THE ISSUE: Crestview has run out of property suitable for recreation programs

LOCAL IMPACT: Record numbers of residents must use overcrowded facilities; many residents question their quality of life

CRESTVIEW—Several residents are concerned about area parks and recreation.

Complaints have ranged from a lack of playgrounds to insufficient adult sports leagues.

Crestview operates almost 30 facilities, ranging from ball fields to rec centers to basketball courts, according to the city’s latest budget report.

The report notes about 2,505 youths and 950 adults are expected to use the facilities this year.

The demand grows each year as Crestview, once a small, sleepy town, copes with becoming Okaloosa County's largest city. The population influx primarily occurred in the late 2000s following more area military activity. 

Now, there's a dilemma: high demand and low supply. 

Mayor David Cadle said the city lacks the number of fields and sites for athletic programs. He pointed to limited space in the city and the area’s terrain as shortcomings.

Several areas that have space for parks or ball fields are not geologically fit for such facilities. Usable lands outside Crestview would need to be annexed before the city could develop parks.

Cadle said annexation is difficult because it requires residents in other areas to agree to pay city taxes with little change in services already available to them.

One solution Crestview has instituted is a requirement that all incoming residential developments build an on-site playground.

The city has received state grants in the past for park development, but none recently. Cadle attributed that to a poor economic environment nationally and statewide. However, he stated both state and city economic situations have greatly improved compared to years past.

In its 2017 annual budget, Crestview committed $627,818 to parks and recreation — roughly 3.86 percent of its overall budget. While that figure seems low, it’s actually higher than average cities. Resources for the Future, an organization that conducts research and analysis regarding natural resources and the environment, published a study in 2009 that sampled city park practices in 75 cities of various sizes. The study found from 1991-2006, cities spent about 2 percent of annual budgets on parks.

Despite the spending, some residents believe it’s not enough.

Tiffany Singhisen moved to the area about six months ago with her husband and three children ages 3, 4 and 10. She said she’s struggled to find places to take her kids to play and the places she has found are “pitiful.”

Singhisen said crews were cleaning Twin Hills Park after recent storms, but added that standard maintenance often goes undone.

She said the parks she’s been to have been dirty and unsafe, and she cited the presence of “sketchy people hanging around” playgrounds.

David Patterson, a local CrossFit and tennis instructor, leads a running group and has three children in city league sports. He said Crestview needs to “better utilize the current spaces we have” and suggested evening or nighttime adult sports leagues.

Stacey Monk and Michael Bolen said that the area needs more spaces for children, including teenagers.

The city has six parks and recreation employees, according to the 2017 budget. That number has remained relatively unchanged for several years.

While Crestview might lack plans for new parks, the department’s 2017 budget includes $131,600 for “capital outlay,” an expenditure excluded in the last four budgets.

Capital outlay is money used to repair, maintain or acquire assets.

Crestview’s public services director and associate director did not return phone calls for this story.

George Hillsman, the parks and recreation supervisor, said he could not comment on budgeting.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: RUNNING OUT OF SPACE

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview News Bulletin staff chose these as the top stories we reported on in 2016. Share your thoughts on the list, and any changes you would recommend, at www.crestviewbulletin.com.  

1. COUNCIL: YES TO ALCOHOL

Following several months’ debate, the City Council voted 3-2 to allow open alcohol containers during certain Main Street events.

The decision was met with backlash from some Crestview and Baker pastors, as well as some residents who wished to see downtown be a family-first area.

“Grape juice left by itself turns to vinegar,” Pastor Joel McGraw, of Crestview Independent Baptist Church, said. “Man must corrupt wine to make it what it is. It will corrupt society as well.”

“Guns don’t affect your judgment, but alcohol does. Selling alcohol is all about getting the almighty dollar,” Jim Vail, pastor of First Baptist Church of Baker, said.

“Keep the alcohol behind closed doors on Main Street,” Crestview resident Willard Wilson said.

Some city officials said the alcohol vote would make the area more attractive to investors; other residents and stakeholders said the vote would boost downtown activity.

“My wife and I decided to reinvest in downtown Crestview,” said Bill Toannon, who co-owns Casbah Coffee House. “I prefer to see revitalization downtown. Putting big-box stores on either end of Crestview will not help small businesses downtown.”

“We are looking to bring some events to downtown where alcohol is served,” Paul Lowrey, president of the Main Street Association said. “Responsible business owners, responsible use, and responsible consumption. We are not looking to do this during family-oriented events like the Crestview Christmas Parade.”

2. TRIPLE HOMICIDE STUNS HUB CITY

A 22-year-old Crestview man, Jacob Langston, is expected to come to trial early in 2017 in connection with the fatal shootings of his mother, stepfather and another man.

State Attorney Bill Eddins and Crestview Police Chief Tony Taylor said at a Jan. 25 press conference that Langston planned to kill Elbert L. Merrick III, 22, who was dating his ex-girlfriend, and Shanna McGrath, Langston’s 42-year-old mother, and Kevin McGrath, his 47-yearold stepfather.

Langston was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of animal cruelty after allegedly killing family members and shooting two dogs at the 179 Peoria Blvd. home.

A search of Langston’s Chevrolet Impala uncovered a “gray canvas insulated bag containing a smaller, purple canvas bag,” a warrant document said. Inside was a hacksaw, large knife, tools, a box of gloves and several large kitchen trash bags.

Eddins credited the Crestview Police Department, his own office, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Medical Examiner’s Office with quick and efficient work to bring about the arrest.

While one dog died of its injuries, a Weimeramer named Jasmine survived despite being shot three times. She was adopted by a Destin couple, who were happy to provide her with the intensive veterinary care she required. Two Yorkies, who were uninjured, were adopted by a friend of one of the victims.

3. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAMS EXCEL

The Baker School football team’s trip to Orlando for the state playoffs ended in defeat. However, while the Gators lost the game, their sportsmanship and drive shined.

After 13-straight wins the Baker Gators and their faithful fans were used to winning and, more important, overcoming adversity. Their path to get to the Florida High School Athletic Association state championship game showcased their ability to fight the odds and prove experts wrong by making plays and shifting momentum.

Their game in Orlando was a different situation. The Gators were playing a Pahokee team that hit harder and ran faster than any opponent they had faced.

In Pahokee’s win, Baker held their own in a way the scoreboard didn’t show.

The Pahokee Blue Devils hit the knees of senior fullback Nick Adams, which took him out of the game. One of those knees bent in the opposite direction. Yes, Nick was done, but he said the pain was worth it.

The Baker Gators committed several turnovers. Their defense, however, went back on the field and didn’t allow Pahokee to capitalize as much as they should have. They did their job. For the seniors, it was for one last time.

●●●

Crestview High School’s football team broke a three-game losing streak to remain undefeated against Niceville High. The win secured a district championship for the Bulldogs and gave them home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Rusty Moorer piled up 300 yards and three touchdowns, Crestview’s defense racked up five sacks and the Bulldogs held on to a 27-7 third-quarter lead to earn the right to welcome District 4-6A runner-up Middleburg.

For whatever reason, whether it was Crestview’s recent years of mediocrity or the shadow cast by rival Niceville’s perennial success, the Bulldogs have largely escaped the hype and drawn in the naysayers.

This year, they had a response for rival Niceville (8-1), for the state and for the home fans, who rushed the field, as “We are the Champions” blasted over the loudspeakers following a 27-21 District 3-6A championship win over the Eagles.

4. A CITY WITH MORE AMENITIES

After years of planning and setbacks, funding and a location were secured for a Crestview dog park. The Crestview Bark Park is in development following a $62,000 private donation and local business owner April Meier’s research.

Meier said there was an overwhelming demand to see the city open its first park for canines. However, she said, the city’s budget had little room to make construction happen. In addition, city officials were unsure where such a park would be located.

A dog park would have to be far enough from residential areas due to potential noise, but still convenient for residents to use, Meier said. The area within Twin Hills Park fit the requirements.

Meier researched 10 cities of comparable size to Crestview that have dog parks. She used these towns as a model to brainstorm means of funding. Once a park is built, it still requires maintenance and upkeep, which carries a cost. Before facing these costs, she first had to find initial funds to build the park.

In June, the Main Street Crestview Association, of which Meier is a board member, was approved by the Community Redevelopment Agency to build the park. In August, Meier began fundraising.

The project raised about $3,000 before a massive donation on Dec. 21. Jim Huff, on behalf of Ted Simmons, gave a $62,000 check to the Main Street Crestview Association for development of the park.

●●●

Central Baptist Church in Crestview soon will have a Crossroads Medical and Dental Clinic satellite office. The church owns an empty building at 951 S. Ferdon Blvd. that will facilitate the Valparaiso-based clinic’s cause to provide free health care.

“This was the vision of Paul Mixon, pastor of Central Baptist Church, who wanted a medical outreach in the community,” Penny Bailey said. “He has worked tirelessly with the city of Crestview for the past six months to get Crossroads Clinic to Crestview.”

Crossroads, a non-profit organization, provides free medical care for those who have no medical insurance and meet Florida criteria for receiving this service. It began 12 years ago and, in that time, reportedly has provided millions of dollars of medical, dental and pharmaceutical care for its patients. 

“My wife and I are thrilled about the opening of the Crestview Crossroads location,” said Dr. Bailey, the medical clinic’s primary physician. “We have been serving our country for a combined 54 years and have the desire to serve our community. North Okaloosa County and Walton County are underserved as far as medical care is concerned.”

“We want to provide medical care to those who need it.”

5. LAUREL HILL IS HERE TO STAY

After several years of debate, Laurel Hill City Council voted 3-2 to terminate discussions on dissolving the town. A vote in August closed the matter.

Council Chairman Larry Hendren and Councilwoman Debra Adams cast the dissenting votes; both said they believed residents should vote on the matter.

Councilman Travis Dewrell, who motioned to end discussion, said no one approached the council to support dissolution, but he had heard from many residents who want the city to remain incorporated.

Councilman Scott Moneypenny said of the city’s 516 residents, just one spoke to him in favor of dissolution.

However, resident Joel Weekly said there were many residents who favored dissolution but hadn’t made their preference known.

“The silent majority should be represented,” he said. “They pay taxes, too.”

“If the silent majority was not silent, then I’d be in favor of taking the money and continuing this discussion,” Dewrell said.

Hendren said when the discussion began several years ago, he then favored dissolution, but “since then I’ve seen growth.”

6. CLOSER TO CLOSURE

Crestview residents may find closure in the 2006 cold case of Melissa Howard’s murder. After nearly nine years with no arrest, the case was re-examined in 2015 using updated investigative technologies.

Now, David Russell Holbrook Jr., faces murder charges in connection with the single mother’s death.

Jennifer Knudson, Melissa’s best friend, knew the suspect as Russell.

“He hung out with all of us. We would hang out and do fish fries,” Knudson said.

Brian and Melissa Howard, Knudson and her husband and Holbrook and his wife Darlene were friends until all their marriages dissolved, Knudson said.

“It was a very tangled web,” she said. “It was like everybody split up and certain people were siding with the other.”

Knudson remembered talking on the phone with Melissa Howard one day a couple of weeks before she was killed when someone knocked on Howard’s door.

“I asked her who it was, and she said ‘Russell,’” Knudson said.

The out-of-the-blue visit, Knudson said, left her and Melissa feeling uncomfortable.

Knudson said she was not shocked to learn Holbrook had been tied to the case.

His arrest on a charge of first-degree murder came after an Okaloosa County grand jury handed down an indictment.

7. A YEARLONG PARTY FOR THE HUB CITY

Crestview celebrated its centennial with numerous events. Among the many happenings — which included Fourth of July fireworks and the “Ghosts of Crestview,” a living history featuring View from the Stage performers — was groundbreaking on a multimillion-dollar courthouse.

Mayor David Cadle set the scene during the main celebration in his opening remarks, which called back to April 11, 1916, when the city was officially established.

“Imagine, if you will, just 100 years (ago), when a small village began to grow up around arrival of the railroad,” Cadle said. “The people who settled here were industrious and hard-working folks, and soon they were building homes and churches.”

“And on Main Street a hotel sprang up, and a bank, and along with them were several drinking establishments, where the purported favorite beverage was whiskey. Those establishments had many patrons, and even their second floors of their buildings were quite busy.”

The passing of years brought innovation — “As time went by, the dirt roads slowly were being replaced by pavement, and the city continued to grow,” Cadle said — and the 7th Special Forces’ relocation from Fort Bragg, N.C., to Eglin Air Force Base in Northwest Florida brought an influx of new residents.

Now, the Hub City is Okaloosa’s largest city, and “the undisputed county seat of Okaloosa County,” Cadle said.

8. ‘PRAGMATIC, INEXPENSIVE’ TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS

Traffic congestion is a hot topic in Crestview. The idea of widening certain main roads has been discussed, but the timeframe for such a project — if it were to happen at all — is several decades at best.

However, a Florida Department of Transportation study provided the town with some solution to alleviate its traffic headaches.

“It doesn’t make anything bigger,” Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles said. “It says, ‘What do we have and can we use it more efficiently?’”

Such solutions are similar to extending the turn lane from southbound State Road 85 to John King Road in 2013, which alleviated some backups into the left lane.

Unlike major road construction projects, which can take decades, the project’s recommendations will begin almost immediately, FDOT public information specialist Donna Green said.

“It’s a cool study,” Boyles said. “Many of the solutions are very pragmatic and inexpensive. If you stack them all together it can make a significant impact.”

“The study provides improved traffic flow between Walmart and the Shoal River Bridge,” Boyles said. “It focuses on small expense improvements.”

Green said the Antioch and Live Oak Church Roads intersection would be the first to receive attention.

“The design for John King and Southcrest will be done sometime around fiscal-year 2018,” she said, closely followed by right-of-way acquisition and actual construction by 2020 or 2021.

9. CRESTVIEW TOPS IN DUI FATALITIES?

An online ranking of DUI-related traffic incidents placed Crestview as one of the worst cities in the state. The information concerned residents, but local law enforcement used its own data to dispute the claim.

“Our consumer affairs experts ran the numbers, and Crestview is ranked 10th worst in Florida for highest DUI-related deaths,” Kay Evans of ConsumerAffairs.com stated in an email.

“Crestview is 63rd safest out of 72 communities,” Evans said, though the report lists statistics for 150 cities.

The Lake Tahoe, Nevada-based consumer news site claims Crestview ranks worse than cities such as Sarasota, Miami and Cocoa Beach in traffic fatalities.

According to Consumer Affairs’ statistics, Crestview had five traffic fatalities in 2014, the last year for which data was available, Evans said.

However, the website inflates or deflates communities’ populations to 100,000 residents, “to even the playing field for all sizes of communities,” Evans stated. “That way, we can rank larger cities next to smaller cities and know that the rank is correct.”

Under that methodology, the site actually lists 21.5 DUI-related traffic fatalities in Crestview in 2014.

Whatever method the site uses to organize its data, it’s wrong, local authorities said.

 “That is ridiculous,” Crestview Police Department spokesman Cmdr. Andrew Schneider said. “I’ve been here 16 years and there are the only two (DUI fatalities) I remember.”

Schneider said to be certain, he and Investigations Division Cmdr. Jamie Grant checked Crestview Police records as far back as 2005.

10. CRESTVIEW PD GETS ‘THE BRASS RING’

Scandal and controversy marred the Crestview Police Department before Police Chief Tony Taylor joined in 2012. However, Taylor set goals to make CPD more transparent and accountable under his watch.

Among his most significant contributions was leading the agency to finally earn the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation’s seal of approval.

In 1993, a Florida statute directed the Florida Sheriffs’ Association and the Florida Police Chiefs’ Association to create a voluntary law enforcement accreditation program. The Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation Inc. was formed.

An agency must follow more than 260 standards to earn accreditation, a recurring process that the CPD must apply for every three years.

Cmdr. Andrew Schneider, the department’s accreditation manager, said plenty of paperwork was involved during this first effort.

“We submitted over 1,170 pages of documentation for the accreditation process,” he said. A recent three-day on-site inspection included verifying what was submitted and interviewing officers.

“This is not just something that is given out,” Taylor said during a news conference. “There has been a lot of hard work by the Crestview Police Department. The accreditation is the brass ring for law enforcement agencies and it professionalizes our department.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Top Stories of 2016

CRESTVIEW — TV commercials once challenged viewers to guess which of two women was the youthful-looking mother — who used the advertised skin care product — and which was her daughter.

Crestview native Donna Blocker Proehl can top that. She and her granddaughter, Madyson Jordan, are the same age, although not chronologically.

Proehl, 56, is a Leap Year baby, born Feb. 29, 1960 at Okaloosa Memorial Hospital in Crestview. On Monday, that makes her 14, the same age as Madyson, who had a December birthday.

It’s not the first time this has happened to Proehl. She and Madyson’s mother, Erin Kilpatrick Lewis, once shared an age.

“Madyson said it was really cool, because when her mom, my daughter, turned 8, I turned 8,” Proehl said. “So she turned 14 in December and now I’m turning 14…"

While Proehl takes her birthday — which comes just once every four years — in stride, it can also be a bother, she said.

“It can be really inconvenient,” she said. “At a place I used to work, on your birthday, they would issue you a check for one day’s pay as a birthday bonus. I never got a check. I had to go in and ask for it.

“Then, when I went to Fort Walton to get a copy of my birth certificate, they came back with one for the 28^th. I said, ‘No, this isn’t my birthday.’ People don’t even acknowledge it as a day half the time.”

Still, turning 14 when her friends and classmates are in their 50s is fun, said Proehl, a bus driver who daily shuttles students to and from Davidson and Shoal River Middle Schools, Crestview High School and Antioch Elementary School.

“Madyson says I’m too young to be driving a school bus,” Proehl said. “I enjoy it. After 34 years in public safety as a firefighter, law enforcement and an EMT, this is easy.”

Proehl plans to spend her 14^th birthday with family and friends at Lulu’s in Destin (owned by Lucy Buffett), which is holding its first Leap Year birthday party.

What would make the party really special?

“If Lucy’s brother (Jimmy Buffett) would come sing for us!” Proehl said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Leap Year Birthday: Crestview woman, granddaughter are same 'age'

CRESTVIEW — You may think of teen moms when you hear the words crisis pregnancy.

But that's not always the case, said Susan Carrigan, the Crestview Pregnancy Center's executive director.

"After doing this for many years, I (found) you can have a mid-30s lady who has a child and is expecting a child, and it could be as big a crisis for her as it would be for a 17-year-old."

Either way, the Pearl Street North office's volunteers are there to help.

Taking the center's free pregnancy test makes women eligible for its services, including crisis pregnancy or post-abortion counseling and medical referrals, according to the nonprofit organization's website.

The all-volunteer staff monthly sees about 55 to 60 clients, whose ages range from 15 to 47, Carrigan said. Most are walk-ins who see the center's outside sign; some visit the website, www.crestviewpregnancycenter.org; and some call 682-1011 to leave a voicemail after hours.

After women make contact, the center provides a supportive environment and information on fetal development, adoption, abortion and the risks and complications involved in their choices, Carrigan said.

"You give someone a chance to talk and share from their own experience, heart and mind, and what they're dealing with," she said. "You offer them the best chance for making the best possible choice for themselves and their unborn child.

"… We give an in-depth look at all of that while still being mindful of where they are. If they choose to parent, that's when we step in and support them through the pregnancy up until the baby is a year old."

Support includes classes on parenting and infant care, educational videos and homework assignments. The center's Mommy Money program allows clients to earn educational credits, redeemable for baby food and clothing at its boutique.

Donations — mostly from churches, businesses, organizations and individuals, some of whom benefited from the program — entirely fund the program, Carrigan said.

"If it wasn't for our volunteers and the community, we would not be here," she said. "It is a team effort."

●The Crestview Pregnancy Center — 898 Pearl St. N —  annually helps 600 to 650 clients

●CPC volunteers give two to four pregnancy tests each week; 90 percent of visits are walk-ins

●Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays.

FAST FACTS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview center offers help for crisis pregnancies

CRESTVIEW — It takes women to truly understand women’s issues, so in 2005, female specialists at North Okaloosa Medical Center organized the Healthy Woman program.

“It promotes wellness in mind, body and spirit,” NOMC Director of Marketing and Community Relations Alicia Booker said. “It’s the medical side, the physical side and the wellness side. It’s about education and being a resource.”

The program’s 1,500 members, who range from their early 20s to their 70s, help drive its initiatives, which are not always about physical and emotional health, Booker said. That’s how Healthy Woman’s Heels and Wheels seminar started.

“We have people who are out and about and may have something going on with the car and they don’t know what to do,” Booker said. “They want to know enough not to be taken advantage of when they’re at a shop.”

NOMC has partnered with Hub City Ford, brought in one of the auto dealer's few certified female mechanics, and let members experience basic vehicle maintenance, including changing a tire.

Programs — many, open to the public — include the downtown Pink Street Party, which raises breast cancer awareness; and “Dance Your Heart Healthy.” Nationally renowned speakers entertain and inform at the program’s annual dinner, which last year featured humorist Jeanne Robertson under the theme “Fit, Fierce and Fabulous.”

Healthy Woman is a natural outreach for NOMC, Booker said.

“We want to have the tools and resources and people members can call,” she said.

“We want to be the community resource for a well-rounded approach to wellness.”

Healthy Woman members can attend free seminars, health fairs, educational programs and interactive events designed for women. Membership is free.

The program’s seminars cover topics including:

●Heart disease

●Diabetes

●Breast cancer

●Menopause

●Nutrition

●Osteoporosis

●Stress management

●Life balance issues

LEARN MORE

See http://bit.ly/1NqdqKD or call Alicia Booker, 689-8446, for more information about North Okaloosa Medical Center’s Healthy Woman program

HEALTHY WOMAN SERVICES

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Healthy Woman program in Crestview provides medical, wellness education

CRESTVIEW — Mattie Williams' anxiety and anger were out of control. “I was way off,” she said. “I was bad. I was in trouble all the time.”

But two years of coping skills and anger management counseling at Bridgeway Center "helped a lot,” she said. “They make sure I take my medicine and get to my appointments."

The nonprofit organization — established in Valparaiso in 1966 — has provided mental health care in Crestview since the 1970s. Facilities include the U.S. Highway 90 West Wellness Center; Railroad Avenue, which has counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers; and Soundside Wellness Consultants, with outpatient counseling on Ferdon Boulevard North.

“We provide substance abuse and mental health therapy as well as psychiatric medication and management,” chief administrative officer Bonnie Rushton said. In addition, DUI offenders can take driver's education courses.

BABY COURT

Through First Judicial Circuit Judge Terry Ketchel's “baby court” initiative, Railroad Avenue office workers intervene in family trauma cases when parents’ behaviors might otherwise result in a toddler's removal.

“We work very closely with the local judiciary, the child dependence program, juvenile justice, local mental health association,” Rushton said.

“We do assessments to see what the child needs to assure the child and the parents are getting through the experience as quickly as possible," licensed clinical social worker Denise Lee said.

“We’re trying to keep the child in the home,” outpatient services supervisor Debby Gillespie said.

THERAPY SESSIONS

Kimberly Cook said she once spent most days home alone, afraid to go out, and overeating. “So many times, my husband didn’t know what to do with me.”

After consistently attending the Highway 90 center's weekly therapy sessions, she joined TOPS — Taking Off Pounds Sensibly. “It helps me get more independent and, because of the work I do there, and with my own therapist, I’m driving again,” she said.

The facility offers a library, lounges, billiards, classes and exercise programs, supervisor Sheri Mayhair said. Clients can cook, learn coping skills, take relaxation therapy and watch movies on Fridays. The backyard has picnic tables, and "we’re going to try our hand at gardening come this spring,” she said.

‘THEY’VE GOT MY BACK’

Helping people, and fighting mental health's stigma, is Bridgeway's mission, Rushton said. “So many of our mental health patients and clients have no history of violence. Just because you’re schizophrenic doesn’t mean you’re going to do a mass shooting.”

“It’s done a lot of positive things for me,” a client who wished not to be identified, said. “I was very depressed, very unsure and by myself. They’re a lot of good people here.

"They’ve got my back.”

That's the point, Rushton said. “There is very little financial reward, but easing the suffering of our clients and improving the quality of their lives and their family’s lives — that’s the intangible benefit you can’t put a price on,” she said.

Bridgeway Center offices offer: a Nurturing Parenting Program; outpatient therapy services and case management; medical staff treatment; a psychosocial wellness center; driving school; and employee assistance programs. See www.bridgewaycenter.org for more information.

FYI

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bridgeway celebrates 50 years providing mental health care in Crestview

LAUREL HILL — What’s your favorite Christmas song? Which Christmas song could you live happily without ever hearing again?

The News Bulletin asked residents to share their most and least favorite holiday songs, and whose version of each.

Here's what they said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 5 of North Okaloosa County residents' favorite Christmas songs

CRESTVIEW — For the 11^th year, volunteers will bring Christmas cheer to needy Okaloosa County families.

United for a Good Cause Inc., a tax-exempt non-profit known for its family-oriented Hispanic Fest, will present the Dec. 19 Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Needy Children’s Fiesta in Fort Walton Beach.

“Everything will be free at this party, including new toys for all that attend,” organizers stated in a media release.

A dedicated organizing committee, with leaders from all parts of the county, will produce the event, which is expected to draw upward of 1,000 attendees.

Crestview resident Estela Elias will be among them, serving as event vice chairman.

Originally called Luces Navideñas, or Christmas Lights, the Children’s Fiesta outgrew its Boys and Girls Club home five years ago, Elias said.

“When we passed the 500 number, we had to get a bigger venue,” she said.” We stopped counting after 700. Last year, we served over 900 to a 1,000.”

Attendees can expect food, games, disc jockeys, singers, church choirs, clowns, magicians, dance contests for bikes and more, according to a United for a Good Cause media release.

In addition, free coats will be distributed through United Way’s “Coats for Kids” program, “because there is a need. Kids would ask for them,” Elias said.

And activities are scheduled for special-needs kids and their families.

“This is the second year we have done a special-needs area,” Elias said. “I don’t know of any other (local event) that has a special-needs area. We have a Santa who is trained to work with special-needs children just for them.”

The event draws attendees from throughout the tri-county area and farther, Elias said, adding, "There is so much need in this area, you would not believe. People come from Escambia, even Alabama.”

United for a Good Cause’s Children’s Fiesta and summer Hispanic Fest are just two of Elias’ community outreach efforts. She’s also a volunteer with the Crestview High School chorus.

“I’m all over the place,” she said. “It’s my passion.”

What: Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Needy Children’s Fiesta

When: 2-7 p.m. Dec. 19

Where: Striving for Perfection Ministries, 24 Bass Ave., SW, Fort Walton Beach

Cost: Free

Notes: Christmas festival with food, games, performers and Coats for Kids giveaway, sponsored by United for a Good Cause Inc. Donations are welcome and business sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact David Triana, 368-3505, dt4alexis@gmail.com, or Estela Elias, 305-3686, estela.elias@unitedforagoodcause.org.

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview resident aids effort to help needy families

CRESTVIEW — Main Street Crestview Association members believe this year’s Dec. 5 Christmas parade drew more attendees than ever before.

“Oh my gosh, there’s so many people here,” Coney Island Hotdogs owner Julia Phillips said, watching from in front of her landmark restaurant. “I think there’s a lot more people out than ever before. It’s such a beautiful, clear night for it.”

Crestview police estimated more than 10,000 people attended the parade.

Even before Mayor David Cadle, City Clerk Betsy Roy and the city councilmen flipped the switch lighting the city’s Christmas tree, parking around the central business district was at a premium, with families parking in adjacent neighborhoods and across U.S. Highway 90 and State Road 85.

FAMILY TIME

J.R. Reid and his new bride of less than a month, Alissya, joined his siblings and parents as they claimed a prime spot to observe both the Christmas tree lighting and the parade.

“We haven’t been married a month yet,” Reid said, hugging his wife close. “It’s our first cold Christmas together.”

Lilly McClean stood eagerly on the bottom rung of a barricade to get a front row spot to catch candy tossed by marchers. She had already made her list for Santa.

“I want time on my phone,” she said, hoping to add minutes to her cellphone plan. “And a Barbie doll.”

Bonnie and Gary White waited patiently in camp chairs, their 2-year-old granddaughter, Aralynn Callens, between them, each with a warm blanket over their laps to ward off the chilly night air.

“She’s been waiting for this all day,” Bonnie White said.

With plastic grocery bags at the read, Ayden Wharton, 4, joined his friends Marcell Livingston, 9, Trevor Peatty, 8, and Thomas Long, 7. His wish list was fresh on his mind.

“I want a bike, a gold necklace and a watch,” he said.

SCHOOLS, SCOUTS AND BUSINESSES

Marching units included bands from Crestview High  School, Baker School, Davidson and Shoal River Middle Schools, and Rocky Bayou Christian School, and the Baker School chorus.

Businesses, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and martial arts and cheer studios marched, performed routines and did back flips up Main Street.

This year’s parade theme, “Christmas at the Movies,” was in evidence on many of the floats. The Crestview City Council waved from a mobile drive-in picture show, with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” projected on a screen on the float.

The Grinch showed on many other floats, including a festively lit cage on the Crestview Police Department’s float. At least two floats featured scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” with the First Presbyterian Church’s version complete with purposely garish artificial trees, Snoopy’s over-decorated dog house, and Vince Guaraldi’s familiar soundtrack playing music from the 50-year-old TV special.

Float and window display winners will be announced by Monday, with awards distributed at a City Council meeting in January.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Christmas parade draws record crowd (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

CRESTVIEW — Like many households, Baker resident Renee Wiley has Christmas presents to wrap and distribute, and holiday meals to plan.

However, Wiley will provide her gifts to more than 70 local families. (Fortunately, more than 1,000 people will help her accomplish the task.)

The U.S. Navy veteran said she returned to her native Okaloosa County, settled in Baker, and saw a need to help those less fortunate in the area.

So last November, she established Christmas Needs, a group that rapidly morphed into Giving Hands in Crestview.

Then, right after Christmas 2014, Christmas Angels in Crestview formed.

'IT'S FREECYCLING'

Giving Hands, which has 1,011 Facebook fans, links people with goods or services and those who need them.

"It's people helping people," Wiley said. "It's locals helping each other. Like if someone gets a new bedroom suite and they don't want to bother getting rid of the old one, they join the group and give it to someone who needs it."

It's "freecycling," Wiley said — an opportunity for those with serviceable goods or gently worn clothing to make them available for those who can't afford them.

"If they can't give money or a physical item, they help by giving advice," such as professional counseling on financial matters, Wiley said.

The group also consolidates information about public support resources, such as food banks and cold weather shelters, for people in need.

"If there's something we can't provide in (Giving) Hands, we recommend Sharing and Caring and other organizations," Wiley said.

'THAT'S MY BABY'

Christmas Angels in Crestview, a community outreach that provides gifts — and, in some cases, Christmas dinners — for the needy, was born Dec. 26, when Wiley and her volunteers visited day-after-Christmas sales.

"That's my baby," Wiley said of the program. "Some people join and they just want to adopt a whole family. We have 30 families adopted that way. Then we have another 41 (families) that the group's adopted."

Before Thanksgiving, volunteers pored through their packed North Ferdon Boulevard storage unit, sorting new toys and gently used clothes for distribution.

No sooner were donations organized than a wealth of more goodies were donated, almost doubling the inventory and packing the unit to the ceiling, Wiley said.

She and her team are now resorting, checking families' lists and planning battery-inserting and wrapping parties.

Not all toys are wrapped, Wiley said.

"If you want it wrapped, we'll wrap it, and if you don't and want to wrap it yourself, we'll give you a couple rolls of wrapping paper," she said.

'SELFLESS, TIRELESS'

Wiley's energy and dedication to the community inspire local residents.

"Selfless, tireless, compassionate and God-loving are just a few words I could use to describe Navy veteran Renee Wiley," volunteer John Marshall stated in an email. "The Lord has blessed Crestview when she began taking care of those who are less fortunate than the rest of us."

Giving Hands and Christmas Angels also accept cash donations, with all money going toward Christmas dinners for families and individuals on Wiley's lists.

"The needier ones, the ones who are just going to stay home and eat Ramen noodles, we want them to have Christmas dinner," Wiley said. "That's what we're doing with the money that comes in."

Wiley just has one request of people who receive help.

"We tell them all we want is, on Christmas Day and the day after Christmas, to see pictures of their smiles," she said.

"It's a good feeling to see those smiles."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Navy veteran's charities spread Christmas cheer in Crestview