CRESTVIEW — If you have an event you would like to submit, send your first and last name and information about the event to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW— A new assisted living facility is in the works on West Redstone Avenue in Crestview.

Eden of Crestview will be an assisted living and memory care facility that will include 120 units, according to Lea Patel, the spokesperson for Eden.

“We will probably be breaking ground this fall,” Patel said. “That’s our plan; if the city of Crestview moves fast, then maybe quicker. It’s just planning and zoning and issues like that.”

According to Patel, the construction will be done in two phases; phase one will begin with construction and licensing. Phase two will depend on a number of residents, and the number of residents will depend on the demand of the community.

From the time construction starts, completion should be within approximately one year, according to Patel.

“We look forward to serving the community,” Patel said. “We’ve had a very nice response from Crestview.”

—

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article erroneously referred to the area in question as North Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Assisted living, memory care facility coming to town

GALLOWAY, New Jersey — Ladies Professional Golf Association golfer and Jacksonville native Amelia Lewis hosted the winner of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour girls’ national championship, Alia Scotka of Crestview, at the ShopRite LPGA Classic the weekend of June 4 in Galloway.

During the week of the ShopRite LPGA Classic, Lewis provided Scotka with the experience of a lifetime.

Alia, the daughter of Bella and Marek Scotka of Crestview, joined Lewis and Sandra Gal for a chance to witness their practice round inside the ropes May 30. Later that afternoon, the Niceville High School freshman joined Lewis on a trip to a local youth recreational facility, where Lewis gave putting lessons to special-needs children.

The next day, Alia was able to watch Lewis play her pro-am. She also toured the course and the venue to see an LPGA event from behind the scenes.

Alia and her father received VIP tickets for the tournament rounds and were able to join Lewis in the player dining area.

When asked for his take on attending the event, Marek Scota said, "It's hard to describe. It was so surreal. We arrived in Atlantic City on Tuesday and went straight to the course to catch Amelia teeing off on (the) No. 1 tee for her practice round. Alia was inside the ropes for (the) entire 18 holes to ask questions and was taking notes. After the round, we went with Amelia to one of her charity events, Field of Dreams for handicapped children. Wednesday, we followed Amelia during her pro-am round. Amelia took over Instagram for the LPGA. Alia and her were making live posts during her pro-am round."

The two met many LPGA players and staff, and an LPGA writer interviewed the Crestview teenager. "We watched two tournament rounds of great golf that's out there, as we followed Amelia along the way. It is a really great experience for Alia. This event was really awesome to be around," Marek Scota said. 

Last December, Alia won the Amelia Lewis National Championship by shooting 74-74-148 at Championsgate in Orlando. She has since added two second-place finishes and another victory in April.

Crestview teenager Alia Scotka's visit with Ladies Professional Golf Association golfer Amelia Lewis included Instagram posting and an LPGA interview.

See the Instagram takeover: http://bit.ly/2rujrWV

Read Mark Lamport-Stokes' LPGA article: http://bit.ly/2rgB645

More to the story

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Really awesome'

Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.

CRESTVIEW — The Belief Foundation is celebrating its first year at its center in downtown Crestview.

The not-for-profit organization partners with local schools and the juvenile court system to provide mentoring for at-risk middle and high school youths living in the Crestview area.

“We're teaching them how to defend themselves with education,” said Rosa Rivera, director of the Belief Foundation. “Empowering them with education. By doing that, they get into the rhythm of 'I want to get my high school diploma, I want to stop what I'm doing.'”

A cookout and fundraiser Saturday also served as a memorial for the organization's co-founder, Jeremias “Cheeko” Rodriguez, who died in February. Rodriguez and his mother, Rivera, started a 24-hour response line to help children in emergencies. The phone number was printed on bracelets given to local children through schools and Belief Foundation events.

“My son was the one that would go out at all hours of the night and pick up the kids,” Rivera said. “We would make chicken noodle soup and hot chocolate. We would give them blankets so they can sleep. That's what we do here.”

The foundation pairs each of its students with a volunteer mentor who provides two hours of tutoring each week at the center. Each child's curriculum is individualized to develop areas of academic weakness and help achieve personal goals.

“My goal for the first year was for us to get one graduate and at least seven children with grades in the 40s and 50s and get them to A's and B's. It was very successful,” Rivera said. “We have one that went to Crestview High School. His grades were in the 30s, he was about to fail. He was in a special class. This year, he got all 80s and 90s.”

All volunteers must pass a background check. Rivera said most of the volunteers come from Crestview; a few live in Niceville. Additional volunteers lead programs outside the two-hour tutoring, such as dance classes in the center's music and dance studio.

“We teach them how to dress and present themselves properly. Hardees works very closely with us,” Rivera said.

“The goal for next year is to expand, with the amount of children we are getting from the probation officers, the Wraparound Program and the schools,” Rivera said. This year the foundation is organizing a basketball team at Crestview High School.”

Also new for this year is the “Dress for Success” program.

“We're going to teach them how to make their clothes,” Rivera said. “We're going to teach them how to sew and how to cook.”

Over two dozen people attended Saturday’s celebration, which featured a DJ, professional singers and a dance performance by one of the foundation's students.

Emerald Isle Seafood provided a crawfish boil and Just Faith Ministries grilled. The Emerald Coast Bag Ladies were on-site to teach those interested how to create mats for homeless individuals out of plastic grocery bags.

The Belief Foundation's summer program starts June 13. The center's hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More information is available at belieffoundation.org. 

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘Empowering them with education’

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

PEANUT PRODUCERS SCHOLARSHIP: The Florida Peanut Producers Association will award two $1,200 scholarships to high school seniors and/or college students in 2017. The applicants or one of their family members must be actively producing peanut growers, not necessarily a member of the FPPA. Award recipients should attend a Florida junior college or four-year university. Winners receive $600 each. The remaining $600 is awarded after the completion of one semester and documentation of passing grades is submitted. Details: 526-2590. Deadline: July 1.

CRESTVIEW HIGH CLASS OF 1977’S 40-YEAR CLASS REUNION: 6 p.m. July 15, Warriors Hall in Crestview. “We are searching for classmates that we have lost contact with,” an event organizer said. “If you haven't already received information about the reunion, contact Sharry, krustin@cox.net." Tickets must be purchased in advance.

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. 

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:

3 p.m. June 15, Niceville Community Center, 204 Partin Drive N., Niceville.

3 p.m. July 20, Niceville Community Center, 204 Partin Drive N., Niceville.

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 emailtiffany.bates@wfrpc.org.

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION: 8:30 a.m. June 20, Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

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.

GOVERNMENT ISSUES COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. June 14, chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Guest speaker: Jason Autrey, Okaloosa County Public Works Department director.  Among topics that may be discussed are north county roads and the new courthouse.

PILOT COMMITTEE: noon June 15, Waffle House, 298 James Lee Blvd., Crestview. For people ages 21-41.

AMBASSADORS 'LET'S DO LUNCH': 11:30 a.m. June 20, Panera Bread, 2670 S. Ferdon Blvd. No. 102, Crestview. Informal, no-pressure networking lunch. Invite a new member, a friend or someone who is thinking about joining the chamber. RSVP: ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com 

HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. June 21, chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

ANNUAL INSTALLATION & AWARDS BANQUET: 5:30 p.m. June 22, Crestview Community Center, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Tickets: $40 per person, $400 per table. Go to http://www.crestviewchamber.com/events/register/10799, call 682-3212 or email info@crestviewchamber.com to purchase.

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

CRESTVIEW — Need help or want to volunteer for a worthy cause? Here are some local services and organizations for consideration. 

SENIORS VS. CRIME VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Seniors vs. Crime Crestview office, which assists senior citizens of whom someone scammed or took advantage, needs help. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8. To volunteer, contact Office Manager Sheila Parish, 306-3176, or Region 5 Deputy Director JB Whitten, 813-489-5657. Contact 306-3176, www.seniorsvscrime.com or 800-203-3099 for help.

REPORT ELDERS ABUSE: Call the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873) if you suspect elderly friends and neighbors are being abused. Many elders may suffer from financial exploitation, neglect or physical or emotional abuse, often caused by family members. The NFAAA is a private, non-profit agency supported by the federal Older Americans Act and the State of Florida General Revenue Fund through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Gwen Rhodes, 494-7100 or rhodesg@nwflaaa.org

UWF ACADEMIC ADVISING: The University of West Florida offers assistance with admissions, academic and degree advising and registration in Crestview. Contact Deborah Cluff, 863-6550, to schedule an appointment for first Thursdays at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1446 Commerce Drive.

HOMELESS ASSISTANCE: Need help? Contact the Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care, 409-3070, www.okaloosawaltonhomeless.org; Opportunity Inc., 659-3190; or Helping Hands of Crestview, 428 McLaughlin St., behind First United Methodist Church. Helping Hands is open 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Tri-County Community Council, 290 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. 306-1134.

CRESTVIEW SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: Serves Mondays through Saturdays. To volunteer at Central Baptist Church, call 682-5525; Our Savior Lutheran Church, 682-3154; LifePoint Church, 682-3518; Community of Christ, 682-7474; First Presbyterian Church, 682-2835; or First United Methodist Church, 682-2018.

FREE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-3:30 p.m. Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to noon second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 247 S. Booker St., Crestview. Free items include shoes and other accessories. Presented by Concerned Citizens of Crestview. Details: 689-1582 or 428-6997.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR NEEDY RESIDENTS: 9 a.m. second Saturdays, 383 Texas Parkway, Crestview. Dry goods and fresh produce available while supplies last. Hosted by House of Restoration, a partner agency of Feeding the Gulf Coast. Details: Ruby Chatman, 398-0577.

WOMEN AND FAMILY INTERVENTION SERVICES AND EDUCATION: a Crestview-based Community Drug and Alcohol Council program that helps pregnant women with substance abuse. 689-4024.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: Eligible low-income families can receive financial assistance through the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Apply at www.elc-ow.org. Hover over “Services” and click “School Readiness” to register.

FREE MEDICARE COUNSELING: By appointment, Crestview Public Library and Elder Services of Okaloosa County, in Crestview, 494-7101 or 1-866-531-8011.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY seeks Crestview area lots for families needing housing. 758-0779 or 315-0025.

VA VETERANS CRISIS LINE: Veterans in crisis, their families and friends can call 800-273-TALK (8255), and press 1 to talk with qualified, caring VA responders. Confidential. www.veteranscrisisline.net.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEEDS MENTORS: Adult volunteers spend two hours weekly mentoring children. Pairs go to the library, museum, park or beach, hike, roller-skate or play sports. 664-5437.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTERS: Group needs people to work in the Emergency Operations Center assisting county personnel. Contact: Yvonne Earle, 863-1530, extension 230.

FREE HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE DROPOFF: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Okaloosa County Recycling Office, 80 Ready Ave., Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa residents may drop off paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, used oil, gas, antifreeze, computers, televisions, fluorescent lamps, car batteries, rechargeable batteries, cleaners, solvents, aerosols and printers. The office is currently selling rain barrels for $65 and compost bins for $55.

MUSEUM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida seeks friendly, reliable volunteers to greet guests and answer phones in its gift shop 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Details: 678-2615, stop by 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, or email info@heritage-museum.org.

CARS NEEDED: Opportunity Inc. accepts donations of cars, boats and other vehicles to support Opportunity Place, an emergency shelter for families. Shelley Poirrier, 409-3070 or shelley@okaloosawaltonhomeless.org.

SHELTER HOUSE FINANCIAL SUPPORT: It costs just more than $100 a day to shelter a domestic violence victim. Every little bit helps. 683-0845.

DRIVE VETERANS to appointments at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Pensacola two days a month. Veterans Service Office, 689-5922.

VEHICLES NEEDED: Covenant Hospice accepts cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats and RVs. Qualified professionals pick up vehicles from Pensacola to Tallahassee at convenience. Rachel Mayew, 428-0605.

LAKEVIEW CENTER'S FAMILIES FIRST NETWORK NEEDS BEDS for local children in protective services. Cribs and beds for children must be in good condition. 833-3840.

EMERALD COAST HOSPICE seeks volunteers in a number of areas, from administrative help to offering support to a hospice patient through visits or weekly phone calls. Details: Ann O’Connor, 689-0300.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County services calendar

CRESTVIEW — The Belief Foundation of Crestview is celebrating one year of supporting the community.

The celebration, set for 4-8 p.m. June 10 at 176 Industrial Drive in Crestview, will have a live deejay, dancers and performances, food and guest speakers.

Belief Foundation founder Rosa Rivera said the foundation is going strong, and its summer schedule will be discussed at the free event. Members of Blankets for the Homeless will be on hand to show youths how the blankets are made, and Advisory for Foster Care will provide information to potential foster parents at the celebration. All donations will benefit the foundation.

The celebration is dedicated to the memory of the foundation's assistant director, Jeremias "Cheeko" Rodriguez, who died Feb. 17.

The nonprofit was established to provide mentorship for at-risk youths ages 8-19 in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Belief Foundation sets anniversary celebration

CRESTVIEW — Crestview financial advisor Joe Faulk is hosting a free rock painting party.

Rocks, paints and supplies will be provided for the event, which is 9 a.m. to noon June 10 at Spanish Trail Park, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

Donations to Guardians ad Litem in Northwest Florida will also be accepted during the party. GAL represents victims of child abuse, neglect and abandonment in the Florida court system.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Rocks paint party and fundraiser set

THE QUESTION 

“Any ideas when the new Publix is expected to open?” – Jennifer Valentino, Crestview

THE ANSWER

According to Dwaine Stevens, a spokesperson for Publix’s corporate office, the new Publix Supermarket location is projected to open around August or September 2017. 

“We should open late third quarter or early fourth quarter,” Stevens said. 

The new store will be 45,000 square feet, and have all of the traditional departments along with a drive-thru pharmacy, according to Stevens. 

Construction began in August 2016 on North Ferdon Boulevard across from the Crestview Marketplace shopping center. 

The facility is being built on a seven-acre parcel of land. 

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU 

There is currently a Publix Supermarket in South Crestview, but there will soon be a location in North Crestview to cater to the needs of residents on both sides of town. 

Completion should be expected in the late summer, early fall of this year, around the time school starts back again.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Publix expected to open late summer, early fall

CRESTVIEW — AA Tactical CEO Andrew Rencich said he has faced numerous obstacles while planning a building for his business.

AA Tactical has been in business since February 2013; operations were home-based until June 2015, when he moved them to North Ferdon Boulevard.

Rencich said he hired Alan McGinnis as the architect of the new facility, Lord & Son Construction as the general contractor, and Hancock Bank funds the project; however, toward the end of development stages, the city found issues. 

CONCERNS WITH PROJECT 

According to Rencich, a couple of days after delivering plans to the city, the fire department called and said they needed to add a fire extinguisher and that was the only problem.

He later learned that the project made it through the planning and zoning department and just needed the building department’s approval. 

But Rencich said that two days later, he learned there were major problems.

One concern the city had with the building plan was the upstairs portion. The building is set to be 3,253 square feet with 1,000 square feet of mezzanine. A mezzanine is a low story between two other stories with no walls. In Rencich’s building plan, this space included walls for a small office.

On May 30, Rencich met with members of the city, including Mayor David Cadle, Councilman JB Whitten and Director of Growth Management Teresa Gaillard.

"Mr. Rencich, who is a valued businessman in our city, is attempting to expand his business and has had some complications with his building plans," Whitten said. "He identified these problems to Mayor Cadle and me as the president of the Crestview City Council. We immediately set up a meeting with him, Ms. Gaillard, and his architect.

"Although his architect was unable to attend, the other four of us met, reviewed his plans while looking at the city ordinances and building codes," he said. "It was a good meeting and we reached an agreement to submit his plans to our contracted land attorney for a more thorough review of his plans and the related documents to see if there is any way that Andrew can move ahead with his current plans.

"We are on hold pending an opinion from our land attorney."

As for Rencich’s thoughts on the meeting, he said, “I’m not, nor I think any of us in that meeting, are educated on code. Why we have some of these little requirements put upon ourselves is beyond me. They just [hinder] business.” 

THE FUTURE 

Rencich’s wife, April, said that a number of codes and regulations make it hard for small businesses to do anything.

“The way I see it, if you’re pro-business of the city, they would say, ‘Well no, we need to go down this path; this is the right way we need to do it,’ instead of just shutting you down and saying, ‘Good luck,’” she said. “There’s a lot of business owners here in Crestview that we talked to that feel this way.”

Rencich said he is more optimistic about the future of his building after the May 30 meeting.

“Their intent now is to utilize the Board of Adjustments, and they are reaching out to their land attorney to see the best way to move forward,” he said. The Board of Adjustment hears and decides appeals, variations, exceptions, or disputes where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made in the administration and enforcement of the Land Use Regulations.

“The board of adjustments could take possibly another two months,” Rencich said. 

ADJUSTING THE PLAN 

Rencich, who said the building would be the corporate headquarters, said he finds it frustrating to tell customers they are going to be building soon, and having to push it off repeatedly.

They are now adjusting the building plan.

“The biggest thing was, it should have been fixed during the process not after,” Rencich said. “I think we’re going to get there … I’m going to put more money into getting there — I haven’t figured out yet where exactly that cutline is.”

They are currently in the process of cost analyzing a standard metal building instead of the original building model.

“I am going to give the city their due diligence,” Rencich said. “I’m sure there are things that I haven’t done right because I’ve never done it.”

Rencich, a recent appointee to the Crestview Charter Change Board, said he looks forward to seeing the different ways they can make things more efficient within the city.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Project delays raise business owner's concerns