CRESTVIEW — The Constitution Party of Florida will hold its 2nd Annual Crestview Constitution Day Celebration soon.

The event is 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Crestview Library.

U.S. Army Col. Harry Riley, retired, of Crestview will share what the U.S. Constitution means to him. Riley is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War.

Attendees also will sing a few patriotic songs.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Constitution Day celebration set

PENSACOLA, Florida — Tropical Storm Hermine (formally known as Tropical Depression No. 9) is starting to show itself in the Bay County area and should be coming closer in the next 24-36 hours.

Even though it hasn’t hit ‘hurricane’ strength, the storm will still result in wind and water damage and possible flooding to many consumers’ property.

BBB Northwest Florida reminds consumers to take certain precautions when dealing with cleanup and making repair decisions. Some of the most common "after-disaster" scams involve water and wind damage caused to roofs, homes or vehicles.

BBB offers the following advice to avoid becoming a victim of an after-disaster scam:

●Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid letting your emotions get the better of you. Don't be pressured into making an immediate decision with a long-term impact. Start your research with trust by finding a reputable business that can help with cleanup by visiting BBB’s accredited business directory, http://www.bbb.org/northwestern-florida/accredited-business-directory.

●Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts if temporary repairs are necessary.

●Take time to shop around for major repairs and get 3-4 estimates based on the same specifications and materials. Check out references that are at least a year old, verify that businesses are licensed or registered to do work in your area, and check with your local building inspector to see if a building permit is required. Get quick, easy, and free quotes from businesses you can trust by using BBB’s e-Quote service, http://nwfl.app.bbb.org/equote.

●Be wary of door-to-door workers who claim to have leftover materials from a job “down the street” or who do not have a permanent place of business. If sales people go do-to-door, check to see if your community requires them to have solicitation permits, ask for identification, and verify the company’s reliability with BBB.

●Be leery if a worker shows up on your doorstep to announce that your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect or building official inspect it. While most roofing contractors abide by the law, be careful allowing someone you do not know to inspect your roof. An unethical contractor may actually create damage to get work.

●Require a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. Be sure their name, address, license number, if applicable, and phone number is included on the contract. Read and understand the contract in its entirety; don’t sign a blank contract! Request a copy of the signed contract to be given to you at time of signature.

●A company who offers to pay your insurance deductible may recoup those costs by inflating their estimate to your insurance company, which leads to insurance fraud. Be sure to ask how they will cover the cost of your deductible before agreeing.

●Never pay in full for all repairs in advance, and do not pay cash! While many companies may ask for a deposit, BBB suggests that no more than one-third of the job be paid up front. Be sure the contract specifies the schedule for releasing payments to the contractor.

●Pay by credit card, if possible; you may have additional protection if there’s a problem.

Clearly written proposals that are detailed and broken down into separate line items are a good sign that the contractor is being thorough and has prepared an accurate estimate.

The following is a partial list of items your estimate or proposal should include:

●The type of material being used, manufacturer and color

●Scope of work to be done, including material and labor costs

●Who is responsible for repairing/replacing exterior landscape or interior finishes that are damaged during the course of the work? Make sure that your contract contains language addressing who is responsible for any damage that occurs as a result of the work.

●Approximate starting and completion dates

●Payment procedures

●Length of warranty and what is covered, e.g., workmanship, water leakage, etc.

●Who will haul away the old materials and/or project waste (e.g. extra materials, packaging, etc.). Is there extra charge for this service?

For additional information and advice you can trust, start with bbb.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BBB Northwest Florida has tips and advice for after Hermine

Weather experts are predicting Tropical Storm Hermine will likely bring heavy rain, wind and possible flooding to parts of Florida the next several days.

The storm is a reminder to all Floridians that we are in the middle of peak hurricane season, and all Floridians should be prepared for storms.

State Farm encourages all residents in the projected path of the storm to plan now and protect themselves and their property should the storm threaten their area.

Homeowners should secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture and other items that could be tossed around by winds and cause damage to their property. Inside the home, residents should locate important documents such as insurance papers.

Given the potential for heavy rain, drivers are urged use caution when dealing with flooded roadways. If you can, simply avoid flooded areas — especially those with rapid water flow. Keep things safe and simple: reschedule your plans if you're aware of flooding in the area.

Given the expected heavy rain and possible flooding, drivers with water/flood damaged vehicles are encouraged to follow below insurance tips:

●Do not start a flooded vehicle until it has received a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic.

●Record the highest level of water exposure on your flooded vehicle.

●Contact your agent or insurance company and advise them that your vehicle has been flooded. The sooner the vehicle can be evaluated and dried out, the less damage the vehicle will sustain. If you don't have the right training and personal protective equipment, it's safer, in most cases, to leave the cleaning up to professionals. Some floodwaters contain raw or untreated sewage and other contaminants that may pose serious health hazards during cleanup.

Given the possibility of home damage and claims from the storm, State Farm wants to make Floridians aware of an important issue called Assignment of Benefits and provide additional details.

Florida media outlets previously reported on the issue, highlighting claims where AOBs may have inflated damages or may even rise to the level of insurance fraud, which has a cost for Florida consumers. Many Floridians are experiencing homeowners claims involving AOBs.

State Farm has seen an increase in claims with AOBs throughout the state. If you have home damage from the storm, please follow these tips to avoid an AOB mistake:

●If you have a property damage loss in your home, contact State Farm immediately to report the claim, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

●Be careful before signing anything without fully reading the documents. An AOB transfers the payment and many rights of your claim to the vendor or contractor for the services provided or to be provided. This language is often difficult to identify in the documents. Be careful about plumbers referring other companies to you as the vendor may take AOBs. Keep your rights!

●Vendors taking AOBs may be water mitigation companies, roofers or other contractors. Be diligent before signing anything with a vendor/contractor that solicits you directly and advises you to file a homeowner’s claim.

●Preserve all building and/or plumbing materials removed by any contractor or vendor until you speak with State Farm.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: State Farm urges storm preparation for Florida residents

CRESTVIEW — The recreational harvest season for snook is now open statewide.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages anglers to use moderation when determining whether to take a snook home. Gulf snook populations were negatively impacted by a 2010 cold kill.

Gulf snook numbers currently exceed FWC management goals, but the fish are still rebuilding to pre-cold kill levels, which is one of the reasons why it is important to handle fish with care and use moderation when determining whether or not to harvest one.

During the open season, the daily bag limit is one fish per person.

In the Gulf, snook must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 33 inches total length.

In the Atlantic, snook must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 32 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side.

A snook permit, as well as a recreational saltwater license, is required unless the angler is exempt from the recreational license requirements. Snook may be targeted or harvested with hook and line gear only. Snagging is prohibited.

Snook are closed to harvest Dec. 1 through the end of February and May 1 through Aug. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park. In Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, snook is closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 and June 1 through Aug. 31.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Limited harvest for snook in season

CRESTVIEW — The recreational red snapper season in Gulf of Mexico state waters (shore to 9 nautical miles) is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October.

The daily bag limit is two fish per person within the 10-snapper aggregate bag limit. The minimum size limit is 16 inches total length.

The private recreational angler red snapper season in Gulf federal waters was June 1-9 and was extended two days due to Tropical Storm Colin, closing June 12.

The federally permitted charter boat and head boat season for federal waters ran June 1 to July 16 (closing July 17). The federal red snapper season will remain closed during the September-October state season.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gulf recreational red snapper weekends open

BAKER — Thomas Barrow, Baker resident, provided photos of a single lily plant bearing 33 blooms on a 1.5-inch stalk.

"Usually these August lilies have at the most six to eight blooms and the stalk is about five-eighths of an inch round," Barrow said in a note to the News Bulletin.

"My wife, Linda, transplanted six dozen plants from my mom and dad's old home place about a half mile north of our home on Old River Road."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Lily plant in Baker holds 33 blooms (PHOTOS)

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS — As of Sept. 1, Choctawhatchee Electrical Cooperative's fee for credit and debit card payments now costs 95 cents less.

The company negotiated the 95 cent reduction in the fee charged by its credit card processing company to save members more money.

Cost is now $3 per transaction.

Members can pay with their debit or credit card in office, online, by phone.

Members can pay with their debit or credit card in office, online, by phone, or kiosks in DeFuniak Springs, Freeport, Bluewater Bay and Santa Rosa Beach. Those who pay at kiosks in September will be entered to win one of five $50 bill credits.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHELCO reduces fee for credit card payments

CRESTVIEW — The community’s newest apartment complex, devoted specifically to low-income senior citizens, has been open for several months, but this week local officials and business leaders paid a visit.

Katie Manor held its official Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting Aug. 30, after which attendees toured the complex and met residents like Joe Stokes.

The Laurel Hill native praised the independence he has enjoyed since moving in July 11, contrasting it to his residency in an assisted living facility where “they treated us like 5-year-olds.”

“It’s real nice,” Stokes said. “I like it. The main thing I like about this place is you have more freedom.”

The U.S. Army veteran receives regular visits from a Veterans Affairs nurse, which, combined with Katie Manor’s amenities, has improved his outlook on life, family members said.

“This right here is something I always wanted for our family,” Stokes’ sister, Laurel Hill resident Martha Gibson, said.

MEETING A NEED

“It’s truly an honor to have this facility in our community,” chamber of commerce Chairman of the Board Dawn Mann said. “It’s a beautiful complex and I know residents are going to be happy here.”

Florida Housing Finance Corporation Executive Director Steve Auger praised Crestview officials for partnering with Vestcor developers to bring the complex to town.

“There’s a strong need for affordable housing throughout the state,” Auger said. “There’s a lot of local governments where folks have preconceived notions of what affordable housing is.

“They think of some of the older public housing stuff from early federal programs. They get scared of it and they don’t have the will to be open to something like this and see it through.”

50 PERCENT RENTED

After WRH Realty property manager Donna Menchaca snipped the red ribbon, officials toured a model two-bedroom apartment, checking out public rooms and the pool, and eying what turned out to be among the complex’s most popular amenities.

“One of the most prized possessions here is getting one of the garden plots,” WRH regional Director Ken Furtaw said of the 20 or so raised planting beds.

Half of Katie Manor’s 102 units are now occupied, Vestcor’s Ryan Hoover said. Ninety percent of the apartments are for residents with individual or combined annual incomes of about $33,000 or less, while 10 percent are reserved for individuals making less than $16,000 a year, he said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Officials, business leaders tour Katie Manor (PHOTOS)

CRESTVIEW — Tractor Supply Co. in Crestview will celebrate Pet Appreciation Week’s Main Event on Sept. 17.

It will include pet adoptions with community groups, samples, giveaways, drawings for gift cards, and other family-friendly activities.

The pet food company Blue Buffalo will have representation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day at the 320 W. James Lee Blvd. store.

In addition, deals on pet products — from food and treats to toys and crates — will be featured Sept. 14-18.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview pet store sets day of giveaways, samples

CRESTVIEW — Say bye-bye, Buddy’s, sayonara Sapporo and so long, Southern Chic.

While several new businesses will open in the coming months, two eateries and a clothing store are closing their doors. They follow A Scrap in Time, a downtown crafts store that closed in July.

Buddy’s View BBQ’s black trailer pulled out of its location in the Waterfront Mission parking lot in mid-August, while Sapporo, a Main Street restaurant, closed Tuesday.

“It’s sad,” Sapporo owner John J. Cho said. “It’s really sad.”

Cho said he and his partner, Andy Oh, poured a lot of effort into building the restaurant. That included plenty of sweat equity to totally renovate what they described as a run-down restaurant.

“We worked very, very hard,” Cho said. “We thank our beautiful customers for their support over the last year and a half. We had a lot of regular customers.”

Cho and Oh said they want to open in another location, “but not here in Crestview.”

Wednesday, Southern Chic, which specialized in women’s clothing, accessories and Sorrelli jewelry, closes its Ferdon Boulevard South store after six years.

“The main reason is the economy,” owner Michelle Prine said. “The last two years our business has dropped off.”

In an Aug. 19 Facebook post, Buddy’s View BBQ owner Naaman Eicher announced the sale of his drive-thru eatery. The barbecue restaurant, which had been open since February 2015, was named for his son.

“We received an offer we couldn't refuse!” Eicher stated in his post. “We will miss our friends, customers, and the best landlord ever — Waterfront Rescue Mission! We wish you Peace, Luv, BBQ!”

“I received an offer to sell the trailer and accepted it,” Eicher said.  “Upon the sale, the trailer moved out of state.”

Closing his business had an unforeseen benefit for Eicher, a Louisiana native.

“I am currently in Baton Rouge helping with the flooding disaster,” he said. “Four members of my family have had homes destroyed, together with one business and of course, numerous friends have suffered also. 

“I have been helping feed some of the workers and the displaced families in shelters. I believe this situation is worse than Katrina.

“I ask our Crestview friends to please donate to the American Red Cross or the Baton Rouge Foundation.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'It's really sad': 3 Crestview businesses close