CRESTVIEW — The Wilson Street and Main Street railroad crossings is currently closed to allow Florida Gulf Atlantic to make much-needed repairs.

"We understand the closures will be inconvenient for motorists and downtown businesses. Still, we are excited about these repairs as they will continue to move us forward with our Downtown Revitalization Project," said Crestview City Manager Tim Bolduc.

The Wilson Street crossing will be closed through Nov. 13 and is expected to reopen Nov. 14. The Main Street railroad crossing will be closed Nov. 14–20.

West Woodruff Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue are serving as the designated detour routes during the closures. Signs will be placed throughout the downtown area to assist motorists.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Road closures scheduled for Crestview railroad crossing repairs

CRESTVIEW — The Florida League of Cities has appointed Crestview Mayor JB Whitten to its Federal Action Strike Team.

The committee works to promote the League of Cities' causes at the federal level by requesting team members to “commit to working closely with both of Florida’s U.S. senators and with their respective member of Congress,” FLC President Phillip Walker stated in a letter to Whitten.

“You have been selected because of your leadership within the League and your relationship with your congressional delegation members,” Walker’s letter further stated.

Whitten is currently president of the Northwest Florida League of Cities and serves on the Florida League’s Board of Directors. His new position will include responding to the committee chair or League staff and committing to meet with Okaloosa County’s congressional delegation members.

“I’m looking forward to serving on the strike team because it is an opportunity to present Crestview and Okaloosa County’s needs to our state senators and representatives,” Whitten said.

The team will meet Nov. 4 during the FLC Legislative Conference to discuss the state’s 2022 congressional delegation, Walker stated.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview mayor appointed to Florida League of Cities Strike Team

CRESTVIEW — Antioch Road will now be closed to through traffic in November as Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad repaves its rail crossing.

Florida Gulf & Atlantic had to delay the scheduled repave a week from the original October dates due to an emergency at another location.

Traffic must be detoured temporarily Nov. 2-4.

Antioch Road will reopen for through traffic on Nov. 5. Roadside message boards are being placed at the railroad crossing so that motorists have a chance to prepare.

“We are aware that Antioch Road is a significant daily route for many in our community,” Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles said. “We are looking forward to a much smoother commute upon completion of the repave.”

Related: Crestview bypass project well underway weeks after groundbreaking

More: Fast-growing Crestview could finance up to $20M for capital projects

Detour signage will direct motorists to use State Road 85 and U.S. Highway 90. Northbound motorists on S.R. 85 at PJ Adams Parkway are being asked to continue north on S.R. 85 to U.S. 90.

Motorists headed south from U.S. 90 are asked to travel straight through to S.R. 85 instead of cutting through Antioch Road and PJ Adams Parkway.

The government will leverage strategic partners, members of our community, social media platforms and roadside messaging to keep motorists informed of the detour.

Okaloosa County and the city of Crestview have plans in place to route emergency responders safely and efficiently.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Antioch Road closure moved to November 2-4

CRESTVIEW — City Government Week is Oct. 18-23 and the city of Crestview is going all out for the event. 

Below is a look at some of the programs scheduled:

COMMUNITY CLUBS

The city’s many clubs and organizations are invited to strut their stuff at an upcoming special meeting of the Crestview City Council.

Held during City Government Week, the meeting will specifically recognize the contributions social, fraternal, cultural, service and professional clubs and organizations make to the city, enhancing the quality of life through a myriad of services, events and activities.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Whitehurst Municipal Building in Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

Each group will have two minutes to succinctly describe its mission, and before and after the meeting, can staff a table to answer questions, distribute literature, or recruit members.

The meeting will be broadcast live on the city’s Facebook page. To register your club or organization, call Crestview Mayor JB Whitten’s office at 850-682-3812 by Oct. 15.

PAST ELECTED OFFICIALS

Acknowledging the often-heavy burden of elected office, the present city government will recognize and salute its living predecessors at a special meeting of the City Council during City Government Week.

“We have almost 20 former elected officials who have served Crestview well still living among us,” Crestview Mayor JB Whitten said. “We’d like to recognize and thank them for their selflessness while they were in and after they were in office.”

The meeting is 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at Warriors Hall, 211 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

Elected city officials perform a myriad of tasks, Whitten said, and even though their jobs are considered part-time and the token remuneration is small, the work equates to a full-time professional job. But the benefits of serving their community are their reward.

Many past officials continue to serve and advise current officials, as witnessed by the weekly mayors’ breakfast at which Whitten sought the counsel of former Crestview Mayors Jerry Milligan (in office 1981-86) and David Cadle (2007-19).

The meeting will be broadcast live on the city’s Facebook page. Former elected Crestview officials are asked to call Whitten’s office at 850-682-3812 by Oct. 15 to let him know if they will attend.

FAITH COMMUNITY

With more than 35 active houses of worship in the city limits alone, it’s easy to say that Crestview’s faith community is an important part of the city’s life. Often, it's local church members and pastors who spearhead social and cultural events and programs.

During City Government Week (Oct. 18-23), Mayor JB Whitten and elected officials will meet for roundtable discussions with local religious leaders to discuss ways the faith community can partner with the city. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Spanish Trail Park amphitheatre on Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. 

Called Partnering with the Pastors, the program is being organized by the mayor’s office and local churches. The pastor of any active Crestview church is welcome to participate.

Interested leaders of Crestview’s faith community are asked to please call Crestview Mayor JB Whitten’s office, 850-682-3812, by Oct. 19 to let him know if they will attend.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview has full schedule for City Government Week

CRESTVIEW — City Government Week is Oct. 18-23 and the city of Crestview is going all out for the event. 

Below is a look at some of the programs scheduled:

PAST ELECTED OFFICIALS

Acknowledging the often-heavy burden of elected office, the present city government will recognize and salute its living predecessors at a special meeting of the City Council during City Government Week.

“We have almost 20 former elected officials who have served Crestview well still living among us,” Crestview Mayor JB Whitten said. “We’d like to recognize and thank them for their selflessness while they were in and after they were in office.”

The meeting is 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at Warriors Hall, 211 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

Elected city officials perform a myriad of tasks, Whitten said, and even though their jobs are considered part-time and the token remuneration is small, the work equates to a full-time professional job. But the benefits of serving their community are their reward.

Many past officials continue to serve and advise current officials, as witnessed by the weekly mayors’ breakfast at which Whitten sought the counsel of former Crestview Mayors Jerry Milligan (in office 1981-86) and David Cadle (2007-19).

The meeting will be broadcast live on the city’s Facebook page. Former elected Crestview officials are asked to call Whitten’s office at 850-682-3812 by Oct. 15 to let him know if they will attend.

FAITH COMMUNITY

With more than 35 active houses of worship in the city limits alone, it’s easy to say that Crestview’s faith community is an important part of the city’s life. Often, its local church members and pastors who spearhead social and cultural events and programs.

During City Government Week (Oct. 18-23), Mayor JB Whitten and elected officials will meet for roundtable discussions with local religious leaders to discuss ways the faith community can partner with the city. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Spanish Trail Park amphitheatre on Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. 

Called Partnering with the Pastors, the program is being organized by the mayor’s office and local churches. The pastor of any active Crestview church is welcome to participate.

Interested leaders of Crestview’s faith community are asked to please call Crestview Mayor JB Whitten’s office, 850-682-3812, by Oct. 19 to let him know if they will attend.

COMMUNITY CLUBS

The city’s many clubs and organizations are invited to strut their stuff at an upcoming special meeting of the Crestview City Council.

Held during City Government Week, the meeting will specifically recognize the contributions social, fraternal, cultural, service and professional clubs and organizations make to the city, enhancing the quality of life through a myriad of services, events and activities.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Whitehurst Municipal Building in Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

Each group will have two minutes to succinctly describe its mission, and before and after the meeting, can staff a table to answer questions, distribute literature, or recruit members.

The meeting will be broadcast live on the city’s Facebook page. To register your club or organization, call Crestview Mayor JB Whitten’s office at 850-682-3812 by Oct. 15.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview has full schedule for City Government Week

CRESTVIEW — The city’s many clubs and organizations are invited to strut their stuff at an upcoming special meeting of the Crestview City Council.

Held during City Government Week, the meeting will specifically recognize the contributions social, fraternal, cultural, service and professional clubs and organizations make to the city, enhancing the quality of life through a myriad of services, events and activities.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Whitehurst Municipal Building in Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

Each group will have two minutes to succinctly describe its mission, and before and after the meeting, can staff a table to answer questions, distribute literature, or recruit members.

The meeting will be broadcast live on the city’s Facebook page. To register your club or organization, call Crestview Mayor JB Whitten’s office at 850-682-3812 by Oct. 15.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Council to recognize Crestview clubs at special meeting

CRESTVIEW — From a myriad of social, cultural and recreational activities to its family-friendly facilities, Okaloosa's county seat offers residents and visitors a wide range of services and events.

The public is invited to take a glimpse inside Crestview’s many services and activities during City Government Week, Oct. 18-24.

“It’s hard to tell everything we have to offer in one sitting, so we’re offering a whole week of opportunities to help citizens learn what your city has to offer,” Crestview Mayor JB Whitten said.

Here’s what’s on the lineup:

Activities Showcase – 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, at Warriors Hall, 211 Stillwell Blvd. During this special meeting of the City Council, find out what’s available to fit your interests! Clubs and organizations may sign up with the mayor’s office to get an information table for the meeting. Call the mayor's office, 850-682-3812, to register.

Recognition Ceremony – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Warriors Hall. All living former elected Crestview city officials will be recognized. Former officials are asked to contact the mayor's office.

Virtual Town Hall Meeting – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 198 North Wilson St. The meeting is with elected officials. Watch live online and ask questions on the city’s Facebook page, @Cityofcrestview.

Crestview High School Football Game – 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22 at CHS, 1250 N. Ferdon Blvd. Join city officials as they cheer for the Bulldogs and the Big Red Machine at the game versus Pace.

Partnering with the Pastors – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, Old Spanish Trail Park Amphitheatre on Stillwell Boulevard. Elected officials meet for roundtable discussions with leaders of Crestview’s faith community to find ways to form partnerships. Crestview pastors, contact the mayor’s office to register.

McMahon Environmental Center ribbon-cutting – 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 at the center, 135 Butler Circle. Discover Crestview’s hidden gem, newly refurbished and enhanced by the Crestview Kiwanis Club. Kids’ activities, refreshments and tours will be part of the event.

Church Drop-Ins – On Sunday, Oct. 24, as scheduled, elected officials will attend services at a church they’ve not visited before.

“We encourage all of our residents to participate in any or all of these events and take a inside look at how their city functions and what it has to offer,” Whitten said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Discover Crestview during City Government Week

CRESTVIEW — Officer Kimberley D. Beasley was sworn in Sept. 16 as Crestview’s newest police officer, with Mayor JB Whitten administering her oath of office and Police Chief Stephen McCosker pinning on her patrolwoman’s badge.

Originally from Pensacola, Officer Beasley holds dual Florida certification in both corrections and law enforcement, serving previously as a corrections officer at the Escambia County Jail and the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution.

She is a 2018 graduate of the George Stone Technical Institution in Pensacola who said she “wanted somewhere to go where I can make a difference. I was looking for a smaller agency,” and found it at CPD.

“You’re going to love working for this city,” Whitten told her following her swearing in.

Before administering the oath of office, the mayor noted, “There are certain jobs I hold in very, very high esteem, and politicians are not one of them. But our police officers and firefighters definitely are at the top of the list.”

The mayor assured Beasley — and the other officers gathered in her support as she joined their agency — that the city supports its police department.

“We have your backs like you have our backs every day,” Whitten said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Newest Crestview Police Department officer sworn in

CRESTVIEW — Two themes were common in shaping Crestview’s newest police officers’ decisions to join the agency. They are same two reasons frequently cited by new officers when they join the Crestview Police Department.

“I want to give back to the community I grew up in,” said Officer Timothy “TJ” White Jr., noting he is a 2008 graduate of Crestview High School.

“I just like working for a smaller town’s police department, not being a number,” added Officer Nicholas Spry. “Here, everybody knows your name.”

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Spry’s dad, Larry Graham, said his son, who has already been working at the police department for more than a week, comes home and speaks glowingly of the congenial atmosphere at the Whitehurst Municipal Building headquarters.

“Everybody’s so super friendly, he tells us,” Graham said. “He could see right away it is a family atmosphere. He’s really been welcomed with open arms.”

Tuesday morning, Crestview Mayor JB Whitten swore in the county seat’s two newest officers, assuring them and their families that Crestview supports its police department.

“All over the country, police officers are under attack,” Whitten said. “But I grew up in a time when police officers were respected. That’s the way it is in Crestview. In Crestview, we have the backs of our police officers. I want to assure our officers that here, we take care of our police.”

“This is a very important step in their journey on a career in law enforcement,” CPD Chief Stephen McCosker told assembled friends, family and fellow officers. “We’re very proud to have them joining our law enforcement family.”

Both new officers have expressed interest in joining the Police Department’s SWAT team and Investigations Division. Spry is also interested in the Community Services division and narcotics investigations.

After being sworn in and signing their oaths of office, the new officers’ wives, Catherine Spry and April White, pinned on their husbands’ badges. For April White, it was a taste of things to come. She will enter the police academy next session. Next year, she hopes Officer White will be pinning her badge on her uniform.

Brian Hughes is the City of Crestview’s public information officer.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

The Crestview Police Department welcomes potential inquiries about police officer positions in the agency. Cadet positions, in which the CPD pays a future officer while he or she is in the police academy, are also available. Visit www.crestviewpd.org or call 850-682-3544.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview gains two new police officers

CRESTVIEW — What’s blue and white, plays “Turkey in the Straw” and is coming soon to a neighborhood near you? It’s the Crestview Police Department’s Pop-Up Popsicles community outreach ice cream truck.

“We’re going to turn our crime scene vehicle into an ice cream truck,” said CPD Chief Stephen McCosker. “Instead of sirens, we’re going to have ice cream truck music.”

The pop-ups are impromptu community outreaches that suddenly show up in various locations around the city.

PHOTOS: Crestview Police Department open house

Pop-ups, including the upcoming Pop-Up Popsicles, are announced on the CPD’s social media anytime from the day before to the morning of the events.

Residents “will have to monitor our Facebook page to see where we’ll show up,” CPD Major Andrew Schneider said as he prepared the mobile crime scene unit vehicle for its service as an ice cream truck. “That’s the fun of a pop-up. It could be anywhere in the city.”

McCosker said the Pop-Up Popsicles will occur over the course of four days during the week of June 29, with ice cream giveaways happening in a different section of the city each day.

Unlike the CPD’s hotdog pop-ups, “we’ll start at one location, and move on to others inside the day’s zone,” he said.

“Moving around allows us to keep the crowd down at any one location,” Chief McCosker said. “We’ll be able to help the crowds maintain their social distancing.”

The pop-ups are funded by donations from residents, businesses and community organization as a way for police officers to mingle with residents.

“The more donations we have, the more ice cream we can give away,” the chief said.

To add variety, Mike Carroll, Hub City Smokehouse and Grill owner, is lending his snow-cone machine for Pop-Up Popsicles.

“The thing I’ve been really big on is, to be an effective police department, we have to interact with the community. Pop-ups are one way we can get out in the neighborhoods and parks and still observe social distancing,” McCosker said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Police Department plans ice cream pop-ups