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…

CRESTVIEW — A cold weather shelter in Crestview will be open this week if weather drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

If so, the Community of Christ in Crestview will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. starting Wednesday evening, March 2.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview cold weather shelter set to open

SHALIMAR — The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners hired a new airports director March 1.

Tracy Stage has been with Okaloosa airports for almost 10 years, earned Accredited Airport Executive distinction from the American Association of Airport Executives and had a successful military career prior to his employment with Okaloosa County. 

"Tracy has earned this promotion and exhibits high energy in all he does for our airports. 'Home cooking' works lots of times," commission chairman Kelly Windes said.

Two new airlines, Allegiant and Glo, were added to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport while Stage was acting interim director.

"I am absolutely thrilled and most of all, extremely proud of our team and what we have accomplished together. This is my home, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve Okaloosa County and lead our airports," Stage said.

For more information, call 311 or 651-7160, extension 4.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County commissioners name new airports director

CRESTVIEW — Two Northwest Florida workshops on cheese and yogurt making are scheduled by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Attendees will learn to make mozzarella, ricotta, goat cheese and Greek yogurt at these workshops:

●6:30-8:30 p.m. April 14 at the Okaloosa County Extension Office in Crestview

●6:30-8:30 p.m. April 19 at 127 Hollywood Blvd., Fort Walton Beach

Cost is $20 per person, with preregistration required by April 1. Call 689-5850 to register.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview cheese and yogurt workshop scheduled

PENSACOLA — REBUILD Northwest Florida is advising local homeowners impacted by the recent tornado winds to be aware that in most cases, the roofing contractor is required to re-nail the roof’s decking at the same time they are replacing the shingles. 

To that end, the organization advises that any roof repair should include the 8-penny nails approved in Florida Building Code.

The type of nail used to repair a roof is very important to the overall safety of the home. The spacing of the nails is also a critical factor.

These details are so significant – it can mean the difference between a home standing after a storm, and one that does not withstand storm force winds.

According to the current Florida Building Code, reroofing, repairs and roof deck attachment require 8-penny ring shank nails, spaced 6 inches or less across the roof. The length of the 8 penny nails (2.5 inches) and the nail spacing of 6 inches or less is the construction standard.

“When we walked through neighborhoods and saw that the REBUILD-fortified homes were left intact while surrounding houses had significant damage, we wanted to send an urgent message to homeowners who are anxiously trying to repair their roofs quickly,” said William Merrill, RNWF licensed structural engineer. “We urge everyone who is contracting for roof repair to be aware of the code requirement and insure their roofer observes these Florida Building Code requirements.

"This method of re-nailing roof/deck is very simple and should cost very little, but is very critical to the future windstorm worthiness of the house.”

RNWF has helped more than 12,500 homeowners fortify their homes as part of their wind mitigation program. They’ve witnessed damage from Hurricane Ivan and other extreme storms and have seen that once a roof is damaged, the entire house becomes less stable and more susceptible to impact from high winds and storm debris. To learn more about wind mitigation and what RNWF offers, go to rebuildnwf.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Roof repair tips to help prevent storm destruction