This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 4 things to do this weekend in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — Golden Buffet recently was closed due to health violations; this was its fourth closure in three years.

The restaurant, at 2680 S. Ferdon Blvd., temporarily closed Feb. 1 following a citation for 20 violations, including six high-priority concerns, according to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s inspection report.

An inspector reportedly found foods held at unsafe temperatures, roach activity and approximately 60 rodent droppings in the kitchen.

This isn’t the restaurant’s first issue with health closures or the presence of rodents.

An inspector found about 75 droppings on Oct. 14, 2016, in addition to food storage violations. Another closure occurred on June 28, 2016, when Golden Buffet  48 violations, 14 of high-priority status. Approximately 230 rodent droppings were found during that inspection.

The business also closed May 16, 2014, when over 50 droppings and about 37 live roaches were found in the kitchen.

The restaurant reportedly has had 25 complaint-driven inspections since April 2014.

Restaurant emergency closures occur “based on an immediate threat to the public” with the intent to “protect the public health, safety or welfare,” according to the DBPR website.

“The division is currently engaged in administrative action with the Golden Buffet and will continue to monitor their compliance with Florida’s safety and sanitation laws,” DBPR Deputy Director of Communications Kathleen Keenan said in an email.

An administrative action can result in fines, business license suspension or license revocation, Keenan added.

The DBPR follows licensing and disciplinary requirements outlined in Florida Statutes, according to Keenan when asked how the restaurant has been able to maintain its license after so many repeat violations and closures.

“An administrative complaint which affords reasonable notice to the licensee of facts or conduct which warrant the [revocation]” is required, according to the statute.

Keenan didn’t comment on which action the DBPR was pursuing or if the company could lose its license.

A manager or spokesperson was not available for comment in several calls to Golden Buffet.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: How does this Crestview restaurant stay open?

SAN DIEGO, California — A 2015 Crestview High School graduate and Crestview native is serving in the U.S. Navy at Surface Warfare Medicine Institute.

Seaman Alexander Hubbard serves as a hospital corpsman at the San Diego-based training center. According to Navy officials, the institute's purpose is providing medical education, operational training and certification for medical, dental and fleet personnel ashore and afloat. 

"I am a student in the medical laboratory technician program here at SWMI," said Hubbard. "I enjoy learning how to be a lab tech and I am looking forward to practicing in the fleet." 

The sailors who are part of Navy medicine are the most highly trained, educated and specialized force in history, Navy officials said. The role of Navy medicine in preserving the healthy and fighting readiness of that force has never been greater or more critical.

"The Surface Warfare Medical Institute teaches 13 courses to over 800 students annually," Cmdr. Steven Parks said. He is the officer in charge of the Surface Warfare Medical Institute. "The training we provide enables our physicians, nurses, Medical Service Corps officers, and corpsmen to directly support the Navy and Marine Corps combat teams. The leadership, mentorship and influence that our staff has on our students are second to none."

Parks added that he is proud that SWMI's mission will have long lasting positive impact and benefits to Navy Medicine for years to come.

Hubbard said he feels honored to be able to serve at a command that is continually raising the bar in healthcare.

"Our instructors are looking out for the students both as med techs but also as sailors," Hubbard said.

Those who serve in Navy medicine understand that they play a key role in meeting the missions of our armed forces, according to Navy officials.

"Serving in the Navy means pride for the country, my family and for myself," Hubbard said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview native gives healthcare to US Navy Sailors

CRESTVIEW — Garden of Eat’en, one of the area’s newest restaurants, offers a homemade taste of Cuban fare.

Owner Jennifer Andrews grew up in south Florida surrounded by Cuban culture, a Peruvian grandfather and, she said, good food. Those experiences sparked a passion for the offerings at her new eatery, located at 971 Industrial Drive.

FOCUSING ON FRESH

“Definitely Miami, Cuban culture,” Andrews said when asked about her food’s origins.

The menu features staple dishes such as a Cuban sandwich, mojo pork sandwiches, French dips and arroz con pollo — a Latin American dish featuring chicken and yellow rice. Garden of Eat’en also serves home-baked guava pastries and Cuban espresso, which has a thick substance and sweet flavor.

“Everyone who’s had one loves a good Cuban,” Anderson said. “If they haven’t had one, they’ll fall in love with them.”

And, no, her sandwiches don’t include lettuce or tomato, a common debate in the Cuban food culture. Those ingredients are available to add upon request, however, Andrews said.

Garden of Eat’en focuses on fresh food with quality ingredients, slicing whole meats in-house, rather than using “deli meats,” Andrews said.

MORE TO COME

The restaurant opened about three weeks ago after family members helped Andrews renovate an existing mobile structure.

“I’ve always kind of wanted to own my own place,” Andrews said. After spending years working in the restaurant industry for “the man,” she decided to purchase a concession trailer already on site.

Eventually, Andrews would like to expand to a brick-and mortar location, but the food truck’s location does allow for some growth.

For now, Andrews is considering adding outdoor seating and sun shades. Those most likely won’t come until spring or summer, when the cold weather has passed. She also plans to install a television with satellite reception, and karaoke is in the works.

DAILY SPECIALS

Garden of Eat’en’s menu will fluctuate slightly during its initial months as the business learns what customers want and don’t want, Anderson said.

The company also plans to grow its menu and provide an additional service.

“We’ll be offering catering soon,” Anderson said. “And I want to have daily specials for seasonal foods.”

She also plans to make appearances at local festivals and events, namely the city’s winter festival, scheduled for Feb. 18 at Spanish Trail Park.

Garden of Eat’en, located at 971 Industrial Drive in Crestview, is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New restaurant brings Cuban style

CRESTVIEW—From halftime shows to online deliveries to the backyard, drones are increasingly visible.

However, getting in the air isn’t quite the buy-and-fly process it once was.

RULES OF THE AIR

Even recreational users still have to meet certain requirements and register their drone if it weighs more than .55 pounds.

Operators must keep their unmanned craft within sight and not fly within 5 miles of an airport or within an established no-fly zone, such as the area around a military base. Additionally, flights may not exceed 400 feet of altitude and they aren’t permitted to pass over people or vehicles.

Commercial flying involves a new set of regulations, and commercial operators must have a Remote Pilot Airman Certificate. Even using a drone for advertisements, such as flying a banner for a business, can qualify as commercial use, according to Mario Werth, a pilot and owner of Advanced Aerial Operations.

PURCHASING AND OPERATING

Quality recreational-use drones start at a few hundred dollars and can run as high as a few thousand.

Werth recommends purchasing a cheap drone to practice with before reaching too deep into the wallet. One of these models can be purchased for about $50 online and allow new operators the chance to learn controls and flight with little investment risk, according to Werth.

“You can fly it into a wall, chase the dog with it, whatever,” Werth said. “Once you feel really comfortable with them, you can move on to the big guys.”

Understanding regulations, flight procedures and associated risks is still necessary when beginning a hobby in drones. Additionally, flight classes are available to learners and mobile apps can help drone pilots take their hobby to new heights.

The challenge for some people comes in navigating the drone while operating and positioning the attached camera, according to Werth. He recommends new users learn how the device flies and functions first. After gaining this understanding, drone pilots can focus on learning the camera.

“When I do video work, I focus on where my camera is looking because I already know where my craft is and where I need it to be,” Werth said. “That comes with mastery of the required multitasking, though.”

RISKS

The biggest risk posed by legal drone operation is to medical helicopters, utility infrastructure such as power lines or small, recreational planes, according to Werth.

“A drone can do minor damage to a commercial passenger plane, but it’s not likely to bring it down,” Werth said. “The real threat is with helicopters, Cessnas and ultralights (a type of lightweight one- or two-seat aircraft).”

No reports or incidents could be found of a drone disrupting such a flight in the Crestview area.

Gulf Power hasn’t experienced any drone-related incidents to date, according to Media Relations Supervisor Rick DelaHaya. The company published an article in November that cautions drone pilots “to not fly over critical infrastructure such as power lines, substations and other electrical equipment.”

Bob Sikes Airport did not respond to a voicemail inquiry on the matter as of this writing.

Drones have many uses, but interested operators should remember one thing: “It’s not a toy, it’s a drone; it’s a [Federal Aviation Administration] regulated aircraft,” Werth said. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: How to start a new hobby in drones

Years ago, I heard a story about a butterfly that was tirelessly working to break from its cocoon. A man observed the struggling butterfly for several minutes. Feeling sorry for the soon-to-be-flying beautiful creature, he took his pocketknife and slit the cocoon to assist its freedom.

The butterfly fell out of the cocoon and flapped its wings a couple of times and died. The man's good intentions crippled and killed the butterfly, preventing its own natural progression of development that would lead to its soaring through the air.

Often it's hard work and struggle that enable us to develop our internal fortitude to push forward, hang on and succeed in life. Such fortitude comes with pressures and failures. Eventually, we develop the internal muscles and a spirit to walk on our own two feet and even to soar like the butterfly.

Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer, is remembered for his saying that he would float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Ali's abilities came from years of strenuous workouts and punishment to become the greatest athlete of all time.

Joy, laughter and celebration come at the end of a hard day's work. Our greatest feelings of triumph come after a long period of work and struggle to finally realize an accomplishment or a success.

I remember my dad buying a small record player when I was a kid. He bought a dozen or so records to go with it. We wore those records out. Another day came when he bought a big stereo record player that was also worn out over the years. He would work in a coal mine all week but he and my mother and another couple would often sing for two to three hours on the front porch of our house. Two to three times a week they would sing in church. Mom and Dad worked tirelessly throughout the week but at the end of the week they wanted to cut loose and sing, and many churches gladly received them.

Singing and dancing come from the soul. There has to be an internal emotion that is within the heart that desires to leap out in joyful expression. In other words, you have to want to do it and feel like doing it. I am not sure how many people today feel so good that they want to sing, dance and celebrate living. Too many no longer have even a faint hum or an occasional shuffle. Many Americans no longer have a twinkle in their eyes.

Many of us watch the news and we see a lot of unhappiness. We see a lot of rancor and critical, degrading talk on social media. There is too much unhappiness.

A lot of unhappiness comes from the world of religion. Where did religious entities and many churches ever get the idea that good religion means an unhappy, joyless person? Many Middle Eastern religious groups are all about people being glum and joyless. This is probably why some groups don't want to hear much about Jesus, who told funny stories and was the life of the party.

Many of America's problems started on April 21, 1964, when President Lyndon Johnson declared his war on poverty. He came to Martin County, Kentucky and sat on Tom Fletcher's porch while the media captured the iconic picture that put a face on President Johnson's war on poverty.

I was in Inez that day, just a child and clueless as to what it was all about. President Johnson's idea that federal dollars handed out to millions of people would solve America's poverty problems sounded good to many but it has failed. Tom Fletcher never got out of poverty nor have 40 percent of the people in Martin County, especially since coal mining is now essentially over in the region.

Waiting on a government check, food stamp allotment and government medical assistance does not bring much happiness to America's 50 million people living in poverty. Today the face of poverty can be found in any town in America and it's still as bleak as it was in 1964.

People must have work to do. A daily job, some work, a real paycheck, and a life to live give meaning, and from meaning is a feeling of purpose and happiness. When we feel good about ourselves, we hum and sing a little, dance a little and celebrate a little.

We have to get ourselves back to feeling better. It starts with our thinking followed by our deeds, and that develops our lifestyles and our destinies. Please, let's start now. Sow a good thought. Reap a good act. Sow a good act. Reap a happier lifestyle. Sow a good lifestyle. Reap a better destiny.

We can change the direction of our nation but it begins with you and me, and inside the head of every American.

Glenn Mollette is an American syndicated columnist and author.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hard work, right living equal singing and dancing

CRESTVIEW—Main Street has various businesses that appeal to a range of people, but one group of residents faces a difficult situation when visiting the area.

Despite hundreds of parking spaces lining the roadway, less than five are designated for disabled motorists. A disabled parking space offers permitted users space, ramps and decreased distance to storefronts.

Traditional parking spaces measure 9 feet wide on average and have additional spaces on immediate borders. This differs from disabled spaces, which are required to be 12 feet wide, with a 5-foot access that can be shared when adjacent to other disabled spots. The additional space accommodates wheelchair ramps or lifts and allows for improved mobility.

The Main Street spaces are accompanied by an equal amount of spaces on side roads stemming from the business district. The spaces are designated as disabled parking but little else is done to make them accommodating.

Most of the spots are not located near a curb ramp, making access for those with limited mobility difficult. Several of the spaces require the occupant to pass through the lane of traffic to reach the nearest ramp. This prevents ease of access for disabled patrons and forces some to travel a greater distance to reach their destination.

A misconception of disabled parking spaces is that they are for use only by individuals with wheelchairs, canes or other medical mobility devices. However, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues the permits to those with lung disease, cardiac conditions and those with portable oxygen tanks.

Additionally, people with severe walking limitations due to arthritis, neurological or orthopedic conditions qualify for the permit.

Main Street’s limited number of spaces falls within legal guidelines due to the wording of Florida Statute 553.5041, which dictates disabled parking laws. A minimum number of disabled spaces is only set when concerning government offices, metered parking or public lots.

A public government building needs only a single space in the “general vicinity” if one is not provided on the building’s premises. Within the building’s premise would include a marked parking area for a certain structure, such as the parking lot reserved for City Hall.

One disabled space must be designated for every 150 metered spaces, according to the law. This is the only other calculated minimum set for such spaces. Main Street is exempt from this provision since it doesn’t use metered spaces.

Public lots require no fewer than 2 percent of available parking to be accessible, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act in 2010.

Outside these rules, disabled parking spaces must only be “increased on the basis of demonstrated and documented need,” according to the Florida Statutes.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Is there enough disabled parking on Main Street?

Last year, Americans spent more than $19 billion on Valentine's Day gifts, according to the National Retail Federation, with the majority of this money going to flowers, candy, cards and an evening out.

These gifts were thoughtful, of course, and no doubt appreciated, but they were also somewhat disposable, for want of a better word. On the other hand, some financial gifts can have a pretty long "shelf life." Beyond simply enclosing some money in a card, what sort of financial gifts can you give? The answer depends somewhat on the recipient. For example, if your sweetheart is also your spouse, some of the gifts suggested below may be redundant to the financial moves you make together.

However, if you aren't married, or if you and your spouse maintain separate finances, these ideas may make excellent Valentine's Day presents:

•IRA contributions: Technically, you can't contribute directly to someone else's traditional or Roth IRA, but you can write a check to your loved one — although, of course, he or she is free to use the money for any purpose. Like most people, your valentine may not usually contribute the yearly maximum amount — which, in 2017, is $5,500, or $6,500 if you're 50 or older — so your check should be quite welcome. A traditional IRA can grow on a tax-deferred basis, and contributions may be tax-deductible. (Taxes are due upon withdrawal, and any withdrawals you make before you reach 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent IRS penalty. A Roth IRA's earnings are distributed tax-free, provided withdrawals aren't taken until the account owner is 59½ and has had the IRA for at least five years.

•Charitable gifts: Consider making a gift to a charitable organization supported by your loved one. When you send cash to a qualified charity, you can get a tax deduction, but you might gain even bigger benefits by donating appreciated securities you've held for more than one year. By doing so, you can generally deduct the value of the securities, based on their worth when you make the gift. Plus, neither you nor the charity will have to pay capital gains taxes on the donated investments.

•Contributions to an emergency fund: It's a good idea for everyone to maintain an emergency fund to cover unanticipated expenses, such as a major car repair, a new furnace or out-of-pocket medical bills. If your valentine doesn't have such a fund, consider helping him or her establish one, with the money going to a liquid, low-risk account.

•Gym membership: Although not actually a "financial" gift, a gym membership can nonetheless bring some positive economic results to your valentine. For one thing, the insurance industry is providing more incentives to encourage people to exercise and live healthier lifestyles. But even if a gym membership doesn't give your loved one a break on insurance premiums, it can nonetheless result in better physical conditioning, which, in, turn, could ultimately result in lower medical costs.

On Valentine's Day, you may still want to get your sweetheart something associated with the holiday. But if it's within your means to do so, also consider one of the above suggestions for financial gifts. Your generosity will still be felt long after the chocolates are eaten and the flowers have faded.

This article was written by Edward Jones on behalf of your Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Consider financial Valentine's Day gifts

Okaloosa Saves and the University of Florida will host the Eco-Nomic Living Expo 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Santa Rosa Mall. Admission is free.

In 2016, a Federal Reserve study found that "Forty-six percent of adults say they either could not cover an emergency expense costing $400 or would cover it by selling something or borrowing money."

What that means is if someone's oven broke, or their air conditioner was on the fritz, they would not be able to repair or replace it because they don't have enough money saved. Okaloosa Saves is a non-profit organization committed to educating youths and adults about saving money and supporting them along the way.

The Eco-Nomic Living Expo is one way we can do this. The expo will have over 45 vendors, all with a focus on health, home, environment and money. In addition to vendors, Gulf Power is bringing in their fuel-efficient vehicle and the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension will offer seminars throughout the day on topics such as lawn care, GMOs, micro-plastics, heart health, investing, identity theft and more.

4-H and the Family Nutrition Program will be there all day featuring activities for kids. While you're there, don't forget to vote on your favorite youth and corporate piggy bank.

We have limited space in the Rain Barrel workshop! Create and take home your very own rain barrel to use in your home garden and save your wallet. Pre-registration is required at economicliving@eventbrite.com.

Did we mention all of the door prizes we have? Some of these include a television, lots of baskets filled with goodies, and even money! A donation-based drawing will be held for an original, hand-painted rain barrel by local artist Rafi Perez (www.rafiperezart.com) and there will be goody bags for our first 350 guests who sign up to be Okaloosa Savers. Set-up will be available for the #imsavingforcontest; the first 50 people to complete a video at the expo will receive a gift card and be entered into the national contest to win $1,000.

Okaloosa Saves cannot wait to see you at the Eco-Nomic Living Expo on Feb. 11 at the Santa Rosa Mall. Check out economiclivingexpo.com for more information and visit our Okaloosa Saves Facebook page. Contact me at jbreslawski@ufl.edu or 689-5850 for more information.

Jill Breslawski is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ways to save at this weekend's expo

If becoming healthier was one of your New Year’s resolutions, check out a new bestseller that’s been getting a lot of attention: “The Case Against Sugar” by Gary Taubes. The Crestview Public Library has it in both print and audio formats. 

The news magazine “The Guardian” had an insightful January article. Read the entire article at https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/jan/05/is-sugar-worlds-most-popular-drug. 

FROM THE BOOK'S PUBLISHER: 

From the best-selling author of “Why We Get Fat,” a groundbreaking, eye-opening expose that makes the convincing case that sugar is the tobacco of the new millennium: backed by powerful lobbies, entrenched in our lives, and making us very sick.

Among Americans, diabetes is more prevalent today than ever; obesity is at epidemic proportions; nearly 10 percent of children are thought to have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. And sugar is at the root of these, and other, critical society-wide, health-related problems.

With his signature command of both science and straight talk, Gary Taubes delves into Americans' history with sugar: its uses as a preservative, as an additive in cigarettes and the contemporary overuse of high-fructose corn syrup.

He explains what research has shown about our addiction to sweets. He clarifies the arguments against sugar, corrects misconceptions about the relationship between sugar and weight loss; and provides the perspective necessary to make informed decisions about sugar as individuals and as a society.

Sandra Dreaden is the Crestview Public Library's reference librarian.

UPCOMING

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'The Case Against Sugar' tackles addiction to sweets