CRESTVIEW—Walmart is turning its attention toward Crestview’s north end as it prepares site plans for a new Supercenter at Richbourg Lane and Industrial Drive.

The proposed site is currently undeveloped and sits on approximately 20 acres, according to Crestview Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard. Some site clearing has already begun in the wooded area across from Johnny O’Quigley’s Ale House as planning stages are underway.

Originally proposed plans are being revamped after the company requested the addition of new sanitary sewer lines.

Developers have been in conversation with the city of Crestview, officials from Okaloosa County and the Florida Department of Transportation, Gaillard said. Although the proposed location falls outside city limits, the presence of a Walmart and accompanying gas station would be impactful to the city and State Road 85.

The company will know by June 30 whether it can secure a development order and begin construction. That process is looking “very favorable,” Gaillard said.

There’s no guaranteed construction timeline as of yet, even if the company secures the proper permitting. Progress on similar projects can take months or “sometimes years” to complete, Gaillard said.

The process can also be slowed by the company conducting thorough and rigorous site research and planning, something Walmart has been doing, Gaillard added.

The company already operates a Supercenter near the city’s south end at 3351 S. Ferdon Blvd. near Interstate 10. The addition of a second location is something some residents would prefer to avoid.

Several social media commenters reacted negatively to a News Bulletin release of site photographs on Friday and called for the city to open a Target.

"In reality, they are opening more businesses in Crestview but it's more of the same," Yanira Ortiz said via an Instagram message.

Ortiz lives between Crestview and Laurel Hill and said she faces a lengthy drive to Fort Walton Beach.

"If we had a variety [of businesses] in Crestview we could inject economy in Crestview and not have to buy in other cities," she added.

Jess Golden agrees.

"We're just doubling what we already have," Golden said via a message in reference to a second Walmart and Publix. "We need to bring in something new."

She suggested bringing in a Target or Kmart to make Walmart more competitive.

Luring Target to a city is easier said than done, according to Community Redevelopment Agency Director Brenda Smith in a previous interview.

The process involves a city marketing itself to Target and engaging the company in conversation, according to Smith. If the company expresses interest it will conduct a feasibility study and measure the city against a set of metrics, she added.

“Without a city master plan, [Target] won’t even consider looking at us,” Smith said.

Target corporate offices did not respond to a phone call and email on the matter.

Regardless of the city’s ability to lure a Target to town, Walmart is interested and is pursuing expansion in the Hub City with a second location.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Walmart eyes second Crestview location

CRESTVIEW—The City Council prepared for improved code enforcement and the city touted a new way to explore local events at its meeting Monday evening.

Code enforcement

Ordinance 1619 was approved on its first reading by unanimous vote. The ordinance allows the city and the city’s code enforcement to define what an “unsafe structure” is and how they can begin to be dealt with.

“Until this ordinance passes, [the city] has no definition of what an unsafe building is,” Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard said during the introduction of the proposed ordinance. “It’s the first (step) towards a solution” to code enforcement and blight, she added.

Melissa Simpson, a local Realtor, asked during public comment if the ordinance would provide the city with the ability to penalize individuals for blighted structures and allow them to demolish those buildings if remediation attempts failed.

City Attorney Ben Holley and Gaillard confirmed it would not grant those abilities.

“You can’t make a step until you take this one,” Gaillard said in reference to Ordinance 1619. Without its adoption, the city would not have a way to spearhead later efforts to condemn or demolish unsafe structures.

The ordinance will go to a second reading before it is adopted to the city code.

Councilman Joe Blocker expressed interest in hosting a town hall-style forum or workshop for property owners to explain what the current code laws state and what rights they have property owners.

“Property owners have rights as well,” Blocker said, a sentiment he has expressed during past conversations on code enforcement.

“Property owners have rights but they also have responsibilities,” Gaillard added.

Community events

Crestview launched a new Facebook page called “Crestview Events” as a source for events and happenings in the community.

Events are currently listed on the official city page and website but are limited to those endorsed or sponsored by the city, according to City Clerk Betsy Roy. The new page will allow citizens a chance to promote and discover other events happening in the area.

Roy also highlighted a mobile app for Android and iPhone users called “City of Crestview” for free download. The app presents users with several icons including City Council, police and fire departments, public services and jobs. Clicking the icons will bring individuals to the city’s mobile website for the respective selection.

Users can also register for alerts and notifications from the city using the app or the www.cityofcrestview.org web page. The alerts include public safety information, road closure details, meeting agendas and office closure information.

The goal of the notifications is to provide an additional method for people to stay informed during emergencies.

Honors and appointment

Two service recognitions were made during Monday’s meeting—Mayor David Cadle and Fire Chief Joseph Traylor presented firefighter Jonathan Hoke with a service award commemorating his 10 years of service with the Crestview Fire Department.

Additionally, Cadle and Police Chief Tony Taylor recognized investigator Ralph Garrett as the department’s officer of the year.

Cadle appointed Joshua Molyneux to be the commissioner of the Crestview Housing Authority, an appointment that was unanimously adopted by the council. Molyneux has been the interim commissioner for over a year and will now serve in the official capacity for four years.

“He’s going to do a great job in anything he does,” Councilman J.B. Whitten said. “He’s the right man in the right place.”

The next City Council meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 27. A workshop will precede the meeting and is currently scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Council prepares to toughen up for blight fight

CRESTVIEW — A Career Source mini job fair is scheduled soon in Crestview.

The fair is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 15 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive.

Employers will be hiring on the spot. They include Adecco, Waffle House, Wyndham Vacation Rentals, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, CEFCO, Twin Cities Pavilion, Certified Manufacturing, Inc. and PeopleReady.

Openings include customer services, restaurant managers, servers, cooks, laborers, electricians, welders, production assemblers and carpenters, among others.

Career Source Okaloosa-Walton also has 50 construction positions immediately available at a Niceville site, and 25 more at a Navarre site. Workers make $15 an hour plus overtime. A background check and drug test are required. To apply, go to the Fort Walton Beach center, 409 Racetrack Road NE, or call 833-7587.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview job fair set

The library now has a free English as a Second Language class.

Hank Halle teaches the class 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the library. It's for native Spanish-speaking adult students who would like to improve their communication skills in English.

Call 682-4432, send an email to jrmccarthy@okaloosa.lib.fl.us or drop by the library at 1445 Commerce Drive to sign up, as seats are limited.

We also offer a variety of online programs to help those seeking to learn English (and other languages).

We have Rocket Languages, BrainFuse HelpNow and Basic ESL, thanks to our membership with the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative.

Visit readokaloosa.org and with your library card choose the resource that best suits you.

Marie Heath is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Library offers free English as a second language class

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

CRESTVIEW — A Crestview resident is among U.S. Navy members providing warfighting readiness in Asia.

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Ariel Coley serves her country aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard.

The flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is on a routine patrol in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance warfighting readiness and posture forward as a ready-response force for any type of contingency.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview resident feeds Navy colleagues

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County Courthouse records of marriages from Feb. 21 through March 9 include:

•Lester Miller and Rebecca Simpler, both of Crestview.

•Nathan Bell and Ashley Gartman, both of Crestview.

•James  Moore and Tonya Ganey, both of Crestview.

•Stephen Switzer and Kami Ramirez, both of Crestview.

•Albert Zimmerman and Michelle Cook, both of Crestview.

•Madalyn Wilson and Nicholas Watson, both of Crestview.

•Renee Whitney and Devin Chatman, both of Crestview.

•Chelsea Chessher and Bobby Howell Jr., both of Crestview.

•Mark Welch and Kristin Clark, both of Crestview.

•Rose Zelm, of Crestview, and Shawn Wood, of Pensacola.

•Justin Houp and Ashley Head, both of Crestview.

•Jonathan Henley and Ashley Frost, both of Crestview.

•Stacey Bowers and Steven Space, both of Baker.

•Angela Bowdren and Scott Harkins, both of Baker.

•Laura Forshaw and Jonathan Hammond, both of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa marriage licenses

CRESTVIEW — Photographer Dale Riley wanted to give Crestview artists and creators a local opportunity to showcase their work — and Gallery Night was born.

Gallery Night on March 7 featured 15 artists displaying their work throughout Casbah Coffee Company in a free, public event modeled after out-of-town art walks and gallery showings.

Riley hopes to grow the event and eventually have art flowing to the sidewalk outside the downtown coffee shop.

Gallery Night will be hosted from 6-8 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at Casbah Coffee. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gallery Night spotlights visual artists

CRESTVIEW — U.S. Air Force Airman Joshua A. Arreaga graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

He completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Arreaga is the son of Jose Arreaga and Elizabeth Robinson of Killeen, Texas; and brother of Charles Arreaga of Crestview, Bianca Arroyo of Killeen, and Liza Bobe of Harker Heights, Texas. He is the son-in-law of Patricia and Charles Jackson of Killeen, and is married to Jessica Arreaga.

The airman graduated in 2015 from Ellison High School, Killeen.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Airman with Crestview ties completes basic training

CRESTVIEW — Whataburger restaurants will celebrate the superhero spirit in all of us with an evening of family fun.

The event is 5 to 7 p.m. March 14 at Whataburger, 3850 Ferdon Blvd. S, Crestview.

Customers can spend quality time with their little heroes and treat them to a superhero-themed celebration of food and giveaways. The event includes a face painter, balloon artist, photo booth and guest appearance from Whataburger's mascot, Whataguy.

"Our Super Duper Celebration is an opportunity for families to spend quality time with their little heroes and enjoy a free kid's meal on us," Whataburger Director of Operations Lee Cartledge said. "We appreciate our customers and look forward to treating them to an evening of family fun."

Children age 12 and younger dressed in a superhero costume will receive a free kid's meal.

Additionally, the Epilepsy Resource Center will fit children for a free bicycle helmet at the event. 

"The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida is excited to partner with Whataburger on its annual Super-Duper event," Velladira Flores, a foundation spokesperson, said. "We will be giving out free bike helmets, training on bicycle safety, spreading epilepsy awareness and providing information on our local resource center and the services provided."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Whataburger Crestview sets evening of free kid's meals, giveaways