News Archive

In scenes reminiscent of battles fought in the Netherlands and Low Countries almost 80 years ago, German and Allied troops will invade Crestview over Labor Day weekend and fight periodic skirmishes at Spanish Trail Park. But there’s no need to dash for the nearest air raid shelter: The Sept. 1-3 event is an educational World War II reenactment program sponsored by the city’s Cultural Services Division, its Living History Corps, and the Historic Preservation Board.

More than 200 people attended the inaugural BCMG Gospel Fest and Back 2 School Drive on Aug. 12 at the Crestview Community Center.

The 36-acre, 63-lot final plat for phase 3A of the 341-Shoal River Landing subdivision received the City Council’s approval on Aug. 14.

Construction of a roundabout on busy Mirage Avenue just west of Chick-fil-A and State Road 85 might begin around autumn 2024. The roundabout, which is planned to stand in the general area of the existing three-way intersection of Mirage Avenue, Malibu Street and Crosson Street, is expected to help traffic flow better. The overall project calls for realigning Malibu Street so it matches up with Crosson Street.

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation (NAMF) is delighted to announce a recent contribution of $20,000 from Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) towards the museum’s new Homeschool Academy. The check presentation ceremony took place on the base Friday morning, Aug.11.

Homeschool Academy: The Museum Classroom was initiated by NAMF in January 2023, with a focus on families homeschooling children aged 5 to 18. FPL’s generous grant will enable NAMF to extend the program’s reach throughout the entire school year, benefiting the homeschooling community.

The grassroots Moms for Liberty organization announced the launch of a new local chapter in Okaloosa County on Aug. 11. Now established in 45 states, Moms for Liberty has organized 285 local chapters and over 120,000 members since its inception in January 2021, according to a press release provided by Anne Thompson, chair of the Okaloosa County chapter.

This week, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) will introduce the “National Prayer in School Act.” This legislation, if passed, will allow students and staff to pray in school without fear of repercussion if they choose to engage.

Laurel Hill’s proposed fiscal year 2024 budget will leave a bit of money left over for reserves, Mayor Robby Adams said at the City Council’s Aug. 10 budget workshop. The new budget year starts Oct. 1

Gary Ellis, owner of Crestview Plumbing and Hardware at 297 N. Main St., plans to close the iconic downtown store for good on Oct. 31, Halloween, after working there for almost half a century.

Ellis, 65, of Baker, said on Aug. 3 that he plans to lease his overall commercial property to 3rd Planet Brewing Co., which plans to open a craft brewery like the one it has in Niceville sometime next year.

Gaze at the stars during Family Library Time on Friday, Aug. 25, when the Emerald Coast Science Center brings its inflatable dome to the Crestview Robert L. F. Sikes Public Library.