This summer, days are long, and the air is fresh with the scent of flowers. 

The Florida Panhandle is an ideal place to spend these days. We have a variety of activities available, like strolling along our beautiful beaches, canoeing with friends, tubing down the river, riding bikes or talking a walk to the park with the kids. 

But while we are laughing, playing and creating memories with family and friends, we must remember safety.

Here are some reminders:

1. Never leave children and pets alone in a vehicle, even for a short time. Temperatures in cars rise fast, leaving kids at risk of severe heat exhaustion and dehydration. This can lead to death.

Leaving them with cracked windows and water won’t really help, either. It is just not enough to keep kids and pets safe from the heat.

2. Re-think that trip to the store. I know it’s convenient and on your way, but do you really need to stop, or can you go later?

If you have kids in the car, save that shopping expedition for when you're driving solo.

3. Remind yourself that kids or pets are in the car. Put your child's shoe (or a pet toy) in your lap, or place a teddy bear on your front seat to remind you that you have someone to take care of in the back.

When you remove the child, put the teddy bear back in his or her seat.

4. Save time and gas by shopping online. A lot of times, you can still use coupons, pay little or no shipping, and can set up auto-delivery options so you don’t run out of supplies.

You can’t order everything online, but I haven’t run out of dish soap in months!

5. Remind children and adults to wear bicycle helmets. You may not like how it looks, but a bike helmet should absorb most of the shock in a fall or accident, preventing injury.

If your bike helmet has been in an accident, get a new one. You may not see it, but that helmet could be damaged and may not protect you as well.

6. Follow traffic rules and signs. Use hand signals when turning, and look before crossing.

Motorists need all the help they can get, so avoid darting out or crossing in heavy traffic.

7. Apply sunscreen regularly. Even if you "only tan," you can still suffer damage from the sun. Excess amounts of harmful UVA and UVB rays have been linked to causing cancer, sun spots and wrinkles. 

Use sunscreen, and re-apply after you take a dip in the water.

8. Wear a hat outside when possible. Although visors are a good option for keeping the sun out of your eyes, they do not cover your scalp, which leaves that skin vulnerable to damage.

9. Use lip balm with SPF protection. Our lips are just as important to protect as the rest of our skin; keep them looking good and safe from the sun.

10. Always supervise children at the beach or a pool. Waves or water can quickly overcome anyone,  especially children. Young children can drown in  just a couple of inches of water, or a small kiddie pool.

11. Follow posted equipment guidelines for flotation devices. Check and stick to recommendations for size and weight limits. For example, a person wearing a too-large life jacket could slip right out of it.

12. Limit alcohol use near water. It can be tempting to join in the fun, but alcohol can impair your coordination, along with your abilities to swim, drive a boat and drive home.

There is nothing I am enjoying more than exploring my new Florida home and soaking in the sun, but I want the excitement to continue, and I work every day to turn these tips into habits.

Jill Breslawski is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BRESLAWSKI: 12 summer fun safety tips

CRESTVIEW — Belinda Holley’s Indiana relatives will have blueberry cake this weekend thanks to her son Kevin’s recent visit with Crestview kinfolk.

Family members recently took Kevin blueberry picking at the Smith Farm in Laurel Hill. There, they gathered 5 gallons, and Kevin took a pound home to his mom in Mobile, Ala. “It was a lot of fun,” he said. “They are really good blueberries.”

Since the 1920s, blueberries have been a part of local culture, encompassing pies, muffins, juice, jelly, preserves, cakes, wine, music and even landmarks.

Blueberry Curve, the wide sweep in State Road 85 just north of Winn-Dixie, was named for its abundance of wild blueberries. However, it recently lost a large swath of blueberry bushes when workers cleared land for a Dollar General.

“That made us sad,” store-site neighbor Sandra Dreaden said. “Our four boys grew up picking blueberries out there and selling them. That was their summer earning money.”

FRESH FRUIT

Since the beginning of June, bucket-toting folks have visited farm blueberry patches or favorite “secret” woodland stands of wild blueberries. Or they just surveyed their backyard.

"I pick out of my yard," Terri Marie Owens  said. "We have about 20 huge bushes and get a plenty." Bonnie Clary does the same. "Very blessed with blueberries this year," she said.

At local blueberry farms, it's been a good season. No late frost damaged this year’s crops, and rain was sufficient to grow sweet, plump berries.

“We’ve already exceeded the poundage we picked last year, and we’re hoping to be open another two or three weeks," Baker U-Pick Blueberries owner Mary Richardson said.

“We had slightly over 64,000 pounds picked last year,” her husband, John Richardson, said, adding 70,000 pounds were harvested as of Tuesday.

The Richardsons — who started blueberry farming after retiring four years ago — are delighted to see their business growing.

“We have a lot of repeat customers,” Mary Richardson said. “We have more pickers coming locally. When we first started out, most of our pickers came from Fort Walton Beach and down that way.”

Sarah Hawkins, of Crestview, is one of those local customers. She said the fruit's freshness is the deciding factor. "I will always pick homegrown over supermarket produce," Hawkins said. "I can taste a huge difference, I don't have to worry about how far it traveled and sat in the store, and I'm able to verify where the produce came from."

TASTE TEST

Judy Smith said her family doesn’t advertise their Laurel Hill farm’s blueberries, “but people seem to find us.”

The Smiths’ blueberry bushes also produce throughout the season, luring returning customers.

“We were out there again before breakfast,” Trecia Chedister said. “We’ve been there three times already. It’s like pick one, eat one, pick one, eat one.”

Blueberry farmers accept that their customers can't resist sampling the wares.

“Part of the experience is testing them,” Mary Richardson said. “We see it as marketing. John teases the children all the time: ‘Should I have weighed you before you came in?’”

But some farmers who harvest berries, in addition to letting customers pick some, don’t get as much opportunity to sample their crops.

“We grow the stuff but we don’t ever have time to go home and cook it,” Kathy Brooks of Brooks Farm in Baker said. “By the time we go home from the fields, we’re ready for bed.”

HONOR SYSTEM

Some farmers operate their you-pick fields on the honor system.

Judy Smith relies on her customers to tell her how much they picked, and said she’s come home to find money left at her front door.

“Everybody’s pretty honest. We don’t have a problem,” she said. “If they’re going to come all the way out here just to steal blueberries, I don’t want to see 'em anyway.”

Blueberry season typically lasts until the first or second week of July — and devoted farmers like Mary Richardson know that better than anyone.

“About six weeks every year, that’s about all my life is: blueberries,” she said.

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PLACES TO PICK

Baker U-Pick Blueberries, 5949 Dairy Road, Baker. 537-0340. $1.50 per pound. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Buckets and bags provided.

Brooks Farm, 5645 Gerald Brooks Road, Baker. $5 per gallon or $1 per pound, 902.3465. Bring a container.

Shockley Springs Nursery, 7097 Old River Road, Baker. 902-0160. $1.25 per pound. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Buckets and boxes provided. www.shockleysprings.com/blueberries.php

Smith Farm, Laurel Hill. $4 per gallon. Go to the end of Cadenhead Road to Morning Glory Lane. When the road ends, turn right and go to the end of the driveway. If no one’s around, leave your payment at the door. Bring a container.—

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DID YOU KNOW?

By the end of the 1920s, more than 1,200 acres of North Okaloosa County cropland were devoted to blueberry bushes, making the fruit one of the region’s most successful crops.

“A high-grade berry of excellent flavor, size and marketable type was developed by Mr. M.A. Sapp,” the county Extension Department reported in the late ‘20s.

The book “Crestview: The Forkland” states that at the end of the 1929 season, 15 train carloads of Okaloosa County blueberries were shipped to northern markets, plus smaller package loads shipped all over the country.

Sapp’s rabbit-eye variety continues to be one of the most popular local blueberry cultivars.

—

BLUEBERRY CAKE

Visiting Mobile, Ala., resident Kevin Holley shared his mom, Belinda’s, blueberry cake recipe.

2 cups blueberries

2 cups sugar

3 cups self-rising flour

1 cup Crisco oil

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients together. Batter will be thick. Stir in blueberries and mix well. Bake in a floured bundt pan at 350°F for 1 hour or until done.

Optional glaze:

¼ cup water

½ cup sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla

Bring ingredients to a boil and brush on warm cake.

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THE BLUEBERRY WALTZ

The Crestview area’s blueberry culture gave rise to a popular dance tune that found its way onto parlor pianos throughout the country when Crestview residents Fidlin Brown and Prof. Seger’s “Blueberry Pie” waltz was published by the S.J. Brown company of Cincinnati in 1924.

Here’s the chorus:

“For there’s nothing like blueberry pie, say I

Oh, how I love blueberry pie!

Since the time of the flood,

There’s been nothing so good,

So luscious as blueberry pie.”

Source: “Crestview: The Forkland”

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: You-pick berry farms: Part of North Okaloosa culture (RECIPE, SONG)

Hello, Okaloosa County! I'm Laura Tiu, the Okaloosa County Extension Office's new Sea Grant Marine Agent. 

I recently moved here from Ohio and am relishing exploring, living and working in the beautiful panhandle of Florida. 

In Ohio, I worked for 16 years as director of Ohio State University's Aquaculture Extension Program. I developed programs and provided training for over 200 fish farms in the state. I researched social issues in aquaculture, including determining the best ways to transfer information to fish farmers.

However, my first love has always been marine biology.

I received my undergraduate degree in Marine Biology from Silliman University in the Philippines, where I enjoyed scuba diving and helped develop some of the earliest marine preserves in the country. 

I look forward to developing new, innovative marine science programs in Okaloosa County.

One of my first initiatives will be to collaborate with county officials to implement the grant-funded Sea Turtle Lighting Project coordinated by the county. 

I will educate our citizens about the benefits of installing sea turtle friendly lighting on their beachfront properties. 

Additionally, I will assist with activities at the popular Marine Camp held July 20-24 at Camp Timpoochee.

Finally, I plan to develop an aquaponics community of practice in the near future.

I feel fortunate to be able to contribute to the valuable programs that Extension has offered for over 100 years.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or the Okaloosa County Extension office at 689-5850 for information on our programs, or if you think there is a need in the community I can help with. 

Laura Tiu is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: TIU: Sea turtle protection, aquaponics among new Okaloosa Extension agent's priorities

VALPARAISO — The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida's "Night at the Museum: Chronicles of the Centennial" is scheduled for July 25. 

The fast-paced guided tour, which celebrates Okaloosa County's 100th anniversary, combines history and theatre with a wine and food tasting, and the Dream Players theatre re-enacting history.

Attendees can meet actors portraying William Mapoles, who's been called the "Father of Okaloosa County," and Cebelle Meigs, among others from the past 100 years. The actors will explain how their characters helped shape the county.

In addition, raffles, a silent auction, wine, and food from Café Bienville, Dockside Oyster Bar Café, French Quarter Grill & Bar, Hurricane Grill & Wings, and One 20 A Modern Bistro are scheduled.

This event has limited space. Name reservations are required.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: 'Night at the Museum: Chronicles of the Centennial'

WHEN: 7 p.m.Saturday, July 25. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

WHERE: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso

RESERVATIONS: Stop by the museum, 115 Westview Ave, Valparaiso, pay at http://www.heritage-museum.org or call 678-2615

COST: $35 per person; $30 for museum members; and $29 per person in groups of six or more. Become a Family Museum Member ($50) and receive one free reservation.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Guided museum tour set July 25, celebrates Okaloosa Centennial

Life is full of ups and downs — and the financial markets are no different.

As an investor, you’re no doubt happy to see the “ups” — but the “downs” can seem like a real downer.

Aren't there ways to help smooth out the volatility in your investment portfolio?

First of all, to cope with volatility, it’s helpful to know what causes it — and there can be many causes. Computers that make trades in milliseconds, based on mathematical models, are sometimes blamed for intraday volatility, but large price swings can also occur following the release of government economic reports, such as those dealing with unemployment and housing starts. Global events, such as the European economic malaise, can also send the financial markets into a tizzy.

By being aware of the impact of these events, you can see that the workings of the markets — especially their volatility — may not be as mysterious as you thought.

Still, while knowing the causes of volatility can help you preparefor market swings, it won’t blunt their impact on your portfolio. To do that, you need to create a diversified mix of investments because your portfolio can be more susceptible to negative price movements if you only own one type of asset.

For instance, if you owned mostly bonds, and interest rates rose sharply, the value of your bonds would likely drop, and your portfolio could take a big hit. But if you owned stocks, bonds, government securities, certificates of deposit and other investment vehicles, the rise in interest rates would probably affect your portfolio less significantly.

Unfortunately, many investors think that if they own a few stocks and a bond, they’re diversified. But you can actually extend your diversification through many levels — and you should.

For the equity portion of your portfolio, try to own stocks representing many market sectors and industries. Also, consider international stocks. And rather than just owning U.S. Treasury bonds, consider corporate bonds and municipal bonds, and diversify your fixed-income holdings further by purchasing short-term, intermediate-term and long-term bonds.

Work with your financial adviser to determine the mix of asset classes and investments that are appropriate for your financial goals and objectives.

How you ultimately diversify your portfolio depends on your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term goals — there’s no one “correct” asset mix for everyone. And over time, your diversification needs may change.

For instance, as you enter your retirement years, you may need to increase your percentage of income-producing investments while possibly reducing the amount of growth investments you own.

These growth-oriented investments tend to be more volatile, and you may want less volatility during your retirement. However, even during retirement, you will need to own a certain percentage of growth investments to provide you with the growth potential you’ll need to stay ahead of inflation.

Keep in mind that diversification can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss.

Nonetheless, building a diversified portfolio may help take some of the volatility out of investing — so look for diversification opportunities whenever possible.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SHANKLIN: Is your portfolio truly diversified?

NICEVILLE — Here’s what’s coming to Northwest Florida State College's Mattie Kelly Arts Center in 2015 and 2016:

BROADWAY SHOWS

1. 'Flashdance: The Musical': Oct. 18. The classic 1983 film that celebrated welding, dancing and leg warmers is now on Broadway.

2. 'Aïda': Feb. 11. Giuseppe Verdi’s opera is the tale of a kidnapped Ethiopian princess in love with the Egyptian commander about to invade her country. Presented by the Teatro Lirico D’Europa.

3. 'Annie': Feb. 16. It’s a hard-knock life for Little Orphan Annie until she gets to spend Christmas with a local millionaire.

4. 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat': March 13. Sirs Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s 15-minute class project that grew continues to evolve into a stunning musical production as colorful as Joseph’s famous coat.

ARTIST SERIES

5. Mutts Gone Nuts: Nov. 6: It’s canine cabaret to delight the whole family as a pack of a dozen rescue dogs runs through their hilarious paces to the occasional frustration of their human handlers.

6. Peking Dreams: Dec. 1: The National Acrobats and Circus of the Peoples Republic of China dazzle and delight with feats of contortion, equilibrium and acrobatics.

7. Live From Nashville: Jan. 13: Celebrate Music City USA and country music with this performance of fancy footwork, fiddlin’ and dynamite vocals.

8. MADCO Dance: Jan. 28: The Modern American Dance Company presents an eclectic program of professional dancing.

9. Jeffrey Tambor: January date TBA: The actor and voice actor shares insight on his diverse roles in shows including “The Larry Sanders Show” and “Arrested Development.”

10. MJ Live: A Tribute to Michael Jackson: Feb. 27: Tribute artists recreate the atmosphere of the King of Pop’s electrifying concerts in one of Las Vegas’ top shows.

NATIONAL SPECIAL EVENTS

11. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Band: Sept. 17. Jeff Carlisi of 38 Special; Billy Joel musician Liberty DeVitto; Ricky Byrd of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts; Peter Frampton musician Rob Arthur; and Jeff Adams of Starship rock the Amphitheatre.

12. 'Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles': Oct. 24. The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra backs up a Fab Four tribute band for a night of classic Beatles music. Ticket sales benefit the NFSO.

13. 'The Dukes of Dixieland': Jan. 23. This hot night of Dixieland jazz performed by one of the Crescent City’s hottest traditional bands benefits the NFSO.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

14. French Accents: Sept. 19. Featuring Harpist Katie Ott and 19th-century French music traditions.

15. Recital: Victor Rosenbaum, Piano: Oct. 3. Featuring the New England Conservatory piano department's former chair.

16. Pianopalooza: Nov. 24. Guest pianists perform works by Gershwin, Beethoven and Tschikovsky.

17. Holiday Pops: Dec. 11. The Symphony Chorale joins the NFSO in its annual performance of Christmas favorites.

18. Recital: Tomer Gewirtzman, Piano: Feb. 6. Featuring the 64th Wideman International Piano Competition first-place prize winner.

19. The Magic of Mendelssohn: April 9. Guest artist Philippe Stäudlin joins the NFSO for works including “Incidental Music to a Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

20. Stars of Tomorrow Meet Beethoven:  May 13. The 29th annual Concerto Competition's youth winners perform works including “Overture to the Creatures of Prometheus” and the “Eroica Symphony.”

21. Recital: Michael Lewin, Piano: May 21. The Liszt International Competition top prize winner and soloist with multiple world orchestras performs.

—

WANT TO GO?

Tickets are available as follows:

•National special events and Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra season tickets, on sale now

•Broadway and Artist Series season package tickets, on sale Aug. 17

•Broadway and Artist Series single tickets, online sales, on sale Sept. 4

•Broadway and Artist Series single ticket, all sales, on sale Sept. 8

Box office phone and in-person sales: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 729-6000. Online sales www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Broadway, Beatles and Beethoven: 2015-16 Mattie Kelly Arts season announced