North Escambia History Began With The Spanish
February 19, 2009
North Escambia can trace its history back to the Spanish with the first settlers in the area arriving when this area was a Spanish territory.
With the King and Queen of Spain in Escambia County today, we thought we would take a trip back to the early 1800’s when North Escambia was part of the Spanish kingdom.
The first recorded settler in Walnut Hill was John Gaylor in or about 1816. Gaylor received a land grant for acreage near Walnut Hill from the Spanish government. North Escambia was part of the Spanish Territory at the time. The land grant was for land located in the vicinity of the present-day Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill. Gaylor was under contract to use the land to raise cattle to be sold to the Spanish in Pensacola.
Many of the first settlers in the Davisville area also lived on land from Spanish Land Grants along Pine Barren Creek, known then as the Paxesco River.
The Spanish Land Grants were land claims filed by settlers in Florida after the transfer of the territory from Spain to the United States in 1821 in order to prove land ownership. Starting in 1790, Spain offered land grants to encourage settlement to the sparsely populated and vulnerable Florida colony. When the United States assumed control of Florida, it agreed to honor any valid land grants.
Residents had to prove that validity through documentation and testimonials. Those records became the dossiers filed by grantees to the U.S. government. They were either confirmed (found to be valid) or unconfirmed (found invalid) by the US government through land commissions, federal courts, or by the U.S. Congress. Most of the records for West Florida are missing.
King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain are in Pensacola today to help celebrate the city’s 450th anniversary.
Pictured: Copies of the Land District West Territory of Florida records from 1826 confirming John Gaylor’s Spanish Land Claim for land in Walnut Hill. Click to enlarge.
One Year Since Tornado Ripped Though Molino
February 17, 2009
Tuesday marked the one year anniversary of the Molino tornado that destroyed four homes, caused heavy damage and ripped the steeple of a church with worshipers inside.
The E-F1 tornado destroyed four homes in Molino about noon Sunday, February 17. Escambia County officials say at least 60 other structures were damaged by the twister along at least a two and a half mile path. At least 20 of those structures suffered major damage. There were no injuries reported.
Many homes in the Crest Lane area were damaged, with at least one house destroyed. Other suffered significant roof damage. As the tornado continued on a path to the northeast, it took the steeple off Highland Baptist Church and caused roof damage to the sanctuary. The steeple landed in the church parking lot, damaging at least four cars.
Church members said the service was about to end when they got word of the approaching tornado. Everyone evacuated the sanctuary and sought shelter in the church fellowship hall, a brick building with no windows. They prayed and sang songs as the storm approached, a church member said.
On Molino Road, near Brickyard Road, several more homes were damaged. The roof was completely gone from several houses and the Masonic Lodge building. One mobile home was flipped upside down and others were heavily damaged.
Gulf Power company cut power to about 4,500 people in the Molino area as a safety precaution. Power lines were down all around the area with many poles snapped in half.
Dozens of emergency responders conducted a door to door search in the areas with heavy damage, checking to make sure residents were not injured. Firefighters also drove all of the roads around the area, looking for any additional damage.
For cleanup photos from February 19, click here.
Pictured above: One of the homes destroyed by last year’s Molino tornado. Pictured below: Another home under repair February 17, 2008. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Share The Road: Local Farmers Behind New State Law
February 16, 2009
Several local farmers were instrumental in getting legislation passed that changes the way Florida regulates farm equipment on the state’s highways.
Early last year, some farmers and equipment dealers were given citations by the state for moving over-width farm equipment during their normal daily operations. That led the local farmers and the Florida Farm Bureau to take action.
Thanks to the efforts of members of the Escambia and Santa Rosa County Farm Bureaus as well as Florida Farm Bureau, legislation was passed last year that eliminate the permits and fees for producers and allow them to move over-sized agricultural equipment within a 50-mile radius of their farms. Deliveries by equipment dealers will also be exempted.
Mike Godwin, Jerry Wayne McElhaney and Brett Ward from North Escambia were among the farmers and ranchers working for the legislation. Ben Ellison, who farms in North Escambia and lives in Santa Rosa County; and Lucas Killam and Marion Tidwell from Santa Rosa County were also instrumental in getting the legislation sponsored.
The state also recently installed signs reminding motorists that farm equipment shares the road on highways in agricultural areas across Florida, including along Highway 97 and along Highway 29.
The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Greg Evers and Senator Carey Baker, and much of the work to pass the bill was done by Farm Bureau members throughout Florida.
The new language basically says that no permit will be needed by producers if the farming equipment is 174 inches wide or less. It also goes on to say that if the equipment is over 174 inches wide, the equipment must have a warning lamp mounted on each side of the equipment, and must have a slow-moving-vehicle sign visible. The language also states that these lamps must be visible from at least 1,000 feet.
“Farm Bureau has been working hard for the past year on trying to solve this problem for farmers, and we could not have got the bill passed without the help of many Escambia and Santa Rosa County farmers. The Young Farmer and Rancher’s in both counties were also instrumental in getting the legislation passed”, said Allen Scheffer, Florida Farm Bureau Field Director from West Florida.
Pictured above: Signs reminding Florida motorists that agricultural equipment shares the road have been placed across the state following the passage of new legislation that was spearheaded by several local farmers. This sign greats travelers along Highway 97 just south of the Alabama state line. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Farm Bureau Food Check-out Week Targets Healthy Eating On Budget
February 16, 2009
With the continuing economic squeeze, many Americans are concerned that the cost of a healthy diet is out of reach. However, according to an Agriculture Department study, the cost of eating healthy has not changed as much as less-healthy alternatives. But eating healthy food within a budget does require smart shopping.
Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week, February 15-21, is devoted to helping teach Americans how to stretch their grocery dollars with healthy, nutritious food. America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to producing safe, healthy and abundant food. And they share a common concern with consumers when it comes to putting nutritious meals on a table while sticking to a tight budget. U.S. consumers still spent under 10 per cent of their disposable income on food according to the latest USDA data. Consumers in other countries spend much more: France- 14 percent; Japan-15 percent; China-35 percent; Philippines-37 percent and Indonesia- 46 percent.
A March 2008 USDA report favorably supports the economics of healthier eating. Recent food price data show that prices for unprepared, readily available fresh fruit and vegetables have remained stable relative to dessert and snack foods, such as chips, ice cream and cola. Therefore, as defined by foods in the study, the price of a “healthier” diet has not
changed compared to an “unhealthy” diet.
Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week is aimed at helping American consumers learn how to shop effectively to put nutritious meals on the table with fewer dollars.
“Learning to use your grocery dollars wisely ensures that nutrition isn’t neglected,” according Dorothy Cunningham of Escambia Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. “Fruits and vegetables – along with whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, beans, eggs and nuts – are an important part of a healthy diet. Buying fresh produce when it is in season and costs less, while buying frozen fruits and vegetables when they are not in season, is a smart way to stretch that dollar.”
Here are some tips that consumers can follow to help stretch their food dollars :
Plan ahead before going to the grocery store. Make a list of the foods you want to serve during the next week. Check your newspaper for grocery store ads and coupons. Stick to your list. Do not go to the cookie or snack aisle if you don’t “ need” to. Shop the perimeter of the store. Produce, dairy products and meat are generally found on those outside walls. A tip for keeping produce fresh longer is to store it in a perforated plastic bag. This stops condensation and shriveling. Make holes in a plastic bag with a paper punch, knife or another sharp object about six inches apart all over the bag. When you get home, immediately store any fresh or frozen products especially meat.
For more specific information on nutrition , meal planning and food preparation, contact a registered dietitian.
Valentine’s Day Wedding At Century Care Center
February 15, 2009
Love was in the air and wedding bells were ringing Saturday afternoon at Century Care Center with a Valentine’s wedding to remember.
Karen Sue Coleman married her best friend Benjamin Edward Leonardi. Karen wanted her father, Floyd Coleman, to walk her down the aisle. Mr. Floyd has been a resident at Century Care for nearly six years. Rather than take him out of Century Care for the wedding, Karen decided to take the wedding to him.
The wedding took place with family, friends and a lots of Century Care Center residents outside under the center’s gazebo. And Karen got her wish, as her father Floyd escorted her down the aisle.
“It was chilly and windy, but the residents had been excited all week. They weren’t about to miss it,” said Mae Hildreth, Century Care Center activities director.
The wedding was followed by a reception for the happy couple in the Century Care Center dining room.
Pictured top: Mr. and Mrs. Karen and Benjamin Leonardi enjoy wedding cake Valentine’s afternoon at Century Care Center. Pictured inset: Karen is walked down the aisle at her wedding by her father, Century Care Center resident Floyd Coleman. Pictured below: More photos from Saturday’s wedding. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Get About $70 Of Groceries, Including Steaks, For $30: No Strings Attached
February 13, 2009
As the cost of food continues to rise, there is a program available at a local church that can save more than half off the cost of groceries. And, perhaps best of all, everyone qualifies, no strings attached .It’s called Angel Food Ministries, a program that provides food relief to more than a half million families a month across the nation.
It’s a simple concept…pay $30 for a box of food worth about $70. There are no applications; everyone qualifies. The process is simple too…just stop by the Allen Memorial United Methodist Church in Cantonment, pay the $30 and return on the designated pickup day to receive the box of food. They even accept food stamps.
And, for seniors, there’s a special box of food for just $28 that includes 10 full cooked, low sodium heat and eat meals.
Allen Memorial United Methodist Church has been the local host for the Angel Food Ministries program since October of 2006, according to their program director Katrina Williamson.
“It’s a great program,” Williamson said. “It can really help people out.”
Orders for February can be placed Saturday, February 14 or Monday, February 16 from 10 until noon at the church at 206 Pace Parkway in Cantonment for a food delivery on February 28. The church accepts cash or food stamps.
The $30 February box of food includes 1.5 pounds of sirloin strip steaks, two pounds of chicken breasts, one pound of boneless pork chops, two pounds of breaded chicken nuggets, a salisbury steak entree, plus other items like french fries, mac ‘n cheese, several vegetables and desserts.
Specials are also available each month with the purchase of a regular box of food. For instance, this month, one special is 1.5 pounds of ribeye steaks, 1.5 pounds of bacon-wrapped lean ground beef patties, two pounds of thick cut pork chops and one pound of mild Italian sausage with mozzarella cheese all for $22.
“Our food is “restaurant grade” meats, frozen vegetables, fruits, dairy products, etc. which we acquire through our involvement with only the best producers/vendors of high quality, “name brand” foods. Never “seconds” or “day old” type products are involved,” according to the Angel Food Ministries web site.
For more information about the program, call Allen Memorial United Methodist Church at 968-6213 or visit www.angelfoodministries.com. To visit the church and place an order…take Highway 20 south into Cantonment. Turn right at the red light onto Muskogee Road. Take the second right onto Pace Parkway.
Other churches in the North Escambia area that might be interested in hosting the Angel Food Ministries program can visit www.angelfoodministries.com for more information.
Click here to download a complete February Angel Food menu (pdf).
Northview NJROTC Heads To Florida A & M For Drill Competition
February 10, 2009
The Northview High School NJROTC attended the annual Florida A&M Drill Competition recently in Tallahassee.
“It was an opportunity for the unit to compete against other schools that are not in our area and it was an exciting and successful day,” Northview NJROTC instructor Charlie Code said. “It was a great experience for the unit and one that they will use to build upon for the future.”
Northview placed in the following events:
- Uarmed Basic Drill: 2nd place
- Armed Basic Drill: 2nd place
- Color Guard Drill: 4th place
- Personnel Inspection: 5th place
- Individual Drill: Jessica Bloodsworth, placed 2nd out of 150 cadets.
A total of 16 schools participated in the day-long event.
Click here for a complete photo gallery from the event.
Pictured above: The Northview High School NJROTC at the annual Florida A&M Drill Competition recently in Tallahasee. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fish Fry, Motorcycle Ride To Benefit Toby Quimby Saturday
February 4, 2009
Toby Quimby and the Quimby family have been there for countless families in the North Escambia and Atmore areas for many years, and now they need your help with Toby’s mounting medical expenses.
Toby and the Quimbys have worked with area residents for years at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home and Atmore Memorial Chapel. Now Toby is battling two types of Lyme disease, spending most days in bed. He is in Kansas City, Missouri, for treatments that was last a minimum of three months.
Every week of those treatments is $2,000. Some of the cost is covered by insurance, but not all.
“God is really at work in our lives right now and we are aware that He is walking hand and hand with us through all of this,” Toby’s wife Maggie wrote in a journal that is chronicling Toby’s treatments. “He has really been through a lot of pain and weakness these past few days.”
The Atmore First United Methodist Church will hold a catfish plate fund raiser for Toby from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. next Saturday at the church. Catfish plates will be $6. Tickets are available at the church office. For more information, call (251) 368-8297. There will also be a yard sale in the church fellowship hall from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. next Saturday.
A benefit motorcycle ride for Toby will be held Saturday, February 7 beginning at Atmore First United Methodist Church. The ride will follow a scenic route through Escambia and Monroe counties. The sign up is at 9:00. The first bike will be out at 9:45 and the last one will be out at 10:30. The ride is $20 per person, including lunch. For more information, email BigDCMA@mchsi.com or call (251) 294-0386.
All proceeds from both events will go to the Friends of Toby Quimby Fund.
To read Toby’s Caringbridge journal, click here.
Contributions can also be made to the Friends of Toby Quimby Fund at the First National Bank & Trust, P. O. Box 27, Atmore, AL 36504.
Pictured top: Toby Quimby. Pictured below: The Quimby family: Blake, 14; Brad, 10; Bryant, 7; Maggie and Toby. Courtesy photos.
Lights, Cameras, Reading: Byrneville Elementary Students Are Real Stars
February 2, 2009
The students at Byrneville Elementary School received the star treatment Friday as they dressed up for glamour shot photo sessions in preparation for a big Hollywood event Tuesday night.
Hollywood will come to the school as the red carpet will be rolled out, a movie will hit the big screen and parents will learn about making their student a star.
It’s all about reading at Byrneville. At Tuesday’s opening night Hollywood event, the students will watch the movie will kindergarten to second grade parents will learn about a new reading series. Parents of third, fourth and fifth graders will learn more about how to help their child succeed on the upcoming FCAT.
During Friday’s photo shoot, the children dressed up in fancy dresses, coats and jackets, jewelry, sunglasses and more “glam” items. The children will write about their favorite book on a star. Their glamour photo will be added to the star, the stars will be hanging in the hallways (the “walk of fame”) when parents arrive Tuesday night.
All of the events are taking place in conjunction with the school’s book fair that is themed “Reading Makes You a Star”. During the day Tuesday, the students are encouraged to come dressed up like movie stars or in other glamorous fashion.
From 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Byrneville parents can visit the book fair with their child. At 6:00, the students will go to the cafeteria for a movie, and their parents will be split up for the their learning sessions.
You will find pictures of a couple of ducks in the photo gallery…those are Bob and Bess, Byrneville’s conversation ducks. Every morning, they have a new Post-it note on them outside the school office. The children read the sticky notes to learn the latest in the continuing drama of Bob and Bess. It is another tool Byrneville Elementary uses to encourage reading.
Pictured above: Byrneville student Chloe Smith gets treated like a star during a glamour shot photo session Friday morning. Pictured inset: Several young ladies pick out the perfect jewelry for their photo shoot. Pictured below: Jared Jeter poses for his photo shoot. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Local Group Collecting Underwear For Gulf Coast Kid’s House
February 2, 2009
The Escambia Farm Bureau Women’s Committee is conducting a drive to collect underclothes for children being seen by the Gulf Coast Kid’s House.
These abused children are often in need of new clothing items. While there is adequate gently used outer clothing donated, underwear is always needed. The committee is asking the North Escambia community to donate new, never worn underwear, socks and diapers. There is a need for all sizes, infant through adolescents.
The Gulf Coast Kid’s House is a center where abused and neglected children receive services from a number of agencies. While the Kid’s House is located in Pensacola and serves all of Escambia County, a fair number of the children served are from our area. Abuse is an issue found in every community, both urban and rural.
“As February is viewed as the month of love, we felt it was an appropriate time to ask our neighbors to show their love for some of our most vulnerable neighbors – the abused children,” said Rikki Vidak, Women’s Committee member. “We would like to put a donation box in your church, school or business.”
There will also be a donation box at the Molino Farm Bureau office.
For more information, contact Rikki Vidak at 587-4246 or call the Farm Bureau office at 587-2135.