CRESTVIEW — The Community Redevelopment Agency has unanimously approved a $40,000 one-year contract for the new Main Street program and CRA director.

In interviews, Brenda Smith, a former Okaloosa extension agent with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, impressed Main Street members and city officials with her communication skills and professionalism.

"She has good experience and background in programs and events similar to our Main Street programs," Main Street President Ellis Conner said.

Before Smith's contract was approved, board member JB Whidden suggested changing the word "should" to "shall" in the document to clarify that Smith will be required to perform specified duties.

Indeed, Smith will report to Administrative Services Director Teresa Gaillard, who will require weekly progress and status reports from Smith.

Even before the contract's approval, Smith attended Monday meetings of the Main Street Association and the Crestview Centennial Committee.

"I'm looking forward to her being on board and letting her show this city what her capabilities are," board member Joe Blocker said.

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THE MAIN STREET/CRA DIRECTOR

Brenda Smith's role as Community Redevelopment Agency/Main Street director fulfills a Florida Main Street requirement that Crestview's program has a city-funded director.

A president and board elected by association members govern The Main Street Crestview Association.

Smith's contract states she will be "responsible for the development, conduct, execution and documentation of the Main Street program."

She will "coordinate activity within the Main Street Association and the Community Redevelopment Agency revitalization program, utilizing preservation as an integral foundation for…economic development."

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Main Street Crestview Association gets new director

CRESTVIEW — Runners, prepare to get a little dirty during this one. But it's for a worthy cause.

The Okaloosa County Farm Bureau 5K Mud Run is 8 a.m. Saturday, July 11, starting at 5741 Gum Creek Lodge Road, Baker.

Registration costs $40 in advance by July 9; $50, race day. The Kids Fun Run registration costs $20 in advance; $25, race day. Proceeds benefit local agriculture education programs.

Award categories include male and female overall (1st), male and female age group (1st, 2nd and 3rd). Age groups: 13-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55 and up. Kids Fun Run: 6-9, 10-12.

You can register here>>

Contact Molly Huffman, 682-3536, or Jennifer Bearden, 585-3940, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County Farm Bureau sets 5K Mud Run

FORT WALTON BEACH — Children in Crisis' Children’s Art Education program has an extra $800 in support.

“The OAA donation allows CIC to provide a very important element of education sometimes not considered a priority," Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, said. "It’s amazing to watch our at-risk children grow and develop their art talents. This wouldn’t have been possible without the great support from the Okaloosa Arts Alliance."

CIC gives a home to about 100 at-risk children each year. Call 864-4242 or see www.childrenincrisisfl.org to learn more about the nonprofit. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Arts Alliance donates to children's art fund

Most fruits and vegetables we eat once depended on insect pollinators. 

There are fewer working farmers, but they must meet an increasing population's needs. And they must make choices on chemical alternatives for pest control. 

Good bug blends of flowers can help attract pollinators, and beneficial insects can suppress harmful pests. 

You can establish insectary meadows on a small or large scale in any habitat.

Bees are the overwhelmingly dominant pollinator for most food crops. Native bees in the United States annually pollinate over $3 billion worth of agricultural commodities. 

However, native bee populations are declining due to habitat loss. Meanwhile, managed colonies of European honey bees have dipped 50 percent over the past few decades.

Numerous other pollinating insects face the same fate.

One approach to bring back pollinators is to intercrop with blooming plants that attract insects. 

Selecting diverse plants — those with different flower sizes, shapes and colors, as well as various plant heights and growth habits — will encourage the greatest numbers of pollinators.

It is important to provide a continuous source of pollen and nectar throughout the growing season. At minimum, strive for three species to be blooming at any one time; the greater the diversity, the better.

To enhance the garden, choose flowering plants that also provide shelter for beneficial insects. Many companion plants are suitable habitats for predators and parasitoids. 

Research in Florida has demonstrated that predatory minute pirate bugs can build to high numbers in sunflowers. Their favorite food is Western flower thrips. So, planting sunflowers on the perimeter of vegetable crops, such as peppers, can greatly reduce thrip-related damage. 

Similar results were found with planting sorghum to attract beneficial mites and intercropping with buckwheat to house syrphid flies and parasitoid wasps. 

The garden vegetables experienced fewer spider mite, whitefly and aphid problems.

Here in Crestview, you can get a first-hand look at an insectary meadow in operation. This week, we will seed sunflowers, sorghum and buckwheat at the Common Ground Community Garden. 

Over the next few months, we will monitor the plants for pollinators and beneficial insects. 

If you are interested in helping with the insect collection and data recording, please contact Evan Anderson or me at the Okaloosa County Extension office, 689-5850.

Sheila Dunning is a Commercial Horticulture Extension agentat the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bringing pollinators back: Insectary meadows provide food for pollinators, homes for beneficial bugs

CRESTVIEW — Casbah Coffee Company hosts an open mic event every first and third Friday for poets and musicians.

The next one is 7 p.m. May 1 at the coffee shop, 106 N. Main St., Crestview.

For more information, visit Casbah's Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Poetry and music night this Friday at Crestview Casbah

PACE — "Beached Wails," a play written by Topher Payne and directed by Patty Barry, is scheduled for May 14-17 and 21-24 at 4646 Woodbine Road.

Evening shows, $12, begin at 7:30 p.m.; a Sunday matinee is at 2:30 p.m. Some May 14 and 21 seats cost $9.

About the play: Every summer, the Harmon sisters leave their husbands and kids for a sister trip to Gulf Shores, Ala.

This year, things get a little crazier than usual, when Hurricane Lewis hits suddenly, leaving no way out.

Tensions rise, with the sisters confronting old wounds, secret desires and new heartbreaks. They are forced into communication through a visitor who attempts to referee it all.

Seating is limited. Call 850-221-7599 for tickets.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Beached Wails' coming to Pace