PANAMA CITY — The recreational harvest of gray triggerfish will remain closed to harvest in Gulf state and federal waters through Dec. 31, with the season reopening Jan. 1, 2017.

At a meeting earlier this year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved this closure to take place if and when federal waters closed.

Recent stock assessments have indicated that gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico are overfished, which means there are not enough fish for these populations to remain sustainable. The regular annual closed season for gray triggerfish in Gulf waters is June 1 through July 31.

NOAA Fisheries estimates that the 2016 annual catch target for gray triggerfish was met prior to the June 1 through July 31 annual closure. Once the annual catch target is projected to be met, NOAA closes federal waters to harvest for the year.

Harvest overages occurred in 2013, 2014 and 2015; and resulted in shortened federal seasons and limited harvest opportunities for Florida anglers in subsequent years. The 2016 state waters closure is intended to help limit future season closures and rebuild the stock.

To learn more about gray triggerfish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Triggerfish.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NOAA: Gray triggerfish 'overfished'; Gulf season closes

PANAMA CITY — The recreational harvest of greater amberjack will reopen in Gulf state waters Aug. 1, and is closed in Gulf federal waters through Dec. 31.

 Gulf state waters are from shore to 9 nautical miles.

The minimum size limit is 34 inches fork length and the daily bag limit is one fish per person for greater amberjack in Gulf waters.

To learn more about greater amberjack regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Amberjack.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Greater amberjack season opens soon in state waters

NAVARRE — Army of Hope has set a military appreciation picnic to thank military members.

Free food and beverages — including hamburgers, hotdogs and desserts — will be served to active military personnel and the families. A waterslide, face painting, and a bounce house are part of the outing.

The public may attend for a $10 donation per person to support the picnic, which begins at 11 a.m. July 30 at the Holley-Navarre Elks Lodge No. 2787, 2002 Elks Way, Navarre (behind the Shrimp Basket).

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Group schedules military appreciation picnic

LAUREL HILL — A celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Milton Memorial Birthing Center is in August.

The center — which the late Gladys Milton, a midwife, opened in 1976 — still serves the community, with her daughter Maria, as its administrator.

The celebration starts at 2 p.m. Aug. 14 with dinner, followed by the anniversary program, at the center, 952 Flowersview Blvd.

For more information, contact Maria Milton at 834-2946. You may also visit the center's website at http://miltonmemorialbirthingcenter.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Milton Memorial Birthing Center observes 40th anniversary

DESTIN — The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation is now accepting applications for the Adult Collaborative Art Exhibit component of the 21st annual Festival of the Arts at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin.

One of the unique features of the Festival is the Collaborative Art Exhibit, which showcases the work of seasoned and emerging adult artists and local student artists competing for the $600 McIlroy Awards given in honor of the late Patricia McIlroy, Destin’s first First Lady and an MKAF advocate and patron.

Artwork should be of an artistic caliber associated with a juried fine art show. Artists in the Adult Collaborative Exhibit can display and/or sell up to three pieces of artwork.

 The competition is open to the first 25 eligible applicants. The entry fee is $30 per person for up to three pieces of art.  Application deadline is Thursday, Sept. 15.  The festival is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 29 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 30  at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, 4323 Commons Drive W, Destin.

To receive an application, contact Deb Nissley, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, at 650-2226.

To make a tax-deductible donation or provide a corporate sponsorship; or for more information about the Festival of the Arts, visit http://www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org or call 650-2226.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mattie Kelly foundation seeks artists for its annual festival

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida — Auburn Water System of Crestview is featured in the August edition of Florida Trend magazine.

The firm ranked 17 in the Small Companies section of 100 Best Companies to Work For, as determined by the magazine and Best Companies Group.

To participate, companies or government entities had to employ at least 15 workers in Florida and have been in operation for at least one year.

Companies that participated were evaluated on workplace policies, practices, philosophies, systems and demographics, as well as an employee satisfaction survey. The combined scores determined the top companies and their final rankings.

"Top companies provide excellent pay, health insurance, 401k plans, and other 'hard' benefits, but they also offer the leadership and communications that encourage employees to participate in the organization's overall success," Florida Trend Publisher Andy Corty said.

To see the entire list, go to www.FloridaTrend.com/BestCompanies.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Auburn Water System is among '100 Best Companies to Work For'

CRESTVIEW — In case you missed it, here are a few of the events scheduled in the next couple of days, either in North Okaloosa County or Crestview-specific.

●'The Wizard of Oz': 7 p.m. July 29, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. July 30, Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. Cost is $5 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade; $10 for adults; and free for and free for age 5 and younger.  Presented by Ten Talents Youth Theatre of Crestview. Tickets: 826-3409 or www.tentalentscrestview.com.

●No Child Without Healthcare Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 30, Crestview High School, 1304 Ferdon Blvd. N. Free healthcare for children ages 18 and under. Parents or guardians must accompany children during the event. Doors open at 9:15 a.m.; registration to see a doctor ends at 1 p.m. Free exams by medical providers such as vision, dental and mental health specialists, lunch, Medicaid signups and health organization booths. Details: Bazine McDonald, 803-1569 or bworthy@cox.net, and Aisha Morris, 830-3843 or aishakmorris@gmail.com.

●Golf scramble benefit for Crestview Area Youth Association: Registration is 7:30 a.m. July 30 at Emerald Bay Golf Club, 4781 Clubhouse Drive, Destin. Cost for the four-person scramble is $100 per player or $400 per team. It includes green fee and cart, a lunch by 98 Bar-B-Que; a raffle ticket, tee gift, Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin contest. Benefits CAYA football and cheerleader programs. For more information contact Stephanie Marracco, 612-6898; Terry Jackson, 281-4916; Bud Tipton, 813-304-4650; or contactcaya@gmail.com.

●Night at the Museum-Hub City: 7 p.m. July 30, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Museum tour of the Heritage Museum's Crestview history items, focus on its 100th anniversary, a food and wine tasting (adults only), and the city's historical moments enacted by members of the Emerald Coast Theatre company. Cost starts at $29 per person (group rate); reservations available at http://conta.cc/2a9PyAf.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ICYMI: Events ending soon in or about the Crestview community

CRESTVIEW — With Main Street a PokeStop, downtown businesses have capitalized on the Pokemon craze.

Crestview Pokémon Center set up an area for players of the interactive video game who thronged downtown after it became a gathering place for the elusive animated creatures.

Players can take a break, recharge their smartphones — the game consumes lots of battery power — use the bathroom and have snacks and drinks at the outdoor food court south of Desi’s.

And besides, who knows how many Pokemon are lurking there?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Downtown business owner capitalizes on Pokemon craze

CRESTVIEW — For the second year in a row, a local pitmaster will express his gratitude to Crestview firefighters who saved his fledgling business from a fire.

Naaman Eicher, owner of Buddy’s View BBQ, will offer local firefighters free barbecue lunches Friday in gratitude for their quick response to a July 29, 2014, fire that delayed his planned Aug. 1 opening.

“It reached 900 degrees in there quickly, but they popped that door open and charged in,” Eicher said. “They risk their lives every day and the public doesn’t give much thought to it sometimes.”

Though the fire damaged one end of the trailer from which his business operates in the Waterfront Mission parking lot, most of the unit was saved.

After a several-month delay, Buddy’s View opened later that year.

“Red Lives Matter and particularly fire department personnel and members of the Crestview Fire Department that risk their lives every day,” Eicher said.

Eicher said the public is invited to attend the noon lunch and meet — and thank — Crestview firefighters. Free BBQ hot dogs will be served to the public.

“Those guys will always have my appreciation,” Eicher said of the firefighters.

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WANT TO GO?

What: Red Lives Matter BBQ lunch

Where: Buddy’s View BBQ, 1975 Ferdon Blvd. S, in the Waterfront Mission parking lot

When: Noon July 29

Notes: Free barbecue lunches for Crestview Fire Department personnel; free BBQ hotdogs for the public

What: Red Lives Matter BBQ lunch

Where: Buddy’s View BBQ, 1975 Ferdon Blvd. S, in the Waterfront Mission parking lot

When: Noon July 29

Notes: Free barbecue lunches for Crestview Fire Department personnel; free BBQ hotdogs for the public

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Red Lives Matter': Crestview businessman thanks firefighters

BAKER — The American Cancer Society has more money to assist its goal of eradicating cancer.

As they have for the past three years, Old Spanish Trail Pro Rodeo and Baker Area Recreation Association presented the organization with a check for $1,000 toward "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" for the Emerald Coast on July 26 in Baker.

BARA recognizes "Pink Night" at their Saturday night Baker rodeo which is held each year in Baker.

BARA's involvement is joined by many other rodeos throughout the county where Saturday nights are Pink Night for breast cancer awareness.

Mark Todd, BARA president, challenges all other organizations to join the fight against cancer. "Together we can contribute to fight against cancer. Monies donated to the American Cancer Society stay here in our area to help locals who are battling cancer," Todd said.

"American Cancer Society encourages all women to have an annual mammogram; you have a greater chance to cure breast cancer if it is detected early," he said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker Recreation, rodeo organizers donate to American Cancer Society