CRESTVIEW — Here are upcoming and recent events in North Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. 

Tourist Development Council to meet

FORT WALTON BEACH — Tourist Development Council will convene at 9 a.m. Jan. 17 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach for its regular meeting.

Super Soaker inventor to speak on perseverance 

NICEVILLE — The public is invited to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center for a free program titled The Power of Perseverance, featuring Lonnie Johnson, U.S. Air Force veteran, NASA engineer and inventor of the Super Soaker squirt gun.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 and the program begins at 7:30 p.m. at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Limited seating is available.

Johnson, who invented the Super Soaker squirt gun, will discuss his history and how the ever increasing rate of technology evolution impacts the future. The gun received multiple industry awards, including Outdoor Toy of the Year.

“Lonnie Johnson has made a significant impact with his work, and I encourage educators, parents and leaders throughout our region to bring students to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center for an opportunity to learn from a NASA Nuclear Engineer,” NWF President Dr. Devin Stephenson.  

The next free event in the President's Speaker Series features money experts Rachel Cruze and Chris Hogan at 7:30 p.m. April 4.

Martin Luther King Jr. parade is scheduled 

CRESTVIEW — The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade begins with a line up at 9 a.m. Jan. 19, at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Lloyd Street in Crestview. The parade will march to the Okaloosa County Courthouse lawn for a program immediately afterward.

Paint refinishing open house set

CRESTVIEW — A local boutique will host a Jolie Home all-day paint refinishing open house this weekend. It will include live painting demos, and hands-on instruction for various finishing techniques and color mixing.

Shades of BLU's free event is 10 a.m. to  4 p.m. Jan. 19 at the store, 426 James Lee Blvd. W, Crestview. Call 331-2690 for more information.

Courts to close Jan. 21 for holiday observance

CRESTVIEW — The courts of the First Judicial Circuit will be closed Jan. 21 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Regular operations will resume Jan. 22. 

Local Boy Scout troop now open to girls

CRESTVIEW — For the first time in its 100-year history, the Boy Scouts of America will be open to young women. 

The Men’s Club of the First United Methodist Church is chartering the first Scouts-BSA troop for girls ages 11-17 in North Okaloosa County.

Troop 33's meet and greet is 7 p.m. Jan. 21 at FUMC, 599 8th St., Crestview. Email smicrestviewtroop33@gmail.com for more information.

Historian to present information on West Florida's early days

CRESTVIEW — Historian Hank Klein will speak on the topic "The Early Days of West Florida." The presentation starts at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 23 at the Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive, Crestview.

Call 682-4432 to reserve a seat.

The remainder of his presentations are listed below.

•"The Old East Pass & Destin Lighthouse Keepers," 6 p.m. Jan. 25, Heritage Park and Cultural Center, 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Call 833-9595 to RSVP.

•"Major Public Land Laws of the U.S.," during the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County meeting, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 26, Fort Walton Beach Library, 185 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach.

•"Miramar Beach was Once Shoals, Florida," 10 a.m. Jan. 30, Coastal Library of Walton County, 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach.

•"Destin Pioneer Settlers – A Land History of Destin from 1819-1940," during The Resurrection Snowbird Group meeting,  10 a.m. Jan. 31, Resurrection Catholic Church, 259 Miramar Beach Drive, Miramar Beach.

•"History Mystery Too," 7 a.m. Feb. 6, duinrg the Mid-Bay Rotary Club meeting, American House at Bluewater Bay, fifth floor, 4595 U.S. Highway 20 East, Niceville.

•Second "Early Days of Northwest Florida" presentation during the Destin History and Fishing Museum membership and board meeting, 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at the museum, 108 Stahlman Ave., Destin.

•"How Did Destin Become Destin?" presentation is 5 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Destin museum, 108 Stahlman Ave.

Boyles to host Coffee with the Commissioner event 

BAKER — Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles will discuss issues relating to the services, programs and improvements provided by Okaloosa County.

Multiple members of the Board of County Commissioners may attend and participate in the discussion, which is open to the public.

"Coffee with the Commissioner" starts at 5 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Camp Retreat, 5493 U.S. Highway 4, Baker.

Law enforcement leaders graduate from leadership academy

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute announces the recent graduation of 37 first-line supervisors from the Florida Leadership Academy. These graduates serve in leadership roles representing 29 criminal justice agencies throughout the state. 

The graduates met for four week-long sessions at the St. Johns River State College in St. Augustine. They learned skills necessary to support the needs of their agencies and their communities as they prepare for future challenges. 

The goal of the Florida Leadership Academy is to prepare first-line supervisors in criminal justice organizations to exemplify the character and integrity expected of criminal justice professionals and to examine the various components necessary to being an efficient leader. 

Graduates include Jason Folley and Samantha Schill, both of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Community Briefs

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Police Department and the U.S. Army 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) are searching for a soldier who failed to report for duty Monday morning. Sgt. Greco Antoine Tucker Jr., 23, was last heard from Friday.

Sgt. Tucker’s Crestview home shows no signs of forced entry and his personal property is in place, but his 2014 four-door, white Dodge Charger SE sedan is gone.

“It is possible he left the area,” Crestview Police Commander Ray Harp said. “He hasn’t reported to work, or to family or friends. It is very out of character for him.”

The 7th Group described Sgt. Tucker as an exemplary soldier.

“We’re looking into the circumstances of Sgt. Tucker’s disappearance to determine if he left on his own accord,” Cmdr. Harp said. “At this point in the investigation, we don’t have any indications of foul play.”

Anyone spotting Sgt. Tucker, possibly in his white Dodge Charger, Florida tag number 044-QCF, is asked to please contact the Crestview Police Department, 682-3544.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Police, Army looking for missing soldier

CRESTVIEW — The Main Street Crestview Association will have a chili contest for trophies, cash prizes "and bragging rights for the whole year," according to an announcement for the event.

The Chili Cook Off is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Hub City Smokehouse & Grill, 168 Main St. S, Crestview. 

Winners for best chili and People's Choice will be selected.

Awards include $100 cash and a trophy, $50 cash and a trophy, and $25 cash and a trophy for first through third Best Chili winners, plus $100 cash and a trophy for the People's Choice winner.

The schedule is as follows:

•10 a.m. — arrival and set up

•11 a.m. — tasting kits on sale

•3 p.m. — judges' tasting begins

•4 p.m. — winners announced at Hub City Smokehouse 

Registration costs $25.93. Go to https://www.downtowncrestview.org/events-1/chili-cook-off-contestant to enter.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Main Street Chili cookoff competition is this month

CRESTVIEW — Melissa Hanks is the founder of Ruck Up Cup, a mobile, drive-through coffee stand at 4110 Ferdon Blvd. S, Crestview.

Hanks — who started the business last summer — and her employees serve hot and cold drinks of various types. They cater and deliver.

Mochas, lattes, frappes, bubble teas and Italian sodas are some menu options. There are about 12 kid-friendly beverages, as well as fresh-baked goods provided by Fruitable Flowers of Crestview.

An energy-based drink on the list is the Red Bull Sparkler.

"It's Red Bull infused with flavoring like watermelon or cherry with a little bit of cream. It's really good," Hanks said.

Hanks grew up in Washington state, with coffee stands on every corner, she said.

"I just love coffee … so I started working at a couple of those growing up."

At 19, she began working at a Starbucks, and in the next two years, she and her husband, Zane, an airman, were stationed in Italy. The espressos they experienced there inspired them to start a drive-through coffee stand for military members.

On Friday, Ruck Up launched a business delivery system via ubereats.com. The five-drink minimum previously in force has been cancelled for businesses within Uber Eats boundaries, which are based on the center of Crestview to guarantee freshness.

Home delivery begins Jan. 14. and deliveries to Duke Field and the 7th Special Forces cost an additional $3.

Melissa considers mobility a necessity due to her family's military status.

"We can take it with us anywhere we go. That's kind of the number one thing that's hard when you're a military spouse, being able to stay at a job," she said.

Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the parking lot of BT Kitchen and Baths, a granite supplier.

Call 850-398-9677, or visit Ruck Up Cup on ubereats.com to place an order.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Love coffee? Try Ruck Up Cup in Crestview

Start out the year by learning something new at your local library! We have multiple new classes for adults coming up, so come relax, make friends, and start the journey of life-long learning.

Our monthly chess club will now we be a weekly meeting held in the Story Room on Monday evenings from 5-8 p.m. We will be hosting several new guest speakers on various topics including meal planning (Jan. 15), college applications (Jan. 14), early Florida history (Jan. 23), seeking college financial aid (Feb. 4), and more!

If you’re interested in any of these, or any of our regular classes and clubs like Trivia, Adult Coloring Therapy, Coffee & Craft, or Poetry Jam, check us out online, on our Facebook page, or at www.cityofcrestview.org/178/Library.

On a side note, for those in grades 6-12, our regular Teen Time program will host a back-to-school movie and popcorn party around 2 p.m. Jan. 11. Attendance is totally free. We will be screening a PG-13 new release superhero film.

If you or your teen have any more questions and despise the internet, give us a call at 682-4432 or visit us at the front desk, 1445 Commerce Drive, for more information.

Happy New Year! 

Emily Knie is the Crestview Public Library's adult services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Start your journey here

CRESTVIEW — The day Hurricane Michael struck Panama City will forever stick in Betty Gates’ mind.

Gates, who is nearly 80, had been in a nursing home for 13 days following a broken leg. The staff hadn’t planned on evacuating patients because they didn’t expect it to be more than a Category 2 or 3. But that wasn’t the case.

As the storm approached, the nursing home’s roof and walls collapsed. Ceiling titles and light fixtures fell. Shards of glass from windows shot down the hall. Through hanging wires and torrential rain, the staff rushed 130 residents to safety.

“They shoved me and my husband in a biohazard room with other patients,” Gates said. “We all just grouped together and began to pray.”

Some nurses wrote their personal information on their arms, thinking they wouldn’t survive. Gates wasn’t sure she would make it either.

“We didn’t know where to go,” she said. “No one knew what to do. And just as rapidly as that angry sky was swirling and making noises, it quit just like that.”

Once the storm passed, the staff called other nursing homes in Okaloosa and neighboring counties to find somewhere to take their patients. One of those facilities was Crestview Rehabilitation Center, which agreed to take 30 patients.

“We got them in church vans and buses, and actually unloaded them, had them triaged and in a bed in two hours,” said Angela Haskins, LPN unit manager for the hallway where Gates stays.

Gates and her husband Jerry, a retired Florida state trooper, were able to drive their car to Crestview. With her leg propped up in an uncomfortable position, she screamed in pain for most of the 100-mile trip while Jerry’s knuckles gripped the steering wheel until they were white.

It seemed like an eternity, Gates said. But once they made it to Crestview, everything fell into place.

Since arriving at Crestview Rehabilitation Center, Gates’ leg has healed rapidly. She credits visits from an orthopedic doctor and regular physical therapy for the progress. Without it, she said, she probably wouldn’t be walking.

Sitting in her warm bed Wednesday afternoon, Gates recalls the selflessness of the Crestview Rehabilitation Center staff for the past three months. And while she is excited to return to her Bay County home on Saturday, she will miss the nurses who have become a second family to her and her husband.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Gates said. “I’ve had businesses and I’ve never seen this efficiency in my lifetime.”

Between the constant care and attention, good food and entertainment, Gates has enjoyed her time in Crestview and wants the community to know about it.

“I don’t know what we would have done if they hadn’t been so generous,” Gates said. “These nurses go beyond what they have to do. They are the most dedicated people I’ve ever seen. There is no place that could be better than this.”

They even allowed her husband to live in her room while their home was repaired. And for Christmas, her nurses pitched in to buy her a new dress and Jerry, an avid University of Florida fan, a Gators blanket.

Jerry recently returned home to Panama City and Gates will soon follow. She has traded phone numbers with many of her caretakers and plans to keep in touch after she leaves.

“They have so much love and care in their heart to take care of some people who can’t even thank them,” Gates said. “You know they’re tried, but no one ever complains. It will be a sad day when I have to leave their care.”

Betty Gates would like to thank the nurses, nursing assistants, physical therapists and other staff from Crestview Rehabilitation Center that helped her during her three months at the facility: Renita, Angela, Rey, Kavin, Shelly, Leah, Brianna, Leslie, Kim, Val, Ian, Morgana, Brittany, Lynn, Sadie, Shanda, Kaitlyn, Carlyn, Denise, Victoria, Sharika, Nikki and Melinda.

THANK YOU

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'There is no place that could be better than this'

CRESTVIEW — Avid Europe travelers and newbies eager to discover some of the Old World — but without the limitations of a package tour — can feed their wanderlust when the Crestview Area Sister City Program returns to western France this summer.

The 11-day adventure is an unforgettable visual, historical, culinary and educational plunge into French culture. From September 12 to 23, participants will immerse in the magic of Noirmoutier, a congenial, hospitable island off the French Atlantic coast.

Because group members stay with host families — never in hotels — the trip is a culturally enriching personal experience.

"Whatever our hosts eat for breakfast, that’s what we eat," Pam Coffield, Sister City Program treasurer, said. "They take us to their favorite places on the island, and sometimes on the mainland. We see and experience life on Noirmoutier through our hosts’ eyes."

Thus, every participant’s experience is different, from bicycling along the paths that crisscross the island to poking through ts quaint shops, galleries and markets to walks through its picturesque woods and beaches.

There’s also a shortage of group activities. The Noirmoutier Sister City Committee is planning a cornucopia of experiences, beginning with an optional overnight trip to the Puy du Fou (pwee dew foo), Europe’s second-most popular theme park after Euro Disney, but dedicated entirely to history.

Watch swashbuckling Musketeers, a Viking invasion, medieval knights in battle, a Roman chariot race, the trenches of Verdun, and behold a "Ballet of the Birds" as hundreds of birds of prey swoop overhead.

At night, the world’s biggest theatrical presentation unfolds. The sweeping, epic "Cinéscénie," features a cast of 2,400 actors performing across an outdoor setting spread over 23 hectares (56 acres), with 28,000 costumes and a herd of nearly four dozen horses.

Back in Noirmoutier, more history beckons, from the 8^th-century château (castle) and its fascinating museum to German World War II AtlantikWall blockhauses, meandering narrow old streets, seaside villages and churches. In Noirmoutier’s center, famous salt marais yield up their high-grade sea salt as harvesters explain the centuries-old salt production process.

"More than anything, it’s the memorable time with our host families that make these trips so fulfilling," Mrs. Coffield said, adding she isn’t sure how many times she’s visited Noirmoutier, except to say "it’s a lot. It’s like visiting favorite relatives or best college friends. Their hospitality is so unbelievably wonderful, and don’t even get me started on the incredible food!"

What: Crestview Area Sister City Program trip to Noirmoutier, France

When: September 12-23, 2019

Cost: Airfare, land travel to Nantes, and personal expenses such as souvenirs, etc. are at participants’ expense. Optional Puy du Fou overnight excursion is $280 per person and must be paid by Jan. 15 to secure reservations

Details: Semi-escorted visit to Crestview’s Sister City. Sister City Program membership is required. Annual dues: $20 individuals; $30 families; $2 full-time students. Membership open to anyone in the tri-county area and southern Alabama.

Participation includes transportation to Noirmoutier from Nantes and back, accommodations with a host family, group tours and activities (Puy du Fou excursion is extra), meals with host families, picnics, a grand Gala Dinner, and more. Knowledge of French is not necessary.

Participants arrange their own airfare to Europe and transportation to the group rendezvous in Nantes, the closest major city served by French Rail. Most participants organize personal travel in France or Europe before and/or after the group Noirmoutier experience.

Information: Crestview Area Sister City Program, 850.603.2584, crestviewsistercity@gmail.com. For information about the program, visit www.CrestviewSisterCity.org.

Want to go?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Back to Noirmoutier

CRESTVIEW — Flooding is a natural disaster that often strikes with little, if any, warning. The environmental awareness website, Natural Rivers states that floods are the most common natural hazard in North America in terms of number of lives lost and property damage. Floods can occur day or night and any time of the year. Flooding can also occur in all different terrains.

In September 2018, many of the inland towns of North Carolina were flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, displacing millions. The following month saw severe flooding in central and southern Texas that prompted Governor Greg Abbott to declare a state of disaster in 18 counties. Accuweather reported in the summer of 2018 that historic flooding closed famed Hershey Park, shuttering attractions for a few days.

Flooding can cause considerable distress, uproot families and damage structures. But even people who live in flood zones can take steps to be flood-safe.

· Purchase flood insurance. Many people and properties are not covered for flooding under standard homeowners insurance policies. As a result, it is essential to purchase separate flood insurance. The home improvement and information site HouseLogic says that flood insurance may be required by mortgage companies for those financing homes in flood plains.

· Have a "go bag" ready. This is a great idea in preparation for any type of emergency situation. Go bags can include a few changes of clothes, important documents and phone numbers, essential toiletries, extra cash, and non-perishable foods. You may want to stock go bags with flashlights, batteries and waterproof shoes as well. Evacuate if a flood is predicted to be severe.

· Know your flood level. Check flood maps at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website (FEMA.gov) or your local building department. This will help you know just how high the water might rise in certain scenarios so you can plan accordingly.

· Safeguard key home systems. Protect sockets, switches, breakers, and wiring in a home by placing them at least one foot above the expected flood level in your area, offers the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. Move the furnace, water heater and any other key appliances so they sit above the property's flood level.

· Vent the water. Foundation vents, sump pumps, drains, and more can help keep water from accumulating in or around the foundation of a home.

· Consider a grading change. The grading or slope of ground can be adjusted to direct water away from your home. If your street is prone to standing water after ordinary rainstorms, talk to your county planning or environmental services department about potential modifications.

· Prepare for the worst. Home piers or columns can lift the lowest floor of a home above flood level. It's an expensive undertaking but can be worth it in high-flood areas.

Flooding is no joke. Homeowners can safeguard their homes with some protective steps.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Protect your home and family from flooding

CRESTVIEW — When comedian Elvis Mujic came to town this week, he was a man on a mission.

Mujic has toured 47 states in the minivan he calls home, and one of the things he loves most is performing for homeless people. He visits organizations like the Salvation Army and asks around to find out where homeless people congregate so he can perform especially for them.

On Jan. 2, he contacted the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless for permission to do some standup for their clients. Mujic entertained them for about half an hour.

Mary Bayer, a volunteer at CASH, said, "It was the first time we've ever had anybody like that come in. It went wonderful. The folks really enjoyed it and it kind of got them away from their own problems, you know. It was very fun!"

Bayer said she was eavesdropping from the kitchen during Mujic's routine. He told jokes about himself, and talked about being from Bosnia.

"I would like to see him come back again," Bayer said. "Anything that brightens up their day, I'm for that."

Mujic said he takes a different approach when performing for the homeless.

"People in comedy clubs are happy already," he said. "They have money, they're happy, they're well fed."

More of a warm up is required for the homeless to begin enjoying themselves. He interacts with them and tries to lift their mood by being playful and positive.

"It's super challenging. I like it," Elvis said. "If I can do it there — if something works for them — if it makes them laugh, it's a very funny joke.

"I don't always pull it off, but it is possible and when I do it (well), it validates it," he said of his work.

An aptitude for the job

Mujic and his family moved to the U.S. when he was 7 and grew up in Detroit.

Before he became a comedian, he was a working student starting his fourth year at a Massachusetts college.

"I … did good the first three years, (and) messed up. They made me take a year off," he said.

In the break, he decided to challenge himself to lift his spirits, and hiked the Appalachian Trail for five months.

He tried returning to school, he said, but couldn't. That's when he found standup comedy — it was a fit.

"It's all sort of a slow progression," he said. "What I vividly remember is doing it and feeling, 'Oh this is very right.'"

His parents have come to accept his decision.

"I'm 29. I've done stuff like this for a long time," he said. "At this point they understand. It's a good thing and they're good people."

Visit his website, www.elviscomedy.com, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Traveling comic performs for the homeless

When most people think of Florida’s sandy beaches, they think warm, sunny summer. But what the locals already know is that winter at the beach has tons to offer.

The sand and water may be cold, but it’s a perfect time for looking for seashells.

Maybe it’s because less people are on the beach, or maybe it’s the cold weather and winter storms washing them ashore, but the beach always seems full of seashells and other great finds during the winter months.

As a former island dweller, seashells have become an integral part of my home decorating scheme. They make great containers for Q-tips, candles and jewelry. Some act as decoration atop a cabinet, while others have been turned into craft projects such as a necklace or windchime. Little jars of sharks’ teeth collected throughout the years are tucked away. I even have a shell from my daughter’s first trip to the beach, labeled with the date. A little reminder of paradise.

While collecting is fun, leaving behind seashells and other marine organisms can also benefit our beaches, which is why I always limit what I take. Shells provide protection for creatures such as hermit crabs and can be hiding places for small fish. They also help stabilize beaches and anchor seagrass.

But if you do want to take home a few souvenirs, it’s important to know there are some rules when it comes to recreational seashell collection on Florida’s beaches.

The major thing to keep in mind when you are collecting is, if it’s dead, it most likely is OK to keep.

Do not keep anything that is federally protected (i.e. sea turtles, sawfish or parts thereof).

If a seashell has a living organism inside it or is a living organism (think sand dollars and starfish), you must have a Florida saltwater fishing license (unless exempt) and you must adhere to state and local limits for that species.

It’s also good to know that there are a few species prohibited from harvest, such as the Bahama starfish and live queen conch. You may collect queen conch shells when the shells do not contain any living queen conch at the time of collection.

Special rules also apply if you are collecting in Lee or Manatee counties.

To learn more about FWC’s regulations on recreational seashell collecting, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on "Recreational Regulations" and "Sea Shells." For a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Winter is perfect for collecting seashells at the beach