CRESTVIEW — A divided city council on Monday didn’t take action on an agenda item that would have made a resolution opposing Amendment 4, an item on next month’s statewide ballot. The Florida League of Cities had requested that local governments pass resolutions opposing the amendment.

Because the amendment would prevent local municipalities from raising the assessed value on residents’ property to maintain a steady tax income, even if the property value has declined since the previous year, real estate agents support the initiative.

Present at the meeting was Cliff Long, an executive with the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, who was prepared to speak against the resolution if it came to a vote. Long said other business groups also support the amendment, which would increase the homestead exemption for first-time homebuyers and reduce assessment limits.

“… We have the local chambers (of commerce) with us, the Florida chamber as well,” Long said. “This whole resolution, the League of Cities is trying to push all the cities to support it.”

City Clerk Betsy Roy, recommending the city council pass the resolution, cited “potential loss of property tax income if the amendment passes.” However, the council — led by Councilwoman Robyn Helt, a real estate agent — was divided on the issue.

“I do not see the need for the city to pass a resolution,” Helt said. “I would not be in favor of supporting a resolution but I am personally in favor of Amendment 4.”

Stating that she could see “the League of Cities’ position concerning the amount of taxes that could be recouped,” Helt said her responsibility was to Crestview’s property tax paying residents.

“There is a provision of the existing law that concerns me greatly — that there would be increased taxation if a property owner’s property value declines, their assessed value can continue to go up, and I think that is highly unfair,” Helt said.

Councilman Tom Gordon said he could appreciate both sides of the issue, but personally, “I am not in favor of Amendment 4.”

In addition, Helt said passing the amendment also could positively affect companies’ relocation decisions. "Passing amendment 4 would potentially attract new companies and create jobs and additional revenue for our state and boost our economy," she said.

Councilman Charles Baugh Jr., a member of the Florida League of Cities board of directors, said, “It is important that the Florida League of Cities take a position on this matter.”

However, Baugh said he would prefer voters inform themselves of the amendment’s provisions as well as other initiatives on the ballot, before voting.

“I would just ask the citizens inform themselves of this matter,” he said.

Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated Councilwoman Robyn Helt was opposed to Amendment 4 and felt its passage would be detrimental to attracting new business to the state. The News Bulletin apologizes for the error.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview City Council offers no formal position on Amendment 4 (UPDATED)

 Don Gaetz has plenty of campaign money and a bunch of new constituents in redrawn state Senate District 1. He sounds almost grateful to also have Richard Harrison. Harrison is a Marianna farmer who is fed up with the status quo in Tallahassee. He’s running as a non-party-affiliated candidate against Gaetz, R-Niceville, the Senate’s president-elect for 2013-14. “This is a reapportionment year and all of them are up for re-election whether they want to be or not,” Harrison said. “We need to replace as many as we can.” Gaetz professes to love campaigning and doesn’t have much trouble rattling off the four times in his long political career that he has faced opposition. The last time was 12 years ago when Republican David Morgan, Democrat Chuck Lynch and non-affiliated candidate John Hughes challenged Gaetz for the Okaloosa County school superintendent’s job. Gaetz crushed them all. Gaetz said by the time he’s through politicking this year, he will have knocked on 35,000 doors, many in counties in a district heavily altered through reapportionment. “I particularly have enjoyed the new areas of my district, Washington, Holmes and Jackson counties,” Gaetz said. “We’ve done a lot of door knocking there in a part of the state I haven’t represented before.” On the face of things, the incumbent doesn’t appear to have much to worry about. He’s got something like $332,000 in campaign funds to spend to Harrison’s $2,000 loan to himself, and seems capable of picking up contributions even on Harrison’s turf. “We had a recent fundraiser in Marianna and it yielded $1,250,” Gaetz said. “People I haven’t gotten to know before were showing up with $5, $10 and $25 contributions. That’s grass roots at its best.” But Harrison views himself as the David in a David vs. Goliath-style showdown, and most people know how that one came out. “I believe in God, the Constitution and common sense,” he said. “The Bible was written on biblical principles and until recently we were a Christian nation.” Harrison is running to change what he calls the corrupt way that the Florida Legislature is run. He believes the process in which bills are routed through committees headed by powerful members of the ruling party must be eliminated. “We have too few people who decide which bills get taken up. That needs to change,” he said. Harrison wants each state House or Senate bill brought unamended before the full legislative chamber into which it is introduced, to be voted up or down. “Each bill should stand on its own merits if you’re going to have clean government,” he said. “Most people don’t benefit from the bills as they’re introduced now and can’t do anything about it. That’s tyranny.” Harrison has pointed out in his campaign two specific examples of bad legislation. Both of them, strangely enough, are bills that passed with support from Gaetz and Harrison. Harrison said neither of the bills, one killing legislation to require an every-five-year inspection of the state’s septic tanks and the other allowing service stations the freedom to pump ethanol-free gasoline, are what they appeared upon passage. “Most people think the septic tank inspections have been repealed,” he said. “They haven’t been.” He called the ethanol legislation, sponsored by Gaetz’s son, state Rep. Matt Gaetz, “a mandated legislative bluff.” Gaetz, who has heard Harrison annunciate his issue positions only once, said Harrison’s conclusions about the two bills he’s raised as issues are incorrect. He said he isn’t sure his opponent understands the way the state Legislature works. “Mr. Harrison has a misunderstanding of the legislative process,” he said. With a month left before the election, Harrison has not yet made it past Panama City. As a member of the Calhoun Liberty Patriots organization, Harrison said he has sent out feelers to similar organizations in Okaloosa and Walton counties, both of which remain in District One. He said if he received an invitation to a speaking event he might make the trip from Marianna, but he has no firm plans for now to travel west. “I’m not going to do Senator Gaetz’s routine of going door to door,” he said.   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: Gaetz faces challenger for first time in 12 years

Workshops to assist Okaloosa students taking the Oct. 27 ACT and Nov. 3 SAT are at the Fort Walton Beach High School and Niceville High School media centers. Registration forms, which must be postmarked by Oct. 8, are available at area high schools.

Hours are 2-5 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 29 and 30 at Fort Walton Beach and Oct. 25, 26 and 31 and Nov. 1 in Niceville. All materials, snacks and drinks are furnished, but students will need to bring calculators. For details, contact Alice Hart at Amhart1966@aol.com or 615-585-2401.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Sign-up ends today for ACT/SAT workshops

CRESTVIEW — Relay For Life kickoff is 6-7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Foxwood Country Club, 4927 Antioch Road, Crestview. The 2013 Relay For Life in Crestview is April 26 and 27 at Old Spanish Trail Park on Stillwell Boulevard.

For more information, call the area American Cancer Society office at 244-3813.

Last year, Crestview Relay ranked No. 24 out of 350 such events in Florida. Proceeds help the American Cancer Society achieve its mission of eliminating cancer as a major health concern. At Relay, people who have walked alongside those battling cancer can grieve and find healing. Participants fight back against cancer because they want to put an end to the disease.

In honor of those who battle cancer 24 hours a day, team members typically take turns walking the track throughout the day and night. For those not walking, there is constant action to keep everyone busy. The event will include entertainment, food and games along with ceremonies and inspirational stories.

At each event, attendees celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer via the Survivor's Lap and survivor recognition. The strength of survivors inspires others to continue to fight. The event's Luminaria ceremony is a way to remember loved ones lost to the disease, and honor those who have survived and are currently battling it. Relay helps individuals make a commitment to save lives by taking up the fight.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and helping those with cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

For information about cancer, call 1-800-ACS-2345.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Relay For Life sets Oct. 11 kickoff

CRESTVIEW–A pumpkin patch is open in the back parking lot of St. Mark United Methodist Church, 2250 PJ Adams Parkway.

Hours are 1-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 19; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Oct. 22-30; and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

Proceeds benefit student ministry, trips, programs and missions. Call 682-5280 for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Pumpkin patch opens

CRESTVIEW — Sons of Italy in America is hosting a golf tournament at 11 a.m.  Oct. 20 at Foxwood Country Club, 4927 Antioch Road.

The fundraiser costs $35 for Foxwood members and $45 for nonmembers. The fee includes a cart, range balls, beverages and a complimentary meal. Proceeds will supplement the order's charitable programs. Cash prizes include Closest to Pin and Long Range (men's and women's winners). A raffle is also planned.

Sponsorships are also available as follows: hole sponsor ($50); bronze ($100-$299); silver ($300 to $499); or gold ($500 and up).

Sponsors will be acknowledged via billboard at the club. For more information call Joe Altieri at 398-2389 or B.J. Thomhave at 682-2012.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Participants wanted for Oct. 20 golf tourney

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CRESTVIEW—Citing the American Library Association’s “Library Bill of Rights,” “which affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas,” the Crestview Public Library’s request for passage of its annual Material Selection Policy unanimously passed the city council without discussion.

“It’s just our yearly update,” Library Director Jean Lewis said. “There’s no controversy in it.”

The policy serves as a guideline for library staff and states, in part, “books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation.”

Approved as part of the Crestview City Council’s Oct. 8 meeting consent agenda, the policy was implemented just days after Banned Books Week concluded. Library staff had prepared a display of books that had been challenged or banned, including many by well-known authors including J.K. Rowling, Anthony Burgess, Maya Angelou and Kurt Vonnegut.

“Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval,” the policy states, noting the library “should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of (its) responsibilities to provide information and enlightenment.”

The policy prepared by Lewis and her staff “recognizes that some materials may be controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons,” however, under the approved policy, “it is not the responsibility of the library to censor collection materials that adhere to the principles stated in this policy.”

Citizens who object to particular materials in the library’s collection are offered a procedure for challenging the material utilizing the Material Selection Inquiry form available at the library. A challenge would be “critically reviewed” by a five-person committee approved by the city council following the criteria of the material selection policy.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Library selection policy approved

CRESTVIEW — When Nina Métier and Vincent Fouasson, both 15, arrive in Crestview from France in a few weeks, organizers hope any qualms they might have about plunging into a new country and culture will vanish when they discover they’ll be in the hospitable care of Amarissa Marrero and Kyle Davis and their respective families.

Amarissa and Kyle, both Crestview High School juniors, are among the student hosts with whom 21 students from Crestview’s island sister city, Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, will stay during their Oct. 26-Nov. 8 visit. For most of the French students, this will be their first experience in the United States.

Crestview’s student hosts said they anticipate the opportunity to discover similarities and learn about the differences between our cultures. Amarissa and Nina have been corresponding on Facebook in advance of Nina’s arrival.

“I’m looking forward to learning about her way of life,” Amarissa said. “I want to get a better understanding of her culture and the way French people see things.

Kyle said he learned he and his guest already have something in common.

“I can’t wait to share my musical interests with Vincent,” he said. “He plays bass and I play guitar. I’m excited to play some music with him and show him around.”

City leaders noted the opportunities the upcoming exchange brings to the community.

“It’s great for our citizens to learn more about another country, its culture and traditions, as well as being available to our visitors to teach them about our American culture,” Mayor David Cadle said.

From the Noirmoutrins’ last visit, Cadle also had a cultural lesson, learning something about the French palate.

“The last time they visited, I hosted a fish fry for them but they were a little unsure about the grits, so we’re providing barbecue this time,” he said.

Sisters since 1995

Crestview and Noirmoutier united in 1995 under the auspices of Sister Cities International, part of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1950s citizen diplomacy initiative. Aileen Barley and her son Joe helped start Crestview’s participation in the program. Several area communities were vying to be chosen by Noirmoutier’s committee as their twin city.

“My mother and I were the first ones to go over there,” Joe Barley said. “Shalimar didn’t get it. Niceville didn’t get it. Fort Walton Beach didn’t get it. Crestview got it!”

He said the late Russell Sneddon, former director of the Air Force Armament Museum, was a driving force behind organizing a local Sister City organization. Once the Crestview City Council, spearheaded by late Councilman Sam Hayes, approved the partnership, an initial exchange of visitors was arranged. The French hospitality immediately captivated the local contingent.

“Oh, we had such a good time,” Aileen Barley recalled. “They are such very nice people.”

Exchanges between the two communities include educational, cultural and economic components. When a group from Crestview last visited Noirmoutier in 2010 for the 65th observance of France’s liberation at the end of World War II, two members of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce went along and studied the island’s industries.

During this year’s visit, a member of the University of Nantes faculty will meet with chamber of commerce leaders to establish student internship exchanges. Informal exchanges have already been taking place. Last summer, a French journalism student interned with the News Bulletin.

Every two years, the Soundsations and Madrigal show choirs of Northwest Florida State College travel to Noirmoutier for performances, and Crestview High School French Club members have also made visits to the island. During the exchanges, participants always stay with host families to experience more fully the local culture.

Lasting impressions

During Monday evening’s host orientation at the Crestview Public Library, Sister City members told host families that how they welcome their guests will help form lasting impressions of the entire country. Noirmoutrin students who visited in Crestview in 2009 recently said their memories of their experience are all positive.

“I was struck by the desire of my host family to share their culture, welcoming me into the family so that I felt at home and consider myself a part of the family,” Bruno Gallais said.

“I have very fond memories of my host family,” Rozenn Relandeau said. “I was received as the daughter of the house and they did everything to make my stay as pleasant as possible. I liked their kindness. They spoiled me and gave lots of gifts. I much appreciated all they did.”

“I would really like to return to Crestview,” Bruno said. “The trip was for me a true sharing of culture, life and friendship. I loved it.”

Members of the local Sister City organization hope Nina, Vincent and their classmates leave Crestview with equally fond memories. And Crestview hosts hope they can soon reciprocate and visit their new friends in France.

“Oh definitely, I want to visit her,” Amarissa said. “I can’t wait.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Sister City program prepares to welcome French guests

Crestview First United Methodist Church’s Arts and Crafts Bazaar is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at Crossroads Center, 599 Eighth Ave., Crestview.

Artists and vendors should apply. Limited spaces are available. For more information, call Frankie Burgess at 586-5577 or Bobbi Burton at 758-8085.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bazaar organizers seek vendors

CRESTVIEW — Organizers of the city’s first Taste of Home Cooking School were pleased with the event’s attendance and promised Tuesday’s event would be the first of more to come. Sponsored by WAAZ/WJSB radio and the GFWC Woman’s Club of Crestview, the school and accompanying vendor showcase drew an estimated 700 attendees.

“The turnout is unbelievable,” the radio stations’ general sales manager, Cal Zethmayr, said.

Overflow required the city Parks and Recreation staff to dash over to Warriors Hall to fetch more chairs for the Crestview Community Center. The 60 VIP tickets, which included a private reception with Chef Michelle “Red” Roberts, sold out within a week of going on sale, Zethmayr said.

As Roberts visited with VIP ticket holders, other attendees formed a giant queue that snaked past exhibitors’ tables at the hall’s rear, signing up for door prizes that included cookbooks, airline tickets, day spa packages, body wraps and kitchen appliances. Vendors and organizations offered wine tastings as well as baked goods and jewelry for sale.

“We support our community and try to help any way we can,” Winn-Dixie floral department manager Jenny Bettis said as she displayed autumn-themed table arrangements.

However, Roberts, Taste of Home magazine’s celebrity chef and senior culinary specialist, and her recipes grabbed the spotlight. Many audience members had seen Roberts’ demonstrations during Taste of Home Cooking School programs in DeFuniak Springs, where the program has been presented for 18 years.

“Taste of Home is a well-known national brand,” Roberts said. “A lot of people here tonight have seen our show in DeFuniak Springs and came to see us again.”

Though the national magazine is proud to offer “recipes from families just like yours,” some audience members said they were just there for the evening’s entertainment.

“I cooked for 57 years so I quit cooking,” Beach Campbell, of Crestview, said. “I came to see someone else do the cooking.”

Sarah Myers, Campbell’s daughter, wasn’t sure if she’d tackle any of the recipes presented during the evening.

“Somebody needs to teach me to cook, but at my age, I don’t know if I’ll learn anything,” Myers said. “My husband does all the cooking. I should’ve sent him here.”

“I’m already a pretty good cook, but my wife and sister wanted to come tonight,” Baker resident Roger O’Neal said.

Long-time Crestview resident Billye Carter joked that she could probably teach Roberts a thing or two after decades of preparing local country cuisine for her own family.

“Yeah, I’m going to teach her cornbread, ‘okry’ and black-eyed peas,” she said, laughing.

Roberts attributed the school’s large attendance to Taste of Home’s reputation for offering simple-to-prepare dishes that don’t require exotic ingredients. In fact, all of the recipes she prepared, such as steak and bleu cheese bruschetta, were made with ingredients purchased locally earlier in the afternoon.

“The ingredients are easy to find, and ours are down-home recipes that are easy to do,” Roberts said.

Zethmayr said organizers faced one glitch as they started organizing the program.

“We needed 240-volt service but the Community Center only has 120,” he said.

After he bought $500 worth of electrical parts, two city employees, working on their lunch hours, put together a power board that allowed the on-stage kitchen appliances provided by the Crestview Sears to operate. That effort in itself virtually assured Tuesday night’s program won’t be the Taste of Home Cooking School’s only Crestview appearance.

“We own this equipment now so we have to do another school,” Zethmayr said with a chuckle.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 700 attend Taste of Home Cooking School