Editor's Note: Our Facebook and website fans have strong opinions about State Road 85 and S.R. 123 traffic, based on their comments on Janice Crose's most recent column on driving manners.

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I stopped working in Fort Walton Beach because of how bad driving conditions are.

Not just speeders but texting while driving.

I hate driving down to that area and back because I drive a smaller vehicle and feel somewhat vulnerable since almost everyone drives a truck or SUV.

Lisa Bruning 

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The other day I was speeding at 70 mph and I was getting literally honked, flashed, tailgated and passed. Apparently 70 isn't fast enough.

I'm talking about the area (where) it's 65 before it drops. 123 is ridiculous.

There's so many times I say to myself "God, I really hope there is a cop up there."

Yasmin Saunders 

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How about when you leave the correct gap between you and the vehicle in front, and some (person) pulls into the gap?

That really annoys me!

Paul Thompson 

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Seems as if the majority of drivers feel that using turning signals are optional as well.

Must be a challenge to flip that difficult switch. 

Jenn Boswell 

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Those (construction) guys working out there have families, and I bet they want them to come home in the afternoon instead of being run over by some (reckless driver) who ignores the speed limit while updating his Facebook while driving.

I see (people) staring at their phone every time I get in my vehicle.

It's not a matter of if you get in a wreck, just when.

Charlie Arnold 

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It's a huge disrespect to the lives of the workers.

Those workers are risking life and limb just to give residents a better commute; you'd think drivers would show them a little respect and slow down.

Kat Welty 

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Okaloosa County could earn enough cash to solve our national debt issues if there were a few more sheriffs' department cars patrolling (State Roads) 85 and 123.

It amazes whenever I drive those two roads how many people drive at freeway speeds and there are no police cars.

Will it take the death of a construction worker to get some cops on those roads?

Gretl Stenske 

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Readers respond to Crose column on Crestview driving manners

When my husband and I moved to Florida about 11 years ago, I read a humorous Dave Barry column that stays with me today.

He stated that anyone could get a driver's license in Florida — even a whale that washed up on the beach.

In that same column, Dave Barry said speed limits in Florida were merely "suggestions."

It appears he was right. I am amazed at how fast people drive when the posted speed limit is 45 mph.

Driving south on State Road 85 these days shows total disregard for speed limits.

Due to construction on S.R. 123, the speed limit slows down to 45 on S.R. 85, and remains there all along S.R. 123. This is reasonable, given the workers and trucks entering and exiting while working on the new road. 

Apparently, the slower speed doesn't suit a vast majority of drivers who tailgate and impatiently whip around when they reach the passing lane.

One would think the extra two or three minutes they spend obeying the speed limit would ruin their entire day.

I learned to drive in California, home of fast freeways, mountainous roads and unlicensed drivers. We were taught "safety first."

We were also taught to follow the road conditions, no matter the posted speed limit. If it is foggy or rainy, slow down until you are driving at a safe speed.

Additionally, we were taught to leave a minimum of two seconds between us and the car ahead of us for a safe stopping distance. When I do this here, a car inevitably cuts into that safe space.

Serious, even fatal, accidents can be avoided by obeying speed limits and other traffic laws.

We are entering the holiday season — please slow down. 

Nothing, not even that electronics bargain, is worth getting seriously injured or killed over.

Another five minutes of driving time won't hurt, and it may save your life or that of another. 

Please be safe out there when you are driving.

Remember: a little consideration and slowing down will make our roads safer here in Crestview and surrounding areas.

Janice Lynn Crose 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: Mind your driving manners

Our Facebook fans have strong opinions about how to use oil spill recovery money; downtown Crestview's rezoning; flu vaccines; Florida Standards; and Holt's growth and development. Here are some of their comments.

No oil spill recovery money for roads?

Besides Northwood Elementary, I really don't see anything in there for Crestview — and we desperately need some roads fixed around here.

Not sure Northwood needs $36,000 to expand a science fair project.

Aimee Hodgson Gudinas

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About downtown Crestview rezoning

It read that churches could expand, but so what if more churches are built?

Complain about all the bars and vapor stores that don't do anyone any good at all.

Ann Ganey Walden

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Flu shot didn't work for her

I've had it, and gotten sick. I've had it, and didn't get sick. I haven't gotten it, and not gotten sick.

At this point, I don't really trust what goes in it. I feel like if I'm taking good care of myself, that's my best defense.

Krista Gray Ladner

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Vaccine hasn't helped

The only time I've ever had the flu was when I was vaccinated. Now, my husband is forced to get the nasal mist version for work, and he's sick every single year.

Not saying it doesn't help some, but it definitely hasn't helped anyone in my household, and actually made it worse.

Amber Nicole

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Not getting the flu shot

Every single time I get it, I wind up with pneumonia.

Corrie Hensley Peterson

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Do away with Florida Standards?

Sure, let's just do away with any standard at all. Let's just let each state continue to do the awesome jobs they were doing producing so many highly educated graduates ready for the jobs of today's world.

Now that the sarcasm is out of the way, I'd love to hear a reason why we shouldn't have a national academic standard like the rest of the industrialized nations that we keep falling farther and farther behind do.

Richard S. Singleton 

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Few use Common Core math

Do away with it. Common Core mathematics will only be used by math majors and select engineers and physicists.

Unless, of course, everyone likes to use subtraction to figure out addition where numbers magically fall out of the sky and add up to the answer!

Robert Damon Bradley 

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About the Holt meeting

Well, that's great. But you might want to help figure out the road system around Crestview before you start working on a very, very small town called Holt.

Get the roads figured out so the business can come in and move around!

Love Holt, grew up there.

Jennifer Styron Everage 

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Holt needs this

I would love a Tom Thumb by the interstate. That's all I'm asking!

Heather Bowness

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Vaccine hasn't helped, few use Common Core math

Okaloosa County residents are abuzz about Elie's Voice, a nonprofit organization that aims to prevent child suicide; Okaloosa County School District procedures for head lice; the latest scams circulating the area; and Holt's potential.

Here are some of their comments:

Suicide prevention, yes; Strength Team, no

It's great that these people (Elie's Voice) want to help kids in the area, but The Strength Team has no business being in Okaloosa County schools.

This group's sole purpose is to recruit kids to the local churches so that they can "find Jesus." They don't hide this fact. They work with local churches to go into the schools and increase their membership. 

Brandi Fickling

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Gratitude for Elie's Voice founders

Thank you so much to the Oliver family for the love and support of my nephew.

Lil'Tinz Productionz 

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Schools need to prevent exposure

I agree that schools should check and do whatever possible to prevent the spread of lice!

(It's) ridiculous that they don't have some kind of rules in place to prevent other students from being exposed.

Jason N Selena Barrow

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Scam artists raise concerns

Someone called my aunt and told her he was my son, and that he had been in an car accident in Pensacola and was hurt and he needed money.

We don't see each other often, so she wasn't sure if it was him. So she called me right away and I got hold of my son, who was at work, safe and sound.

Made us worry, though.

Mamita Martinez

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You haven't won a Mercedes

Another one going around claims you have won a new Mercedes and thousands of dollars. They then instruct you to wire money through Western Union for the taxes.

Once you send that, then they continuously insist more money (be) sent for various other taxes, expenses, etc.

All money wired goes to Jamaica.

Folks: Do not be a victim. Do not send money via Western Union or any other source.

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it's usually a scam.

Patricia Kendrick

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When it comes to developing Holt…

It would bring more jobs, but I like Holt the way it is..

Su Augustine

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Leave Holt alone

No changes. It's fine the way it is. Crestview is already crazy for a small city, don't let Holt get that way.

Jessica Renee

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Scam artists raise concerns, leave Holt alone

Our Facebook fans shared their thoughts on head lice and Okaloosa County's plans for a new Crestview courthouse, among other issues. Here are some of their comments.

Head lice will always be around

If (the schools) sent home a letter every time there was a case of head lice, they would be sending them out all the time.

Head lice are always around and always will be.

As parents of school children, we need to keep checking on our kids regularly for it anyway.

Carrie Powers 

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Child had lice three times

I dealt with this same situation at Walker Elementary

(School). When my child came home with lice, no one from the school notified me. I immediately treated her and kept her home from school for one day to make sure she was treated successfully.

I called the school to be told by the nurse that they cannot notify due to HIPAA. My child ended up with lice three times last year.

I think it's ridiculous and will gladly sign a petition if that's what it takes.

Diana Pagán 

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Glad that Crestview courthouse will be razed

Have to say I've never heard anyone refer to that beast as "beautiful," or "historic," for that matter.

I've traveled around the South quite a bit and it is, without a doubt, the ugliest courthouse I've ever laid eyes on.

Will be so glad to see it go down and be replaced with something attractive and serviceable.

Beth Ray Brant 

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About letter on courthouse mold

Yes, Clorox, will work — where you see the mold — but how do you treat the mold that is there and not visible?

New courthouse for Crestview. Yes!

Gisela Harper 

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Health department: Reschedule rabies vaccinations

What a shame this is on a weekday. During working hours. Guess they didn't want too many folks to show up.

Andrea Heath Wilkinson 

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Admiration for Crestview police officers

I really admire our PD. They are a great group of guys that risk their lives for us every day for very little pay and far less respect than they deserve. Blue Lives Matter!

Loretta Owens Taylor 

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Bridges need work, too

Is the new thinking that all of our buildings/structures have to be less than 50 years old to be safe, functional and not eye-sores?

I contend that (Okaloosa County's Crestview courthouse) could be brought up to specs for less than half of that amount ($21 million).

And our bridges in the county could sure use some work. There are several of them over 50 years old, and I don't remember anybody complaining because they were not pleasant to look at! Yet, every day, more and more car and truck traffic use these bridges.

Seems that might be more noteworthy than how beautiful our new courthouse might look.

These commissioners might try spending that money as if it were coming from their own pockets.

Ron Terry

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Expansion requires city, county leaders' help

To expand at the airport it takes more than an engineer's vision. It takes city and county leaders to have the same vision.

If not, then it continues to stay stagnant with little expansion.

They also have to have the foresight and improve infrastructure long before expansion occurs; otherwise, they just try and play catch-up.

Gary Jacobs

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Head lice will always be around, bridges need work, too

When my daughter was sent home with head lice early last week, I was devastated because I had no idea how to get rid of it.

In a panic, I quickly called my mother and she helped me successfully get rid of the lice with just one treatment of RID.

Still, being a concerned mother, I called Southside Center and asked the principal to send a letter home with all children to advise parents of a confirmed case of head lice in the school.

Through the nurse, I found out my daughter wasn't the first child sent home with head lice. My main goal was to advise parents to check their children's hair to prevent a larger outbreak.

Had I been informed sooner, I could have checked my child and prevented my other daughter from getting lice as well.

Unfortunately, (I was told that) sending such a letter would be against school district policy and violate HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Being a professional in the medical field, I studied and am very educated in HIPAA law. Therefore, I know that if no personal information of the child with lice is disclosed (and the letter just states, vaguely, that a child in the school has lice), there will be no violation.

I honestly don't see the difference in sending home a letter informing parents that children with peanut allergies are in their classroom — and keeping it posted on the classroom door year-round — and sending home letters for lice, informing parents that it has been spreading through the school.

Just something to think about. 

I would like the school district to change their policy so that the spread of lice and other contagious situations can be contained in a more professional manner.

Adriana Foster, the mother of four children, is a nationally certified pharmacy technician who lives in Crestview.

She graduated with a 4.0 grade point average from Virginia College and is a member of Southside Center's School Advisory Council.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FOSTER: Parents need to know when other kids have lice

Why is it all or nothing?

I deeply respect and greatly appreciate the value of therapy dogs … I do understand the need to respect those who have allergies, too. With a granddaughter who suffers from those, I get that.

Surely an investment of a little time, discussion and effort could have reached compromise, a better "fix" than this. Too sad, how society has adopted an "all or nothing" approach to issues.

Kurt Burgess 

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It is about lawsuits

Just put a muzzle on him if they are so afraid. But the dog is trained, and it is not (like) they brought in a dog from a pound.

Bottom line: It is all about sue-happy people and frivolous lawsuits.

Maryann Lepper

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Instead of blanket ban, create guidelines

A blanket ban is the same as saying that they are unable or unwilling to use judgment. Instead of banning everyone, a better option in my opinion would be to create guidelines that a group, or therapy dog such as Dozer must meet.

Therapy animals should be trained, certified and insured. All of which, from my understanding, Dozer is.

Other animals brought on campus for educational purposes must meet certain criteria. It would take some time and initiative to do this, but this is what they are being paid to do.

Gary Jacobs

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Mobile Health Clinic raises concerns

Teachers should feel empowered to take charge of their own health, and be afforded the time off to do so. They should not be guilt-tripped by prioritizing their own health.

Lisa Lee

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: It is about lawsuits, Mobile Health Clinic raises concerns

CRESTVIEW — During these uncertain times, local law enforcement officers can be sure of one thing: they have friends in Crestview.

PHOTOS: http://bit.ly/1OLPwyd

As the nation debates relations between police officers and civilians, a number of residents throughout Crestview, Florida and the country are showing their support for those who protect and serve.

Many supporters now use the ‪BlueLivesMatter hashtag on social media like Facebook and Twitter to display solidarity with police officers and sheriff's deputies.

Other efforts — particularly in Countryview Estates in south Crestview — include tying blue ribbons around utility poles, stop signs, lamp posts and even pets to spread the message.

A San Antonio, Texas man painted a blue strip on the curb in front of his home and others, including some Crestview residents, plan to do the same.

Relations between civilians and police officers have been frosty in some locations throughout the country, particularly since last year.

Viral videos and widely shared stories of isolated incidents demonstrating perceived police brutality or injustice spurred riots and social media campaigns opposing all law enforcement.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview neighborhoods showing support for those who protect and serve (PHOTOS)

Questioning city attorney's pay

$3,500 a month?! There are people he will be serving who have less than $500 to get through a month — what a slap in the face this is.

Bonny Ann

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About Crestview Manor's death-predicting cat

Newman is a very beautiful cat. The Manor is lucky to have him.

I do believe cats comfort people when they are sick or near the end. My cat, Miss Lady, is always near me. When I was very sick last year, she stayed by my side.

I got her from S.O.C.K.S three years ago. Well, she picked me to be her owner/ caretaker, and has helped me through many tough times.

Jennifer Reynolds 

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Cats have ulterior motives

Fact is, the cat is claiming you, waiting. Dogs will wait days and weeks without eating their dead owners, while a cat will start to nibble within 24 hours.

Troy Siron 

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Confederate flag removal not trivial

This may seem like a trivial issue to some, but it is not. The City of Crestview made great strides (Monday) night toward growth and attractiveness of our city to new businesses; more residents. And with that will come traffic solutions and other growth management solutions. This was the right decision.

Erica Louise 

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Flag decision was political

It only goes to show you what can happen when people don't know history and allow political agendas to govern their decision making.

AW Ratliff 

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Majority wanted flag to stay so…

It's time we as the people make sure our elected officials reflect our own values and beliefs.

Dorrian Vance

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Questioning Crestview attorney's pay; cats have ulterior motives

By Mechelle Prevoznik

Bus drivers love their jobs

Bus drivers, as a rule, are looked at as being at the bottom at the educational food chain. People tend to think that we are uneducated or unable to obtain another job.

Fact: a lot of drivers are retired from other careers; some hold more degrees than some of the teaching faculty.

We are, in fact, a bit crazy! We choose to work in conditions that no sane person would want to.

Most of us drive buses with no air conditioning in the summer; insufficient heat in the winter.

Drive a lot of children that are loud, and act as if they've had no home training!

We've all had to put up with verbally abusive parents that believe their little Johnny or Susie is perfect.

On a daily basis, I have people pass my stop signs — unfortunately, a lot of them are parents! I see their children strapped in car seats in the back of their cars, as they're texting or talking on the phone; never looking up, just flying through my stop sign.

Or the person that crosses the double yellow line because they don't want to be stuck behind a bus!

As bus drivers, we are underpaid given the responsibility that we have; underappreciated by parents for our job.

Most the duties I do on my bus are no different than what I do as a parent.

So, given everything that I just described about our jobs, someone might ask why we do this.

I'm a bus driver because I choose to be. With all the negativity that goes with the job, there's a lot of positive things. I've been on my route for four years; I've gotten to watch children grow and learn from little guys to young adults.

In an average day from my little guys, I get 167 hugs and several "I love you Miss Mechelle"s — that alone makes everything worthwhile.

Most of us drivers love our jobs and can't imagine doing anything else.

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Comments about bus driver 'made me sick'

I cannot believe how little empathy the people in this area have. First of all, everyone is acting like these are elementary-aged kids, when they were middle school and high school students.

Are they at risk when they wait at the bus stop before it arrives? Do you think some sexual predator or kidnapper would approach 50 teenagers and try to snatch one of them when they would be so greatly outnumbered? Kids that age are allowed to walk to neighbors' houses and to the store. Yet they wouldn't be safe in such a large number waiting for another bus for 30 minutes?

… Second, we don't know how sick the bus driver was … Now many are angry that she was on paid leave. Some are suggesting criminal charges… After I read the comments in the paper (Sunday), all but one just made me sick. Sure, our kids are precious to us, but too many of you were acting like these kids were toddlers left on the side of the road.

… I hope when each of you have a health scare or severe illness that you think back on how cruel your comments were toward the sick bus driver.

Nannette McGowan

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Students can walk to school

When I was in middle and high school, I walked to school. What are you people doing, raising full-grown infants who can't stand on the side of the road?

Guy Gordon 

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Challenging Pastor's Perspective column on Kim Davis

Sir, I respect you and anyone else for your religious beliefs. However, if you are in a position of operating under the guidance of law, you cannot pick and choose how to administer those laws.

Simply put, if her beliefs are so strong that it impedes her from lawfully carrying out her duties, she should find another line of work.

Mark Purvis 

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Cures are bad for business

If there are cures in medicine, that's bad for business. Sad but true. There is no money in health.

Pharmaceuticals need sick people to stay in business. If there was a cure for cancer, there would be no more need for overpriced drugs.

I'm sure there have been big breakthroughs, but the government won't allow it, or stops it once found. Corporations buy the government and tell them what to do.

We are not a democracy, but rather being taken over by corporations who buy people out to get what they want. Medicine is just one of the many aspects of this.

Daniel Rivera 

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Rethinking prescription medication prices

I think the solution for medication is a complicated issue.

The businesses producing medication need to make a profit to continue production, and expenses continue to rise alongside the cost of living as it rises.

We need to reintroduce checks and balances into the economy. Society as a whole has become dependent on loans that not everyone pays back.

Sabrina Knost 

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Bus drivers love their jobs, Comments about bus driver 'made me sick'