NHS Graphics Arts Students Design Winning Posters
April 13, 2013
Graphic Arts Academy students at Northview High School participated in a recent Century Sawmill Pageant Poster contest.
Winners were as follows (click on a student’s name to view their poster design):
- Steven Gregory, first place;
- Kasie Braun, second place;
- Alisha Grice, third place; and
- Kassey Redmond, honorable mention.
Gregory was awarded $25 for his winning entry.
Pictured top: First place winner Steven Gregory with Northview Graphic Arts Academy Instructor Donna Smith. Pictured below: The first and second place winning posters. (To view each winner’s poster, click their name above). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Plant Your Own Butterfly Garden
April 13, 2013
Butterflies are not only beautiful to look at in your landscape; they serve as important pollinators of your fruiting plants. Attracting them to your garden and incorporating some features to get them to stay and reproduce involves a little planning ahead of time for optimum results.
Choose a location that provides some protection from wind. Trees and shrubs that provide wind protection also serve as a safe harbor from rain and predators. The garden should be mostly sunny with some part sun areas. Ensure that any new plantings have access to a convenient irrigation source so they can be successfully established and maintained in good health.
Now you’ll need to choose the plants. Adults feed on the nectar of many flowering trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals and, fortunately, there are usually many choices that will meet your site requirements and your taste preferences. In order to keep the butterflies in your garden, certain plants need to be available to serve as host plants for their young. Determine which species of butterfly is common in your area and that you want to attract. Most species have very few plants on which the caterpillars can feed so those host plants need to be chosen wisely. Determine whether any of the plants you already have are host plants and they can be integrated into your butterfly garden. For example, cassia is a host plant for the Cloudless Sulphur and citrus is a host plant for the Giant Swallowtail.
In choosing your nectar plants, select those that are native or Florida-Friendly as they are lower maintenance, giving you less trouble in the long run. Choose plants that have flowers in a variety of color, size, and shape. Different butterflies like to feed at different elevations, so choose trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals of varying heights. In order to have nectar available throughout the time when the butterflies occur, include plants that bloom at different times of the year. And include some plants that bloom all the time, like pentas or moss verbena.
Larger plants should be placed in the background with smaller plants layered in the foreground. When you plant smaller annuals and perennials, place them in masses to better attract the butterflies. Consider placing host plants in an area that is in close proximity to the nectar plants, but in an area of your garden that is not a focal point. Host plants can get quite ragged looking from hungry caterpillars!
Good maintenance practices will enhance the health of your garden. Regular fertilization and irrigation if needed will help keep your plants in bloom and healthy – healthy plants are less susceptible to disease and pests. Avoid pesticides as they may harm the very creatures you are trying to attract. Never use a Bt or systemic pesticide. If you must, target a pest with lower risk oils or soaps and then only treat the affected plants. Lastly, be aware of beneficial insects that will help you achieve satisfactory control of a pest.
Now that your plants are placed there are several things to do to make your butterfly garden complete. Add a spot where water can puddle on the ground for the adult butterflies to drink. They require minerals from the soil that get dissolved in the water. Also add a rock or log in a sunny spot where butterflies can rest and sun themselves. And consider placing a comfortable place for you to sit and enjoy the beauty of your garden and its inhabitants.
Mary Derrick is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension
Pictured top: A buckeye butterfly. Photo courtesy David Davidson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tim Tebow Named ‘Great Floridian’
April 13, 2013
His professional football career remains up in the air, but Tim Tebow was named a “Great Floridian” Friday by Gov. Rick Scott. The former Florida Gator quarterback is one of only 66 people since 1981 to get the award.
The “Great Floridian” designation is given in recognition of the outstanding achievements of men and women who have made significant contributions to the progress and welfare of Florida.
“It is an honor to present one of our first of 2013 ‘Great Floridian’ awards to football legend and Florida native Tim Tebow. Tim is a great role model for young athletes, and throughout his career, he has proven to be a true competitor and humanitarian. Tim is not just an athlete, he is a true example of someone who lives to serve others. It is my distinct honor to recognize football legend, proud University of Florida Gator and humanitarian Tim Tebow with the ‘Great Floridian’ Award,” Scott said.
Tim Tebow said, “I am so honored to be selected by Governor Scott for the Great Floridian award. It has always been wonderful to call Florida home.”
Two “great Floridians” are chosen each year by the secretary of state from a list of nominees. Scott presented Tebow with the award at an event at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tebow was a backup quarterback this past year for the New York Jets, and they’re looking for a taker on a trade deal.
Pictured: Gov. Rick Scoot named Tim Tebow a ‘Great Floridian” Friday. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rudd Accepts Air Force Academy Appointment
April 12, 2013
Robert Rudd, a senior at Pine Forest High School and Cadet Commander of the school’s NJROTC battalion, has officially accepted his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy for the incoming class of 2017.
Rudd was joined by his family, NJROTC instructors and cadets, PFHS administration and staff. Rudd is also the Cadet Commander of the Collin B. Haines Civil Air Patrol squadron out of NAS Whiting Field and several members also attended the ceremony
He will report to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 25th to begin his training. Following graduation from the Academy, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant.
Senator Marco Rubio nominated Rudd for this highly competitive appointment. Of the 12,000 plus applications received, approximately 1,200 offers of appointment were extended. The value of an Air Force Academy education is calculated to be approximately equal to a $414,000 scholarship.
Rudd also had offers from Auburn University, University of Kentucky, University of South Florida, Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC.
Okahashi, Cousin To Wed
April 12, 2013
Al and Jessica and Stephen Porter of Pensacola announce the engagement of their daughter, Kiani Okahashi, to Cody Cousin, son of Jennifer and Keith Winters of Atmore.
Kiani is a 2012 graduate of Northview High School and currently teaches with Heather Leonard’s Danceworks.
Cody is a 2010 graduate of Northview High School. He joined the Army after graduation and was recently discharged.
The wedding will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at the Museum of Commerce at 115 East Zarragossa Street in downtown Pensacola.
Ernest Ward Names March Students Of The Month
April 11, 2013
Ernest Ward Middle School has named their Students of the Month for March. They are (left to right) Desmone Knight, 8th grade; Sierra Slay, 6th grade; Hannah Godwin, 7th grade. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
WXBM Auctions Beulahfest Autographed Guitar For Autism
April 11, 2013
A guitar signed by the major artists at last month’s Beulahfest was auctioned off Wednesday morning, netting $1,000 for local autistic children.
The guitar — signed by country stars Randy Houser, The Kentucky Headhunters, John Anderson and Confederate Railroad — was auction on 102.7 by morning shows hosts Marty White and Lindsey Marie. Within an hour, the wining bid was submitted by Allen Moore.
The autographs were obtained by Steve Grant, organizer of April Nicole’s Ride For Autism, with all of the proceeds set to be used locally.
“This money will buy aids such as iPads and apps for iPads to help autistic children communicate better, but they aren’t cheap. When Steve approached us, we were more than glad to help”, said White. “That’s what we have always done at WXBM. When there is a need, and there is always a need, we do what we can to help and our listeners always come through.”
The April Nichole Ride for Autism will begin at 9 a.m. this Saturday at Ollie’s Neighborhood Grill in Milton. For more info, call Steve Grant at (850) 324-0295.
Bratt Elementary Releases Third Nine Weeks Honor Roll
April 10, 2013
The following students were named to the third nine weeks honor roll at Bratt Elementary School:
All A’s
Ke’Azia Washington
Rabekah Abbott
Raegan Abbott
Anna Adams
Erich Amerson
Maggie Amerson
Sarah Bailey
John Bashore
Brody Black
Riley Blackwell
Sarah Branch
Luke Bridges
Aiden Broadhead
Keaton Brown
Abbie Buford
Conner Byrne
Emilee Cabral
Kayla Campbell
Kadence Clavert
Tyler Cloud
Shelby Cotita
Sophie Cotita
Cassie Davis
Wyatt Dillon
Colton Dockens
Savannah Doremus
Carsyn Dortch
Kaden Dove
Ryan Dove
Mayson Edwards
Scotty Elliott
Zykuria Fountain
Breyden Freeman
Caitlyn Gibson
Olivia Gibson
David Gilley
Amber Gilman
J.P. Gilman
Emma Gilmore
Gracie Godwin
Maggie Godwin
Shelby Godwin
Ava Gurganus
Zane Gurganus
Berklee Hall
Bryce Hall
Tucker Hall
Ashlan Harigel
Leah Hetrick
Sarah Margaret Hetrick
Hannah Hughes
Jacob Hughes
April Johnson
Hunter Johnson
Ally Jones
Anna King
Gage Lambert
Kennedy Long
Braeden McGhee
Bailie Merchant
Jaquez Moorer
Colby Morris
Mary Paige Nassar
Taviana Parker
Madison Peterson
Libby Pugh
Kenna Redmond
Angel Schoonover
Carter Sigafoose
McKenna Simmons
Savannah Spence
Mia Starns
Aubrey Stuckey
Bailey Van Pelt
Bentley Van Pelt
Summer Waters
Raycer Watson
Clay Wilson
Lane Wilson
Jonathan Windham
Kendall Wise
Ty Wise
All A’s and B’s
Addison Albritton
Elijah Amerson
Sara Amerson
Leah Berry
Bryuana Bivins
Kyle Blanton
Malachi Bolen
Tanner Boone
Cassidy Boutwell
Allie Brantley
Lexi Broadhead
Anastasia Bryan
Juliana Bryan
Macie Buford
Adrian Buggs
Paris Burt
Anyis Cabral
Cadynce Chason
Landon Chavers
Ashton Cloud
Cameron Cloud
Chloe Criswell
Karlee Criswell
Andrew Davis
Franki Daw
Sheyenne Dillon
Irmani Dixon
Makayla Dove
Tyteana Dubose
Cody Edwards
Jackson Edwards
Gage Eicher
Ahmad Elloitt
Alexis Evans
Jason Fayard
Jamyla Feagin
Jacob Findley
Neionni Findley
Kailey Fisher
Makayla Garrett
Paige Gibbs
Jakob Gibson
Ahzavion Gregory
Tony Hall
Kohle Harigel
Summer Harrell
Tatum Hasting
Kara Hawkins
Joshlynn Helton
Gabe Henderson
Martina Howard
Ji’Keir Hudson
A’laysha Huff
Trent Knighten
Anna Lee
Sarah Long
Houston Lowry
Kaleigh Macks
Tobias Madison
Reid McCall
Megan McGhee
Anija McNeir
Angel Merchant
Michael Merchant
Landon Mooney
Cassie Mullins
Abigail Nelson
Travis Nelson
Chris Nordman
Jaylon North
Audrey Odom
Joseph Parker
Blaize Parrish
Adam Peterson
Caden Peterson
Dallon Rackard
Kinzie Rackard
Teriana Redmond
Mary Grace Rice
Shelby Rice
Savannah Roley
Paige Ross
Kaylee Sawyer
Adrianne Shanks
Madelin Sheedy
Courtney Shramek
Jarvis Skanes
Arquavian Smith
Anna Spence
Alyssa Stabler
Jaimee Taylor
Cordarrius Thomas
John Michael Ward
Da’Mius Wesley
T’ahna Wesley
Addison White
Cassidy White
Autumn Williams
Ben Wilson
Wyatt Windham
Connor Wolfe
Joshua Zisa
Learn About Living With Snakes
April 10, 2013
Snakes are common animals in the North Escambia area, consuming pests that can be expensive for humans to manage while providing a service to home environments.
The Escambia Extension Service will hold a program at three locations to discuss the natural history of snakes, to reduce the chance of a snake encounter and how to properly handle a potential snake encounter.
The programs will be held at:
- Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, 1300 Tobias Road, Cantonment on Thursday, April 11, 6 p.m.
- Agriculture Building on Highway 4, Century, on Tuesday, April 30, 6 p.m.
- Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A, Molino on hursday, May 2, 6 p.m.
For more information, contact Rick O’Conner at (850) 475-5230.
Lawmakers Look To Get Rid Of “R” Word
April 10, 2013
It’s known as the “R” word.
Florida lawmakers are moving toward erasing the terms “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” from myriad state laws, as the word “retarded” has become widely viewed as offensive to people with disabilities.
“Mental retardation” would be replaced by “intellectual disability,” and “mentally retarded” would be replaced by “intellectually disabled.” As an indication of how references to retardation thread through state laws, the House is considering a 71-page bill to replace the terms — which pop up in everything from criminal laws to health laws.
“”It makes me upset, mad, when people use the R word. The word makes us (people with developmental disabilities) mad, and angry, and sad. People need to stop saying this word. I speak for others like me,” Barbara Collier (pictured), a client of ARC Gateway in Pensacola since 1996 said. She is a resident of one of six ARC group homes, a valuable member of the ARC horticulture program, a bocce player and bowler in the Special Olympics.
Deborah Linton, executive director of The ARC of Florida, said she has worked for three years to convince lawmakers to eliminate the “R” word and its variations. In the past, Linton’s group was known as the Association for Retarded Citizens.
“It was a medical term, and it became an insult,” Linton said Tuesday after the House Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously to approve the bill (HB 1119). At the other end of the Capitol, the Senate Rules Committee also voted unanimously for the Senate version (SB 142).
House sponsor Janet Adkins, R-Fernandina Beach, said 39 states have made similar changes to their laws. A person with an intellectual disability typically has an IQ of 70 to 75 or below, has limits on the ability to carry on everyday life activities and had the disability before age 18, according to The ARC website.
But while advocacy groups have made a priority of changing the terms, two speakers with intellectual disabilities told the House committee Tuesday that they are still hurt by getting called retarded.
“A lot of people have special needs and different personalities,” said Tyler Creamer, 20, of Panama City “I don’t like when people judge us or put us down. I am important.”
Members of the committee praised the measure.
“Sometimes the most simple of bills can be the most monumental,” said Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach.
By The News service of Florida