CRESTVIEW — A stop at Crestview Nurseries on Houston Lane seems to brighten customers’ day.

Niceville resident Pat Jernigan makes it a point to visit at least three times a year.

“I love this place,” she said. “I come here when I need a pick-me-up.”

“This is the only nursery I use,” Crestview resident Linda Scoggins said. “I love their plants. I have been coming here for years.”

Alicia Rivera, who grew up in Crestview, and her daughter, Aaliyah Uhl, visited Crestview Nurseries this week with Alicia’s mother. Alicia and her family, who recently moved back to Crestview from the Seattle area, enjoy the picturesque flowers and plants.

Customers love to stroll through the nursery and browse the selection of perennials, flowering shrubs and trees, container annuals and a varied selection of glazed and terra cotta pottery.

With 10 acres of flowers, plants and shrubbery, and 20 greenhouses, Crestview Nurseries has grown into one of the largest family-owned retail nurseries in Northwest Florida.

How did it all begin?

Tommy and Jeanette Horne started potting azaleas in their backyard in the 1960s. With Tommy’s degree in horticulture from the University of Florida, their love of plants and a vision, the couple opened Crestview Nurseries.

While Tommy worked full-time at Eglin Air Force Base and the couple raised their family, they grew their own plants to ensure the highest level of quality and variety for their customers.

Over the years, Crestview Nurseries, like its plants, grew.

Today, Tommy and Jeanette’s son, Dusty Horne, runs the family business along with two of his siblings.

“I came back after college and I have always worked here,” Dusty Horne said. “I enjoy it. I get to meet a lot of nice people and I get to work outside. Generation after generation of families continue to come through our nurseries.”

Sister Bebe said that being outside working with the plants is her favorite thing about the job.

In the spring, Crestview Nurseries usually has about 10 employees; they have five in the off-season. The Horne siblings work alongside their employees.

The nurseries are divided into sections such as sun-loving plants, shade-loving plants, fruit trees, greenhouses, vegetables, tropical plants and spring color. Crestview Nurseries also sells mulch, bark, compost and dirt in bulk.

Their many years of experience include extensive knowledge about the plants and growing condition conducive to Northwest Florida.

Crestview Nurseries is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Planting instructions and a map of the nursery are on the website, Crestviewnurseries.com. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'I love this place'

CRESTVIEW — Wade Bean hasn't seen his dog, a male pit bull he named Migo, since April 24, and he wants him back.

"I am completely lost without him," Bean said. "… He is the best dog I've ever had in my life."

In Facebook posts requesting the dog's return, Bean refers to him as his therapy and service dog.

"He hasn't had any formal training, but I had him for about three months when I discovered that he could detect my epilepsy seizures," Bean said. "I went to go check my mail one day and I hadn't had breakfast that morning. He jumped the fence, came up behind me and put pressure on my hand with his mouth."

Bean had a seizure immediately afterward. 

Over time, Migo has become more than a pet to Bean and his son Ethan, 16.

"He's not just a dog, he's a family member … We all miss him and need him," Bean said. 

From everything he's heard from area residents by phone, in person and on Facebook, he thinks Migo was stolen by people who use pit bulls for dog fighting and breeding in North Okaloosa County.

Why?

"I had a complete stranger message me (via Facebook) on Tuesday the 25th (of April). She said she saw a person leading my dog away and she knew it wasn't me. I walk him from here to Walmart and back, so everyone has seen me with him," Bean said.

Bean reported the dog missing to Crestview Police Department and Okaloosa Animal Control. A CPD investigator is assigned to the case, but more evidence is needed, according to CPD Public Information Officer Brian Hughes.

Migo has a scar that runs from his left nostril all the way down his bottom lip, and a broken bottom right tooth, Bean said.

Contact the Crestview Police Department, 682-3544, with information on his whereabouts.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Missing pit bull 'a family member,' owner says

‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’: 7 p.m. May 13, and 2:30 p.m. May 14 at Florida Chautauqua Theatre, 840 Baldwin Ave., DeFuniak Springs. Tickets: $12 for students 22 and younger, $15 for adults. Call 892-9494 or email infor@fcweb.org to purchase.

MOTHER’S DAY VICTORIAN TEA: 2 p.m. May 13, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Relax and enjoy light refreshments while learning about etiquette and customs of taking tea in Victorian England. For ages 6 and up. Cost: $16 per person; $13 for museum members. Reservations required; call 678-2615.

‘COMING HOME’ PERFORMANCE: 6 p.m. May 13, Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. The Calling Dance Company presents a faith-based story centering on hope amid loss. A portion of the proceeds benefits Covenant Care's Camp Connect, a grief counseling camp for children. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and free for children age 4 and under. Purchase at www.TheCallingDanceCompany.org.

PINE NEEDLE BASKETRY CLASSES: 5-8 p.m. May 16 and May 23, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Learn Seminole techniques. $55 to $60 per person. 678-2615.

CRESTVIEW LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL & RECOGNITION CEREMONY: 5:30 p.m. May 18, Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. For all regional first responders, families and community supporters.

HOMESCHOOLERS FIELD TRIP: 1-2 p.m. May 19, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Cost: $7 for one student and a parent or teacher, $3 for each additional adult; free for ages 3 and younger. $3 per person to participate in catapult building. For home-school students and their families. The Historic Technology tour teaches students how technology has evolved through the years, what a simple machine is, and how machines are used to push and pull, making work and other tasks easier for humans. To reinforce the lesson, students will make and demonstrate catapults. Preregistration is required at 678-2615.

PRINCESS BALL FUNDRAISER: 6-8:30 p.m. May 19, Rocky Bayou Country Club, 600 Golf Course Drive, Niceville. For girls ages 3 and up and their dad, grandfather, uncle or other “prince.” Music by B-Boy Productions and complimentary photos by Southern Belle Photography. Tickets: $25 per couple, $10 for each additional princess. Military discounts available. Go to http://bit.ly/2p2Avyp or call 863-1530 to RSVP. Reservations are required. All proceeds benefit The Arc of the Emerald Coast.

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

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.

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.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. May 17, Chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

PILOT COMMITTEE: noon May 18, Hooters, 180 Cracker Barrel Road, Crestview. For young leaders ages 21-41 in Crestview. 

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

North county students were well represented in the Okaloosa Arts Alliance’s eighth annual school poster contest.

Participating schools included: Rocky Bayou Christian School in Niceville and Destin, Crestview High School, Liza Jackson Preparatory School, Walker Elementary School, Florosa Elementary, Edge Elementary, Destin Middle School, Max Bruner Jr. Middle School, Northwest Florida Ballet Academie, Baker School, Northwood Elementary, Lotus Learning & Arts Center, Shalimar Elementary, Davidson Middle School, Northwest Florida Collegiate High School and Pryor Middle School.

Winners from Crestview area schools included, by division:

Elementary (K5-4): First Place, Gracie Bridges, fourth grade, Walker Elementary School

Middle (5-7): Third Place, Kaitlyn Bowler, seventh grade, Davidson Middle School

High (8-12):

• First Place, Kylie Little, ninth grade, Crestview High School
• Second Place, Monthita Rasee, 11th grade, Crestview High School
• Honorable Mention: Addison Sanders, 10th grade, Crestview High School
• Honorable Mention: Trace Kerrell, ninth grade, Crestview High School

Each first-place prize was a $75 gift card, donated by Eglin Federal Credit Union, each second-place prize was a $50 gift card, donated by the Destin Target and each third-place prize was a $25 gift card, donated by the Niceville Wal-Mart.

All 241 entries were on display during the May 6 OAA Poster Reception at the Young Philosophers Society.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Area students among Okaloosa Arts Alliance School Poster Contest winners

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Youth Association, also known as C.A.Y.A., will host sign-ups this Saturday.

Registration runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 13 at the Crestview High School Field House. The football program is for ages 5-12; cheering is for ages 5-14.

C.A.Y.A. plays in the Panhandle Youth Football Association. Its football season runs from June/July (training camps), August to October for regular season, post season October to November, and November for All-Stars.

All money made by CAYA is reinvested into the program for trophies, a banquet, training and game equipment, uniforms and the training facility, among other things. The team provides 95 percent of all equipment to players and cheerleaders. All football gear is less than five years old and is changed out every three to five years for new equipment.

All practices are at the same place and games are on Saturdays within 50 miles from Crestview.

All C.A.Y.A coaches are required to attend training. C.A.Y.A also has two certified doctors as safety trainers and medical assistance at all practices and games in addition to a player safety coach.

See http://cayafootball.org/index.html for more details. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: C.A.Y.A. sets football sign-ups

CRESTVIEW — A Crestview woman was among more than 100 men, women and children who participated in the Advocates United for Humanity's Frank P. Mills Cyber-Walk Against Child Abuse April 29 nationwide. But that's just one part of her journey against child abuse.

Lee Roberts of Crestview, an AUH co-founder, her service dog, Otis, and 21 local participants walked from the Neal Cobb Villa at Pandora and Kennedy Drives to the Casbah Coffee House.

Each participant documented their journey with photographs and short videos that were later posted on the grassroots organization's website. Walkers hailed from France, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Michigan, Florida and Pennsylvania.

CIRCLE OF TRUST

Last September, Advocates United for Humanity founders Donna Kshir and Roberts received an unexpected phone call from Magisterial District Judge Frank P. Mills of Renovo, Pennsylvania. Mills had great concern about the number of child abuse incidents on the rise in Clinton County, Michigan.

Kshir told Mills about her 2014 experience when she flew to Michigan to attend the Port Huron March against Child Abuse. She spoke of Damian Sutton, 2, of Michigan, who died from brain damage after an alleged beating at the hands of his mother's boyfriend. After hearing Damian's story, Mills made it his mission to tackle child abuse head on.

Over the next few months, Mills partnered with Kshir and Roberts to create the Circle of Trust Campaign. The goal is to help parents identify whom their child sees as trustworthy.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Roberts encourages parents to "look for signs of abuse that include grooming behavior, strange interactions with other adults and children, changes in your child's behavior and to always ask questions. 

"The best gifts you can give your child are open communication and knowledge," she said.

Mills donated $500 to get the Circle of Trust Campaign off the ground and will continue to be a campaign contributor. He also participated in the April 29 walk, which took place in 200 cities.

Visit http://advocatesunited4humanity.weebly.com or email au4humanity@gmail.com for more information or to be a sponsor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Look for signs'

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

CRESTVIEW — Elks Lodge 2624's Exceptional Children's Day returns this weekend.

The event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 13 on Elks Lane in Crestview for all children with special needs and their families. The public may also attend. Hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken nuggets, drinks and snow cones will be served. All activities, performances, food and drink are free of charge for attendees.

The event is funded by a grant from the Elks Lodge National Foundation, and fundraisers Lodge 2624 holds throughout the year.

"We love what we do and we feel like we're giving back to our communities," Crestview Elks Lodge member Betty Clark said.

"We spend every dime of it for the kids. Some of these children do not want to make eye contact, but they're amazing, because of the arts and crafts that they do and the abilities that they have that people don't realize."

While the first Exceptional Children's Day in 2014 was solely for children with autism and their families, the program was expanded to include the families of all children with special needs, according to Brad Burnette, executive director of Autism Spectrum on the Emerald Coast.

"They all need a day to come out, stop worry about therapy sessions and just enjoy themselves," Burnette said. "These kids are going to occupational therapy and physical therapy and speech therapy. They need a time where they can just come and be kids."

Activities include water slides, bounce houses and face painting and live entertainment.

Elks Lodge member Betty Clark said one of the most anticipated appearances at the event is Reid Soria of Autism Sings LLC.

"He is just awesome," Clark said. "He is an outstanding young man. He's 31 years old and his parents have just absolutely found his niche. He knows 3,000 songs, all the words. He loves entertaining … He came out of his shell when he started entertaining audiences and singing."

Doctors diagnosed Soria with autism at age 3 and gave his parents little hope that he would progress, according to Soria's biography at www.autismsings.net. His parents and relatives never gave up hope. They accidentally discovered he could sing over five years ago, and since then, Soria has performed in musical productions and on stages throughout Florida.

Another appearance attendees will enjoy is a performance by Captain Davy and Crew, Clark said. Balloon sculpting, magic, and face painting are among the skills they bring to the stage.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'We love what we do'

CRESTVIEW — Agricultural producers in Florida and Okaloosa County may apply for financial assistance to restore longleaf pine and build habitat for northern bobwhite quail habitat.

Landowners can apply through May 19 for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program of the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

NRCS helps landowners plant and manage longleaf forests through practices such as prescribed burning, brush management, noxious weeds control, firebreaks and a host of other practices. Longleaf forests benefit both wildlife and land managers.

Private landowners can get financial and technical assistance to restore and protect quail habitat in Okaloosa County.

This effort targets pine savannas, where NRCS is working with producers to manage forests and develop wildlife openings and the diverse understory vegetation the bobwhite needs. These habitats provide the forbs, legumes and insects that bobwhite need for food and the heavy or brushy cover for nesting, brooding and safety.

Contact the Crestview USDA Service Center, 938 Ferdon Blvd. N., or 683-3714 extension 3, for more information. NRCS district conservationist Darryl Williams will help landowners develop a conservation plan customized to their land and assist with the application process.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: USDA offers longleaf pine habitat assistance

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

Here are upcoming Crestview Public Library-related events. The library's address is 1445 Commerce Drive.

WATERVENTURES: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 13, in a 53-foot trailer in the library front parking lot. Learn how water moves through life. For ages 4 and up. Visit www.waterventures.us for details.

FRIENDS OF THE CRESTVIEW LIBRARY: 10:30 a.m. May 18, 1445 Commerce Drive, in the library meeting room.

READ TO DOZER: First Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.; for children ages 4 and up.

COFFEE & CRAFT: 10 a.m. second Saturdays, Crestview library. Call 682-4432 to reserve your spot.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: UPCOMING