UF/IFAS: Test Your Well Water At Least Once Per Year
June 2, 2018
by Andrea Albertin, UF/IFAS
An estimated 2.5 million Floridians (approximately 12% of the population) rely on private wells for home consumption, which includes water for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, toilet flushing and other needs. While public water systems are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure safe drinking water, private wells are not regulated. Private well users are responsible for ensuring the safety of their own drinking water.
How can well users make sure that their water is safe to drink?
It’s important to have well water tested at a certified laboratory at least once a year for contaminants that can cause health problems. According to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), the most common contaminants in well water in Florida are bacteria and nitrates.
Bacteria: Labs generally test for Total coliform bacteria and fecal coliforms (or E. coli specifically) when a sample is submitted for bacteriological testing. This generally costs about $25 to $30, but can vary depending on where you have your sample analyzed.
Coliform bacteria are a large group of different kinds of bacteria and most species are harmless and will not make you sick. But, a positive test for total coliforms indicate that bacteria are getting into your well water. Coliforms are used as indicator organisms – if coliform bacteria are in your well, other pathogens (bacteria, viruses or protozoans) that cause diseases may also be getting into your well water. It is easier and cheaper to test for total coliforms than a suite of bacteria and other organisms that can cause health problems.
Fecal coliform bacteria are a subgroup of coliform bacteria found in human and other warm-blooded animal feces. E. coli are one species of fecal coliform bacteria. A positive test for fecal coliform bacteria or E. coli indicate that water has been contaminated by human or animal waste.
If your water sample tests positive for only total coliform bacteria or both total coliform and fecal coliform (or E. coli), the Department of Health recommends that your well be disinfected. This is generally done through shock chlorination. You can either hire a well operator in your area to disinfect your well or you can do it yourself. Information for how to shock chlorinate your own well can be found
Nitrates: The U.S. EPA set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrate in drinking water at 10 miligrams per liter of water (mg/L). Values above this are a concern for infants who are less than 6 months old because high nitrate levels can cause a type of “blue baby syndrome” (methemoglobinemia), where nitrate interferes with the capacity of hemoglobin in the blood to carry oxygen. It is particularly important to test for nitrate if you have a young infant in the home that will be drinking well water or when well water will be used to make formula to feed the infant.
If test results come back above 10 mg/L, never boil nitrate contaminated water as a form of treatment. This will not remove nitrates. Use water from a tested source (bottled water or water from a public supply source) until the problem is addressed.
Nitrates in well water come from fertilizers applied on land surfaces, animal waste and/or human sewage, such as from a septic tank. Have your well inspected by a professional to identify why elevated nitrate levels are is getting into your well water. You can also consider installing a water treatment system, such as reverse osmosis or distillation units to treat the contaminated water. Before having a system installed, make sure you contact your local health department or a water treatment contractor for more information.
Where can you have your well water tested?
Most county health departments accept samples for water testing. You can also submit samples to a certified commercial lab near you. Contact your county health department for information about what to have your water tested for and how to take and submit the sample.
Contact information for county health departments can be found on this site: http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/county-health-departments/find-a-county-health-department/index.html
You can search for laboratories near you certified by FDOH here: https://fldeploc.dep.state.fl.us/aams/loc_search.asp This includes county health department labs as well as commercial labs, university labs and others.
You should also have your well water tested at any time when:
- The color, taste or odor of your well water changes or if you suspect that someone became sick after drinking your well water.
- A new well is drilled or if you have had maintenance done on your existing well
- A flood occurred and your well was affected
Remember: Bacteria and nitrate are by no means the only parameters that well water is tested for. Call your local health department to discuss your water and what they recommend you should get the water tested for. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) also maintains an excellent website with many resources for private well users: http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/private-well-testing/index.html . This site includes information on potential contaminants and how to maintain your well to ensure the quality of your well water.
Beat The Summer Heat With Florida Fruit Salad With Lime And Honey
June 2, 2018
Summer weather is here. Beat the heat with quick and easy recipes like this Fresh From Florida Fruit Salad with lime and honey.
Florida Fruit Salad with Lime and Honey
Ingredients:
1/4 seedless Florida watermelon (depending on size), peeled and diced large
2 Florida mangoes, peeled and diced large
1 pint Florida blueberries, rinsed
2 tablespoons Florida honey
1/4 cup fresh mint, hand torn
2 limes, juiced
fresh citrus for garnish, sliced
1 small pinch sea salt
Preparation:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl add lime juice, honey, and salt. Stir the lime juice mixture to get the flavors working together. Add all of the rest of the ingredients, and gently stir to combine. Keep fruit salad refrigerated until ready to eat. This dish can be made a day ahead. Garnish fruit salad with fresh sliced citrus.
Molino Park Elementary Pre-K, First And Second Grade Awards
May 31, 2018
Molino Park Elementary School presented the following year-end awards to students in grades Pre-K to third grade:
PRE-K
Stellar Sunny Days
Addistynn Barlow
Alexis Barnes
Logan Brown
Kayle Chafin
Wyatt Golson
Collin Little
Hunter McLaughlin
Ellison Miller
Railyn Moore
Jase O’Donovan
Abigail Rockhill
Harper Scully
Mason Wales
Addilyn White
Leilani Wiltbank
Super Sunny Days
Easton Barlow
Isaac Coleman
Owen Duncan
Carra Maria Edmonson
Jaxon Flowers
Jaestin Gibson
Bratley Hallford
Railyn Moore
Alexander Mott
Jayce Sanderson
Colleen Spears
Amari Vanzandt
Braxten Vaughn
Sunny Days
Taylor Wood
Perfect Attendance
Alexander Mott
Pre-K Special Recognition
Improved Academics/Crites-Austin Yuhasz
Good Citizen of the Month/Crites-Logan Brown
Student of the Month/Crites-Railyn Moore
Most Books Read/Crites-Addistynn Barlow
Good Citizen of the Month/Hamric-Alexis Barnes
Most Books Read/Hamric-Easton Barlow
Improved Academics/Hamric-Leilani Wiltbank
FIRST GRADE
A Honor Roll
Raedon Barcinas
Alyssa Cook
Presley Davey
Hilde Davis
Nathan Davis
Lillyth Dekker
Braelyn Enfinger
Chase Gilmore
Kaylee Harris
Greyson Maughon
Ryan McCrory
Haleigh Mishoe
Ellie Raffield
Aubrey Reed
Peyton Sapp
Bailey Yuhasz
A/B Honor Roll
Davi-yon Abrams
Aila Davis
Joshua Douglas
Brayden Edmonson
Abigail Ednave
Jackson Erickson
Elam Fayard
Tessa Kendrick
Brista McIntyre
Travis McLaughlin
Ashlyn Mitchem
Kaylee Moore
Eli Morgan- Caldwell
Abigail Nigam
Easton Settle
Milo Soileau
Zanylah Staten
Kiley Webb
Connor Wiltbank
Perfect Attendance
Cameron Black
Good Citizenship
Davi-yon Abrams
Raedon Barcinas
Carter Bragg
Kameron Brown
Blake Butler
Luke Cagle
Daneigh Clifford
Alyssa Cook
Eli Davis
Hilde Davis
Kaylee Davis
Nathan Davis
Presley Davey
Lillyth Dekker
Joshua Douglas
Kaleb Downing
Brayden Edmonson
Abigail Ednave
Braelyn Enfinger
Elam Fayard
Jansen Freeman
Chase Gilmore
Kaylee Harris
Stella Houston
Donovan Johnson
Nivea Jordan
Tessa Kendrick
Greyson Maughon
Ryan McCrory
Brista McIntyre
Baileigh Minor
Haleigh Mishoe
Ashlyn Mitchem
Kaylee Moore
Eli Morgan-Caldwell
Abigail Nigam
Aubrey Reed
Peyton Sapp
Logan Sanders
Bentley Smith
Milo Soileau
Zanylah Staten
Kiley Webb
Jayden Williams
Connor Wiltbank
Bailey Yuhasz
First Grade Special Recognition
Outstanding Improvement in Reading-Skye Tanton
Excellent Effort in Reading-Kameron Brown
SECOND GRADE
A Honor Roll
Addysen Bolen
Gracyn Campbell
Ruby Driver
Carmen Garcia
Nicole Garcia
Allison Penton
Tucker Scully
Presley Spikes
Alena Staneart
A/B Honor Roll
Jordan Allen
Prestion Belongia
Landon Brown
Halee Burkett
Hunter Chance
Christopher Croll
Jakob Cutting
Jordyn Gibbs
Kensee Gibson
Conner Goetter
Jaylie Hall
Brylee Hassebrock
Valerie Hassebrock
Kristopher Hawthorne
Aubrey Jacobi
Danika Payne
Maximus Ridgley
McKinley Shoemo
Wyatt Sisson
Esabella Suratos
Gavin Switzer
Abigail Williams
Christopher Williams McFarlain
Perfect Attendance
Micah Callendar
Lauren Harris
Jayden Gibson
Danika Payne
Good Citizenship
Aadan Adams
Jordan Allen
Corbin Black
Addysen Bolen
Landon Brown
Halee Burkett
Gracyn Campbell
Huunter Chance
Christopher Croll
Jakob Cutting
Ruby Driver
Devyn Dyer
Carmen Garcia
Nicole Garcia
Jordyn Gibbs
Jayden Gibson
Kensee Gibson
Will Gilmore
Conner Goetter
Jaylie Hall
Jackson Hallford
Lauren Harris
Brylee Hassebrock
Kristopher Hawthorne
Aubrey Jacobi
Jidecah Lowe
Kimree Martin
Emily Maughon
Jax McLaney
Grayson Milam
Tristan Norton
Danika Payne
Allison Penton
Brody Ragsdale
Maximus Ridgley
Tucker Scully
McKinley Shoemo
Wyatt Sisson
Presley Spikes
Tucker Spurill
Alena Staneart
Esabella Suratos
Gavin Switzer
Abigail Williams
Braelyn Wiley
Christopher Williams McFarlain
Second Grade-Completion of Math Facts
Preston Belongia
Gracyn Campbell
Rebecca Carroll
Hunter Chance
Jakob Cutting
Nicole Garcia
Jerrod Gibbs
Jayden Gibson
Kensee Gibson
Brylee Hassebrock
Randy Jackson
Omar Jakobs
Taleah McNeal
Jeremiah Northard
Allison Penton
Maximus Ridgley
McKinley Shoemo
Wyatt Sisson
Alena Staneart
Esabella Suratos
Abigail Williams
Christopher Williams-McFarlain
Second Grade Special Recognition
Highest AR points in Mrs. Daniels’ Class-Lauren Harris
Highest AR points in Mrs. Venable’s class-Maximus Ridgley
Most Improved Reading in Mrs. Daniel’s class-Jax McLaney
Most Improved STAR reading in Mrs. Venable’s class- Aadan Adams
Highest AR points in 2nd Grade-Nicole Garcia
Pictured: Award winners from Mrs Daniels’ second grade class at Molino Park Elementary. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Memorials Honor Those That Served
May 28, 2018
People across North Escambia and the country paused Monday to remember the brave men and women that have served our country as we celebrated Memorial Day.
In North Escambia, there are several memorials that honor those that have served in the military:
Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor
The largest such memorial in the North Escambia area, the Veteran’s Honor Wall has stood in front of the Walnut Hill Community Center since its dedication in 2003. There are nearly 300 names on the wall, including names of just over a dozen soldiers killed in action. The wall honors those from the Walnut Hill area that have served in the nation’s military.
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club began planning the wall in late 2001, and they decided that it would be a community project at no cost to the veterans listed.
Billy R. Ward began to engrave the names with an antique machine the club purchased off the internet, and there were 220 names on the wall when it was dedicated in 2003. He spent a lot of time on the project, even visiting the Wall South Memorial in Pensacola to get an idea what size the letters on the plaques should be.
On the Walnut Hill Veteran’s Honor Wall, everyone is equal. It was decided that no service rank would be include on the name plaques, just the branch and years of service.
It is estimated that about one-fourth of the veterans listed on the wall are now deceased.
The Walnut Hill Veteran’s Wall is located in front of the community center at 7850 Highway 97.
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LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park
The LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park was dedicated in Bratt on November 8, 2011, in honor of the local Marine killed in action in August 2011 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was just two weeks after his 19th birthday and only about a month after he arrived in Afghanistan.
The park features a memorial in Nelson’s honor. It is located on West Highway 4, just west of Northview High School.
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Atmore Veterans Memorial
The Veterans Memorial in Atmore stands proudly on the lawn of the Atmore City Hall to pay tribute to those have served from around Atmore and North Escambia. Names of the fallen are on the spire, while commemorative bricks around the base of the spire name those that have served in the military past and present.
Those honored on the bricks date back to the Revolutionary War with a brick with the name of Benjamin Sasser, 1755-1840. His relative, Federick Sasser, 1794-1846, is also honored for his service in the War of 1812.
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Barrineau Park Wall of Honor
The Wall of Honor inside the Barrineau Park Community Center honors scores of area residents that have served in the military. The wall was a project of the Barrineau Park Historical Society. (Pictured above.)
Century Veterans Wall of Honor
About four dozen of those that served from the Century area are honored on the Century Veterans Wall of Honor at Century’s Roadside Park on Highway 29. The memorial was dedicated on July 4, 2008. (Pictured below.)
The Century Veterans Wall of Honor is located in the Nadine McCaw Park at the corner of North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) and Hecker Road.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
New ‘Jake Livingston And Century Academy’ Little Free Library Dedicated
May 27, 2018
The “Jake Livingston and Century Academy Little Free Library” was dedicated Friday afternoon.
The Town of Century recently made a $500 donation to Century Academy in Livingston’s name; a portion of the donation went toward the little free library. The library was constructed by students at Northview High School.
Century Academy, a division of East Hill Academy in Pensacola, specializes in teaching children diagnosed with autism and other related learning disabilities.
Livingston raises funds and volunteers for Autism Pensacola.
The Jake Livingston and Century Academy Little Free Library is located in front of Century Academy at 440 East Hecker Road in Century. The Little Free Library concept is simple — anyone from the community may borrow a book or give a book to the library.
Pictured above: Jake Livingston cuts the ribbon to dedicate the Jake Livingston and Century Academy Little Free Library. Pictured below: The dedication of the little free library. Pictured bottom: Century Academy students also have an indoor little free library constructed by Pensacola State College. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Library Summer Reading Program Begins May 29
May 27, 2018
Summer Reading Club 2018 “Libraries Rock” will kick off at all West Florida Public Libraries locations on Tuesday, May 29, with opportunities for adults and youth to participate and be entered to win a variety of prizes.
Participants and parents wanting to sign up their children may do so at any WFPL branch from May 29 through Aug. 4.
Youth ages 0-17 will get reading logs to keep track of every 15 minutes they read. After 12.5 hours of reading, they get a free book and a bonus reading log to be entered for additional prizes.
Youth prizes include books, ukuleles, tablets, Bluetooth speakers, bongo drums, otamatones, karaoke machines, musical instrument sets, light-up gloves and disco ball, voice-changing microphones and firetruck rides to school for a few lucky students.
Summer Reading Club youth programs include Tampa Taiko Drummers, Roger Day, The Moogician, Magical Poodles, Mike Artell, Reno’s Reptiles, Bucky & GiGi, Quite a Catch and Animal Tales (schedule below).
Adults will have a separate Summer Reading Club with prizes including ukuleles, tablets, Adirondack chairs and gift cards.
Escambia County residents 18 years old and above can pick up a Summer Reading Club log bookmark at any WFPL location. Fill in the bookmark with the titles of books that you read or listen to via audiobook during the summer and return the filled-in bookmarks to any location. During the first week in August, partially filled in bookmarks will be accepted.
Drawings will take place during the first week of August. Winners will be notified by Tuesday, Aug. 7. At the halfway mark, youth and adult Summer Reading Club participants will be entered in a drawing for six chickens and a coop. The winner of the chicken coop must complete Chicken Keeping 101 class held at Pensacola Library.
There will also be a top prize drawing for a keyboard at the end of Summer Reading Club, which is open to youth and adult participants.
Summer Reading Club programs for children:
Tampa Taiko Drummers
- Tuesday, June 5, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library – Weather permitting program will be held at Big Lagoon State Amphitheater
- Tuesday, June 5, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 6, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 6, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 7, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Friday, June 8, 11 a.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Tampa Taiko is back this summer with a dynamic, interactive show featuring Japanese Taiko drums
Roger Day, Musician
- Tuesday, June 12, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library – Weather permitting program will be held at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater
- Tuesday, June 12, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 13, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 13, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 14, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Friday, June 15, 11 a.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Award winning children’s musician Roger Day has played with the Indigo Girls, Nancy Griffith and the Crickets (Buddy Holly’s band). You don’t want to miss his performance!
The Moogician, Entertainer
- Tuesday, June 19, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library – Weather permitting program will be held at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater
- Tuesday, June 19, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 20, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 20, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 21, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
Todd Charles (the Moogician) combines magic, music and milk in a creative comedy show for kids.
Mike Artell, Artist
- Tuesday, June 26, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library – Weather permitting program will be held at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater
- Tuesday, June 26, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 27, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 27, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 28, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Friday, June 29, 11 a.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Mike Artell, author of “Petite Rouge The Cajun Red Riding Hood”, visits the library to share his unique talents including cartooning and music.
Tate High School Presents Industry Certifications
May 24, 2018
Tate High School presented numerous industry certification awards during a program Wednesday night at the school. The certifications were earned during career and technical educational classes.
“Tate High has had outstanding success this year with very high certification numbers,” Steve Harrell, Escambia County Workforce Development, said.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Presents Senior Awards
May 24, 2018
Tate High School recently held their Senior Honors Night. Among the awards presented to the Tate High Class of 2018 were:
National Merit Commended Scholars – Ashlyn Adams, Hannah Huggins, William Jones, Rosemary Smyth
Eagle Scouts — Paul Ashton, Alexander Babkin, Zachary Kempf, Lathan Lee, Jon Levan, Jonathan McClure, Patrick McHaney, Adam Norre, Blake Norre, Charles Page, Samuel Peterson, Ethan Stillwell, Thomas Young
Military Enlisted
- USMC: Aleaha Burleigh, Turner Cobb, Dylan Frederick, Jordan Heiny, Dalton Shenberger
- US ARMY: Carson Burgess, Parker Hand, Khavory Hartwell, Andrew Hoskins, Dawson Hux, Sage Martin, Mykaela Reed, Kaitlyn Reeves, Daniella Sandoval
- USAF: Emiyah Blanton, Patrick McHaney, Michael Morton, Claire Pierce
- USN: Brandon Pollock, Ulysses Silguero
Alpha Delta Kappa Scholarship — Miranda Avery
Cox Hero Award – Nina Ventura
DAR Good Citizen Scholarship — Brandon Pollock
Northwest Florida Gator Club & Pensacola Heritage Foundation — Mollie Anderson
Pensacola Civitan Club Citizenship Award — Maurice Hendricks
Poarch Creek Indians Scholarship — Henry Langford, Christian McGhee
Take Stock in Children Scholarship — Olivia Brown, Devin Searcy, Taylor Smith, Sabra Stewart
Barnhill Family GRIT Award & Scholarship – Danielle Williams
John E. Frenkel Educational Grants (Pensacola Interstate Fair) -- Miranda Avery, Adam Norre, Blake Norre, Trae Melton, Kathryn Skipper, Rosemary Smyth, Nicole Woods
Chris Williams Memorial History Scholarship – Thomas Young
Dillon Roberson Aggie Hero Award — Dawson Foster
PSRA Bob Hemme Scholarship — Emma Grissom
Bratt Elementary Names Students Of The Month
May 23, 2018
The following students were named Students of the Month for May at Bratt Elementary School.
Pre-K
Dillan Stuart
Myles Sellers
Kindergarten
Chloe McCann
Bentley Lowery
Zoey Davidson
Bella Walker
Bailey Campbell
First Grade
Javan Thompson
Kaedyn Eady
Mya McCants
Jamileon Syria
Second Grade
Jackson Sellers
Annabella Keen
Zachary Flowers
Tyler Amerson
Third Grade
Presley Amos
Khloe Mason
Savannah Lowry
Fourth Grade
Kailey Hawkins
Allison Flowers
Jordan Dawson
Joseph Hardenbrook
Fifth Grade
Cole Hughes
Jamison Gilman
Ashkia Weaver
Makayla Sells
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Pearl Harbor Survivor Celebrates 100th Birthday
May 22, 2018
Francis “Frank” Emond of Cantonment turned 100 on Monday, celebrating with a party at Naval Hospital Pensacola where he volunteers.
The Navy veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor greets visitors, answers the phone at the Quarterdeck and pushes patients in wheelchairs who need assistance. He has been a Red Cross volunteer for over 16 years and enjoys the interaction with patients and staff.
Originally from Rhode Island, Emond enlisted in the Navy in 1938 as a musician. He played the French horn for the ship’s band and even got to perform at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York before he was assigned to the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) in Hawaii in the summer of 1941. The day before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Emond and fellow Navy musicians played at a dance and band contest. His band won the contest against other bands from the USS California (BB-44) and USS Arizona (BB-39). His band later donated the trophy they won in memory to the men from the Arizona. As the sun rose on Dec. 7, 1941, Emond was preparing for morning colors and the raising of the American flag.
That’s when Emond noticed the hundreds of Japanese planes that filled the sky followed by the sound of a torpedo striking a ship docked behind his battleship. In addition to being a musician, Emond was trained as a stretcher bearer and with the general alarm sounding amongst the sound of gunfire and explosions; he began retrieving injured and dead Sailors aboard the Pennsylvania.
Following the war, Emond remained in the Navy until he retired in 1968 in Pensacola. He is currently married and has two sons, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His 100-year-old brother still lives in Rhode Island.
“It’s important for everyone to give something,” said Emond when asked why he still volunteers at Naval Hospital Pensacola, “and time is something that everyone can give. It’s an important gift.”
Emond is a popular volunteer at Naval Hospital Pensacola, though not everyone knows his history. He is popular for the enthusiasm he brings to the hospital and the help he provides to patients and staff.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
