First Baptist Cantonment Youth Spend Their Spring Break Volunteering At Children’s Home
April 1, 2010
A dozen youth from the First Baptist Church of Cantonment spent their Spring Break Wednesday helping the youth at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Pensacola.
The youth worked to clean out from around an overgrown pond on the children’s home property. The pond will be used for fishing and to provide activities for the young people that live at the home.
“We had a great time serving the Lord. All of these youth are out on Spring Break this week, so they could have chosen to be doing many other things,” said Drayton Smith, associate pastor at the First Baptist Church of Cantonment.
Pictured above and below: Youth from the First Baptist Church of Cantonment helped the youth at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home clean a pond on Wednesday. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deputy Randy Murph Retires After 27 Years In Law Enforcement
March 31, 2010
After 27 years in law enforcement — 22 of those in North Escambia — Byrneville resident Randy Murph has retired.
Life is a little more relaxed these days for Murph — when we caught up with him, he was working on a cedar chest for his granddaughter. He admits that when he watched a deputy responding to call past his house recently, it was hard not to grab the police radio and find out what was going on. Law enforcement is in his blood.
“I loved it; I still love it, but I’ve seen enough hurt, enough death,” he said, reflecting on his days so far without badge. “When I hung my gun belt up, that was it. It’s a job for the younger guys now.”
Murph started his law enforcement career in Escambia County, Alabama, working for then-Sheriff Tim Hawsey. He spent five years patrolling the 950 square miles of the county before moving south into Florida.
For the next 22 years, he worked for the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office, spending all of those years in North Escambia.
“From all I know about Randy Murph, he was a very good officer, the kind you are proud to have,” Escambia County Sheriff’ David Morgan said.
“I’ll miss always seeing the people in the north end,” he said. “I was raised up here, and I got to know a lot of people. I’ll miss not seeing them as much. There’s some really good people up here, a really close knit community.”
Along with the good people in North Escambia, Murph has seen his share of the bad in the area.
Dumbest Criminal
The dumbest criminal Murph said he remembered was a group that stole candy from the Little League ballpark in Century. He admits it did not take great skills to solve the crime — as the crooks fled the ballpark, they began to eat the candy. And drop candy wrappers — all the way to their own front door.
“When I knocked at the door, they fessed up,” he said.
Excuses, Excuses
Talking to criminals means excuses. Murph’s favorite came from a speeder on Highway 29.
“Ma’am, are you trying to get to the emergency room?” he said he asked.
“Sir, there’s a state trooper on Highway 29 using radar, and I’m trying get away from him,” she replied. She did not get a ticket — at least from Murph.
The Tough Ones
Then there are the cases that Murph does not like to talk about, even after 27 years with a badge.
“One stands out that I’ll never forget, and the man we knew did it was never convicted,” he said. The case involved a woman on Mayo Street in Century left for dead with plastic bag on her head. “That was tough.”
“We knew he did it, but he never got convicted,” he said. But sometimes justice prevails. The suspect in that case is now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole in Georgia for other crimes.
“He got what was coming to him,” Murph said.
Little Words, Big Memories
The best memories come from the simple words — “thank you”.
He remembers a young man in Century that he arrested; it was not his first trip to jail. . He could see his potential. “I talked to him and told him that it was time to become a man.”
The words meant something to the man, and he did turn his life around.
“He told me ‘thank you’ the last time I saw him. He was standing there in front of his daughters when he said it. That took a big man to admit it in front of his children.”
Now that he is retired, Murph said he plans to fish, hunt and travel.
“And I want to find ways to become involved in the community,” he said. “I love the people here.”
Pictured top: (front, L-R) Senior Deputy David Poole, Lt. Carl Jones, DEA Special Agent Claude Cosey, Master Deputy Randy Murph, (back) Deputy Ingram, Senior Deputy David Preson, Lt. David Barnes, and Investigator Frank Way at Randy Murph’s recent retirement party. Pictured top inset: Randy and Mary Murph. Pictured middle inset: Former Escambia (Ala.) Sheriff Tim Hawsey and his wife. Pictured bottom inset: Randy Murph’s retirement party cake. Submitted photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Mock Trial Team Wins State, Headed To Nationals
March 31, 2010
Tate High School’s Mock Trial Team won the state tournament this past weekend in Orlando.
Members of the team are Collin Metcalf, Dylan Lunsford, Allison Baliey, Jacob Sander, Asia Cravens, Amy Sapp, Denis McKinnon III, Josh Levins, Austin Perry, Sarah Barlow, Ashley Fasshauer, and Brooke St. Pierre. Collin Metcalf also won the “Best Attorney” award at the competition.
The group is coached by Amanda Brown. Former coach Kelly Krostag and Attorney Aaron Watson from The Levin Firm also worked with the group.
The team is now eligible to compete in the National Tournament which will be held May 6-9 in Philadelphia.
Pictured: (left of stairs, bottom to top) Brooke St. Pierre, Asia Cravens, Ashley Fasshauer, Amy Sapp, Sarah Barlow, Allison Bailey, coach Amanda Brown, (bottom of stairs, bottom to top) Dylan Lunsford, Austin Perry, Jacob Sander, Josh Levins, Collin Metcalf, Denis McKinnon III. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Special Olympics Torch Run Begins In Century (With Photo Gallery)
March 29, 2010
The 2010 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics began in Century Monday morning.
The torch run started at the Florida/Alabama state line in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot about 7:15 Monday. Employees from Century Correctional Institution escorted the torch down Highway 29 toward the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Pensacola. From the sheriff’s office, runners will continue to the Pensacola Police Department where they will be joined by more local law enforcement officials.
The Escambia County leg of the torch will end at Bartrumn Park where the torch will be passed to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Department Marine Unit.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an event to raise awareness and support for the Special Olympics. Law Enforcement Agencies from across Florida will participate in the event.
The Torch Run will end on May 14 in Orlando, Fla.
For more photos from the torch run, click here.
Law enforcement officers from over 300 Florida agencies (police departments, sheriff’s offices, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs, Air Force Police and Marine Patrol) all participate in the state-wide torch run to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida. Each year, over 3,000 officers carry the torch on a 1500-mile relay through more than 60 counties in Florida.
Pictured: The 2010 Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Florida Special Olympics begins in Century Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Area University Of Alabama Student Responsible For Record Red Cross Donation
March 28, 2010
Thanks to a young man from Atmore, the University of Alabama Community Service Center presented $10,000 to the West Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross last week.
The donation came from the work of Tray Smith, a UA freshman majoring in economics from Atmore, as part of Haiti outreach efforts on campus.
According to Neal Hardin, emergency services specialist with the American Red Cross, it was the largest donation ever obtained by a single student from a Southeastern Conference school given to a local Red Cross chapter. The West Alabama Chapter of the Red Cross named Smith a superhero for his efforts.
The donation came from The Better Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to helping young adults and children in need. The donation will support relief efforts in Haiti and encourage UA students to contribute and fulfill their moral responsibilities, says Smith.
The Better Life Foundation is supported by the popular band 3 Doors Down and named after their first album, The Better Life.
“We secured the funding because of our plan to use it to encourage students to give more and participate in the relief effort,” said Smith. “It is our hope in the Student Government Association that having 3 Door’s Down sponsor our Haiti relief effort will encourage students to be more giving and to follow the band’s example. We also hope this will inspire our student body to be more socially conscious in general and to live lives worthy of our school’s commitment to public service.”
What Is Your Church Doing For Easter?
March 28, 2010
What is your church doing for Easter?
NorthEscambia.com will provide free advertising for churches in North Escambia or North Santa Rosa counties in Florida, or Atmore or Flomaton in Alabama. If your church is having a special Good Friday and/or Easter service, or any other special service or event, let us know!
We will share your information with thousands of readers across the area. We will list the services on our Events page free of charge. Please try to keep your announcement for our events page to 100 words or less. Please send your event listing as far in advance of your service(s) as possible.
Send your announcement to news@northescambia.com or click here for our contact page. We will also be happy to publish photos after your event; email them to news@northescambia.com.
Bratt Assembly of God recently held an early Easter egg hunt and picnic. For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
All advertising and announcements are subject to our editorial standards.
Pictured: The Bratt Assembly of God recently held an Easter egg hunt and picnic. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Play Ball! Opening Day For Molino Ballpark
March 28, 2010
Saturday was Opening Day for Molino Recreation Associations and the Molino Ballpark.
For photos from an Opening Day tee ball game, click here.
Don’t forget — we’ll be happy to run your youth sports photos here on NorthEscambia.com. Just email them as soon as possible after the game to news@northescambia.com.
Pictured top: Opening Day ceremony at Molino Ballpark. Also pictured: Opening Day tee ball action. Submitted photos by Tina Pendleton for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Spring Lawn And Garden Tips From Escambia Extension Service
March 27, 2010
Now that spring is here and the outdoors are turning green again, it is time to begin thinking about working in your outdoor areas in North Escambia and surrounding areas. From flowers, to tree and shrubs to lawns, the Escambia County Extension Service offers some great tips for the late March through April time period:
Flowers
- Begin planting colorful annual flowers such as ageratum, alyssum, amaranthus, asters, baby’s breath, begonia, calendula, celosia, cosmos, dahlia, dusty miller, gaillardia, geranium, hollyhock, impatiens, marigold, nicotiana, ornamental pepper, pentas, phlox, rudbeckia, salvia, sweet Williams, torenia, verbena, vinca and zinnia.
- Caladium bulbs are extremely sensitive to cold soil so there is no advantage to planting early. Purchase caladiums while there is a good selection, but wait until late March or April before planting them in shady beds.
- Begin watching roses for black spot fungus disease (small black spots on the leaves that quickly worsen). Control it by spraying every seven to ten days with a fungicide. Call your local Extension Office for recommended products.
Trees and Shrubs
- Finish pruning summer flowering shrubs such as althea, hibiscus, abelia, oakleaf hydrangea and oleander.
- Delay pruning azaleas, camellias, spiraeas, gardenias and other spring flowering shrubs until after flowering is complete.
- Prune any cold weather-damaged plants only after new growth appears.
- If needed, fertilize shrubs and small trees with a slow release fertilizer. A good general-purpose landscape fertilizer is a 15-0-15.
- Mature palms should receive an application of granular fertilizer. Use a special palm fertilizer that has an 8-2-12 +4Mg (magnesium) with micronutrients formulation. Apply one pound of fertilizer per 100 sq ft of canopy area or landscape area.
- Pick up all fallen camellia blossoms and remove them from your property. This practice helps to prevent petal blight next season.
- Prune ornamental grasses. For more information visit the online publication, “Considerations for Selection and Use of Ornamental Grasses,” at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP233 or call you local Extension Office for a copy.
- Evergreen and semi-evergreen trees such as live oak and laurel oak shed most of their leaves during March and early April. Make plans to recycle these leaves on your
property by composting or using them as mulch in vegetable, flower and shrub beds.
Vegetable Garden
- In mid-March, plant vegetables such as bush beans, pole beans, lima beans, cantaloupes, sweet corn, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, southern peas, peppers, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes and watermelon.
- Sweet potato plants (slips/draws) can be set out April through June.
Lawns
- Removing excessive accumulation of leaves from the lawn will increase the effectiveness of fertilizer and pesticide applications.
- If a pre-emergence lawn herbicide is needed to control summer weeds, it should be applied in early March or when day temperatures reach 65 to 70 degrees F for 4 to 5 consecutive days. Make certain to choose one that is safe on your type of grass. Call your local Extension Office for a recommendation.
- Wait until early April to fertilize lawns. If fertilized too early, they often respond with yellow spots of iron chlorosis. Use a slow release nitrogen product with a 3-1-3 ratio
(like a 16-2-16) or a 1:0:1 ratio such as a 15-0-15. - Service the lawn mower by sharpening the blade and adjusting the cutting height for your type of grass.
- Anyone considering establishment of centipede grass from seed should hold off until the soil warms up and stabilizes above 70°F.
- Spring dead spots may be present. Before treating these areas, get a diagnosis. Treat, if necessary, and then patch these areas before weeds invade the bare spots. Sodding, plugging or sprigging helps them to fill in quicker.
Creative High School Students Honored
March 26, 2010
Several area high school students were honored Thursday night at the Mira Creative Arts Awards ceremony in Pensacola.
The awards honored ten “bright stars” in the creative arts each of Escambia County’s high schools.
Winners from the North Escambia Area were:
Northview High School
- Micah Byars, Props & Set Construction
- Clint Davis, Drama
- Kayla Dempsey, Drama
- Carley Hetrick, Vocal Music
- Tyler Hunter, Drama
- Thaddeus Jones, Instrumental Music
- Parish Kelley, Graphic Art
- Mallorie Okahashi, Set Design
- Jackson Smith, Instrumental Music
- Nathan Taylor, Visual Arts
Tate High School
- Stevie Evans, Visual Arts
- Leslie Ann Godwin, Instrumental Music
- Cally Hayes, Visual Arts
- Destiny Howard, Vocal Music
- Collin Bain Metcalf, Debate
- Megan Otteni, Drama
- Kimberly R. Thompson, Ceramics
- Jakob Ian Wisdom, Instrumental Music
- Kaitlin Williams, Yearbook
- Meghan Wojdyla, Yearbook
West Florida High School
- Heather Lee, Drama
Each student honored received $200 book scholarships from Pensacola Junior College, memberships to the Pensacola Museum of Art and award medallions.
Students Headed To Washington On EREC Youth Tour
March 25, 2010
Allie Bryan from Northview High School and Leely Trevino from Jay High School have been named winners in the Escambia River Electric Cooperative 2010 Youth Tour to Washington contest.
Students from the EREC service area interviewed with a panel of judges in this competition for a chance to win the opportunity to visit Washington.
Judges from PowerSouth Energy Cooperative in Andalusia, Alabama, and Southern Pine Electric Cooperative in Brewton, Alabama, scored contestants in their interviews based on their knowledge of Escambia River Electric Cooperative and the history of rural electrification. Personal attributes of each candidate such as character, academic ability, personality and leadership abilities were also considered.
Bryan and Trevino were chosen to represent EREC on the Washington Youth Tour. While in Washington, the teens will have the opportunity to see the sights, learn about our nation’s capitol, rural electrification and make new friends from across the country.
“EREC is very proud to have these two outstanding students represent them on the Washington Youth Tour this year. Congratulations to each of them on achieving this honor,” said Sabrina Owens, EREC spokesperson.
Pictured top: Allie Bryan (left) from Northview High School and Leely Trevino from Jay High School will represent EREC on the Washington Youth Tour. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.