CRESTVIEW — There’s been quite a turnout at McAlister’s Deli since its grand opening Monday on 2100 S. Ferdon Blvd. 

“It’s been really busy. The expectation was very high for the store because we are in a pretty high population area that seems to be underserved,” said Lance Youngblood, the VP of Operations for DMAC81, McAlister’s parent company. 

He added, “I am pretty happy with what we have seen so far…”

Their most popular sandwich, says Youngblood, is the McAlister’s Club. 

“The McAlister’s Club is the most popular sandwich because it’s a safety net for people because everybody knows a club is going to be pretty good and they see a big menu and it scares them a bit. Their first order is something kind of easy.” 

Another popular menu item is the French Dip Sandwich, but as people keep coming in their tastes evolve.  

“There are other sandwiches that seem exotic to people, but on their second or third visit they start to branch out and start ordering something different," Youngblood said. 

What distinguishes McAlister’s from competitors, Youngblood says, is primarily the quality of the food. 

“First of all the quality is much better,” he said. “Our food would be more comparable to a Panera [Bread] or something like that. Our sandwiches are often more flavorful; they are bigger. We have bread options, we have corn beef, pastrami, your basics like turkey, ham and roast beef. We wouldn’t consider our sandwiches like sub-type sandwiches. They are more traditional sliced breads and just different varieties.

“You can eat at McAlister’s four or five days a week and be pretty happy with it and I think that’s what sets us apart from the competition," he said. "You can’t do that at Panera, you can’t do that at Subway and you can’t do that at Firehouse [Subs]. We are always coming up with something and our customers are always blown away by the size [of the sandwiches],” he said. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'It's been really busy'

CRESTVIEW — Residents are concerned about U-turns taking place throughout the city, particularly at the three-way intersection near the Tom Thumb gas station on PJ Adams Parkway.

“Is there any plan to do anything about all the illegal U-turns at PJ Adams next to Tom Thumb? I just witnessed three within a five-minute span and I never see any cops there. There has to be some kind of deterrence, there's eventually going to be a life-threatening wreck,” Christopher Root, a Crestview resident, said in a Facebook message to the News Bulletin. 

Some residents visiting the Tom Thumb shared Root’s sentiment. 

“It can be [scary]. You have to make a U-turn here if you are going north on 85,” said Crestview resident Ian Ellsworth, who made a pit stop at the Tom Thumb by the three-way intersection. “In the middle of rush hour, you have a bunch of people getting into the turn lane blocking people from getting into PJ Adams.”

On June 24, a Honda van with an out-of-state license plate allegedly crashed into two vehicles while making an illegal U-turn at the intersection where PJ Adams Parkway meets Tom Thumb, slowing traffic in the area for hours while the police conducted an investigation. 

“There is an illegal U-turn there; it’s very unsafe with that being a highly congested area, particularly in the morning and evening,” said Sgt. Josh Grace of the Crestview police department.  “It’s posted as a no U-turn, it's high on the lights.” 

Grace said that out-of-state drivers often ignore the signs in Crestview because it’s not their final destination. 

“First off, people familiar with the area, they know there is no U-turn there. Crestview is a travel area. People have tunnel vision and they don’t pay attention to the signage because they are using it as a travel way,” he said.

Another notably dangerous intersection, he said, is where Walmart Road intersects with 85. 

“Walmart Road and 85 is more of a problem,” he said.  “It’s more dangerous there because of the width of the road, there isn’t enough room to make a U-turn.” 

The problem for drivers at that intersection is that they need to make a three-point turn because the road isn’t quite wide enough to accommodate a smooth U-turn.

His advice to drivers?

“If you have to make a U-turn, go to a safe location with a turn lane, or drive a little out of the way. But, mainly, people need to pay attention.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Illegal U-turns raise concerns for Crestview residents

CRESTVIEW — The McDonald's restaurants in Crestview are getting a new look and an update in technology.

The first renovations are almost complete at the restaurant closest to Crestview High School. Costa Family Enterprises will have a grand reopening from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 25 at 1300 N. Ferdon Blvd.

The re-opening includes a Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, followed by a McFamily Day event.

Ronald McDonald will make an appearance, and "SWAT demonstrations, balloon artistry, face painting, and fun will be available with giveaways throughout the day and other offers," according to a CFE media release.

Indoor and outdoor changes

The restaurant's new design calls for sleek, modern interiors and exteriors.

The renovation includes modernization of ordering systems with the use of digital menu boards and free-standing kiosks that customers can use to place their own orders. The capabilities will be built into all three local sites.

"The modernization of the restaurants and the placement of the kiosks is what McDonald's calls the 'Experience of the Future.' They will make the customer service experience even better and faster, with more accurate orders and even more great ordering options," Roslyn Snyder, Costa Marketing and Community Relations director, said.

Free Wi-Fi, activity tables and Kidzpace touchscreen gaming systems, comfortable indoor seating, and additional outdoor seating are part of the new layout, according to the media release. The Kidzpace games are for all ages, with categories ranging from sports to games for younger children, Snyder said.

More than looks

With the renovations, the jobs available locally will increase to 60.

"We have about 51 employees at the restaurant on Ferdon Boulevard and will be hiring approximately 60 between all the Crestview restaurants by the end of this year," Snyder said, "all positions from crew, to management and hospitality ambassadors."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview McDonald's expansion includes self-ordering

SHALIMAR — All individuals who apply for or renew a Florida concealed weapon license now save $5. Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam worked with the Florida Legislature to bring the application fee down. The discount started July 1.

“Our offices work hand-in-hand with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to ensure this constitutional right is available and affordable for all residents," Okaloosa County Tax Collector Ben Anderson said.

A background check which includes fingerprinting is needed for all first-time applicants.

Most initial licenses typically cost $119, while renewals cost $57. Both prices include a fingerprint processing and convenience fee.

The Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office is authorized to take fingerprints, photographs, and accept applications on behalf of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Same-day renewals are also available for eligible Florida residents.

License applications are processed at the Niceville and Crestview branches of the Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office. Residents must make an appointment for this transaction.

Go to www.OkaloosaTax.com or call 651-7300 for more application information or to make an appointment.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fee changes for concealed weapon applications

CRESTVIEW — Here’s a calendar of upcoming events in North Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. 

KIDS FUN DAY: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29, Blackman Community Center, 7590 U.S. Highway 189, Baker. Free. Lighthouse Church and Golan Assembly of God present water slides, snow cones, puppetry, hotdogs and goody bags. Door prize winners must be present to win. Children should bring swimsuits, towels and sunscreen.

‘HERITAGE ALIVE! CRAFT CLASS SERIES’: Learn a new skill and make something uniquely yours at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required for all classes.  Call 678-2615 for more information or visit www.heritage-museum.org.

Upcoming events include:

• Kid’s Basket Weaving: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 5. Children will experience the excitement of weaving a functional basket that will last forever. All supplies included. Recommended for ages 8-18. Cost: $40; or $35 for museum members.
• Mosaics: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16. Create your own unique design using various objects. Bring your own mementos to incorporate. Cost: $30; or $25 for museum members.
• Basket weaving:  10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 19. Make a Corner Keeper Basket. Cost: $35; or $40 for museum members.
• Jewelry Making: 5-6 p.m. Aug. 25,  Make your own matching necklace and earrings. All supplies included. Cost: $30; or $25 for museum members.
• Pine Needle Basketry: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 26. Using the original Seminole technique, weave your own pine needle basket. Cost: $60; or $55 for museum members.
• Mosaics:  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 2. Create your own unique design using various objects. Bring your own mementos to incorporate. Cost: $30; or $25 for museum members.
• Knitting: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16, Learn basic stitches and begin a project of your choice. Bring yarn and size 8 circular needles. Cost: $20; or $15 for museum members
• Loom Weaving: 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20. Weave on a loom with Sandy Sutton. Cost: $70; or $65 for museum members.

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso.

STEELE FAMILY REUNION: 10 a.m. Aug. 6, with lunch at 1 p.m. at the Blackman Community Center, State Highway 198 N., Blackman. Call Roddy Steele, 537-7051, for more information.

SISTER CITY FRANCE TRIP: The Crestview Area Sister City Program welcomes residents to join the Sept. 7-18 journey to Noirmoutier, France. Participants stay with host families in this immersive cultural and educational experience. They must join the Crestview Area Sister City Program and assume responsibility for their own air travel arrangements to and from France. Dues are currently $20 per individual, $2 per full-time student, and $30 per family. Details: www.CrestviewSisterCity.org.

BAKER GATOR REUNION: Baker School Class of 1967 graduates seek classmates for their 50-year reunion Sept. 9 at the Baker Arena Community Center, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker. Call 537-9191, 758-7966, 978-2135 or 978-1974 for details.

ARMY REUNION, 100TH ANNIVERSARY:  Sept. 13-17, Arlington, Virginia. The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army's 2nd Infantry Division at any time. The association will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the division, which was formed in France during World War I. Details: Secretary-treasurer Bob Haynes at 2idahq@comcast.net, 224-225-1202, or visit www.2ida.org. 

OKALOOSA TRANSIT COOPERATIVE MEETING: 9:30 a.m. July 27, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar. Tiffany Bates at 850-332-7976, ext. 217. Visit www.wfrpc.org for the full agenda.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:

• 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Robert L.F. Sikes Center, Northwest Florida State College, 805 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.
• 3 p.m. Dec. 14, training room of the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

Meeting schedule and location are subject to change. For updates and agendas, visit www.wfrpc.org or email tiffany.bates@wfrpc.org, or 332-7976, extension 217.

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

CHAMBER BREAKFAST: The next one is 7 a.m. Aug. 3 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. Cost is $5 per person.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What’s Happening in North Okaloosa County

NICEVILLE — For almost a century, the American musical theater relied on literature for inspiration. Good books inspired good musicals.

Around the 1990s, the process experienced an interesting reversal. Good films started inspiring good stage musicals. (Think "42nd Street," "Grand Hotel," "Sunset Boulevard," "Monty Python's Spamalot," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Hairspray" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.")

One of those wonderful stage adaptations of a screen hit is "Sister Act," opening Wednesday at the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College.

NWFSC's summer musical is always something to look forward to. The professionalism, the scale, the lavishness, the live orchestra (especially at a time when even some Broadway shows are slipping in pre-recorded scores) and the cool dazzle on a hot summer's night are eagerly anticipated, and "Sister Act" doesn't fail to please.

The 1992 Whoopi Goldberg vehicle was a fun movie, and the stage version is just as enjoyable. It's faithful to the story, with the benefit of some real catchy tunes.

Director Joe Taylor does an outstanding job of guiding a cast of nuns, thugs, disco dancers in afros and leisure suits, a monsignor (Zachary Phillips) who looks like Woody Allen and a lovable Philadelphia cop (Jovan Richie) through a lively, visually appealing production.

It's beautifully designed, gorgeously lit, and perfectly cast, including a trio of Crestview residents who have front-and-center roles and talent to spare.

Nick Trolian, a local stage staple we loved as King Arthur in NWFSC's production of "Spamalot," makes a dandy Curtis, a sinister gangster whose moll, nightclub singer Deloris, witnesses him bumping off an informer.

Among his gangsters is his happily goofy nephew, TJ, played by Crestview High and Troy grad Shelby Steverson, who delighted audiences in last summer's "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

While TJ's not a central character, Steverson gets lots of fun mugging, making him the standout of a trio of Curtis's leisure suit-clad thugs. The three include James Meadows' likable mop-topped Joey, and Division of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts co-director Dr. Jeremy Ribando as Pablo.

"Joe (Taylor) twisted my arm," Ribando said of his casting. "The show is SO much fun!"

Quite the counterpoint to her husband's character, Cathy Trolian's Mother Superior is saintly, dedicated and troubled when Philadelphia cop Eddie (played loveably by Jovan Richie) hides Deloris in her convent.

"Is there a smoking section?" the worldly Deloris asks upon arrival.

"Yes dear, and you're heading for it," the frustrated Mother Superior replies.

Diara Morris's Deloris brings this enjoyable show together and propels it along lickety split. Her broad vocal range, comedic timing and winsome personality delighted the preview audience, and her musical numbers brought down the house.

Morris had some touching moments as well, including an act two scene with Sister Mary Robert, played charmingly by Arin Walker. As she assures the novitiate she will succeed in life, Deloris gives Mary Robert her red, rhinestone-studded "FM" pumps.

"What's the FM stand for?" Mary Robert asks innocently.

"Um, I named them for Father Mulcahey, for all the good work he did in Korea," Deloris quickly covers, referencing a beloved character in Robert Altman's "M*A*S*H."

There are no lesser parts in this "Sister Act", right down to the crew, which includes visually appealing—and in the case of the convent scenes, downright gorgeous—set pieces by designer Clint Mahlie, which project, fly or glide swiftly in and out, making for seamless scene changes that don't stall the pace. Veteran tech director Bob Whittaker beautifully lit Mahlie's sets with lighting that infuses the convent scenes with heavenly glows.

Dakota Blankenship, a NWFSC alumnus, gets kudos for his awesome wigs, including towering afros for the fantasy dance number, which also allowed costumier Jennifer Boudette a chance to have some fun with 1970s fashion parodies after garbing a convent full of somberly habited nuns.

"Sister Act" is a saintly way to spend a hot summer's night. The musical runs July 19-22 at the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center. For Heaven's sake, don't miss it!

Go to https://goo.gl/Re39kt for tickets.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: REVIEW: A heavenly 'Act'

CRESTVIEW — A plaque in honor of late Air Force Gen. William Kirk was unveiled Tuesday morning at Crestview Technology Air Park. 

“I knew him through the Military Affairs Committee many, many years ago,” said Paul Hsu, the chairman and partial owner of Crestview Technology Air Park. “He was such a leader, such a passionate compatriot and American. I admire him, I respected him for all these years and I just want to do whatever I can to memorialize his legacy.”

Kirk was 85 when he died at his Niceville home on April 26. He was a four-star general who — after serving for 38 years — retired from the United States Air Force as commander in chief, U.S. Air Force in Europe/commander, and the Allied Air Forces Central Europe. One of his most notable achievements was when he shot down two MIGs while flying a combat mission during the Vietnam War. 

A strong proponent of education, Kirk served for over 20 years on the scholarship committee for the Air Force Association at Eglin Air Force Base. 

“We raised close to a million bucks for kids to go to college out of our high school locally and Bill was always the heart and soul of that committee,” said Loyal Weaver, the former president of Eglin Chapter Air Force Association.

“So, that’s where I knew Bill. Wonderful guy.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Air Force general remembered at Crestview Technology Air Park

FORT WALTON BEACH — Two Okaloosa athletes will compete in the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, Washington, according to Special Olympics Florida – Okaloosa County.

When over 4,000 Special Olympics athletes and coaches gather July 1-6, 2018 in Seattle, Jacob Luttrell of Shalimar and Harrison Mauldin of Crestview will be among the Team Florida athletes on the field. Luttrell is a golfer, and Mauldin will compete in athletics and 10K categories. 

Special Olympics participants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will compete before tens of thousands of spectators and volunteers.

The USA Games will showcase the limitless talents of people with intellectual disabilities while promoting the barrier-breaking power of sport to promote inclusion and acceptance, according to an event media release. 

Pamela Sparks, Okaloosa County Special Olympics director, said, “I couldn’t be more proud of all of our athletes in Okaloosa County, but these two athletes have exceeded my expectations. Athlete Jacob Luttrell came within six feet (of) winning a Buick in our Hole-in-One Contest sponsored by Sam Taylor Buick Cadillac at our SOFL – Okaloosa County Cinco De Mayo Golf Scramble.

"Athlete Harrison Mauldin was the first Special Olympics Florida athlete to compete in a 10K! Mauldin also was the first athlete to compete in both the 5K and 10K at ESPN Wide World of Sports at State Games," Sparks said.

The kick off on July 1 offers 14 Olympic-type sports: athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, tennis and volleyball.

"SOFL is very grateful for Publix, our premier sponsor of Special Olympics Florida. Okaloosa County would also like to thank All Sports Association. Their contribution allows us to offer a multitude of sports to our Okaloosa County athletes," Sparks said.

"It was very inspiring to see the segment of Special Olympics on the ESPYS last week, we are very humbled to be a part of Special Olympics and very happy to see the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage given to Tim Shriver on behalf of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Get involved. Be a fan, be a volunteer, be a coach, be a sponsor!” Sparks said. 

More about the state Special Olympics

SOFL provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected, and contributing members of their communities.

Go to www.specialolympicsflorida.org to learn more.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa athletes to compete in Special Olympics USA Games

CRESTVIEW — American Legion Post 75 family fish fry is scheduled.

The event includes food from 6-8 p.m. July 21 and music by the band The Twins afterward through midnight in the post lounge, 898 James Lee Blvd. E, Crestview.

Cost is $9 per plate, which includes sides.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview American Legion hosts family fish fry

CRESTVIEW — All gun owners are safe with their weapon of choice as long as they receive proper training, according to Ward Lewis, co-owner of Precision Tactical Arms in Crestview.  

“I don’t think you should discern whether you are a man or woman, whether someone is safe with a gun or not, it’s about the training,” he said. “If someone knows how to use it, that makes it safer.”

But that safety measure only applies to gun owners. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent statistics cite that a total of 2,559 gun-related deaths were reported in Florida in 2015, accounting for a death rate of 12 percent, which is slightly higher than the nation’s overall rate of 11.1 percent. 

However, in Crestview, where gun stores and pawn shops line the streets, gun-related homicides are low. Brian Hughes, the public information officer of the Crestview Police Department, said that so far in 2017 there have been no gun-related deaths in the city. The last gun-related deaths in Crestview, he said, were at the hands of 22-year-old Jacob Langston, who killed his mother, stepfather and the boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend at the beginning of January 2016.

But to Ward — who added his company to the NRA-ILA activist list — a .45 is as American as apple pie.  

“The .45 is all-American. It’s Americana,” he said from behind a case of pistols and revolvers in his store. The gun of choice for his wife, he said, is a .380 Smith and Wesson bodyguard laser gun priced at $399.

“My wife has one of these,” he said while pointing its laser onto a rack of shotguns. “And we have a plate glass door, so if I’m not home and a man shows up at the door and she points that laser, she doesn’t even have to shoot and he’ll be gone [he will leave the house]."

“A .22 is not what I would carry,” Ward said as he aligned a set of bullets ranked by diameter, with a .22’s bullet markedly smaller than the rest. “But it’s less expensive to shoot with a .22 and you could use less rounds.” 

He added that a .22’s bullets are more likely to bounce around inside the human body once hit, but work well for squirrel hunting.

Before opening Precision Tactical Arms with his partner Jay Carter, Ward worked in a hangar after earning maintenance and flight certificates, but his passion for guns eventually overcame his interest in aviation.  

“The business was born out of necessity to feed our habit,” he said jokingly.  “It was a hobby at first and a way for me to buy guns and ammunition.”

Ward said he uses discretion while selling guns and that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives criteria weed out potential criminals or sociopaths who may venture into his store. 

“We sell quite a bit to the local community," he said. "Early on in the business, I thought you could tell who you were selling to and what kind of shooter they are and you don’t really judge a book by its cover.”

“You take a good look at them and you say, ‘Hey, how are [you] doing,’” he said about feeling out his potential customers. “You talk through what’s going on; we don’t do high-pressure sales in this store.

"People come in and perhaps don’t pass the background check, and if there is a problem we tell them to leave."

—

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article erroneously stated Precision Tactical Arms' co-owner's name.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'If someone knows how to use it, that makes it safer'