CRESTVIEW — Here is a list of upcoming events in our area.

SISTER CITY PIQUE-NIQUE: noon May 11 at Twin Hills Park, 100 Hathaway St., Crestview, in the southeast picnic pavilion. Bring a dish to share, and learn more about the program and Crestview's relationship with Noirmoutier, France.

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR: 9 a.m. to noon June 1, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce event includes free health and wellness screenings, health education and demonstrations; door prizes, family entertainment and a snack bar. Call 682-3212 for more information.

CRESTVIEW FALL FESTIVAL 2019: 1-6 p.m. Oct. 26, Main Street, Crestview. Free event consists of vendor booths with activities and games for attendees. It includes a popular costume contests for humans and pets, as well as a pet parade at 2 p.m.

RECURRING

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall, 8209 Highway 85 N, Laurel Hill.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: DFDC now meets 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 5 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA: Office hours at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Drive, by appointment. Registration begins in April for summer and fall terms. UWF offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola and online. Call 863-6550 for questions or an appointment. 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. www.crestviewchamber.com.

HEALTH FAIR VENDORS, SPONSORS: The chamber seeks sponsors and vendors for its upcoming health fair, 9 a.m. to noon June 1 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Call 682-3212 for more information.

BREAKFAST SPONSORS: for 2019 sought. Contact Tim at 682-3212.

HERITAGE MUSEUM ACTIVITIES

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso.

BOBBIN LACE & TATTERS GROUP: 1 p.m. first Saturdays at the museum.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's happening in North Okaloosa County

CRESTVIEW — National Police Week is May 13-19. The Crestview Police Department will have a service recognizing officers who died while protecting their communities, and honor those who continue to serve in Crestview.

The ceremony, open to the public, is 6:15 a.m. May 13 at the flagpole outside the Whitehurst Building/Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. The CPD Chaplaincy Division will conduct the brief service.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview police to have National Police Week service

CRESTVIEW — Here is a list of upcoming events in our area.

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4, Main Street, Crestview. Includes 8 a.m. 7K fun run, and appreciation event begins at 10 a.m. Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, Life Flight organizers and other groups will be present as well. Event sponsorships are available through the Main Street  website.

PUBLIC SAFETY DAY: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 4, Main Street in Crestview. Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, Life Flight will be among the agencies present. See a fire truck up close, or the tools safety personnel use in their work. Agencies may also compete against each other in various activities.

SISTER CITY PIQUE-NIQUE: noon May 11 at Twin Hills Park, 100 Hathaway St., Crestivew, in the southeast picnic pavilion. Bring a dish to share, and learn more about the program and Crestview's relationship with Noirmoutier, France.

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR: 9 a.m. to noon June 1, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce event includes free health and wellness screenings, health education and demonstrations; door prizes, family entertainment and a snack bar. Call 682-3212 for more information.

CRESTVIEW FALL FESTIVAL 2019: 1-6 p.m. Oct. 26, Main Street, Crestview. Free event consists of vendor booths with activities and games for attendees. It includes a popular costume contests for humans and pets, as well as a pet parade at 2 p.m.

RECURRING

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall, 8209 Highway 85 N, Laurel Hill.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: DFDC now meets 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 5 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA: Office hours at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Drive, by appointment. Registration begins in April for summer and fall terms. UWF offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola and online. Call 863-6550 for questions or an appointment. 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. www.crestviewchamber.com.

HEALTH FAIR VENDORS, SPONSORS: The chamber seeks sponsors and vendors for its upcoming health fair, 9 a.m. to noon June 1 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Call 682-3212 for more information.

BREAKFAST SPONSORS: for 2019 sought. Contact Tim at 682-3212.

HERITAGE MUSEUM ACTIVITIES

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso.

BOBBIN LACE & TATTERS GROUP: 1 p.m. first Saturdays at the museum.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's happening in North Okaloosa County

There are five species of sea turtles that nest from May through August on Florida beaches, with hatching stretching out until October.

The loggerhead, green turtle and the leatherback all nest regularly in the Panhandle, with the loggerhead being the most frequent visitor. Two other species, the hawksbill and Kemp’s Ridley, nest infrequently.

All five species are threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Due to that status, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/Fish and Wildlife Research Institute monitors sea turtle nesting activity on an annual basis.

Annual total nest counts for loggerhead sea turtles on Florida’s index beaches fluctuate widely and scientists do not yet understand fully what drives these changes.

From 2011 to 2018, an average of 106,625 sea turtle nests (all species combined) were recorded annually on these monitored beaches. In 2018, there was a slight decrease, with only 96,945 nests recorded statewide. This is not a true reflection of all of the sea turtle nests each year in Florida, as it doesn’t cover every beach, but it gives a good indication of nesting trends and distribution of species.

To learn more about turtles and possibly watch a female loggerhead turtle nest on the beach, join a permitted public turtle watch, set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays from June through October. They include an orientation. Email ECTurtleWatch@gmail.com for more information or to sign up. An event page is at facebook.com/FloridasEmeraldCoast.

To see a sea turtle in the Florida Panhandle, visit one of the state-permitted captive sea turtle facilities listed below. Admission fees may be charged. Call the number listed for more information.

• Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, 222 Clark Drive, Panacea; 850-984-5297.
• Gulf World Marine Park, 15412 Front Beach Road, Panama City; 850-234-5271.
• Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach; 850-243-9046 or 800-247-8575.
• Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Center, 8740 Gulf Blvd., Navarre; 850-499-6774.

Laura Tiu 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: Sea turtle nesting season begins

PAXTON — Five Paxton School elementary students traveled to Houston, Texas, last week with 15,000 robotics students from across the U.S. and 40 countries for the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Championship Houston, which includes competitions for students in elementary, middle and high school divisions. Paxton’s students, ranging in age from pre-kindergarten to third grade, were selected to represent the 137 teams in their 16-county region of the Florida Panhandle based on their work on their “Mission Moon” project.

The young STEM students are members of the school’s FIRST Lego League, Jr. team self-named “Lunar Cats” and have been meeting since September to learn about the moon and what is needed to live there through hands-on activities. They then used their knowledge to build a moon base out of Legos that solved all of the problems humans would encounter on a long-term mission. Their build included coding two robots to deliver materials from their rocket and to push ice from the moon’s surface to the moon base for melting and provision of liquid water to the base.

“Each year FIRST chooses a theme for the year’s building and coding project and the kids were excited to investigate the moon this year by making craters with rocks and flour, visiting the moon with the Apollo 11 astronauts through virtual reality, and lots of other fun activities,” said team coach and fourth grade teacher Sheryl Evans. “The focus of our program is really three-fold: science, engineering and coding, and communication skills.”

In Houston, Paxton’s students gathered with 60 other FIRST Lego League, Jr. teams where so-called “soft skills” were emphasized. The team, in only their third year, participated in interviews by a panel of FIRST reviewers and presented their Lego moon base and display board at the World Expo for other teams and visitors from around the world to visit.

The Lunar Cats team received the “Explore and Design” award at the World Expo for their work, but Evans says that wasn’t the real prize. “Watching these young kids confidently answer questions about their design from the Australian team at the next table, shake hands and exchange swag with team members and their chaperones from the Ukraine, or giggle about something silly with the kids from the Vietnamese team, that’s when you see the process come full circle.”

“Science and engineering doesn’t exist in a vacuum. When students know their science, can build and code a solution using critical thinking skills, and then have the confidence to share that knowledge with others … that’s when we’re really preparing our students for real life.”

In the closing ceremonies held at Minute Maid Park, home to the Houston Astros, thousands of students listened as Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST, concurred with Evans, “We can’t build the future for our children. We must build our children for the future.”

FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Paxton's junior robotics team attends World Expo

CRESTVIEW — Here is a list of upcoming events in our area.

DAY OF DNA: The Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County is sponsoring a day of presentations on the use of DNA for genealogy from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 27 at the Robert L Sikes Public Library in Crestview. Kristina Clever, of Clever Genetic Ancestry, will be the guest speaker. Seating is limited and registration is required. Email gsocgsig@gmail.com.

CRESTVIEW ROTARY ROUNDUP: 6-9:30 p.m. May 3, Barnhill Arena, Baker Area Recreation Association, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker. All proceeds benefit the club's outreach programs from nonprofit charities to educational support. Guest speaker is retired Cold Edward Hubbard, and former prisoner of war in Vietnam.Details: crestviewrotary@outlook.com.

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4, Main Street, Crestview. Includes 8 a.m. 7K fun run, and appreciation event begins at 10 a.m. Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, Life Flight organizers and other groups will be present as well. Event sponsorships are available through the Main Street  website.

PUBLIC SAFETY DAY: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 4 on Main Street in Crestview. Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, Life Flight will be among the agencies present. See a fire truck up close, or the tools safety personnel use in their work. Agencies may also compete against each other in various activities.

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR: 9 a.m. to noon June 1, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce event includes free health and wellness screenings, health education and demonstrations; door prizes, family entertainment and a snack bar. Call 682-3212 for more information.

CRESTVIEW FALL FESTIVAL 2019: 1-6 p.m. Oct. 26, Main Street, Crestview. Free event consists of vendor booths with activities and games for attendees. It includes a popular costume contests for humans and pets, as well as a pet parade at 2 p.m.

RECURRING

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall, 8209 Highway 85 N, Laurel Hill.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: DFDC now meets 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 5 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA: Office hours at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Drive, by appointment. Registration begins in April for summer and fall terms. UWF offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola and online. Call 863-6550 for questions or an appointment. 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. www.crestviewchamber.com.

CHAMBER AFTER HOURS: Chamber members may attend free 4:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. April 11 yoga classes or 7:30 p.m. April 11 Open House at Grateful Hearts Yoga, 5719 State Road 85 N, Crestview. Light refreshments will be served at the open house. RSVP your attendance to Tim or Grace, gratefulheartsyogastudio@gmail.com. Limited class spots are available.

HEALTH FAIR VENDORS, SPONSORS: The chamber seeks sponsors and vendors for its upcoming health fair, 9 a.m. to noon June 1 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Call 682-3212 for more information.

BREAKFAST SPONSORS: for 2019 sought. Contact Tim at 682-3212.

HERITAGE MUSEUM ACTIVITIES

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso.

BOBBIN LACE & TATTERS GROUP: 1 p.m. first Saturdays at the museum.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's happening in North Okaloosa County