CRESTVIEW — The next Family Library Time program focuses on beekeeping basics.

It begins 6:30 p.m. March 21 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, and is suitable for ages 4 and up. Registration is not required.

Learn about how the honeybee lives and what you will need to establish a hive. This short presentation is designed for beginners, so no prerequisite knowledge is required.

There will be no hands-on beekeeping, so protective clothing is unnecessary for the program. Attendees may taste or purchase a variety of local honey.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Beekeeping program scheduled

CRESTVIEW — Weather King of Crestview has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, according to U-Haul Company of Florida.

Weather King offers U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, support rental items and in-store pick-up for boxes.

The store’s owner, David Angermuller, said he is proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage.

U-Haul and Weather King strive to help the environment through sustainability initiatives. Truck sharing is a core U-Haul sustainability business practice that allows individuals to access a fleet of trucks that is larger than what they could access on an individual basis.

Every U-Haul truck placed in a community reportedly helps keep 19 personally owned large-capacity vehicles, pickups, SUVs and vans off the road. Fewer vehicles mean less traffic congestion, less pollution, less fuel burned and cleaner air.

Hours for U-Haul rentals are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at 880 James Lee Blvd. W., Crestview. After-hours drop-off is available for customer convenience.

Call 398-4296 or visit https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Crestview-FL-32536/018353/ to reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Weather King now a U-Haul dealer

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The Mayos visit the library

CRESTVIEW — The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and Flood Insurance Study report for Okaloosa County.

The report reflects proposed flood hazard determinations within Okaloosa County. These determinations may include the addition or modification of base flood elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. 

These determinations are the basis for floodplain management measures that the county and municipalities are required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

The flood information link at www.co.okaloosa.fl.us has maps that show whether a property:

•Is in a flood zone

•Is removed from a flood zone

•Has its existing flood zone designation modified

Before determinations shown on the preliminary map are effective, there is a 90-day period provided for appeals. The period began Feb. 22 and ends May 22. Appeals must be filed on forms provided at http://portal.nwfwmdfloodmaps.com/meetingdocuments.html. (Click on “Property Owner Appeal Petition Direction and Form.")

County commissioners have designated the Okaloosa County Growth Management Department as the central location to receive appeals regarding unincorporated areas. Send appeals and supporting scientific and technical information, as required by FEMA, for unincorporated properties to: Okaloosa County Growth Management Department, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar, FL 32579.

In addition, email Okaloosa Planning Coordinator, Sherry Reed, sreed@co.okaloosa.fl.us, if you have appeals and supporting scientific and technical information for unincorporated area properties.

Owners of properties within incorporated areas should contact their city or town government.

See the Northwest Florida Water Management District website, http://portal.nwfwmdfloodmaps.com/, for more information on properties in a flood zone or those with a changed flood designation.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FEMA unveils flood insurance map

CRESTVIEW — The best boys and girls senior basketball players from Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties will play in the seventh annual Subway High School All-Star Basketball Game 5 p.m. March 10 at Pensacola State College's Hartsell Arena.

Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County Schools make up the east team. Ronnie Smith of Laurel Hill leads the girls team while Baker's Keith White leads the boys.

Girls East Team players are: Tiara Payne and Quay Collins, Baker School; Haley Gauthier, Central; Malaysia Moore and Gabby Brown, Choctawhatchee; Netaya Winston and Dionjenae Hendrix, Crestview High School; Yvonne Ford, Julia Turner, Diamond Lopez and Taneal Towner, Fort Walton Beach High School; Jorja Agrait and Carissa Mulford, Jay; Brianna Washington, Milton; Ty Stringfield, Navarre; Ashley Lane, Mytiyyah Johnson and Shvonya McDaniel, Niceville.

The coaching staff for the west teams, comprised of Escambia County schools and Gulf Breeze and Pace girls, consists of Vaughn Williams of Escambia High School for the girls team and CJ Washington of Pine Forest High School leading the boys team.

Boys East Team players are: Sidney Walker, Baker; Brad Moye, Central; DJ Thomas, Choctaw; Sam Johnson, Rusty Moorer, Crestview High School; Keenan Redd, Ethan Lipnicky and Josh Loken, Fort Walton Beach High School; Dimitri Pejic and Zion Hamilton, Gulf Breeze; Justic Brewton, Jay; Dakota Bly, Laurel Hill; Austin Thomas, Milton; Seth Fletcher, Tyrese Harvey and Dominic Riddle, Navarre; Kennan Oas and Kameron Parker, Niceville; Cameron Bozeman, Pace; and Rhonald Boyd, Rocky Bayou.

Final game rosters are subject to change.

Tickets are $8 at the gate and those who bring a canned good item for donation or a high school student I.D will receive a $10 Academy Sports and Outdoors Coupon.

Pensacola Sports is also teaming with Manna Food Bank for a canned good drive and encouraging everyone to help families by bringing a canned good item. Academy Sports + Outdoors will be having a contest for two lucky fans to win up to $100 in Academy gift cards.

The remaining date for this year's series is the Boys Baseball and Girls Softball games, which are June 8 at the University of West Florida.

The Subway High school All-Star Series, organized by Pensacola Sports, recognizes senior athletes in volleyball, football, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's basketball, men's baseball, and women's softball from Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa County. Other sponsors include Academy Sports and Outdoors, Escambia County Sheriff's Office, David Bowen's Sporting Goods, COX, and Pensacola News Journal.

Pensacola Sports is one of the oldest sports associations/commissions in the United States, beginning in 1955. Today, Pensacola Sports manages or assists in numerous events a year throughout the Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa county areas, and is the lead sports tourism agency for Escambia County. Events include a high school all-star series, flag football, 5K-15K runs, marathons, triathlons, fishing tournament, soccer and softball tournaments, collegiate national championships, and annual awards and scholarships banquets to name a few. 

Visit www.subwaypsaallstars.com or www.pensacolasports.org for more information on the SUBWAY High School All-Star Series or other Pensacola Sports events.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SUBWAY High School All-Star basketball games set

PENSACOLA — Cowgirls 4 Community will have a fundraiser for the children of Kayla Crocker, a 28-year-old woman who died from a gunshot wound.

The event, hosted by Southern Oaks Farm, is set 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 18 at the Escambia County Equestrian Center.

Attendees can enjoy food, family activities to include a bounce house, face painting, pony rides, a variety of vendors, a silent auction, prizes, live entertainment including the bands Branded X and TBA, and a 5D barrel race.  

Crocker died from a gunshot wound to her head following a home invasion and attack by William Boyette Jr. and his alleged accomplice, Mary Rice. She left behind a 2-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter. 

“Kayla’s last act of selfless kindness was to donate her organs to bring life to others in need,” a Cowgirls 4 Community media release states.

All the fundraiser’s proceeds will go directly to Crocker’s children, a spokesperson said, adding that help is still needed.

“In order to make this event a success we are in need of donations, sponsorships, silent auction items, vendors and of course volunteers,” the release states. “If you feel lead to provide any of these things please contact us.”

See https://www.facebook.com/events/570917763097897/ for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fundraiser set for Kayla Crocker's children

CRESTVIEW—The Golden Buffet at 2680 S. Ferdon Blvd. has shut its doors once again, but faces different troubles compared to past closures.

The restaurant has been closed for several days, with an outside marquee stating the halt in business is due to equipment repair. This has left some residents asking if repairs were due to equipment or recent health violation issues.

UNPAID TAXES

The company has fallen into tax delinquency, according to a notice on the building from Revenue Recovery Solutions.

“All equipment, furniture and fixtures located inside this location, regardless of status (owned, leased, loaned or borrowed) are subjected to taxation and are now under a pending levy and seizure for unpaid tangible personal property taxes,” the notice states.

Tangible personal property is all goods and articles of value in a business. This can include equipment, furniture, fixtures, signs and machinery.

Revenue Recovery Solutions, a private collection company servicing TPP taxes in Florida. has been tasked with the collection but the Okaloosa County Tax Collector reserves the right to seize assets, according to a representative from Revenue Recovery Solutions.

The restaurant immediately owes $943.05, according to the posting. The owed amount stems from unpaid TPP taxes in 2015. Golden Buffet also owes $660.83 in unpaid taxes from 2016, all according to public tax documents.

“They typically pay but it’s always pretty late,” Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Director of Business Collection Josh Allen said. The restaurant made a payment in 2016 but it was for taxes owed from 2014.”

Allen confirmed public records detailing the restaurant’s debt. Hundreds of businesses across Okaloosa County have fallen behind on TPP taxes, according to Allen. In most situations, a payment method is worked out and delinquencies resolved.

Asset seizures are rare, despite late payments, according to Allen. The office would have to clean and sell a business’ equipment, which could be inefficient, he said.

“From my experience, it sounds like [Golden Buffet] might be getting ready to pack it up and leave,” Allen said in regards to the restaurant's financial and health code struggles. “Let’s just hope they settle these debts before deciding to do that.”

“I’ve been here for years and we’ll continue serving the community,” Chen Chong, the owner of Golden Buffet said during a phone interview. “We’ve changed our manager and [are] going to hire better employees.”

These are all part of a strategy to improve the restaurant’s conditions and stimulate income growth to afford taxes, according to Chong. No other comment was available.

HEALTH VIOLATIONS

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation closed Golden Buffet for several days beginning Feb. 1 due to a failed health inspection. This was the restaurant's fourth closure in three years due to failed health inspections.

An administrative complaint from the department is pending, according to DBPR Deputy Director of Communications Kathleen Keenan via email. These complaints can result in fines, license suspension or permanent closure but the department did not disclose what action it is currently pursuing.

The most recent health inspection at Golden Buffet was Feb. 17, and the company received a 100 percent score after no violations were found.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Golden Buffet closes doors — again

CRESTVIEW — The Club Challengers volleyball teams are champions following the Capital Classic Tournament held the weekend of Feb. 25 in Tallahassee.

The 13U team placed fourth, and the 14U team won the tournament. 

"(I) just wanted to give these girls a little recognition for their hard work, and their amazing teamwork. This team has chemistry like no other, having fun, staying positive and making us proud on and off the court!" Club Coach and Co-Director Kahley Wibben said.

The Crestview club has players ages 10 to 14.

Search for Club Challengers Volleyball on Facebook for more information or to join.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview 14U volleyballers win tournament

CRESTVIEW — The Baker girls softball team scored 13-3 against Washington in Pensacola.

Shelby Sloan got the win as a pitcher, with eight strikeouts, no walks and no earned runs.

Baker batting was as follows:

●Shelby Sloan, 3 for 4

●Bethany McCranie, 2 for 4

●Emily Stewart, 2 for 4

●Jennifer Welch, 2 for 3

●Nicole Adams, 3 for 3

●Brittany Richbourg, 1 for 3

●McKenna Potter, 1 for 3

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gator girls beat Washington

CRESTVIEW — Gracie Grant, 11, of Crestview, is celebrating five first-place wins in Northwest Florida.

She was the overall Eglin Tour Championship winner and came in first in the tournament segments listed below.

Here are her scores, dates and tournament locations.

•38, Dec. 4, 2016, Blackstone Golf Course, DeFuniak Springs

•39, Dec. 11, 2016, Tiger Point Golf & Country Club, Gulf Breeze

•38, Jan. 8, Bay Point Resort Golf Club — The Meadows, Panama City

•42, Feb. 5, Bluewater Bay Resort, Niceville

•39, Feb. 12, Eglin Golf Course Tour Championship, Eglin Air Force Base

Gracie's parents are Shane and Kerri Grant of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Grant wins overall golf tour medal