine if control is necessary. If it is, choose the least toxic option. If only a few caterpillars are found, hand picking might be the choice. Aphids and spider mites can often be controlled by spraying with an insecticidal soap solution. Chemical insecticides are sometimes required. Before choosing one be sure that the insect pest has been properly identified and that the insecticide is labeled for that purpose For vegetable gardeners that have problems with nematodes, soil borne diseases and extensive weed problems, July is a great time to try soil solarization.
Prepare the soil as you normally would for a vegetable garden including adding organic matter. Moisten the area and cover with clear plastic, not black plastic. Clear plastic will produce the highest temperatures. Be sure to weigh down the edges of the plastic so that it doesn’t blow up. Allow the soil to bake in the sun for four to six weeks. The sun will raise the soil temperature high enough to kill many soil borne problems.
Tip of the Week: The nice thing about tomatoes is that you have the option of harvesting when the fruit is green if needed. Tomatoes will ripen indoors at room temperature. To ensure even ripening, place the tomato with the stem up. The ideal time to harvest tomatoes is when they are fully colored but still firm.
In general, it is best to harvest vegetables early in the mornings while the moisture content is higher. The overall quality will quickly diminish as vegetables are exposed to hotter temperatures later in the day.
Ascend Takes Part In Summer Program At Carver Park
July 20, 2019
The Ascend Cares Foundation provide a hut lunch during the Summer Feeding Program Friday at Carver Park in Cantonment. Ascend employees also spent time playing board games and enjoying the park with the children. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Peterson Receives Florida 4-H Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award
July 18, 2019
Anne Peterson of Century has received the 2019 Elaine Keir Memorial Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award at the State 4-H Horse Show in Tampa. Peterson will represent Florida 4-H at the American Youth Horse Council Symposium in Gainesville in March 2020.
Peterson has volunteered in the Escambia County 4-H program for over 40 years.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IP’s Whitney Fike Selected for Leadership Florida Connect Class
July 17, 2019
Whitney Fike, communications manager at International Paper in Cantonment, has been elected as a member of Leadership Florida Connect Class 10.
Leadership Florida Connect is the premier statewide resource for educating, engaging and inspiring Florida’s top emerging leaders.
Connect selects a diverse class of 46 Florida leaders – corporate CEOs, business owners, educators, elected officials and non-profit executives to participate in an eight-month learning experience that will take them to communities across Florida. Each programming session focuses on key issues and opportunities that are specific to Florida while intertwining leadership skills, development, and the goal of becoming educated, engaged and inspired to make Florida a better place while forming lifetime connections and bonds among classmates.
Pictured: Whitney Fike, communications manager at International Paper in Cantonment. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rogers, Macks Complete Basic Military Training
July 14, 2019
Nicholas J. Rogers
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nicholas J. Rogers graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Rogers is the son of Alex C. and Jacquline A. Rogers of Cantonment.
Lane J. Macks
U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Lane J. Macks graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Macks (no photo provided) is the son of Amy and step-son of Bo Booker of Century.
He is a 2014 graduate of Northview High School in Bratt.
Photo: Tropical Storm Barry Sunset At Lake Stone
July 13, 2019
Low clouds from Tropical Storm Barry led to a vibrant sunset Friday at Lake Stone near Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Eight Things You May Not Know About Watermelons
July 13, 2019
Watermelons mean summer in most places, but perhaps no more so than in Florida, the country’s number one producer of this quintessential summer fruit.
They may be 92 percent water, but there’s more to growing and eating watermelon than you might think, say experts with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Florida grows A LOT of watermelon
Florida watermelon farmers sold 800 million pounds of watermelon last year, said Bob Hochmuth, assistant director of the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, Suwannee Valley.
“Watermelons are grown throughout the state, with concentrated acreage near Immokalee, Belle Glade, Arcadia and the Suwannee Valley. The Suwannee Valley produces a third of Florida’s watermelon crop,” Hochmuth said.
Watermelon plants love sand
We’re not talking sandy beaches. “Watermelon grows best in well-drained sandy soils, which are common in areas with a lot of watermelon production,” Hochmuth said.
Watermelons need pollinators
Like many fruits and vegetables, watermelon need pollinators to pollinate their flowers in order to reproduce. Without honeybees, native bees, wasps and the like, we would not have watermelon to enjoy, Hochmuth said
Watermelon farmers need science to do well
“UF/IFAS provides several key education programs for watermelon farmers throughout the year,” Hochmuth said. “Most importantly, UF/IFAS Extension agents make farm visits during the growing season to help with disease and pest identification, and other irrigation and fertilizer management decisions.
Watermelon is good for you
Watermelon generally considered a healthy food because of its high water content, which means each serving is relatively low in calories, said Samantha Kennedy, family and consumer sciences agent with UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County.
“Most are unaware that it contains any protein or fiber, but it does, and many are surprised to learn that it has a decent amount of potassium,” Kennedy said.
It’s a versatile ingredient
While most are familiar with eating watermelon by the slice, there are many ways to include the fruit in your snacks and meals, Kennedy said.
“Add chunks of watermelon to a fresh summer salad for a bit of sweetness, or combine pureed watermelon with frozen lemonade and lime juice for a refreshing drink. You can also throw watermelon slices on the grill for a few seconds for a different twist on a familiar flavor,” she said.
Get them while it’s hot
Watermelon is in season during the hot summer months, Kennedy said. In season produce is generally cheaper and of better quality because it doesn’t have to travel as far to get to the consumer.
Look for heft, balance and a yellow spot
“The Watermelon Board recommends that consumers look for a melon that feels heavy for its size, and looks and feels symmetrical,” Kennedy said. One side of the watermelon should have a creamy, yellow spot—this is where the melon rested on the ground as it ripened.
Pictured: Watermelons for sale on Highway 97 near Pine Forest Road in Davisville. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Photos: Animal Tales At The Molino Branch Library
July 12, 2019
The Summer Reading Program continued this week with Animal Tales at the branches of the West Florida Library.
Participants had a chance to get up close and personals with animals in a fun learning environment.
For more photos from the Molino Branch Library, click here.
Pictured: Animal Tales at the Molino Branch Library Thursday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
