CRESTVIEW — The City Council unanimously voted on a first reading of an ordinance to impose a moratorium on medical marijuana in Crestview.

The temporary ban would prohibit the growth, production, sale and possession of medical marijuana as outlined in a 2016 state law until Sept. 1, when a vote will be held to lift or continue the ban.

Councilman Shannon Hayes said that while state voters approved the use of medical marijuana, the state legislature failed to establish guidelines on how to properly manage the process and facilities. Hayes said he understands people with medical needs might stand to benefit, but the council must look out for all residents.

“I’m not going to have a pot shop on Main Street,” Hayes said.

Councilman J.B. Whitten agreed and said the state and several cities, including others in Okaloosa County, are still researching the issue. Several of these cities have imposed similar moratoriums, according to Whitten.

“Colorado is having all kinds of problems,” said Councilman Doug Faircloth, referring to laws in that state allowing the sale of recreational marijuana. He cited an increase in crime, an increase of DUI incidents and a negative impact to businesses near medical marijuana dispensaries.

A 2016 article from the Boston Globe gathered consensus from several Colorado state officials who claimed there had been little negative effect from the state’s laws approving of medical and recreational marijuana.

However, law enforcement officials in Colorado were having trouble updating enforcement tools with changing laws, according to the article. Specifically, police forces struggled with impaired driving incidents due to lack of proper testing.

Dr. Larry Wolk, Colorado’s top medical official in the public health department said no large, troubling health trends had emerged since legalization, according to the Boston Globe.

There is still concern from health officials in Colorado regarding effects that legalization could have on a younger generation of consumers who might be commercially exposed to the product in a manner similar to cigarettes.

Crestview’s moratorium, Ordinance 1615, would allow the Hub City to further research the possible effects of medical marijuana in the area and keep it in line with several other cities across the state with similar ordinances. The temporary ban would also allow the city to formulate a better process for regulation.

Council members took a step toward combating a different kind of weed at their Jan. 9 meeting — blight in the city.

Mayor David Cadle recommended that the council work toward a solution on code enforcement in Crestview that would limit and prevent dilapidated buildings and trashed streets. Code enforcement officers should be able to be more productive and not just reactive, according to Cadle.

“We must have the authority to remove [trash] from our city,” Cadle said.

Faircloth agreed and said this should extend to commercial properties. He cited 16 empty locations on Main Street that have fallen into disrepair, some with live electrical wiring. These locations discourage prospective business owners and don’t provide a healthy environment for residents, according to Faircloth.

“We need to clean them, or tear them down or do something,” Faircloth said.

Members of the council agreed to work toward a solution to improve the city’s image while remaining fair to business and landowners.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: City Council says 'no' to marijuana

CRESTVIEW — Laurel Hill's current mayor, Robby Adams, has prefiled as a candidate for the city's mayoral seat in an upcoming municipal election.

North Okaloosa municipal elections for mayor and two city council seats in Laurel Hill are set for March 14.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Adams prefiles for Laurel Hill election

CRESTVIEW — Crestview resident and city council member Doug Faircloth has prefiled as a candidate for the March 14 municipal election. 

He is running for one of three open Crestview council seats. The Crestview city clerk seat is also up for re-election. Crestview candidates who have prefiled include incumbents Elizabeth Roy, city clerk; and Joe Blocker and Shannon Hayes, city council. Candidate qualifying ended Jan. 6.

North Okaloosa County seats also up for re-election include the mayor and two council openings in Laurel Hill.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Faircloth files for Crestview council opening

CRESTVIEW — Incumbent Elizabeth Roy of Crestview has prefiled for the office of Crestview city clerk.

Incumbents Joe Blocker and Shannon Hayes, both of Crestview, have qualified to run for the Crestview City Council.

North Okaloosa municipal elections scheduled March 14 include the city clerk office and three city council seats in Crestview, and the mayor's and two city council seats in Laurel Hill.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 candidates prefile for Crestview election

CRESTVIEW — A bowling alley’s owner has secured an alcohol license, much to a local pastor’s chagrin.

The City Council met in a special session Tuesday to decide on an alcohol license for Shoal River Lanes. The business has operated with such a license for 28 years; however, due to a change in ownership, it was required, once again, to seek approval.

The Rev. Joel McGraw of Crestview Independent Baptist Church, the sole public speaker at the meeting, expressed opposition to the proposal. He said he found 40 local businesses in the phone book that sold alcohol — and that was “too many” for the area.

McGraw also referenced a man killed in Daphne, Ala., in an alcohol-influenced accident and read statements of people adversely affected by excessive alcohol consumption.

“I think it’s a very foolish thing,” McGraw said regarding approving the license.

He said alcohol sales, which already occur at the establishment, would create a negative environment for children and increase the risk of intoxicated drivers on Crestview roads.

Councilman Shannon Hayes asked Police Chief Tony Taylor if he has had any issues at the bowling alley.

“Not that I recall,” Taylor said.

The measure passed 4-0. Council President Joe Blocker recommended approving the license, given the businesses’ longevity and no complaints. Hayes motioned the approval and Councilman Bill Cox seconded. Councilman Doug Faircloth was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.

This isn’t the first time McGraw has publicly opposed alcohol sales in the Hub City.

Over the past few months, the pastor has emerged as a leading opponent to relaxed alcohol laws, taking a strict position not all local pastors agree with.

"The drinking of alcohol can be limited and stopped. Stopped is best," he said during an October city council meeting on a proposal to allow outdoor alcohol use during special downtown events.

That proposal passed, which inspired his Dec. 12 letter to the editor in reply to Hayes’ statement that the councilman had received many opinions but no facts to suggest relaxed alcohol regulations would harm the Main Street area.

In that letter, McGraw stated, “I am of the ‘opinion’ that alcohol is destructive to our society.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Pastor calls alcohol license 'foolish'

CRESTVIEW — The Shoal River Republican Club formed Nov. 29 during a meeting at Hideaway Pizza on Main Street. The group’s officers include President Bill Bitsche, Vice President Thomas Wilken and Treasurer/Secretary Joe Loria.

A Republican Club in the north county last existed in 2014; the club dissolved over technical issues. Shortly thereafter, attempts began to resurrect the club that represents north county Republicans.

“Not content with just forming, this club hit the ground running even before their election by participating in the Fall Festival, waving political signs during the presidential campaign and, just recently, donating food to a newly formed food pantry in Laurel Hill,” a media release stated.

The Shoal River Republican Club is chartered by the Republican Party of Florida and is under the Okaloosa County Executive Committee’s administrative control. Any registered Republican in North Okaloosa County may join.

Members meet the second Tuesdays of the month at Hideaway Pizza on Main Street in Crestview. Social hour begins at 6 p.m.; a business meeting is at 7 p.m. The group won’t meet in December but meetings will pick up Jan. 13, when members prepare for municipal elections in March.

Contact Club Secretary Joe Loria, 585-0255, to join or receive more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Republican Club returns to North Okaloosa County

CRESTVIEW — The Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee has new leadership.

Board members — all volunteers — who started their terms Dec. 1 are as follows.

Four-year terms:

State Committeewoman Sandra Atkinson 

State Committeeman Steve Czonstka

Two-year terms:

Chairman Mark Franks

Vice Chairman Nathan Lepper

Treasurer Debora Cain

Recording Secretary Steven Menchel 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee installs new leadership

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council will meet 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at Council Chambers in city hall.

Here is the meeting's agenda.

REGULAR AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation: Pastor Joe Butryn, Joy Fellowship/

Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open Policy making and legislative session

4. Special Presentations

a. Service Awards, Mayor Cadle

5. Approval of Minutes

6. Public Hearings:

7. Public Opportunity on Council proposition

8. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of invoice from Ben Holley in the amount of $ 3815.00

b. Approval of Emergency Services Contract Extension

c. Approval of Utility Services Group Water Tank Maintenance Contract

d. Approval of Gulf Coast Underground Contract Renewal

e. Approval of lease release for the Butler Circle Fire Tower

f. Approval of Donation from CH2M Hill

9. Resolutions

10. Committee Reports

11. Scheduled Presentations from the Public

a. Quarterly Update – EDC

12. Project Reports and Comments from Mayor and Council

a. Discussion of how to interact with State Legislators – Mr. Whitten

13. Staff Reports and Recommendation

a. Discussion of Merit Raises/Evaluation process – City Clerk

b. Discussion of Consolidated Radio upgrade for City – Police/Fire Department, Public Services

c. Discussion of a Firing Range for the Police Department – Police Department

d. Right of way agreement for Publix at Northcrest Plaza – Growth Management

e. Replacement of Code Enforcement Vehicle – Growth Management

f. Zoning and FLU Compliance for City Parcels – Growth Management

g. Announcement of City Hall Luncheon – City Clerk

14. Comments from the Audience

15. Adjournment

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview City Council agenda: Dec. 12 meeting

CRESTVIEW — How can Crestview residents help the homeless? That’s what one city council member is asking during a town hall meeting tonight.

Councilman J.B. Whitten will host the meeting, “Homeless in Crestview,” from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 8 at Azteca Restaurant in Northview Plaza.

“Do you take basic essentials for granted?” a flyer for the meeting states, referring to a hot shower, a coat, underwear, socks and shoes, among other things.

Whitten and Ann Sprague of the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless will present the discussion. Residents can ask questions, broach ideas and offer recommendations concerning meeting the needs of the homeless.

Those who cannot attend can email ideas to jbwhitten@cityofcrestview.org

The restaurant is located at 789 Ferdon Blvd. N.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview councilman to host town hall meeting on homelessness

CRESTVIEW — Downtown businesses now have the option to serve alcohol outside during special events. City leaders on Monday voted 3-2 to approve the proposal, which allows open containers, on occasion, within the Main Street area.

Numerous residents spoke about the matter during the meeting. Here are some of their comments:

“Grape juice left by itself turns to vinegar,” Pastor Joel McGraw, of Crestview Independent Church, said. “Man must corrupt wine to make it what it is. It will corrupt society as well. Councilmen, the ordinance will corrupt downtown Crestview. Crestview will be sorry if they do this.”

“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. “You are placed in those seats to protect and serve the citizens of this city in a positive way. Can any of you on council tell me one good thing that alcohol does for a person? … It’s all about the revenue and the dollar.” He then laid a dollar bill on the council dais.

“There are a lot of people that make their living with the almighty dollar,” Johnny C. Alexander, a Crestview businessman, said. “A lot of these people are church-going people. For the sake of the livelihood of these downtown business owners, council should pass this ordinance.”

“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, downtown business owner and 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. You will be offering economic opportunity for downtown businesses.”

Councilman Doug Faircloth, who dissented, said many people contacted him about the ordinance.

“I voted against the ordinance the first time and haven’t seen anything to change my mind on this issue,” he said. “I don’t see where alcohol will be the saving grace of downtown.”

Councilman Shannon Hayes, who voted yes, said he asked a downtown business owner what happens downtown after 5 p.m. The response was an emphatic nothing. “I received a lot of opinions on this issue — not facts,” Hayes said. “There are a lot of protections in the ordinance.”

“You’ve elected five people to make a decision on this,” Councilman J.B. Whitten said. “Some will walk out happy, some won’t. I will continue to support this ordinance.”

Councilman Bill Cox offered no comments.

“Regardless of the outcome, I don’t want my great-grandchildren to say one day that my grandfather brought this ordinance to this city,” said Council President Blocker, who also dissented. “I feel the downtown needs to be a family oriented area.”

—

Editor's Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly named First Baptist Church of Baker's pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Council: Yes to alcohol