Crestview Animal Services officer receives national honor
Presented by Humane World for Animals and Maddie’s Fund, the award is a national honor and is given to emerging leaders in the animal welfare field to encourage continuing education and professional development, city officials said.
“We are ecstatic about all of the good work that Officer Healey has been doing in the community,” City Manager Jessica Leavins said at Monday’s City Council meeting. “We will recognize her in April, once she has that award in hand.”
Crestview Animal Services, which is a division of the city Police Department, debuted in early 2022. Healey was the first employee of the division, which she created along with then-City Manager Tim Bolduc and other administrative staff after the city decided not to renew services with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society. The Animal Services shelter stands at 715 N. Ferdon Blvd.
Healey said she was shocked to win the Trailblazer award.
“I’m super-grateful to be recognized,” she said today, adding that she would not have won the award without the help of her team at Animal Services. “My agency is continuing to do things to provide more access for care.”
In 2025, Animal Services recorded 357 pet adoptions, provided 148 animal rescue transfers, had 51 pets reunited with their families, and had 174 community cats trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and returned safely to the field, according to information from the division.
The Animal Care Expo that Healey plans to attend is set for April 7-10. At its meeting on Monday, the council approved a grant agreement with Humane World for Animals that includes the following benefits for Healey:
- Coverage of the full conference registration fee and one Learning Lab ($385 value)
- Hotel stay for up to four nights and round-trip airfare (up to $500).
Expo participation includes a “Leading for Change” workshop and a “CAWS Day” (Community Animal Welfare Service) event on April 7, according to city officials.
Non-county residents soon might have to pay to park at many county rec sites
The commission unanimously approved moving ahead with this item at its Jan. 20 meeting. District 5 Commissioner Drew Palmer, whose district includes Destin, said he’s very much in favor of keeping parking free of charge for county residents who park at the various types of county recreation sites. His fellow commissioners agreed.
The premise behind a pay-to-park system for non-county residents “would be to utilize the funding for capital improvements and maintenance of these park and recreational facilities and to potentially lower our park MSTU (Municipal Service Taxing Unit) rate,” county Facilities and Parks Director Jeff Peters said in a report to the commission.
Peters also made note of state legislators’ ongoing efforts to reduce property taxes, which local governments heavily rely on to pay general fund expenses. A potential constitutional amendment to lower property taxes might appear on November’s general election ballot.
“With potential funding changes on the horizon being discussed at the state legislature level, the county may need to pursue revenue efforts like (a pay-to-park system) as replacement funding for revenue shortfalls,” Peters said in his report. “Any such project will take some time to procure, initiate, and work out any bugs, so the sooner the start, the sooner such a system can be in place.”
Among other potential guidelines that the commission will finalize at a future meeting, the county’s pay-to-park system would seek to make revenue but have “reasonable” rates, allow customers to visit an app to look for available parking spaces, and possibly charge reduced fees or no fees during the winter season from November through February, according to county information.
In his report, Peters noted that the military charges $10 a day for parking at its beach park on Okaloosa Island, state and national parks within the county charge entry fees, and the Emerald Grand in Destin charges a flat $20 parking fee. He also said the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, various private parking lots in the Destin area, and the city of Destin charge for parking.
Those and other pay-to-park systems will “allow the county to learn what works and what doesn’t in order to better pick an optimal system for the county’s needs,” Peters said.
Echols begins serving as the voice for Precinct 2
“The first point is, I wanted to give honor to my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ,” said Echols, who is a retired Air Force veteran and a former Crestview Planning and Development Board member. “Without him, I would not be here.”
Echols then thanked his wife, Judy, and their children, grandchildren and Godchildren, as well as his loved ones in Georgia and his first church family in Florida.
The new councilor then praised “Old Glory” and the United States.
“Ever since I’ve been in the military and been serving, it’s always been about the people of this country,” Echols said. “I think we serve a great country. The things we see today are not of this country. We’re greater than that. We’re better than that. And for that reason, I’m looking forward to representing the people in Precinct 2.
“I want to be an advocate for you. I want to be a voice for you, and I want to hear from you, and I’ll do the best I can to represent you here on the City Council.”
Precinct 2 covers the city limits south of Interstate 10. Echols was appointed by the council on Jan. 20 to serve the remainder of the unexpired term of former Precinct 2 Councilor Ryan Bullard.
Bullard, who was elected to his four-year term in November 2022, resigned from the council on Dec. 31 after citing increasing professional obligations, personal responsibilities, and ongoing health considerations. The unexpired term expires in November.
Echols was one of seven people to apply for the open council seat and was one of three finalists who were interviewed by the council.
Mayor J.B. Whitten and councilors Brandon Frost and Shannon Hayes had excused absences from Monday’s swearing-in ceremony and the regular council meeting that followed.
County approves funding for planned SR 85 widening work
The 1-mile segment runs between Live Oak Church Road, which is just north of the Shoal River, and P.J. Adams Parkway. The widening of this four-lane segment to six lanes is in the Florida Department of Transportation’s draft five-year work program and is slated to begin in the state’s 2028 fiscal year, which starts July 1, 2027.
The County Commission unanimously approved the $10 million allocation last Tuesday.
According to county Public Works Director Scott Bitterman, the estimated total construction cost of the widening project is $36.2 million.
In addition to its $10 million contribution, the county has purchased a pond site, located on the southeast corner of SR 85 and Live Oak Church Road, that will capture stormwater runoff from the wider SR 85. The county also plans to acquire a stormwater management property near the SR 85-P.J. Adams Parkway intersection.
According to Bitterman, the SR 85 widening project would help the county realize the full benefits of the overall, more than $200 million southwest Crestview bypass, the county-led portion of which is anticipated to open to traffic by the end of March.
Construction of the FDOT’s portions of the bypass is scheduled for completion in mid-2027. They include a new Interstate 10 overpass and interchange that will stand east of the existing Antioch Road bridge over I-10.
Former longtime City Councilor Joe Blocker has died
He was 91. Blocker’s daughter, Donna Proehl, said her father had lived at the Shoal Creek Rehabilitation Center while battling health issues for the last 15 months.
Proehl, who now lives near Lynchburg, Virginia, shared fond memories of her and her father exploring the great outdoors in the Crestview area when she was growing up.
“My dad took me fishing when I was young,” she said this morning. “We fished on the Yellow River, just me and Daddy. We went hunting in the woods. He was with me when I shot my first squirrel.”
Proehl said her father was instrumental in helping her brother, Joe Dan Blocker, set up his CB radio business, and that her father always worked in construction to support the family.
“Sometimes he would be off in different states, and we would see him on weekends,” Proehl said. “Mom always picked up the slack when he was gone. He was a general contractor until his health started failing and he couldn’t do it anymore.”
She said her father was married twice, and that both of his wives have died. Proehl’s brother now lives in North Carolina.
As a longtime council member, “Daddy was always questioning everything,” Proehl said. “He had no problem rocking the boat. He had no problem giving his opinion ever.”
She said her father will be cremated and that the family will have a private service.
Crestview Mayor J.B. Whitten, who served as a city councilor from 2015 to 2019 and has served as mayor since April 2019, said Blocker “was straight up.”
“You always knew what was on Joe’s mind,” Whitten said. “He never held back, and he was very honest. It didn’t make a difference if people agreed with him or not. He was upfront and told the truth.
“He was a really good friend. My wife and I went to his 90th birthday. I was surprised at his age: I thought he was in his mid-80s.”
Many city officials visited Blocker when he was in the rehabilitation center, the mayor said.
Blocker’s death “is a loss to the city,” Whitten said. “He was a great supporter of the city. He will be missed.”
Tim Bolduc, who served as Crestview’s first-ever city manager from February 2019 until last April, recalled Blocker casting the swing vote that led to Bolduc getting the job.
“I’ve always said I would of never made it to Crestview without Joe’s support,” Bolduc said. “Joe was the swing vote. It was a 3-2 vote” by the council. “I always appreciated him putting his confidence in me.”
He said he and Blocker shared the same values and relied strongly on their faith.
“He always stood up for what he believed in,” Bolduc said. “He was hard on me and made sure (city officials) did what we were supposed to do. He was a great public servant, and he served his community for a really long time. No matter what anyone else thought, or whether they agreed with him or not, he voted his conscience. I know where Joe is, but my heart is sad for the family.”
In a November 2024 news release issued shortly after Blocker announced his resignation, city officials said they were grateful for Blocker’s years of service.
Blocker “has made invaluable contributions to our community throughout his tenure,” city officials said. “A lifelong resident of Okaloosa County, Mr. Blocker is a retired businessman with over 50 years of experience in the commercial construction industry.
“His extensive management background and commitment to education in leadership and government operations have equipped him to effectively represent the people of Crestview. With a strong belief in thorough preparation and prioritizing the community’s needs in decision-making, Mr. Blocker has made a lasting impact.”
Peacock rises to city clerk position
At a special meeting, the council voted 4-0 to appoint Peacock as the clerk. She topped two other finalists: Amanda Ojeda, who owns a childcare center in Pensacola and has an extensive administrative background, and NyKole Krivda, who recently served as the vice president of the Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce and also has an extensive administrative background.
A total of about 25 applicants sought the city clerk position, Crestview City Manager Jessica Leavins said.
After the council interviewed the top three candidates on Tuesday, Councilor Brandon Frost noted that Peacock was the only candidate to say she has city clerk experience. He also said that the city likes to promote from within.
Councilor Shannon Hayes said being a city clerk is not something a person learns in a few months.
“Natasha has demonstrated and expanded her knowledge with further education,” said Hayes, who praised her 13 years in the clerk’s office, mostly as deputy city clerk.
“You all bring different qualities to the table,” Councilor Doug Capps told the candidates. “I feel Natasha is the most qualified.”
Peacock’s ability to efficiently and accurately fulfill public records requests also impressed council members.
Peacock began serving as the interim city clerk after former City Clerk Maryanne Girard submitted her resignation last November. Girard, who became Crestview’s first council-appointed city clerk on Nov. 15, 2021, resigned after citing “a troubling erosion of trust and respect” between her and some council members in recent months.
Earlier last year, the council had Girard undergo public records training after city officials received some complaints about her handling of public records requests.
In her application letter to the council for the city clerk position, Peacock noted that she processes five to 25 public records requests daily.
“When you appoint me as City Clerk, you are making an investment in continuity, stability, and excellence,” Peacock said in her letter. “I am not a candidate who will need time to learn your systems, build relationships, or understand your community’s unique needs.”
As interim clerk, Peacock was paid $27.05 an hour, according to Leavins. Peacock’s pay rate for serving as the city clerk will be negotiated.
New City Councilor ‘will serve with integrity and transparency’
Bullard, who was elected to his four-year term in November 2022, resigned from the council on Dec. 31 after citing increasing professional obligations, personal responsibilities, and ongoing health considerations.
Precinct 2 covers the city limits south of Interstate 10. The unexpired term expires in November.
Seven applicants sought to fill the Precinct 2 seat. On Tuesday, the council interviewed the three finalists before unanimously choosing Echols over Louis Rodriguez and former City Councilor Andrew Rencich.
“The things I want you to know about me, first is, I’m a Christian,” Echols, who has served in multiple leadership roles with the First Church of God in Christ since 1998, said in his opening presentation to the council. “I believe in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and I think without him, I would not have life at all.”
Echols also said he is the husband of one wife of 45 years, and that they’ll celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary on Feb. 16. The couple has three children and six grandchildren and has lived in Crestview since 1998.
“We came here from a little north of here, place called Minot, North Dakota,” Echols said. “So we came here with the intent that we would much rather shovel sand than shovel snow. I came here by way of the Air Force. I served in the Air Force for 27 1/2 years” and retired in 2020 with a total of 47 years of military, Department of Defense contractor, and civilian service.
‘Listening with understanding’
Echols, who as a councilor will no longer serve on the city P & D Board, said serving seems to be a point of nature for him.
“I have a deep, deep desire and passion for the long-term growth, public safety, and budgetary health of Crestview,” he said. “When appointed, I will serve with integrity and transparency, listening to the residents, working with fellow members of the council, working with the city clerk, working with the staff and the city as well as the residents, to make a balanced decision of all the things that we need in Precinct 2” and “for the entire city.”
Echols said he learned via his time with the military “that the best skill that you can have is the skill of listening: listening with understanding before you make a decision, making sure you have all the facts to come up with the best solution.”
While being interviewed by the council, Echols was asked by Precinct 1 Councilor Dusty Allison to share his favorite part about Crestview.
Echols replied by saying people in the Hub City care for each other, such as by holding open a store door for others and allowing other motorists to get out in traffic on State Road 85. He said while Crestview is growing fast, it retains a small-city atmosphere that he cherishes.
In answer to another question from Allison, Echols said his goals as a councilor are making sure local children are safe in their schools and the city is adequately prepared for major storms and other disasters.
Handling criticism
Communicating with residents and being transparent and readily available are ways a councilor can become successful in the community, Echols said in reply to a question from Group 1 (At Large) Councilor Shannon Hayes.
In response to a question from Group 2 (At Large) Councilor Brandon Frost, Echols said his approach to transparency includes reaching out to residents about issues such as traffic on SR 85 and the location of the city’s red-light cameras.
And in reply to a question from Precinct 3 Councilor Doug Capps, Echols said as a councilor he would handle criticism by being respectful of it and not disrespectful of the person making the criticism.
At the end of the special meeting to interview the three finalists, the council selected Echols in a 4-0 vote.
Before the council made its selection, Frost said that Echols cares about kids’ safety and public safety and is transparent.
“Every time I’ve talked with him, he’s always been polite, knowledgeable and willing to learn,” Frost said.
Also before the council’s final decision was made, Allison noted that Echols attends nearly all of the City Council meetings, and Hayes said Echols has been taking notes at the meetings and “is very well-spoken.”
Rodriguez has pre-filed to run for the Precinct 2 seat’s next full four-year term. That contest will be decided by city voters in the Nov. 3 general election.
Rencich served as Crestview’s Group 2 (At Large) councilor from early 2019 to late 2024.
The city pays $420 per month, or $5,040 annually, to each of the five councilors. Each councilor also receives $5,000 in discretionary funds from the city each year.
‘America 250’ board will help spearhead patriotic celebrations
The County Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved the establishment of the new board, which among other events and activities will help organize:
- An America 250 grand parade near the county courthouse in the county seat of Crestview
- A memorial service honoring Revolutionary War patriot ancestors
- A public gala event
- Educational programs in local schools
- Other activities to educate young people about the history of the revolution and the principles of the nation’s founding fathers.
The U.S. president and Florida’s governor “have issued proclamations recognizing 2026 as the year we celebrate the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States of America establishing our new Republic,” county officials said in a resolution establishing the county America 250 Commission.
At the County Commission meeting, District 2 County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, who serves as an officer of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter, said many of her ancestors fought for the Revolution.
“We often talk about our country and how divided it is today,” Ketchel said. “Do you not think it was divided during the Civil War? Do you not think it was divided during (the Civil Rights Movement)?”
However, “A lot of really good stuff has happened, and we’re a lot further than we were, and we’re not where we want to be yet but we’re going to be there, and I’m so glad to celebrate the birth of this nation,” she added.
America 250 celebratory events and activities in Okaloosa County will include those sponsored by governments, private and nonprofit organizations, and the public at large. The events and activities will “honor the men and women who fought for and died to form our first government (and) military services; and gave their all standing up to tyranny, and taxation without representation and a lack of personal and religious freedoms that came with being a colony of Great Britain,” county officials said in the resolution.
The county America 250 Commission will be chaired by the president of the Sons of the American Revolution, Emerald Coast Chapter or his designee. The vice-chair will be the regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter or her designee. The other 16 commission members will be:
- The local member of the state of Florida America 250 Commission
- Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Director Jennifer Adams
- Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers or his designee
- An Okaloosa County member of the Florida State Historical Commission
- A member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, West Florida Chapter
- One executive director/president of the chamber of commerce community to be selected by the leadership of the chambers in Crestview, Niceville/Valparaiso, Fort Walton Beach and Destin
- One city mayor within the county to be designated by the Okaloosa County League of Cities
- One commanding general, or his designee, representing the U.S. military community
- One representative from the leadership of the Fort Walton Beach Krewe of Billy Bowlegs
- Sabu Williams, president of the Okaloosa County branch of the NAACP
- The district commissioner of the Choctaw District of the Gulf Coast Council of Scouting America
- Five members; one appointed by each county commissioner.
The county America 250 Commission will have the authority to develop rules of business/meeting procedures, collect and spend private financial and in-kind donations, create logos/emblems/branding, request public donations and grants, recruit volunteers, form sub-committees and working groups, and provide monthly updates to the County Commission, according to the resolution.
New Crestview ordinance aims to help downtown
With the council’s action, e-bikes and motorized scooters join skateboards, roller blades and roller skates as the types of “micromobility devices” that are prohibited from streets and sidewalks in the downtown area. Wheelchairs and “power-driven mobility devices” for disabled people are not prohibited.
The new ordinance aims to help make downtown sidewalks safer for pedestrians and prevent deterioration of the city’s Main Street streetscape project, according to city Development Services Director Barry Henderson.
The nearly $5.7 million project was completed last spring and consisted of various upgrades to a six-block portion of Main Street, generally between Industrial Drive and U.S. Highway 90, and to sections of adjacent streets. The improvements included new sidewalks, curbs, crosswalks, and landscaping, as well as the milling and resurfacing of Main Street.
A first-time violator of the new ordinance will receive a written warning. A second-time violator will be fined $150, a third-time offender will be fined $350, and anyone who commits a fourth or subsequent violation will face a $500 fine. Each violation is a non-criminal infraction.