CRESTVIEW — The Christmas parade on Main Street Saturday featured 125-plus groups that celebrated the holidays with floats spanning themes Biblical — Noah’s ark, angels — and traditional — Christmas story time, Island of Misfit Toys — along with guest appearances from popular children’s characters like Hello Kitty.

However, one parade participant, representing Save Me from the Fire ministry, drew criticism from a number of parade-goers for denying Santa Claus’ existence, shouting disparaging remarks about homosexuals and telling people they were going to hell from a megaphone.

Brian Gaines, the ministry’s founder and a student at a Pensacola Christian college, drove the truck while recording video footage for the organization’s website. James Forrester preached from the truck.

Following the parade, a number of attendees commented on the News Bulletin's website and Facebook page expressing their displeasure.  

"What control do the organizers have over the entries?" Tina Bannon said on crestviewbulletin.com. "I was very upset with the man on a (megaphone) saying, ‘We are living in a sin-filled world … this world is going to burn.’”

“He said he hated to crush our dreams but Santa wasn’t real. My daughter was devastated,” Emily Self Hayes said. “You can’t say that at a Christmas parade where kids are there celebrating and waiting to see Santa.”

The ministry — which has participated in “a dozen parades in the area” since May, said Gaines, who defended the group’s message — plans to return next year and, in its own words, more negative than ever.

“Maybe I should have preached more negative. You didn't like that it made you feel convicted about your sins. You hate God and you hate his holy book. Don't worry, I will be back next year,” Forrester said.

The truck, which displayed a sign that said, “I am a King James-only, Bible-thumping, fundamental, pre-millennial, Baptist, Heaven-Hell-Hot-Sweet Street Preachin’ Believer,” presents the Gospel, the ministry stated. 

"I suggest they ask why they were offended of the truth," Gaines said. "I don't think anything that was said that night wasn't true." 

Some residents said they supported the ministry’s right to preach, regardless of its message.

“This is the United States of America; we have a First Amendment right to say what we want. I don’t agree with the way this gentleman did it, but I also don’t want to be told I can’t voice my beliefs,” Tony Rowell said.

The Main Street Crestview Association hadn’t received calls concerning the preacher, as of press time, Main Street Crestview Association President Ellis Conner said. However, he apologized on the association’s behalf for those offended. "We don't want anyone to leave the parade offended," he said.

The issue was to be discussed at the association’s Wednesday meeting, when the group would review the parade’s positives and negatives.

"We try to screen each of the participants," Conner said. “Twenty to 25 percent of the participants are church organizations. They will continue to be part of the parade."

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: Preacher’s comments draw criticism; some cite First Amendment right

The winter season is here, and with this time of year comes breezy days and clear, beautiful skies. Temperatures can be mild or chilly, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the outdoors.

We have some beautiful natural resources in Northwest Florida, and there is no reason why the winter season should keep us indoors. Many activities can be enjoyed year round right in our backyard. Hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, birding, fishing and walking are such pastimes.

We have access to public parks, state forests and Eglin Air Force Base Reservation, which you can access with a recreation pass from Jackson Guard in Niceville. Hiking, in particular, is lovely and there are many trails available. Check out a local hiking group if you are looking for ideas or starting out.

Water resources can still be utilized this time of year. North winds bring calmer waves on the beach and the bright, clear skies make winter walks quite enjoyable. Our many estuaries, rivers and lakes are also great to enjoy from a boat, canoe or kayak, or just enjoy them from a pier or a boat ramp.

Winter fishing is another option. Local fishing reports can update you on what to catch and where. Typically, redfish and black drum are great to fish for this time of year. Responsible angling practices are non-negotiable, so recycle your fishing line in monofilament recycling bins. You can find these bins at your local marinas and fishing piers, but if an area needs one, contact the county extension office. Know your size and catch limits for the fish you target and check the state and federal water fishing regulations when heading offshore. These regulations appear at MyFWC.com.

Want to take a more active role and do a service project or volunteer during the winter months? There are many opportunities. One example is the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count. For the first time, participation is free. See http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count for a site near you and full details.

Getting outside for a nice walk, long hike, camping trip or many of the other possibilities can keep you and your family active.

So get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors!

Brooke Saari is a Sea Grant Marine Science and Natural Resources agent at the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Winter recreation for the whole family

FORT WALTON BEACH — Okaloosa and Santa Rosa county officials learned Monday they’d received hundreds of thousands of dollars in state defense infrastructure grants.

“That’s phenomenal,” Okaloosa County Administrator Jim Curry said upon hearing the news.

Okaloosa County received two grants. One is for $200,000 to use for land acquisition in the Shoal River basin near Duke Field. The second is an $181,245 grant that will go toward improvements to the intersection of Martin Luther King and Downs Road near the back entrance to Hurlburt Field.

Santa Rosa County Commissioner Don Salter said $200,000 in state grant funds would help fund “ongoing land acquisition around Naval Air Station Whiting Field.”

Read a press release announcing the grants.

“The grant will allow our county to continue to purchase land and conservation easements around the base and its many outlying fields to prevent encroachment and other incompatible land uses,” Salter said in an email.

Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Military Installation Buffering Project funding is the second $200,000 installment from the state for land preservation along the Shoal River, said Jeff Littrell, director of the county’s water and sewer department.

The first military installation buffering grant was used to purchase 353 acres running south along the Shoal River from approximately Interstate 10 to the State Road 85 bridge, he said.

The county is working with the Northwest Florida Water Management District and is studying the possibility of creating an “offline water reservoir” for surface water storage, Littrell said.

The land, which runs on either side of the river, can also be used for future wetlands mitigation and to protect the river water from pollution, he said.

Eglin Air Force Base benefits from the county owning the land because its Duke Field flight line lies just south of the area being purchased.

“It does benefit Eglin by taking the land out of the future development pool,” Littrell said.

This year’s grant will be used for more of the same type of land acquisition, Littrell said.

 “We’re extremely pleased we have such great partners here,” he said. “This is one of those win, win, win situations.”

Statewide, grants totaling $1,581,245 were handed out to support Florida military installations, according to a news release from Enterprise Florida.

The grants protect a $60 billion economic impact and approximately 686,000 defense industry jobs, the release states.

“This grant program is a vital tool in maintaining Florida’s reputation as the most military friendly state in the nation,” Gov. Rick Scott was quoted as saying in the release. “Jobs for Florida families is my top priority, and these grants will improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Floridians employed at our military installations.”

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Tom McLaughlin at 850-315-4435 or tmclaughlin@nwfdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomMnwfdn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: State defense grants coming this way (DOCUMENT)

FORT WALTON BEACH  — Voters who are ready for a break from state and national elections might be surprised to learn that municipal contests are just around the corner.

In Okaloosa County, candidate hopefuls are pre-filing for a long list of local offices from Laurel Hill to Shalimar.

Niceville voters will head to the polls Jan. 22 for a special election, while voters in Fort Walton Beach, Shalimar, Cinco Bayou, Crestview and Laurel Hill will cast ballots March. 12.

Interest generated by the recent presidential election does not necessarily translate into a high turnout for local races, said Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux.

“It really depends on who’s running and if people are really energized about getting a particular individual elected or keeping someone from getting elected,” he said. “Like a lot of things, it really, truly depends on candidates and issues.”

Lux cited Laurel Hill, which is considering placing a referendum on the ballot to dissolve the city.

“In Laurel Hill, they’ve only got about 350 registered voters in the city, but a referendum … is bound to draw a lot more attention,” he said.

Lux said he finds it interesting that local elections often generate low interest.

“I always tell people these local municipal races — your county commission and school board races — these are the people who have their hand on your wallet,” he said. “Much more so than the people in Washington do. … People should be turning out in droves for the local races.”

In Niceville, voters will elect a City Council member to replace Bill Smith, who resigned to run for the Okaloosa County Commission. Smith left the council Nov. 20, City Clerk Dan Doucet said.

“We haven’t had many inquiries,” he said of he open seat. “I’ve got 10 packets ready, but you never know.”

Smith’s term ends July 13.

Qualifying for the Niceville election is from noon Tuesday to noon Friday.

In the March 12 election, Fort Walton Beach voters will elect a mayor and four City Council members.

Former City Councilman Mike Holmes has pre-filed to run for the seat left vacant by Dennis Reeves, who resigned to run for the County Commission. Councilmen Bobby Nabors and C.H. “Bull” Rigdon also have prefiled to run for their seats.

In Shalimar, voters will elect a mayor and two town commissioners. In Cinco Bayou, voters will elect three Town Council members while Crestview voters will elect a city clerk and three City Council members.

Crestview City Councilman Charles Baugh and City Clerk Elizabeth Miller Roy have prefiled to run for their seats.

In Laurel Hill, voters will elect a mayor and two City Council members.

Qualifying for the March 12 election begins at noon Dec. 31 and runs through noon Jan. 4.

“It’s kind of strange because we’re interrupted by a federal holiday, and there is no provision in the law to extend it to accommodate for that holiday,” Lux said.

Elections offices in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview will be closed on New Year’s Day, he noted.

Potential candidates in Cinco Bayou, Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar can pickup qualifying packets at Lux’s office in the county Water and Sewer Administration Building at 1804 Lewis Turner Blvd.

Qualifying packets for the Crestview and Laurel Hill elections are available at his office in the Buddy Brackin Building at 302 N. Wilson St., Suite 102 in Crestview.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Municipal elections on the horizon

CRESTVIEW — A 19-year-old man was shocked with electricity after he crashed his car into a power pole early Sunday morning.

William Edgar McDonald, of Crestview, was speeding eastbound down Airport Road about 2:30 a.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He lost control at a sharp left curve just past Fairchild Road.

McDonald’s two-door Nissan spun out along the shoulder, hit a road sign, went into a ditch and then collided head-on with a power pole. The car continued on for about 30 feet before coming to rest in some small brush.

The power pole was knocked down.

A witness who heard the crash heard McDonald revving his engine after hitting the power pole, according to the FHP. The witness approached the wreck and saw McDonald had gotten out of the car and was walking up a hill.

The witness tried to warn McDonald about the downed power lines, but McDonald came in contact with them anyway and was shocked with electricity, which caused significant trauma, the FHP reported.

He was flown to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola in critical condition, the FHP reported.

McDonald was no longer at the hospital late Sunday afternoon, hospital officials reported.

It was unknown whether alcohol was a factor in the crash, according to the FHP. Charges are pending further investigation.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Man suffers electric shock after crashing car into power pole

EGLIN AFB — The arrival of the Army’s 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) more than a year ago has been a welcome boost to a slumping local economy.

The group, which officially opened its cantonment in October 2011, should pump about $3.2 billion into Okaloosa County’s economy between 2010 and 2016, according to a report from the Haas Center at the University of West Florida.

It’s enough to offset the departure of 50 F-15s from the Air Force’s 33rd Fighter Wing in 2009, which will result in a loss of $3.3 billion during the same time period, the report said.

Although the report calls it a nearly even trade, the area felt the economic boost when Army families began arriving from Fort Bragg, N.C., last year because the economy was so depressed, said Rod Lewis, director of the Haas Center.

Their arrival came on the heels of the housing bubble burst in 2008 and then the loss of the F-15s in 2009.

“It was a double whammy,” Lewis said.

After two years of significantly negative population growth in Okaloosa County, the 7th Special Forces Group brought about 6,000 new people, including 2,200 soldiers and their families, to the area.

People had been used to operating in the slump, Lewis said. “Then, boom.”

The county has felt the impact, especially in Crestview where most of the families settled.

“We’re very pleased with the outcome,” said Kay Rasmussen, interim president of the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County. “The community has embraced the families moving into our neighborhoods.”

She described a ripple effect on the local economy as the new families started purchasing and leasing homes and taking advantage of retail.

Also, many of the soldiers’ spouses opened small businesses, primarily in the Crestview area, Rasmussen said.

The departure of the F15s, the arrival of the Special Forces Group and then the arrival of the first F-35s at Eglin Air Force Base were all called for in a Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) report in 2005.

The F-35s — the first of which arrived at Eglin in July 2011 — have brought about 1,300 people to the community, said Col. Tony Douglas, vice commander of the Air Force’s 96th Test Wing, which oversees operations at the base.

“It has been a big transition (for Eglin),” Douglas said.

It’s going well, though, he said.

At a sprawling 724 square miles — about the size of Rhode Island — Eglin is the Department of Defense’s largest installation and was ready to absorb the new missions, Douglas said. The community also welcomed the new personnel with open arms.

 “It’s been great, not just for TEAM Eglin, but for the local community as well,” he said. “We’ve got more people coming into what is, in my opinion, a very exciting and diverse installation.”

Many people had expectations that the new Army jobs would be low pay and would not offset the loss of the F-15s, which relocated about 2,000 airmen, Lewis said.

“They were a bit afraid. The Army’s coming. The Army’s coming,” he said. “But these people are very well-paid. This is not a private first class making $20,000 a year.”

The 7th Special Forces soldiers are largely well-educated and earn $70,000 to $90,000 a year.

 “That’s quite a different (economic) impact when you look at it,” he said.

Lewis said 65 to 75 percent of the families settled in north Okaloosa County.

The soldiers deploy regularly and military spouses wanted to live close to each other for support. They also are a tight-knit group, having all been stationed together at Fort Bragg for years.

“Crestview got out ahead,” Lewis said. “They were very welcoming and worked to promote Crestview as the place to be.”

Many of the families just didn’t look anywhere else, he said.

Lewis said he was somewhat surprised more families didn’t move south because housing was much more affordable closer to the beach and Choctawhatchee Bay than it would have been before the housing market crashed.

He said the lingering question about the military’s economic impact remains what level of growth the area will see from the F-35 program.

At one point, the Air Force estimated there would be 107 planes at Eglin. Twenty-two jets have arrived so far.

The effects have been positive, but just how much economic benefit will come from the program is yet to be determined, Lewis said.

“They are just not here in the numbers we initially thought they would be,” he said.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Sage Reinlie at 850-315-4443 or lreinlie@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenRnwfdn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 7th Special Forces Group has given the area a needed economic boost

CRESTVIEW — Crowds lined both sides of Main Street this evening to see the Christmas Parade (which was put together by the Main Street Crestview Association). The street was closed off and barricaded to make way for the numerous decorated floats.

Troop leader Lisa Tatro and girls from Girl Scout troop #637 were dressed up in the pajamas for a story time themed float. Each float had to be decorated to this year's theme of "Blessed are the Children."

"This is our second time (in the parade)," Tatro said. "This is our first time with a float and they are very excited about that." Each member of the troop even designed posters that were displayed on each side of the float. 

"Each one made a poster of what they felt blessed children said," Tatro said.

Troop #637 was one of several scout troops that participated, which also included middle and high school marching bands, each of them performing Christmas music. Many local fire crews and police officers took part by showing off some of the vehicles they use.

Many Local businesses, churches and non-profit organizations showed their creativity with their floats. One example was AAA Waste Services in Crestview, who turned one of their service trucks into the "Island of Misfit Toys." Like in year's past, the best was saved for last when Santa made an appearance at the end of the parade.

"We just enjoy coming to this every year," David Phillips said, Phillips was attending with his wife Kathy. The long time residents said they have been attending the parade for the past 30 years.

"I used to help my grandchildren gather the candy," Phillips said. "This time we're just going to sit back.

Some of the residents that are new to the area were not quite sure what to expect.

"It was a great parade," Suzanne Palmater said. "I was surprised by the number of (marching) bands and how long it was." Palmater, who moved to the area two years ago, was also surprised by the turnout. 

"I didn't think Crestview had that many people," Palmater said. She added that she plans on attending the parade again next year.

Sean Barthel and his wife and three children recently moved to the area from Alaska.

"Were not used to being spectators, we liked throwing candy" Barthel said. Barthel said he and his family would participate in parades in Alaska.

His son, Liam Barthel, 9, had a strategy to catch a lot of candy. Liam was wearing a large top hat that he had made recently as a class project at Bob Sikes Elementary. The top hat he made could also hold a lot of candy.

"I'm going to try and fill it, before I leave here," Liam Barthel said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Christmas Parade continues to bring in large crowds

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Public Library will tackle a global topic as part of its First Tuesday Series. George Collins, of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, will discuss human trafficking at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 4.

Collins, who has been with the sheriff's office since 2001, deals with human trafficking cases while working with the Homeland Security unit and the regional domestic security taskforce.

 "There have been several instances of human trafficking in the (Florida) panhandle," Collins said, adding illegal human trade could happen in any small town.

Aside from prostitution, other forms include labor trafficking, domestic servitude and debt bonding, Collins said. "Debt bonding mainly involves those who are in the country illegally,” he said, adding that immigrants face a huge debt from their smugglers. "Usually, these unscrupulous people continue to raise that person's debt once they are in the country," Collins said.

An abundance of people living in a small space — like 15 people in a two-bedroom apartment — may be an indicator of human trafficking, especially if several  vehicles go to and from a residence, officials said. Non-English speaking people who seem depressed or sad while at work also may be red flags.

"The best thing to do is contact law enforcement and not approach the subjects on their own," Collins said. Additionally, residents should have as much information as possible before contacting the authorities.

"The more information we have, the better off we are at stopping these kinds of activities," Collins said.

The library staff hopes attendees leave with a better understanding on the many ways human trafficking occurs within U.S. borders, reference librarian Sandra Dreaden said.

"We want people to know that modern slavery is still around in other forms to this day," Dreaden said. "We want them to learn how to be aware of these situations and what they can do to help prevent it."

Coffee and cookies will be available beforehand. Call the library, 682-4432, for details.

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: OCSO officer to discuss human trafficking Tuesday morning

BAKER — Baker School students plan to treat area senior citizens to a Dec. 4 banquet, beginning at noon, that will include fellowship, food and music.

Baker High School Band and the school's chorus group will perform Christmas music. Students will then escort guests to the lunchroom for a Christmas meal prepared by the school's culinary students. Some 30 members of the Baker School SGA, leadership program and the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps also will participate in the event, escorting guests to the dining area and serving their meal.

Middle and high school students, along with elementary students, will help.

 This week, Carol Hansford's and Janet Turner's kindergarten classes made place mats for the guests. The kids broke out their crayons to decorate the place mats with snowflakes, gingerbread men and reindeer. Andrea Brown's third-graders will make corsages.

The banquet is a tradition at Baker School.

"They have been doing at Baker for a very long time," said Jeannette Henderson, 81, a 1949 graduate who was a secretary there 1956 to 1988. "Its just wonderful to see the work the students put in to show that they care for the seniors in the community."

"The senior citizens enjoy it so much and we look forward to them coming every year," Hansford, who’s helped with the event for the past 25 years, said.

Senior citizens in the area should make reservations ahead of time, event organizers said, by calling the Baker School front office, 689-7279, during school hours, 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Denise Gronberg — who has sponsored the event, on behalf of the Baker School Student Government Association, which she oversees, for the past three years — said the event has grown in attendance each year.

"Every year it seems to get bigger and better," she said. "The luncheon is our way of showing our appreciation to the senior citizens in the area."

"From my second to third year (sponsoring the event), the number of people (attending) doubled from 25 to 50," Gronberg, a high school civics teacher, said.

 "The students really put in a lot of passion into this event, every year," she said.

!——-HUB NOTE: PLEASE IGNORE BELOW

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: Baker students preparing for Dec. 4 Senior Citizens Banquet

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Army 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) has set its sights even higher for its annual Jingle Bell Jog this year.

View a gallery of photos from last year's run.

In its 34th year, the group hopes to attract 2,000 participants for the jog Dec. 8.

The 5K and 10K runs raise money for Special Forces Association Chapter 7, which offers support to Special Forces soldiers and their families.

“We hope we will get the support we’re looking for,” said Lt. Col. James Brownlee, a spokesman for the 7th Special Forces Group.

Last year was the first time the group held its run locally after moving to Eglin Air Force Base from Fort Bragg, N.C. The 7th Special Force Group was able to more than double participation.

At Fort Bragg, 600 to 700 runners usually turned out to jog through downtown, Brownlee said.

In Fort Walton Beach last year, 1,300 people signed up to run from Uptown Station, across the Brooks Bridge and then down Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island.

This year, the group has set a huge goal, Brownlee said. It has purchased 2,000 T-shirts for potential participants and hopes to draw an even larger crowd to the same route.

The Army 7th Special Forces employs about 2,200 soldiers. Currently, between 600 and 800 of them are deployed to Afghanistan and a similar number are serving in Central and South America, Brownlee said.

The Special Forces Association Chapter 7 offers support to those soldiers and about 4,000 of their family members.

“Chapter 7 was established to do things right by our soldiers and their families,” Brownlee said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re Green Berets or support soldiers, our motto is ‘it’s a family business.’”

That support extends from purchasing food and providing child care for family events to helping families after a soldier is killed in combat.

For example, the association was able to help Sgt. Jesse Britton after her husband, 25-year-old Staff Sgt. Andrew Britton-Mihalo, also with the Special Forces group, was killed in Afghanistan in April. It purchased items for a memorial and had a large portrait of Britton-Mihalo printed and framed for his family.

“The Army doesn’t pay for that,” Brownlee said. “There’s not a fund out there to help families on a person-to-person basis.”

In addition, four 7th Special Forces soldiers have died in car accidents or other non-combat-related injuries since the group relocated last year, he said.

Not only is the race for a great cause, it’s also really fun, Brownlee said.

Last year, the group held its first costume contest for the jog, and Brownlee said many participants showed up in hilarious and outrageous costumes. Many people also donned Santa and elf hats and reindeer antlers.

They plan to continue the tradition this year.

After the race, prizes ranging from gift certificates to guns will be raffled off, and a live band will perform at Uptown Station.

In response to popular demand, the group will add an additional perk this year — free beer, Brownlee said.

Check-in will begin at 6 a.m. at Uptown Station. The race kicks off at 8 a.m.

Registration is $30 online through midnight Dec. 6. Participants also can register in person for $35 from 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Uptown Station and at the starting line Dec. 8.

TO LEARN MORE: For more information about the Jingle Bell Jog or to register, visit www.sfa7.com.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Sage Reinlie at 850-315-4443 or lreinlie@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenRnwfdn.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Jingle Bell Jog set for Dec. 8 (SLIDESHOW)