Editor's Note: These featured comments are the most thoughtful or eloquently stated comments from our Facebook page and crestviewbulletin.com and do not necessarily reflect the newspaper management's views.

The answer is traffic crashes

This is what happens when you just throw houses and stores up, willy-nilly, with no thought of how people will get from place to place.

You can't think of traffic patterns after you have thousands of people in an area. There are accidents every single day on (State Road) 85, both north and south of town.

And the turn-ins in the middle are a joke. No one knows how to use them properly.

And it shouldn't take 15 minutes to get from Crestview High School to Publix. It's crazy!

Dawn Bayles Wamsley

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Follow the rules of the road

While the city did not plan when allowing the city to explode with housing and businesses, drivers are to blame with the accidents.

… People treat the right-hand turn off PJ Adams Parkway onto (State Road) 85 south as a continuous green light, not stopping when they have a red.

There is a sign that clearly states, for the right-hand turn lane onto 85 south, that U-turners have the right of way, but few people stop and wait for those turning off 85 onto PJ Adams … I sit and let people blow their horns at me, and wait for that traffic to stop or no cars turning before making my right on red.

I don't want to cause an accident, nor do I want to be cited for causing an accident. I'm responsible for my driving and (for) following the road rules and laws; I don't let other drivers bully me because they feel they carry that entitled card.

Roger Wills

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Unified fire district unlikely

Pooling resources sounds good but in reality … the obstacles are too many to overcome.

First thing would be for some egos to be put in check. A consolidated north-end fire department would come with a lot of in-fighting and a power struggle. 

The stations would have to be manned by paid staff in order for the idea to work, at a cost the communities won't be able to support.

If the issue was for everyone to be trained at the same level, there is nothing stopping the departments from holding a consolidated training each month. Almarante FD has taken the lead and become proactive to update their equipment.

A little research and filing for grants has become a real blessing for that community — maybe the other departments should likewise look into available grants.

Jeff Williams

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Library is in good hands

Hope Mrs. (Jean) Lewis enjoys retirement. She represented Crestview and her staff well.

Good to see Ms. Garcia stepping into the director's position. (The) library is in good hands.

Thomas Gordon

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Readers' thoughts on Crestview traffic, unified fire district

Editor's Note: These featured comments are the most thoughtful or eloquently stated comments from our Facebook page and crestviewbulletin.com and do not necessarily reflect the newspaper management's views.

Before you complain, invest

When will people understand that our city councilmen and employees are not the owners of proposed restaurants and shopping centers?

They approve and collect development orders, building permits, stormwater management plans, impact fees, etc., but they do not "promise" or develop businesses unless they happen to also be an investor or local businessman in that particular establishment.

Anyone who is so confident that Crestview can support an Olive Garden, PF Chang's, Ruth's Chris, or whatever else they feel our humble blue-collar community can support — get your business plan together, solicit your investors, and plunk down the millions in construction costs and franchise fees.

As for box stores like Target, Hobby Lobby, etc. — it would surprise me if there is any corner of this country that they are not aware of and/or actively monitoring when they are explicitly in the business of making money.

Be glad we're getting anything new — if it's not good enough, criticisms of the city government (aren't) going to change it.

JasonandLisa Smith 

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No second I-10 exit needed

You need to put another two lanes on Highway 85. You should have made the hospital pay to four-lane Redstone (Avenue). I have not noticed the necessity for another I-10 exit; I've never seen it so congested you can't get on I-10.

Billie Jo Lyons 

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Give me my hometown

I would prefer to have my small hometown back. I didn't have any problems traveling to Fort Walton (Beach) or Pensacola to shop or eat out.

With all of this growth, Crestview has developed big-city traffic, crime and drug problems; all of which I would gladly trade for a 20- to 30-minute drive to a neighboring city to shop and eat out.

Especially since it now takes you that long just to get from the north end of Crestview to the south end…

John Hitson 

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Will public transportation return?

I would like to be able to go shopping any time I wanted and see the doctor around town without having to use Logisticare (non-emergency medical transportation).

Are they ever going to start another bus?

Thelma K. Ragland

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Readers' thoughts on investing in Crestview business, getting their hometown back

Editor's note: The News Bulletin's Facebook fans had plenty to say about a Fort Walton Beach man convicted of murdering a Crestview teenager, and a proposal to link Rasberry and Arena roads to relieve State Road 85 traffic.

Here are some of their comments.

Does the punishment fit the crime?

(Darn). A meth head gets 25 years for manufacturing meth, but you can kill a human and only get 25 years — there's something wrong with the system.

Johnny Kelley

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Mandatory "minimum" sentence? He didn't kill the other boy to a "minimum" did he?

Troy N Kim Sears

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That's not the problem

So, $6-8 million so one area has an alternate to PJ Adams (Parkway)? That's not the problem! It's that there is only one road going north-south. This might make it more convenient for some, but it's not going to do jack (squat) for traffic on 85.

Megan Glancy Riggs

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What about tourist traffic?

That's great for the handful of people that live on PJ and Antioch, who like buying overpriced lumber at Lowe's, but what about that tourist traffic relief?

Don't think this will help, but by all means drop $6-8 million dollars to cut through a sprayfield. Make sure y'all turn on the inside air when you cut through.

Jeffersonii Van Vrancken

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A pleasant drive?

I applaud the attempt to do something, but you really think people are gonna drive through sewer spray fields more than once?

Robert Damon Bradley

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Do something for relief

Just do it. Do something — anything — but just do it.

Patty Stepro

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Readers' thoughts on a murderer's arrest, Crestview traffic relief

Valentine's Day is almost upon us. Do you have special plans?

Are you fixing a wonderful meal for your spouse and family? Going out for a special dinner? Attending the Great Night of Methodist Singing, which is 6 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Mattie Kelley Arts Center?

While retailers promote Valentine's Day as a day for sweethearts; it is also a day to share love with one another. In the Bible, I John 4:18 states, "We love, because He first loved us."

When I was a child, my mother always made Valentine's Day special for the family; it was a day full of love and affection. Some years, that meant Mickey Mouse pancakes for dinner. Other times, she made Dad's favorite meal. She would make special cards for each of us along with small gifts. We might get a stuffed animal, a game, little puzzles or a book. One year, she made me a dress.

As adults, we may make gift baskets for each other with items from the dollar store, stickers, stationery and microfiber towels. The items don't need to be expensive; just pick things you know the other person will like and use. It's the thought that counts.  

Last year, my brother, Robb, made Jim, my husband, and me some gift baskets with cute little animals, microfiber cloths for our glasses, stickers, and warm fuzzy socks.

Jim gets me a variety of things — Disney items, of course — and he inevitably gets Sudoku puzzle books.

Isn't it fun to give and receive something that shares love and shows another person you are thinking of them and care about their interests?

I challenge you to think of Valentine's Day as more than a romantic holiday.

Celebrate by sharing love with your family, friends and even strangers.

Say hello to someone you don't know; smile at them and be kind. Take a friend to lunch, spend time with a homebound person; send some loving cards.

Think of others with love in your heart.

Janice Lynn Crose, a retired accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: A Valentine's Day challenge

Editor's Note: Facebook fans had plenty to say about Crestview High School; potentially increasing water and sewer bills to fund removal of a sewer lift station on PJ Adams Parkway; and First United Methodist Church of Crestview's "Fearless Conversations" series, which raised questions about homosexuality and spirituality.

Here are some of their comments.

Can schools keep up with growth?

We have two middle schools, and five elementary schools, and we are getting more and more homes built. Davidson already has classrooms in outside buildings.

If growth keeps happening, which it will, where are they going to put all these kids …?

Denise Eanes Izumi

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What Crestview High needs

Well, for starters … functioning security cameras in the school. So that the next time my daughter, or someone else's student inside the school, gets filmed in the hallway by an unidentified male, the camera will work and the guy will get caught.

Courtney Young 

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Expand CHS

They need to worry about extending the high school. Too many students, not enough room. Also, they need to rebuild the stadium or take out those "reserved" seats so there is enough room in the stands at football games.

Ashlea Marie Garrett 

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About the obstructing sewer lift station

The Florida Department of Transportation is projected to widen PJ Adams Parkway. Why can't they veer around that spot? Why is it up to city residents to pay for something that has been there over 30 years?

Make the county / state chip in, too, since this road is used by everyone!

Kurt Burgess

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Praise for FUMC

I am so glad to see that this went so well, and began a compassionate conversation! Were I a Christian, I would certainly have taken part!

Raymonda Schwartz

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: About the obstructing sewer lift station, praise for FUMC

Many of us have been teachers at some point.

Whether we tutored our children, or we taught Sunday school, Bible study, public or private school, many of us have been teachers.

Some of us have been corporate trainers or were called upon to give presentations at work.  Anyone who has prepared for any type of presentation knows the time, preparation and planning that go into the subject. 

I remember my grandmother getting ready to teach Sunday school, laying out her flannelgraph — characters and scenery to tell biblical stories — and sometimes she would preview it for us; we loved that.

When I taught Sunday school, I would spend evenings cutting out craft projects for children, and also laid out my flannelgraph. Many Saturday nights found me making cookie dough to take to church so the children could bake and decorate cookies for their families. Sometimes, I separated plants for the children to "pot" in little plastic cups to give to their parents.

Jim, my husband, always wondered why I spent so much time writing lesson plans when I taught school. He wondered why I couldn't join him in watching a movie or going somewhere.

But it was necessary to be prepared for my bright little students, to make sure that I imparted the concepts they needed to learn.

I couldn't walk into my classroom unprepared.

Teaching's rewards are numerous — the smiles, the hugs, the light that brightens children's eyes as they finally understand a concept or principle.

Most teachers spend their money on supplies — there is never enough in the budget to pay for extras — so be sure to thank them for all they do.

Don't forget to thank teachers at church as well.

Teachers of all types give up family and social time to be fully prepared for their students. 

I thank all the teachers I have had throughout my life for their dedication and hard work.

You are appreciated.

Janice Lynn Crose, a retired accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Teachers, you are appreciated

Editor's Note: Facebook fans had plenty to say about First United Methodist Church of Crestview's upcoming "Fearless Conversations" series, which features renowned speakers to address being homosexual and Christian.

Here are some of their comments.

We can be more empathetic

As a member of First United Methodist, I am very happy to see the church reaching out to engage on some of these more difficult topics.

I don't necessarily expect anything to change right away, but by having the conversation and by listening with love to people with different viewpoints, we become more empathetic human beings and better Christians.

Cori Davis 

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Series is long overdue

I think it's long overdue, and I am proud that this church has decided to address this issue.

I hope the message is, "Don't judge others because they sin differently than you do."

Lori Hulion

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Love the sinner

God doesn't condone any sinful behavior. He loves the sinner and died for their sins. But He doesn't accept their sin, as all sin is abhorrent to him.

A person calling themselves homosexual is loved by God as much as He loves everyone else. But, He calls their homosexual behavior sinful.

Maryann Lepper

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Let Christ take control

I can't believe that a church that has been in the community as long as this church has, that the members would allow the devil himself to get this far.

Something or someone needs to be removed and let Christ take back control!

Gary Mayes

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: We can be more empathetic, let Christ take control

Editor's Note: Facebook fans had plenty to say about a Crestview hit-and-run that authorities say will have no criminal justice, and a group's allegation that a Laurel Hill School teacher violated students' constitutional rights. 

Here are some of their comments.

Driver will have nightmares

Legally, the (Florida Highway Patrol) is following the evidence in criminal charges. The driver will have nightmares of all the things that could happen now that this has been made public information. The family of the driver now has to face the public scrutiny of physical evidence of involvement in the incident.

Bonny Ann

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Time to 'man up'

How about the person "man up." So sick of people not taking responsibility for their actions, especially if they know they did wrong — absolutely disgusting!

John Luberto

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Lesson learned

I guess the moral of the story is if you're going to hit someone with your car, make sure it is from behind — and tell the cops you let a stranger borrow your car.

Gerald Dupuie

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Car owner should pay bill

If your car was used in a hit and run, the owner should be paying if a driver couldn't be found.

If my truck rolled down one of these fine "level" driveways here, and went through a house next door, I would be liable for damage even though I wasn't driving.

Bronson Tom

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What's wrong with this country

Just because this woman didn't like a Christmas story doesn't mean everyone else should have to change to accommodate her.

That is what's wrong with this country today. You accommodate one person and offend 449.

Jamie Chandler

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It's pretty simple

The teacher was breaking the law, period. These laws were put in place to protect all of us.

Religion of any kind has no place in a public school. It's pretty simple, really.

Tess Sweeney

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Top comments on Crestview hit-and-run, religion complaint

I accepted an invitation to judge the Greater Federation of Woman’s Club’s Crestview chapter winter art show for several reasons:

●I’m a fan of the club. For the past century, these women have nurtured generations of leaders and pushed for improvements in our community and its livability.

●Jeri Jones was the event chairwoman. You can’t say no to Miss Jeri. It’s like saying, “Gee, your holiness, I’d swing by the Vatican and have tea but I’m busy today.”

●I knew from judging their show a couple of years ago that I’d see great art and crafts — no pretentious silliness.

●There was food, and Woman’s Club members excel in the kitchen.

Jan. 12, at the club's home behind Woodlawn Baptist Church, I joined judges Johanna Petito and Carol Barry at the displays.

Artists pour their hearts and souls into their works. The “best in show” winner, a cross stitch called “Winter,” took the artist two years to complete. (It was Miss Jeri, we learned later. The works were displayed anonymously.)

Choosing other winners was less easy, but knowing how much effort it took to achieve the result helped. Realizing an oil of a ram was painted in reverse on the back of a piece of glass made it easy to give a blue ribbon.

The winners will advance to regional competition Feb. 29 in Gulf Breeze.

Artwork on display and treats and sweets on the breakfast buffet are the almost cliché manifestation of the term “woman’s club.”

But these women are steel magnolias who have served and bettered the Crestview community as long as there’s been a Crestview.

Do you think a man could crochet a Victorian doll, bake Georgia cornbread cake and push the county to reroute State Road 85 and make a railroad overpass?

The Greater Federation of Woman’s Club’s Crestview chapter welcomes new members. Men may join as club boosters. Contact President Jeanne Gutenmann, 423-9977, gfwccrestview@gmail.com.

BLUE-RIBBON WINNERS

Sharlene Cox – doll making

Linda P Parker – reverse glass painting

Jeri Jones – counted cross stitch, Best in Show

Teri McLeod – ceramic angel

Brenda Johns – Floral arrangement

Ondella Baker – wreath,

Opel Westmoreland – photography

WANT TO JOIN?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUGHES: Thoughts on judging the GFWC Crestview Woman's Club art show (PHOTOS)