CRESTVIEW — When students arrive at Riverside Elementary School or Shoal River Middle School with muddy shoes, one commissioner said it won’t be due to the county.

Paving equipment will soon land on Okaloosa Lane’s 2,000-foot dirt segment after what Okaloosa County Commissioner Wayne Harris called “hellacious problems trying to get right-of-way for it.”

“We got the last piece of property!” Harris said, adding the county received confirmation late last week.

However, because the owner of a 14-acre property on the west side of the lane wanted too much money for about 50 feet of an 8-to-10-foot-wide right-of-way, a planned sidewalk can’t be built, county officials said.

RIGHT-OF-WAY

Acquiring right-of-way from 10 property owners on either side of the dirt segment delayed starting the paving project for several years, Harris said.

While many were eager to see improvement come to their neighborhood road and sold the county land bordering the project, a couple of holdouts delayed the project, Harris said.

“We had people who wanted to get rich off the county,” Harris said. “One owner’s property was so valuable to her that it would’ve come to a million dollars an acre.”

Rather than pay the owner’s asking price, “We adjusted the road so we didn’t need her property,” Harris said. “We only needed 8 or 10 feet for 50 feet or so. She would’ve gotten fair market value.”

WORK STARTS SOON

County engineer Scott Bitterman said now that property critical to the project has been acquired, “We expect that work will start taking place within a handful of months.”

First, a culvert that channels water under a significant “dip” in the unpaved segment will be replaced with a bridge, he said.

“As soon as the bridge is done we’ll follow that up with the paving,” Bitterman said.

Harris has made paving dirt portions of Okaloosa Lane and Fairchild Road, near Bob Sikes Airport, two top projects during his tenure as commissioner.

He said he is pleased that when his term expires, both will be underway.

HOLDOUTS

When residents notice Okaloosa Lane is missing some sidewalk, Harris said he wants them to understand the county tried to acquire necessary right-of-way.

However, due to one holdout landowner, a sidewalk along the road’s west side will be forfeited.

“She’s not getting a sidewalk nor is she getting any improvements to her property,” Harris said. “People think it’s us (county officials) delaying the project, but it’s people who want to make money off the taxpayer. They don’t realize they’re just hurting themselves. It’s their own tax dollars.”

“In the end, I think a paved road is going to be better than no paved road at all,” Bitterman said. “We’re just going to have a gap in the sidewalk, unfortunately.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Lane to be paved

CRESTVIEW — Local military supporter and Military Appreciation and Recognition Celebration founder Bob Lynn died July 30 before he could see his last project realized.

Just 11 days before his death, Lynn's longtime friend, Brig. Gen. Mark Stogsdill, died as well. Lynn undertook an effort involving area civic, military and congressional leaders to name the 77th Special Forces Way overpass on State Road 85 for Stogsdill.

“It can be done for little or no expense,” Lynn said, describing the project to the News Bulletin on July 25.

The overpass connects the Air Force’s Duke Field on the east side of the highway with the Army’s 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) cantonment on the west side.

ROUNDING UP SUPPORT

Lynn had already contacted local and state leaders, including Mayor David Cadle, Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Valerie Lott and board chairman Dawn Mann, Okaloosa County Commissioners Nathan Boyles and Wayne Harris, and state Rep. Matt Gaetz, all of whom, he said, supported the initiative.

Harris, who sponsored a board of commissioners resolution in support of the project, said the decision was an easy one to make.

“I was pleased to put together a county resolution supporting the project,” he said. “Mark, being a commander of Duke Field, and given his position in our community, it would be a fabulous idea to honor him.”

The resolution passed unanimously.

SLOW DOWN

Among other assignments, Stogsdill was base commander at Duke Field during his Air Force career.

Cadle said while the initiative slowed following Lynn’s death, it was still very much alive.

“We are still working on it,” he said. “I am told it takes a year for that to be done because the overpass belongs to FDOT (the Florida Department of Transportation), not the military.”

Cadle said one step toward the process that he’s working on is writing a city proclamation in support of the project for the City Council to pass.

But losing his friend Lynn, whom Cadle said was noted as much for his organizational skills as for his support of the area’s military and veterans, was a definite impediment.

“It’s a setback on us,” Cadle said. “He is sorely missed. He was known for making sure things got done and got done right.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Effort to honor Stogsdill didn’t die with Lynn

CRESTVIEW — A crowded City Council chamber erupted in applause as City Clerk Betsy Roy announced long-time community worker Mary Jo Woodruff had been selected as the Mae Retha Coleman Citizen of the Year recipient.

During what Council President Joe Blocker called, "A special occasion; a glorious occasion," residents and city leaders took turns praising the modest Central Baptist Church member who for decades supervised the church kitchen.

Woodruff has overseen the feeding of business leaders during Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast meetings, and police officers and local clergy and their families during Christmas dinners.

But speakers at Monday evening's ceremony especially praised her work and determination when Hurricane Katrina refugees evacuated to Crestview in September 2005.

'YOU CAN JUST LEAVE'

Dr. Gene Strickland, president of the Okaloosa Baptist Association, described Woodruff's handling of the feeding of hundreds of evacuees.

"A representative of the Red Cross came to the kitchen and said, 'This is how we're going to arrange the kitchen,'" Strickland recalled.

"And the head of the Central Baptist Church kitchen crew (Woodruff) said, 'Wait just a minute. We've done this before. We know what we're doing and you can just leave.' And the representative of the American Red Cross turned around and left."

"I know you were going to tell this story," Woodruff said, feigning frustration.

Later, impressed by Woodruff's performance, the red Cross representative raised $1,700 in donations at a meeting to send to Central Baptist's kitchen crew for food purchases.

FOLLOWING JESUS'S PATH

"She's one of those people who doesn't wait for somebody to do something," her daughter Katie said. "She gets up and she does it."

"She has such a wonderful, giving heart," the Rev. Sherell Compton said. "Whoever has a need in their life, Mary Jo has reached out to make sure it's going to happen."

"I cannot tell you how thrilled I was when I heard Miss Mary Jo has been selected as Citizen of the Year," Mayor David Cadle said. "Who else can top what she has done?

"She didn't do that out of any glory of her own. She did that out of Christian conviction and following in the path of Jesus. I thank God for having her in this city."

"I'm thankful that Mama could do what she's done," Woodruff's son, the Rev. Joey Woodruff, said, adding her ongoing activity is what makes her life fulfilling.

"You can't stop, you can't sit down. You have to always be doing something that's rewarding," Joey Woodruff said.

"I hope the Lord will allow me to keep going and do more," Mary Jo Woodruff said.

"To love her is to see the hands and feet of Jesus come down and walk among us," Woodruff's pastor, the Rev. Paul Mixon, said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Woodruff selected Crestview Citizen of the Year (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

MILTON — Santa Rosa County Tax Collector Stan Nichols is one of a few of Florida’s 67 tax collectors to earn a designation for excellence in financial operations.

A judging panel named by the Florida Tax Collectors Association performed a detailed review of the tax collector’s financial records, practices and use of technology in considering Nichols for the honor.

“The Excellence in Financial Operations Award is one of the highest achievements the Florida Tax Collector’s Association can award a local tax collector,” a city spokesperson said. “The judging process was strenuous and included a detailed review of the financial functions of the Santa Rosa Tax Collector’s Office.”

To be considered for the award, Nichols’ office was required to demonstrate excellence in four areas: innovation and automation; a perfect annual audit report; customer focus; and budgeting.

“I’m very proud of our staff for winning this very prestigious award, and for also achieving a perfect audit every single year since taking office in 2009,” Nichols said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Tax collector wins award for excellence

CRESTVIEW —  The Mae Reatha Coleman Citizen of the Year will be announced on Monday.

The award is named for its first recipient, a Crestview community activist who has encouraged residents to recognize hard-working, often unsung members of the community who volunteer to better the lives of their fellow citizens.

"This is for the people that get things done for our people," Coleman has said of the award.

Recipients have included the award's namesake, a longtime community activist; Malcolm Haynes; former Mayor George Whitehurst; and educator Dr. Naomi Barnes.

The winner of this year’s award will be named during the Sept. 12 City Council meeting, which is 5 p.m. at city hall, 198 Wilson St. N.

Here's the agenda.

1. Call to order

2. Citizen of the Year presentation

3. Comments from the audience

4. Adjournment

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Citizen of the Year to be named

LAUREL HILL — Construction projects within city limits may soon come with a new fee.

The City Council approved on a 4-1 vote the first reading of an ordinance establishing a fire public safety facilities fee to be levied on new construction.

Ordinance 325 allows the city to collect a 20-cent per square foot residential construction fee, and 30 cents on commercial construction.

It replaces Ordinance 311, which assesses a flat $100 fee for any new construction. The new fee is expected to collect between $500 and $600 more on a typical new residence.

“The purpose of this ordinance is to ensure that the Laurel Hill Volunteer Fire Department has adequate funding to provide fire protection and fire safety services to both the existing and projected facilities in the city of Laurel Hill,” the ordinance stated.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Mayor Robby Adams said the council took the step to prepare for growth and unexpected contingencies within the volunteer fire department.

“It’s getting us more in line with other agencies around us,” Adams said.

Councilman Travis Dewrell questioned the matter.

“I really don't like the concept of being in line with other people,” Dewrell said at the Sept. 1 council meeting. “If I was in business and we got in cahoots with other companies, we'd go to jail for racketeering. I don't like charging rates just because someone else is charging it. I'd prefer to have no fees.”

Dewrell, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said fees such as the proposed assessment, will stifle development, whereas collecting ad valorem taxes will be a continuous flow of income to the city coffers.

“What I'm saying is if we can get someone to move in and start paying taxes, we'll get that money every year,” Dewrell said. “You can shear a sheep many times but you can only skin it once.”

NEEDED REVENUE

James Field, a volunteer Laurel Hill firefighter, said a source of dedicated fire department revenue is needed as their equipment ages.

“If I go to a call and I push that button and it doesn't work, a lawyer's going to be calling and asking why,” he said. “It doesn't do any good to drive that truck to a fire but it can't pump water.”

A provision of the ordinance requires the council to review the fee annually during the budget review process and adjust the amount collected, if needed.

The ordinance, passed at Thursday’s council meeting, provides exceptions to the fee for:

●Expansion of an existing residential structure that doesn’t create a new dwelling unit

●Remodeling or restoration that doesn’t create a “substantial additional impact” on municipal services

●Any construction already in progress that has received a valid building permit before the ordinance’s effective date.

The ordinance returns to the council at its Oct. 6 meeting for a second reading, at which time it could be voted into law.

________________________________

WHAT WE KNOW

An ordinance establishing a Laurel Hill Fire Public Improvement Trust Fund, benefiting the city’s volunteer fire department, passed on its first reading Sept. 1.

“The funds accumulated…shall be used only for the purpose of capital improvements, including but not limited to, the purchase of real property, buildings or structures, vehicles, fire and safety equipment, computers, software, telecommunications equipment, and other items necessary to provide adequate fire safety prevention and protection services,” the ordinance states. “The fire public safety facilities fee may also be used as matching funds for any grant or funding resources obtained for specific capital improvements for the fire department.”

An ordinance establishing a Laurel Hill Fire Public Improvement Trust Fund, benefiting the city’s volunteer fire department, passed on its first reading Sept. 1.

“The funds accumulated…shall be used only for the purpose of capital improvements, including but not limited to, the purchase of real property, buildings or structures, vehicles, fire and safety equipment, computers, software, telecommunications equipment, and other items necessary to provide adequate fire safety prevention and protection services,” the ordinance states. “The fire public safety facilities fee may also be used as matching funds for any grant or funding resources obtained for specific capital improvements for the fire department.”

FIRE PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES FEE

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Fee would help fund Laurel Hill fire department

FORT WALTON BEACH, Florida — Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety and Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County are observing September as National Preparedness Month.

The event serves as a reminder to residents of easy ways to keep their families prepared and safe during emergencies.

The departments hope to spread the word about the importance of emergency preparedness.  

“Emergencies can happen at any time, so individuals and families should start planning and preparing now,” stated Alvin Henderson, Director of Public Safety for Okaloosa County. “Stay tuned in the following weeks for specific messages that will help prepare our communities for all types of emergencies.”

 “Preparing and planning for all types of emergencies is important to make sure everyone remains safe and healthy,” stated Katie McDeavitt, Public Health Preparedness section chief for DOH-Okaloosa. “There are simple steps that your family can take to prepare, and this month will be an opportunity to highlight those steps.”

 The overall theme of the month is "Don’t Wait, Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today."

County topics on preparedness for each week of September are:

●Week 1—Family Emergency Communications Plan

●Week 2—Emergency Supply Kit and Pet Plan

●Week 3—Emergency Preparedness and Information Apps

●Week 4—Special Needs Shelter Registry

For details, visit www.co.okaloosa.fl.us or www.healthyokaloosa.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa officials observe National Preparedness Month

CRESTVIEW — City officials have good Labor Day news for municipal employees.

Under the 2016-17 budget, most workers will receive a 3 percent raise starting Oct. 1.

Police officers and firefighters will receive 5 percent salary increases. Full-time city workers who earn less than $25,000 a year will see a 6 percent raise.

Officials said the raises are necessary to attract and retain qualified workers, and were done without increasing ad valorem taxes.

“You try to keep the people you have rather than hire new ones,” City Clerk Betsy Roy said. “It’s a lot less expensive to keep the people you have than train new ones.”

Roy said during the budgeting process, her office presents the city council with various scenarios, including several raise options “or a no-raise scenario,” she said.

“It’s all part of the budget process,” Roy said.

This year, when city councilmen reviewed the budget in depth, they chose to reward city workers with raises, Roy said.

“When we got down to the bottom line in the budget, the money was available,” she said. “It’s their way of rewarding employees. There were a couple years when we couldn’t offer raises.”

“We realize that we have to take care of our employees,” Councilman Shannon Hayes said. “If we have the resources, we want to look after them. They deserve it. And we did it without additional cost to our citizens.”

In the $35 million budget that the City Council approved, $9.5 million will go toward employee salaries, up from nearly $9 million in the 2014-15 budget year.

“We try to look after our employees as well as our citizens,” Hayes said.

The budget will undergo two public hearings, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 8 and 22 at city hall, before going into effect Oct. 1.

Here’s how much of Crestview’s budget was devoted to employee salaries over the past several years:

●2014-15: $8,591,446

●2015-16: $8,988,784*

●2016-17: $9,511,038**

*Includes 5 percent police salary increase; 4 percent for other employees

**Includes 5 percent police and firefighter salary increase; 3 percent for most other employees; 6 percent for full-time employees whose salaries are under $25,000.

BY THE NUMBERS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview workers to receive raises in new budget year

LAUREL HILL — The City Council is considering increasing city water rates. It would be the first water rate increase in more than 10 years.

Mayor Robby Adams said that several audits, the most recent being last year, have recommended a modest increase in water rates.

During an Aug. 18 budget workshop, Councilman Travis Dewrell cautioned that the city should remain attractive to new development.

At Thursday night's council meeting, Councilman Scott Moneypenny said it would be beneficial to receive more information before proceeding.

"I like the direction we're going but I believe we need more guidance," he said. "I believe we should actually call in Florida Rural Water, who will come in and do a free assessment of our system and make sure we're on the right track."

Adams said the city’s rates haven’t increased since around 2004 or 2005, but, agreeing with Dewrell, said, “We don’t want to hurt people.”

However, he said, as infrastructure ages, the city’s system will become more expensive to maintain, plus costs have increased.

“It’s getting to the point in our budget where we needed a little extra money on the water side,” Adams said. “Every year insurance goes up and employees would like a raise.

“Things get more expensive year after year, and we have infrastructure that needs to be replaced. It’s been in the ground since the ‘80s.”

Adams's wife, Councilwoman Debra Adams, thought a provision in the ordinance allowing forgiveness of a customer's bill once every 12 months in the case of water line breaks might be excessive.

"I feel real uncomfortable having a readjustment every 12 months," she said. "I think that's too frequent. Somebody's going to have to pay for it."

The council will discuss the proposed ordinance in depth at a as-yet unscheduled workshop, during which the measure might be reworked. First City Clerk Nita Miller will distribute the most recent water evaluation to the council.

BY THE NUMBERS

Following unanimous approval by the Laurel Hill City Council, the city’s water fees will increase effective :

●CURRENT CHARGES

Inside city limits:

First 2,000 gals: $13.50 (minimum bill)

Over 2,000 gals: $3.75 per thousand gals.

Outside city limits:

First 2,000 gals: $18 (minimum bill)

Over 2,000 gals: $4.25 per thousand gals.

Water meter deposit: $50

Connection charge*: $500 in city/$600 outside

Impact fees: Residential in city: $500/ $700 outside

Commercial in city: $1,000/$1,500 outside

●NEW CHARGES

Inside city limits:

First 2,000 gals: $14.50 (minimum bill)

2,001-5,999 gals: $3.75/thousand gals.

6,000-8,999 gals: $4.20/thousand gals.

9,000-11,999 gals: $4.65/thousand gals

12,000-14,999 gals: $5.12/thousand gals.

15,000+ gals: $5.55/thousand gals.

Outside city limits:

First 2,000 gals: $19 (minimum bill)

2,001-5,999 gals: $4.25/thousand gals.

6,000-8,999 gals: $4.70/thousand gals.

9,000-11,999 gals: $5.15/thousand gals

12,000-14,999 gals: $5.60/thousand gals.

15,000+ gals: $6.05/thousand gals.

Water meter deposit: $50 homeowner/ $75 renter

Connection charge*: $800 in city/$1,000 outside

Impact fees: Residential in city: $800/ $1,000 outside

Commercial in city: $1,500/ $2,000 outside

Following unanimous approval by the Laurel Hill City Council, the city’s water fees will increase effective :

●CURRENT CHARGES

Inside city limits:

First 2,000 gals: $13.50 (minimum bill)

Over 2,000 gals: $3.75 per thousand gals.

Outside city limits:

First 2,000 gals: $18 (minimum bill)

Over 2,000 gals: $4.25 per thousand gals.

Water meter deposit: $50

Connection charge*: $500 in city/$600 outside

Impact fees: Residential in city: $500/ $700 outside

Commercial in city: $1,000/$1,500 outside

●NEW CHARGES

Inside city limits:

First 2,000 gals: $14.50 (minimum bill)

2,001-5,999 gals: $3.75/thousand gals.

6,000-8,999 gals: $4.20/thousand gals.

9,000-11,999 gals: $4.65/thousand gals

12,000-14,999 gals: $5.12/thousand gals.

15,000+ gals: $5.55/thousand gals.

Outside city limits:

First 2,000 gals: $19 (minimum bill)

2,001-5,999 gals: $4.25/thousand gals.

6,000-8,999 gals: $4.70/thousand gals.

9,000-11,999 gals: $5.15/thousand gals

12,000-14,999 gals: $5.60/thousand gals.

15,000+ gals: $6.05/thousand gals.

Water meter deposit: $50 homeowner/ $75 renter

Connection charge*: $800 in city/$1,000 outside

Impact fees: Residential in city: $800/ $1,000 outside

Commercial in city: $1,500/ $2,000 outside

BY THE NUMBERS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill water rates could increase under proposal

CRESTVIEW — Despite a blizzard of campaign signs — especially near polling places — less than 30 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in Tuesday’s primary elections.

In campaigns particularly pertinent to North Okaloosa County voters, Laurel Hill native Mary Beth Jackson retained her superintendent of schools position.

Crestview Publix manager Tim Bryant was elected to the school board, and Crestview native Graham Fountain won a four-way race Board of County Commissioners’ District 1 chair, but his run isn’t over yet.

LAST-MINUTE CHALLENGE

Because Fountain, a former state law officer, faces a last-minute write-in candidate, he’ll return on the November ballot.

“Charles Baugh filed a write-in so we don’t take office ’til November,” Fountain said. “The good thing is the independents and the Democrats who didn’t get to vote for me will get to color the oval then.”

But winning a 47 percent majority over his opponents was an exciting victory, Fountain said.

“I’m tired!” he said. “I thought once you had a good win you’d sleep well, but I was so keyed up I don’t think I got more than an hour’s sleep.

“But I am really humbled that we did so well. I’m looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and getting to work and trying to make things better and serve our people.”

‘VERY HUMBLED’

Wednesday morning found Jackson pulling up campaign signs in the summertime heat.

“I am very humbled by the support we received from the voters,” she said. “I am so glad that we chose the path to be very positive in our campaigning.

“It takes a bit to soak in (that I won) while you’re still doing your day job. What was important was getting the message out about how good our district is. Pulling out signs, it’s kind of therapy. But it’s hot out!”

Bryant, too, was getting exercise Wednesday picking up campaign signs.

“It hasn’t all sunk in yet. I think it will shortly, once we start making meetings in the school system,” Bryant said. “I’m just excited that I can go in and hopefully be a positive influence on the school district and use my community ties to get people involved in what’s going on in education.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Bryant said while campaigning at a retirement village he realized that people don’t have to have children in the school system to contribute toward local education.

“They can still be a positive influence on our kids in the classes,” Bryant said. “You think something like being a crossing guard or reading to students is inconsequential, but they’re important. Those things make a big difference.”

While some contests in the recent election featured negative campaign ads, Bryant said he was grateful to his opponent, Dr. Charles Cawthon, for keeping things positive.

“I appreciate my opponent for putting up a well-fought race and I wish him and his family the best,” Bryant said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ELECTION: North Okaloosa candidates reflect on wins