Apr 30, 2025
Crestview takes thoughtful approach to growth
We commend the City of Crestview for adopting a long-term growth strategy that promotes transparency and provides a clear roadmap for sustainable development. While many counties, including Okaloosa, often discuss smart growth, the absence of a comprehensive plan leaves citizens uncertain about their leaders’ vision. Crestview sets itself apart by demonstrating exactly how smart growth can be done effectively.
Apr 23, 2025
For God’s Sake
I used to make my living as a professional guitarist, and there is a universally shared experience among guitarists who have played in bands. At some point in your performance, someone is going to shout out, “Freebird! Freebird!” For those who don’t know, Freebird is a song by the southern-rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and it features several iconic guitar solos. I have heard that request often and most of my 6-string colleagues have as well. For the many times we’ve been asked to play the song, you’d think that we would take the time to learn it. I never have, and neither have any of my guitar playing friends. Perhaps, deep down, we fear that, were we to play it, we would be disrupting a long-established order of things.
Apr 23, 2025
P25 encrypted emergency communication system: A double-edged sword for public transparency and journalism
Emergency communication systems are critical for public safety, enabling swift coordination among first responders during crises. Over the years, technological advancements have made these systems more efficient, reliable, and secure. One such innovation is the P25 (Project 25) communication system—a suite of standards designed to ensure interoperability among various public safety agencies while prioritizing encrypted communication for enhanced security. While encryption undoubtedly bolsters the confidentiality of sensitive operations, it also raises significant concerns for journalists and advocates of government transparency.
Apr 17, 2025
For God’s Sake
“It’s your favorite day today!” my wife said cheerily to me first thing this morning. “It is!” I responded with equal cheer, “the best day of the week!” What day might that be, some of you are perhaps wondering. Well, it’s trash day!
Apr 17, 2025
A time of renewal
For Christians around the world, Easter represents a time of renewal, and a time of remembrance of the death of Jesus and his resurrection. However you choose to celebrate Easter, whether it is in Church or in your backyard hunting for Easter eggs or both, we at Crestview News Bulletin wish you a day of renewal. Consider it perhaps a transfiguration of sorts; a shedding of whatever is old and stale and an embrace of new things, habits and ideas. We can all use that in our life, no matter your belief.
Apr 17, 2025
Out and About
My column this week may be considered “religious,” but I’m going to be as factual as possible and even include a historian who was a Jew, but didn’t necessarily believe Jesus was the prophesied messiah.
Apr 9, 2025
For God’s Sake
Some 2,500 years ago a Greek philosopher said, “There is nothing permanent except change.” Change and transitions are as inevitable as taxes and death. We cannot stop the onward march of our lives even if we want.
Apr 9, 2025
The truth about tariffs
A tariff is a duty (tax) imposed by the government of a country or customs territory, on imports (or, exceptionally, exports) of goods. Let’s have a factual look into Trump’s “Liberation Day” – the day of the Tariff proclamation. After looking into the history of tariff’s, we are wondering why Trump didn’t impose universal tariffs – that are equal to (at a minimum) what other countries were charging us in 2018. What has been going on for a very long time isn’t fair to American workers and manufacturers. Albeit there are not as many manufacturers as there used to be – because of tariffs and the lack thereof coming into the U.S.A. Hopefully that will change in the very near future especially for necessities – such as pharmaceuticals. Let’s look at what happened in 2018 with the Steel Tariffs. Trumps steel tariffs in his first term led to a gain of thousands of jobs in the metal industry and wage increases. There was a boon to the Minnesota iron ore industry with state leaders crediting them for strengthening the local economy. Steel and aluminum imports decreased and created a wave in investments across the US – with more than $10 billion committed to build new manufacturing facilities. There were reports from media such as:
Apr 2, 2025
Triple B Festival triumphs with community spirit and sunshine
This past Saturday marked the 21st annual Triple B Festival, and it was nothing short of a spectacular success. Despite a week of nervous weather watching, March 29 unfolded as a blessing for Crestview, Florida. The sun shone over downtown during event hours, the breezes added charm, and the much-dreaded rain mercifully held off until after the festivities had wrapped up. The delightful turn of weather set the stage for a day that showcased the best of bands, brews, and BBQ.
Apr 2, 2025
For God’s Sake
I learned yesterday that a good friend has died. June had not been well for the last several years, nonetheless, her death came as a surprise and has evoked bittersweet emotions.