CRESTVIEW — The city of Crestview’s Easter egg hunt is 9 a.m. to noon March 26 at Twin Hills Park.

In addition to the egg hunt, attendees can enjoy a train ride, a bounce house, a 27-foot slide, prizes and a visit from the Easter bunny.

The schedule is:

Ages 0-3: 9 a.m., small soccer field

Ages 4-6: 10:30 a.m., small soccer field

Ages 7-12: 11:30 a.m., football field

Kids should bring a basket and a camera.

Call 682-4715 for details. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Easter egg hunt scheduled

CRESTVIEW — Crestview Manor residents are enjoying two new pine picnic tables after a donation from American Legion Post 75.

Tiffany Wrathell, Crestview Manor activities director, recently asked post members if they knew anyone who could donate the assisted-living facility a picnic table; the previous one was thrown out due to old age and dry rot.

"We no longer had one, and the director, Becky Brice-Nash and I, were talking about how it would be nice to get one before spring,” Wrathell said. “That's when I got to talking to Gene Morris (of Post 75) about seeing if he could just ask around."

She received a surprise the same night.

"…(He) called me and said he had something better. He had two,” she said. “I wasn't expecting it so quick. I also didn't expect for them to be brand new. They are beautiful!"

The tables, purchased in DeFuniak Springs with American Legion Post 75 donations, are now in front of the facility by the gazebo.

Wrathell said of Morris and Post member Cheryl Anaya, "They are both frequent donators on behalf of the legion. They donate clothing, food and other essentials.

“They provided all food for the valentine's dance and snacks. The legion has blessed us with some very caring people. We are very grateful for all they do."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: American Legion gives Crestview nursing home residents a place to sit

CRESTVIEW — Club Challengers Volleyball is a locally based, U.S.A. Volleyball-affiliated travel program for 10- to 14-year-old girls.

The team — divided in 14U, 13U, 12U and grassroots groups — focuses on competition, fun and individual and team improvement, and includes players from Crestview, Baker, Laurel Hill as well as Walton County and Santa Rosa County.

Most tournaments are played in the Pensacola and Mobile, Ala., areas, but teams also compete in Tallahassee, Jacksonville and Panama City.

See more information about at www.clubchallengers.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview area volleyball players compete with Club Challengers

CRESTVIEW — The Florida Legislature has passed a House bill that changes the Florida Death Penalty Law’s procedure.

Under the law, the state attorney’s office would have to give written notice of its intent to seek the death penalty, and which so-called aggravating factors the state says would support such a sentence.

 Further, a jury must unanimously find the existence of at least one aggravating factor for a defendant to be eligible for execution, and must vote at least 10-2 in favor of death, according to a state attorney’s office media release.

Otherwise, the sentence would be life in state prison.

In addition, “the judge may still impose a life sentence if he or she finds that is the more appropriate sentence,” the attorney’s office states.

Locally, the changes — which follow a United States Supreme Court ruling, Hurst v. Florida, and Gov. Rick Scott is expected to sign them into law soon — likely won’t alter the circumstances for 13 pending cases where the state seeks death.

In Okaloosa County, that includes the cases for Bernard Nunnally and Marvin “O.G.” Wilkins of Crestview, who are charged with killing a Crestview teenager.

A six-month investigation revealed that he belonged to a “gang and marijuana distribution operation” called the Money Mafia, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has said.

Nunnally, along with Russell Jacoby Nijajuan of Ozark, Ala., and Erich Lenquell Justice of Fort Walton Beach, allegedly pulled off State Road 85 while heading to supposed group leader Wilkins’ hotel room in Fort Walton Beach and shot Crestview teenager Mark Anthony Williams Jr. His body was then dragged close to the woods.

Witnesses reported that Wilkins had sent the men to pick up Williams in Crestview because he believed Williams was giving information to a rival gang.

Williams’ friends told investigators after his death that he had talked about becoming a gang member about a month before he was killed, the reports said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: How Florida Legislature's death penalty changes affect Crestview men's cases

NICEVILLE — The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center seeks volunteers for its centers in Niceville and DeFuniak Springs.

Volunteers can serve at either of the centers, or at any ECCAC fundraiser.

The most immediate need is for volunteers is at the nonprofit organization’s annual signature event, a Golf & Gala, set March 12 at the Hilton Sandestin, followed the next day by a tournament at Kelly Plantation Golf Club.

ECAC’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, and protect children.

Contact Katie Crowell, 830-4162 or katie@eccac.org, to volunteer. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center seeks volunteers

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

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

Teenagers often set aside childish ways, detaching from parents and associating more with peers, during a phase psychologists call separation.

Teens may avoid physical displays of affection and shun hobbies and relationships that defined their childhood during adolescence, according to Psychology Today.

A know-it-all syndrome also seems to characterize this period. In a way, many teens seem like they believe they're experts; it's them against the world.  

It doesn't stop there.

Many teens go to college, meet people from other backgrounds, gain new perspective, become activists and then "have it all figured out."

Of course, further maturing disturbs this belief as graduates leave their campus bubbles, enter the real, working world, and gain added understanding of life's harsh realities.  

Who didn't experience this at some point? As a teen, I thought I had it all figured out. But then I "realized" the same thing at a liberal arts college. And then I thought, two years into the working world, "No, no; that wasn't it at all. Now I really 'get' it."

These days, I've seen enough that I'm always wondering who's moving the chess pieces and what's the next play — a curiosity and skepticism that suits my profession.  

But honestly, even at 33 years old I still haven't figured it all out. After almost 10-and-a-half years in this business, I still meet people, and face situations, that impress, shock or deeply move me. So I just live and let live.

Despite many people's criticisms of Fox News, that company sets realistic expectations: "We report, you decide," its slogan states. They're not claiming to be experts; just journalists.

Ditto here. I am an expert on media law, English, page design, story formation, copy editing, and social media engagement, but I'm not necessarily a government, education or faith expert. I have above average information and understanding of those topics — and certainly research all I can about them when they're in the news — but even at 33, I know I haven't figured it all out.

Fortunately, over the years, readers have placed their trust in me, and most know I darn sure do my best. The same is true for all of the Crestview News Bulletin's staff.

So no, I'm no expert on many things. (And that's a good thing, because I keep an open mind and heart.) But I'll report what experts say, make it clear and concise, and you can tell me what you think. I'd love to hear it.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BONI: I'm no expert — that's a good thing

With spring break just weeks away, The Florida Bar is launching a new mobile app designed to help young adults understand the legal rights and responsibilities that will greet them when they turn 18. The #JustAdulting app, provides specific tools and resources outlining how Florida law can affect their lives. It is free to download at www.justadulting.com and available on any smart phone.

Turning 18 is a milestone that brings with it not just new experiences but also a whole new list of challenges, from buying a car and leasing an apartment to understanding both drinking laws and criminal charges. With this in mind, The Florida Bar’s #JustAdulting mobile app and dedicated website provide a number of resources to educate young adults on Florida law.

“With graduation only a few months away and spring break right around the corner, more than 179,000 high school seniors in Florida will be challenged with new responsibilities and confronted with new realities that they need to understand,” said Ramón Abadin, President of The Florida Bar. “Our Law Related Education Committee created this new app so today’s tech-savvy teens can be better prepared for life as adults.”

Abadin adds that what may have come with a slap on the wrist as a minor could lead to hefty fines or even jail time as an adult, including:

Fake ID: Anyone possessing a forged (altered) or counterfeit (falsely produced) ID, or possess a stolen ID, risk a third degree felony. Penalties include up to: an arrest, a maximum of five years in prison and/or probation and a $5000 fine.

Underage drinking: The legal drinking age in Florida is 21. Anyone younger than 21 in possession of alcohol can be cited for a second-degree misdemeanor, which can lead to costly court fees, fines and other lasting consequences.

Open container: Possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a vehicle (in motion or stopped) by the driver and or the passenger(s) is a violation of Florida law.

Driving under the influence: Driving, while under the influence (DUI), is subject to heavy penalties for the first offense. These include possible imprisonment of up to six months; a loss of your driver’s license for up to one year; a fine up to $2,000 in addition to court costs; completion of a substance abuse course and driving course; 50 hours of community service; an electronic alcohol monitor worn at all times; and immediate impounding of the vehicle driven.

Sexual cyber-harassment: Florida law classifies sexual cyber-harassment as a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for the first offense.

Additionally, the app provides critical information on how to navigate the court system, how to communicate with law enforcement, and what rights are granted in case of arrest.

The app is designed to be shared on today’s leading social media networks. “Quick access to information is what today’s teens want and need,” added Sheri Hazeltine, Chair of The Florida Bar’s Law Related Education Committee. “Our committee designed the new mobile app so young adults can find important legal information regarding drinking laws, driving, texting while driving and a long list of important topics.”

Additional resources, including an infographic, video, PowerPoint quiz presentation and The Legal Survival Guide for New Adults are available at www.floridabar.org/justadulting.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Graduating high school seniors: Get this app for 'sobering' truth

CRESTVIEW — The Apartment List has released its March 2016 rent report. Data is based on the several hundred thousand monthly listings at  comes from the listings at  based on the listings at www.apartmentlist.com.

According to the report, rents in the Sunshine State are on par with national averages, although rent prices in Florida are increasing at a higher rate.

The median range for a two-bedroom rental in Crestview is $800, according to the site. 

The report states that Florida one-bedroom rentals averaged $1,100 while two-bedroom rents cost $1,380.

Florida rents increased by 0.1 percent from January to February, and are up 4.6 percent over last year. This rate beats out the national rent growth over the past year by 1.4 percent. 

Most Expensive Cities

Miami: Florida’s most populous metro was also its most expensive in February. A 2-bedroom in Miami goes for $2,020, while a 1-bedroom averages $1,750. Rents are up 3.3 percent year-to-year, and are growing more slowly than state averages.

St. Petersburg: Located on the western edge of the Florida peninsula, St. Petersburg had the 6th most expensive rents at $1,260 for a 2-bedroom. 1-bedrooms in St. Petersburg averaged $890.

Tampa: Just behind St. Petersburg, Tampa placed 7th for most expensive cities with an average 2-bedroom price of $1,170. Rents in Tampa have risen 8.7 percent over last year, the second most of any Florida city for the month of February.

See the full report: www.apartmentlist.com/fl/florida-rent-report-rentonomics/.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview apartment rents are below state average

CRESTVIEW — The Friends of the Crestview Library's book sale is April 1-3 at Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview.

It starts with the 5-8 p.m. "early bird" part of the sale on April 1, which costs non-Friends members $2 to enter. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 2 and 3, and entry is free of charge.

Visitors can find bargains on various items —  including college texts, large-print books, hard cover, soft cover and children's books, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, cookbooks, historical books, classics, jigsaw puzzles and book sets — and most books cost 25 cents to $1.

All proceeds support the Crestview Library. Call 682-4432 for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: A 25 cent book in Crestview? Oh, it's possible…