CRESTVIEW — With such a large number of women becoming increasingly interested in the shooting sports and self-defense, the need for proper training and education is great.

In an industry which has been male-dominated and focused for so long, it's important for women to feel comfortable and supported in their quest to practice and learn. To that end, Armed Lady, LLC is introducing Premier Shooting Chapters across the nation, with a new chapter starting soon in Crestview.

The Crestview chapter — spearheaded by Connie Harrison and Jocelyn Hancock, local female gun enthusiasts and NRA certified instructors — is open to women age 18 and up of all experience levels who are interested in learning more about shooting, self-defense and personal protection.

Monthly two-hour events are planned, with one hour of educational content, followed by one hour of practical range time. For those under 18, additional parental participation and permission are required.

The group is partners with Shoal River Sporting Clays & Shooting Center, the host range for the events.  

Participants are required to pay any applicable range fees and costs of ammunition or firearm rentals.

Annual chapter membership dues of $50 offers members access to monthly events and a membership packet with a chapter t-shirt, lanyard, and member information. First-time attendees may attend a meeting prior to joining.

The first meeting is 5 p.m. May 17 at Shoal River Sporting Clays & Shooting Center, 3985 US Highway 90 East, Crestview. Reservations are required.

Contact Jocelyn Hancock at J.Hancock@armedlady.com, Connie Harrison at C.Harrison@armedlady.com  or visit www.armedlady.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview chapter forms for female gun enthusiasts

CRESTVIEW — The annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive to help local food pantries is May 14 in Northwest Florida.

Every second Saturday in May, letter carriers in more than 10,000 cities and towns across America collect nonperishable food items left by their postal customers, who participate in the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive.

Area residents who wish to participate may place their food donations in a bag or box next to their mailbox before the letter carrier delivers mail May 14.

The donations are picked up as the letter carriers complete their regular mail routes and then delivered to the food banks.

United Way Partner Agencies participating in this food drive are The Arc of the Emerald Coast, Sharing & Caring centers in Crestview, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville, COPE Center, The Salvation Army, S4P Synergy, Meals on Wheels, Fresh Start, Children in Crisis, Catholic Charities and Harvest House. 

Last year, the letter carriers with the United Way and volunteers collected over 160,000 pounds of food in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Stamp Out Hunger food drive set May 14 in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Sister City Program is hosting a spring picnic and information session.

The event is 12-2 p.m. May 7 at Twin Hills Park on Purl Adams Avenue.

Anyone interested in learning about the program and Crestview's Sister City relationship with Noirmoutier, France, are welcome.

Plans for the October visit by 43 guests from Noirmoutier will be discussed.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Sister City group plans picnic, information session

Need something to do this weekend? Check out these events:

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

NICEVILLE — The inaugural Miss Okaloosa County Pageant crowned five young women in a crown and sash ceremony on April 29.

The Teen Miss winner is Isabella Reyes, daughter of Diane and Bobby Reyes of Crestview.

Also taking the honors are Tiny Miss, Karley Odom, daughter of Chris and Tammy Kelley-Odom, Destin; Little Miss, Tessa Marino, daughter of Greg and Sarah Marino, Destin; Young Miss, Erin Zimmerman,  daughter of Jarrod and Amanda Eckert, Fort Walton Beach; Junior Miss, Riley Cleveland, daughter of Jerrett and Mindy Cleveland, Niceville; Jessi Miceli, a junior at Niceville High School, was crowned Miss Okaloosa County. She is the daughter of Phillipe and Gail Miceli, Niceville.

 The Miss Okaloosa County Pageant is an opportunity for young women to learn, boost, and polish their communication skills, confidence levels, and appreciation for the multiplicity of Okaloosa County.

During their year, the queens will meet, and learn from the men and women who make up the county’s agrarian sectors, entrepreneurs, private business men and women, industrialists; health care professionals, and Okaloosa County’s many active duty and retired military members and those who work in support of them; as well as those in the tourism and hospitality trade.

Teen Miss, Isabella Reyes, attends Davidson Middle School in Crestview where she is a member of the Davidson Diamonds Dance Team and attended the Davidson Writer’s Camp. She is a member of the award winning Triple Threat Competitive Dance Team. She was recently cast as Dorothy in an upcoming production of "The Wizard of Oz." She draws and collects memorabilia of The Flash and Night Wing comic characters. Isabella is the daughter of Diane and Bobby Reyes, and big sister to Brandon. 

Miss Okaloosa County queens chose the “Boot Campaign” as their philanthropic platform for 2016-2017. Their “Boots on the Beach” event is coming soon.

The Boot Campaign mission is to promote patriotism for America and the 1,360,000 active duty military members; raise awareness of the unique challenges service members face during and post-service; and provide assistance to military personnel, past and present, and their families. 

Miss Okaloosa County queens chose the campaign as it provides an outlet for them to promote awareness, patriotism and support for Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt and Duke Fields, the U.S. Army Ranger Camp, and the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal School.

The Miss Okaloosa County pageant is under the direction of Paula Stokes-Kelley, Niceville, a nationally certified pageant judge and coach.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Miss Okaloosa County pageant winners include Crestview resident

The Florida Department of Transportation alerts the public of the following changes in Okaloosa traffic conditions.

●8 p.m. to 6 a.m. May 1-5 Interstate 10 resurfacing. Intermittent and alternating lane closures east and westbound between the Santa Rosa County line and east of the County Road 189 (Holt exit). Drivers are reminded the speed limit will be reduced to 60 MPH in the active work zone.

●6 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 2-7 U.S. Highway 90 resurfacing:  East and westbound lane closures from west of the Shoal River Bridge to the Walton County line as crews perform construction activities.

●6 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 2-7 U.S. 90 resurfacing: Eastbound and westbound lane closures from west of Summertime Drive to Old River Road as paving operations continue.

These are the changes in Walton county traffic conditions.

●6 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 2-5 I-10 Resurfacing: Intermittent east and westbound lane closures from west of Boy Scout Road to east of U.S. Highway 331.

●7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2-6 Mack Bayou Road: Intermittent lane closures at intersection of U.S. Highway 98 proceeding north as crews perform video inspection of storm drain pipe.

●7 p.m. to 6 a.m. May 5, U.S. Highway 331 Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge (Clyde B. Wells Bridge). Northbound travel lane closed immediately north of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge to reposition concrete barrier wall for an upcoming traffic shift. Traffic flaggers will be positioned to safely direct drivers through the work zone.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling in a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa and Walton traffic changes continue

CRESTVIEW — Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Spirit Night is 4:30-8 p.m. May 25.  

Dog Pound members will host, serve and bus tables to help raise money for the Crestview High School football team’s transportation costs to away games this season. 

Beef’s will donate a portion of that night’s sales to the Dog Pound.  

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High School Spirit Night set May 25

CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School is now accepting Hall of Fame nominations. 

To be considered for induction, nominees must have graduated at least 10 years ago and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and athletic accomplishments.  

Verifiable information must accompany all submissions. If possible, also supply the nominee’s contact information, though this is not a requirement.

You may resubmit previous nominations for consideration, a CHS spokesperson said.

June 3 is the application submission deadline. Deliver applications to CHS’s front office or email them to Coach Tim Hatten, tim.hatten@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High Hall of Fame nominations sought

Back in his NBA playing days, teammates thought Tom Hammonds was crazy when he’d peel off to the book store before road trips to pick up reading material on martial arts.

Who did this 6-foot-9, 220-pound man think he was? Bruce Lee? Jackie Chan?

His frame, nor did his basketball routes, fit the mold.

Of course, everyone said the same thing when drag racing caught his eye in the late ’90s.

This is Hammonds, though, the consummate athlete.

A man who led Crestview to a 3A state championship in 1985 as a McDonald’s All-American.

A man who was named ACC and NCAA Rookie of the Year at Georgia Tech, where he twice earned All-ACC honors and was an All-American.

A man drafted by the Washington Bullets with the ninth pick in the 1989 draft, which paved the way for a successful 12-year NBA run before retiring in 2001 with 3,686 points and 2,287 rebounds.

“Hambone” and “The Terminator,” people called him.

A man who was a driver in the National Hot Rod Association Pro Stock series, finishing second in the 1996 Mopar Parts Mile High Nationals before establishing the Race For Achievement program to promote racing, leadership, education and sportsmanship for teenage students.

And now, he’s a man with a 20-0 Jiu Jitsu record, accented by a slew of accolades: International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation Pan Am gold medal, a World Championship at Blue Belt and, most recently, a World Championship at Purple Belt.

“When I finished drag racing, I needed something to fill that competitive fire,” Hammonds said. “I’ve always loved martial arts, and my oldest son was a Taekwondo world champion when he was about 14, 15 years old, so I’d always been involved with it. I just never participated in it.”

When he began to, people were in awe of his size.

“Jiu Jitsu is specifically for a smaller person, to be able to overcome a bigger person,” said Hammonds, who now weighs around 275 pounds. “They don’t expect a bigger person to learn it and then beat everybody. When I first started training, people didn’t understand it. But I learned, got better and it’s taken off.”

Already a member of the All Sports Association Hall of Fame and a Professional of the Year winner in 1999, Hammonds’ latest passion earned him another ASA honor: Amateur of the Year.

“It’s been awhile since I’ve been called an amateur,” Hammonds laughed. “Probably since high school or college.”

His versatility within the ASA runs hand in hand with his success across multiple venues as an athlete, one whose résumé is the benchmark for area basketball players. One who continues to serve as a role model, inspiring athletes that you don’t have to fit a certain mold.

“I love sports, but I think the biggest thing is no matter what I’ve tried to do, I work hard at it,” Hammonds said. “The biggest message I tell people is ‘You can do anything in life as long as you work for it.’

“I think the biggest compliment I’ve ever received is from Coach (Bobby) Cremins, and he’ll be here this weekend. He always said I was the hardest-working player he’s ever had, and that’s transitioned into whatever I do, whether in business, Jiu Jitsu, drag racing or basketball.”

So what’s next, Tom?

“I’m enjoying what I do, just progressing belts,” he said. “But you never know.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: This Crestview man is the All Sports Association's Amateur of the Year

CRESTVIEW — Though construction is ongoing, Saturday’s visitors will get a glimpse of Katie Manor’s many amenities, the affordable senior apartment complex manager said.

While the 102-unit complex won’t be ready for occupancy until the beginning of July, its many public rooms’ generous proportions and high ceilings are already apparent. Passing through the atrium lobby and into the sunken dining area and adjacent activity and game room, visitors will have views of what will be a community garden to the north and a screened-in porch overlooking the pool and deck to the south.

Donna Menchaca, Katie Manor’s onsite property manager, said with construction ahead of schedule, between 50 and 75 percent of the apartments are leased.

Several applications are pending approval, and all applicants must undergo criminal background checks, Mechaca said. Many charter residents are from out-of-state, she said, with couples from Colorado, California and Michigan who will soon be Crestview residents. “A majority of those have family here who want to move Mom and Dad closer,” Menchaca said.

Some one- and two-bedroom units feature enhanced doorbells and other audio alerts for the blind, and flashing lights for the deaf. For wheelchair users, some units have lower kitchen countertops. Each unit has a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a trash chute on each floor alleviates having to tote garbage through the building.

“They are starting to come together,” Summit Construction assistant site superintendent Dave Pierson said as crews laid wood-grain flooring in kitchens and tile in bathrooms.

The amenities are particularly attractive, Menchaca said. In addition to the pool, which features a wheelchair lift, community center, garden and porches, residents will find:

●A licensed beauty salon

●Community kitchen for group dinners and cooking contests. (“Some of our residents get pretty serious about our Crock Pot cook-offs,” Menchaca said.)

●Library with quiet reading lounge

●Fitness center

●Movie room

●Computer lab

●Dog park

●Outdoor grills

●Wi-Fi in common areas

●Card-access security

●Daily continental breakfast in the dining room

●Monthly activities and events

“We are on pace to be ready for July 1,” Summit Construction site superintendent Chuck Renner said.

—

●Units: 102 pet-friendly 1- and 2-bedroom apartments

●Rental: 1-bedroom, 611 square feet, $686; 2-bedroom, 895 square feet, $815

●Minimum resident age: 55

●Total size: 104,000 square feet

●Opening: July 1

WANT TO GO?

Katie Manor Apartments, an affordable senior living complex, holds a hard hat construction tour 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 30. Free guided tours, snacks and refreshments are available. Information: 639 Brookmeade Drive, 603-3559, katiemanor@wrhrealty.com.

ABOUT KATIE MANOR

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview's Katie Manor senior apartments eye July 1 opening (PHOTOS, VIDEO)