Fire Truck Pull Benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities
October 13, 2013
Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Annual Fire Truck Pull was held in downtown Pensacola Saturday. Thirty-two teams competed to see who could pull a fire truck 50 feet in the fastest time.
This year, a new tournament style had teams advancing through the brackets to determine an undisputed champion. Each team had 15 people.
All proceeds benefited the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida, allowing the organization to provide a home away from home for families of children who travel to Pensacola to receive medical treatment.
Pictured top: The Ronald McDonald House Fire Truck Pull Saturday in Pensacola. Winners were: 1st place – Southeaster Dog Hunter’s Association (pictured below in pink); 2nd place – Naval Hospital Pensacola (pictured bottom); 3rd place – NAS Whiting Field Crash and Rescue (pictured inset). Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Thompson, Wiggins To Wed
October 13, 2013
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Wiggins and Mr. Charles Thompson are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter, Chastity Alita, to Scotty Dewayne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Buford Wiggins. The wedding will be held at Lake Stone in Century on Saturday, October 26, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow.
Weekend Gardening: Time To Plant Strawberries
October 12, 2013
In many parts of the country, strawberries are a summer crop, but here in Florida they grow best during the cooler months of the year. Plant yours between October 15 and November 15 to enjoy tasty berries in the spring.
Temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees F and less than 14 hours of daylight are required for the development of flowers and fruit on most strawberry varieties. This combination of day length and temperature exists for much of the fall, winter and spring in Northwest Florida.
Strawberry plants are perennial; they can live for several years. However, because of their susceptibility to diseases, we normally grow them as annuals here in Florida. To be successful with strawberries, it’s important to plant the right variety, protect the flowers from freezing weather and manage pests.
The first step in successful strawberry production is choosing adapted varieties. Currently, the University of Florida suggests three varieties for the Florida home garden: ‘Camarosa’, ‘Sweet Charlie’, and ‘Festival’. All three varieties produce attractive, flavorful berries suitable for eating fresh or for freezing.
‘Camarosa’ has been the most productive variety in North Florida. It produces a blocky, dark red berry.
‘Festival’ is the number one variety in Florida. It has good red color and is a firm, conical shape berry with medium sweetness. It is an excellent choice for eating.
‘Sweet Charlie’ is a University of Florida variety. Although it is an older variety, consumers still like it. Its soft sweet fruit is an orange red color.
Strawberries grow best in a location receiving at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day. If a full sun location is not available, try to choose a spot that is sunny during the morning and early afternoon. The soil should be well drained and slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Strawberries can also be planted in growing boxes, strawberry pots, barrels and other containers. For best results, fill your container with a high-quality potting media—do not use garden soil.
Strawberry flowers and fruit can be injured by air temperatures below 32 degrees F. However, if properly planted, the plant itself will not be damaged unless the temperature falls to the low 20’s. If a frost or freeze is predicted, cover the plants with a lightweight blanket. This will help prevent the flowers or fruits from getting damaged.
The key to successful pest management is to begin with healthy, disease-free transplants. If problems do arise, be sure to contact your local Extension Agent for advice and recommendations. Additional advice is available in an online publication located at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs403.
The first berries should be ready to pick roughly 90 to 110 days after planting. The harvest season usually stretches through May with fruit yield peaking around March.
Pick berries when at least three-fourths of their surface has turned red. The fruit quickly deteriorate once it becomes totally red. So, it is best to harvest regularly—every two to four days.
Once picked, the berries will not sweeten any further. Freshly picked strawberries generally keep for only a few days, so be sure to eat them soon after harvest. If you have a surplus of berries, you may freeze them.
Theresa Friday was the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Hundreds Enjoy Annual Molino Park Elementary Fall Carnival (With Gallery)
October 12, 2013
Hundreds attended the annual Molino Park Elementary School Fall Carnival Friday evening at the school. The event featured games, food, entertainment and lots of great family fun
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: A young man reacts to a critical skee ball toss Friday afternoon at the Molino Park Elementary School Fall Carnival. Pictured inset: Ping pong toss for goldfish coupons. Pictured below: Texting and driving, Molino style. Pictured bottom: A package auctioned off from the Milwaukee Brewers’ Caleb Gindl of Molino. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cool Pics: Hummingbird Moth
October 11, 2013
Sheila Bryan first thought hummingbirds were visiting the goldenrods blooming in her backyard, but with a closer look discovered she was actually looking at hummingbird moths. The moth has a hovering behavior and an audible humming noise which makes it look remarkably like a hummingbird while it is feeding on flowers. Submitted photos by Sheila Bryan for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Extension Service: Worms In Local Trees Not A Concern
October 10, 2013
Fall webworms are active in local trees but are not a concern at this time of the year, according to the Escambia County Extension Service. Caterpillars are feeding on leaves and trees may not look their best as a result, but they will survive just fine. If you can reach the webs and caterpillars you may try to physically remove them but insecticides and pruning are not recommended practices at this time of the year. Leaves are getting ready to fall off and trees will put out new foliage next year, the Extension Service said. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Bachelor On CMT’s New Season Of ‘Sweet Home Alabama’
October 10, 2013
A Flomaton man will be among 22 bachelors competing to win the heart of a Southern belle when CMT’s “Sweet Home Alabama” begins a new season.
Jacob Lambert, an Atmore fireman and rescue diver, will be among 11 country guys joining 11 city slickers living together in a house in Fairhope while vying for the attention and affection of Kelsey Smith. A former Marine, Lambert looks up to his grandparents as an example of real love, and he cannot wait to start a family and life like theirs. Jacob believes real American living happens out in the country.
In each of the 10 one-hour episodes, Kelsey will say goodbye to more of her suitors as she searches for her one true love.
Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Kelsey considers herself a romantic and is ready to find the love of her life. She is currently studying elementary education at Shelton State Community College and has volunteered at a local school for the past four years. In 2012 she was crowned Miss Motorsports Hall of Fame, and with this title she was able to serve the community of Talladega and volunteer with children across the state. In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys watching SEC football and spending time with her family, including her three sisters.
Sweet Home Alabama airs beginning Friday, November 15 at 8 p.m. on CMT.
Photos courtesy CMT for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Annual Green Thumb Festival Is Saturday In Cantonment
October 10, 2013
The annual Green Thumb Festival will take place this Saturday at the Escambia County Extension Office.
Attendees are invited to take part in the Master Gardeners Plant Sale, learn to build a raised bed garden, attend a plant clinic, visit plant vendors and more. Activities are available for children, and the McGuire’s Pipe Band will provide the entertainment. Animals are not permitted at the event.
The event will take place Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon at 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment. The program is presented by Escambia County Extension and Master Gardeners. For more information, call (850) 475-5230.
Carnley Graduates From Basic Training
October 10, 2013
Air Force Airman Dixie L. Carnley 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 earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Carnley is the daughter of Shannon Burkett of Cotton Ridge Road, Flomaton and Mike Carnley of Carnley Road, Century.
She is a 2011 graduate of Northview High School.
Ernest Ward Middle Names September Students Of The Month
October 9, 2013
Ernest Ward Middle School has named their September Students of the Month. They are: (L-R) Henry Wiggins, sixth grade; Madelyn Plant, seventh grade; and Triston Long, eighth grade. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.