CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County tax collector Ben Anderson has earned the Legacy Award for excellence in the field of financial operations.

A judging panel performed a detailed review of Anderson's financial records, practices and use of technology in considering him for the honor.

“The Legacy Award is one of the highest achievements the Florida Tax Collectors Association can award a local tax collector,” said Florida Tax Collectors, Inc. Past-President Lisa Cullen, of Brevard County.

Last year, Anderson earned the Excellence in Financial Operations Award after demonstrating proficiency in four areas of expertise: Innovation & Automation; a Perfect Annual Audit Report; Customer Focus; and Budgeting.

For the 2015 Legacy Award, Anderson demonstrated that the office had further enhanced its financial operations.

A five-person judging panel made up of government financial executives from throughout Florida reviewed the tax collector’s processes as related to the four areas of competency.

Tax collectors carry out State of Florida work at the local level on behalf of Florida’s citizens. This work includes property tax collections and enforcement; driver licenses and motor vehicle services; hunting and fishing licenses; birth certificates.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa tax collector receives state award for excellence

CRESTVIEW — The City of Crestview planning and zoning boards will meet 6 p.m. Sept. 22 at city hall, 198 Wilson St., N.

Here is the meeting's agenda.

1. Convene meeting.

2. Approve Aug. 4 meeting minutes.

3. review request for a small scale comprehensive plan amendment for a property consisting of 0.61 acres at 492 Ferdon Blvd North, owned by First Presbyterian Church of Crestview, Inc. (LPA 15-20).

4. Review request for a small scale comprehensive plan amendment for a property consisting of 2.55 acres at 400 Ferdon Blvd S., owned by Lifepoint Church, the Assemblies of God, Inc. (LPA 15-21).

5. Review site development plans for the proposed revisions to Phase II for Tom Thumb No. 85 at 5150 Ferdon Blvd. S., the current training facility behind the Tom Thumb Store at PJ Adams Parkway and Ferdon Blvd. Requested by Paul McLeod, P.E., Southern Site & Utility Design, Inc. (LPA 15-19).

6. Consider other business as necessary.

7. Adjourn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Here's what the Crestview planning and zoning boards will meet about Sept. 22

CRESTVIEW — The discovery of mold in the Okaloosa County Courthouse could result in the temporary relocation of court operations.'

Read the full report at the Northwest Florida Daily News (subscription required)

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mold found in Okaloosa County's Crestview courthouse

CRESTVIEW — The City Council will meet 5:05 p.m. Sept. 22 for a public hearing at city hall, 198 Wilson St., N.

Here is the meeting's agenda.

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation: Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open meeting

4. PUBLIC HEARING:

a. Adoption of Tentative Millage Rate for Fiscal 2016 – Resolution 15-19

b. Adoption of Tentative Budget for Fiscal 2016 – Resolution 15-20

5. Adjournment

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Here's what the Crestview City Council will meet about Sept. 22

Okaloosa County will maintain its Community Rating System score of 5, ensuring an approximate 25 percent reduction of flood insurance rates for citizens.

The 2015 Annual Report is posted at www.okaloosafl.com, according to the requirements of Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood Insurance Program.

For all reports, follow this link: http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/gm/home. 

“The CRS rating is a result of the combined efforts of the hard-working employees in our Growth Management, Public Safety and Public Works departments each year,” stated Commission Chairman Nathan Boyles. 

In 2011, Okaloosa County and its municipalities adopted a Local Mitigation Strategy.

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program to provide affordable flood insurance to people who live in areas with the greatest risk of flooding called Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Okaloosa County joined the NFIP on July 1, 1977. Residents receive a letter each year encouraging residents to review their flood risk.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa homeowners can expect lower flood insurance rates

SHALIMAR — Okaloosa County's state legislative delegation members will hold a public hearing 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12 at The Emerald Cost Association of Realtors, 10 Hollywood Blvd. NE, Fort Walton Beach.

Public comments will be heard on proposals for the 2016 Florida Legislature's regular session.

To be placed on the agenda or submit handouts, contact Amanda Neeld, Rep. Matt Gaetz's legislative aide, at 833-9328 or Amanda.Neeld@myfloridahouse.gov, no later than 5 p.m. Oct. 5.

The Okaloosa County legislative delegation includes Republican Senators Greg Evers and Don Gaetz and Republican Representatives Doug Broxson and Matt Gaetz.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa legislative delegation sets public hearing

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County has scheduled a public meeting next month concerning proposed roadway and drainage improvements on 2.5 miles between State Road 85 and Interstate 10 on PJ Adams Parkway.

During the meeting — 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Crosspoint Church, 2250 P.J.Adams Parkway, Crestview — Okaloosa County and consultant staff will use maps, drawings and other project information to explain the project. County representatives will be available to discuss proposed improvements, answer questions and receive comments.

The project will widen PJ Adams Parkway from two to four lanes in a divided urban typical section consisting two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, a 4-foot bike lane on each side, and a 6-foot sidewalk on each side, separated by a 22-foot median.

Four stormwater pond sites are proposed with a closed storm drain system, and seven culvert crossings.

The four-phase project will take place between the fall of 2016 and spring of 2018.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview public meeting set for PJ Adams Parkway project

Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners and the Clerk’s Office has launched a budget and financial transparency application powered by OpenGov that provides unprecedented access to county finances.

The web-based platform transforms complex financial data into an interactive, digital format that enables better analysis and understanding of the county's finances. The design makes it easier to explore how taxpayer money is collected and spent.

Access the platform at http://www.okaloosaclerk.com/index.php/transparency-portal/90-transparency-dashboard or through the office's transparency page at OkaloosaClerk.com.

The OpenGov dashboard displays up to five years of Okaloosa County spending and revenue detail in a user‐friendly portal. Site visitors can view historical revenue and expenditure trends over time and explore multiple views of financial data, including by fund, department, expense, or revenue type.

For example, visitors to the platform may answer frequently asked questions such as “What is the proposed budget for next fiscal year?” or “How much will the county will collect in Tourist Development Tax next year?” and then share that information directly from the platform via email or on social media.

This initiative to make the county’s finances more transparent and understandable is a joint effort between Okaloosa commissioners and the clerk’s office to demonstrate their commitment to efficient, data‐driven, open government.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County launches interactive financial transparency dashboard

CHIPLEY — Based on the results of a recent speed study, the Florida Department of Transportation will increase the speed limit from 55 to 60 miles per hour on State Road 4.

The increase takes effect Sept. 21 from east of State Road 87 in Santa Rosa County to Barton Road west of Baker in Okaloosa County.

Maintenance activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to pay attention to the speed limit when traveling.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: State Road 4 speed limit increase takes effect Sept. 24 in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa

CHIPLEY — The outside and middle lanes of State Road 85 over Turkey Creek will be closed from 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 to 6:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18 as Florida Department of Transportation crews perform routine maintenance work.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are reminded to travel with care through the work zone and to watch for construction equipment and workers entering and exiting the roadway. 

Maintenance activities are weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Evening lane closures planned Sept. 17-18 for State Road 85