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Fall festival activities set for October and November

Area residents planning fall events may send details to news@crestviewbulletin.com. [PIXABAY.COM]

CRESTVIEW — The activities listed below are scheduled through Nov. 30 in Crestview and surrounding areas. Email details of your upcoming event to news@crestviewbulletin.com to have it listed here.

HAUNTED HERITAGE MINI FESTIVAL: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Museum admission is free that day. Games with prizes, spooky stories, and crafts are planned. There will also be a bake sale and lunch plates for purchase. Call 678-2615 or email info@heritage-museum.org for details.

THE CRESTVIEW FALL FESTIVAL: 1-6 p.m. Oct. 27 along Main Street. A pet costume contest and parade is at 2 p.m., and a costume contest for groups and individuals up to age 18 is at 3 p.m. Vendors may register online at www.downtowncrestview.org. Volunteers are also needed. Several 2-3 hour slots are available; RSVP online.

NORTH OKALOOSA COMMUNITY BAND PERFORMANCE: 2 p.m. Oct. 27 on Main Street in Crestview, during the town's fall festival. The band will present several Halloween-themed musical numbers adapted from Hollywood horror movies. The all-volunteer ensemble features musicians ranging from teenagers to octogenarians and is open to anyone musically inclined who has access to their own musical instruments. No auditions are required. The band rehearses 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Shoal River Middle School, 3200 Redstone Ave. E, Crestview.

PYRON CHAPEL FALL FESTIVAL: 5-8 p.m. Oct. 27, Pyron Chapel Baptist Church, 6498 William Gary Johnson Road, Baker. The free festival includes food, games and more. Call 598-3935 or 537-8747 for details.

TRUNK OR TREAT: 5-7 p.m. Oct. 29, in the Crestview Public Library's east parking lot, 1445 Commerce Drive. Call Ginny, 682-4432, to reserve a space. Prizes for best trunk decorations. Call to volunteer or donate candy.

LIVE OAK BAPTIST FALL FESTIVAL: 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31, at the church, 4565 Live Oak Church Road, Crestview. The annual event includes food, carnival  games, prizes, inflatables, a hay ride, and a new train ride. Costumes are welcome!

NEW BEGINNINGS FALL FESTIVAL: 4-7 p.m. Nov. 11 at New Beginnings Church, 412 U.S. Highway 90 W., Crestview. The free event includes a bouncy house, dunk tank, games, a cornhole competition, hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn and boiled peanuts. Call 689-2988 for details. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fall festival activities set for October and November

North Okaloosa County services calendar

PRIZE DONATIONS NEEDED: The Crestview Police Department Community Services Division is accepting prize donations for the games night it has with special needs teens and adults in Crestview. Previous prizes were such items as T-shirts, sunglasses, baseball caps, small games, and stuffed animals. Donations of bottle water, soft drinks and snacks are also welcome. take donations to the CPD, Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., Crestview. 

ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, Tri-County Community Council, 290 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview. 306-1134.

CRESTVIEW SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: Serves Mondays through Saturdays. To volunteer at Central Baptist Church, call 682-5525; Our Savior Lutheran Church, 682-3154; LifePoint Church, 682-3518; Community of Christ, 682-7474; First Presbyterian Church, 682-2835; or First United Methodist Church, 682-2018.

SUPPORT CIRCLE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS: Meetings take place as follows.

—5-6 p.m. Tuesdays at Shelter House, 120 Woodruff Ave., Suite A, Crestview. This is a Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 683-0845. 

6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Shelter House, 16 Ferry Road SE, Fort Walton Beach. A Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 243-1201.

noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Shelter House, 3590 U.S. Highway 331 S., Suite 102, DeFuniak Springs. A Shelter House survivor-led support group. Walk-ins are welcome. 362-7190.

FREE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-3:30 p.m. Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to noon second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 247 S. Booker St., Crestview. Free items include shoes and other accessories. Presented by Concerned Citizens of Crestview. Details: 689-1582 or 428-6997.

EMPLOY FLORIDA WORKSHOPS: 9-11 a.m. fourth Thursdays of the month at CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, 409 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach. Learn to conduct job searches on the state system, create a resume, access labor market data for wage, job experience and education requirements for a specific occupation. Learn about Training Grant opportunities, online training courses, and the organization's virtual recruiter.

COLLEGE OFFERS ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT: A Florida State University program that offers relief – free of charge – to distressed African-Americans who provide care to a loved one with dementia. It uses trained lay pastoral-care facilitators and is recruiting caregivers in North and Central Florida. ACTS 2 (African-American Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training and Support) won a $20,000 award as well. Caregivers participate in a 12-session, telephone-based skills-building and support program covering topics such as relaxation, effective thinking and problem-solving skills. Call 866-778-2724 toll free, 850-274-4945, or go to www.ACTS2Project.org for details.

SHINE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, a Department of Elder Affairs program, seeks volunteers to help elderly residents answer Medicare questions and resolve problems, help them make informed choices about their health insurance, save money on prescription medications and learn about their eligibility for helpful programs. There is no charge for seniors to use the program. Bilingual volunteers are also encouraged to call. Dial 1-800-963-5337 for details.

EMERALD COAST HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS WANTED: ECH provides compassionate care through a team of professional staff members and volunteers. Volunteers are thoroughly trained and provided ongoing education. They can serve in a variety of areas from administrative help to offering support to a hospice patient through visits or weekly phone calls. Just a few hours a month makes an impact. Details: Ann O'Connor, 689- 0300.

SENIORS VS. CRIME VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Seniors vs. Crime's Crestview office, which assists senior citizens whom someone scammed or took advantage of, needs help. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 296 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite 8. To volunteer, contact Office Manager Joe Loria, 306-3176, or Region 5 Deputy Director JB Whitten, 813-489-5657. Contact 800-203-3099, see www.seniorsvscrime.com, or email crestview@svcproject.org for more information. 

REPORT ELDERS ABUSE: Call the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873) if you suspect elderly friends and neighbors are being abused. Many elders may suffer from financial exploitation, neglect or physical or emotional abuse, often caused by family members. The NFAAA is a private, non-profit agency supported by the federal Older Americans Act and the State of Florida General Revenue Fund through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Gwen Rhodes, 494-7100 or rhodesg@nwflaaa.org

UWF ACADEMIC ADVISING: The University of West Florida offers assistance with admissions, academic and degree advising and registration in Crestview. Contact Deborah Cluff, 863-6550, to schedule an appointment for first Thursdays at the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1446 Commerce Drive.

HOMELESS ASSISTANCE: Need help? Contact the Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care, 409-3070, www.okaloosawaltonhomeless.org; Opportunity Inc., 659-3190; or Helping Hands of Crestview, 428 McLaughlin St., behind First United Methodist Church. Helping Hands is open 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

WOMEN AND FAMILY INTERVENTION SERVICES AND EDUCATION: a Crestview-based Community Drug and Alcohol Council program that helps pregnant women with substance abuse. 689-4024.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: Eligible low-income families can receive financial assistance through the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Apply at www.elc-ow.org. Hover over "Services" and click "School Readiness" to register.

FREE MEDICARE COUNSELING: By appointment, Crestview Public Library and Elder Services of Okaloosa County, in Crestview, 494-7101 or 1-866-531-8011.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Nonprofit seeks Crestview area lots for families needing housing. 758-0779 or 315-0025.

VA VETERANS CRISIS LINE: Veterans in crisis, their families and friends can call 800-273-TALK (8255), and press 1 to talk with qualified, caring VA responders. Confidential. www.veteranscrisisline.net.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEEDS MENTORS: Adult volunteers spend two hours weekly mentoring children. Pairs go to the library, museum, park or beach, hike, roller-skate or play sports. 664-5437.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTERS: Group needs people to work in the Emergency Operations Center assisting county personnel. Contact: Yvonne Earle, 863-1530, extension 230.

FREE HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE DROPOFF: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Okaloosa County Recycling Office, 80 Ready Ave., Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa residents may drop off paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, used oil, gas, antifreeze, computers, televisions, fluorescent lamps, car batteries, rechargeable batteries, cleaners, solvents, aerosols and printers.

MUSEUM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida seeks friendly, reliable volunteers to greet guests and answer phones in its gift shop 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Details: 678-2615, stop by 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, or email info@heritage-museum.org.

CARS NEEDED: Opportunity Inc. accepts donations of cars, boats and other vehicles to support Opportunity Place, an emergency shelter for families. Shelley Poirrier, 409-3070 or shelley@okaloosawaltonhomeless.org.

SHELTER HOUSE FINANCIAL SUPPORT: It costs just more than $100 a day to shelter a domestic violence victim. Every little bit helps. 683-0845.

DRIVE VETERANS: Help veterans attend appointments at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Pensacola two days a month. Veterans Service Office, 689-5922.

VEHICLES NEEDED: Covenant Hospice accepts cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats and RVs. Qualified professionals pick up vehicles from Pensacola to Tallahassee at convenience. Rachel Mayew, 428-0605.

LAKEVIEW CENTER'S FAMILIES FIRST NETWORK NEEDS BEDS: Donations wanted for local children in protective services. Cribs and beds for children must be in good condition. 833-3840.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County services calendar

Northwest Florida Fair showcases 4-H youths' skills

Mikayla Clark of Okaloosa County holds her chicken during the Northwest Florida Fair. [SPECIAL TO THE NEWS BULLETIN]

Fall to most people means pumpkin patches, cooler weather, and preparing for the upcoming holiday season. Fall to Okaloosa County 4-H means fair week at the Northwest Florida Fair.

The Okaloosa County 4-H program coordinated the annual 4-H events and had over 100 youth participants from Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton County. The diverse group of exhibit judges this year included past 4-H’ers, Okaloosa County Master Gardeners, the Okaloosa County Farm Bureau president, and extension faculty from both the University of Florida and the University of Georgia.

The 4-H youths ranged from 5-18 years old, from both the community clubs and military clubs. They participated in a variety of animal exhibits and shows, including poultry, rabbit, beef, and meat and dairy goat. They also had the opportunity to participate in a dog show, archery competition, and enter project exhibits.

Animal projects provide the youths with a life skills package that includes responsibility, animal care and feeding, management, and record keeping. Showmanship teaches them communication, self-discipline, social skills, and sportsmanship while also showcasing what they have learned with their project animal.

The newly included archery competition allowed youths to showcase the shooting techniques, problem-solving skills, and discipline they had acquired through the safe, educational, and socially acceptable environments in which they participated in throughout the 4-H year.

Their project exhibits gave them an outlet to express their creativity while educating themselves in the subject matter of their choosing.

The Okaloosa County 4-H program had over 740 youth entries in the various events that allowed them to share their accomplishments and educate the public on their projects.

For more information about of school enrichment programs, in-school/out-of-school clubs, community clubs, or becoming a volunteer please contact us as follows: Taylor Wilken, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, and Katie Oakes, 4-H Program Assistant, UF IFAS Extension Okaloosa County, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview, FL 32539; 689-5850.

Katie Oakes and Taylor Wilken are agents at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Northwest Florida Fair showcases 4-H youths' skills

Over 100 in attendance as city council kicks off City Government Week

The Crestview city council kicked off "City Government Week" in Warriors Hall Monday. Over 100 people attended the meeting including visitors from Crestview's "Sister City" Noirmoutier-en-líI^le, France. [KAYLIN PARKER/NEWS BULLETIN]

CRESTVIEW — "Bienvenue" (or "welcome") opened the special council meeting Monday in Warriors Hall with over 100 in attendance including attendees from Crestview's sister city in Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, France.

This meeting marked the beginning of "City Government Week" — a week dedicated to giving the community an opportunity to learn more about city operations.

Although this was a "special" meeting, the council began in regular meeting format with an invocation.

"We open every meeting with an invocation, and some people say, 'Why do you do that'," Whitten said. "We are a Christian country based on Christian principles."

"What we're going to do is walk you through the meeting so you can see what we do," Whitten said. "Normally, we have very long, boring meetings. Tonight, we will have a short boring meeting."

The council business portion of the meeting was quick with only one item discussed, an out-of-city water service petition by Crestview residents, which passed unanimously with all members present.

Mayor David Cadle then stood before the crowd and read a proclamation designating this week as "City Government Week" for 2018.

"I encourage the citizens of this city to become involved in the activities of your local government thereby enhancing the quality of life in your community," Cadle said.

A large portion of the crowd consisted of groups the council recognized.

After the council recognized their groups, Cadle read the "Sister City Proclamation," but not before taking a moment to honor the community for assisting in Hurricane Michael relief efforts.

"Let me thank each one of you for the heart you gave to our friends and relatives in the Panama City area," Cadle said. "We can go home this evening in comfort, and they're looking at months and years of rebuilding … We will keep them in our prayers."

Noël Faucher, the mayor of Noirmoutier, and Cadle exchanged gifts from each city.

"On Saturday, as I was telling you, we had a barbecue right at this very spot," Cadle said as he held a framed photo of Northwest Florida State College Robert L. F. Sikes Education Center.

They dedicated a garden to Noirmoutier called  "Le Jardin de Noirmoutier," the mayor said.

Faucher gave a speech with the help of a professor of English at a university in Noirmoutier.

"These exchanges have allowed our young French citizens to come here and discover your culture," Faucher said. "… Part of their dream was the American dream to come and check what they had seen for so many years in television and their books and their songs."

The gift from Noirmoutier was a painting of a sea buoy that leads to Noirmoutier "showing you the way."

The night concluded with what many of the boy and girl scouts had been waiting for — cake.

The Crestview Police Department, Crestview Fire Department, council members, and other department heads had booths set up with information for attendees interested in learning and asking questions.

The city will continue having events throughout the week.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Over 100 in attendance as city council kicks off City Government Week

Crestview pro wrestling event will help Hurricane Michael survivors

CRESTVIEW — Revolt Pro Wrestling is giving area residents a fun way to help people who suffered losses due to Hurricane Michael. RPW wrestlers will have their sixth Crestview live wrestling event soon, with all proceeds going to directrelief.org.

Doors open 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive, and wrestling begins at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 each, and front row tickets are $15 each.

"We picked Direct Relief due to the fact that 100 percent of the proceeds that we make from this event will all go to disaster relief for those that are in need," RPW co-owner Ryan Fury said. According to the DR website, its mission is to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.

Two RPW wrestlers were among people affected by the storm, one of whom lost everything.

"There are also other wrestlers in that area that were affected but we do not know to what degree," Fury said.

Event attendees will get to see bouts between the International Superstars and The Space Cowboys; Zane Stevens and Revolt Heavyweight Champion Christopher Santos; and women's wrestling with Avery Taylor and Ellie.

Competitors also include Cameron Thomas, Blanco Loco, Zane Stevens, Ox Haney, El Cachi, Joey Ozbourne and Brian Valor.

Visit the Revolt Pro Wrestling Facebook page or www.revoltprowrestling.com for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview pro wrestling event will help Hurricane Michael survivors

The Crestview community continues assisting our eastern neighbors

CRESTVIEW — It's been over a week since Hurricane Michael tore through the Florida Panhandle, and the community is making strides to recover from the devastation.

The Crestview Police Department is working to assist in the recovery.

After heaps of donations from community members flowed into the police department, Crestview officers loaded the supplies into a four vehicle convoy including a Public Works truck and headed to Marianna Thursday morning, per direction from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Public Information Officer Brian Hughes said he was amazed by the amount of supplies the community donated in a short period of time.

"People have been overwhelmingly responsive," Hughes said.

The police department received donations from the Ladies of Law Enforcement and other community members looking for an opportunity to get involved.

Jae Williams, 7, has been a huge help to the police department, Hughes said.

Williams received an honorary official uniform after loading the back of his mom's SUV with cases of water.

Riley Martin, 3, used money she raised from her lemonade stand over the weekend to help children of law enforcement officers affected by the storm.

"It has really been heartwarming to see this out-pour of generosity from the community," Hughes said. "We were  not expecting this."

Hughes said donations have poured in from all ages, young to elderly.

One woman bought a brand new pickup truck and immediately loaded it with pallets of water from Sam's club.

She then unloaded the water at the police department with help from two newly sworn-in officers, Hughes said.

Some of the items donated to the Crestview Police Department included a waffle maker, bedding, plenty of diapers, toiletries, and even children's car seats.

The police department is continuously asking for socks and undergarments due to the inability to do laundry in the affected areas.

“Just that willingness to pitch in makes it a city wide effort," Hughes said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The Crestview community continues assisting our eastern neighbors

Land purchased for potential Panda Express in Crestview

Panda Express will be located next to the Zaxby's on State Road 85.

[KAYLIN PARKER/NEWS BULLETIN]

CRESTVIEW — The city of Crestview could be getting another fast-food joint.

Panda Express has purchased property at the south end next to the Zaxby's on State Road 85.

According to Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard, the restaurant's next step will be submission of their plans to the growth management department, which will go through the meeting process for approval.

Gaillard said there's no estimate on when the plans will be presented to the council, but will likely happen before the end of this year.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Land purchased for potential Panda Express in Crestview

Four North Okaloosa Fire District candidates vying for two commission seats

Fire engines and a tanker from the North Okaloosa Fire District stand at the ready at NOFD's Bob Sikes Airport station. [FILE PHOTO/DAILY NEWS]

OKALOOSA COUNTY — The November election will take place in less than a month, and Okaloosa County voters will have a chance to vote for North Okaloosa Fire District commissioners.

Both group 2 and group 4 are running opposed.

Here is what each fire district candidate had to say about their platform.

Scott "Scottie" Forn Group 2

Scott Forn, originally from Montana, is a pilot and retired Air Force Lt. Col.

Before beginning his 24-year military career, Forn said he volunteered as a firefighter with an organization called the Fire Explorers before he was able to drive.

"I have carried a breathing apparatus. I have moved ladders. I know what it takes to be a fireman," Forn said

Although Forn has never run for this position, he said he hopes to use his experience working with fire teams to continue improving the North Okaloosa Fire District.

If elected, Forn said he would want to see the other North Okaloosa Fire District stations more active.

Currently, North Okaloosa Fire District has four stations, three of them not fully staffed.

"Having them in the north so close to me, I don't see an issue, but if my house were on the south side," Forn said, "I would be concerned as a citizen down there."

Forn also hopes to see more firefighters added to the district.

"What I have heard and seen is that we have money, we just aren't spending it on the firefighter," Forn said.

Forn said he wouldn't recommend raising taxes, but would do so if it was necessary.

"First and foremost, I am not an emotion driven person, I'm data driven," Forn said. "If I get elected, I will not vote for any sort of tax increase until I know what the data says."

Daniel Bowers, Group 2

Daniel Bowers, the incumbent, has served two terms as a commissioner in North Okaloosa.

Bowers said his platform hasn't changed much since the beginning of his first term.

"My platform … has been until this day to operate as much a safe fire department for as much money as the tax payers are willing to spend," Bowers said.

As a current board member, Bowers said community input is important to him concerning tax increases.

"Tax increases are only necessary if people are willing to pay them," Bowers said. "… In the eight years that I've been there, I've never voted for a tax increase. I think we have plenty of money."

Although Bowers doesn't have a background in firefighting, he said he observed the fire commission and felt they were trying to "build an empire."

This didn't sit well with Bowers. For this reason, he decided to get involved, he said.

"I ran on a platform of no increases in taxes unless you voted for it or unless you told me you wanted it," Bowers said.

In eight years, Bowers said he has yet to have constituent request a tax increase.

Prior to 2010, the fire district was in significant amount of debt

Craig Shaw Group 4

Craig Shaw, the incumbent, hopes to be voted into what would be his third term.

After attending meetings, Shaw said he thought there were more options than raising taxes and decided to get involved.

Shaw began his first term in 2010 after winning the vote by 70 percent against Rollin Rathbun.

When he became a commissioner, Shaw said the fire district was in debt.

But, his goal was to rapidly pay off the debt, which they did, Shaw said.

"I was a bad guy for a while because I had to say no to a lot of things that a lot of people wanted," Shaw said. "But, the reason I said no to a lot of other things was so we could pay this debt off."

"In eight years, we've gone from $600,000 in debt with no reserves to being debt free with over a million in reserves," Shaw said.

If elected, Shaw hopes to see continuing improvement in equipment for the fire district.

"If you like your tax rates to stay slow and you don't think that it's wise to blow money on unnecessary things, I'm the guy that's going to make that happen," Shaw said.

Shaw serves as the chairman of the fire district's board of commissioners.

Rollin Rathbun Group 4

For Rollin Rathbun, this race is familiar ground.

Rathbun has been a volunteer firefighter and served in the Air Force for 26 years.

"As I get older — I'm going to be 50 this year — I can't do as much stuff as I used to," Rathbun said. "But, I still want to contribute."

He also served as a North Okaloosa Fire Commissioner from 2012-2014 and was voted out in 2016.

Rathbun said he is not opposed to having a one-time tax increase to help supply the firefighters with necessary equipment.

In the past as a commissioner, he said community members came to the meeting complaining about raising taxes because they rely on their homeowners insurance in case of a fire.

"Having a well-prepared fire department is what you really need," Rathbun said.

With such a fire department, Rathbun's ultimate goal is to keep the firefighters protected as they protect the community.

"My big thing is I want to see the guys be safe," Rathbun said. "I want to make sure they have the equipment that's not going to fail in a fire."

Early voting will begin on Monday, Oct. 22 and end on Saturday, Nov. 3. The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

For more information about voting in Okaloosa County, visit www.govote-okaloosa.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Four North Okaloosa Fire District candidates vying for two commission seats

Fairfield Inn & Suites collecting for hurricane survivors

Like other businesses and nonprofits, Fairfield Inn & Suites in Crestview is collecting items to give to Hurricane Michael survivors. According to the hotel, one donor drove five hours to deliver new Lili la Rue clothing. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Fairfield Inn & Suites at 110 Crosson St. is currently a drop-off spot for supplies going to Panama City area survivors on Friday, Oct. 19. Items most in demand are anything usable without power or running water such as bottled water, non-perishable items, hand wipes, water purifying tablets, new clothes and diapers.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fairfield Inn & Suites collecting for hurricane survivors

'It's just time to get some control'

Growth Managment Director Teresa Gaillard

CRESTVIEW — The city of Crestview continues the discussion about regulating mobile vendors with an ordinance, an issue that dates back to 2013.

Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard presented a first draft of the itinerant vendors ordinance, new article 24, to the city council at a workshop meeting Monday.

Mobile vending as defined by the city is "the selling of any product out of any self-propelled or non-self-propelled vehicle including carts, trucks, trailers and movable stands and kiosks."

The council took the opportunity to discuss their concerns with Gaillard.

Mobile vendors applicants would be required to go through a background check conducted by the chief of police, according to Gaillard.

Council President J.B. Whitten said he didn't see reason why the city should deny a business with an owner who has a previous criminal background dating back more than five years.

"You can't hang somebody for something that they did as a teenager," J.B. Whitten said.

Councilman Doug Faircloth continued with an issue he had in 2016 — out-of-town car dealers.

He said he has received complaints of business being taken away from local dealerships.

“There’s too much money involved and we’re not protecting our local dealers,” Faircloth said.

Council members also agreed to add more precise language concerning citations and consequences for violating the ordinance.

"You can't have a guard dog that doesn't bite," Faircloth said.

"I think we should have a written penalty in there," Council Vice President Bill Cox said.

Permits will be issued by the building and permit department.

The city's code enforcement officer will be in charge of engaging with mobile vendors who are in violation.

"We're growing way too fast and there’s a lot of people … it's just time to get some control of it, lay some ground rules," Gaillard said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'It's just time to get some control'

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