CRESTVIEW — The guest speaker at the next meeting of the Crestview Writers Group is Bob Newkirk, who will address the do's and don'ts of writing,  queries, synopsis and publishing.

Newkirk recently completed a six-year journey in writing his book, “Life Beneath a Cemetery 1862.”

The meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, May 23 at the Crestview library, 1445 Commerce Drive.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview writers meeting focuses on publishing and more

CRESTVIEW — The renovations at Arby's Restaurant are complete, and the company is planning a grand opening to celebrate its new look.

The Crestview restaurant is the first Arby's to undergo renovations for the brand's Inspire design, reflecting its new look and direction. The revitalized look includes updates to the interior and exterior, such as a fresh new color palate, strong geometric shapes and elements, renewed materials and subway tiling.

The public is invited to the opening, which is 3 p.m. May 13 at 3900 S. Ferdon Blvd.

Area residents may also join the Arby's Extras program at www.Arbys.com/get-deals at this location.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ribbon cutting is May 13 for newly renovated Arby's

GAINESVILLE — New research from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers shows birds may be avoiding habitats near noisy highways because they can’t hear fellow birds’ alarms that warn them of attacking hawks or owls.

Some highways cut through or run along natural areas, and researchers know that wild birds often make their homes away from those highways, but they don’t know why.

UF/IFAS researchers tested whether highway noise could be interfering with bird communication. Results of their study suggest too much noise around these highways keeps birds from hearing warnings from fellow birds about predators in the area, and that puts them at a higher risk of being eaten. It is also possible that the birds are hearing the alarms, but are too distracted by the noise to respond to them.

The researchers caution that they did not establish a causal link between highway noise and bird population reductions, although noise-disrupting alarm calls is a compelling possibility.

“Conservation of bird species should include decreasing noise in sensitive wildlife areas,” said Aaron Grade, who led the study as part of his master’s thesis in the UF/IFAS wildlife ecology and conservation department.

Grade and his graduate adviser, UF/IFAS wildlife ecology and conservation professor Katie Sieving, tested the abilities of northern cardinals to hear the predator alarm of tufted titmice by playing alarm calls to cardinals through speakers in both noisy and quiet locations in Florida state parks. They found that noise from vehicles along the busy highways often drowns out the alarms emitted by birds. Researchers went to Florida state forests near Interstate 75 and U.S. 441 in Alachua, Marion and Columbia counties to test whether highway noise could interfere with bird communication.

Northern cardinals and tufted titmice are two abundant bird species in the woods of eastern North America. Many bird and mammal species rely on information from tufted titmice calls to detect and respond to dangerous predators. This causes important information networks to form around tufted titmouse communication. Normally, northern cardinals listen to tufted titmouse predator alarm calls and will typically respond by fleeing or freezing until the danger passes.

But when tested near noisy roads, cardinals failed to respond to titmouse alarm calls, suggesting that the noise may prevent cardinals from escaping when there are dangerous predators around, Sieving said.

“Our work suggests that disruption of animal communication networks could hinder natural behaviors of wildlife and help explain patterns of reduced biodiversity near roadways,” said Grade, now a doctoral student at the University of Massachusetts.

Brad Buck is a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences science writer.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: University of Florida study: Highway noise deters communication between birds

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public workshop for the Brooks Bridge Replacement Study.

The event is 5:30-6:30 p.m. May 17 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE.

Proposed improvements include replacing the Brooks Bridge and associated intersection improvements necessary at Perry Avenue in Fort Walton Beach, and in the vicinity of Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island. The project is in the study phase and is not funded for right-of-way acquisition or construction.

FDOT representatives will be available to discuss the project and answer questions. Maps, drawings and other project information will be on display.

A presentation for those who can't attend in person is set May 17-31 at http://www.brooksbridgereplacement.com.

People may submit comments via U.S. mail to April Williams, FDOT Project Manager, FDOT Environmental Management Office, 1074 Highway 90, Chipley, FL 32428; phone, 888-638-0250, ext. 1625; or email, april.williams@dot.state.fl.us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Brooks Bridge alternatives public workshop is May 17

FORT WALTON BEACH — A 9/11 International Memorial Flag traveling exhibit for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the US will arrive Friday at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport.

It will be presented to community leaders and airport personnel upon its arrival.

The public may attend the exhibit's unveiling 1 p.m. May 16 in the airport lobby, 1701 State Road 85 N, Eglin Air Force Base. Parking is free for the event.

Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Kelly Windes said, “This is quite an honor for Eglin, the Destin-FWB Airport, as well as our visitors and residents, to have this flag on exhibit until it goes to its final resting place in September at the 9/11 Museum in New York City.

"We encourage emergency responders, police, deputies, firemen and our military to come out for this moving tribute to this flag and our nation,” said Airports Director Tracy Stage.

“It is appropriate that our joint use airport was selected to exhibit the 9/11 International Memorial Flag, where it can be viewed among the other tributes to our military in and around VPS. Okaloosa County is home to the men and women who have fought terrorism since the tragic events on that fateful day in 2001,” said OCC Vice-Chair Carolyn Ketchel.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 9/11 memorial flag ceremony is May 16 at NWF Regional Airport (VIDEO)

FORT WALTON BEACH —Children in Crisis has extra support for its programs benefiting at-risk children. Bit Wizards donated $360 to the nonprofit organization.

"The donation helped provide our children in need with school summer vacation activities and a BIG SMILE!  The donation truly made a difference and we are very thankful," Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, said.

The CIC Neighborhood in Fort Walton Beach provides emergency shelter for children removed from an unsafe environment on short notice, and offers housing to help with foster home shortage. 

Learn more at www.childrenincrisisfl.org or call 864-4242.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bit Wizards makes Children in Crisis donation

CRESTVIEW — Here are a few events happening this week:

●'Crestview Through the Century' lecture by Pat Hollarn, noon May 13 at Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. RSVP for the free lecture at 678-2615 due to limited space.

●Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours is 6:30 p.m. May 12 at CCB Community Bank, 1290 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview. Includes free dinner catered by Jeff Jones "Boudreaux's" and a drink. Bring your business card for a chance to win a$250 MasterCard gift card. Must be present to win.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ICYMI: Crestview-based events include centennial lecture, business networking

CRESTVIEW — As part of her article on how helpful biographies can be for a reader, Crestview reference librarian Sandra Dreaden recommended the books listed below.

“And the Good News Is . . . Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side” by Dana Perino. Perino writes a buoyant, insightful memoir, describing her childhood in Denver; years in the George W. Bush administration, in which she served as press secretary from 2007 to 2009; and her success as a TV pundit. She also gives excellent advice for those aspiring to media careers.

“Keep Moving and Other Tips and Truths About Aging” by Dick Van Dyke. Show-business legend Dick Van Dyke is living proof that life does get better the longer you live it. Who better to offer instruction, advice, and humor than someone who’s entering his ninth decade with a jaunty two-step?

His optimistic outlook is an invigorating tonic for anyone who needs a reminder that life should be lived with enthusiasm, despite what the calendar says.

“Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story” by Rick Bragg. For nearly 60 years, Jerry Lee Lewis has been a monumental figure in American life. The wildest and most dangerous of the early rock and rollers, he electrified the world with hit records such as “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and “Breathless.”

Now, for the first time, Lewis’s story is told in its full human complexity, as he shared it over two years with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Rick Bragg. The result is a story of fire and faith and resilience, informed by Bragg’s deep understanding of the American spirit, and rich with Jerry Lee’s own unforgettable voice.

“Laura Ingalls Wilder, Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography” by Pamela Smith Hill, editor. Having grown up 25 miles from “Little Town on the Prairie,” DeSmet, South Dakota, I love anything Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Hidden away since the 1930s, Wilder’s never-before-published autobiography reveals the true stories of her pioneering life. Some of her experiences will be familiar; some will be a surprise. “Pioneer Girl” re-introduces readers to the woman who defined the pioneer experience for millions of people around the world.

It also contains 125 images, eight fully researched maps, and hundreds of annotations based on numerous primary sources, including census data, county, state, and federal records, and newspapers of the period.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview reference librarian recommends these biographies

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans-owned and -based GLO will expand its non-stop service from the VPS Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport to New Orleans in the summer months.

The Corporate Flight Management, Inc. startup will offer non-stop service from VPS to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport beginning June 24.

Monday and Friday service is through Sept. 5, with introductory "GLOForIt" $99 fares (round-trip required). Tax, fees and three checked bags are included in the fare structure.

Friday schedule

●Depart MSY (New Orleans) at 1 p.m. CT, arrive at VPS at 2:05 p.m. CT

●Depart VPS at 2:35 p.m. CT, and arrive at MSY at 3:40 p.m. CT.

Monday schedule

●Depart MSY at 10:40 a.m. CT, arrive at VPS 11:45 a.m. CT

●Depart VPS at 12:15 p.m. CT, arrive at MSY at 1:20 p.m. Ct.

Flight dates

●June 24 and 27

●July 1 and 4

●July 8 and 11

●Aug. 5 and 8

●Aug. 12 and 15

●Sept. 2 and 5

"The route between Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Little Rock launched with a great response. Now that schools are winding down and Southerners are looking to book weekend getaways and summer vacations, we have received a quick uptick in requests for service between Destin-Fort Walton Beach and New Orleans," said Trey Fayard, GLO’s founder and CEO.

"A select flight schedule will operate on Friday and Mondays and accommodate both the weekend traveler and those looking to getaway for a full week of vacation."

The company began seasonal air service between VPS and Little Rock’s Clinton National Airport on March 25.

To book flights and find out more, visit FlyGLO.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: GLO offers non-stop Northwest Florida flights to New Orleans

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. — The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors chairman has greater insight on national security matters after attending a military forum.

Marian McBryde, who received a personal invitation from the Secretary of the Air Force, attended the 63rd annual National Security Forum May 3-5 at Air War College on Maxwell Air Force Base.

The event exposed influential citizens to senior U.S. and international officers and civilian equivalents. They exchanged ideas and perspectives on Air Force, national and international security issues. McBryde attended lectures, met in seminars for in-depth discussions and participated in social events.

Approximately 160 U.S. civilian business, education and government leaders met with senior military leaders to explore national security issues. The NSF provided an opportunity for an open, candid exchange of ideas among these guests, senior military and civilian leaders, and Air War College students.

The Air War College is the senior professional development school in the Air Force officer education system as a part of Air University. AWC educates selected senior officers to lead at the strategic level in the employment of air and space forces. Its curriculum focuses on coalition warfighting and national security issues, with emphasis on the effective employment of aerospace forces in joint and combined combat operations.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview chamber official attends national security forum