CRESTVIEW — Locals of Crestview gathered with their canine companions Monday at Twin Hills Park where the city’s first dog park will be located.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bark Park began with a quick word from Mayor David Cadle and then, from the woman behind it all, April Meier.

Meier said she got involved with the process a few years ago after she found out the city couldn't pay for the dog park.

“I asked if we could raise funds for it, and we started getting funds coming in,” Meier said. “So, here we are today getting ready to break ground.”

Along with raising money, Meier also works with the Crestview’s Community Redevelopment Agency in designing the layout of the dog park, researching about other dog parks in Florida and other states, and finding companies that will donate work time.

The dog park will feature a fenced-in area with sections for small and large dog breeds as well as lighting for people who want to bring their dogs to the park in the evening, Meier said. The fence will remain locked with swipe-card access only, which will be available for purchase on the city's website or at Meier's store, Pawsitively Scrumptious, on James Lee Boulevard. Currently, the annual fee for the card will be $25 for city residents and $35 for non-residents.

“Our community has been waiting for this for years, and it’s really not a park about the dogs. It’s more about people with a unique bond who have pets,” Meier said.

Wayne Steele, public services director, said the city currently does not have a date set for the completion of the park because the funding is contingent on donations. But if all goes as planned, it could be completed in two to three months.

Bernadine Grooms was among the locals who brought their furry friends to the ceremony and is looking forward to having a dog park near by where she can bring her shiny, brown Rhodesian Ridgeback named Chelsea.

“There’s just not a lot of really great places that you can take your animals and let them just run loose and be free, be themselves, and interact and socialize with other dogs without a drive somewhere,” Grooms said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview celebrates first 'Bark Park' at groundbreaking ceremony

CRESTVIEW — The speed limit now is higher on U.S. Highway 90 in Crestview between Lee Farm Boulevard and State Road 4.

The limit rose from 45 to 55 mph after an area resident contacted the The Florida Department of Transpiration with concerns, according to FDOT Public Information Specialist Tanya Branton.

Larry Woolley, owner of Woolley Consignments and Surplus on West James Lee Boulevard, has watched the changes made on U.S. 90 since 1985.

“It was 55 out here for years and years…it’s really hard to drive 45 out there,” Woolley said.

FDOT changed the speed limit after completing a speed study in the area and made recommendations. Branton said the study looked at different factors like crashes and road features.

Another factor observed during this study was the 85th percentile speed. This part of the study looked at the speed that 85 percent of vehicles traveled at or under, which gave the department an idea of what the speed limit should be.

“All of these factors were considered in the decision to raise the speed to 55 mph making it more consistent and predictable throughout SR10/US90,” Branton said in an email.

The new speed limits signs already have been placed alongside the highway.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Speed limit raised on portion of U.S. Highway 90

CRESTVIEW — In downtown Crestview, the construction phase for the new courthouse is expected to be finished by the end of July after weather delays.

The Okaloosa County Courthouse on Main Street is set to be completed by July 31, according to Christopher Saul, the Okaloosa County Public Information Officer.

Ajax Building Corporation has been heading up the construction of the courthouse. Saul said landscaping and irrigation are the current focal point.

Rain caused delays during construction, which pushed back the completion date from the beginning of July to the end.

Although construction may be finished by the end of July, Saul said that it will be October before the courthouse is fully operational.

Between now and then, public works will address a list of damages that took place during construction and finalize items like plumbing and electrical work. Administration is expected to be moved into the building by October, according to Saul.

The courthouse, 50 percent larger than the original, is not alone on Main Street. Businesses line the road around the building.

Kareca Wright, who owns Standard Hair Salon, can watch the construction happening right across the street as she works.

“It looks a whole lot better than what was there before,” Wright said. “I feel good about it. It’s going to look good down on this end.”

One door down, Lorine Johnson, owner of Granny’s Attic, sits down in front of her sewing machine and layers of polka dotted fabric. She isn’t bothered by the construction happening directly in front of her business.

“It makes no difference whatever to me….I keep my back to it most of the time anyhow because I’m sitting at a machine,” Johnson said.

Along with the retail and food businesses on Main Street, the area houses several law firms, whose staff has been driving to the Courthouse Annex Extension in Fort Walton Beach during the construction.

Brian Corlew, an attorney at Chesser and Barr, looks forward to a short walk down the road and the possibility of more clientele seeing his office.

“Really, convenience is the key word for me,” Corlew said. “After that, it comes down to the travel and everything else. It’ll help the clients as well with some cost.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘Convenience is key’

CRESTVIEW — The Emerald Coast Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will host their seventh annual Hunting Heritage Banquet to raise money for projects that conserve wildlife and preserve Florida’s hunting heritage.

The dinner starts at 7 p.m. July 26 at the Crestview Community Center, but arrive at 6 p.m. to enjoy a social hour before it begins. 

Families can play games and enter raffles to win guns and other NWTF items. There also will be silent and live auctions for exclusive framed art, guns, collectibles, sculptures home furnishings and more.

Corporate sponsor tables that seat six people cost $500 and include a corporate sponsor gift. Tickets for couples are $75 and single tickets are $55. All ticket prices include admission, a barbecue dinner and a single one-year NWTF membership.

Purchase tickets and sponsorships at https://events.nwtf.org/90740-2018.

Local and state NWTF chapters host thousands of similar events nationwide each year to raise funds that help conserve wildlife and habitat, and introduce new people to the outdoors. Many families enjoy hunting together and pass traditions on from one generation to another. Hunting also is important for the health of our nation’s wildlife and habitat because hunters fund conservation.

Contact Matt Wilkins, 334-405-5452 or mwilkins@mwtf.net, for more information about the banquet.

Visit www.NWTF.org for more information about the National Wild Turkey Federation.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Tickets available for local National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet

CRESTVIEW — This week's Bulletin Kids decorated items as part of library activities.

Have a cute photo of your kids out and about? They could be our next The Bulletin Kid! Email a photo with your child's name, age, hometown and a description of the action to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The Bulletin Kids decorate crafts

CRESTVIEW — The North Okaloosa Career Fair and Veteran's Expo is scheduled for veterans, transitioning military members and their active duty family members and the public.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 19 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive.

Registered employers are VT Aerospace; Okaloosa Correctional Institution; Walton/Santa Rosa CI; Waffle House; American Elite Molding; Tom Thumb; Eglin Federal Credit Union; Lakeview Center; Bevilacqua Research Corporation; Okaloosa County Sheriff Office; Micro Systems; iQor; and White Wilson Medical Center.

They also include L-3; BAE Systems; City of Crestview and Crestview Police Department; Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners; CSOW; Sierra Nevada Corporation; AAFES; DRS Technologies; Wal-Mart Stores; Cox Pools; Cox Communications; Air Force Enlisted Village; Cefco Convenience Stores; Certified Manufacturing; Zel Technologies; RT&T; Synergy Home Care Emerald Coast; G4S; Lowe's; Gulf Coast Treatment Center; B3H Corporation; Lockheed Martin; H.C.A.; HX5; Edward Jones; DS2; TEL Staffing; VSOs/Colleges; Florida Vocational Rehabilitation; and Northwest Florida State College.

More employers are Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System; University of West Florida — Military Services Coordinator; Complete Florida Military; Embry Riddle Aeronautical University — Crestview; Okaloosa County Tax Collector; Troy University; Hero2Hired/EIP/CCD; 90 Works; Okaloosa County Veterans Service Office; Congressman Matt Gaetz's Office; Fisher House; and Okaloosa Technical College.

Information about veterans' benefits, education and training programs will be available as well.

Contact Liz Westby, 833-7587 extension 210 or ewestby@careersourceow.com, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Veterans job fair and expo will feature over 50 employers

Here are upcoming Crestview Public Library-related events. The library's address is 1445 Commerce Drive. 

UPCOMING

AGES 3-5 LIBRARY CLASS: Sign-in is 10 a.m. for the 10:15 a.m. class. Parents may stay with or drop off their children. Younger siblings are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Children complete a craft that goes with the class subject. Dates and subjects are as follows: July 18, Let's Sing.

AGES 6-11 LIBRARY CLASS: Sign in is 10 a.m. July 18.

FAMILY HISTORY CLUB: 10 a.m. to noon July 19 at the library, with specialist Cindy Barber from the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County. Email dotdane99@gmail.com for more information.

AGES 0-2 LIBRARY CLASS: 9:15 a.m. Fridays in the Story Room, with sign-in at 9 a.m. It is limited to 30 children per class and their caregivers. Older children are welcome if they want to attend. A story, songs and finger plays are part of the event. Dates and subjects are as follows: July 20, Let's Sing.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE AWARDS: 6:30-7:15 p.m. July 24 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. The deadline to turn in Summer Reading Challenge logs 6 p.m. July 18 at the front desk. Readers will be able to spend the Funny Money dollars they earned at the event.

BEGINNER'S CHESS TOURNAMENT: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at the library. The Beginner’s Chess Club will have their first ever tournament on this date. Signups are not required, and the tournament will be round robin with no elimination. Come and go at your own leisure. The player with the most checkmates wins.

AMATEUR RADIO PRESENTATION: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 4, at the library. The North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club will host “Crestview Library on the Air.” They will introduce many different facets of amateur radio hobby, teaching patrons of all ages through crafts, STEM topics, and hands-on activities. Free and open to the public. 682-4432.

RECURRING

CRESTVIEW WRITERS GROUP: 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Monday, Crestview Public Library. Online: http://www.cityofcrestview.org/library.php.

FAMILY HISTORY CLUB: 10 a.m. to noon every third Thursday features the basics and a question-and-answer discussion led by volunteer cindy Barber. Contact dotdane99@gmail.com for information.

BEGINNER'S CHESS CLUB: 3-4 p.m. every first and third Thursday at the library. For ages 6 and up. Learn to play the game.

CHESS CLUB: 3:15 p.m. first and third Thursdays, at the library. For ages 6 and up. Bring a snack or drink to share.

ESSENTIAL OILS 101: 6 p.m. every fourth Thursday and 2:30 p.m. every fourth Saturday learn about essential oils with volunteer consultant Lynisha Smith. Contact 758-6482 or YLBlessed1@gmail.com for more information.

TEEN TIME: 2-4 p.m. Fridays at the library for students in grades six through 12.

READ TO DOZER: 10 to 11 a.m. on the first Saturdays of each month (as long as it's not raining).

COFFEE & CRAFT: 10 a.m. second Saturdays, Crestview library. Call 682-4432 to reserve your spot.

BRIGHT FUTURES VOLUNTEER HOURS: for students in grades nine through 12 to use toward Bright Futures scholarships. Contact Youth Librarian Heather Nitzel, 682-4432, for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Public Library events

Have you ever been stuck in a line?

The answer, of course, is: Who in the world hasn’t? Whether it’s the apocalyptic crowds at a certain chicken-based fast food joint at high noon, the registers at Wal-Mart or, God forbid, the unhallowed halls of the Department of Motor Vehicles itself, we’ve all been there and done that.

It would be nice if you could pass the time with a good book or audiobook, but, alas, sometimes they’re too bulky, and a portable CD player is practically an extinct species these days.

Fortunately for you, courtesy of your friendly neighborhood Okaloosa library system, we have a solution for the yawn-inducing lines of the world.

Did you know your library card gives you the ability to check out a whole bunch of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines? There are three different apps to explore, all accessible from computers and most devices.

Libby and Overdrive are two applications created by Rakuten Overdrive that provide free access to tons of different books options for reading or listening. You can download or stream, place holds, and even renew your items multiple times. The selections are fresh, easy to navigate, and a lot of fun to browse through!

If you’re just looking for something quick to cruise through, RBdigital might be more your style. Create an account with your library card, and you’ll find access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, and, more importantly, digital magazines! Browse news titles straight from the stands, catch up on the latest actor gossip, or even just drool at a tempting dinner recipe.

Suffice to say: there’s no reason to snore your way through life. Whip out your library card and discover something awesome!

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHECK IT OUT: Library card gives electronic access to books

CRESTVIEW — At Gordon Martial Arts, there’s only one way to fail—that’s to give up, Master Tom Gordon said. Gordon started the downtown academy in 2003.

"I learned more from my failures than from my successes," he said before the summer promotions ceremony July 6 at the Crestview Community Center.  "We don’t set people up to fail. The only people who fail are the people who don’t come back to try again."

Multiple rounds of forms demonstrations — including a few stunning throws and falls — followed some inspirational words by guest speaker Ronald Daves, CEO of North Okaloosa Medical Center.

The demos led to a promenade of successful taekwondo and hapkido students who crossed the stage, bowing to their masters and instructors, and proudly but with humility accepted the next belt as they advanced in their art.

Among the black belt recipients was Jeremy Morgan, whom Gordon described as "a quiet man but a heck of a technician and instructor." Morgan earned a promotion to fifth degree, which is master level.　

"From what I can tell, there’s about a 4 percent chance a white belt holder (beginner) will earn their first degree black belt. I’d venture to guess only one out of 2,000 white belts makes it to fifth degree," Gordon said.

Something they enjoy 

"It’s neat to see everybody here, from different ages, from young to old, all accomplishing something they enjoy," Daves said.

"I started when I was 5," junior black belt recipient Jackson Bayless, 10, said. Today he wears the black dobok — uniform — of a GMA leadership student, and offered this advice to new students of any age: "Listen to your instructors because they will help you. And have the precision you need to have in your forms (patterns)."

Jaedyn Williams, 7, was surprised when instructor Amanda Howard selected him to come up on the stage and receive the equipment provided only to members of the Black Belt Club, an elite cadre of students who accept the challenge to advance to black belt.

"It’s good, but sometimes it’s hard," Jaedyn said.

"It’s difficult, but it’s worth it," 13-year-old Jayde Bradley, also sporting the black leadership dobok, said. "Practice at home because as Mrs. Howard says, ‘Practice makes permanent.’"

The family center

Gordon Martial Arts calls itself a "family center," and that’s not just due to the crowd of supportive moms, dads, siblings and grandparents who turned out to cheer as each student received his or her next belt.

Several belt recipients are parents who participate in the disciplines with their kids.

Luke West retired from the Air Force, moved home to the Fort Walton Beach area, and then "spent a long time looking for a good (martial arts) school for my sons."

After enrolling Justin (12) and Patrick (10) at Gordon Martial Arts, Luke realized he missed participating in the art himself. Friday evening he achieved his fourth-degree taekwondo black belt, accompanied by teaching certification.

"Now they have to deal with their dad being an actual instructor," Luke said, chuckling.

"Yeah, we have the greatest dad!" Justin said, and he and his brother gave their father a massive bear hug.

"We’re enjoying it," Luke said. "We’re having great fun. It’s something we can all do together."

Stephanie Lynch and her son, Patrick, 16, agreed.

"It’s fun having my mom there," he said.

"It really has been fun," Stephanie agreed. "It started out on a bet. I told him if he made first-degree black belt, I’d join, and I did."

Many benefits

Justin West added the study of taekwondo has been a benefit in more ways than quality family time.

"I have ADHD," he said. "Taekwondo helps manage my levels of bouncing off the walls. I’m able to focus. I want to pursue all the way to black belt like my dad."

For families, GMA is an affordable academy. After the first two family members pay the usual fee, any subsequent family members join for free.

"So, you have a family of eight, two pay," Gordon said.

For adult student Scott Williams, who moved to GMA from another academy, instructors like Amanda Howard helped him find his niche while achieving his taekwondo goals. That he is deaf makes it important that he has an understanding, patient instructor, who teaches him partially in sign language.

"Mrs. Howard is an incredible teacher," he said. "I was excited to come here (to GMA) because I wanted to learn more. I want to test for third-degree in December."

His students’ comments are music to Master Gordon’s ears.

"That’s what this is all about," he said. "People challenging themselves, and having fun while they do it, in a friendly, nurturing, supportive atmosphere."

18: Hours of testing in latest black belt cycle

14: Students who tested for black belt

13: Students who advanced to black belt

3.5 to 4: Years of study to become ready for black belt

500: Classes to prepare for black belt testing

83: Students promoted to black belt under Master Tom Gordon

15: Years Gordon Martial Arts has been in business

5: Years Gordon ran a martial arts program before launching GMA in 2003

A black belt, by the numbers

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: More than 110 martial arts students promoted at GMA

Youths from across the state of Florida participated in a mock legislative experience at the Florida State Capitol through the Florida 4-H Legislature event.

The 4-H'ers were able to experience the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Florida government in a learn-by-doing environment.

Youths played the roles of lobbyist, senator, representative, media correspondent, governor, or lieutenant governor throughout the week-long affair. The 4-H Legislature event is planned almost a year in advance by a youth-led 4-H Legislature Planning Committee, which manages the event and provides leadership to the other youths.

Members not on the committee still had the opportunity to play a vital role in the planning process by writing proposed bills. These proposed bills were presented to the youths who sponsored, amended, and lobbied each bill before it was debated on the House and Senate floors.

Lobbyists, typically first-year participants, had the unique opportunity to visit the Museum of Florida History, be pages, and/or participate in mock trials at the Florida Supreme Court.

Youths practiced life skills such as learning and defending a theory, debating and analyzing legislation, public speaking, respecting others’ opinions, and many more life skills during the event.

Taylor Wilken is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Florida 4-H Legislature youths visit state capitol