EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Clean Boating Partnership recognize two Eglin Air Force Base marinas for their commitment to environmental stewardship and protection.

The Post’l Point and Ben’s Lake marinas join almost 300 other marinas across the state as designated Clean Marinas.

Ben’s Lake Marina has the distinction of being designated as a Clean Marina, a Clean Boatyard and a Clean and Resilient Marina. In addition to the facility's emphasis on preventing the release of pollutants into surface waters, the marina has taken steps to strengthen its ability to withstand natural and man-made disasters.

Post’l Point Marina provides monofilament recycling, convenient disposal of solid and hazardous waste in clearly marked bins and recycles solvents used at the facility.

Florida’s Clean Marinas adopt safeguards that keep solvents, sewage, fuel and oil out of the water.

"By educating boaters and improving operations at marine facilities, Florida’s Clean Marinas are helping to ensure a sustainable future for the environment, boaters and the marine industry," a spokesperson said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Eglin receives clean marina designation

HURLBURT FIELD — The 2015 winner of the Phoenix Award for Maintenance Excellence is the 801st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Hurlburt Field, the Department of Defense announced.

The award annually designates the best maintenance unit out of that year's six Secretary of Defense Field-Level Maintenance Award winners.

In fiscal year 2014, the Hulburt unit's maintenance actions produced more than 1,200 sorties and 3,500 flying hours, more than 28 percent of the 1st Special Operations Wing's mission.

Heavily engaged in Overseas Contingency Operations, the unit facilitated safe transportation and recovery of three battle-damaged CV-22 aircraft valued at $267 million for subsequent depot repair. In addition, the unit achieved a deployed mission capable rate that exceeded the command standard by 24 percent.

The 801st authored 328 engineer requests resulting in modifications that saved over $8 million and 2,000 labor hours and produced mission capable assets an average 33 percent faster than similarly equipped units accomplishing major aircraft phase inspection and repair.

The unit also won the 2014 Phoenix Award for maintenance.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hurlburt Field unit wins maintenance award for second year in a row

DESTIN — Okaloosa County has broken tourism records for the fifth consecutive year.

Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island achieved their highest monthly year-over-year growth in revenue, up 13.04 percent, during fiscal year 2015. This also marks 21 consecutive months of year-over-year revenue growth. A monthly revenue of $72 million was achieved in July for the first time in the county’s 100-year history. 

The year saw economic growth with the grand opening of several new restaurants and family attractions.

Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, on Okaloosa Island, features a miniature golf course, frozen yogurt shop, zip line, full-service sit-down pizzeria, and a 30-foot rock climbing wall. Gulf seafood restaurateur Lucy Buffett opened her 20,000-square-foot LuLu’s Destin restaurant along the Choctawhatchee Bay. The “Gulf to Table” movement continued with the opening of 10 on the Harbor at HarborWalk Village as well as Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer, sister restaurant to Jackacuda’s, which specializes in fresh, local seafood and large steamed shellfish platters.

Other openings included Destin Diner, which offers a retro atmosphere, originality, comfort, and food, and The Craft Bar, which offers 30 craft beers on tap as well as cutting-edge handcrafted cocktails created by its own mixologists.

Additional tourism initiatives throughout the year included a rebranding of the destination’s airport to increase its recognition as a central travel hub into the Emerald Coast.

In addition, the Emerald Coast encouraged Chicago residents to leave behind the icy weather of the Windy City and “Escape to Sun” during their coldest winter months. The campaign prompted Chicagoans to visit microsite www.EscapetoSun.com to learn more about replacing their wind chills with extreme thrills and learn more about the Emerald Coast beaches, activities, dining, and events, as well as exclusive offers and opportunities.

"It is so encouraging to see the boost that tourism gives to our local economy, and we are excited to announce another record-breaking year for our destination," Ed Schroeder, ECCVB director, stated.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Emerald Coast has historic revenue growth for fifth year

CRESTVIEW — Creative Orthotic & Prosthetic Services LLC has received accreditation from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics Inc.

The company is a veteran-owned private facility that provides custom-fabricated orthotics and prosthetics devices for patients with congenital, traumatic or sports-related injuries.

ABC’s evaluation included a thorough review of the physical facility and quality of patient care. Its associates interviewed staffers and patients and reviewed organizational documents, including records of patient care.

"We are extremely pleased to have achieved this designation," COPS owner Charlie Mata said. "Accreditation is a rigorous process, but one that we welcome as a continual quality improvement mechanism.

"Earning ABC accreditation is another measure of our excellence as a premier provider of prosthetics, orthotics, pedorthics and reflects our commitment to our patients."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview prosthetic provider earns accreditation

CRESTVIEW — As some children around town observe Kwanzaa today, their homes will be decorated with festive ornaments they made themselves during the Crestview Public Library’s Noel Night.

The library was filled Dec. 17 with families and individuals enjoying an evening of music, games, refreshments and craft-making celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Christmas music from community groups, including the Chanticleer show choir from Crestview High School filled the crowded meeting room.

In the library’s main section, Destin Hubbard, 8, and his friend Amirah Shiraz, 5, proudly held up books they won in the scavenger hunt, during which staffers and Friends of the Crestview Library volunteers guided them from clue to clue.

Volunteer Wanda Fogle, bedecked in a festive red hat festooned with ornaments, strolled around greeting admirers. A member of the Red Hat Society, “Every year I’ve been adding something to it,” she said.

In the children’s story room, Cyrius Davis, 8, and Natoria McRae knuckled down to get their Kwanzaa crafts just right, carefully gluing googly eyes to traditional African-inspired animal decorations.

Brycen Graham, 5, and Annie Grace, 7, discovered fun from another culture as they spun the dreidel and won prizes in the traditional Hanukkah game.

“She’s learning about Jewish customs,” Annie’s mom said, noting her daughter is home schooled.

As a mountain of cookies and gallons of punch were whittled down and the joyful strains of music died, library staffers looked at the smiling faces around them and had to smile themselves.

“This is so much fun,” Audrey Milcarek said. “We look forward to this.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Noel Night fills Crestview library with music, laughter, games and crafts (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

VALPARAISO — “Rural Electrification,” a traveling exhibit celebrating CHELCO’s 75th anniversary, is open through Jan. 15, 2016 at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida.  

The display includes artifacts such as household items used in the days before and after electrification.  

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Tuesday through Saturday at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Admission costs $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and military, and $3 for children. Museum members and children under 4 get in free.

In August 2015, Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative marked 75 years of providing electricity to rural Okaloosa and Walton, as well as portions of Holmes and Santa Rosa counties.

The "Rural Electrification" exhibit has visited Walton County Heritage Museum, Walton County Coastal Branch Library, Freeport Public Library, and the Baker Block Museum. 

Next, the display will be featured at the 2016 Chautauqua Assembly in January, as well as CHELCO’s Annual Meeting in April.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Valparaiso museum hosts 'Rural Electrification' exhibit

CRESTVIEW — Gracie Grant looks forward to an upcoming golf tour after earning high rankings in numerous tournaments across the southeastern United States.

And the 9-year-old just started competing in April.

Her 2015 standings are:

●First place, April 11-12, Red Hills Jr. Golf, Tallahassee.

●First place, May 2, Red Hills Jr. Golf, Albany, Ga.

●Second place, June 24-25, Rocky Bayou, Niceville.

●First place, July 20-22, Divot Derby, Pensacola.

●Second place, July 27, Drive, Chip, Putt, Mobile, Ala.

●First place, Aug. 1-2, Red Hills Jr. Golf, Valdosta, Ga.

●Third place, Aug. 11, Drive, Chip, Putt, New Orleans, La.

●First place, Sept. 12-13, Red Hills Jr. Golf, Valdosta, Ga.

Gracie, the daughter of Shane and Kerri Grant of Crestview, was named Player of the Year Oct. 11 by Red Hills Jr. Golf in Thomasville, Ga.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Meet the Crestview 9-year-old who is a rising golf star

CRESTVIEW — A Crestview area family wants to help a North Okaloosa household undergoing the adoption process.

Sheena Faircloth, her parents, Lorna and Chris, and other family members are donating at least $300 to whoever wins an essay contest. The proceeds will go toward adoption-related costs. all of Crestview,

The deadline for contest entry is 6 p.m. Dec. 24.

Private adoption can cost more than $20,000, and international costs can exceed $30,000, so every bit helps, Faircloth, a life coach for at-risk youths, said.

"I have been much involved in the foster care and court system over the past several years," she said. "I attend foster care/adoption connection meetings and am well informed on the needs in our area.

"I am also aware that there are many families in this area wanting to adopt but struggling to raise the funds necessary to do so."

Learn more about the contest at www.fcadoptionscholarship.squarespace.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Entries sought for Crestview adoption scholarship contest

CRESTVIEW — Main Street Land Title Company and the law firm of Nathan D. Boyles, P.A. are accepting donations for Crestview Manor.

The facility houses more than 50 senior citizens with limited means who likely would have no alternative for housing.

"Under the leadership of my office manager (aka: Mom), we will deliver care packages and cash a few days before Christmas," Boyles, an Okaloosa County commissioner, stated in his latest constituent newsletter.

Items needed include: shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, chapstick, lip balm, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, brushes, socks, combs, cookies, candy, chips, crackers, word search books, Poligrip, denture cleaner, disposable razors, calendars and cash for purchasing incidentals.

Deliver donations through 4 pm. Dec. 18 to 204 N. Main St., Crestview.

Email Sabrina@Crestview-law.com for more information on how to help.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Household staples needed for Crestview Manor residents

LAUREL HILL — What’s your favorite Christmas song? Which Christmas song could you live happily without ever hearing again?

The News Bulletin asked residents to share their most and least favorite holiday songs, and whose version of each.

Here's what they said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 5 of North Okaloosa County residents' least-favorite Christmas songs