FORT WALTON BEACH — Three Okaloosa County parks have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated June 26.

Liza Jackson Park, Fort Walton Beach; Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville; and Poquito Bayou, Shalimar, failed tests based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards. Enteric bacteria's presence indicates fecal pollution from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 Okaloosa parks receive hazardous water advisories

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County issued a rabies alert for the Fort Walton Beach area in response to a feral cat that tested positive for the disease on June 26.

All residents and visitors in Okaloosa County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated.

The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Okaloosa County. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public. Please be aware that rabies activities can also occur outside the alert area.

This rabies alert is for 60 days. The center of the rabies alert is the 32547 Okaloosa County ZIP Code and includes the following boundaries:

*Beal Parkway from Racetrack Road to Lewis Turner Boulevard

*Lewis Turner Boulevard north to Pamela Ann Drive (north of Mooney Road) in the Country Club area

*Racetrack Road east to Eglin Parkway and Garnier Bayou

An animal with rabies could infect domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. 

All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes. 

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans.  The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

*Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock.

*Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property. 

*Seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Okaloosa Animal Services at Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, 244-0196, if your pet or livestock are bitten by a wild animal.

*Support animal control in efforts to reduce feral and stray animal populations.

*Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.

*Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals, including feral cats, with outdoor food sources such as cat or dog food, uncovered trash or litter.

*Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.

*Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.

*Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.

*Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the DOH-Okaloosa at 850-833-9065.

Go to www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html, or contact DOH-Okaloosa, 833-9065, for further information on rabies.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health officials issue rabies alert

CRESTVIEW — Healthy Woman will host a program on eliminating back-to-school stress.

The event is set 5:30 p.m. July 27 at 127 Redstone Ave. E, Suite A, Crestview.

Speakers include Mary Beth Jackson, Okaloosa County superintendent, who will provide tips for teachers and parents; urologist Andrew Horowitz, who will present information on bladder matters; and Nan Maddox of Adiva's Ageless Aesthetics Spa, who will speak on the topic, "60 Minutes Can Save Your Life."

Refreshments and door prizes, as well as a gift for teachers, will be available.

Healthy Woman is a North Okaloosa Medical Center organization designed by women to help them make informed health care decisions.

Call 689-8446 for more information. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Women's group tackles back-to-school stress

Supreme Cuisine, a Montgomery City, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 325,000 pounds of meat and poultry fat and lard products due to a processing deviation, which may result in the potential growth and survival of bacterial pathogens in the products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. 

The duck, beef and pork fat and lard items were produced and packaged from June 1, 2016 through May 8, 2017. The products have a one-year shelf life. 

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 34595” or “P-34595” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were sold through the internet and shipped to retail locations nationwide. 

The problem was discovered after the firm received a consumer complaint of a loose lid from an internet customer. 

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. 

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: RECALLED: 325,000 pounds of meat and poultry products

Embutidos Fanguito, Inc., a Miami, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 984 pounds of pork products due to mislabeling, misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. 

The product label incorrectly identified it as cooked product. In addition, the products may contain soy, a known allergen, and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) which are not declared on the finished product label. 

The scope of this recall expansion now includes 530 pounds of fresh, sliced pork chorizo products produced and packed on various dates from Oct. 16, 2016 through June 16, 2017. 

2-oz. sealed packages containing “Embutidos El Fanguito Chorizo” with a sell by date of Sept. 17, 2017. 

On June 16, Embutidos Fanguito, Inc. recalled approximately 454 pounds of pork products produced and packaged on various dates from April 18, 2017 to June 13, 2017. The products have a 90-day shelf life. 

8-oz. sealed packages containing six slices of “Jamon Vicky Lasqueado Smoked Flavor Added Sliced Cooked Ham & Water Product.”

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 45659” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Florida.

The problem was discovered on June 19, 2017 during follow-up label review and inspection activities by FSIS personnel. 

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. 

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: RECALLED: 984 pounds of pork products

The Florida Summer BreakSpot program offers free nutritious meals, recreational fun and educational activities for children 18 and under at more than 3,800 locations.

North Okaloosa locations are listed below.

BAKER

•7:15-7:45 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m. through June 30, Baker School, 139 14th St.

CRESTVIEW

•7:30-8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, June 13-29 and July 11-20, Southside Primary School, 650 Pearl St. S, Crestview.

•7:15-7:45 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m. through June 28, Walker Elementary School, 2988 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

•8-8:45 a.m. and 10:45-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays through June 29 and July 11-20 at Richbourg School, 500 Alabama St., Crestview. This site is open only to students enrolled at the school.

•7-7:30 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m. through June 30, Davidson Middle School, Old Bethel Road, Crestview.

•7-7:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m. through June 30, Shoal River Middle School, 3200 Redstone Ave. E, Crestview.

•8-9 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. through July 28, Kingdom Worship Center, 798 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview.

•7-8 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon through July 31, Central Baptist Church of Crestview, 951 Ferdon Blvd. S.

•7:15-8 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. through July 31, Northwood Elementary School, 501 4th Ave., Crestview.

LAUREL HILL

•7:15-7:30 a.m. and 12:30-1 p.m. through June 30, Laurel Hill School, 8078 4th St.

Summer BreakSpot is part of the national Summer Food Service Program, a federally funded program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered in Florida by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. No meals will be provided July 3 and 4. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free summer meals available for North Okaloosa children

FORT WALTON BEACH — Two Okaloosa County parks have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated June 12.

Liza Jackson Park, Fort Walton Beach, and Lincoln Park, Valparaiso, failed tests based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards. Enteric bacteria's presence indicates fecal pollution from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 2 Okaloosa parks receive hazardous water advisories

CRESTVIEW — One Blood has scheduled a blood drive for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 16 at Starbucks, 2520 Ferdon Blvd. S, Crestview.

Donors will get a $10 Starbucks gift card, a wellness checkup of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and a cholesterol screening.

Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. A photo ID is required.

For more information, go to oneblood.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Blood drive scheduled

Conagra Brands, Inc., a Milton, Pa. establishment, is recalling approximately 700,125 pounds of spaghetti and meatball products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product(s) contains milk, a known allergen which is not declared on the product label.

The spaghetti and meatball products were produced on Jan. 5, 2017 and Jan. 12, 2017. The following products are subject to recall:

131,718 lbs. of 14.75-oz. cans with “Libby’s Spaghetti and Meatballs MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN AND BEEF IN TOMATO SAUCE” on the label with package code 2100701200 and Use By Date 01/02/19.

71,614 lbs. of 14.75-oz. cans with “Del Pino’s SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN AND BEEF IN TOMATO SAUCE” on the label with package code 2100701200 and Use By Date 01/02/19.

38,330 lbs. of 14.75-oz. cans with “Hy-Top Spaghetti and Meatballs Made with Pork, Chicken and Beef in Tomato Sauce” on the label with package code 2100701200 and Use By Date 01/02/19.

22,064 lbs. of 14.75-oz. cans with “Food Hold Spaghetti & Meatballs MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN AND BEEF IN TOMATO SAUCE” on the label with package code 2100701200 and Use By Date 01/02/19.

21,975 lbs. of 14.75-oz. cans with “Essential EVERYDAY Spaghetti with Meatballs Made With Pork, Chicken and Beef in Tomato Sauce” on the label with package code 2100701200 and Use By Date 01/02/19.

414,424 lbs. of 14.75-oz. cans with “Chef BOYARDEE Mini pasta shells & meatballs, Pasta and Meatballs made with Pork, Chicken and Beef in Tomato Sauce” on the label with package code 2100700500 and Use By Date 12/26/18.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 794M” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped nationwide to warehouses for distribution and retail locations.

The problem was discovered on June 6, 2017, when the company received notification from an ingredient supplier that the bread crumbs the company received and used in the recalled products potentially contained undeclared milk.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify theircustomers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FOOD SAFETY: Spaghetti and meatball products recalled

Gourmet Boutique LLC, with establishments in Jamaica, N.Y. and Phoenix, Ariz., is recalling approximately 294,744 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products could contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The RTE breaded chicken products were produced on various dates from February 3 to June 2, 2017. The following products are subject to recall:

3.125-lb. frozen packages of “Breaded Chicken Cutlet” with lot codes J34 through J150 (for Est. number P-18799) and J53 through J153 (for Est. number P-32107).

3.125-lb. frozen packages of “All Natural Breaded Chicken Cutlet” with lot code J34 through J150 (for Est. number P-18799).

5-lb. frozen packages of “Diced Breaded Chicken Cutlet” with lot code J34 through J150 (for Est. number P-18799).

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-18799 or P-32107” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to institutional locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered on June 6, 2017, when the company received notification from an ingredient supplier that the bread crumbs the company received and used in the recalled products potentially contained undeclared milk.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FOOD SAFETY: Breaded chicken products recalled