When one thinks of the Emerald Coast, visions of sparkling water, baby-powder beaches, rental houses and high-rises interwoven with seafood and pizza restaurants appear. The coast is dotted with fishing boats, pirate ships and dolphin cruises and the beaches are littered with people. 

More: SHARK PHOTOS: Great white shark caught on the Navarre fishing pier

But it is what glides under the water that some people are curious about. “Are there sharks in the water here?” is a question I often get from locals and tourists alike. The answer is yes, sharks call saltwater home. 

More: 2,000-pound great white shark pings about 100 miles from Destin

Sharks evoke a variety of emotions in people. Some folks are fascinated and list shark fishing and diving with a shark on their bucket lists. Others are terrified, convinced that sharks only exist to hunt them and bite them while they take a swim. 

More: ‘Crazy’ shark draws Okaloosa beachgoers’ attention (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Unfortunately for the sharks, their appearance plays into this later fear, with sharp teeth, unblinking eyes and sleek bodies.

The reality is that most sharks only grow up to three feet in length and eat small crabs and shrimp, not humans. But it is true that bull, tiger and white sharks are all large sharks that have been known to attack humans. 

Of the 540 different species of sharks in the world, there are about 12 that call the Emerald Coast home, including Atlantic sharp nose, bonnet head, blacktip, bull, dusky, great white, hammerhead, nurse, mako, sand, spinner, and tiger. 

They don’t all stick around all year, with some migrating south in the winter, while others migrate north.  

Sharks use their seven senses to interpret their environment: smell, sight, sound, pressure, touch, electroreception, and taste. Most shark attacks occur when a human is mistakenly identified as prey. There are some easy measures you can take to reduce the risk.   

•Swim with others. This may intimidate sharks and allows someone to go for help if a bite occurs.   

•Remove jewelry, as it can look like an attractive shiny fish underwater.   

•Don’t swim where folks are fishing, as bait in the water may attract sharks.  

•Pay attention to any schools of baitfish in the area that may be attracting sharks.   

•Do not swim at dusk or dawn, when visibility may be poor. 

•Learn how to identify various shark species 

Remember, shark attacks on humans are rare. Reports of stepping on stingrays, jellyfish stings, lightning, dangerous surf conditions and car accidents greatly outnumber the number of shark attacks every year. 

For more information, go to www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/sharks/education-resources/.

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: EXTENSION CONNECTION: The science of sharks, and 6 ways to avoid attacks

We here in Crestview and Northwest Florida dodged the hurricane bullet with Hurricanes Marco and Laura this past week. In Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and other states, people were not so fortunate. The devastation will be enormous.

What can we do to help our fellow Americans?

Supplies such as water and cleaning supplies will be needed, as well as monetary contributions. Many churches will be collecting supplies and sending them to the affected areas, so check with your church for a more complete list of what is needed.

Generally, cleaning items, rags, cleansers, buckets and plastic gloves are needed, as well as clothes, socks and shoes.

Many states will send utility workers to the affected areas to restore power. Utah is sending firefighters to Louisiana to help cut down and remove trees. The Cajun Navy, a citizen-based relief group, is on the ground to help with rescues, and other tasks.

Remember, the hurricane season runs through the end of November, so please get needed paperwork in order in case we need to evacuate. You need a copy of your homeowner's insurance, the name and phone number of your mortgage company, copies of your current car registration and insurance, medical insurance cards, Social Security cards, marriage and birth certificates.

Place these in a waterproof bag and put them someplace accessible should you need to evacuate.

Also, get some cash and keep it with your other valuable documents. If the power goes out, you may need it to pay for supplies.

Stock up on bottled water. The rule of thumb is one gallon of water per day for each person or pet. Have two weeks of prescriptions in another plastic bag, as well as all needed electronic chargers. Bring a spare pair of eyeglasses, and extra contact lenses and solutions.

Make sure you pack enough fresh batteries for your flashlights. You may also want to get some non-perishable snacks.

Make sure you have plenty of pet food for at least two weeks and get the pet carriers ready.

Don't forget to have a few changes of clean clothes, as well as a first aid kit. You may want to consider a battery-operated lantern, as you don't have to hold it. Don't forget some games and cards for the children.

Here is a list of groups that will be helping the victims of these hurricanes:

•Salvation Army, www.salvationarmy.org

•Operation Blessing, www.cbn.com

•Samaritan's Purse, www.samaritanspurse.org/

•United Methodist Committee on Relief, www.umcor.org/

•Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, pda.pcusa.org/

•Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, www.namb.net/southern-baptist-disaster-relief/

•PAWS, www.paws-shelter.org/

•SOCKS, www.saveourcatsandkittens.com/

People of faith need to pray for all of those affected by this horrendous catastrophe.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: Various ways to help those affected by recent hurricanes

BAKER — Gracie Thomas is the 2020 Whitney Megan Langley scholarship recipient. This is the 12th year the scholarship has been presented.

Thomas recently graduated from Harvest Time Christian Academy, which is in the heart of Cajun country in south Louisiana, the birthplace of her aunt, Whitney Langley.

“Although Gracie’s softball career was cut short due to an uncanny ability to find and pick beautiful flowers in the outfield, she is an extremely gifted singer/musician who will be attending Bethel College in Northern California this fall,” the Langley family stated in a media release.

“She will focus on her music, singing, and deepening her faith, which is very important to her,” the family stated. “Gracie was tremendously humbled to receive the scholarship as Whitney is indelibly laced into her heart. As a young child, Gracie was often seen at Crestview High cheering on the Lady Bulldogs.

“Gracie is determined to honor (her) Aunt Whitney by finding her calling and living it out,” the family stated.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Thomas receives Whitney Langley memorial scholarship

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Days Gone By

SCARS OF THE PAST, INC: This nonprofit ministry offers support to sexual assault victims, both female and male. For help call 850-612-9847, email scarsofthepast@scarsofthepast.net, or reach out to the organization on Facebook.

MONDAYS

YOUTH NIGHT: 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N. Visitors may enjoy free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or fellowship.

BOY SCOUT TROOPS 30 AND 33: Meet 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays during the school year at First United Methodist Church, 599 8th Ave., Crestview. Boys and girls ages 11 to 18 may join. Contact bsacrestviewtroop30@gmail.com or smicrestviewtroop33@gmail.com, or visit www.beascout.scouting.org.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 8 p.m. Mondays, the clubhouse at 704 Robinson St., Crestview. For beginners and newcomers. Details: Jerry, 830-6218. www.fwb-area-aa.org.

DOGWOOD GARDEN CLUB: 10:30 a.m. first Mondays, September through May, location to be announced. Details: 683-0839.

COUNTRY PATCHERS QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. fourth Mondays, Antioch Baptist Church, 4824 Antioch Road, Crestview. Sit-n-sew and workshop meeting.

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN: fourth Mondays. Details: info@occsw.org.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS: 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Mount Ewell Lodge 131, U.S. Highway 198, Baker.

TUESDAYS

CRESTVIEW LIONS CLUB: 7 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Hub City Smokehouse, 168 Main St. S, Crestview. Details: crestviewlions@hotmail.com, secretary Charlotte Jones, 533-9931.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY:

●8 a.m. Tuesdays at First Baptist Church of Garden City, 3140 Haskell-Langley Road, Crestview. Details: Mary Cole, 683-1899.

●5 p.m. weigh-in; meeting starts from 5:25-5:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview. Brooke Bratton, 225-8197. www.TOPS.org.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 to report incidents. okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com.

CRESTVIEW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO: Quarterly games 4:30-6 p.m.; regular games 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday at 701 James Lee Blvd., Crestview.

BAKER GARDEN CLUB: 10 a.m. first Tuesdays September through May at different locations. Liz Davis, 537-4512.

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP: 1 p.m. first Tuesdays, Wellness Center at Twin Cities Hospital, Niceville. A Registered Nurse is present, and meetings include details of specialty care and product innovations that may be helpful. Details: 389-7071.

CARVER-HILL MEMORIAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 5:30 p.m. first Tuesdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

SHOAL RIVER REPUBLICAN CLUB: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays of each month at Hideaway Pizza, 326 Main St., Crestview. Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 395: 5:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, Carver-Hill Museum, 895 S. McClelland St., Crestview. Commander Raymond Nelson, 420-0706.

NORTH OKALOOSA PATRIOTS: 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays, 150 N. Woodlawn Blvd., Crestview. www.panhandlepatriots.com.

WEDNESDAYS

CRESTVIEW KIWANIS CLUB: 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road, Crestview.

KNITTING GROUP: 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Casbah Coffee Company, 196 Pine Ave. W, Crestview.

PANHANDLE SADDLE CLUB: 6 p.m. first Wednesdays, David’s Catfish House, 1296 N. Ferdon Blvd. Crestview. Includes socializing, dinner and a meeting. Details: Donna Curry, 830-6403 or donna@embarqmail.com.

SONS OF ITALY, CRESTVIEW CHAPTER 2865: 6 p.m. third Wednesdays. All people of American-Italian heritage may join. Group president Thomas Hughes, 682-3597, thomasjhughessr@hotmail.com.

THURSDAYS

GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: 10 a.m. Thursdays, Crosspoint, in portable 2, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway, Crestview. For people grieving the death of a loved one or other losses. 678-4411 extension 109.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, 704 E. Robinson Ave., Crestview. 689-1842.

SENIORS VS. CRIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays, 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8, Crestview. Call 306-3176 or email okaloosacountysvc@yahoo.com to report incidents.

CONCERNED CITIZENS OF CRESTVIEW: 5:30 p.m. first Thursdays, Allen Park, 895 McClelland St., Crestview.

FLYING NEEDLES QUILT GUILD: 9:30 a.m. second Thursdays at Niceville Church of Christ. Visitors and quilters are welcome.

NORTH OKALOOSA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Live Oak Baptist Church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. Call 398-7524 for details.

MAINSTREET CRESTVIEW ASSOCIATION: 8 a.m. third Thursdays, FAMU College of Pharmacy in downtown Crestview. Group improves and promotes Main Street and Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency businesses.

CRESTVIEW PHOTO CLUB: The Crestview Photo Club meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. fourth Thursdays at the Crestview Elks Lodge, 127 W. Pine Ave., across from Casbah Coffee Shop.

CRESTVIEW EXCHANGE CLUB: fourth Thursdays, Covenant Hospice, Crestview. Sharlene Cox, 682-6824.

FRIDAYS

AMERICAN LEGION POST 75: Community Family Gathering dinners, 6-7:30 p.m. Fridays at the post, 898 East James Lee Blvd., Crestview. First Fridays, steak dinners, $15 each. Second Fridays, grilled and smoked BBQ chicken dinners, $10 each. Third Fridays, fish fry, $10; fourth Fridays, spaghetti dinners, $8. Live band performances 7:30-11:30 p.m. Fridays. A full list of all the meetings and events the legion has is posted at www.alpost 75.org. Visit the site or their Facebook page for more information.

SATURDAYS

ADULT/FAMILY NIGHT: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays, Convergence Coffeehouse, 498 Wilson St. N., Crestview. Free refreshments, play games, watch old movies, or just fellowship.

KARAOKE: 8 p.m. Saturdays, American Legion Post 75, 898 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. 689-3195.

BOBBIN LACE GROUP: 11 a.m. first Saturdays, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Anyone may attend to inquire about the craft. 678-2615.

GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION: 9 a.m. to eat and 10 a.m. meeting third Saturdays of the month. Dwayne Hopkins, 217-1001. All motorcyclists are welcome.

VFW HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT: 12 p.m. third Saturdays, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450, 2240 W. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Lynn Mobley, 682-5552.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: GATHERINGS: Okaloosa County clubs and organizations

A new year brings a new opportunity to pick out that perfect calendar to hang on your wall. While I am partial to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension calendar (available at your local Extension Office), last year I received a unique calendar from the “Fresh from Florida” program.

Each page featured a Florida grown crop or product along with a tempting picture and recipe. As a fish person, August’s page caught my eye. It featured a Florida Pan-Seared, Bacon-Wrapped Mullet and a fascinating story from FloridaMemory.com I’d like to share.

“As canned and frozen fish became increasingly popular in the United States after World War II, Florida state officials hoped to boost the local mullet fishing industry by encouraging producers to can the fish and sell it outside the state. Unfortunately, consumers in northern and western markets tended not to consider mullet a desirable food. To give the fish a fresh image, state officials urged canners to sell mullet under one of its Spanish names, lisa. Alas, despite a robust marketing campaign using creative recipes such as “Lisa Luxury Loaf” and “Lisa Guacamole,” the new name was not a hit, and Floridians today enjoy their mullet as mullet.”

With winter being a relatively slow fishing season, with fewer reef fish in season and brisk temperatures limiting the shoreline fishing, mullet fishing is a great alternative to get that fishing fix. With a 50-fish daily bag limit and the ability to catch them with a cast net, hook and line, spears (saltwater only) and gigs, the opportunities are endless.

I, for one, am glad that “lisa” never took off so that we can continue to enjoy it as the local luxury it is.

This is the Lisa Luxury Loaf recipe, submitted by Mary Lou Norwood, Women's Editor (Recipe from the Administrative files of the State Conservation Board).

Lisa Luxury Loaf

1 lb. can Lisa

juice of 1/2 lime or lemon

2 dashes Tabasco

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped bell pepper

1 small onion, grated

1 cup dry bread crumbs

2 eggs

1 cup tomato paste

Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Knead with hands until mixed well. Pack into buttered loaf pan (the disposable aluminum foil ones do fine. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Loaf will slip out easily. Serve with a creole tomato sauce, cheese sauce or white sauce with green peas. Eight servings, but to be prepared for seconds, better plan on six people.

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: The Extension Connection: The magnificent mullet is a local luxury