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

CRESTVIEW — Cash Moore, owner of 16 Cash’s Liquors stores and seven sports bars across Northwest Florida, regularly gives back to the community he calls home. 

Moore grew up in Crestview, where his father owned a liquor store, and he graduated from Crestview High School. After high school, he attended Auburn University and joined the U.S. Army. 

His first bar, Cash’s Faux Pas, opened in Fort Walton Beach in 1965. Since then, his business has become the largest liquor chain in Northwest Florida. 

Billboard backlash 

Moore recently received criticism for his billboard on State Road 4. It states, "Cash's: Getting America laid and happy since 1965." Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles, who found the signs to be “distasteful and offensive,” told Moore in a letter that he would “respectfully suggest that your choice of advertising material may be severely damaging your standing in our community." 

Moore said he has two billboards in the Crestview area and two on Okaloosa Island; he has never had any problems with them before this. 

“The issue they had really was with the (local churches),” Moore said. “I told the county commissioner or whoever was interviewing me at the time… the kids sitting in the car listening to their iPads or their iPhones or watching TV at night, ‘laid’ means nothing (compared) to what they’ve already heard.” 

“When it first happened, I said, ‘I’ve had billboards up worse than that, at the same location.’” 

Moore said he believes the judgment he has received is a double standard because of the type of business he is in. 

“I’ve had all this slack about my daughter being on my billboards since she was basically born, but… if I sold carpet or I was a used car salesman, it would be fine,” Moore said. “I’m in the sin business. I sell liquor, I sell cigarettes, I have cocktail lounges, I have night clubs… the bottom line is, nobody endorses it, but everybody calls to get a contribution.

“What people don’t realize… we’re the highest taxed industry in the state of Florida,” he said. “And all that tax money funnels right into the schools and stuff. Just like the lottery – the lottery is gambling… but no one gripes about that lottery money.” 

Giving back

What many don’t realize is that Moore has been giving back to schools in the community for many years. 

“Several years ago, I closed a gym and I called Coach Jim Anderson over at Freeport because I’ve had a store there for over 20 years,” Moore said. “Coach Anderson came over on a Friday, looked at the stuff, and showed back up on Saturday morning with about 12 or 15 trucks from the Freeport community. So I gave that whole gym to Freeport high School… to have a weight room for his football team several years ago.”

Two years ago, Moore contributed to the Freeport High School women’s basketball team when they won the state championship for the first time in the school’s history.

 “I went ahead and talked to the coach and [the principal] and I bought the team and everybody involved… all the championship rings that year,” Moore said. 

The most recent donation was on May 12 when the Baker High School football team ended their season with 14 wins and no losses. 

“I called Coach Brunson and asked him what he wanted to do,” Moore said. “He told me they were going to try and do some car washes and bake sales to try and raise some money. I [asked] coach Brunson what it will run to buy the football team and the cheerleaders. 

“He called me back the next day and told me it would be $10,200 and asked me how much I wanted to chip in, and I just told him I’d pay for all of it.” 

Moore attended the Baker Gators' scrimmage with his daughter, Cashen, and presented the team with a check for the entire amount it would cost to get the championship rings. 

Moore said he regularly gives smaller amounts to schools, in the $500 or $1,000 range, but these three major contributions are what he really prides himself on. 

“People that actually know me really know I’ve never had a drink or smoked a cigarette in my life,” Moore said. “But 90 percent of the people think I’m a drunk or an alcoholic. The people in Crestview that knew me and grew up with me will tell you the same thing because they know me.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Nobody endorses it, but everybody calls to get a contribution'

CRESTVIEW — Bulletin Kids Miranda and Kinsley Jones of Crestview enjoyed a story journey with Gail Nelson recently at the Crestview Public Library. Bulletin Kids Jace Bryan Broxson of Baker and Ayden Foley of Crestview read some books as well during a recent library visit.

Have a cute photo of your kids out and about? They could be our next The Bulletin Kid! Email a photo with your child's name, age, hometown and a description of the action to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Acting out the story

The Crestview Robert L.F. Sikes Public Library officially challenges all children ages 6-14 to read at least 20 minutes each day from June 2 to July 11.

It’s not too late to jump in. You can earn 40 Funny Money Dollars by reading every day!

Ask for extra fun reading logs (complete with stickers while supplies last) at the library’s front desk. Not-as-fun-but-functional reading logs are available at www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php on the Programs and Services page. Turn in your reading logs at the library’s front desk no later than July 12 and come to the Reader Awards on July 18 at the Crestview Community Center.

During the Reader Awards, readers will receive a certificate and their funny money for use at the Funny Money Store. All guests will enjoy a yummy treat.

Call 682-4432 or come in with questions.

Heather Nitzel is the Crestview Public Library's youth services librarian. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The reading challenge is on

CRESTVIEW— Habitat for Humanity in Okaloosa County donated their 58^th home to a Crestview family with the help of more than 450 volunteers contributing more than 2,100 hours. 

Rosalind Cruz and her mother, Carol, said they are excited to finally be homeowners after moving around frequently. 

“I’ve always moved around from house to house, especially when I was younger,” Rosalind said. “I haven’t really had any stable place to call home.” 

Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, now she does. After completing an application and volunteering for the organization, the Cruz family was handed the keys to their home in front of dozens of supporting guests. 

“There are some financial requirements… and then you have to complete 300 hours between a previous house and your house,” Rosalind said. “The application was maybe 10 questions and I got approved within two or three months.” 

Members of the Habitat for Humanity board of directors, volunteers and community members joined the Cruz family at their home to congratulate them on their hard work and accomplishments. 

Debbie Bodenstine, chairman of the board, welcomed attendees to the Cruz home and introduced special guests. 

Pastor Jeff Burnett of Crosspoint North Crestview blessed the home and the family, and recited the Litany for Shelter which is done at every Habitat for Humanity home dedication. 

Jack Robinson of ReStore, a company sponsor, said a few words to the guests. ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials to the public at a lesser cost. 

Karl Jackson of Gulf Power then awarded the organization with a check for $50,000, and Kate Beam of ERA Realty also presented a check. 

Nitsi Bennett, president of ReStore, spoke about Rep. Mel Ponder’s dedication to low-income housing and presented him with a plaque for his commitment. 

Mary Hauge, a member of the Habitat for Humanity board, presented Rosalind and her mother with a Bible signed by volunteers and guests at the dedication. A Bible is given to every new homeowner from Habitat for Humanity. 

A gift basket with kitchen supplies, a welcome mat and a fire extinguisher from B&C Fire Safety was given to the family, along with an embroidered plaque with their name from the Embroidery Guild and an American Flag from the Republican Women of Okaloosa. 

David Hyre and Dick Davitt managed the construction of this home in downtown Crestview; Hyre congratulated Rosalind and Carol and presented them with the keys to their new home. 

Although Rosalind said she was shy, she thanked everyone who came and all those who made her dream a reality. Pastor Burnett ended the dedication with the benediction, and guests were offered refreshments and a tour of the home. 

Rosalind and Carol will be living in the home with their three pets.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Habitat for Humanity donates 58th home

CRESTVIEW — U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tyler J. Culligan graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed eight weeks' training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Basic training graduates earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Culligan earned distinction as an honor graduate.

He is the son of Lynn and Mike Culligan of Crestview and a 2013 graduate of Crestview High School.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Culligan graduates from basic military training