CRESTVIEW — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450 in Crestview recognized a local company for its support of projects benefiting local veterans.

The organization presented a thank-you gift to Bryce Jeter of Dan's Discount Jewelry and Pawn Sept. 1 at the store for its donation of a $500 Dan's Pawn gift card.

"We used (the gift card) as a fundraiser. We raffled it off in order to use the money towards veterans programs, and we also do scholarships and post improvements," Warren Wiedemann, the post's 2017-18 commander, said.

Post 5450 provides many services to its 400-plus members and their families, as well as the community.

They include:

•providing meals to veterans in need

•sending care packages to deployed members

•information gathering and dissemination for projects serving area veterans; for instance, alerting members to a Veterans Administration program of free Walgreens flu shots for enrolled vets

•securing funding for meals, building upkeep and medical provisions

•hosting fundraisers for area residents in need

"We work mostly off donations. When the average needs arise is when we do whatever we can to help," Wiedemann said.

In November of 2016, the organization won a Home Depot remodeling grant. Store employees and VFW members worked to replace ceiling tiles and fans, doors and air conditioning units, landscaped the lot, and painted the building inside and out. They also added a recreation space outdoors where members could socialize.

The post is located at 2240 West James Lee Blvd. W. in Crestview.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450 in Crestview has burger nights every Friday at a cost of $8 per plate, with a 1/3-pound burger and homemade French fries. Proceeds benefit the post.

You may also call 682-5552 to make a donation.

WANT TO HELP?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VFW post recognizes pawn shop's support

NICEVILLE — On Aug. 22, 173 guests watched the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women induct six women into the Okaloosa Women’s Hall of Fame.

Their lives and works have had a positive impact on the direction and success of community projects, programs or individuals. They are Dr. Naomi G. Barnes of Crestview (Pioneer Award); Dr. Karyn M. Combs (Education Award); Evie Fox (Community Service Award); Tammy McDaniel (Contemporary Award); Brenda Shoffner (Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Award); and Nancy Weidenhamer (Posthumous Award).

"These inspiring women are all assets to our community. Each of these role models has made tremendous contributions to improve the lives of citizens, particularly women and children, living in our county and should be recognized for the impact they have had on our community," Mary Florence, OCCSW chair, said.

One hundred and four women have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since it was created in 1995. The hall was created to honor women of Okaloosa County — past and present — whose contributions to the arts, athletics, business, education, government, the humanities, philanthropy and science have been of great value to the community’s development.

Induction into the Hall of Fame is the commission’s oldest and most prestigious award. The OCCSW sponsors the hall and the annual induction ceremony is held in conjunction with Women’s Equality Day.

Inductees are honored in permanent displays at the Okaloosa County Commission offices, the Niceville City Council Chambers and the Crestview Courthouse.

Visit www.occsw.org for more information on past winners and the commission.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Women's Hall of Fame has 6 inductees

CRESTVIEW — Here’s a calendar of upcoming events in North Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. 

‘LADIES WIGGIN’ OUT FOR A CAUSE’ BENEFIT: 6-10 p.m. Sept. 7, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, in the Emerald Coast Theatre space. Features an 80’s psychedelic rock ‘n roll theme. The Ladies Night event includes wine, food, music and happenings. Attendees get a swag bag with a wig inside, then Avantgarde Salon artists will transform each person's look with hair and makeup touch-ups. Followed with food and entertainment, including a photo booth and silent auction. Advance tickets cost $75; at-the-door tickets cost $100. VIP tickets with a designer wig are $100 in advance and $125 at the door. Purchase at www.eccac.org or call 833-9237, extension 283. Proceeds benefit the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.

BAKER GATOR REUNION: Baker School Class of 1967 graduates seek classmates for their 50-year reunion Sept. 9 at the Baker Arena Community Center, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker. Call 537-9191, 758-7966, 978-2135 or 978-1974 for details.

HISPANIC FEST 2017: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 10, Emerald Coast Convention Center,1250 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Family-oriented, cultural and educational event showcases the best of Hispanic folklore; features live and DJ music, food and culture. Performances from start to finish, and 60 vendors. Includes a tribute to military by the Village Belles. Includes facepainting, games, clowns, magicians, piñatas. Proceeds benefit the 13th Annual Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Needy Children’s Fiesta.

ARMY REUNION, 100TH ANNIVERSARY:  Sept. 13-17, Arlington, Virginia. The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army's 2nd Infantry Division at any time. The association will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the division, which was formed in France during World War I. Details: Secretary-treasurer Bob Haynes at 2idahq@comcast.net, 224-225-1202, or visit www.2ida.org. 

‘MAKING THE MOST OF A JOB FAIR’ SEMINAR: 1-3 p.m. Sept. 14, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, 409 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach. Bobby Turner will present the information.

MA-CHIS POW WOW: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 15 and 16 at Troy University's main campus practice field, 601 University Ave., Troy, Alabama. Parking and admission for the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama event are free. Vendors include food, jewelry, Native American items and pottery, among other things. Demonstrations of Southeastern Indian skills and daily life activities are scheduled. Small gifts will be given to children at the event.

‘HERITAGE ALIVE! CRAFT CLASS SERIES’: Learn a new skill and make something uniquely yours at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required for all classes.  Call 678-2615 for more information or visit www.heritage-museum.org.

Upcoming events include:

• Knitting — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16, Learn basic stitches and begin a project of your choice. Bring yarn and size 8 circular needles. Cost: $20; or $15 for museum members
• Loom Weaving — 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20. Weave on a loom with Sandy Sutton. Cost: $70; or $65 for museum members.

The museum is at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso.

JOYNER-KERSEE TO SPEAK: 5 p.m. VIP and 6:30 p.m. main event Sept. 21 at Boys & Girls Clubs of South Walton, 427 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. Six-time Olympic track and field medalist, and BGC alumna Jackie Joyner-Kersee will address the BGC 4th Annual Steak & Stake fundraising dinner attendees. VIP tickets cost $150. Regular tickets cost $100. Contact Crystal Mayes, 344-7763 or cmayes@bgcec.com to purchase or sponsor.

TACKLE FAMILY HOMELESSNESS FUNDRAISER: 6-9 p.m. Sept. 22, Hurlburt Soundside Club, 107 Kissam St., Hurlburt Field. The Fresh Start for Children and Families sixth annual event benefits Fresh Start programs. Tickets range from $40 for general admission to $1,000 for an MVP sponsorship at http://bit.ly/2wFv7J8. Live music by The Mulligans, live and silent auctions, food, cash bar, etc. Football jersey or casual game attire is suggested.

FORT WALTON BEACH COIN CLUB COIN SHOW: Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Meridian at Westwood, 1001 Mar Walt Drive, Fort Walton Beach. Park in the White Wilson parking lot. Free admission. Everyone who attends gets a free new collectible quarter while supplies last. There will be dealers willing to buy, sell and trade coins, currency, gold and silver. Free appraisals. For more information, contact Dave, 850-512-4904.

'KINGS OF HARLEM' PERFORMANCE: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Layon Gray's off-Broadway play depicts the story of the Harlem Rens, the first all African-American basketball team formed in the 1920s and their struggles against the overt racism and discrimination encountered in establishing their legitimacy as a professional team.

Tickets cost $37.50 at the theater box office, www.mattiekellyartscenter.org, or by calling 729-6000. 

HEALTHY OKALOOSA TOWN HALL: 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 5 at The Barn at Water Oaks Farm, 4080 Second Ave., Laurel Hill. RSVP required to HealthyOkaloosa5210@flhealth.gov or call 344-0662. The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County will have a town hall meeting on making Okaloosa a healthier place to live, learn, work, and play. Community members will review draft copies of the 2017 Community Health Assessment, and ask attendees to provide feedback on the CHA and help identify priority public health issues.

OKALOOSA LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION PUBLIC HEARING: 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 7, in room 142 of the Northwest Florida State College Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center, 805 James Lee Blvd. E, Crestview. Fort Walton Beach. Chairman Mel Ponder and members of the Okaloosa County state legislative delegation invite you to join them. Delegation members will hear public comments on proposals for the 2018 Legislative Session. They may also consider and vote on a “local bill” (which is state legislation that only pertains to a municipality, taxing district, or school district within the county).

REP. WILLIAMSON MEETS WITH CONSTITUENTS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21, Okaloosa County Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. State Rep. Jayer Williamson will discuss area concerns, issues and the upcoming legislative session. Call the district office, 850-995-3698, for information or to make an appointment.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:

• 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Robert L.F. Sikes Center, Northwest Florida State College, 805 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.
• 3 p.m. Dec. 14, training room of the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

Meeting schedule and location are subject to change. For updates and agendas, visit www.wfrpc.org or email tiffany.bates@wfrpc.org, or 332-7976, extension 217.

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

HACKERS GOLF TOURNAMENT: 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30, Blackstone Golf Course, 108 Blackstone Lane, Mossy Head. Call 682-3212 or visit crestviewchamber.com for sponsorship opportunities. The chamber is also selling $5 raffle tickets for a propane Broilmaster Grill with a retail price of $1,597. Purchase tickets at the chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview. Winner announced after the golf tournament, and need not be present to win.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What’s Happening in North Okaloosa County

CRESTVIEW — Need help or want to volunteer for a worthy cause? Here are some local services and organizations for consideration. 

MEDICARE HELP FOR SENIORS: Florida Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, or SHINE, provides free, unbiased, confidential counseling to help elderly residents with their yearly Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance plan reviews. Medicare open enrollment takes place Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Call 1-866-531-8011 or visit www.FloridaSHINE.org to make an appointment with a counselor, or to volunteer. It is a Florida Department of Elder Affairs and Area Agency on Aging program.

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 306-3176 or 800-203-3099, or see www.seniorsvscrime.com 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.

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.

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.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR NEEDY RESIDENTS: 9 a.m. second Saturdays, 383 Texas Parkway, Crestview. Dry goods and fresh produce available while supplies last. Hosted by House of Restoration, a partner agency of Feeding the Gulf Coast. Details: Ruby Chatman, 398-0577.

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 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 to 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 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

Have you ever noticed how the best always rises to the top? Well, here in the top 10, not much has changed other than Florida State dropping out of it, and everyone else moving up one or two spots.

What an upset with Maryland over Texas — both Texas and Florida. State should have opened with someone from the Conference USA — you know, for a sure win. Well, it seems that both Florida and State are out of the National Championship Title running and that Alabama, Clemson are the big picks from here on out, but they are looking over their shoulders at Georgia, LSU, Virginia Tech, Duke — yes, Duke!  

 Here are your 10 picks for the week plus a tiebreaker for Sept. 9:

1. Marshall Thundering Herd vs. N.C. State Wolfpack — here we have the movie (“We Are Marshall”), the underdog that everyone loves to cheers for, but the Wolfpack pull it out by 3.

2. Wake Forest Demon Deacon vs. Boston College Eagles — the Eagles get their wings clipped by the Demon Deacons by 7.

3. Auburn War Eagles vs. Clemson Tigers — the War Eagles forgot their war paint, Clemson Tigers by 14.

4. Northwestern Wildcat vs. Duke Blue Devils — The Wildcats are not a pushover type team but are not plays as they usually do, Blue Devils by 6.

5. Louisville Cardinals vs. North Carolina Tar Heels — Cardinals can make the football fly up and down the field, Louisville by13.

6. Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions — so early for an interstate rivalry with these Two Cats, but Nittany Lions make it look easy, Penn. State. by 21

7. TCU Horned Frogs vs. Arkansas Razorbacks — this is one of those games that these two teams are so much alike that this could be the game to watch, Horned Frogs by 1

8. George Bulldogs vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish — Hey Bulldogs, want to be the only contender for the SEC Championship, here’s your big test… not so fast; this is a close game, but George wins by 3

9. South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Missouri Tigers — wonder if the Gamecocks are still in last year’s mood? Win one, lose one win one lose one? Don’t think so, South Carolina by 10

10. Miss. State Bulldogs vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs — who let dogs out; big dog fight with Miss State with the biggest bite by 12

TIE BREAKER:

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Ohio State Buckeyes — last week both teams had a good showing. Sooners over UTEP WOW! I’m impressed but not as much as Ohio St. over Indiana — Buckeyes win this by 10.

Bill Everett is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and lives in the Baker area.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SEC and ACC football picks, Sept. 9

This Crestview mother and daughter tap their sticks together at library class.

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: Tapping sticks

If you’ve spent much time in the Crestview Public Library at all, you’ve probably heard me say, “Walk, please.” There’s just something about our building that makes kids (even pretty old ones who are taller than me) want to run. 

Well, Friday, Sept. 22’s Family Library Time is for every person who’s ever wanted to run in a library. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., I’ll give a tour (including the office area you normally don’t get to see), teach you how to use the catalog, and then… we’ll race to find items. 

So, put on your running shoes and join us!

Registration is not required for this free event, designed for children ages 4 and up with their adults. Please call 682-4432 with questions.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview library sets race

CRESTVIEW — Author J.J. McDaniel has released a new book, “Papyrophilia,” a tribute to baseball card collecting.

“It is a historical novel, love story and inspirational book in one obsessive compilation,” the publisher states.

The Crestview author will sign copies during the Sports Cards and Collectibles Show, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 21 at Panama City Mall in Panama City.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview author releases new book, sets signing

CRESTVIEW — If you have an event you would like to submit, send your first and last name and information about the event to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — Few things can hit the spot on a hot Florida day like an old-fashioned banana split or an ice cream sundae.

How about a chocolate malt or vanilla shake? Tom’s Main Street Ice Cream (formerly Buchanan’s Ice Cream and Soda Shop) will soon celebrate a grand reopening at their 269 N. Main St., location.      

Tom and Brenda Petoskey are the new owners of Tom’s Main Street Ice Cream, which is located inside the Rustic Reflections building across from Tropical Palm. They take over from Leah Buchanan, who had owned the ice cream shop since October of 2016.

Buchanan had moved to Crestview in 2015 and felt that the Main Street area needed an ice cream shop.

“It has been an amazing adventure and the new owners have my full support!” Buchanan said.

The Petoskeys moved to Crestview in 1998 from South Florida. Tom retired in May of this year as a lineman with Duke Energy. Brenda is an administrator at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Tom was originally planning to go into the cattle business after retirement, but when he heard about the ice cream shop looking for new owners, he decided that was where he needed to be.

“We will keep the store as it is for a few weeks,” he said. “We will still have the same local Southern Craft Creamery ice cream. We will have five flavors of ice cream each day and probably change out the flavors every three days.” Southern Craft Creamery is a family- owned business in Marianna.

Petoskey will be running the day-to-day operations of the new store and Brenda will be there when not at her other job. The same employees who were working for Buchanan’s will also be employed at Tom’s, according to the new owners. Opening and closing times will remain the same for a while. Earlier and later times may be added later.

Ice cream favorites like the banana splits and chocolate sundaes will still be a staple at Tom’s Ice Cream. Other treats such as malts, shakes, floats and cones will also be served.

“We are really excited about this! Main Street in Crestview is building and growing. Having an ice cream shop downtown keeps us connected to the community,” said Petoskey.

The Petoskeys said government hurdles have forced them to change their expected grand opening date, which was not available for this publication.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are having to push back our opening to the week of September 11,” the shop’s Facebook page states. “Our Grand Opening will be September 15 and 16 if no further complications arise. We will be working to make up for lost time by having an expanded selection of ice cream on reopening.”

Regular hours are Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 6 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 7 p.m. The shop is closed on Sundays.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘We are really excited about this!’