A total of 25,900 pounds of food were distributed, according to a post from the Crestview Public Library. The giveaway, which was a very large undertaking, was organized by Destin Harvest, Feeding the Gulf Coast and The Property Group.

Photos from the event show dozens of boxes of food organized under a large pavilion, with a long line of cars coming by to pick up free groceries. At least one commenter said even after waiting for hours that they didn’t receive anything, which shows how long the line was, and how big the need is for these types of events.

In 2024, when the cost of groceries at the store continues to rise, we’re sure there were hundreds of families thankful for what they received.

That’s why it’s unfortunate that one of the first comments on the post is from Laurel Hill Councilman Mike Blizzard, who wrote, “appears to be a lot of nice looking new vehicles those starving people are driving.”

We assume the comment was made tongue-in-cheek. However, it’s important to remember that we never know what a person is going through in life.

Regardless of what a person is driving, it’s hard to know if they have food on their table at the end of the day. To be clear, we didn’t see any Teslas, Audis or Porsches in the photos posted, but even if we did, life can change in an instant.

None of us are really that far from falling on hard times. All of us need a helping hand every now and then. And in this economy, a box full of groceries can go a long way.

Ultimately, it’s not our job to judge someone’s need, especially by the model of their automobile.

The people who spent their Saturday giving back – the library specifically thanked Hope City Community Church, the Crestview Fire Department, the Crestview Police Department, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office – simply gave out food to people who came by.

It seems unlikely that people would give up their Saturdays to drive to the event, sit in line for more than hour and wait for food they didn’t need. Perhaps some did. But we’re guessing most who received food actually needed it.

Some in line might’ve taken their food and given it to other family members, who couldn’t make it.

We’re thankful to live in a community with so many people who are willing to help out others without judgement.

We applaud everyone who helped out with this giveaway, as we know at least 400 families were fed thanks to the kindness of strangers.

We know inflation makes it an unrealistic comparison, but man, quarters don’t go as far as they used to, do they? With a crisp George Washington in your hand, you can’t even buy many items at the poorly named dollar store anymore.

There’s a funny insurance commercial about turning into your parents, and perhaps we are when it comes to complaining about prices. Remember when you could buy a dozen eggs for just over a dollar? It feels like a lifetime ago.

Since 2020, the cost of groceries has increased by approximately 25%, but we’re not telling you anything you don’t know. The average American family sees it – and feels it – weekly on their grocery bill.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration also shows that gas prices have increased nationwide by over $1 since 2020, but it should be noted that those prices have at least fallen in June 2024 compared to both June 2023 and June 2022.

Not that we’ve felt it in our wallets.

With all of that said, it’s easy to see why the Pew Research Center survey said that the economy was the top American concern in the 2024 election, outpacing terrorism, healthcare costs, education, crime, immigration and more. No one wants to pay more at the grocery store, especially when they’re trying to feed a growing family.

We’re not saying anything that all of us don’t talk about around the dinner table regularly. Or around the aisles of Walmart, Target or Publix.

Thankfully, we live in an area where the cost of living has not increased as much as it has in other areas of the country.  While the costs are increasing, we’re not living in California either.

It’s clear buying a home is out of reach for many Americans, which is a sad reality. In Santa Rosa County, if you buy a $300,000 home, you’ve found one under the median home price. In 2017 or 2018, a $300,000 home would’ve probably put you well over the average. Now, a $300,000 home might be affordable, but it also might need a lot of work, or the home could be in a less-than-desirable area.

If buying isn’t possible, renting isn’t cheap either. Finding an apartment for under $1,500 a month in this market is a challenge in itself.

With the cost of items at the grocery store, gas prices and the interest rate on a home mortgage, it’s easy to see why many people are pinching pennies in 2024.

Our political leaders, on both sides of the aisle, are quick to point out the pains the average American family is feeling. Both sides are also quick to point the finger at one another.

Abortion, marijuana, immigration and much more will be on Americans’ minds when they go to the polls in November, but for most nothing is going to weigh more heavily than the disposable income they have to enjoy their lives after a trip at the grocery store for dinner.

Candidates can argue about the Mexican border, transgender bathrooms and Roe vs. Wade until they’re blue in the face. And all of those issues are very important and controversial, meaning they get a lot of airtime on television stations and during debates.

But ultimately, with the Senate and House up for grabs, as well as the White House, whichever candidates can show how they’ll help the average American save money in their daily lives probably will fare well.

Disagreeing, or having an opposing opinion, just doesn’t seem to be a thing anymore.

All of us label others — Democrat, Republican, church-goer, non-believer, friend, foe and the list goes on and on.

Sometimes, as grown adults, it feels like we’re in the hallway of a high school all over again.

On this Fourth of July weekend, we’ve got another label we hope you’ll keep in mind: American.

It’s a reminder that at the end of the day, we’re all fighting for and supporting the same team.

Americans have had differences for the nearly 250 years that we’ve been a country, and that will never change. The ability to have open dialogue about important national issues is the reason we’ve come as far as we have over two and a half centuries.

Is everything perfect? Absolutely not.

You can look at our two imperfect presidential candidates and know that. Plus, important discussions continue in this country around the economy, equal pay, diversity, healthcare costs, inflation, public safety and more.

After nearly 250 years, there’s still plenty of work to do on all fronts. We haven’t figured it all out yet, and we probably never will.

Think back to 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and all that has happened since.

The War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I and World War II have all taken place. Slavery has been abolished and the civil rights movement ensured equal rights for all. Women were given the right to vote. Alcohol was even illegal, then legalized again. Now we’re arguing over marijuana.

Not all of our history is history were proud of, but those moments reflect a strong country that has been able to overcome fractures that might’ve torn others apart.  

Most of us lived through Sept. 11, 2001, one of the worst days in American history. Following that tragedy, it felt like the American flag never flew higher. People came together, rallying to show that even in tragedy Americans were resilient and that together this country was going to make it through. 

It was a reminder that in the worst of times we’re all Americans.

When we lay our heads on our pillows at night, or we watch the national news, it’s probably fair to say that at times we all shake our heads and wonder what the future of our country is. The above examples are reminders that for 248 years, Americans just like you have had the same reaction to problems that were going on during their lifetimes.

And yet, the American flag, as glorious as it’s always been, still flies high across this country as the great symbol of our nation. We’re still here.

So, while you’re grilling burgers this Fourth of July, watching a firework show or talking politics with your neighbor, we hope you’ll take a deep breath, look around, and be thankful to live in the greatest country in the world in a melting pot of ideas, beliefs and cultures.

Not everyone looks or thinks like you. Isn’t it great?

Happy birthday America.

Everyone from our newspapers to local radio stations, to TV stations were at the EOC, asking questions and trying to be prepared just in case a hurricane impacts Santa Rosa County this year.

The questions all focused on what our readers/listeners would want to know and how to get the information out as quickly as possible.

We realize that the skies are blue this week, the beaches are beautiful and summer is just getting started. It seems preposterous to take a few minutes to create a hurricane plan.

However, trust us when we tell you that the time to make that plan is now while those skies are blue. Once a storm is in the Atlantic Ocean, or even worse, in the Gulf of Mexico, there will be a rush to supermarkets to get supplies. Gas stations will be full.

And if we ever get to the point of evacuations, you’ll be wishing you started making a plan right now, while the weather was beautiful.

If you already have supplies in your house and have made a plan, you’ll be a step ahead of everyone else.

Right now is a great time to prepare, with the 2024 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday ongoing through June 14. This is a great time to purchase smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, portable power banks, batteries, gas or diesel fuel tanks, weather radios and generators, plus much, much more.

We’re already preparing, though we’re optimistic we don’t have to put our hurricane plan into action this year.

Know that if a hurricane does take aim at our area, we are ready to bring you important information.

Now, we urge you to get prepared too.

Going swimming? You no longer just jump into the pool and have fun. Now you have life vests, inflatables, water toys and you need an extra set of eyes to make sure the kids are being safe. 

Going out to a restaurant? Germs are suddenly everywhere. 

Getting in a car? You double and triple-check car seats.

Somewhere out there, there’s a mom getting to sit down for the first time in hours to take 5 minutes to herself. And she’s reading this. Go figure.

And while parenting always has its challenges, parents of special needs children have all of the worries above, plus many more.

Years ago, Angela Nandin, a local mom of three sons who are autistic, saw a normally scary situation turn into one of her biggest fears. She was involved in a car accident, and she felt helpless trying to tell first responders about her son being non-verbal.

Most parents – us included – would probably have nightmares about it or make a social media post, which would flash across the screens of close friends and family like a firework and fade from memory as soon as they moved to the next post.

Nandin is not most people.

With a lot of help – and if you asked her she’d give you 100 people to thank – Nandin and Emerald Coast Exceptional Families brought the “Safe Program” before the Santa Rosa County Board of Commission in 2022. Families were able to register online and were provided with a decal on their vehicle denoting that a person in the automobile might have a special medical need.

But now it’s gone much further than just Santa Rosa County.

Recently, Nandin and members of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office were able to get the SAFE Act – slightly different than the local Safe Program — passed unanimously in both sides of the Florida legislature. Gov. Ron Desantis signed the bill earlier this month.

Yes, it’s something Democrats and Republicans actually agreed on. That’s how good of a cause this is.

The statewide SAFE Act allows a person completing a motor vehicle registration application to volunteer information that either they or their children have a disorder that might be important for a first responder to know. And the list goes well beyond autism. Also included are Down Syndrome, PTSD, diabetes, being deaf, being blind and much more.

This not only protects families and patients, it also protects law enforcement officers by providing them with more information.  And identities are protected. The information police officers receive basically just says that a person in the vehicle may not respond as expected.

The SAFE Act takes effect statewide in October.

Before 2022, Nandin worried about driving anywhere and how a wreck or a stop with law enforcement might go if it involved one of her children. After the Safe Program was implemented, she then worried about driving outside of Santa Rosa County.

Now, she and other families can rest easier knowing they can drive anywhere in Florida and first responders will be aware that a special medical situation could impact that call for service.

Of course, she has her eyes set on getting the bill passed nationally. 

The state of Florida, led by Nandin, Sheriff Bob Johnson, and many others has shown that it cares for our special needs families, as well as military veterans with PTSD or everyday citizens with other medical needs. We hope in years to come that the entire country will follow suit.

Sure, we have differences; sometimes quite far apart but that doesn’t negate the fact that we have a Constitutional Republic that no other country has, and we can demonstrate that in various ways.  One is to render the Pledge of Allegiance at all public events, even singing in and out of tune to our National Anthem.  I have lived in six other countries, traveled to others and have a strong relationship with France.  When our French visitors come to America, they are amazed by the patriotism that they see here. 

More and more frequently, we are losing some of that patriotic display especially in the absence of Old Glory at many of our homes.

That flag represents the principles of our U.S. Constitution and its display honors those who founded our country, those who currently hold office and those who have given their lives for our way of life.  It would be great to see as many flags as possible blowing in the wind during the upcoming Memorial Day on the 27 of May. 

The proper protocol for that is to completely lower the flag then raise it half-staff at dawn on that day, then completely lower it again and raise it to full staff at noon. There are many other days that should require the display of our flags, most assuredly on Flag Day itself which is always on June 14.  Days such as Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Veterans’ Day, etc.  One caveat is that if you leave your flag out on display at night, it should have a light shining on it. Tattered flags should be removed and handed over to a Boy Scout troop who will dispose of it in the recommended fashion.

Now that I have said all that, you may ask how you could honor the flag if you do not have the wherewithal to display one at your home. 

With the disclaimer that I am not a member of this organization, I would recommend to you that you contact Masonic Center Charities at 850.419.1315 and ask about their American Flag Display Program, which for a very reasonable fee [$35/year] you can contract with them to bring a flag and post to your yard at all the major patriotic holidays at least one day before the holiday and at least one day after the holiday to help you demonstrate your patriotism.  They supply the pole, but not the lighting. Easy as apple pie and the American Flag!

It started three miles west northwest of Munson and traveled over 12 miles before lifting just northwest of Baker in Okaloosa County. By then, it had caused damage within the city limits of Crestview.

The storm’s timing is a nightmare for emergency management officials because it occurred between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., when most people are sleeping. (Of course, that did mean roadways were relatively clear of traffic.)

We know that this area is used to extreme weather. You can’t live on the coast and not have a hurricane story or two.

But tornadoes are a different problem altogether. Hurricanes, even as powerful as they are, at least provide warning before striking land. Tornadoes form quickly, and although forecasts warn of the possibility of a tornado, their exact location and the timing is a guessing game that no one has perfected.

We urge you to have a way to receive weather information, whether it’s an app on your cell phone, signing up for emergency alerts, or a weather radio.

A few minutes of warning can be life-changing in a tornado. You need long enough to get into a safe space, away from doors and windows, in the center of your home.

All of us have seen pictures where someone rode out a storm in a bathroom, then that room being the only one remaining once the tornado came through.

Everyone believes that it’ll never happen to them. However, everyone who has had their home hit by a tornado believed it would never happen to them either.

We’ve also heard people say that they’d rather be sleeping, and that if it’s going to take them, at least they slept through it. We’re guessing you’d probably wake up, just in time to hear the sound of a freight train hitting your bedroom at 100 miles per hour. No one wants that.

Use last week’s storms as a reminder that severe weather can strike anytime. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Have a way to get weather alerts, especially overnight, and sleep better knowing that if a storm pops up, you’ll be woken up.

We’d also assume that all of you reading this already have an opinion on the presidential race between former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden. And if you somehow don’t, please call us, because we’d love to hear from undecided voters who may sway this election one way or the other.

November will likely see record crowds at the ballot box. But the truth is that neither Biden nor Trump are likely to visit Okaloosa County anytime soon, God forbid a hurricane strikes our area.

Rather than staying riled up by the presidential contest, we encourage readers to pay close attention to our upcoming local elections. And if you’re more worried about who’s in the White House, we encourage you to try calling the president the next time you have a neighborhood problem, such as a large pothole near your home. 

You can almost hear the hold music now: “Your call is very important to us. Please stay on the line.”

Meanwhile, our local elections are starting to round into form.

Qualifying for statewide seats, such as Senate and House seats, ended last week. Incumbent Matt Gaetz has an opponent in Aaron Dimmock in the Republican primary for his U.S. House seat. The winner will face Gay Valimont, a Democrat, in the general election.

Republican incumbents State Rep. Joel Rudman is unopposed and Patt Maney are both unopposed.

The pre-filing period has also been open for county candidates, and there are plenty of candidates registered for what’s shaping up to be a competitive ballot.

The Okaloosa County Commission has numerous competitive races with several incumbents not running for re-election. Nathan Boyles (District 3) and Mel Ponder (District 5) aren’t running again, which has led to a slew of candidates pre-qualifying to participate.

In District 3, four Republicans are pre-filed — Sherri Cox, Wade Merritt, Keri Pitzer and Andrew Rencich.

In District 5, Republicans Thomas Palmer and Mary Anne Windes are pre-filed.

The Crestview City Council also has a competitive seat for Group 2, where Brandon Frost, Erik Lee Register and April Rencich are running.

There are other contested local elections as well.

We’re going to stay on top of these races, including full previews, in the days and weeks ahead. These are the people who will settle important local issues and will ultimately decide the future of Okaloosa County. 

We urge voters to pay attention in the months ahead as the qualifying period for county races (which runs June 10 to June 14) gets closer. Primary Election Day is only 103 days away.

And no, Biden and Trump aren’t on the ballot in August, but the people who can truly solve local issues will be. Pick the person you think will take your call and make a difference.

Herridge said in her statement, “The First Amendment, the protection of confidential sources, and a free press are my guiding principles. They are my North Star.”

Investigative journalists across the globe have sources who need to remain anonymous, who would not have come forward otherwise. They fear retribution and intimidation, they fear losing their job. And something inside them, their own moral conviction, tells them to come forward about what they know. They often have information that could lead to huge results of an investigative report. Sometimes it leads to change – change in laws, or a change in what people thought they knew to be true. In this case, her investigation was on Hunter Biden’s laptop and the “family business.” She was breaking news because she had confidential sources.

She was also fired from CBS News. And when they fired her, they seized her confidential files. On Capitol Hill Herridge said, “When the network of Walter Cronkite seizes the reporting files, including confidential source information, that is an attack on investigative journalism.”

The free press was so important, the authors of the US Constitution wrapped it in the First Amendment as part of the Bill of Rights. It secures our rights against government overreach.

Journalists serve as watchdogs for the community, ensuring your government is free of corruption and abuse of power. But yet, Herridge has spent the last two years in Federal court, protecting her sources, standing firm on the basic principles of journalism.

In countries without a free press, the media is owned by the government. The journalists report what the government wants, how the government wants, and provides only the information the government wants you to know. We live in the country celebrating the most freedoms and one of those is a free and independent press – why is Herridge being held in contempt? She is being fined $800 per day. It is sickening. When we see a national award-winning journalist going through so much from the federal courts to protect our journalism rights, we ourselves wonder what can stop it?

Well, there is a bi-partisan bill passed by the House and sitting in the Senate that would protect all journalists – it’s called “Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act or the PRESS Act.” A summary of the text is below:

This bill prohibits the federal government from compelling journalists and providers of telecommunications services (e.g., phone and internet companies) to disclose certain protected information, except in limited circumstances such as to prevent terrorism or imminent violence.

Specifically, the bill protects from disclosure any information identifying a source, as well as any records, contents of a communication, documents, or information obtained or created by journalists in the course of their work.

Further, the bill protects specified third parties, such as telecommunications carriers or social media companies, from being compelled to provide testimony or any document consisting of a record, information, or other communication that is stored by the third party on behalf of a journalist.

We must urge our Senators to pass this essential legislation. Without it, confidential sources will no longer come forward. Investigative journalism will die. Officials will be able to do nefarious and corrupt things because journalists will not have confidential sources to tell us what is going on inside the organization.

As journalists, no matter how obvious, we cannot speculate or pretend to know what is really going on. We need proof and evidence. Often times that evidence comes from confidential sources.

We are one key to a healthy, vibrant democracy. We ask the hard questions – we have to – you depend on us for it. Write a letter to your Senator – urge them to pass the PRESS Act. And if you go to C-SPAN, you can see her entire testimony. It will rock you to see how a government can take retribution and try to intimidate those who seek to tell the truth.

Reach out to our US Senators and encourage them to pass the PRESS Act:

Senator Marco Rubio

284 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington DC 20510

Senator Rick Scott

110 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington DC 20510