CRESTVIEW—The Crestview City Council heard the voices of their constituents Monday evening and suspended enforcement of a city code concerning recreational vehicles.

The code, Section 102-538, prohibited camping trailers over 24 feet in length from being stored on residential property and outlawed any trailer from having utility services connected.

Eighteen members of the public spoke at the meeting, all of whom stated the ordinance should be modified. City Council agreed with speakers by voting 5-0 in favor of suspending the code for 90 days, during which time the Growth Management Department will craft a replacement or modification. If a replacement is not created in the allotted time, an additional 60-day period will be granted.

Several of the speakers were RV owners who expressed concern over keeping their vehicle in lots, where they could be subjected to thefts, or not connected to power. Not connecting these vehicles to power can lead to black mold and interior damage due to Florida’s humidity.

“This code needs to be updated because you can hardly find an RV under 24 feet,” Michele Dennis, an RV owner, said. “As an American, I expected to live free on my property.”

Other speakers weren’t RV owners but were considering a purchase or believed the code was an overstep of municipal power. Multiple individuals threatened to leave the city if the code wasn’t adjusted.

“I can appreciate what everyone … has said,” Councilman Doug Faircloth said. Faircloth’s wife purchased a horse trailer with living amenities several years ago. He stressed people’s right to keep the vehicles, which are a large investment to many, on their property and further protect that investment by connecting it to power.

Faircloth was unaware of the unenforced ordinance that was created in 1999, as were many other city officials. The code was brought to attention at the March 13 City Council meeting when Andrew Rencich informed the council he received a warning notice about an RV parked on his property.

Several other residents were given notices ordering removal of vehicles from their property or face a $250 to $500 fine per day of violation. The complainant the notices stemmed from used a fake address and contact number, according to several speakers.

“I’ve been an RV-er for a long time,” Councilman Joe Blocker said. “My recommendation is, starting yesterday, to put a moratorium on this ordinance.”

A moratorium would require a separate agenda item during a different meeting, according to Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard. Meaning, more notices could be given and fines imposed before a solution reached. She suggested a procedural digression, which functions the same as a moratorium but only required an immediate consensus.

The council agreed.

No resident is reported to have received fines for storing an RV on their property, only being served notices. All future actions concerning the code are suspended with the procedural digression in place. This means that notices will not turn into fines and no more warnings will be given.

The Growth Management Department will now have the opportunity to update, revise or eliminate the code through the proper legal channels without leaving residents subject to fines during that period.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: City Council acts to protect RV owners

CRESTVIEW—A recently enforced city code on certain vehicles concerns some Crestview residents.

The rule prohibits trailers, including recreational vehicles and campers, over 24 feet in length from being stored on the property or having utility services connected to it. Vehicles or trailers larger than that must be stored off-property.

The code has been on the books since 1999 but was largely forgotten until notices appeared on residents’ doors.

‘WHY SHOULD I LIVE HERE?’

“Having (a recreational vehicle) is a big investment for me and I want to keep that in my sight,” said Mark Kania, one of several Crestview residents notified their RV violates the city code.

“I understand the intent of the law but there’s nothing to protect people that use them for recreation,” Kania said, adding he believes the rule is in place to prevent people from living in the trailers and making neighborhoods appear cluttered.

Kania, and others like him, don’t use their RV for permanent living but still received citations. He and his wife, Maria, take their trailer to Alabama each month for recreational camping — a hobby the couple isn’t willing to give up.

Not only does he prefer to keep the vehicle in sight for its safety, but the RV also requires humidifying when not in use — something the current code prohibits. Black mold could develop in the unit if left to sit in the elements, Kania said.

“If the code isn’t written properly, then why should I live here?” Kania said. He’s willing to move outside city limits to avoid fines — which can range from $250 to $500 each day — or having to store his camper away from his property and risk damage.

Currently, Kania has put a hold on upgrade projects for his house. He’s hesitant to put further time and investment into the home if he decides to move.

‘IT’S NOT UP TO CRESTVIEW’

Andrew Rencich received a notice to remove his RV by April 10, or face fines.

Rencich, a Crestview business owner and a military service member, has become a voice for the group of residents opposing the code. He spoke at a City Council meeting in March and has launched a Facebook page to help inform residents of the code and an upcoming meeting concerning it.

Kania and Rencich both believe the code entangles the municipal government in civil affairs.

“I believe in small government and that it shouldn’t get involved in civil matters,” Kania said. “These are disputes that should be handled between neighbors unless it presents a matter of public health or safety. It’s not up to Crestview to enforce its own version of a [homeowners association] in the city.”

‘WE MUST AMEND THIS ORDINANCE’

When Kania addressed the City Council March 13, several council members agreed the ordinance should be reviewed and adjusted accordingly.

“I think we must amend this ordinance,” Councilman Joe Blocker said. He, too, cited the need for RVs and campers to be connected to power to prevent mold.

Councilman J.B. Whitten believed the code was outdated and said he was in favor of reviewing that portion of the ordinance.

The RV topic will be discussed 6 p.m. April 10 at Council Chambers in City Hall.

The agenda for Monday’s meeting lists six speakers regarding the code, including Kania. Rencich has said he will also speak during an open forum period when any member of the public can comment before the council.

Aside from Facebook, Rencich has also used the neighborhood-based social network, Nextdoor, to address the issue. Currently, about 60 comments have been made in the RV ordinance discussion. He expects about 20 people to attend the City Council meeting to show support for amending the ordinance.

“Some people who I’ve heard from aren’t even RV owners but they’re concerned that the city can tell its residents what they can and can’t keep on their own property,” Rencich said.

THE HOA FACTOR

An adjustment to the city code might not alleviate issues for all residents. Some, like Rencich, are prohibited from storing campers on their property by a housing covenant. These matters are often addressed by consulting the respective HOA — if one exists.

Rencich lives in a neighborhood that never formed an HOA after its development. Regardless, the terms of a covenant are still in place in most scenarios, according to Growth Manager Teresa Gaillard.

City Attorney Ben Holley advised individuals to speak with an attorney to review the validity and enforcement of a covenant with no HOA.

A restrictive covenant is of little concern to Rencich; his focus remains on adjusting or removing the city code.

Possible changes could take weeks or even months to take effect, leaving those with warnings to question if they will receive fines.

Violations will have to be reviewed along with the ordinance during the City Council meeting, according to Whitten. The council will then address the situation, he added.

THE ISSUE: A city code prohibits storage of camping trailers over 24 feet in length at a private residence.

LOCAL IMPACT: Violators could face hundreds of dollars in fines per day. In addition, residents question how much say municipal government can or should have in civil matters.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ordinance raises recreational vehicle owners' concerns

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council will meet 6 p.m. April 10 at city hall, 198 Wilson St., N.

Here is the meeting's agenda.

1. Call to order

2. Invocation: the Rev. George Thomas, Peoples Missionary Baptist Church. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open policy making and legislative session

4. Special presentations

5. Approval of the minutes from the Feb. 13 council meeting and Feb. 27 special meeting.

6. Public hearings

7. Public opportunity on council proposition

8. Consent agenda

a. Approval of Ben Holley invoice for $3,990

b. Approval of Ard, Shirley and Rudolph invoice for $844.45

c. Approval of Task Order No. 2017-2 Atkins Engineering

d. Approval of site construction plans for a 4,342-square-foot addition to the existing Walmart building, to be utilized as a liquor sales store.

e. Approval of replacement police vehicle

9. Resolutions

10. Committee reports

11. Scheduled presentations from the public

     a. Quarterly update – EDC – Nathan Sparks

     b. Discussion of RVs – various Citizens

1. Eddie Dennis

2. Michele Dennis

3. Rich Urda

4. Mark Kania

5. Maria Kania

6. Kimberly Dorseck

Other citizens may speak from the floor.

12. Project reports and comments from mayor and council

13. Staff reports and recommendations

14. Comments from the audience

15. Adjournment

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview City Council agenda: April 10

CRESTVIEW — Congressman Matt Gaetz will visit Crestview High School to meet students, faculty and staffers.

His visit is set 10 a.m. April 18 at CHS, 1250 Ferdon Blvd. N., Crestview.

During the event, Gaetz will teach an economics lesson to high school seniors and present letters of recognition to over 60 students receiving the Anne T. Mitchell Academics Senior Award.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gaetz to visit Crestview High School

CRESTVIEW—City Councilman J.B. Whitten hosted a town hall meeting on government structure Thursday evening at Azteca Mexican Restaurant. The purpose was to educate residents on how the current government hierarchy works and what a potential change could look like.

Changes could come in multiple forms and mostly involve shifting of accountability for the government’s various departments.

CURRENT STRUCTURE

Currently, fire and police departments answer to the mayor, finance and utility billing answer to the city clerk and other departments answer directly to the city council.

However, the council can only discuss matters among themselves in a public setting due to Sunshine Laws.

“What we have right now is ineffective in my personal opinion,” Whitten said. This is because communication is delayed due to the council’s public discussion requirement.

Just 85 of Florida’s 411 cities operate this form of council-mayor government, according to Whitten. Of those that do, 83 have populations below 7,500 — Crestview has more than 20,000 residents.

“We haven’t grown our government with our city,” Whitten said.

A proposed restructuring has gone to the ballot and failed three times, the last occurrence in 2012. However, it was defeated by only 7 percent and about 1,000 voters didn’t take a position because an error prevented the vote from being official.

OTHER STRUCTURES

Two other forms of government have been proposed and will be considered by city officials if residents show interest in restructuring.

A council-manager style would create a city manager, hired by city council, to represent the city’s departments. This person would have day-to-day contact with department heads and present reports, inquiries and other matters to the city council and potentially streamline communication processes.

A strong mayor structure would create a city administrator, hired by the mayor, to represent the departments. This administrator would answer directly to the mayor, leaving the council to focus on budgeting and legislative oversight.

Whitten and Mayor David Cadle said they would not endorse any option, deferring the choice to residents and pledging to support what the people decide.

NEXT STEPS

The city council will host a workshop for residents to voice their opinions and thoughts of government structuring.

If people show support for a restructure, the council will vote to create a commission tasked with exploring those options and creating a ballot referendum for residents to vote on.

If there is a no-show during the workshop, the council will interpret this as residents’ approval of the current system, Whitten said.

Placing the matter on a ballot would be the final step in the process if residents desire a change.

Since this would be a referendum and not a candidate vote, ballots could be sent to registered voters via mail, Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux said at a previous city council meeting.

Whitten expressed interest in this process Thursday evening and intends to explore the option if the issue goes to vote.

The workshop to establish a commission will be at 5:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. April 24 at Crestview City Hall. An official time will be determined later and publicly announced.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Town hall meeting explores government restructure

CRESTVIEW — The City Council started March 27 with a special meeting to decide on new ordinances and new leadership.

ORDINANCES

The council unanimously approved a pair of ordinances directing the city’s growth management department — Ordinances 1618 and 1619.

Ordinance 1618 allowed for rezoning a piece of property owned by Central Baptist Church from public land to commercial to allow a non-profit medical facility to be built on the site. The ordinance passed 5-0 with no public comment made.

Ordinance 1619 provides the city with a clear definition of what constitutes an unsafe structure.

“An unsafe structure is one that is found to be dangerous to the life, health, property or safety of the public or the occupants of the structure by not providing minimum safeguards to protect or warn occupants in the event of fire, or because such structure contains unsafe equipment or is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation, that partial or complete collapse is possible,” the proposal stated.

The growth management department considers this ordinance a necessary first step to combating blight. The council passed the proposal 5-0, also with no public comment.

LEADERSHIP

The Crestview City Council nominated and approved Councilman J.B. Whitten to be the next council president, effective April 1.

The council also named Councilman Bill Cox to be the council vice president, effective the same date.

The council president presides over meetings and enforces the council’s rules and regulations. The vice president serves in an acting capacity during the absence of the president.

Both the president and vice president serve one-year terms and are elected by the sitting council. Each nominee received unanimous support.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Council approves new ordinances, leaders

CRESTVIEW — A new interchange along Interstate 10 could limit traffic and provide additional access to Crestview.

The City Council on Monday listened to early-stage planning on that project and brainstormed the issue of non-city residents and companies receiving city water and sewage utility services.

INTERCHANGE

The Florida Department of Transportation is in the planning and research phase of a project that would create an additional I-10 interchange to the west of State Road 85. The department has created a series of possible projects and stated what their feasibility and potential impact would be.

Several of the plans call for conversion of the Antioch Road overpass to an interchange system, allowing for travel to and from I-10. Multiple interchange variations are being explored including a roundabout style, one featuring a single traffic light and others that would call for the lowering of I-10 several feet.

Beyond the interchange, a PJ Adams Parkway extension would run from Arena Road to State Road 90 at Old Bethel Road. This would alleviate traffic on State Road 85, provide relief for future city growth and provide an additional emergency route, according to Greg Moore of contract company VHB, which is working with the FDOT on the project.

The interchange project would also aim to provide better passage ability for pedestrians and cyclists over I-10. Currently, no sidewalk or bike paths exist on the overpass.

“We’d like to fix that problem for sure,” Moore said.

The survey and research teams have begun contacting “stakeholders” in the project, including residents and businesses in close proximity to the proposed construction sites. Many have been open to an interchange but teams had some pushback from residents on Arena Road, according to Moore.

The FDOT is only a few months into the 24-month research, analysis and approval schedule and, therefore, several details are limited or unknown. The department will introduce its preliminary findings and suggestions to the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners next month. The department will also have three public meetings over the next year to discuss the project.

Monday’s meeting was a workshop and, therefore, no motions could be made by city council.

OUT-OF-CITY UTILITIES

Crestview provides utility services for approximately 400 parcels of land outside city limits, according to Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard. If these units were incorporated into the city, it would provide an additional $250,000 in tax revenue.

However, the process to annex property can be expensive to property owners, and only sites adjacent to city property can be annexed.

Chiefs from Crestview’s police and fire departments expressed an urgent need to resolve the issue of city and county lines, not only for the sake of utility taxes. Fractured boundaries create a logistical nightmare in handling emergencies, they said.

The fire department will assist non-city property but receives no tax revenue from those locations, according to Fire Chief Joseph Traylor. The Crestview Police Department faces even larger issues when concerned with jurisdiction over crimes. An improper interpretation of an incident occurring within the city or county line can result in a lawsuit or other legal case being thrown out, according to CPD Chief Tony Taylor.

Heavy discussions were had on how to adjust the city’s annexation procedure and how to lure those that receive city services into city limits. However, they lack legal background and foundation.

Councilmen J.B. Whitten and Shannon Hayes expressed that legal counsel must be had before any further discussions can be held on the matter.

“Right now, we’re just shooting in the dark,” Whitten said.

The council, as well as City Attorney Ben Holley, recommended Gaillard receive legal advising and present her findings at the next City Council meeting; she agreed, and will contact a lawyer with experience in this field.

The issue of out-of-city utilities and city annexation has been discussed countless times over the past several years but the City Council, along with city departments, have taken a closer look at the matter to improve it.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: I-10 interchange, out-of-city utility plans in development

CRESTVIEW—In at least a half-dozen locations across Crestview, woods are the only home to dozens of people with nowhere else to go.

From victims of addiction, to sufferers of mental health conditions, to individuals experiencing unfortunate circumstances — trees provide protection from a world that has largely forgotten them.

OPENING THE CONVERSATION

Crestview lacks a central location for homeless individuals but various churches and groups across the city maintain soup kitchens or cold night shelters to provide aid.

“What I found was that a lot of these groups weren’t talking to each other,” Councilman J.B. Whitten said. “One group would be in need of something and not realize that this other group was able to help them. So, I wanted to open up that conversation.”

Whitten hosted a workshop Feb. 27 to start the process of opening communications. His passion for aiding the homeless began in the years before he was a council member; it focused on assisting veterans.

“I was working on helping homeless vets and I realized that there’s more than just vets that are homeless,” Whitten said. “I had to be educated on the situation and learn what resources are available and who people can call for help.”

People like those taking refuge in encampments. Police Chief Tony Taylor believes there to be a few dozen, but community activist David Booher said this number could exceed 100.

Booher voluntarily brings necessities to people living in the camps and offers them mentorship. He recognizes homelessness as a “community problem” and cites lack of proper medical and mental care as a reason for the poor quality of life many of those he helps have fallen into.

Booher identified six camps that exist in the area but declined to disclose their location for fear of harm brought to residents there. Harm like that which occurred last March, when two homeless individuals purportedly had their tent and possessions set ablaze.

HOUSING THE HOMELESS

Areas like Fort Walton Beach have created group housing projects to accommodate the homeless but Whitten says this isn’t the most feasible option.

“Homeless or no, people don’t want to live in a large space occupied with other people all the time,” he said.

Further, these locations only provide temporary arrangements — not permanent facilities. The cost of building subsidized housing or apartments for those individuals, such as seen in other areas, exceeds a city budget, he added.

This is where groups like the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless come in. The non-profit organization coordinates cold-night shelters, food kitchens and supply centers across Crestview with area churches’ help.

The group also runs a temporary, daytime shelter — Helping Hands — where folks can come in to use computers, wash clothes and apply for jobs.

Still, this presents the problem of getting to the various shelters. Moving across the city each day for the chance of a meal or bed isn’t the most feasible option for some, according to Whitten.

The city welcomed an effort to construct a homeless shelter a number of years ago using private grant money but the individual — unknown to Whitten — purportedly was eyeing a location near Twin Hills Park and the City Council at the time opposed the measure due to children’s presence in the park. The person purportedly proposed no secondary location and the effort failed.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SOLUTION

Food and shelter aren’t the homeless’ only needs. Some require assistance seeking veterans’ benefits, disability applications, bus tickets, detox information and many other personal and medical needs. CASH works to bring these resources to those in need.

These services are required by people such as one unnamed man, who Booher says has been Baker Acted 27 times but not provided with adequate medical assistance. The Florida Mental Health Act, commonly referred to as the Baker Act, allows for the involuntary mental health examination of individuals considered a threat to themselves or others. Law enforcement officials, judges or medical personnel can enact it.

“I don’t know what the solution is,” Whitten said. “That’s why I’m hoping the workshop and meetings that have followed it can be a springboard for communication.

“It’s not just my issue to figure out alone, it’s an opportunity for the community to work together to find what works best.”

THE ISSUE: Crestview's homeless have few resources available and must find alternative places to live.

LOCAL IMPACT: Individuals face low quality of life and the city runs risks for more individuals falling into similar situations without support systems. Aside from ethical dilemmas, these people are often forgotten.

HOW TO HELP

Contact Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless, 398-5670, for more information on how to help. Donations of clothing, hygiene items, food, plastic totes or bags can be made from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Helping Hands, 428 McLaughlin St.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The dilemma: helping Crestview's homeless

WASHINGTON — OK Food, Inc., an Oklahoma City, Okla. establishment, is recalling approximately 933,272 pounds of breaded chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service stated in a media release.

The ready-to-eat breaded chicken items were produced on various dates from Dec. 19, 2016 through March 7. The products subject to recall bear establishment number "P-7092" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations and institutions nationwide.

The USDA Class 1 recall designates a product high-risk if there is a reasonable probability that the product's use will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

This is the list of recalled items:

•10-pound packages containing "Smart Foods4Schools ABC – 123 Shaped Nuggets With Rib Meat" bearing case code 133002.

•10-pound packages containing "Smart Foods4Schools Breaded Fully Cooked Chicken Patties Star Shaped Nuggets With Rib Meat" bearing case code 133003.

•10-pound packages containing "Smart Foods4Schools Breaded Fully Cooked Chicken Patties Heart Shaped Nuggets With Rib Meat" bearing case code 133008.

•10-pound packages containing "Smart Foods4Schools Breaded Fully Cooked Chicken Patties Shamrock Shaped Chicken Fingers With Rib Meat" bearing case code 133013.

•10-pound packages containing "Smart Foods4Schools Breaded Fully Cooked Chicken Patties Shark Shaped Chicken Fingers With Rib Meat" bearing case code 133014.

•30-pound packages containing "Chickentopia Fully Cooked Breaded Tender Shaped Chicken Breast Patties With Rib Meat" bearing case code 133015.

•30-pound packages containing "Double D Foods Fully Cooked Herb Seasoned Breaded Chicken Breast Patty With Rib Meat" bearing case code 178981.

•7.5-pound packages containing "Great Value Fully Cooked Herb Seasoned Breaded Chicken Breast Patty With Rib Meat" bearing case code 201258 and "Best By/Use by" dates 3/2/2018.

•20-pound packages containing "TenderBird Fully Cooked, Breaded Chicken Breast Patties With Rib Meat" bearing case code 235384.

•21-pound packages containing "Save A Lot Fully Cooked, Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets" bearing case code 252385.

•18-pound packages containing "Spring River Farms Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Fries" bearing case code 252386.

•28-lb packages containing "Save A Lot Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Fries" bearing case code 252386.

•24-pound packages containing "Lake Liner Logo Brand Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Nuggets" bearing case code 256385 and "Best By" dates 01 23 18.

•20-pound packages containing "Spring River Farms Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Patties With Rib Meat" bearing case code 342002.

•20-pound packages containing "Spring River Farms Fully Cooked Breaded Tender Shaped Chicken Breast Patties With Rib Meat" bearing case code 342015.

•20-pound packages containing "Spring River Farms Fully Cooked Chicken Patties Breaded Chicken Breast Patties with Rib Meat" bearing case code 342384.

•20-pound packages containing "Tenderbird Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Patties With Rib Meat" bearing case code 342384.

•20-pound packages containing "Spring River Farms Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets Breaded Chicken Nuggets with Rib Meat" bearing case code 342385.

•20-pound packages containing "Spring River Farms Fully Cooked Chicken Fries Breaded Chicken Fries with Rib Meat" bearing case code 342386.

•20-pound packages containing "Spring River Farms Fully Cooked Spicy Breaded Chicken Breast Filet with Rib Meat" bearing case code 342608.

•20-pound packages containing "Spring River Farms Fully Cooked Crispy Chicken Breast Fillet Fritters With Rib Meat" bearing case code 342614.

•20-pound packages containing "Spring River Farms Fully Cooked Herb Seasoned Breaded Chicken Breast Patty With Rib Meat" bearing case code 342981.

The problem was discovered March 21 after OK Foods Inc. received five consumer complaints stating that metal objects were found in the ready-to-eat chicken products and by FSIS inspection personnel during verification activities. After an internal investigation, the firm identified the affected product and determined that the objects in all the complaints came from metal conveyor belting.

There are no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers may contact Abby Brown, 479-312-2409, with questions about the recall.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: RECALLED: Metal found in breaded chicken products

CRESTVIEW — Congressman Matt Gaetz invites the community to join him for Service Academy and ROTC Nights.

Service Academy Nights provide constituents with information regarding admission processes, the Congressional Office nomination process and a chance to meet and ask questions of service academy representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and University ROTC programs.

The local Service Academy Night is 6-8 p.m. April 18 at Crestview High School, 1250 Ferdon Blvd. N., Crestview.

Guest speakers include Jason Crawford of Pensacola and retired Air Force Col. Edward Hubbard of Fort Walton Beach.

Crawford served eight years in the U.S. Army Infantry, with tours in Baghdad, Bosnia and Korea. He is currently the C.E.O. for Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems.

Col. Edward Hubbard, retired U.S. Air Force pilot and former Vietnam POW, is an internationally known speaker, management consultant, artist and author.

Contact Communications Director Kavontae Smalls or Deputy Director of Military Affairs Nathan Nelson, 479-1183, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gaetz plans Service Academy Night