lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Snook fishing to re-open March 1 in Gulf state waters

Written by archive on February 25, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

The recreational harvest season for one of Florida’s premier game fish, snook, reopens on March 1 in Florida’s Gulf of Mexico state and adjacent federal waters, including Everglades National Park and Monroe County. The season will remain open through April 30.

In the Gulf, anglers may keep one snook per day that is not less than 28 or more than 33 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. A snook permit is required to keep snook, along with a saltwater fishing license unless exempt from the license requirements. Only hook-and-line gear is allowed when targeting or harvesting snook.

It is illegal to buy or sell snook.

The FWC encourages anglers to use moderation when determining whether or not to take a snook home, even during the open season. When choosing to release a fish, the FWC encourages anglers to handle it carefully to help the fish survive upon release. Proper handling methods can help ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more, visit the FWC website, then click “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”

Researchers ask anglers who harvest the fish to save their filleted carcasses and provide them to the FWC by dropping them off at a participating bait and tackle store. These donations allow researchers to better determine the age groups that are being harvested, which makes stock assessments more precise.

In Atlantic state and federal waters (including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River) the season is open through May 31, and one snook may be kept per person, per day. The size limit in Atlantic waters is no less than 28 inches total length and no more than 32 inches total length.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Snook fishing to re-open March 1 in Gulf state waters

Walking the ArtWalk: Northwood Arts and Science Academy students strut their stuff (PHOTOS)

Written by archive on February 25, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Watch out, Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Monet. There's rising talent at Northwood Arts and Science Academy ready to give the great artists a run for their money.

See 47 photos from the Northwood ArtWalk>>

The elementary school held its first ever ArtWalk Monday night, a cornucopia of visual beauty that wound up and down the school's lengthy walkways. Organizers are already planning to make the show an annual event.

"Beauty," of course, is in the eye of the beholder.

"They're OK, but it's weird," second-grader Kamryn Leadmon as she viewed self portraits executed by Nikki Thomas' second-graders in the style of surrealist Pablo Picasso.

Third-grader Logan Johnson couldn't wait to show his parents, Charissa and Eric Johnson, his melted crayon work, a visual art project that also included a science lesson in heat dynamics.

Students were supposed to melt the crayons with a blow dryer, but "a regular blow dryer didn't cut it," Charissa Johnson said. "We had to use a heat gun," Eric Johnson added.

"The kids were so proud of their art work," ArtWalk organizer, media and art integration specialist Kristal Petruzzi said.

Parents Mark and Kelly Clouse praised the school's expanded role as an arts and science academy as they admired their second-grade son Brycen's photography.

"They do a good job here," Mark Clouse said. "The kids really enjoy it."

Students also got to examine the works of Crestview practicing artists, including Dr. Peggy Hollinghead and Rita Benz, who also demonstrated water color and pastel techniques.

Following the ArtWalk, an ensemble of third-graders entertained parents with a violin recital during a PTO meeting.

"Every month we do some kind of little performance," Petruzzi explained.

School principal Dr. Donna Goode was pleased with the large turnout and the school-wide participation of a majority of the classrooms, and is already looking toward next year's ArtWalk.

"Hopefully we're going to grow each year," she said, pausing to hand out bags of popcorn to new arriving families. "We'd like to get some local bands as well."

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Walking the ArtWalk: Northwood Arts and Science Academy students strut their stuff (PHOTOS)

'Rocky Mountain High': John Denver tribute concert is Saturday

Written by archive on February 25, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

FORT WALTON BEACH — This weekend, the Emerald Coast Concert Association presents "Rocky Mountain High," an encore performance of Ted Vigil's tribute concert to John Denver.

Longtime Denver collaborator and accompanist Steve Weisberg has likened Vigil's resemblance, in appearance and performance, to the late folk and country singer.

The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Fort Walton Beach High School auditorium. After the concert, Tom and Peggy Rice invite attendees to meet the artist at the Magnolia Grill, 157 SE Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach.

Want to go?

WHAT: The Emerald Coast Concert Association presents Ted Vigil's "Rocky Mountain High," a John Denver tribute concert

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 1

DETAILS: Fort Walton Beach High School auditorium, 400 SW Hollywood Boulevard.

COST: Tickets are $25 advance, $30 at the door and $10 for students. Call 362-9356 for locations.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Rocky Mountain High': John Denver tribute concert is Saturday

NWF State College offers Zumba course

Written by archive on February 25, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

NICEVILLE — Northwest Florida State College's Professional and Continuing Education department will soon offer new fitness classes including the following:

•Zumba Gold: $25 per person, 5-6 p.m. Mondays, March 3 through April 28, and 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays, March 5 through April 30.

Contact Amanda Barker, 729-6085 or barkera@nwfsc.edu, for more details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NWF State College offers Zumba course

Ex-Sonicflood member to lead worship at Lifepoint Church March 2

Written by archive on February 24, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Mark English, Lifepoint Church's regular pastor, is taking March 2 off and letting Christian recording artist Jeff Deyo fill in.

"He will be performing and delivering a message at both services that morning," Jason Hall, the church's worship minister said.

Deyo, a Minnesota native, plans to deliver a service that will inspire and help others better connect with their faith.

"Most of the time, the things I share come straight from the Bible and are meant to help people open their eyes to how amazing God is," he said. "I believe if they can really begin to see him for who he is, they will surrender that much more of their lives to him."

Deyo performs Gospel music at churches and worship events across the country, but many people may recognize him as the contemporary Christian band Sonicflood's first lead singer.

Deyo's contributions helped Sonicflood win a Dove award for the best praise and worship album in 2000. "Sonicpraise," the band's second album, earned a Grammy nomination for best Gospel rock album.

Deyo left the band in 2000 and released several solo worship albums with hits like "More Love, More Power" and "Bless the Lord." "Moving Mountains," his fifth worship album, debuted in 2012.

As for the future, Deyo plans to reach others through a different medium.

"I currently don't have anything in the works yet, but I imagine I will record again in a couple years," he said. "Honestly, the next thing you will probably see from me is a few books. I have a huge passion to write."

Deyo, a married father of four children, also spiritually mentors and instructs musical talents with the Pure Worship Institute. The annual conference allows Christian musicians to receive the training necessary to be effective spiritual leaders. The faith-based North Central University in Minnesota, where Deyo works as a worship arts specialist professor, sponsors PWI.

Deyo said he hopes his work helps people achieve one mission.

"… (It's) all designed to help connect with, exalt and love their savior," he said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Jeff Deyo at Lifepoint Church

WHEN: 8:30 and 11 a.m. services on March 2

WHERE: Lifepoint Church at 400 South Ferdon Blvd., Crestview

EmailNews Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitteror call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ex-Sonicflood member to lead worship at Lifepoint Church March 2

Hiking, camping group offers residents more outdoors options

Written by archive on February 24, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Two key reasons should make joining the Florida Trail Association's Choctawhatchee chapter an easy decision, Wallis Mayo said.

"It's cheaper than a gym membership (and) it's good for your health and your mind when you are out there," Mayo, the group's publicity chairperson, said.

Hiking and maintaining Okaloosa and Walton counties' trails is the chapter's main objective, she said.

But those footpaths aren't well known.

"A lot of people are unaware that Florida has a scenic trail, from the Florida Everglades to Fort Pickens," she said.

The chapter's 175 members maintain nearly 80 miles of footpaths in both counties — with trails on the Eglin Air Force Base reservation and the Nokuse Plantation in Walton County — and they plan kayaking and overnight backpacking trips.

Mayo, 62, and her husband, Paul, became active in the group in 2007 after she retired from the Okaloosa County School District.

Retiree Tim Crews said being part of the group keeps him occupied. Each week, he and other members clear debris, mow the trails, and perform maintenance on small bridges over waterways.

"I enjoy hiking, camping and working with the (other group members)," he said. "Being out in nature is therapeutic."

With winter ending, now is the best time to be outdoors, he said.

"The Florida hiking season runs from fall through spring," Crews said.

WANT TO JOIN?

Learn more about the Choctawhatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association at www.floridatrail.org/about-us/chapters/choctawhatchee/

Annual fees for individuals members start at $35 a year; family memberships are also available.

EmailNews Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitteror call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hiking, camping group offers residents more outdoors options

Bridgeway in Crestview wins 'Winter Wonderland' trophy

Written by archive on February 21, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Bridgeway Psychosocial Wellness Center recently received a trophy and a pizza party for their winning holiday door decorating contest entry, "Walking in a Winter Wonderland."

The trophy was awarded during Bridgeway's quarterly staff meeting.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bridgeway in Crestview wins 'Winter Wonderland' trophy

Gulf reef fish workshops scheduled for March

Written by archive on February 21, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting several public workshops in early March to gather public input on a proposal that would improve recreational reef fish data collection.

The proposal would create a mandatory permit or registry system for Gulf of Mexico recreational anglers who target reef fish like red snapper, grouper, amberjack and gray triggerfish. This system will help researchers better define the number of offshore anglers and help them contact these anglers to gather additional data.

Get your voice heard on this important topic by attending an in-person workshop or a phone conference.

The two Northwest Florida workshops are scheduled for the following locations and times:

•6- 8 p.m. CST March 6 at the Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Ave., Destin.

•6-8 p.m. CDT March 12: Escambia County Extension Office Auditorium, 3740 Stefani Road, Pensacola.

A phone conference is also scheduled 6-8 p.m. EDT March 11. RSVP to the Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554 to obtain instructions to join the meeting.

For more information visit FWC's fishing page and click on “Saltwater,” “Rulemaking” and “Public Workshops,” or call 850-487-0554.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gulf reef fish workshops scheduled for March

NOMC officials: New hyperbaric chambers could help diabetes patients (PHOTOS)

Written by archive on February 20, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — New hyperbaric chambers will help treat troublesome wounds that don't seem to heal, North Okaloosa Medical Center officials said.

See 8 photos from Thursday's grand opening at the NOMC Wound Healing Center>>

NOMC's 2,500-square-foot Wound Healing Center, located at 125 E. Redstone Ave., Suite D, now staffs five people who assist with such needs.

Once a patient enters the compression chamber, specialists use large amounts of oxygen to treat damaged tissue or body parts with poor blood supply. These therapies can reduce swelling and fight infectious wounds.

"If wounds don't respond to the traditional methods of dressing changes and medications … once you get past a certain point, this is the appropriate adjunct," CEO David Fuller said.

Renovating a former physician's office and opening the facility cost $550,000, and two hyperbaric chambers are valued at $250,000, hospital officials said.

It's worth the investment to help patients, particularly those with diabetes, which can lead to restricted blood flow in the lower extremities, they said.

"There is a large need for this in this community," Heath Evans, NOMC's assistant chief executive officer, said. "To bring this here, we can offer the care that folks need, close to home."

Hyperbaric safety technician Tim Dreyer seemed optimistic about how much use the equipment will receive.

"This is new to the area," he said. "As word of mouth spreads that hyperbaric (technology) is here, it will grow tremendously."

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NOMC officials: New hyperbaric chambers could help diabetes patients (PHOTOS)

EXTENSION CONNECTION: America Saves Financial Challenge begins Sunday

Written by archive on February 20, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

By now, many people find that their New Year’s resolutions have not worked! Still, it's not too late to develop positive financial habits.

The America Saves Financial Challenge — a free five-week program beginning Sunday and ending March 29 — can help, whether you are in great financial shape or desperately trying to manage your money. Plus, there are cash prizes to help motivate you.

The online challenge, in cooperation with the Rutgers Extension Service, helps you practice 10 daily financial habits. Each time you do the financial action, points are awarded.

The 10 daily financial management practices include personal actions such as tracking money spent and completing an online personal finance calculation or financial quiz. Download paper tracking forms so you can make records before entering them online. Participants can compare their daily and weekly progress, and there will be weekly and grand cash prizes awarded.

Participating in the financial challenge helps remind us of the important, little things we do each day. I encourage you to take the challenge and develop positive financial actions such as saving money and learning more about financial topics.

For more information, contact me at 683-8431 or ecourtne@ufl.edu.

WHAT: The 2014 America Saves Financial Challenge

WHEN: Feb. 23 through March 29

WHERE: Register at the Rutgers Small Steps to Health & Wealth website

Elaine Courtney 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: America Saves Financial Challenge begins Sunday

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