Mention development and readers’ inevitably comment that one thing Crestview needs more of is more places to eat. Does it really? Are choices really that limited in the county’s biggest city?

CRESTVIEW — When the City Council green-lighted four development projects in February, including two new eateries, City Councilman Doug Faircloth welcomed the new businesses, “especially Jimmy John’s and David's Catfish House.”

“I agree,” then-Councilman Joe Blocker, now council president, said. “Anytime we can get more places to eat is alright with me.”

And it’s alright with residents, many of whom consistently lament a perceived shortage of dining establishments in the county seat.

The announcement unleashed an inevitable flurry of Facebook comments as readers itemized a litany of chain restaurants and stores they want “the city” to bring them:

While stores like Costco and Target top their wish lists, restaurant chains include Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Chuck-E-Cheese’s for the kids are also in demand.

Does Crestview really have such a dearth of places to eat? The numbers say no.

COUNT THE CHOICES

A check of YellowPages.com for “Crestview restaurants” brought up 108 listings. Eliminating places that have closed, are duplicate listings, or are out of town narrowed the list to 65 current eateries within the Hub City, not counting several others that are not Yellow Pages customers.

Of them, 37 are national or regional chain establishments, and of those, 12 can be considered “fast food,” which commentators on the News Bulletin’s website and Facebook pages tend to feel the city has a sufficient number of.

“We need less fast food and more shops,” Grenda Wright Bush wrote.

“There's enough fast food joints already in this town!” Paul Thompson commented. “If we have to have more eateries, how about healthier ones like Zoe's Kitchen.”

CHAINS VS. LOCALS

Matthew Bryant, who settled in Crestview in the early 2000s, says he and his wife’s dilemma is not deciding to go out to eat, but where to go.

“We were immediately impressed with the number of places to eat when we got here,” Bryant said. “Not many towns this size have so many choices, especially locally-grown places.”

It’s those “mom-and-pop” establishments that provide the local flavors and atmosphere many people seek. Plus they like supporting the local economy.

That’s not to say corporate chains are bad.

“I used to like to eat at chain restaurants,” Mike Carroll, owner of Hub City Smokehouse and Grill, said. “At one point in time, somebody had to build the first Olive Garden.”

But, Carroll said, locally owned establishments have more flexibility to effect immediate changes when needed, among other advantages.

“We had a problem with our pancakes being too fluffy. I fixed that immediately, rather than having to go to corporate. We can make immediate changes as opposed to a chain.”

“Big corporate chains, you don’t get that personal touch that you get with local people,” Wayne Scott, owner of Wayne’s Catfish House, said. “We have a lot of customers we do special food for that you don’t get with corporate chains.”

He should know. For years he was manager of Ryan’s Steak House, where “seasoning our food wasn’t an option because they wanted the food to taste the same across the country,” Scott said.

“I can see some company chef in Chicago saying, ‘tomato gravy? What the hell is that?’” Carroll said. “Plus, the mom-and-pops are a little bit more personable.”

TRICKLE DOWN

Many local restaurants rely on local suppliers for their food, Main Street Crestview Association Director Brenda Smith said. Supporting their restaurants has a trickle-down effect across the economy.

“It’s like helping your neighbor,” she said. “You keep everybody in business. By purchasing local you’re helping the local farmer, and you’re getting the benefits of seasonal foods, and they’re fresher because they don’t have to be shipped.”

While the Bryants generally prefer the local restaurants—“The Wild Olive is the bomb,” Bryant said. “It’s the first place we take out-of-town visitors”—they do have favorite chain eateries where they know the food and menu will be consistent from city to city.

“If we’re traveling and I see a Houston’s, I’m there,” Bryant said. “But when we’re home, we like choosing a local place because we know it’s food we won’t find anyplace else.”

A review of local restaurant listings in the Yellow Pages, Yellow Book and visual counts gives an idea of local residents’ dining opportunities:

70: approximate eateries in Crestview

37: number of chain restaurants

12: number of “fast food” chain restaurants

9: approximate eateries in neighboring North Okaloosa County communities

5: roadside food trucks/trailers in Crestview

COMING SOON

Projects approved in February by the Crestview City Council include two free-standing chain restaurants:

• David's Catfish House: The Andalusia, Alabama-based restaurant will open its fourth location, a 4,800-square-foot Crestview eatery, on 4 acres behind the Ferdon Boulevard North McDonald's and CCB Community Bank. The site will have parking for 70 cars.

• Jimmy John's Sandwiches: 3301 Ferdon Blvd. South. 1,150 square-foot local branch of the Champaign, Illinois-based gourmet sandwiches restaurant on a .78-acre site

In addition, Crestview Crossing, 2150 Ferdon Blvd. South, will be built in two phases, with the first featuring retail or restaurant buildings.

DINING BY THE NUMBERS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Eating out in Crestview: Are more restaurants needed?

LAUREL HILL — Starting Saturday, the sport of Airsoft again has a venue in North Okaloosa County. Evolution Airsoft opens in a previous operator’s wooded 22-acre site at the end of Robbins Road.

Its clearings are filled with moveable barricades and obstacles, as well as permanent structures representing rudimentary forts, towers and buildings.

Sam Allen, who, with friends and a partner, lease the parks-and-recreation-zoned land from Okaloosa County, “but the lease went up from a dollar a year to $100 a month.” He expects 20 to 30 players a day.

The sport, which Allen says is popular with active duty and retired military personnel and “a lot of military enthusiasts,” consists of shooting other participants with 6-mm plastic BBs using generally air-powered guns.

While being struck by one of the BBs can sting, they’re not lethal, Allen said.

SAFETY FIRST

Reopening the field fulfills a need for local Airsoft enthusiasts who have no place to play the game in North Okaloosa County, Allen said. He credits his son for encouraging him to open Evolution.

“My kid, who was 12 at the time, wanted an Airsoft gun, so I started Googling for places to play,” Allen said. They found the Laurel Hill site, but it closed in July 2015.

“Airsoft teaches kids about gun safety,” Allen said. Before his sons were allowed to participate, they spent a couple weeks learning to operate their guns at home, he said.

“I don’t play around when it comes to safety,” he said. “I want to run this place right and focus on the kids who are still going to be coming here for five or six years.”

PLAYING SCENARIOS

A typical round of Airsoft might include several groups of seven or eight players who begin the round in different locations around the venue.

Organizers create scenarios and missions, such as rescuing a kidnapped scientist and returning him safely to the winning team’s base, or capturing another team’s base.

As teams scurry through the underbrush, creep along trails, pop out of gullies and shelter behind obstacles, Allen and his partners enhance the experience by tossing rechargeable flash grenades and smoke grenades.

“It’s stuff that adds to the effect but doesn’t hurt anybody,” Allen said.

By making some of the barriers moveable, “we’ll be able to change the dynamics of the game,” Allen said, altering the terrain from weekend to weekend.

Some serious players invest as much as $1,500 in top-of-the-line costumes, woods gear and equipment. Allen said the average players just needs the basics.

“If you’re playing Airsoft with $1,500 kit and you get annihilated by a kid in a pair of $20 blue jeans, you’re going to feel pretty dumb,” Allen said.

FUTURE PLANS

Future plans include building a multi-room “shoot house,” in which players can route their opponents from rooms and hallways.

Allen also foresees Evolution Airsoft playing a serious role in the community. With Eglin Air Force Base shooting ranges heavily booked, the military and area law enforcement agencies can reserve the field for training and practice, he said.

Thursday, Allen was putting several more obstacles together for Saturday’s 10 a.m. opening. For a $10 fee, Airsoft fans can play all day. Rental guns will be available, and food will be for sale. Evolution will be open every other Saturday.

Groups, including Boy Scouts, social clubs and church groups are welcome to try the sport, Allen said.

“Everybody’s got glory stories at the end of every game,” Allen said. “It doesn’t matter what your social setting is or what your religion is. Here we want a safe and friendly family environment for everybody.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Airsoft returns to Laurel Hill; field opens April 30 (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

FORT WALTON BEACH — Covenant Care is seeking individuals interested in making a difference in the lives of patients and families and in supporting the organization.

A volunteer training will be held on Wednesday, May 11 and Friday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covenant Care office (220 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL). Interested volunteers will need to attend both days and lunch will be provided.

The sessions will provide an overview of hospice care, including Covenant Care’s programs and services, and will prepare each individual to work in their area of interest.

Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Volunteer time commitments are flexible and based on volunteer availability.

Covenant Hospice Volunteers fill many roles in the organization including visiting with patients and families, supporting family members by offering emotional support and practical help, assisting with fundraising events, providing administrative support in the office, serving as outreach Ambassadors in the community and much more.

To register for training or to learn more about volunteering with Covenant Care, contact Carole Haws, Volunteer and Community Relations Manager at 850-863-6165 or carole.haws@choosecovenant.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Covenant Care seeks volunteers; training sessions are May 11, 13

FORT WALTON BEACH — Walter Hooks, board chair for United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, stated that the organization's new president and CEO will succeed Ken Hinrichs, how is retiring.

Rick Owen, the new executive, is a 27-year Air Force veteran who recently served as Okaloosa County's administrative manager and RESTORE Act coordinator.

“I believe that our United Way under Rick’s leadership, will continue to set the pace for our neighboring United Way organizations,” Hooks said.

“Our critical talents and skill set for the next United Way executive included, more than anything, the desire to help local people in need by partnering with our funded service agencies and by collaborating with other service providers to make our community the best it can be.

"Rick Owen exceeded all of our expectations. He demonstrates visible leadership, integrity, a willingness to go the extra mile, grant writing and fund raising skills, and the wisdom to wisely budget precious donor dollars to get the job done,” Hooks said.

Owen retired as a chief master sergeant after serving in various positions, culminating with aircraft maintenance director for an Air Force unit in Germany for nearly three years. There he managed 480 personnel in five specialized areas of aircraft maintenance.

Prior to that Owen directed Weapons Systems Test and Development at Eglin starting in 2007. Following his military experience, he assisted the Okaloosa County administrator in hiring the airports/tourist development directors and recently has provided technical assistance to Community Solutions, the committee that has been the catalyst for creation of One Hopeful Place, a shelter and training center due to open by July 1st that will serve the area’s homeless population.

“I am humbled and blessed to have this opportunity and thank the selection committee, as well as the Board of Directors, for their trust and confidence in my ability to perform in this role,” Owen said.

“I look forward with tremendous enthusiasm to serving the many United Way partner agencies in both Walton and Okaloosa Counties as well as the chance to expand our volunteer and sponsorship outreach through both legacy networks and an increased social media presence.”

Owen has a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle University and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy University. He is a member of the Eglin and Hurlburt chiefs’ groups. He and his wife, Kimberly, are the parents of three children and reside in Mary Esther. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: United Way of Okaloosa and Walton counties selects president-CEO

CRESTVIEW — The monthly networking breakfast for the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce is scheduled.

The event, hosted by Habitat for Humanity, is 7-8:30 a.m. May 5 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive.

Program information is presented at 7:30.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview chamber breakfast meeting is May 5

PENSACOLA — CareerSource Escarosa has partnered with Pensacola State College to host its annual Spring Job Fair on Friday, April 29.

The event is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pensacola State College Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio (Building 23), 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola.

Attendees can network with more than 40 area employers actively seeking talented individuals to fill open positions.

Attending employers will recruit individuals to fill positions in manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, administration, hospitality, customer service and retail, communications, government and corrections.

Job seekers should dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes, as some employers may choose to conduct on-the-spot interviews.

Visit CareerSourceEscarosa.com or contact Morgan Cole at mcole@careersourceescarosa.com for more information. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Job hunting? Then come to Pensacola State College on April 29

LAUREL HILL — The Holiday Hills Spring Bluegrass Festival is being planned.

The event kicks off 5 p.m. May 5 with a covered dish supper and an open stage at 6 p.m. (Call one of the numbers below to perform on open stage night.) Bands will also perform 6-9 p.m. May 6 and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7. continues May 6 and 7.

Performers include Cedar Creek, Dismal Creek, The Thurman Family and more.

At-the-gate ticket costs are: $5 each for May 5, $7 for May 6, $10 for May 7, or $15 for the whole weekend. It is free for children under 12.

The show takes place rain or shine under a covered pavilion at Holiday Hills Music Park, 4191 Bluegrass Parkway, Laurel Hill. Full concessions with hot food are available for purchase.

No alcoholic beverages or pets are allowed in the concert area. Bring lawn chairs (no highbacks or lounge chairs).

Camper and RV hookups are available for $15 each night, and free rough camping is available with purchase of weekend ticket only.

Vendors are welcome at the event. The park opens May 2 for early arrivals. Call 978-0436 or 652-4538 for details. You may also visit the Holiday Hills Facebook page.

NOTE: This information was updated April 27, 2016 to include open stage information, ticket purchase location and contact numbers.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill spring bluegrass festival set May 5-7

CRESTVIEW — The last time Terry Faulkner visited Vietnam, his hosts from his recent visit were trying to kill him.

But that was in 1968, and they were enemies. This time, 48 years to the day, they met as friends.

On March 25, Faulkner and two other Vietnam War veterans, Steve Edmonds from California and John Cimino from Atlanta, stood on “Firebase 14,” a hilltop where nearly a half-century before, each thought he would die.

“It was quite a battle,” Faulkner said. “When it was over, you pinch yourself and say, ‘Am I really still living?’”

This time, instead of the U.S. Army sending them up the hill about 300 miles north of Saigon — now called Ho Chi Minh City — it was former North Vietnamese Army soldiers escorting the vets in an open-transport truck that nearly overturned on the steep, narrow trail.

“That day in the battle, we were determined to kill each other, but now we stood there shaking hands as friends,” Faulkner said.

‘IT WAS VERY EMOTIONAL’

Returning to Vietnam brought back a flood of memories and emotions, Faulkner said. He didn’t know what to expect after the grueling, nearly 24 hours of travel.

“When we arrived, there was no hesitation. It was like we were long-lost friends. It was very emotional,” he said. “It put a different outlook on it, meeting them face-to-face. You realize they were soldiers like we were, doing what they were told.”

The GIs won the battle, decimating the determined North Vietnamese soldiers, many of whom are buried in a cemetery the vets visited with their five hosts, who were among the handful of survivors.

“They said there were a few more still alive, but they were incapacitated,” Faulkner said. “Most lost their lives in the battle.”

He and his comrades visited the cemetery, saluted their foes’ bravery, and reflected on war’s devastation, but primarily focused on the present and the future.

“At no time was there mention of what we did during the battle. There was no mention of killing,” Faulkner said. “That wasn’t the purpose of the trip. It was to say ‘Hey.’ The years have made us wiser. On that day of battle, men on both sides died.”

‘A GREAT EXPERIENCE’

Faulkner and his wife, Karen, were surprised by the kindness of people he was once thought were “the enemy.” Even strangers smiled on the street, one family inviting them to see their home.

“We were walking along the street and we heard someone say, ‘Hello.’ They all know how to say ‘Hello.’ They wanted us to see their house, so we spent an hour with them,” Faulkner said.

“They were very polite. I wish all Americans were that polite. During the war, we had to look at them as the enemy, but they’re really very gentle and polite people. All of them are.

“Especially in the North, everybody comes out to greet you. They all talked about how great America was. It was really a great experience mingling with them.”

‘I’M A DIFFERENT MAN’

Faulkner has no regrets about his two-year tour of duty in Vietnam, saying, “I have nothing to apologize for” when someone asked if he intended to apologize to his hosts.

“I would pick up a weapon and defend my country again, but I’d want to know what’s going on this time,” Faulkner said. “We were told we were fighting communists. That’s kind of what I thought, we were fighting communists. I didn’t realize the poor man’s son went to fight the war and the rich man’s son stayed home and got richer.”

After having met his former foes and Vietnamese people, Faulkner, now retired from a career with Chrysler and an evangelist, said he’d like to return to Vietnam to share his faith.

“I told Karen, ‘I’d like to come back one more time. I’d like to preach the gospel to them about Jesus and let them know how great he is,’” Faulkner said.

“I’m a different man than when I went over there … Instead of a weapon of destruction, I’d like to take a weapon of construction.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: This time as friends: Crestview vet returns to Vietnam (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

BAKER — Traditional local southern cookin’ will meet Louisiana bayou fare and English “pub grub” when the former Mickey’s Grocery and Grill reopens next month as Hunter’s Moon.

Charles Gray, grandson of local pastor Cecil Head, returned to his hometown after 10 years in England, where he operated pubs in County Hertfordshire outside London.

Head, who was also an educator and general store owner, traded at the store, formerly Quentin Steele’s Grocery, that has stood on Mickey’s site for almost a century, Gray said.

“We’re going to have a general store like Mickey’s to serve the community,” Gray said. “The fishermen and hunters are still going to have crickets and worms and supplies.”

In the restaurant side of the State Road 189 business, fresh cooking is a priority, he said.

“It’s going to be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s going to be like the old Mickey’s in that respect,” Gray said. “The main goal is to make sure everything’s fresh and new and local.”

As Gray talked, Baker woodworker Don Brown of Don’s Designs installed rustic paneling made from reclaimed local wood. Much of the wood came from an old barn that collapsed further north of Hunter’s Moon.

“He’s been real good to us,” Gray said. “He’s a one-man show, doing everything for us in here.”

Gray found many similarities in local and English country cooking while living with his former wife, an Englishwoman, in her homeland.

Consequently, in addition to traditional local favorites and Cajun specialties, his menu adapts English fare to the North Okaloosa County palate.

“I’m trying to keep it to English stuff that is close to southern fare; the home cooking with vegetables,” Gray said. “Folks may not realize they’re eating something that’s English.”

The menu features pub classics such as bangers and mash — grilled sausages and mashed potatoes topped with a savory onion gravy — fish and chips, “and then we’ll ease in with other stuff,” Gray said.

“In wintertime we’ll probably do heartier food like shepherd’s pie,” he said. “Maybe we’ll be doing a Sunday roast dinner. That’s very traditional.”

Gray assured patrons he won’t offer some of the more unusual dishes for which English cuisine is known.

“I’m not going to be serving blood pudding or something like that,” he said, laughing.

Gray said he and his business partner, Baker resident Brian Bass, hope to open the store and restaurant May 9, provided state and local permits are approved.

Charles Gray — proprietor of the new Hunter’s Moon grocery store and restaurant in Baker, opening next month in Mickey’s Grocery and Grill’s location — is local pastor and educator Cecil Head’s grandson.

“Cecil Head built the church next to Sloan’s Store in Blackman in the ‘40s,” Gray said. “He was a preacher in the area for many, many years. He moved here from Alabama in 1918 or 1920. He lived to be 103. He died in 2006.

“He was pretty well known in the area. He was the teacher and principal in a lot of the older schools out here.

“He didn’t run this store (Mickey’s) but he was a frequent customer back in the day. They would barter back then. Local farmers would give him hay or stray.

“He’d take that down to the mill to feed the horses and they’d give him lumber to build his store or his church.”

CECIL HEAD

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mickey's in Baker reopening with local, English, Cajun accents (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

CRESTVIEW — Children in Crisis has extra support for its programs benefiting at-risk children. The Okaloosa County Sheriff First Judicial Circuit Law Enforcement Association donated $750 to the nonprofit organization.

The funds will be used to purchase computer and educational equipment for at risk children living at the CIC Neighborhood.

"We provide a home to about 100 children every year and most are behind in school.  This donation will be an enormous help with our tutoring and educational programs to get our kids back on track,” 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: Okaloosa first judicial circuit group donates to Children in Crisis