PENSACOLA — Northwest Florida residents seeking a new job or investment opportunity: beware of this scam.

Someone is calling people and claiming to represent a business seeking new partners. Under the scam, new investors supposedly receive 50 percent equity in the company — but there's a catch: they must pay thousands of dollars in "associated fees and costs" first.

In one case reported to the Better Business Bureau, "Academic Tech Partners" claimed to work with universities turning their research to marketable products. Its name and logo look similar to Academic Tech Ventures Inc. Both have domains registered in September 2015.  

This advanced-fee scam is similar to a Nigerian prince scam, BBB stated.

So, what can you do?

●Use the "too good to be true" rule. If an "opportunity" appears too good to be true, there's probably a catch.

●Don't share banking information. Do not reply to emails asking for personal financial information.

●Be wary of individuals claiming to be overseas. In many types of scams, con-artists claim to be living abroad to avoid in-person contact.

●Be suspicious of transactions involving additional fees. Scammers will often tempt victims with lottery winnings or a job offer, and request additional fees to further the transaction.

●Hit delete. Don't reply, and don't click any links or download attachments in emails such as this.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Beware of this new investment scam circulating Northwest Florida

Gulf Power crews worked through the night to restore power to their customers following a night of severe weather across Northwest Florida that toppled trees and damaged homes and businesses across the area.

Because of the severity of damage caused by the storms, additional crews from sister companies Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and Georgia Power have arrived to assist with the restoration process.

“Being a part of Southern Company allows us to draw from the strength of our operating companies across the Southeast,” said Jeff Rogers, External Communications manager.

“Our crews worked through the night restoring power as quickly and safely as possible, and with the additional reinforcements, it will make all the difference as crews make final repairs and get everyone back on.”

Century was particularly hard hit by the storm.

“Our priority right now is in Century,” said Rogers. “Heavy winds destroyed more than 40 poles. New poles have arrived and Chipley crews have joined Pensacola crews to restore power and hope to this city.”

Approximately 700 customers remain without power. As crews continue to make progress, Gulf Power asks customers if they are still without power to call the restore power line at 1-800-487-6937 or report at outagemap.gulfpower.com. The outage map will also how current outages and projected restoration time.

Customers can also download an app for mobile phones and tablets that offers convenient access to the information such as outages.

Customers can download the app in the Apple Store or on Google Play.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gulf Power crews restore power to 21,000 overnight

BAKER — Some dedicated young colleagues join the Baker Fire District's certified firefighters when engines leave Station 20.

During a blaze, junior firefighters handle logistics, swapping out oxygen bottles, and performing basic first aid and CPR, freeing up their certified partners to fight the flames.

“They’re just like brother and sister firefighters,” junior firefighter coordinator Lt. Mark McKenzie said. “The only thing we have to exclude them from is actual firefighting. They have to stay out of the danger zone.”

Until they’re 18. But by then, the juniors will have all prerequisite certifications to begin certified firefighter training.

“Our job is to get them ready now,” Fire District Chief Dusty Talbert said. “All that first aid, CPR, all that will be done. So as soon as they hit 18, they’ll be ready.”

The junior firefighter team currently has six to 10 members ranging from sixth grade to high school seniors.

On Feb. 11, the juniors took seats in the station conference room with their older colleagues as Capt. Tim Busby taught a course on arson recognition.

“This is a group of hard-working kids,” Baker Fire District Commissioner Ralph Ellis said. “We’re glad to support them. They’re not just out for fun and games. They’re learning a lot.”

Dressed in helmets, boots, protective coats and overalls, the kids fell in with Baker’s older firefighters and approached the scene of a “suspicious fire.”

Busby introduced the scenario: “Earl Mannequin” — the department’s CPR and first aid dummy — built a house for his mother, who allegedly flicked a lit cigarette into a trash can and started a fire. Earl was now trying to collect insurance.

Junior and senior firefighters investigated the site’s exterior before examining the building, a wooden shed about 10 feet square constructed behind the fire station.

The firefighters saw various clues suggesting Earl may have lit the fire himself. These included two ignition sources, fire “trailers” caused by dribbled accelerant, and scorching inconsistent with the fire's reported cause.

Such weekly drills aren’t the juniors’ only experience. M.E. Cates, a Baker School junior, attended Volunteer Weekend at Northwest Florida State College, where, being certified in CPR and first aid, she checked blood pressure and vital signs after attendees left a smoke-filled training facility.

Ariel Peterson, a Crestview High junior, recently attended training on how to knock escape routes through a donated mobile home's walls and floors.

David joined firefighters at crash victim extrication training and watched them use the Jaws of Life to cut open a car.

“They’re going to be our replacements,” Talbert said. “The certified firefighters aren’t getting any younger. It’s good we have these kids coming up.”

“Even if they never become firefighters, they’re giving back to the community right now,” McKenzie said.

What: Baker Fire District Junior Firefighters weekly training

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays

Where: Baker Fire District Station 20, 1375 19th St.

Notes: The program is open to any middle or high school student regardless of Baker residency. Call 537-2487 for more details.

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker junior firefighters gain experience for certification (VIDEO)

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, Feb. 17.

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

Tom Thumb Food Stores has opened its first liquor store in Crestview, Florida. The all-new, stand-alone “Tom Thumb Liquors,” located at 5150 S. Ferdon Blvd., features more than 2,500 square feet of retail space, as well as a drive-thru window for convenient shop-and-go access.

It is located next to the Tom Thumb Food Store on the corner of PJ Adams and S. Ferdon Boulevard.

Stop by the Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, Feb. 19, from 6-9 p.m., to peruse the area’s largest selection of wine, spirits and beer available. Also, take advantage of free engraving with purchase of select Woodford Reserve or Gentlemen Jack bottles, or free embroidery of Crown Royal bags with purchase of Crown Royal.

For a limited time, every purchase at Tom Thumb Liquors earns 10 times the reward points. It pays to use a Tom Thumb Rewards card to shop and save on gas at the pump.

Tom Thumb Liquors features more than 2,000 globally sourced items, including:

• Fine wines from both Europe and the Americas

• A full complement of spirits including vodkas, whiskeys, rums and cordials

• Dozens of local and regional craft beers

• Beverage mixers and related accoutrements

One of the store’s most exciting features is a ten-tap growler station affording 32-oz. and 64-oz. growler refills, with a focus on local craft brewers. The growler station is the first of its kind in North Okaloosa County.

The Tom Thumb Liquors staff guides shoppers through the steps to fill a growler and share facts about the local brews available.

Tom Thumb Liquors also offers an assortment of cheeses, sausage and crackers, as well as unique gift items and baskets, bagged ice, and an on-site ATM for added convenience.

The employees at Tom Thumb Liquors receive special training to give customers the best advice possible.

The store’s team has learned about the history of liquors and can offer assistance with drink recipes, as well as help with pairing products for special events.

“The warm reception we have received from adult beverage consumers in the area has been wonderful,” said company Vice President Teresa Smith.

“We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and a shopping experience where customers feel welcomed and want to return. Tom Thumb Liquors fills a niche in the community and we look forward to expanding Tom Thumb Liquors throughout the markets we serve,” she added.

For more than 60 years, Crestview-based Tom Thumb Food Stores has been a fixture in the Northwest Florida community with 109 area locations.

Our valued customers enjoy a wide range of branded and proprietary product offerings, fresh and prepared foods, premium coffees, a variety of cold dispensed beverage options, groceries, ice cream, general merchandise and gasoline. For added convenience, many of our stores offer additional services including ATMs, lottery, and gift cards.

●●●

About Tom Thumb: Crestview, Florida-based Tom Thumb Food Stores is a division of The Kroger Company (NYSE: KR). Serving customers since 1953, the company currently operates 109 convenience stores in the panhandle of Florida and southern Alabama. See more at www.tomt.com, www.facebook.com/tomthumbfoodstores, and www.kroger.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Tom Thumb Liquors in Crestview now open

CRESTVIEW — History, particularly the Civil War, has been Rollin Cluff's passion since he was a toddler.

“When he was probably about 5 years old, he would tell us things about the various characters in the war,” Rollin’s mom, Deb Cluff, said. “We don’t know how he found out about them.”

“When I was young, I used to watch a lot of war movies and it was interesting to me,” Rollin said.

In sixth grade, "the re-enactors came to his school and he fell in love,” Deb said.

By age 14, Rollin was one of the youngest members of the Walton Guard, a group of Civil War re-enactors. But it wasn’t until this year he got his $500 long rifle.

“Unfortunately, he couldn’t fire a powder gun until he was 16, so he would carry the flag when he was little,” Deb said.

Rollin learns about the conflict’s history from both points of view, donning the blue or gray, depending on which unit his group is portraying. “I reenact both the Confederates and the Union,” he said.

“I sometimes don’t understand how they actually went through some of the battles wearing those uniforms, because to be honest, they’re not that comfortable,” Rollin said.

Re-enactors insist on authenticity — so no modern lightweight fabrics and comfortable hiking boots. “When you reenact some of the summer battles, it gets to be 100 degrees out there and you’re wearing at least two shirts and two pairs of trousers,” Rollin said, and the clothes are wool.

Rollin’s interest in history extends beyond the Civil War. Using maps and history books, he’s traced his grandfather’s experiences in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

The home-schooled student is duel-enrolled at Northwest Florida State College, where he takes three courses.

“His favorite is world civilizations,” Deb Cluff said. “He said, ‘Mom, I already know so much of this stuff.’”

His other hobbies include surfing, sailing and he’s visited the Seacrest Wolf Preserve. In addition, “I’ve done the aviation challenge, flown a flight simulator, and flew a plane with an instructor," he said.

So, what's next?

“My plan is to go to the Virginia Military Institute, get a doctorate in history, and join the United States Marine Corps,” he said.

“When I get out, I want to start teaching history.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Re-enacting history is this Crestview teen's hobby (PHOTOS)

CRESTVIEW — Both the cookin’ and the jazz were hot, and the Big Red Machine is more than $1,500 closer to new uniforms following Friday’s night’s Valentine’s and All That Jazz concert.

Watch as culinary students prepare concert food

Warriors Hall swung with the sounds of the Crestview High School jazz ensemble, while the tempting aromas of hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats prepared by culinary arts students filled the back of the room.

“I enjoy doing public catering a lot,” Crestview High senior Jerry Hand, said. “It gives me experience if I go into the culinary arts industry. I enjoy preparing food and seeing the enjoyment on people’s faces when they eat it. It’s like I made their day a little bit better.”

Up on the stage, the 20-piece jazz band kept the sell-out audience’s toes tapping with popular standards such as “In the Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” and “I Got Rhythm.”

SWINGING, SULTRY SOLOS

Soloists including saxophonists Indi Stanley and Jolvin Mejias, trumpeter Preston Kelley and trombonists Matt Kannapel and Michael Nauta periodically jumped into the spotlight, Preston turning a bright red as he blasted his part on “In the Mood.”

Sultry, bluesy numbers like “When I Fall in Love,” “Stormy Weather” and “At Last” featured vocalist Elizabeth Dunn. Her dad, band director Jody Dunn, shared his singing talent on Duke Ellington’s “I Like the Sunrise” and Kurt Weill’s “Mack the Knife,” the latter being one of Dunn’s favorites.

Though not a soloist, bassist Ethan Mitchell caught audience members’ attention by simply having a good time swinging to the music he played.

“I’m always jiggy,” the junior said. “I’m having the most fun in the room. The main thing is to have fun and enjoy it.”

“He’s great!” resident Joe Coffield said. “What a showman!”

REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE

The annual concert gives both performing and culinary arts students professional experience in their respective fields, under the instruction of their teachers Dunn and Chef Charles Tingle.

“Chef puts a high standard on us and we have to live up to them,” Jerry, who’s in his third year in the culinary arts program, said.

Valentine’s and All That Jazz is coordinated by the Friends of the Arts, a volunteer community organization tasked by the city with programming cultural events in Warriors Hall and fundraising to maintain its grand piano and equipment.

“We love supporting our talented students,” FOTA president Rae Schwartz said. “But we couldn’t do this without our community sponsors.”

Thanks to donors including Gordon Martial Arts and an anonymous giver, hall rental and food costs were covered, so all of the event’s ticket sales went entirely to the high school band uniform fund, Schwartz said.

The annual Valentine’s and All That Jazz concerts do more than provide the community with top-notch music and tasty intermission treats. Students in both the jazz ensemble and the culinary arts classes learn practical, real-world skills in a public, off-campus setting.

In days leading up to the Feb. 12 concert, students in several levels of Chef Chuck Tingle’s culinary arts classes baked bread for bruschetta, rolls for smoked bacon and pimento cheese sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, bite-size Key lime pies and Southern pecan bars.

They chopped vegetables for tomato bruschetta, salsa and hummus; fried wonton cups for Asian shrimp salad and corn chips for the salsa.

At the event, a dozen students earned community service hours and further catering experience setting up food displays and replenishing.

“It’s good experience,” senior Donté Galloup said. “I’m not going to go into culinary arts for a living, but it’s good to know these skills.”

COOKING FOR 200

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Concert boosts Crestview High band uniform fund (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

BAKER — A Milton man is receiving treatment at North Okaloosa Medical Center for serious injuries after a traffic accident this morning. 

Raymond Penton, 50, of Milton, walked toward Baker Auto Parts Store, 1304 Georgia Ave., around 9:15 a.m. and Matthew McKinney, 20, of Crestview, accidentally struck him, according to a Florida Highway Patrol media release.

McKinney was driving east on State Road 4, preparing to turn right into the auto parts store's parking lot, but the 1989 Chevrolet truck's brakes had a “catastrophic failure” and the vehicle did not stop, the FHP release said.

The truck rolled backward into State Road 4 after impact, according to the release. No charges will be filed. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Milton pedestrian seriously injured in Baker traffic accident

FORT WALTON BEACH — Programs provided by the United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties have gotten a major funding boost.

The United Way's mission is to provide leadership and resources to those in need. By providing funding for 40 local partnering agencies, individuals and families will receive services needed. All the funds stay local and support area residents in the following categories: children, education, financial stability, disaster readiness, health and wellness.

Due to the generosity of businesses, organizations and individuals that made the campaign a great success, UW raised a total of $1,311,359.39, a 7 percent increase over the 2014 fundraising goal.

UW Campaign Chair Betty Brassell began the campaign plan of action in early spring by recruiting and meeting with local business leaders to serve as campaign division chairs.

Alan Wood, UW Pacesetter chair with with CCB Community Bank, contacted various business CEOs to help set the pace of campaign. One Pacesetter company agreed to have the workplace campaign early, and with at least a 20 percent increase from their previous campaign.

With the help of the Marketing Committee members, and Brassell's approval, a local campaign theme was chosen, "Be Someone's Hero."

Brassell said, "It has been my honor to be the Campaign Chair for 2015, and it's hard to believe it is drawing to a close. I've seen true team work at its highest level during this campaign, beginning with the division chairs and volunteers who contacted companies in the spring, way before the campaign even began, to set the stage and gain commitments for giving.

"The Loaned Executives followed up and made those presentations that preached the message of compassion and need.

"Ronda Davenport, VP of Campaign/Marketing blended all those activities together and pushed hard to make our goal. She made sure to recognize the heroes within each volunteer group and each company that participated in the campaign," Brassell said.

"We needed a lot of heroes this year – and we got them! This community is one of the best and we love a challenge! Heroes always win!"

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: United Way of Okaloosa, Walton Counties exceeds fundraising goal

CRESTVIEW — A two-vehicle crash at State Road 85 and P.J. Adams Parkway has traffic snarled at the south end of Crestview, where at least one of the involved vehicles struck a utility pole and knocked it down.

Crestview Police Department spokesman Cmdr. Andrew Schneider said city police and the Florida Highway Patrol are investigating the scene.

Two people are hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, Schneider said.

Due to tie-ups in both directions, southbound S.R. 85 traffic is being routed up John King Road to Live Oak Church Road and northbound traffic is being detoured onto Live Oak Church to John King.

“We have quite a traffic issue there,” Schneider said. “There are some power lines down so we’re asking people to avoid the area until we can get the lines cleared out of the way.”

The accident occurred around 11:15 a.m.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 2 injured in crash, traffic backed up in southern Crestview