DESTIN — Joseph Richard Tyrell III, 23, of Crestview, and a South Florida resident died in an early morning traffic crash today at the intersection of Danny Wuerffel Way and U.S. Highway 98. No passengers were involved.

Investigators say Tyrell was driving a white Mazda, which collided with a Chevy Blazer being driven by a Pinellas County resident whose name is not yet available.

The accident took place around 3 a.m. Tuesday.

Currently no witnesses have been located. The reason for the crash is still being investigated. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview man among 2 dead in Destin traffic crash

CRESTVIEW — Spectrum House closed its parking area on Saturday to allow families to participate in several activities from jumping in a bounce house to tossing rings on a small inflatable pirate ship.

The goal was to raise awareness for its developmental program, which provides services for autistic children and people with neurological disabilities, whether severe, moderate or high functioning, said Crystal Burton, the center’s lead therapist.

"Our goal here is to make these children as indistinguishable from any child, whether you walk into a classroom or Walmart," therapist Mary Seidenfaden said. The center teaches kids how to interact with others and prevent outbursts at home or in the classroom.

Baker resident Andrea Franklin has been bringing her daughter Jessica Sollie, 16, to the center for about a year, and said, "She expresses more verbally than acting out or misbehaving.”

 Crestview resident Elizabeth Smith, who brings her 5-year-old son, A.J., to the center, said her son has become more sociable with kids his age.

Find it online:

spectrumhouse.org

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Spectrum House raises awareness with public event

CRESTVIEW — Driving to DeFuniak Springs to sit with a hospice patient on a moment’s notice is no problem for Alice Fowler.

The Crestview resident primarily relieves caregivers, sitting with patients while a family member runs errands or works, and volunteers in every department at Covenant Hospice, administrators said.

"She has a lot of heart for the patients she cares for,” said Carolyn Williams, the Crestview location’s volunteer manager and community liaison.

Still, Fowler expressed surprise when hospice officials named her Volunteer of the Year during an April 16 luncheon.

"I'm blown away," she said. "I have only been doing it for a year and a half."

During the volunteer appreciation luncheon, the hospice honored its unpaid helpers — thosewho assist in caring for terminally ill patients and provide support for their families — with an award ceremony and door prizes. Crestview Mayor David Cadle stopped by to give a proclamation for National Volunteer Week.

Covenant’s ‘heart’

"I didn't understand it at the time when I first started, but the volunteers are truly the heart of Covenant Hospice," said Carolyn Williams, the Crestview location’s volunteer manager and community liaison.

 Williams, who has worked from the Crestview location for the past four months, said the volunteers here have impressed her.

"I just tell them where they need to be and they are there; they represent us with dignity and style," she said. "It's not about themselves, it's about the patient."

Williams recognized 13 other volunteers with various recognitions, including the Service Hours Award, Community Award and Patient and Family Support Award.

Holt resident David Brown, who has volunteered more than a year, won the Ambassador award. Brown plays gospel music for hospice patients in Crestview assisted living facilities Carrington Manor and Crestview Manor.

"I wanted to make a difference in their lives, even though it is toward the end of their life," Brown said. "It's rewarding to me … I hope it is to them."

Fowler said volunteering fulfills her.  

 "Just knowing I helped somebody … it’s just everything," she said.

Want to help?

Prospective Covenant Hospice volunteers can call 682-3628. The office is at 317 W. Redstone Ave. See covenanthospice.org for more information.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Covenant Hospice honors volunteers with luncheon

DESTIN — The Okaloosa Time Capsule Committee has selected Heritage Museum as the VIVA Florida Anniversary Time Capsule’s location.

Factors in the choice included the museum's proximity to all Okaloosa County residents and security.

Capsule items will preserve memories of today’s events and lifestyle, such as tourism, beaches, military presence and local festivals, restaurants, architecture and businesses.

Photographs, documents or nonperishable objects may represent popular culture, geography, industries, agriculture, education, libraries, museums, cities in the county, and the day’s issues.

For more information, call 609-5102 or 651-7270.

The sealing date celebration is set for the museum's Yule of Yesteryear in December. The capsule would be opened 100 years later.

VIVA is a celebration of Florida’s 500th anniversary.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Heritage Museum will house Okaloosa's VIVA time capsule

CRESTVIEW — Erica Duenas, 8, stood on tip-toes to peek inside a 1953 Packard Convertible, its grille a tribute to Detroit's post-war affection for chromium.

"It's really pretty," she said after examining the car from several angles.

She and her grandfather, James Ward, were among attendees at Saturday's Spanish Trail Cruisers Club annual Average Joe Car Show, which transformed Main Street to a blast from the past.

VIDEO: See "Related Media" at top left of this article.

Near the Packard, Al and Vanessa Lucido and their sons Sal, 11, and Michael, 14, admired a 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

"That's the cleanest engine I ever saw," Al Lucido said.

The sunny, breezy day drew crowds downtown for the car show and the Main Street Crestview Association's Taste of Crestview restaurant crawl. This was the first year organizers combined the two events.

By 11 a.m., 110 vehicles had registered for the show, and a few more trickled in as the morning progressed, organizers said. Latecomers drew admiring glances as they purred down Main Street to their assigned parking positions.

Keeping "law and order" was car show regular J.T. Garrett, who dressed as "Mayberry RFD" Deputy Barney Fife.

Garrett and his vintage 1960s Ford Galaxy black-and-white squad car, complete with a revolving red "gumball machine" light on top, attracted many attendees eager for photos.

For the burnout contest, in which a car is chained to a heavy-duty wrecker as the driver spins the tires, Kyle Cramer, 17, camera phone in hand, joined crowds pushed against the barricades for a good view.

When the first car, a cherry-red 1960s Buick sedan, received the organizing official's signal, Kyle and surrounding people promptly disappeared in a cloud of white smoke.

"That was awesome!" Kyle said.

Tom Murrie of Crestview chatted with an attendee who admired his jet black 1961 Chevy Corvair, which reminded him of family vacations in his parents' Corvair, he said.

"That's what these shows are all about," Murrie said. "It brings back peoples' memories. They say, 'I used to have a car like that.'"

Car Show Winners

·        Best Paint- Kirk & Diane Peterson, 1957 Chevy 3100 Truck

·        Best Engine- Joe Foster, 1966 Chevy II coupe

·        Best Interior- Fred Fisher, 1951 Ford Lead Sled

·        Best of Show- Louie Lanthrip, 1971 AMX Custom

·        Most Rusted- Randy Wilhert, 1967 GMC Truck

·        Worst Paint- Rick Wiltberger, 1955 Chevy Station Wagon

·        Still in Progress- Bo & Joyce Robinson, 1951 Mercury Coupe

·        Ugliest Entry- Rick Holcomb, 1948 Crosley CC

·        Best Club Participation- Andalusia Classics & Street Rods

Burn Out Contest Winners

·        1st Place- Amanda Dotson, 1941 Chevy Truck/Rod

·        2nd Place- Scott Guthrie, 1974 Chevy Corvette

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Annual car show and restaurant crawl draw families downtown

CRESTVIEW — Two of downtown's most well attended events combine Saturday when the Spanish Trail Cruisers' Average Joe Car Show meets the Main Street Crestview Association's restaurant crawl.

The annual showcase of vintage vehicles, none newer than the 1979 model year, fills Main Street with more than 100 cars, pick-ups and — in past years — even a stately 1950s Chevrolet hearse.

The lovingly restored vehicles compete in 15 classes, which, for those that are beauties only in their owners' eyes, include "most rusted," "worst paint," "ugliest entry" and "work in progress" classes.

As car buffs stroll Main Street's street festival atmosphere, for a $10 wristband, they can buy $1 food samples from downtown eateries and establishments outside the historic district.

Registration for the Average Joe Car Show is 8 to 11 a.m., with the show starting at 9 a.m. and trophies presented at 3 p.m. A mobile DJ presents songs, often with a car theme, throughout the event.

Car-show registration fees benefit the Spanish Trail Cruisers' community charity work, including local food banks. Restaurant crawl wristband sales help fund Main Street programs including the annual Fall Festival and Christmas Parade.

Want to go?

The Average Joe Car Show is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Main Street between the courthouse and railroad tracks. Vehicles must be 1979 model year or earlier. Registration is $25. The Main Street Crestview Association sponsors a restaurant crawl during the event. $10 wristbands allow participants to purchase $1 food samples from participating eateries.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Car show, restaurant crawl coming Saturday to Crestview's Main Street

CRESTVIEW — The Iron Order Motorcycle Club of Crestview and the Families First Network present the first Poker Run on Sunday, commemorating National Child Abuse Prevention month. 

The ride begins at 10 a.m. at the Hooters restaurant near the Interstate 10 Crestview exit. It ends at 4 p.m. at the Wings of Fire restaurant, 397 E. James Lee Blvd., where the motorcycle club regularly meets.

Participants — who don’t need a motorcycle; a car is fine — will stop at several Okaloosa and Walton County locations, Carrie Lawson, a family support worker for Families First, said. At each stop, participants can purchase five random, traditional playing cards, $10 each, at locations in Niceville, Freeport and DeFuniak Springs. Cards will also be available at Crestview's starting and ending points. 

Proceeds will benefit the Families First Network of Lakeview, particularly its Crestview and DeFuniak Springs locations.

When the ride finishes at Wings of Fire, riders with the best and worst hands of cards will get prizes, Lawson said.

Businesses in both counties have donated prizes totaling an estimated $5,000, Culbertson said. Raffle prizes include free massages, buffalo wing platters and free tattoos.

The Families First Network — contracted by the Florida Department of Children and Families — offers utility bill assistance and necessities like gas and diapers for needy families.  

"We are absolutely blessed to be receiving (the Iron Order’s) generosity," said Mary Culbertson, a counselor at Families First in Crestview. "They came to us wanting to better serve the community by helping the families and children in our care."

Want to go?

The Iron Order Motorcycle Club’s Poker Run, supporting Families First Network, is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Hooters, 180 Cracker Barrel Road. The ride will finish at 4 p.m.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Poker Run on Sunday begins in Crestview; benefits Families First

CRESTVIEW — The Exchange Club of Crestview’s second annual Mayor's 5K Walk for Prevention of Child Abuse is 8:30 a.m. this Saturday at Bob Sikes Elementary School.

Registration costs $18; participants will receive an event T-shirt and refreshments. All proceeds benefit the Families First Network of Lakeview Center in Crestview. The non-profit organization provides multiple services to area children and families in need.

Click here for a registration form.

"The money we raise from this event stays in the community," event organizer Cheri Pittman said.

"In Crestview alone, we have about 325 (families) that we assist,” family support worker Carrie Lawson said.

Child abuse prevention is one of the exchange club’s focal points. The club also rewards top-performing Crestview students and children who have overcome obstacles.

"Last year, we raised around $750," Crestview Mayor David Cadle, the club’s president, said of the 5K walk. "We hope to raise more and (have a) bigger turnout for this year's event."

Want to go?

The Exchange Club of Crestview’s second annual Mayor's 5K Walk for Prevention of Child Abuse is at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Bob Sikes Elementary School, 425 Adams Drive.

Registration is 7:30-8:15 a.m.

See the club’s Facebook page, http://on.fb.me/106arpe, for more information.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Exchange Club’s 5K walk this Saturday to support families

CRESTVIEW — In a final attempt to gather votes for a charitable contest, resident Yvonne Wood collaborated with Chill Frozen Yogurt Shop on Friday to increase her odds.

The military spouse and mother of two children approached the ice cream parlor’s management about promoting her cause. She had hoped to win one of 50 spots for a TOMS Shoes and Eyewear’s Ticket to Give trip. Flyers and business cards explained the contest; a smart barcode provided instant voting. 

"Any opportunity we have to help out anyone in the community, we try to help them out,” said shift leader Raquel Martinez, who voted for Wood.

Wood’s 600 votes fell short of making the top 50, she announced Saturday on her Facebook page, following the contest’s late-Friday deadline. Some contestants had more than 2,000 votes.

However, her motivation to help others is firm, she said.

Today, Wood is participating in the footwear company’s One Day Without Shoes event.

"People across the country will not wear shoes, just to represent the idea that some people cannot afford shoes," she said.

In addition, she is overseeing an online charitable raffle for the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps wounded soldiers adjust to living at home.

Wood would have traveled with 49 other contest winners to deliver canvas shoes for children in impoverished countrieslike Argentina, Peru or Hungary.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Woman’s contest bid falls short, but faith in helping others doesn’t waver

CRESTVIEW — The Pregnancy Center received support for its mission — helping women with unplanned pregnancies — on Saturday during its annual 5K run.

Staffers just don’t know how much support they received.

Proceeds — which event organizers were still counting at press time — will benefit the center that provides free education and essentials, such as baby clothes and blankets, for its clients.

"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year," said volunteer Gayle Spears. "We are totally supported by churches, businesses, organizations and individual contributions."

The event — sponsored by the Mosaic Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church and Crossway Community Church — kicked off at 8:30 a.m., and runners of all ages.

Jerry Wayer, 45, used the event to help get in shape for a future marathon.

"I used to run track in high school, but as I have gotten older, I've kind of gotten out of it," he said. "You always feel good when you finish a race … you feel a sense of accomplishment."

Baker resident Liberty Sites, 15, said she was pleased with her performance.

"I think I did pretty good. I ran the first three quarters of a mile, which is pretty good for me," she said.

Liberty said she annually participates in two 5K events.

The event also had a kids’ fun run, in which 8-year-old Kristen Pittner finished first.

"It feels good; I’ve never been first place in a real race before," she said.  

Nearly 200 people registered for the event, Pregnancy Center director Sue Carrigan said.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Residents support Crestview pregnancy center with 5K Run