CRESTVIEW — Last summer, Okaloosa County residents enjoyed the Pokemon Go craze. This summer, an increasing number have found a new phenomenon: in the form of inspirational rocks.

The Crestview Rocks and Okaloosa Rocks Facebook groups have more than 3,000 members between them who enjoy painting, hiding, finding and sharing decorated rocks for themselves and others.

The Kindness Rocks Project, a global effort, inspired such gatherings. Megan Murphy, a women’s empowerment coach, lost her parents at a young age and would search for signs on morning walks, divine messages to let her know everything would be OK, according to her website, thekindnessrocksproject.com. Murphy realized others needed similar signs and a hobby (painting and hiding rocks) soon became a movement. 

BRINGING THE TREND TO CRESTVIEW 

Crestview resident Nicole Bishop started the local rock group in February.

"My mom discovered a rock group where she lives down by Tampa. So I looked for one here and found Okaloosa Rocks. I noticed not a lot of people were hiding rocks in Crestview, so I decided to start a group for just here," Bishop said.

The family-friendly trait is just one reason Bishop enjoys the activity.

"I love seeing families come together to paint and hunt rocks,” she said. “I've had people say that finding a little painted rock brightened their day. Some people have used this as a form of therapy, some to help with anxiety and depression, and some to get out and exercise.”

Her favorite types of rocks are those with positive messages. While they're also her favorite ones to paint, rock decoration subjects vary.

Both Facebook pages bear photos of rocks that look like ladybugs, turtles and other animals. Some have military symbols, television and movie themes. Most also include the Facebook group name on the back for later posting online.

Facebook members often post photos of the rocks they have finished painting and hiding, and some give clues about where people may find them. 

‘IT’S A VERY COOL THING’

Amy Huwa started Okaloosa Rocks in 2016. She'd been a member of the Whidbey Island Rocks group in Washington before moving to Niceville.

"The whole reason I started my rock page here was because when I moved here I didn't know anybody at all. And that's what I missed the most," she said. "I thought if I could start a page here, I could start meeting more like-minded people."

And Huwa has found those people. About 2,300 have answered the call since she started the page, for a variety of reasons.

"Personally, I know people that have had horrible, crippling anxiety and depression, and they're getting outside of their house looking for rocks. They start doing that and it pushes them forward," Huwa said.

One of the best parts about the experience is where some of the rocks wind up.

"I've had rocks taken back to Canada, Mexico, Chile and even had one geocached," Huwa said.

"I've had people start groups because they found my rock. It's a very cool thing." 

GETTING STARTED 

Here are Bishop and Huwa's recommendations for beginners.

1. Get some rocks. (The cost varies, but purchase locations include Lowe's river rocks for $8 to $9 a bag in Crestview; $5 per bucket at Helms Hauling and Materials in Niceville; and assorted prices at dollar stores.)

2. Clean residue off rocks.

3. Decorate them with inexpensive acrylic paint, Sharpies or markers (Huwa prefers the Posca brand).

4. Put the name of your rock group's Facebook page on the back so those who find them can post photos there later if they wish. Huwa recommends people add their initials as well.

5. Finish each rock with a sealant, like Mod Podge, for durability.

6. Hide them in a public place, where no mowing is required. Participants can also hide rocks on private property after getting permission from the owner. Popular Crestview locations include around the lake at Twin Hills and up and down Main Street. "I also like to leave one wherever I go," Bishop said. "Whether it's the grocery store, gas station, dentist, anywhere. I always throw a couple in my purse to leave on my way out."

7. Those who come across a decorated rock may keep or hide it, and share it with the rock group if they wish.

There are only a few other tips to keep in mind.

"You just have to remember that once you paint a rock and hide it, it's no longer yours. It may get posted in the group, it may not. Someone might decide to re-hide it or keep it. It may travel to another state or end up in the trash," Bishop said.

"You just have to let it go and hope it made someone smile."

Some organizations have scheduled public rock painting parties.

•Hardee's summer kickoff, "Paint the Rocks," is 5-8 p.m. June 5 at the restaurant, 3702 S. Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview. The free event will have plenty of rocks, paint, stickers and other decorating items for participants, Assistant Manager Teri Stubbs said.

•Joe Faulk of Edward Jones will host a free paint party and Northwest Florida Guardian Ad Litem fundraiser 9 a.m. to noon June 10 at the Old Spanish Trail Park, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. Rocks and supplies will be provided. He will also accept GAL donations. There will be door prizes and raffles.

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Uniting and inspiring the community

THE QUESTION 

What has happened to the Crestview Old Spanish Trail Festivals … we used to have every year and the OSTF music lineup? These [were] things that people [looked] forward to every year and now nothing. What's happening with this area and people? – Terri B. Owens, Crestview       

THE ANSWER 

According to City Clerk Elizabeth Roy, the Old Spanish Trail Festival has not been held for many years. 

“That was actually from a separate committee from the city,” Roy said. “It hasn’t been done in years and years. 

“I was on the committee when I first moved here before I worked for the city. It was an Old Spanish Trail Festival committee that did that.” 

Roy said she doesn’t know the exact reason the committee stopped meeting, but that some of the committee’s founders have since died. 

“They used to have a parade, they had everything,” Roy said. “It’s been several years; I would say at least 10 years.” 

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU 

The Old Spanish Trail Festival committee is no longer intact; therefore, no Old Spanish Trail festivals or concerts are planned for the future. 

Crestview does have festivals like the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Triple B Cook-off, the Spring Carnival, the Carver-Hill May Day Festival, the Fourth of July Celebration, the Downtown Fall Festival, the Fall Circus and many other festivals and parades, some of which are held at Spanish Trail Park. 

Visit http://www.cityofcrestview.org/256/City-Events for a list of Crestview events. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'What's happening with this area and people?'

LAUREL HILL— Planned public improvements in Laurel Hill include culvert repairs, paving and drainage improvements. 

PRIORITIZED PROJECTS 

Crystal Weatherington of Dewberry, the city’s engineering firm, provided the council on Thursday with a list of eight projects in order of priority. 

The first, which Weatherington said will benefit the most people, is repairing three culverts in jeopardy on Earl Campbell Road, Chicago Avenue and Second Avenue. Weatherington suggested starting with the culvert on Chicago Avenue, then Earl Campbell Road and Second Avenue. Project estimates are approximately $21,000 for Earl Campbell Road and $15,000 each for Chicago and Second Avenues. 

Nita Miller, the city clerk, received quotes from the county for these repairs: approximately $6,000 each for Earl Campbell Road and Second Avenue, and approximately $15,000 for Chicago Avenue. This information was sent to the county commissioners in mid-May, but a decision has not yet been made. 

Remaining items on the list went as follows: Eighth Street road rehabilitation and drainage, Steel Mill Creek Road paving, Chicago Avenue culvert and cul-de-sac, Second Avenue drainage and pavement replacement, Skyline drainage improvements, Earl Campbell Road pavement and earthwork, and New Ebenezer Road paving. 

Weatherington said she found a technical assistance grant that could "cover $25,000 to $40,000 in cost for design work."

The council voted in favor of this grant. 

SUNNYSIDE REPAVEMENT 

The Sunnyside Avenue repaving project was sent to contracting companies in May and three placed bids, along with the county. 

The companies placed base bids, including every aspect of the project minus the paving, and alternate bids including the paving. CW Roberts Contracting, Inc. bid $323,667.85 for the entire project; J. Miller Construction, Inc. bid $266,746 and H&T Contractors, LLC bid $237,651. H&T is locally owned and operated, and Weatherington has said its low bid reflects lack of overhead, not quality of work. The county also bid on the project, at $57,000 for just pavement; they wouldn’t charge for any other aspect of the project. 

Weatherington said the county would put the project on a waiting list until they are available; the contracting companies could begin the project as soon as possible. 

Moneypenny said the quality of work the county did on Steel Mill Creek Road was poor. He asked if there would be a warranty if issues arose with the road in the future; the county does not offer a warranty, but H&T offers one for two years, according to Weatherington. 

Moneypenny motioned to accept H&T’s base bid; Councilman Daniel Lane seconded and the motion passed. Councilman Mike Blizzard motioned to use H&T for the entire project; Moneypenny seconded and the motion passed. 

The project should start within the next few weeks, according to Weatherington. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Road improvements planned

CRESTVIEW — An Edward Jones free financial workshop will give people the information they need to make long-term financial decisions.

The classes are 6-7:30 p.m. June 5, 12, 19 and 26, and July 3, 10 and 17 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

Topics in order of presentation are Rules of the Road; Focus on Fixed Income; Stocks: The Nuts and Bolts; An Investor's Tour of Mutual Funds; Retirement: Making Your Money Last; Health Care and Your Retirement; and Preparing Your Estate Plan.

Refreshments will be served. Call 682-8844 to reserve space. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free financial planning workshops scheduled

1. DISPLAY YOUR CAR. Crestview Hooters will host their Show N' Shine Car Show 2-6 p.m. June 3 at 180 Cracker Barrel Drive. This event will continue the first Saturday every month. People are invited to bring their hot rod or muscle car. The event will include contests, a live raffle and an award for the “hottest” car in the show. 

2. WATCH A DRAG RACE. Emerald Coast Dragway will host ECHO Heads Up Racing 3-10 p.m. June 3 at 7134 Garner Landing Road, Holt. Time trials start at 5 p.m. General admission is $12; $10 admission for military and police; and kids 10 and younger enter free. 

3. LISTEN TO LOCAL BANDS. Bands on the Blackwater returns 7 p.m. June 2 on South Willing Street. The outdoor concert series, held Friday nights in downtown Milton, is free to attend. You can pull up a boat or bring a lawn chair and relax while listening to music. This week’s featured band is Bay Bridge Band. 

4. ATTEND A FESTIVAL. The 62nd annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival will be held at 3 p.m. June 2 and 6 p.m. June 3 at the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park on Brooks Street. A $15 wristband allows a full day of unlimited access to a rock climbing wall, Euro bungee, and seven inflatable rides including an 18-foot slide, a bounce and slide combo, a mini obstacle course and a bounce house. The kids’ area will feature a community carnival. The event will also include shopping, food, and music. The Rowdies will take the stage 7:30-9 p.m. June 2. Show Me Dragon will be on the main stage 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 3. A fireworks show will take place 9 p.m. June 2. 

5. ENJOY PATRIOTIC MUSIC. The Village Belles, a female music trio celebrating the music of the 40s and 50s, will host Salute to the Troops 7:30-9 p.m. June 1 at HarborWalk Village, 10 Harbor Blvd., Destin. Salute to the Troops is a musical event featuring music starting at the early 1940s through today, with a patriotic theme as a tribute to the United States Military. Admission is free and open to the public.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 5 things to do this weekend

THE QUESTION 

How about an update on the shopping plaza that was going to be built at (Highway) 85 and [Live Oak Church Road]? The land had the sold sign up for the last couple of months by Berkshire Hathaway. We saw today the land is back up for sale again by a new company. – Angela Harman, Crestview

THE ANSWER

The South Crestview property in question was originally owned by Berkshire Hathaway after they acquired it in a foreclosure. The land was sold to a company that recently backed out, according to Harry Bell, the commercial broker for Berkshire Hathaway. 

“The people that we originally had it contracted to did have plans to do a shopping center there,” Bell said. “They ended up pulling out and we sold it to another private party, and they are planning to do a convenience store, I believe, and then they were going to sell off the remaining out parcels.” 

The property is located on South Ferdon Boulevard, between Live Oak Church Road and the Crestview welcome sign. It is now owned by One Commercial Property. 

Michael Whitfield, the agent in charge of the land, was attending a real estate convention in Las Vegas when a News Bulletin reporter called. He said that he can’t yet confirm what is going to be built on the property. 

“A lot of the property is going back on the market…,” Whitfield said.  “That is why I’m here (at the convention) because I’m marketing retailers right now.” 

Whitfield said he plans to share more information once he returns to Florida and has a better idea of what will be done with the property. 

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU

The shopping center originally planned for South Crestview on Ferdon Boulevard will not be built; however, a convenience store may be on the horizon, with the possibility of several other retailers buying parcels of the property. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: South Crestview property's purpose still undecided

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

DRONE PRESENTATION: 10:30 a.m. June 6, Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Mario Werth gives the library’s First Tuesday Talk on the versatility of drones, especially in the areas of agriculture and real estate. Werth’s drone exhibit is in the library's lobby display case through June 30. Doors open at 10 a.m., refreshments served. 682-4432.

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.

OKALOOSA COUNTY COMMISSION:

• 8:30 a.m. June 6, Crestview City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.
• 8:30 a.m. June 20, Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

MA-CHIS LOWER CREEK INDIAN TRIBE OF ALABAMA GENERAL MEETING: 1 p.m. June 10, 64 Private Road 1312, Elba, Alabama. GPS users can enter 2950 County Road 377, Elba, Alabama. Agenda: Low Income Home Energy Program, summer cooling, 2018 plans, Community Service Block Grant plans, scholarships, WIA Pow Wow, a new program for rental housing and guest speakers. At 4 p.m., there will be the Annual Little Green Corn Ceremony. Bring a covered dish. Details: Chief James Wright or Vice Chief Nancy Carnley, 334-897-3207, machis@centurytel.net or chiefjames@centurytel.net.

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.

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.

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

CRESTVIEW — Interested in adoption or foster care?

An information meeting on these services is set for Monday, June 5, 6:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3252 E. James Lee Blvd. (Highway 90), Crestview.

Childcare is available. RSVP at www.emeraldcoastorphancare.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Adoption, foster care information meeting set

CRESTVIEW — Need help with a child car seat installation?

The Crestview Fire Department now has several firefighters who are certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians.  

If you need assistance or know of someone who would like assistance, call the Crestview Fire Department Administration at 682-6121 to schedule an appointment. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Child car seat installation now available