The Bay Beacon This Week Is Pleased Recognition of Bluewater Bay As Certified Wildlife Habitat

[email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 Inquiring Photographer,(850) 678-1080 TThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn page A-7 8 Pages, 1 Section, 3 Inserts Wednesday, January 3, 2018 50¢

[email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 (850) 678-1080 Police Blotter

The , page BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn A-7 8 Pages, 1 Section, 4 Inserts Wednesday, January 4, 2017 50¢

Coming up roses

Having marched in the 128th annual Tournament of Roses parade Monday in Pasadena, Calif., the 293- member Niceville High School Eagle Pride band and entourage flew home Tuesday on a chartered Boeing 747. The five-mile march down Colorado Boulevard is considered a capstone achievement for a high school band. More photos, page A-3. Eagle Pride Photography

Sign outside a Hearings set on pot-sale moratorium marijuana store in By Mike Griffith commission time to revise its posed moratorium be heard at the county's 10 cities, which which is not currently Oregon, Beacon p oddetSonf enr property-zoning law in the a county planning commis- govern land uses within their addressed by the Land which The Okaloosa County wake of the Nov. 8 approval sion meeting at Niceville City own limits. Development Code or Code legalized Commission has scheduled by Florida voters of a measure Hall on Jan. 12 at 5 p.m., and According to a letter to of Ordinances. Additionally, pot in public hearings on a proposed aimed at allowing the during a county commission commissioners from County the voters have recently 2015. six-month moratorium on the statewide sale of pot to any- meeting at the county building Administrator John Hofstad approved a constitutional Joshua opening of "medical" marijua- one who gets a doctor's per- in Shalimar on Jan. 17 at 9 and his executive assistant amendment that expands use Rainey na stores in unincorporated mission. a.m. Roland Sims Jr., “Medical of medical marijuana. It is Photography areas of the county. The county commission on The county moratorium, if marijuana dispensary facili- anticipated that the Legislature The delay would give the Dec. 20 agreed for the pro- imposed, would not apply in ties are a new and unique use Please see POT, page A-3 Ringing out the old, bringing in the new BWB launches wildlife project Beacon Crass The National Wildlife Federation announced that the community of Bluewater Bay has put out the welcome mat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife, by registering its Community Wildlife Habitat project with the federation. "Bluewater Bay is sending a clear and powerful message to communities all over America that caring people, working together, can help wildlife, wild places and the health of the environment," said a NWF spokesman. Steve Duresky, of Bluewater Bay's Southwind neighborhood, who was a spearhead of the registration project, said it is a step toward earning a hoped-for full The Bay Beacon this week is pleased recognition of Bluewater Bay as Certified Wildlife Habitat. The full designation, he said, may be reached by a further effort of volunteers earning points through various projects making Bluewater Bay even more wildlife friendly. "It's a long process to full to present a look back at the top certification, but registration is the first step," said Duresky. "This is good news A soggy New Year's weekend nevertheless proved a promising start to 2017 as Twin Cities residents celebrated and went about their daily business. Clockwise, for our property values, and from upper left: A sign of the time from the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. The Waffle House in Niceville was hopping with hungry diners on New shows a commitment for our Year's Day. Niki McCullar and her daughter Lilly shop at the Palm Plaza farmer's market. New Year's Eve at a sushi house in Niceville. A lone runner trots the Niceville High School track on New Year's Day. Rain kept people away from Lincoln Park, Valparaiso. Customers browse at a fireworks tent in Niceville, prepar- community to be good stewards stories and photos of 2017, as ing to see the old year out with a bang. Beacon photos by Paula Mims Please see BWB, page A-2 Working in a land without Christmas Editor's note: The names in recent Christmas season is an parts of the world, where 2006, while the family lived cross-cultural education pro- this story, and that of the Afghan inherent part of American cul- Christmas and Christianity in Iskandar, a city in grams in that predominantly The city where the Collins family ture. The lights, the Christmas are either unknown or forbid- Afghanistan. Muslim country. Collins lived and worked, have been trees, the music, the parades, den. Matthew and his wife were Observing Christmas in family changed at the request of the in and of course, the shopping, Niceville resident Matthew international aid workers, such a place, said Matthew, Afghan family for reasons of personal presented in a week-by-week review surround us during the Collins, his wife Christine, working with a non-govern- was a challenge. -istan. safety. Christmas season and become daughter Ellie, and son Kurt mental organization (NGO) Collins, born in Texas, By Mike Griffith a part of nearly everything we experienced this cultural con- that provided public health, moved to Niceville as a youth Beacon p oddetSonf enr do. This is not so in other trast during 2004 through community development, and Please see WITHOUT, page A-2 To most Americans, the of Page 1. The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992

[email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 (850) 678-1080 Thank you, readers, for welcoming ."5 7+".227' The BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn ##"'(# us into your homes in 2017. + ()7/-++37 25.4/-++4/7'2/+ 7&47/&(-+(4('+-+

87654 3271074/.4- ,0.+ *7)(4+ (/ 1'7/5&742+ .% $.'20,7/2 Thank you, advertisers, for your #".'5&(+ 32(27 +5 7+'5%%520 Niceville community college, serves. !.""7)7- Stephenson described what he “I believe that collaboration $5 765""7-+ "(/2 Devin Stephenson, who calls the “4L success formula:” and connections lead to good ,77 -+ 54+ 05/ .%%5 7+ (2+ ( began his new job as president —Look: Observe connec- things,” Stephenson said. One of of Northwest Florida State 2(*"7+ &7 .'(2 tions, networks, possibilities, his first goals will be to establish 7&+ ,520+ 2,. College last week, is fond of opportunities, issues and con- a Grants Development Office to 527/+ /*." using catchphrases, acronyms, cerns. help the college obtain financial 554)+ 05/ and symbols to express his —Listen: Hear what internal grants from federal and state (11'.( 0+ 2. support in the past year. approach to management and and external constituents say government agencies. “There (4()7742 leadership. It’s an approach about NWFSC. are federal funds available from (4&+ "7(&7' which he describes as “collabo- —Learn: Use environmental the departments of education, /051+ (+ *(/7 rative,” emphasizing communi- scanning to develop a futures labor, health and human servic- *(""+ 07+ %.4& .4+ (1/- cation, connection, and mutual plan that includes outcomes and es, and homeland S=security,” support between various parts of (4&+ (+ )".*7 expectations. he said. The best way for (4&(''., the college itself as well as —Launch: Advance the plan, NWFSC to obtain a share of / "12'7 between the college and other congruent with the college’s such funding is by “building )5674+ 05+ * community institutions. mission and vision, to make partnerships” with such govern- 05/+.207' In a Jan. 6 interview with the immediate positive impact on ment agencies, he said. )('&%$#"!% % Bay Beacon in his office at the the future of the communities it #(# ! "7(/7+/77+$#3!-+1()7+ +5 7+'5%%520 Dale Grenier, 33, unem- Plew Elementary School: “I “I plan to I hope as Christians that we then added some really impor- We look forward to continuing ployed, of think our local military commu- get my dri- point the way to God’s grace by tant news: “My kittens will grow As the new year began, the Niceville: nity will benefit from the new ver’s demonstrating it in our own up to be real cats.” Bay Beacon approached a num- “Hopefully, (presidential) administration. license– roles in society. I’m hopeful “I hope that Trump will do an ber of area residents, asking the new Locally, I hope we can do more that’s my that fewer babies will be abort- awesome job, and really ‘make them what changes they foresee (U.S.) presi- community activities like my goal,” said ed, but I’m also hopeful that we America great again,’” said in 2017 for themselves, their dent can church’s Christmas outreach Marcus will be the first to reach out to Malachi Baughman, 14, a community and America. bring com- festival here at Plew Prier, 35, a single mothers and struggling Ruckel Middle School student Here are their answers. panies back Elementary.” Niceville families, and help them to over- from Tricia Brunson, president, to serve you in 2018. to America, “I plan to learn more patience landscaper. (' /+ '57' come. We need to be people of Niceville. Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of straighten than I have in my years so far,” Troy grace, who proclaim the gospel “As for me, I 8("7+'7457' Commerce: “I don’t have a crys- out prob- said Brittney Marshall, 26, a Hamilton, 42, pastor of Rocky of Christ in word and deed.” expect to tal ball, but I think we have a lems with the Veterans stay-home Bayou Baptist Church, said, Adley McDonald, 6, a home start as a positive Administration, and not close mom from “On a macro school student from Niceville, freshman at future. If any military Niceville. level, I’m expressed a Niceville we all stick bases.” “I hope grateful that child’s-eye High together Kerry people we have view of the School. I and keep a King, a civil become a some change coming year. also hope ("( 05 positive service engi- little more in govern- “I’m going that Rocky ()0(4 attitude, neer residing decent to ment, but it to start first Bayou Christian School will then I see in Bluewater each other– appears that grade, and have a good year in sports.” only good Bay, not so we are living I’ll be 7 in At a Saturday morning things to approached much anger '52247+('/0("" in a polar- November,” farmer’s market in Niceville, &"7+ 8.4("& come.” '5 5(+'4/.4 at an event at and hate toward our fellow man. ized society. Adley said, "7(/7+/77+ 1()7+ 7''+ 54) '.+(5"2.4 —The staff of the Bay Beacon: +5 7+'5%%520 expected cost of $178,500 to the Pritchett treatment plant in Fort plant in Niceville, have eventualities. which Valparaiso’s share would city, a cost which officials say Walton Beach. announced any plans to close County officials have indicat- be $178,500. The Valparaiso City could be met by a consumer rate Both Valparaiso and the facility, which has been ed that, should Niceville and According to the proposed Commission has approved a increase. Niceville were offered embroiled in long-run- Valparaiso ever decide to close interlocal agreement to author- proposal to link the aging During a previous city com- the chance to buy in to ning environmental their own treatment plant in ize the project, the county will Stephen Kent, Sara Kent, Niceville-Valparaiso regional mission meeting, on Dec. 12, the project. The contention with state Niceville, the enlarged force be responsible for the design, sewage-treatment to a newer Mark Wise, representing the Niceville City regulators. main project, along with addi- permitting, easement acquisi- plant operated by Okaloosa Okaloosa County Water and Council voted to Officials of both tional construction, would allow tion, procurement, and construc- County. Sewer Department, briefed the join the county proj- cities characterized the two cities to send their raw tion of the transmission main, The decision, made at a spe- Valparaiso commission about a ect last month. their costly deci- sewage to the county plant for which will be owned and main- cial city commission meeting planned county force main that Neither Niceville nor sions to link to the treatment and disposal. tained by the county. Jan. 3, followed a study by city will send sewage from the coun- Valparaiso, which county’s Pritchett plant The total cost of the proposed The city of Niceville, which officials of whether the pro- ty-served Bluewater Bay area to together own and operate a in Fort Walton Beach as an force main project, Wise said, is approved the agreement Dec. 6, posed link would be worth its the county’s modern Arbennie regional wastewater treatment insurance policy against future estimated to be $1,785,000, of Bunni Farnham, Cheryle Valentine, "7(/7+/77+ 3-+1()7+ #."".,54)+ 207 Karon Dey, Andrea Wolfe and Katie /,7('54)+ 54+ .4 (4+ + .%+ 207 (!'$#%$('$ ./7+ .% 71'7/742(2567/ "((# ''&'(#("(' .%+ 207+ 20 !.4)'7//+ 54 after eight-term Rep. Jeff Miller, (/054)2.4- Freshly sworn in as Northwest R-Chumuckla, did not seek re- 8!-+ %'7/0(4 Florida’s representative in the election. Gaetz took office along 85/2++71+(22 115th Congress, Rep. Matt Gaetz with the other 434 members of the Killen. Correspondents: Mike Griffith, (72+1./7&+54+( last week echoed President-elect U.S. House on Jan. 3. .7.'(2567 Donald Trump's campaign vow to In addition to a repeal of 10.2.+ ,520 "drain the swamp" of corruption Obamacare, Gaetz listed the fol- 7*7'/+ .%+ 05/ and special interests which many lowing as among his legislative %(5"-+ /2(%%7'/- voters believe plagues the federal priorities: (4&+ 317( 7'+ .% bureaucracy centered in 207+ ./7+ (" —Veterans’ affairs. U.S. mili- (4++#'.+"7%2 Washington, D.C. tary veterans “have been ignored, /2(%%7'+ 8(4 Gaetz, 34, a Fort Walton Beach abused and forgotten for too long and Paula Mims. #("-+ (72 Republican who grew up in by a bloated bureaucracy” at the )'(4&.207' Niceville, also said that first on the Veterans Administration, Gaetz .(44 agenda of the GOP-controlled said. “Many good people work at 7'27'./- Congress' agenda is to repeal the the VA, but there are far too many 05/+ /5/27'+ '54 Affordable Care Act, commonly bad apples–and it's past time to get (72-+ (72- known as Obamacare. The fresh- rid of them,” he added. /2(%%7'+ )0 man Congressman termed the uni- —Gun rights. Gaetz said he 74&(""-+ (72 versal medical insurance law "a .207'+ 5 5 would push for a federal law that (72-+ (4- disaster" that has raised taxes, cut would allow anyone authorized to (4&+ (72 jobs, and reduced health-insur- carry a concealed firearm in their %(207'+ 8.4 ance options since it was narrowly home state also to do so in any (72 enacted by a Democratic other state. %(#% Congress in 2011. —Regulatory reform. The con- ("(($ ' ( Previously a three-term mem- servative lawmaker called for leg- ber of the Florida House of islation requiring Congressional Representatives for District 4, approval of any “bureaucratic rule Gaetz was elected to the First or regulation (that) has excessive Congressional District seat Nov. 8 compliance costs.”

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@?>=<;?:? 98:7;65?:5 New shopping center planned College library 4?:93 >=<;:<:987=6: Beacon Staff that damaged the structures. Huff of Niceville, according to 2>3910/ 63.50 685= 43<7:21 586-/ 5,3 A 10,500-square-foot shop- In July 2015, the Tisa’s tract, records filed with the Florida 3406= /0 +1?6887? ping center is proposed for part which also includes about two Secretary of State. receives $1 million The Learning .-87::98 *6?::=:) of the former Tisa’s tract in acres immediately north of the According to a map present- Resource Center at ,:+062= 6: be done,” LRC western Niceville. 1.8 acres proposed as the site of ed to the planning board, the By Mike Griffith *47<= )+0( %/@=13/>=..=5, The county com- although he had (8''=77=8: Director Janice NWFSC, also known &,;>7-?% Beacon Correspondent '&%=94;$/#49 mission approved voted against a Plans for the one-story devel- a shopping center, was acquired shopping center, situated Henderson told the as the college library, The Okaloosa County (=5=37/3%3/=77;30/# 5,?5/ ,3 opment, proposed for a 1.8-acre for $825,000 out of foreclosure between Waffle House and the A new, $1 million is nearly 14 years old. "89= 9*:6 the measure 4-1 state constitu- 98;6-/ ,36$ Beacon Monday. Beacon photo by Mike Griffith (:"0= !2= 6*4 Commission Tuesday imposed a after a public hear- tional amend- site fronting State Road 85, are from Peoples National Bank by Donut Shoppe, would have one endowment from a local At the Jan. 17 meet- 5,3/ 98;:5% scheduled to be presented to the HBC Investment Holdings LLC, entrance from State Road 85. It 2=&/-4=;/))/6* improve the pay and working #:+062= #:31 limited 180-day moratorium on ing Tuesday morning in ment authorizing “medical” philanthropist will be ing of the Northwest 3/99/:0= 7896 ->?.5/ >3);6?# Niceville Planning Board on according to court and property would have 67 parking spaces. conditions for county emer- county approval of “medical” Shalimar. marijuana, the measure had 5=8:7/ )8"# used to enhance the Florida State College "44- Feb. 6. The board’s recommen- records. The plans project an approxi- Members of the Okaloosa gency medical services workers. marijuana dealers seeking to Casting the sole dissenting passed Nov. 8 in statewide refer- 3>:=:)/ 5,3 services provided by the Board of Trustees, County Commission last week ('&%$#"! $ $" open in unincorporated areas of dation will be sent to the city HBC, now also listed as the mate 50-50 split between retail Northwest Florida State During a meeting held at the vote against delay was endum. “The voters have spo- 7?63/ 8. Cristie Kedroski, emphatically rejected a proposal county administration building the county. The ordinance Commissioner Trey Goodwin, ken,” Goodwin said. !'3-=9?6 council. developer of the proposed shop- and restaurant space. College Learning Executive Director of The land has been vacant ping center, is a Bluewater Bay No plans have been Susan Sloat Myers to slap an employment tax of in Shalimar, all five commis- declared that the county needs who said the measure had the The county moratorium vote '?>=<;?:? Resource Center the NWFSC about $50 per year on everyone #"! since the Tisa’s restaurant, bar company controlled by entities announced for the two acres A vacant 1.8-acre tract on State Road 85 in western Niceville, between Waffle House and the sioners made it clear that they the time to determine how it will “look and feel of obstruction.” Tuesday followed a favorable (LRC), also known as Foundation, the col- employed in Okaloosa County. " and motel were demolished in managed or represented by which HBC owns just north of Donut Shop, would be developed as a 10,500-square-foot shopping center under plans submitted regulate such outlets. Goodwin said that *63?73/733/@+&+@0/$?)3/# the college library. “This will lege’s fundraising arm, 74894=944=>=<84=>1 to Niceville officials. Beacon photo They also discussed how to August 2015, following a fire builders Chandler and Brandon the proposed shopping center. allow us to go beyond the level of announced that the college will what the institution can afford, receive a $1 million gift from Toe to toe Beavers and to raise the level of what can Please see LIBRARY, page A-7 are eyed Jaws take a in BWB bigger bite in flooding *4=/#4$/774=/*=%#*::7=/;79=9:##4;=6483=38(4=/6=6:=6*4 East Niceville ;4/:087=)/0879=7:9/0=6:=,;44-9/(4=/*=%#*::7=;/(82=/0=8 By Mike Griffith %/@=13/>=..=5, By Mike Griffith *:34=386#*=946674(=!2=8=94;/49=:)=<408762=-/#-9=8)64;=8=1 Beacon Correspondent /!!2=80(=:"8;(=/77 Beacon Correspondent 6/4=86=6*4=40(=:)=;4+786/:0=80(=456;8=6/34 ====&4806/34=6*4 The Niceville City Council Wildlife issues were among /#4$/774=/*=%#*::7=78#;:994=6483=*89=<7824(=6*4=94#:0( has approved an increase in the topics discussed during the On Wednesday, Jan. 25, members of the East 386#*= :)= /69= /08++;87= 9489:0= (4)486/0= 6*4= >78!838 municipal garbage-collection Jan. 10 meeting of the Bluewater Niceville fire department along with members of 82*8"-9=1=;/(82=/0=:;6=876:0= 48#* ==%6/77=#:09/(1 prices and has awarded tax Bay Municipal Services Benefit the East Niceville fire commission and local news 4;4(= 8= #7+!= 6*4= )74(7/0= '8749= 78#;:994= 6483= *:<49= 6: funds to some local nonprofit Unit (MSBU) board of directors. media, saw a demonstration of East Niceville’s !4#:34=8=)+772=980#6/:04(=/064;9#*:7896/#=9<:;6=0456=248; organizations. Board member Felix newest rescue tool – a new, improved version of /#6+;4(= 86= ;/*6= %= : = = 8278= 4;080(4= <+9*49= 8 Beukenkamp told members that the well-known “Jaws of Life” device often used *48(4;=6:"8;(=6*4=,;44-9/(4=046 == 47:"=/#4$/774=78#;:994 Also during a meeting Jan. <7824;= 86*80= %*4<<8;(= )/*69= ):;= <:9/6/:0= 88/096= 6*4 10, city council member Sal beaver dams may be among the to cut into or pry apart automobiles or other tight causes of some flooding prob- 82*8"-9=:086*80=&:24; == Nodjomian, on behalf of the spaces where people may be trapped after traffic ('&%$#"! $ $""&'" '$"&#"&&" council, presented the coaches lems in low-lying areas of accidents or during other emergencies. "&'" "&'# #' and members of the Niceville Bluewater Bay. Thanks to some financial assistance from the High School girl’s cross-coun- Beukenkamp said he is Firehouse Subs restaurant chain, the East & '" &"&"%'# try team with a city proclama- researching the requirements that Niceville Fire District received hydraulic extrica- tion honoring them for winning must be met in order to remove or tion tools worth $18,770. The awarded equipment 2=&/-4=;/))/6* the Florida state championship. relocate beavers and to remove features new technology that will improve the Nodjomian praised the young the dams the rodents build. Such department’s rescue capabilities for victims in Niceville residents Howard and Libby Hill will runners for their physical dams provide a residence for the motor vehicle accidents, including the ability to celebrate their 50th Valentine’s Day as husband endurance and competitive spir- beavers, but can also cause water cut through newer, “crash-rated” vehicles, allow- and wife this year, but reaching this point has not it, saying that cross-country to back up into residential areas. ing first responders to reach victims quickly and been easy. competitions are “grueling–it’s He said that the creatures are provide life-saving assistance. Their love and marriage had to survive you against the clock.” plentiful in Florida and are not on East Niceville Fire Chief Michael Wright told the Howard’s years of imprisonment and torture as a The city council also heard any lists of endangered or threat- Beacon that a big advantage of the new equipment prisoner of war in North Vietnam, as well as the from Ronnie Bell, representing ened species. is that it is battery-powered and self-contained, emotional turmoil they had to overcome to Waste Management, the compa- Beukenkamp said this week making it possible to do rescues much more reestablish their marriage after he returned from ny that holds the no-bid contract that the beaver dams in question quickly and easily. The fire department’s existing captivity. for citywide trash disposal and are downstream from the inter- Jaws, he said, requires a gasoline-powered electric The couple first met in December 1966 when recycling, and approved his section of Curacao Way and generator, and also requires up to 100 feet of Howard, a 1965 graduate of the U.S. Air Force requested “CPI adjustment Dominica Circle. hydraulic hose, plus a separate container for Academy, came to Eglin Air Force Base for qual- increase” in the rates charged In another wildlife-related hydraulic fluid. Connecting and starting all this ification training in the F-4D fighter plane prior to for disposing of trash, recy- issue, Bluewater Bay resident equipment prior to rescue can take several min- being deployed to a base in Thailand from which clables and yard waste. Steve Duresky said that he is con- utes, he said – precious time if someone is trapped he would fly combat missions over Vietnam, According to figures provid- tinuing his efforts to have in a vehicle or other tight space awaiting rescue. where the U.S. was engaged in war, helping South Bluewater Bay officially certified ed by Bell and unanimously Tom Winkler, left, Rescue Tools Specialist with Municipal Emergency Services, worked with Firehouse Subs representative Jim Broscious at the The new, battery-powered device, being self-con- Vietnam in its attempt to avert a violent approved by the city council, as a wildlife habitat community. East Niceville fire station Jan. 25, as they demonstrated the new Jaws of Life device used to cut or pry open cars to rescue persons trapped inside. tained, can be put into operation immediately. Communist takeover. the total monthly charge for a He said he has already registered Beacon photo by Mike Griffith Please see JAWS, page A-7 The 24-year-old pilot was invited to dinner one typical regular customer for Bluewater Bay as a community day by Libby, 21, and her mother, who wanted to garbage cart collection, recy- seeking certification, but that offi- do something nice for some Air Force pilots while cling cart collection, and yard cial certification will require a Libby’s father, also an Air Force officer, was waste collection will increase lengthy process of information Chamber of Commerce deployed in Vietnam. from $13.36 to $13.55. For sen- gathering and submission. Howard, who had originally planned not to ior citizens, the total rate will go Another resident asked board marry until he was at least 30, immediately found On Senior Night, Jan. 19 the Niceville High School boys varsity soccer team defeated Gulf Breeze 3-0 at Twin Oaks. The match started 45 minutes early due to members about the status of re- himself attracted to Libby. “He kept coming from $11.93 to $12.10. impending rain and finished just as the drops began to fall. The Eagles next enter the 4A District 1 championship tournament and must come out first or second Consumer-paid dumping, or striping streets within Bluewater elects new leaders around,” she recalled earlier this month. “He recit- of the eight district schools to continue on to regionals. Pictured: No. 22, NHS senior Tyler Gilley, fights for possession with Gulf Breeze junior Chase Cavasos. Bay. Beukenkamp replied that he “tipping” fees are in addition to More sports, page A-7. Beacon photo by Dave Shelikoff Special to the Beacon Jenni Brunson, Twin Cities Gulf Power Company. ed poetry to me, and even wrote his own poetry Please see BWB, page A-8 these numbers. Hospital. —Vice Chairman just for me. It was bad poetry, but oh my good- The city council also The Niceville-Valparaiso —Past Chairman of the Membership Development ness!” Chamber of Commerce &,3/@?>5=:/4;5,3>/2=:)/,86=-?%/68:)/3313:-0/98;$63-/=5,/.=:3/3?5,3>0/->3/'?:%/&=:/(=5=37/>3?/>37=-3:57/=:58/5,3/)>3?5/8;5-88>7 //(6891=73/3)=::=:) approved of giving $20,000 of Board: Alan Wood, CCB Division: Steve Ruckel, Ruckel In May 1967 Howard’s unit left Eglin for Valparaiso announced its 2017 Executive =5,/;$$3>/63.5/98>:3>/=66=?'/*?%:30/0/68817/8;5/8"3>/&8'7/?%8;/6;3?53>/?%/>37=-3:57/?>%/?:-/4=:?/%1?7/,=--3:/=:/$,858/,?"3/.;:/?5/5,3/&#$=3>/=: public funds to 11 nonprofit Community Bank. Consulting & Coaching. 74894=944=.' <84=>1 ?6$?>?=780/.33-=:)/);667/=5,/5,3=>/)>?:-78:/?:/@?::/?:/87$>3%/$3>9,37/:3?>/8))%/?%8;0/133$=:)/?:/3%3/8;5/.8>/$>3%/=66=?'/*?%:3/5?137/5='3/8;5/.8> organizations that had asked for Lawmakers receive Board and Board of Directors —Chairman Elect: Gordon New Chamber Directors are: 6;:9,/=5,/,=7/.?5,3>0/8%/*?%:3/?:)63>7/8:/5,3/&#$=3>/=:/4=8:7/*?>10/=93"=6630/78'3/.>=3:-7/,?"3/?:/3?>:375/98:"3>7?5=8:/8:/?/$?>1/3:9,/?7/5,3/7;:/7357 such money last year, during the names 2nd during the Chamber's annual King, Okaloosa Gas District. —Rev. Dennis Brown, First 8"3>/8))%/?%8;/?/'?:/?:-/8%/-=79;77/5,3/.=:3>/$8=:57/8./.=7,=:)/?/8'?:/3:<8%7/?/881/=:/5,3/$3?93.;6/?53>7=-3/7355=:)/8:/8))%/?%8;0/?/1?%?13> Awards Celebration on Thursday, *63?73/733/(440/$?)3/# —Treasurer: Jonathan Baptist Church of Niceville. 5?137/,3>/-8)/?68:)/.8>/5,3/>=-3 ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////#"! " Jan. 26 at Northwest Florida State Tallman, The Tallman Group, —Carolyn Chesser, Bayou magistrate legislative wish lists College. According to a LLC. Book Company Hallmark. Chamber press release, board By Mike Griffith By Mike Griffith Florida,” he said. He also said Gainer told his listeners, adding, —Vice Chairman Community —Vicki Dutton, Coastal Bank Beacon Correspondent Beacon Correspondent that state legislators will be “I promise you I’ll listen to Members started their term on Development Division: Teresa and Trust. Jan. 1, and were formally intro- The Valparaiso City More than 200 people filled a watching to see how Florida is you.” Halverson, The Manor at Blue —Linda Dwyer, BayArea Commission has voted to hire a conference room at Northwest affected by new federal policies Ponder, a Destin resident duced at the awards celebration. Water Bay. Awards & Engraving, Inc. Officers and members of the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors started New leaders of the Chamber backup for the city magistrate, Florida State College Jan. 19 to as a new administration takes whose house district includes —Vice Chairman Special —Garrett Floyd, Niceville their terms on Jan. 1 and were formally introduced to fellow Chamber members at the Chamber's to establish procedures for sell- propose lawmaking ideas to office in Washington. “Our new Niceville and Valparaiso, also Executive Board are: Events Division: Brad Butler, annual awards celebration on Thursday, Jan. 26 at Northwest Florida State College. The new board —Chairman of the Board: Please see CHAMBER, page A-7 members were announced to the public in a Jan. 30 press release. 2=&/-4=;/))/6* %/@=13/>=..=5, ment, after a briefing from ing surplus city property and four Northwest Florida mem- president has promised a lot,” spoke, saying that he is proud of Schwing-Bioset officials con- vehicles, and to arrange financ- bers of the Florida Legislature. said Gainer. “I’ll settle for half “the culture of family and honor Members of the Okaloosa The Niceville-Valparaiso vinced board members that the ing for relocating city utility Dist. 3 Rep. Jayer of that.” here in Northwest Florida,” and County Commission have indi- Regional Sewer Board has original specifications proved to lines under Toms Bayou. Williamson, Dist. 4 Rep. Mel “Our future is right now,” Please see LAWMAKERS, page A-5 cated they will support the con- Ponder, Dist. 1 Sen. Doug Gas board picks expansion voted unanimously to pay be unrealistic, and that the new During a meeting Jan. 9, the tinuation of twice-weekly ,+;!9/(4=8;!84="/77=#:06/0+4=6:=!4==..=5, itself when the bridge is rebuilt by the state in 2018. Beacon photo regional sewer plant with a new is now operating as efficiently Toms Bayou at a cost of forum to meet and hear the ideas feasibility study contractor If the decision if finalized, it 9#+7<6+;4= :+69/(4= 6*4= &866/4 screw press, despite the fact that of local residents before the leg- was also considering reducing bers of children, babies in dia- 4772= /04= 80(= 4;):;3/0 College students and poten- as is actually possible with cur- $250,000. flict of interest, or for some properties foreclosed on by the By Mike Griffith The board also approved System Expansion and means the county would not fol- the frequency of trash collection pers, or pets whose waste must the gear operates at a level bare- rent technology. At the recommendation of other reason cannot hear the city due to code violations. islature convenes in Tallahassee low the lead of the City of >;69= ,4064;= /#4$/774= 7896 tial employers met Thursday at Beacon Correspondent selection of a contractor to do a Improvement. The district is in a from twice per week to once a be disposed of on a timely basis. "44- = = *4= 6;449= 80(= 9#+7<1 ly below what was specified in In their briefing to sewer City Attorney Hayward Dykes, case. The proposed ordinance, if for its annual 60-day regular Niceville, which in 2014 halved Northwest Florida State College The board of directors of feasibility study and make rec- good growth pattern and contin- week as a cost-saving measure. Commissioners agreed to 6+;4=(864=);:3=6*4= =3/77/:0 the sewer board’s contract with board members, Schwing- city commissioners unanimous- Hall has previously served as passed during the second read- session March 7. garbage pickups, to once-week- for a Career Connection Expo Okaloosa Gas chose officers for ommendations to Okaloosa Gas ues to have multiple requests for During the meeting, commis- keep garbage collections at #4064;9= )/;96= 9489:0= the company. Bioset officials Chuck ly authorized him to hire local the Valparaiso city attorney, and ing at the February city com- All four are Republicans and ly, inside city limits. aimed at what the college called the coming year during their Jan. regarding expansion and gas service within our service sioners agreed that their con- twice per week, with recyclables 248;9=8: The $46,470 is the last 10 Wanstrom, Tom Welch, and attorney Steve Hall as an alter- has also served as a member of mission meeting, will authorize all four are new to their jobs, During a meeting last week, “students seeking a boost in ,33:?/4?:-0/93:53>0/?7/?'8:)/5,3/<8/73313>7/"=7=5=:)/?:/=:.8>'?5=8:/885,/.8>/5,3/;?>-=?: 25 meeting, and approved a fea- improvement of Okaloosa Gas’ territory. In order to expand to stituents have made it clear to collections and yard waste col- ('&%$#"! $ $""'" percent of the total amount of Warren Yarborough explained nate to Bruce Bowman, another the Bluewater Bay Municipal the city administrator to make having been elected in 2016. county commissioners dis- exposure to local employers and -/4=53'/$>8)>?'/-;>=:)/?/9?>33>/.?=>/&,;>7-?%/?5/8>5,375/68>=-?/5?53/(8663)30/=93"=663 sibility study for projects to natural gas distribution system. areas outside of the current sys- them that once-a-week trash lections at once per week—the #"! " money that was to be paid to that the screw press is a machine local attorney who serves as Services Benefit Unit Board of recommendations to the com- As the forum began, Gainer, cussed options for trash, recy- opportunities.” expand natural gas distribution in According to information tem footprint, Okaloosa Gas will pickup is not acceptable. A current schedule. In seeking Schwing-Bioset to install the designed to separate water from Valparaiso’s city magistrate, Directors. mission for the sale of such a Bay County resident whose clables, and yard waste pickups According to a statement held at the start of each term. of career and technical educa- unlike more traditional job fairs Okaloosa and Walton counties. provided by Eddie Springle, vice want to efficiently perform this Bluewater Bay resident who proposals from potential con- new screw press and get it oper- solid material, or “sludge,” in adjudicating cases of municipal Also during the Jan. 9 meet- properties, after which the com- senate district includes the in unincorporated parts of the from the Niceville community The program is an excellent way tion at NWFSC, said an advan- held for graduating students, is During the meeting, board mem- president of marketing for expansion as recommended by a addressed the meeting told com- tractors, commissioners agreed ating, and had been withheld as raw sewage. The machine does code violations and other minor ing, commissioners approved mission may grant final Niceville-Valparaiso area, said county. The county is evaluating college, “Career Connection is a to learn about the day-to-day tage to the career fair is that stu- aimed less at helping students bers voted unanimously to Okaloosa Gas, “Okaloosa Gas third party engineering group. missioners that garbage left in to ask the competitors to pro- an incentive for the company to this by squeezing the raw infractions of city ordinances. the first of two readings of a approval for such property to be he plans to push for legislation proposals from its current waste program that connects students, work life of a professional in a dents attending it “are not con- get hired for jobs in career fields choose Doug Sims as Board has been in the process of seek- The recommendation, when containers for an entire week in vide alternative costs for various get the machinery up to snuff. sewage, thus separating water Hall will serve as a backup proposed city ordinance to sold at auction, through a bid- that benefits the entire state collection contractor, Waste who are working to complete an career field of the student’s fined to a particular career field. they have already chosen, than People filled a Niceville conference room last week to lobby President for the coming year, ing an independent engineering completed by the engineering the heat of summer creates an sizes of garbage cans and recy- The board agreed last from solid materials in much the to Bowman, in cases where the establish procedures for selling ding process, or through a nego- rather than favoring one group members of Northwest Floridas state legislative delegation. Management, as well as two area of study, with local choice.” They can explore options.” at allowing students to explore Carl Scott as vice president, and firm via a Request for firm, will allow for a five to ten odor problem, especially for clable containers. Thursday to make the final pay- latter is not available, has a con- surplus property, to include or faction over another. “The The legislature will convene in Tallahassee March 7. The board met in the conference room of the Okaloosa Gas headquarters in Valparaiso. other potential providers, and employers through career fairs *63?73/733/0/$?)3/# Please see VALP, page A-4 Qualification Proposal for Please see STUDY, page A-7 families who have large num- Laterica Clark, coordinator Clark said the career fair, *63?73/733/(0/$?)3/# same tide raises all boats in Beacon photo by Mike Griffith Beacon photo by Mike Griffith John Mead as secretary/treasurer.

" " " "# "!"#!!! !! " The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 '"$%'"$" %'' "(' & '"(&"&#" &!&&$"#%'"

*)86< +< *8 ‘Deliver more than I promised’ 6-month ban on pot shops 9+'11,+ 1 *4=< $1*" >=<; :987; 65 46+$4< (1#86*:*( Developer recalls role in creating Bluewater Bay 43213039/6 ,86#:$8<:*< *:*" advances in Niceville %7;'9 <;095598= played the leading role in you emulate in deeds and 523.; 52<-; 38 $16&16+48) By Mike Griffith and an announcement of a golf the Middle East and the United initial investments in America Valparaiso government for a actions. He was one of the great- =325,/8355; 562, +68+,< +,48 By Mike Griffith “medical” marijuana throughout serve the status quo—that is, no 26-9+.; 8=< Beacon Correspondent tournament once used to promote States. were in shopping centers, includ- A funeral service >=<;:98<76:55:43 for the 32,500 households in the years. ;+*+(88*4 Raimund Herden, principal Beacon Correspondent the state. legal marijuana stores in the half-century. est guys, with the greatest *<38= the development. As postwar Germany struggled ing Walmarts, as well as apartment The Niceville City Council will be held Friday for Two of those who integrity, I ever met.” Beacon Correspondent county franchise area. During a meeting Feb. 28 in :''< ,11*< ,4+64 developer of Bluewater Bay, At the city council’s Feb. 14 city. The moratorium would >=)0/*37; 65 $1''8$4:*(<68$=" Born in Germany in 1933, to rebuild and to accommodate complexes in Georgia and in the John B. Arnold Jr., worked most closely “He loved the city of Containers for recycled In a vote which a competing Shalimar, County Purchasing recently recalled his role in estab- has given preliminary approval meeting, council members unani- enable sufficient time for the 26+.,89(< $'+-'8<+486:+', Herden had a difficult refugees from East Carolinas. long-time mayor of materials will get bigger bidder said it would contest in Director Greg Kisela told com- lishing and developing it from a to an ordinance imposing a six- mously approved the first reading city to review, study, hold public with Arnold were Valparaiso, and genuinely cared '3760;&6=+;%$ 561< -:(< $+64, childhood, as he and his Germany and other In early May 1975, he said, he Valparaiso, who died throughout unincorporated areas court, the Okaloosa County missioners that a negotiating swampy wilderness into what is month moratorium on any of a proposed ordinance to estab- hearings, prepare and adopt pro- Valparaiso City about us as employees and indi- #%0)"7<&+(8<". the Bluewater Bay area, and also the business world, other Europeans to look were no roads leading into the into Bluewater The stated purpose of the permitted in the city. The Niceville City Council gave preliminary approval to a six-month ban on marijuana stores so ment legalizing the sale of ries of the man who &6=+;%$; 0+62*;&0$ one of the kind of guys brought documents from the early working in a variety of Raimund Herden for investment opportu- tract on Choctawhatchee Bay, so Bay was bought measure is to temporarily pre- Please see POT, page A-2 it can study how to regulate them. Beacon photo by Mike Griffith 2<3/<;/<<; ;13.<; , history of the master-planned jobs in industry, banking, and nities abroad, particularly in the Herden and his associates toured in 1975 by a community, including newspaper investment. His jobs included con- U.S. the area by boat, examining the European group articles, promotional brochures, siderable travel, including trips to Herden said that some of his of investors. Fire district Please see BWB, page A-3 Helping hands trades old truck Valparaiso hikes for $11,500, %7;'9 <;095598= Kampert, would require that a property owner produce evi- >=<;:98<76:55:43 its sewer rates bulletproof vests, Okaloosa County residents dence to show why the FEMA Beacon Correspondent By Mike Griffith presided over the meeting, as can go online to learn whether designation of their property is Devin Stephenson, the new president of Beacon Correspondent Mayor Bruce Arnold was absent firearms class their homes are situated in incorrect. Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC), The Valparaiso City due to illness. revised flood zones according to He said that whether one’s sounded more like a motivational speaker than By Mike Griffith Commission agreed Monday to Also during Monday’s meet- new flood insurance maps property is designated as being a traditional academician as he addressed the impose a three-year hike in sewer Beacon Correspondent Mid-Bay Rotary Club March 1 in Bluewater ing, the commission heard a pro- The North Bay Fire Commission has agreed to approved by the Federal in a flood zone—and which rates. The money will help pay for Bay. posal from Commissioner Kay sell a surplus pickup truck to Jackson County, in Emergency Management flood zone—can affect the price an addition to the city sewer sys- Laying out some of his goals for the college, Hamilton, who recommended that return for $11,500, plus five bulletproof vests and a Agency. charged for flood insurance. tem, in which the Valparaiso- At the Feb. 21 meeting of the Stephenson peppered his speech with such the city allow a seawall to be built concealed-firearms training class. Lenders typically require flood Niceville regional sewage-treat- Okaloosa County Commission, management slogans as, “Failure to plan means near Doc’s Oyster Bar on Toms The class, open to the public at no charge, will be insurance on mortgaged proper- ment plant will be connected to a planning to fail,” “Stinkin’ thinkin’ poisons pro- Bayou. Hamilton said that the bar conducted by instructors from Jackson County at the county Growth Management ty situated in FEMA-designated Tree main that will also connect with Director Elliot Kampert told ductivity,” and, “Getting to third base gets you has lost about two feet of soil into North Bay fire station sometime in April of this year. flood zones. The consumer cost Okaloosa County’s treatment commissioners that FEMA has no more points than a strikeout.” the bayou due to erosion, and that During a meeting Feb. 14, fire commissioners of such insurance has been ris- plant in Fort Walton Beach. recently changed some flood Stephenson made it clear that he thinks a seawall would prevent further also gave permission to Fire Chief Byron Bennett to ing as the federal government hugger The connection, which has zone designations, and county NWFSC is already a great community college, loss. After a brief discussion, com- apply for a federal grant to purchase self-contained reduces its subsidies to the 49- already been approved by residents have 90 days to appeal and that he plans to make it even better. He said missioners agreed to discuss the breathing apparatus air packs. The grant application year-old National Flood In contrast to fierce Okaloosa County, Valparaiso and the new designation of their that when he first visited the institution last year issue in greater depth at their next will be a joint effort between the North Bay and Insurance Program. storms earlier in the Niceville, will allow the two treat- property if they have been des- during the selection process that ultimately meeting, after allowing more time Navarre fire districts, enabling the districts to apply Kampert said that informa- week, the sunny skies of ment plants to back each other up ignated as being in a flood zone, named him as president from among 130 appli- for study and data-gathering. for enough air packs to help the grant meet federal tion about flood zone designa- last weekend inspired in case of an emergency that shuts but believe that they are not. cants, he and his wife, Judy, arrived unan- many area residents to Hamilton said she plans to requirements. tion can be found on the FEMA down one or the other. The project Such an appeal, said nounced, and quietly visited each of the col- enjoy the great outdoors. recuse herself from any city com- If obtained, the grant would pay 90 percent of the website, but added that more would also allow the city to send lege’s five campuses, learning as much as they The mile-long Turkey mission votes regarding Doc’s cost of the new air packs, with the fire districts pay- its wastewater exclusively to the 2<3/<;/<<; ;13.<; , could about the school and the Northwest Creek nature boardwalk Oyster Bar, as she is the general ing the balance. county plant if it eventually in Niceville was busy manager of the business and Such air packs, said Bennett, cost between '8+,8<,88< 7<&+(8<". decides to do so. with people strolling and wants to avoid any potential con- $4,800 and $6,000 apiece, and the grant application having fun. Among Valparaiso’s rate hike is sched- flict of interest. may ask for as much as $100,000. those embracing nature uled to end after three years. The Commissioners also agreed to Fire commissioners scheduled their next meeting was Tristan Castleman, amount of the price increase remove a Ford F-150 pickup truck for 6 p.m. March 9 at the North Bay fire station. That 19 months. ranges from $3 per month for reg- from a list of obsolete vehicles to meeting is expected to include pinning ceremonies Beacon photo by Paula Mims ular residential customers, to a be sold by the city. The truck will for some new firefighters who have recently joined maximum of $5.95 per month for instead be kept by the city as a the fire district. larger commercial customers. backup to other municipal vehi- Please see FIRE, page A-2 Commissioner H.H. Strong, Please see VALP, page A-3 Valparaiso’s mayor pro tem,

;"6768<;<(<0.<*;506(;8=<;-66*/;38;8=<;%2)<-38<0;%37;.625;"6)0/<;3+*;-38"=<*;3/;.625<0/;103"89"<*;/=68/;6+;8=<;*099+.;03+.<$ %2)<-38<0;%37;90<"860;65;625;%922;)8;/39*;8=<;"6768<;-3/;6+<;65;3;1390;8=38;=3<;<<+;=3+.9+.;306)+*;8=<;"6)0/<;238<27$;+;8=<;$$ 6+"<;56)+*;6+27;9+;8=<; (<09"3+;=<7;311<30<*;9+ >=<; 3266/3; :6)+87; :6((9//96+; 23/8; -<< ; -3/; 09<5<*; 6+ 8=<;2609*3;3+=3+*2<;9+;8=<;/;3+*;+6-;29<;9+;322;;"6)+89=<;:98<76:55:43 Eddie Springle briefed the board ber municipalities, has contract- areas of expansion, especially in Also identified for potential mendation of where Okaloosa Beacon Correspondent depicting potential areas ed with an engineering high-growth areas of expansion were areas within Gas feels we need to concentrate %7;'9 <;095598= 2004 MSBU ordinance, adopted ing board members choose a Okaloosa Gas, Northwest throughout Northwest Florida in company, Black and southern Walton Valparaiso, Niceville, and on that is being sent” for study The Civil War Ex-Sen. Gaetz named to by residents, established an new member to serve the Florida’s natural-gas utility, has which Okaloosa Gas has oppor- Veatch, to do a feasi- County where a num- Bluewater Bay, where main gas by Black and Veatch, which will One of the first items of busi- annual tax assessment on each remainder of that term until a big plans for expansion, and tunities to expand its distribu- bility study and rec- ber of new commer- lines have already been installed “make recommendations to the ness at the Feb. 21 meeting of parcel to fund such services as new election is held. may soon be selling more gas to tion network and provide natural ommend which areas cial and housing but there is still great potential district based on projected pay- in NW Florida An ill the Bluewater Bay Municipal right of way improvements, Early in the Feb. 21 meeting, more customers than ever. gas to more customers than ever are best suited for developments are for expanding gas distribution to backs.” state constitution panel #$ $#" Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) landscape, repair and mainte- no business was conducted for During the board of directors before. expanding the gas dis- underway, thus creat- more individual homes and Springle said that ultimately By Mike Griffith records, or reminiscences of indi- board of directors meeting was meeting held Feb. 22 at the util- By Mike Griffith Representatives, and three cho- expected to hold a series of nance of irrigation systems, sig- lack of a quorum, as only board To assist with the potential tribution network. ing new demand for nat- businesses. any decisions would have to be Beacon Correspondent viduals who participated in the $$$ "$ to choose a new board member, ity’s headquarters in Valparaiso, Beacon Correspondent sen by the Chief Justice of the meetings and public hearings at nage upkeep and streetlights. members Judy Griffin and Steve expansion, Okaloosa Gas, a Springle showed a series ural gas as an economical Springle said later that the approved by the board. He said The American Civil War ended events.” wind David Vardaman. Vice President of Marketing Former Florida State Senate Florida Supreme Court. various locations throughout the ! ! $ "! An elected five-member Boswell were present. Stretch state agency governed by mem- of slides depicting potential source of heat and power. “The overview is just a recom- '8+,8<,88<7<&+(8<" nearly 152 years ago, but Rucker went on to In other business, the board President Don Gaetz said Feb. Gaetz said the first meeting state this year, and that its rec- board of unpaid volunteers over- had resigned, board member for many Americans the say, “In the late 1800s %7;'9 <;095598= heard a report that some culverts sees the MSBU, and when an David Costa was delayed by his nation’s bloodiest con- 15 that he has been chosen as a of the constitution revision com- ommendations for changes to and early 1900s their member of the Florida are too small to handle heavy elected member is unable to attendance at another meeting, flict remains one of his- mission has not yet been sched- the constitution will then be During a meeting held Feb. tales were great fodder Constitution Revision drainage, contributing to local complete their term, the remain- tory’s most fascinating uled, but that the panel is Please see GAETZ, page A-3 23, members of the Okaloosa 2<3/<;/<<;'%;13.<; , for newspaper articles, Commission, a 36-member flooding. episodes. and also a great source County School Board reviewed body that meets every 20 years >=<;630*;(<8;9+;8=<; 3266/3;"=662;9/809"8;=<3*)308<0/;38 The board also learned that More than 50 people for those seeking differ- agenda items intended to be dis- to review the state constitution 6-07;23"<;9+;608;3286+;%<3"=$;;;;;;;;;;;%$#"! !! $ some trees must be removed to crowded into the pro- cussed at the regular board ent windows into the past and to propose changes to it. stem the spread of plant disease. gram room at the meeting on Monday, Feb. 27. periods.” Rucker At a meeting of the Mid-Bay ticular experiences are applica- as fitness books and CDs, bath- The board also was told of Niceville public library Brian Rucker Among the items discussed acknowledged that per- Bridge panel eyes assets Rotary club held in Bluewater Former State ble to becoming an administra- room and food scales, water bot- the retirement of its longtime on a recent evening to Sen. Don was a revision to selection crite- sonal memories can Bay, Gaetz said that he had just tor in the Okaloosa school dis- tles, an exercise stretch cord, management contractor. ;+$98* :8< 3:**:$9< +, hear Pensacola State College his- By Mike Griffith month for which figures were likely future operations and Gaetz ria for new school principals and sometimes be faulty, “but the learned of his selection to the trict. and other items intended to help Board member Debbie $61*8)< ;:,,< %:$8#:''8< :(3 tory professor Brian R. Rucker Beacon Correspondent presented, was slightly above maintenance costs of the 23- addressed assistant principals. The new $311'< :*< +< $1&84:4:1*< 38') amazing phenomenon is how commission. School board chairman people improve their health and Stretch recently announced that talk about his new book, “Mine During a meeting in Destin that of the same month a year year-old span, as well as capital the Mid-Day standard changes a requirement 26:)+=<+4<438<,$311'<261<'854 vivid and detailed some of the In a Feb. 17 follow-up inter- Lamar White said he favors the fitness. she is retiring from the board for Eyes Have Seen,” a compilation on Feb. 16, members of the earlier. Toll revenues were also improvements likely to be need- Rotary Club for at least five years’ teaching ;:,,< 7 < ;+6=< ;+,1*< 3:48 reminiscences are–they had view with the Beacon, the last week on new requirement, saying, “It is Sundy said information personal reasons, leaving the of first-hand stories of the Civil Mid-Bay Bridge Authority up slightly. ed during the next 20 years, experience to five years’ teach- ;:,,< #8*:*(< 71*< +(8 details and new information Niceville Republican said he a range of good to have administrators who about the new program is being remaining board members to War told by residents of (MBBA) governing board heard Joe Guerre, from HDR while also preparing for the ing experience in public +*,1*< ;:,,< +,3< ;16(+* which never made it into the offi- has been appointed to the com- topics, have been in the trenches.” “plastered all over” schools and choose a successor to fill out Northwest Florida. briefings about traffic opera- Engineering, a consulting firm potential costs of unforeseen schools. +-'841*< 2:6,4< **86< & cial accounts.” mission by State Senate including his Also during the workshop, district offices, to make people Stretch’s elective term, which +#+**+3< ;:9 ,< ;:,, Rucker said that his book dif- tions, plans for a planned asset- that works closely with the contingencies such as hurri- When asked by a reporter Rucker said that while management program, and President Joe Negron, as one of recent Lisa Sundy, risk management aware of the program and what expires in November 2018. 81&'8,< 31:$8< +*)< 8$1*) fers from traditional history texts MBBA, said his firm is current- canes or accidents. appointment how the new requirement would Northwest Florida was not the results of a recent audit. nine commission members the specialist for the school district, it offers. She said she wanted to The Bluewater Bay MSBU is **86< &< + 68*<831<;:,, which focus on the big battles and ly beginning work on plans for a Guerre said that in future to the Florida affect candidates whose prior scene of any of the war’s major senate president is allowed to briefed board members on the make sure that everyone is an arm of Okaloosa County %< ;+$98* :8< 3:**:$9 political issues of the Civil War. Winds of at least gale force spawned by a fast-moving storms front tore MBBA Executive Director 20-year asset-management pro- months, his firm will be compil- Constitution experience may include time battles, the conflict had a major Van Fuller told the governing pick in accordance with the cur- “Real Appeal” program to pro- aware of the program, and is government, established to sup- 3:6)< **86< &< +4:8 “This book is a bit different in effect on the lives of those who through some parts of the Twin Cities area the afternoon of Feb. 7, toppling gram for the bridge authority. ing inventories of assets belong- Revision spent teaching in nongovern- plement various community 6,461*(< ;:,,< +'8*4< = trees and damaging buildings. There were no reported serious injuries. board that traffic over the Mid- rent Florida Constitution. Other Commission. mote wellness and physical fit- therefore supplementing post- scope,” he said. “These pages are lived here. Florida was one of 11 He said the purpose of the plan ing to the bridge authority, and ment schools, board members services provided within the 1*(< ;:,,< *486#:8< >+:'8= Falling trees smashed into homes and at least one parked automobile, Bay Bridge, and along the members of the constitution Beacon photo by ness among school district per- ings on the school district web- various first-hand accounts of the Southern states to secede from the is to prepare for the future, and creating mathematical models replied that in such cases, candi- 61&&,<;:,,< 1*(8*:+':4=<;:+ blocked roads and caused power failures. Pictured, downed trees at Edge revision commission will Mike Griffith sonnel and their families. She site with flyers and other materi- unincorporated Bluewater Bay ;"6+/)283+8;862*;8=<;'%;630*;8=38;(3+7;*039+/;3+*;")2<08/;9+ Civil War in West Florida, Spence Parkway toll road which to learn how to save money in of the relationship between dates may approach the school :6:'+ Union in 1860-61, forming the Elementary School, and damaged façade at the Okaloosa County School include 15 chosen by the gover- showed a box containing a “suc- al to reach as many people as community by Okaloosa County %2)<-38<0;%37;30<;866;/(322;60;"26..<*;86;=3+*2<;1<3 ;526-/;358<0 whether it be from old diaries, let- leads to the toll bridge, during the long term. The plan, he said, MBBA funding and the condi- superintendent or school board ! Confederate States of District complex, both on Highway 85 North, Niceville. Beacon photos the month of December, the last nor, nine chosen by the Speaker cess kit,” including such items possible. and the State of Florida. The =<37;039+/$;9"8)0<*;3;")2<08;)+*<0;66*23+*/;09<;6+;'6+*37$ ters, newspaper clippings, official Please see CIVIL WAR, page A-3 will include forecasts about Please see BRIDGE, page A-3 to determine whether their par- of the Florida House of 2<3/<;/<<;:;13.<; , %$#"! !! $

The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 $ !"$ ! "$$ % $ #$ %# # ###! "$ ! !

The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 Page A-2 T HE B AY B EACON Wednesday, January 3, 2018

[email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 (850) 678-1080 [email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 (850) 678-1080 [email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 (850) 678-1080 [email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 (850) 678-1080 Police Blotter Police Blotter 2/ -' Po )/27 lice Bl 7)5 ot t The The , p The er The , p The The age A-4 The , The age A-4 A- 4 BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn %+)6 )'7-21 16)576 #)(1)6(%<%5', > 8 Pages, 1 Section, 4 Inserts Wednesday, March 22, 2017 50¢ 8 Pages, 1 Section, 4 Inserts Wednesday, March 29, 2017 50¢ 8 Pages, 1 Section, 6 Inserts Wednesday, April 5, 2017 50¢ Low-income housing New garbage pact explained Sheriff takes over By Mike Griffith hike for customers, and a switch Management itself declined to WM to confirm information on Beacon Correspondent from 18-gallon household recy- answer questions from the Bay the cans (such as the county logo <-.)5-**-7, continue in office. Strong said Strong, 85, city commission together, and usually reach a plans to elect a new member to With sticker shock setting in cling bins to 96-gallon wheeled Beacon concerning the new con- style and placement, recyclable that he automatically became said that he has will function with consensus on most issues. In the the city commission, or to for some 32,500 customers of Valparaiso City Commissioner expansion sought containers similar to those tract. material notice, etc.) so that the airport policing mayor after Arnold’s death. not yet made any four voting mem- event of a tie, said Strong, the appoint a new mayor pro tem, Waste Management, a county Heyward H. Strong Jr. has suc- already used to collect garbage Autrey said that the contract, carts may be ordered." Details of Strong told the Bay Beacon decision about bers rather than motion being voted on would between now and next March’s By Mike Griffith might prevent it from housing to low-income people, official answered questions Beacon Staff sheriff's office had been in charge enforcement and security services ceeded the late Bruce Arnold as by Waste Management, holder which was approved by the the distribution of the cans are The Okaloosa County Sheriff's on Monday that while serving as whether to run the usual five, fail for lack of a majority. selections. Beacon Correspondent increasing housingtold the council the authority is about the giant garbage compa- of airport security, but then the at the county's general aviation air- mayor. of the previous contract. county commission Feb. 28, being determined, he said. Office on Saturday took over law- mayor, he will also retain his next year as especially in case The elected Valparaiso City In the event that anything The Niceville density on tracts the forming an affiliate organization ny's new contract and prices. county commission launched its ports in Destin and Crestview. Arnold died in office Feb. 23 Quarterly bills went out late envisions a transition period for Of the 32,500 Waste enforcement and security duties at position as a city commissioner, mayor or as a of a tie vote, Commission normally consists happens to Mayor Strong, Housing Authority is authority owns. named Niceville Housing Okaloosa County Director of own airport police division in an The new contract with the sher- at the age of 87, having held the this month for $74.31, up from recycling collection as the com- Management customer accounts the Destin-Fort Walton Beach serving in both capacities for the commissioner, Strong said he did of four commissioners and the Dykes said, the remaining com- proposing to at least After hearingDevelopment Corp. that will "at Public Works Jason Autrey clar- economy move. iff will cost the county $758,465 mayoralty 53 consecutive years, $57.33. The new contract does pany distributes its new, yellow- in unincorporated areas of Airport. remainder of the current four- but will decide not think that will mayor, all of whom have one missioners would appoint some- double the number of Avery’s presentation least double the number of units ified some of the details of the This year, county Airports through Sept. 30. That is slightly the longest of any then-serving not affect customers inside the topped, wheeled recycling con- Okaloosa County, about 10,000 The action, approved in March year mayoral term which ends in between now and be much of a vote. The other commissioners one to replace him. its 111 homes. during a meetingwe lease through redevelopment county’s new contract with Director Tracy Stage recommend- less than what the airport police elected mayor in Florida. city of Niceville, which has its tainers. are in the Bluewater Bay- by the Okaloosa County March 2018, when municipal the ballot-filing problem, because are Kay Hamilton, Christine A retired federal civil ser- The authority has March 14, the city of current assets and the addi- Waste Management for collec- ed a return to the sheriff's services, cost the county, according to Strong was mayor pro tem, own deal with Waste "The service provider will Seminole-East Niceville area. Commission, ended the six-year elections will be held. Strong's period in early the current city Wasdin and Tom Browning. vant, Strong has served as a asked the Niceville council took no action tion of new units." Sixty-one of tion of trash, recyclables, and citing costs and excessive turnover Stage. giving him authority to act as Management, or insidehave to order the new carts, and Autrey was asked what existence of the county's airport commission term also expires at 2018. commissioners City Attorney Hayward Valparaiso commissioner since City Council to subsi- Dottie Avery on the proposal, but the authority's units are 50 years yard waste in unincorporated in the county operation. Five full-time members of the A 20-member unit of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, pictured here with two county commis- mayor in the event of the chief Valparaiso, which employs distribution of those carts to the options are available for cus- police department, created in that time. Asked how the get along well Dykes said Monday there are no 1970. dize the project will discuss it during a old and the other 50 units are at areas of the county. The new Waste Management plans to give customers in unincorporated The sheriff's new 20-member county airport police were hired as sioners, has taken over airport law enforcement from a county-run police squad, which was dis- executive's death or inability to )<:%5( 7521+5 municipal workers to collect customer will be performed in tomers under the new contract. 2011. From 1997 to 2011, the through tax abatements and fee future city council meeting. least 30 years old, Avery said. contract, effective April 1, areas of Okaloosa County 96-gallon recycling carts the size of airports unit will also handle law sheriff's deputies, Stage said. banded. Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office garbage. some orderly process," said For example, may a customer the current garbage carts. Beacon photo waivers. Dottie Avery, executive "Upkeep on older units increas- includes a 29.6-percent price Houston-based WasteAutrey. "Staff is working with The self-governing housing director of the Niceville es with age," she said. Please see PACT, page A-3 authority also asked the council Housing Authority, which helps Avery sketched a three-phase The Niceville Housing Authority is proposing to double the number of its 111 dwellings. Okaloosa to ease any zoning rules that provide federally subsidized Sun-power Girls want to have fun—and boost fitness Please see HOUSING, page A-3 Beacon photo by Mike Griffith Tree-killing plant nears mulls plan Day out at the completion By Mike Griffith to spin off <-.)5-**-7, Beacon Correspondent bark park disease hits A solar power plant being The Okaloosa County Board of County installed at Eglin Air Force Base Commissioners (BCC) agreed March 7 to hire by Gulf Power Co. is expected to tourist an engineering firm to design a system for trans- Bluewater enter service later this year, ferring reclaimed water from the county to the according to the company. city of Niceville and to Eglin Air Force Base. On March 23, Gulf Power marketing Commissioners also approved a plan to dis- Action urged to curb gave reporters a tour of the sun- band the county’s airport police department and powered generation plant, some- By Mike Griffith turn policing of airports back to the Okaloosa times referred to as a “solar farm,” Beacon Correspondent spread of fungus Okaloosa County commissioners seemed County Sheriff’s Office. at which more than half of the By Mike Griffith skeptical of a proposal to partially privatize the At the March 7 meeting, the BCC unani- 375,000 photovoltaic solar panels Beacon Correspondent county’s Tourist Development Department, mously authorized an agreement for consulting have been installed, on 240 acres The March 14 meeting of the Bluewater Bay shown to them at the commission’s March 29 services with Constantine Engineering, Inc. for cleared from what once was forest Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) was workshop meeting. a reclaimed water expansion project at the coun- on the Eglin military reservation. largely devoted to a discussion of laurel wilt, a The proposal, presented by Tourist ty sewage-treatment plant in Fort Walton Beach. The land is just north of State fungal disease fatal to the redbay tree, that has Development Council Chairman Dale Peterson The agreement authorizes Constantine to Road 85 South and just west of appeared in the community and threatens to and Ken Wampler, a TDC volunteer from the serve as the project engineer and perform other Wolverine Avenue, Valparaiso. spread elsewhere. tourism industry, would, if approved by the professional services on a $247,000 contract Under Air Force auspices, The ailment is spread by redbay ambrosia county commission, transition sales and mar- funded by the state. The project will increase ground was broken in November beetles, insects no larger than the date stamp on keting functions now managed by the county to the disposal capacity of the treatment plant and 2016 by a Gulf Power contractor. a U.S. penny, but which, despite their size, can a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization. The TDC transmit reclaimed water to the City of Niceville The Pensacola-based utility, kill redbay trees millions of times their size. is an advisory body to the county Tourist and Eglin to be used for irrigation. which has about 447,000 cus- Sheila Dunning, University of Florida Okaloosa Development Department (TDD). According to documents provided to the tomers in eight counties, said the County Extension Officer, briefed the MSBU on According to Peterson and Wampler, the new commission by County Administrator John plant will be able to produce 30 how laurel wilt afflicts redbay and other trees of the nonprofit direct marketing organization, known Hofstad and County Water and Sewer Director megawatts at peak output, enough laurel family (Lauraceae), and what must be done as “Discover,” would be given the mission of Jeff Littrell, “In order to transmit reclaimed to supply 4,500 homes, on cloud- to prevent the disease from spreading throughout– promoting southern Okaloosa County as a top water into the above-mentioned pipeline, facili- less days. At the time the project and beyond–Bluewater Bay. A new sports and fitness year-round travel destination. In their presenta- /)%6)6))"!$3%+) was announced, the company said Please see DISEASE, page A-2 center in Valparaiso, Girl tion, the TDC representatives said: the electricity would be fed to its Power Station, focuses on —Discover polled over 200 member busi- substation in Valparaiso, thence to girls and women, offering nesses and organizations who support Discover be sold over its existing network. volleyball, wellness class- efforts to generate visitors, expand jobs and The plant is one of three on es and other activities. grow tourism related economic development. A recent weekend saw many four-legged military land sponsored by Gulf Beacon photos by Mike Griffith friends and their owners enjoying the dog About half the planned 375,000 solar panels have been installed —Discover would administer funding of the at a 240-acre power-plant site on Eglin Air Force Base land just Power and the contractor that will park at the Twin Oaks complex in Niceville. operate them and reap the result- Please see TOURIST, page A-2 The four-acre park features an unleashing east of Valparaiso. The 30-megawatt plant, to be operated by a area, lots of parking, picnic tables, water- California company, will sell electricity to Gulf Power for 25 ing 30-percent federal tax credits, ing stations, and lots of shaded area. years, starting later this year. California-based Coronal Energy. Center, Tracy Wilson likes to bring her Beacon photos by Mike Griffith Gulf Power has agreed to buy the dogs Nala and Onyx to the dog park so plants' electricity for 25 years. they can run around freely. Left, Duke and The two other construction his two-legged parents Don and Annette projects are taking place at Naval Federonis, enjoy taking him and their other Air Station Pensacola’s Saufley New center in Valparaiso seen filling a need dog Sam to the dog park on a regular Field and NAS Whiting Field’s By Mike Griffith strength training, and “aerial yoga,” In addition to the wellness center, The indoor volleyball director of basis. Above, two Huskies that were out Please see PLANT, page A-7 Beacon Correspondent in which girls learn to swing through the building is also the center for the the program is Ligia Willis, a former enjoying the dog park, Koda and Mako. Dying redbay trees on Bluewater Boulevard are succumbing to an incurable fungal dis- A new sports and fitness center in Beacon photos by Paula Mims the air on silk curtains similar to 850 Elite Volleyball Academy, college player from Brazil with over )*25)6)%621%&/<'22/:)%7,)55)7851)(/%67:)).66811<6.-)6%1( ()+5))7)03)5%785)6/85)(0%1<3)23/)287(2256%3-7%/-=-1+217,) ease spread by invasive beetles. northwest Valparaiso is geared **/8)17*520%'2817<6):%+)75)%70)173/%17 those seen in Cirque du Soleil per- where girls ages 5 through 18, as eight years of college coaching 23325781-7<72%775%'77,)75%()2*3%66)56&<6,721%5/))%50)12//)<%1(((<621/2<(6)783%/)021%()67%1(1);772 Beacon photo by Mike Griffith toward the needs and interests of -1257#%/721)%',0%<21)(%<&)62/(%6 Okaloosa advances plans formances. well as some boys and adults, come experience. Willis was an assistant /8):%7)528/)9%5(" Planners girls and women. -55-+%7-21:%7)5-1-')9-//) According to center founder and to learn how to play volleyball from coach at Troy University prior to Girl Power Station, situated on executive director Terri Fedonczak, professional coaches. coming to 850 Elite. the West College Boulevard bypass, who started it as a nonprofit organi- “850 Elite Volleyball Academy The beach volleyball director is District eye three to steer flow of BP funds has two themes: a wellness center New barrier proves itself zation last summer, the center’s pur- will teach kids to be successful on a Sam Nimpchai, who has played for By Mike Griffith said. The commission "may con- said that Okaloosa County needs focusing on adults, and a volleyball pose is to teach young ladies how to court,” said Fedonczak. “We all over 30 years and coached for over academy centered on girls. <-.)5-**-7, Florida Water Management Northwest Florida. By Mike Griffith The decline in toll revenue asked Fuller which other state’s requests Beacon Correspondent sider soliciting project ideas from to be “postured for any money that “love your body well.” want our kids to be successful. To do 20. seeks new Beacon Correspondent Okaloosa County commission- The Girl Power Station Women’s District (NWFWMD)were Once the well is completed, was attributed to the Jan. 1 automatic toll passes are com- various stakeholders including may come our way.” He said that “Wellness is a state of mind, that, you must have communication While the Girl Power Station is ers discussed how to create a list Wellness Center offers a variety of Earlier this month contrac- drilling a 900-foot-deep water Leonard said, all that will be A cable barrier installed last expansion of rebates for fre- patible with Florida’s Sunpass Beacon Staff municipalities, chambers of com- by planning in advance, the coun- body, and spirit,” said the center’s skills and drive. Team sports teach aimed exclusively at girls, the vol- of county projects eligible for classes and activities focused on tors working for the Northwest well on Rocky Bayou Gannon seen above ground will be a fire gear year on the highway just north of quent bridge users. The rebates transponders. Fuller replied that The Niceville Planning merce, and/or the business com- ty will be better enabled to deal mission statement, “and we are here all of these. 850 Elite is a place for leyball program also includes some funding through Triumph Gulf promoting physical and mental fit- State Park land pipe, called a “stick up,” which By Mike Griffith the Mid-Bay Bridge tollbooths to customers who cross the 3.5- Georgia’s Peach Pass system Commission on Monday will munity and non-profit agencies," with the “ton of federal red tape to show the families of Northwest kids to find an additional support teams for boys ages 11 to 18. Coast Inc., which will dispense ness. These include Pilates, cycling, next door to can be used by state officials to Beacon Correspondent may have saved someone from mile span at least 32 times in the and North Carolina’s Quick consider two proposed annexa- he added. Or the commission may surrounding those dollars.” Florida how good it feels to be system outside the old to help them money from a BP oil-spill dam- kickboxing, Zumba, aerobics, Please see GIRLS, page A-3 The Okaloosa County Commission received a Bluewater periodically monitor the quality, The East Niceville Fire serious injury or death, said Van preceding month totaledPass system are both inter- tions and a proposal to relax the ask county staffers to come up Hofstad said that he plans for well!” reach their goals on or off the court.” proposal to semi-privatize tourism marketing. ages fund. Elementary mineral content, and other char- District is seeking money to Fuller, executive director of the $146,382 in January 2017. The changeable with Sunpass, front-setback requirement on with some ideas, he added. county staff members to work Beacon photo At the commission’s March 21 School. acteristics of water in the replace gear that firefighters Mid-Bay Bridge Authority. program cuts the $3 Sunpass toll meaning that someone having a five lots. Hofstad also told the commis- with “community stakeholders” meeting in Shalimar, County According to aquifer. #25. ,%6 &)+81 21 % wear while battling flames. In a March 16 briefing to the to $2 for such users. transponder mounted in their The planning commission's sioners that he plans to monitor such as municipal governments Administrator John Hofstad noted Michelle On Thursday, March 9, proj- 0-/) '21'5)7) 6-() Fire Chief Mike Wright told MBBA’s governing board, Fuller Meantime, toll-paying traffic vehicle from any of the three recommendations on the pro- activity at the current session of and chambers of commerce, to that the Florida Legislature creat- Leonard, on-site ect manager Paul Petrey, of :%/. -1 -')9-//) %/21+ members of the self-governing said that recently a motor vehicle on the Spence Parkway, which systems can have tolls automati- posals will be sent to the city the state legislature, regarding solicit ideas for projects that might Eglin AFB easements ed Triumph Gulf Coast as a non- geologist for Applied Drilling Engineering 2'.< %<28 5-9) fire-protection district's elected veered into the center median, but links the bridge to Highway 85 cally charged to them when council for final action. The owner of five lots on the north side of Cypress Drive, Triumph Gulf Coast funding, and *520 25)67 2%( )%67 profit organization to oversee 75 Please see FUNDS, page A-7 Cardno, the com- Inc., met with a reporter at the board during a meeting March that the new cable barrier stopped north of Niceville, rose about 3 driving on toll roads in any of Shaun and Laura Foster have Niceville, marked in red, is seeking an easing of the front set- :%5( 72 817-1+721 percent of all funds recovered by pany drilling the drilling site. Petrey said the 13 that the district has applied it from entering the lane of percent from year-earlier levels, the three states. asked that their property on back rule to 10 feet. City of Niceville -5'/)81()5% oncoming traffic, preventing a while toll revenue rose 10.7 per- The next meeting of the Mid- Maple Avenue, south of 20th the Florida attorney general for to cost public utilities well on behalf of “deep monitor well” will reach '217%'7 %:%5()( &< for a grant to assist in replacing The Hughes request pertains setback as opposed to the potential head-on crash. No fur- cent. Bay Bridge Authority is sched- Street, be annexed in the city economic damages to the state By Mike Griffith through the Eglin Reservation. the same easement, thus allow- the water man- a depth of 900 feet. .%/226% 2817< !,) “bunker” gear—the helmets, to the north half of Lot 5 and required 25 feet. ther details were given. Also during the meeting, uled for 9 a.m., Thursday, April limits and be zoned R-2, one- that resulted from the 2010 Beacon Correspondent Lozano said that he recently ing the Air Force to collect mul- agement district, Petrey said that water sam- :)67 )1( 2* 7,) 1): protective clothing, and other Lots 6-8, Block 118, The Frere request pertains to The barrier was installed last board member Gordon Fornell 20, at Destin City Hall. family or multifamily, and have Deepwater Horizon oil spill, a The Okaloosa Gas District's sent a letter to the Air Force tiple “fair market” fees for the it is one of several ples can be taken from various 6-():%/. :-// /-1. :-7, personal equipment used by Subdivision #5, Pinecrestlots 13-17, Block 3, Powell's year on a curve near the Lakeshore a future land use of MDR, medi- sum estimated at $1.5 billion. top manager has expressed con- expressing his concern about a use of the same land. such wells being depths, at intervals of 10 feet, to %1 );-67-1+ -7< 2* firefighters. Addition to Valparaiso. Subdivision of Niceville. cern that an Air Force policy of -')9-//) %63,%/7 6-() Drive overpass after two fatal traf- um density residential. Triumph Gulf Coast must dis- Okaloosa 2007 Air Force policy change to Lozano said such fees may drilled through- monitor water quality. Such equipment derives its The Hughes request also per- In her request, Frere wrote County is aim- charging utilities for easements :%/. 7,%7 );7)1(6 *520 East Niceville Fire District firefighter-EMT's Austin Hinton, left, fic crashes. The Foster request pertains to burse the money for economic charge “fair market” rent for any be between $277,000 and out the water dis- A water district spokesman nickname from the traditional tains to a 25-foot by 150-foot the city as follows: "I would like ing for a share 25)67 2%( :)67:%5( and Nick Lunsford in firefighting gear which the district is seek- In other business during the Lot 7, Block 118, Subdivision recovery, diversification and will cost the district, and its use of easements on military $300,000 for Okaloosa Gas, a trict, to help char- said the cost of the four new practice of firefighters keeping Beacon photo by Mike Griffith strip of land running east and to request that these lots be of a BP oil-spill 72 2,1 -06 %5.:%< ing funds to replace. board meeting at Niceville City #5, Pinecrest Addition to enhancement of the eight 42,000 customers, hundreds of property. Lozano said he is con- self-governing state agency that acterize water monitoring wells in the project it next to their bunks for ready west between the north half of allowed to use a 10-foot front damages fund. "1()5 7,) '2175%'7 7,) Hall, Fuller said that traffic over Valparaiso. Northwest Florida counties dis- thousands of dollars. cerned because the Air Force distributes and sells natural gas quality in the is about $900,000. Wells are access in case of night alarms. Wright will review his updated will meet with commission rep- Lot 5, Block 118, Valparaiso setback versus the currently Pictured, 1): 6-():%/. :,-', the bridge and along its feeder Separately, Timothy Hughes proportionately affected by the During a meeting atpolicy allows the service to in parts of Okaloosa, Walton, Floridan Aquifer, also being sunk, or have been 3%5%//)/67,)6287,6-() Now it is kept in or near their five-year plan at a commission resentatives the week of March Pinecrest 5 and Lot 18, Block 7, required 25 feet. These particu- cleanup opera- parkway, along with toll revenue requested that his property on spill: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa Gas headquarters in choose the appraiser who deter- Santa Rosa and Escambia coun- the network of sunk, in Freeport, southern 2* 2'.< %<28 5-9) fire engines. meeting April 10. 20 to gather information for Valparaiso Pinecrest 6. lar lots have some wetlands at tions following derived from that traffic, have Maple Avenue, just to the south Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, the 2010 spill. Valparaiso March 22, chief mines what “fair market” value ties. u nderground Walton County, and southern :-// &) '203/)7)( &< In other business during the Also during the March 13 preparation of a quote on the Finally, Margaret Frere, the back of the property that recently been at about the same of the Foster lot, also be Franklin and Wakulla. Beacon photo executive José Lozano briefed for such easements is. He said he has also been waterways flow- Santa Rosa County. 35-/ meeting, Commission Chairman meeting, Dunbar updated the statutorily required coverage. owner of lots 13, 14, 15, 16, and inhibits building on them. In levels forecast by traffic engineers. annexed into the City limits and “In anticipation of this funding the natural-gas utility's govern- Lozano said he is also con- seeking a meeting with U.S. ing through lime- Petrey said that recent meas- Ed Dunbar distributed the commission on the East Wright also stated that a U.S. 17 Cypress Drive, between addition, the house next door to During January 2017, bridge traf- be zoned R-2, one-family or source becoming available, ing board on current efforts to cerned that the Air Force may Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Dist. 1), to *227 :)// &)-1+ (5-//)( 2** %1+) 2%( stone rock that is urements have shown that water schedule for consideration of Niceville Fire District's acciden- Occupational Safety and Health Juniper Street and Mayo Street, my lots requested and received a fic rose about 2 percent from the multifamily, and have a future Okaloosa County should position work out differences between charge the same fees to all utili- continue previous discussions 1);772/8):%7)5/)0)17%5< ',22/:-//%//2: the source of in the aquifer below Bluewater next year's budget. A spending tal death and dismemberment Administration (OSHA) inspec- requested a special exception to 10-foot setback allowance same month in 2016, but toll rev- use of MDR, medium density itself with a list of viable projects the district and Eglin Air Force ties that use an easement, such the gas district had with Gaetz’s 67%7):%7)50%1%+)0)172**-'-%/672',)'.7,) most drinking Bay is of very good quality, plan will be proposed in May insurance coverage questions. tion recently conducted of the A motor vehicle that left the roadway just north of the Mid-Bay the city Land Development which would then make my lots enue fell by 1.6 percent, to $1.5 residential. to promote economic expansion Okaloosa Gas District officials say they are examining the prospect of paying hundreds of thou- Base regarding the cost of the as electric utilities and cable TV predecessor, Jeff Miller, to seek ,)%/7,2*7,)%48-*)57,%76833/-)602672*7,) water throughout /)%6)6))$3%+) and finalized in September. An insurance representative Bridge was prevented from encountering oncoming traffic by Please see DISTRICT, page A-3 Code for a 10-foot front yard be the same distance." (and) diversification," Hofstad sands of dollars to use existing utilities easements on Eglin Air Force Base. Beacon photo easements used by the district companies, even if they share %5)%6(5-1.-1+:%7)5" Dunbar also noted that million. this new median barrier. Beacon photo by Mike Griffith Please see EGLIN, page A-3

!" The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992

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The !#.2#4#+51 Bluewater The County eyes extension %+6; 1((+%+#.5 County acts to centralize Okaloosa BWB panel eyes tax hike Bay &+5%755'& Municipal County By Mike Griffith fee tax on Bluewater Bay prop- 5%),” said MSBU board mem- Okaloosa ;+-'4+((+6* Chief Joe Hart and City Clerk Arnold, who was himself a mili- chamber. 6*'2155+$+.+ Services Commission Beacon Correspondent erty owners, if approved, would ber Felix Beukenkamp follow- County Tammy Johnson. tary veteran and well known for In addition, some of the city’s 6; 1( *1014 acted on a In a budget workshop Benefit of local gasoline taxes dealings with news outlets help to fund projects intended to ing an MSBU meeting held levies 10 In back-to-back public work- +0) 6*' .#6' District Among options discussed, the his patriotism and support of mili- annual events, such as the annual number of planned for 5:30 p.m., May 9, spruce up the unincorporated April 11. cents of shops held April 27, Valparaiso #;14 1*0 By Mike Griffith that the most accurate answer, trator or their "designee" may board will By Mike Griffith 16 hearing. approved a public event permit most popular was a proposal to tary personnel. “duathlon,” a running and swim- items April 4 the governing board of the Bluewater Bay community. During the April 11 meeting, the 53.2- 401.& 4 Beacon Correspondent not the most available answer, is respond. hold a meet- Beacon Correspondent The hearing was scheduled as for the EOD Memorial city officials discussed long-range build a memorial to Arnold inside Other options discussed ming race held each Fourth of July in Crestview, Bluewater Bay Municipal cent-per- 9+6* # The Okaloosa County The 5:30 p.m. workshop on MSBU board member Dave ing May 9 to The Okaloosa County Board part of the “consent agenda” at Challenge, to be held on April 29 strategic plans for the city, and Doolittle Park. The memorial included renaming the Toms at Lincoln Park, could also be received." The new policy was recom- including Services Benefit Unit will dis- gallon tax /'/14+#. +0 Commission has moved to cen- May 9 will precede the regular Vardaman said he favors the discuss of County Commissioners will the April 18 commission meet- at 8 a.m. to noon, along road- also possible ways of honoring the might take the form of a pavilion, Bayou Bridge in honor of the late named after Arnold, an enthusias- New rules, approved 5-0 by mended by County moving to on gaso- 11.+66.' cuss whether to raise its flat tax MSBU meeting scheduled for 6 proposed tax hike, because, whether to hold a public hearing on May 16 ing in Shalimar. The consent ways in the Niceville area. The memory of Valparaiso’s late tralize communication between the commission April 4 in Administrator John Hofstad and centralize line. special flagpole, or other structure mayor, especially as the bridge is tic duathlon participant. Another #4- by as much as 5 percent. p.m. “Bluewater Bay is in competi- boost its to discuss the adoption of ordi- mayor, John B. Arnold Jr. news outlets and county depart- Crestview, delete a county poli- Deputy County Administrator the disclo- agenda consists of items which event is sponsored by the Chief Beacon photo to be named in the mayor’s honor. slated for reconstruction within proposal was to grant an annual +%674'& The current tax of $66 a year “Although it’s too early to tion with every other local com- annual nances for the extension of some ment heads or other staff mem- cy stating that county depart- Kay Godwin. The reason for the sure of pub- must be approved by the county Petty Officers Association, The move to honor Arnold The park itself would continue the next few years. A new city Citizen of the Year award to a 401.& &74 for each home could be raised to assessment bers. lic informa- determine the final new unit munity to attract new residents. of the county’s local option commission, but which are usu- Naval School EOD. The course began following his death at 87 to be to be named after the late Lt. library, if built, could also be Valparaiso resident who has made +0) # ment heads "may respond" to new rules, Godwin told the as much as $69.30, the maxi- of $66 to One commissioner described tion. assessment for 2017-18, it We don’t want any parts of the motor-fuels taxes. ally approved as a matter of rou- will run along Range Road to earlier this year, having served 53 Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, who led the named after him, as could Lincoln noteworthy contributions to the '/14+#. media requests for general commission, is “to clarify the fund com- Beacon photo by mum 5-percent year-to-year seems as though the consensus community to become blight- The levies, originally sched- tine, and not discussed by com- Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State years as mayor. Commissioner #; %'4'/1 the action as "encouraging a sin- information. roles and responsibilities of munity famous Doolittle Raid against Park, Florida Park, or the city civic city, with the award named in Mike Griffith increase allowed by the MSBU is to adopt a budget that will ed.” uled to expire by the end of this Chris Wasdin chaired a committee 0; #6 6*' gle point for the release of infor- Substituted is a new policy staff.” improve- missioners during the meeting. Park, with a swim under the wartime Japan in 1942. Wasdin complex which currently contains honor of Arnold. charter. result in another increase in the MSBU board chairman Judy year, could be extended until 2#4- mation" to "maximize limited that the county public informa- The previous “Okaloosa ments. Also during the April 18 Highway 20 bridge, then down made up of herself, City said the park would be an appro- City Hall, the police station, The possible hike in the flat annual assessment (maximum 2044 if approved after the May meeting, the county commission Administrator Carl Scott, Police .'#5'5'' 2#)' ! taxpayer resources" and "ensure tion officer, the county adminis- Please see COUNTY, page A-2 Please see MSBU, page A-2 Beacon photo Please see COUNTY, page A-2 priate location for a memorial to library, and city commission 'He is risen' Valp. hikes Lauded for College Easter kids hop to it audit results, An evening cable rates Niceville hears at the is warned Adds lower-priced pitch for bonds drive-in of possible By Mike Griffith ;+-'4+((+6* lifeline category Beacon Correspondent By Mike Griffith Members of the Niceville City Council were Okaloosa County officials Beacon Correspondent briefed on results of the city's annual financial fund cuts and residents learned about The Valparaiso City Commission has approved a audit during their April 11 meeting. beach sand during a special rate increase for the municipal cable TV and According to Tammy McGaughy of the By Mike Griffith county commission workshop Internet system, while establishing a new “Lifeline” Warren Averett accounting firm, the recent audit Beacon Correspondent held April 25. The purpose of service package less expensive than the previously produced “unmodified opinions,” on the city’s The president of Northwest Florida State the workshop was to share infor- least-costly service called “Basic.” financial statements, indicating all is well with College says he is concerned about possible mation and discuss options for Under the new rate system, which the commis- Niceville's municipal finances. state budget cuts that could affect the institu- possible beach restoration–how sion approved Monday, monthly prices charged to The audit revealed “no instances of material tion. best to replace sand that may be customers for Basic cable service climb from weaknesses or reported instances of significant Speaking during a meeting April 18 of the eroded from beaches along the $36.85 to $40, while the most expensive “Combo 4” deficiencies in internal control over financial college board of trustees in Niceville, President Gulf of Mexico. service package goes from $177.28 to $182.28. reporting,” and “no exceptions with compliance Devin Stephenson said that out of a budget of The subject of beach restori- The new Lifeline service package will be avail- rules.” about $19 million, the Florida House of ation has long been a controver- able for $20 per month, but will offer only cable TV The report also stated that the city’s revenues Representatives was considering cuts of as sy within the county, with some channels 1 through 20, fewer than the 78 channels and other financing sources have been above or much as $1 million, while the state Senate was people saying that such efforts offered with Basic service or the additional channels equal to expenditures in each year since 2012, considering cuts of about $611,000. If such cuts are necessary in the wake of and special features offered with more-expensive and that during that time, ad valorem tax rev- are approved, said Stephenson, NWFSC will large storms in order to repair premium service packages. enue in Niceville has grown from $2.66 million have to make spending cuts, possibly to include the damage done by water ero- In other business Monday, the commission to $3.3 million. dismissing some of its faculty and staff. sion, and to build up beaches approved a proposal to seek $1.5 million through a In a separate briefing from the financial- Stephenson also told the trustees that his and sand dunes as protection bond issue conducted in partnership with the Florida advisor side of the firm, Warren Averett repre- long-range plans for the community college against erosion during future League of Cities and the Florida Municipal Loan sentative Joseph McNair recommended that the include moving administrative functions from storms. Council. The money raised by the bond issue will be city council reinvest some of the tax money in the current administration building to the stu- Opponents of beach restora- used for several purposes, including the relocation bonds with higher yields. dent services center. This, he said, would allow tion have said that artificially of city utility lines under Toms Bayou when the cur- McNair said the city’s current investments in conversion of the administration building to a rebuilding beaches is not neces- rent bridge over the bayou is replaced, improve- bank money market funds and certificates of center for science, technology, engineering, sary because beaches tend to ments to other city utilities, street paving, and some deposit have yielded about $45,000 in income mathematics, and medicine (STEMM), a move rebuild themselves naturally other purposes. as of Sept. 30, 2016–a yield of about 0.2 percent which would be eligible for state funding. over time as sand is washed up The bonds would be issued for a term of 20 on a total investment of about $20 million. He Stephenson also said that he plans to hire a onto the beaches. They have years, although Mayor Heyward Strong said he said that if that same $20 million were to be new director of resource administration and also objected to beach restora- thinks the bonds can be paid off in less time than Please see COLLEGE, page A-2 tion because, they say, the that, through a combination of funding from the Please see AUDIT, page A-2 dredged sand added to beaches city’s general fund, and rate hikes for some city util- is often of poor quality, with a ities. darker color than the pure white The city commission also approved the first read- sand that attracts people to ing of a city ordinance declaring a 180-day morato- Okaloosa beaches. They also Please see VALP, page A-2 say that the “new” sand is often .'#5'5'' 2#)'

The city of Valparaiso welcomed over 150 children and their families to the sixth annual Easter egg hunt at Lincoln Park on Saturday. Valparaiso Public Works Director Nathan Kelley and his crew organized the youngsters into age groups and spread plastic eggs over the park with the aid of an air-powered launcher. The eggs were quickly gathered by each group of excited children, each hoping to find the golden egg that would win them a special Easter basket. Later, children could take a train ride on the Valparaiso Express, tour a city fire truck, and play in the waterfront park. Accountant Tammy McGaughy briefs the '%'06(+0'524+0)9'#6*'4&4'9/#0;2'12.'176&1145 *15'8+5+6+0)+0%1.0#4-!#.2#4#+51'0,1;'&$+46*&#;2+%0+%52.#;)4170&'37+2/'06$1#6+0)#0& Niceville City Council on results of the recent On Friday evening people gathered on the driving range of the Bluewater in lawn chairs, on blankets, or atop golf carts, and children looked for crea- $'#%* 4'5+&'06 5*19'& 6*' 59+//+0)#0&9#&+0)#.10)6*'5*14'1(1));#;17 0&4'9#&.'#0&#8+5##5567&'065#6.7'9#6'4.'/'06#4;%*11.'0,1;'&+%'%4'#/#6#5-+0 Beacon photos by Paula Mims annual audit of municipal finances. Bay golf course for a community movie night. The PG-rated film, “The tures in a nearby pond or played with soap bubbles. Bluewater Bay resident %1706; %1//+55+10 6*' &+(('4 1$$+05 +%'8+..' 5 #0).'45 &4122'& 6*'+4 .+0'5 (41/ !#.2#4#+51@5 2+'4 # 2'.+%#0 2#&&.'& +0 6*' $#;17 0 .7'9#6'4 #;1*0 #-7$+#- #0& '#00+0' Beacon photo by Mike Griffith Sandlot,” a coming-of-age story about a group of baseball-loving boys in Steve Dureski took the opportunity to promote a campaign to have the com- '0%' $'69''0 0#6+8' $'#%* #..'0$'4)'4611-#52+0+0#)1.(%#469+6*%#0+0'2#.547675#0&':> *+5+56*'.#<;/#0@59#;619#.-6*'&1)?37+22'&1*0'#00+0'5#+&57%*#4+&' California in 1962, was the latest of a series of such outdoor family show- munity certified as a wildlife habitat. First-grader Ashleigh Dukes demon- 5#0& #0& %1#45'4 5#0& +/2146 >+56*'&1)@5(#814+6'6*+0)61&1? 66*'.7'9#6'4#;/#4+0#2'12.'59#/2#&&.'&9'06$1#6+0)#0&'0,1;'&/'#.5#0&/75+%#56*';9#6%*'&6*'570 ings that have been held in Bluewater Bay as a way of bringing local families strated her bubble technique. The event was spearheaded by volunteers '&(14$'#%*4'5614#6+10 5'618'4"#4&18'! % ! Valp. mulls together with their children and their neighbors. While waiting for the sun to Debbie Stretch, Bob Stretch, Laura Landsberger and Paige Hart, and the !% ! Valparaiso resident Joe Morgan addresses the city E. Niceville Fire District widens set and the film to begin, audience members made themselves comfortable Bluewater Bay Golf Course. Christians in the Twin Cities and worldwide will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday with many church services, commission on a proposed cleanup ordinance dur- Beacon photos by Michael Griffith ing a meeting Monday. Beacon photo by Mike Griffith including an ecumenical sunrise service at Lincoln Park, Valparaiso, at 6:15 a.m. Beacon photos honor for participation in budget plan late mayor By Mike Griffith three relatively new commis- the motions together.” Bridge toll revenue 14'6*#0(1746*)4#&'567&'065 Kids will be hopping By Mike Griffith Beacon Correspondent sioners, we felt we should train According to draft minutes Niceville (41/ -#.115# #0& "#.610 %1706+'5 Gulf Power wins Beacon Correspondent East Niceville Fire District the newest commissioners in the of the April 10 meeting, pre- (+..'& 6*' #66+' '..; 465 '06'4 The Valparaiso City commissioners will act together process, so that next year we can pared by Commissioner Matt soars as traffic dips +%'8+..' 10&#; #0& 7'5&#; (14 in Saturday egg hunts medians to ;+-'4+((+6* work out differences between Commission will hold a special to plan the fire district’s budget go back to the three-person Ruckel, the fire district’s #007#. >+0- 2 9+6* #40')+' #..? Beacon Staff will host Easter egg activities By Mike Griffith Expected expenses include the gas district and the Air Force 5% rate increase meeting April 27 to consider a for fiscal year 2017-18. budget committee. So, all five finances have improved during +06'4#%6+8'%10%'465$;6*'146*9'56 Three Easter egg hunts take for children ages 2-16 from 9:30 Beacon Correspondent $17,723,000 in debt service get facelift Okaloosa Gas District chief regarding the cost of the ease- .14+&# ;/2*10; 4%*'564# *' way to honor the memory of the District finances haveof us, plus (Fire Chief Michael the past year. Beacon Staff or about 5 percent for an esti- place Saturday in the Twin a.m. to 11 a.m. at the center. An Expenses of the Mid-Bay including principal and interest, executive Jose Lozano, said the ments across Eglin used by the 14%*'564#@5 '&7%#6+10 %114&+0#614 Gulf Power has won state city's late mayor, John B. Arnold improved recently, according to Wright), will be going through The grass medians on mated $151, according to Gulf Cities area. The events are open egg hunt for ages 6 and under Please see BUDGET, page A2 Bridge Authority are expected and $722,700 in administrative gas district has been unsuccess- gas district. Lozano said then 914-5 9+6* '.'/'06#4; 5%*11.5 +0 # approval to increase rates by Jr. commission records. John Sims Parkway from Power. to the public at no charge. will begin at 9:45 a.m. A hunt to decline slightly next year. expenses. It also includes ful in seeking a meeting with that he had sent a letter to the ;'#4.10) /75+%'&7%#6+10 241)4#/ about 5 percent, the company The company sells electric In addition, said Mayor “No draft budget is yet for- Palm Boulevard eastward The first egg hunts of the day for ages 7-16 will start at 10 During the authority’s April $3,100,000 in Florida to Redwood Avenue, Congressman Matt Gaetz, Air Force expressing his %#22'& $; 6*' %10%'465 2105145 said last week. Heyward Strong, the meeting mulated or under discussion,” +0%.7&'4'&#0& 00'66''/#5-11( service to more than 450,000 will begin at 9 a.m. at Lincoln a.m. The Valparaiso City Commission will meet April 27 to discuss 20 meeting in Destin, Executive Department of Transportation Niceville, will soon look a to discuss the cost of gas concern about a 2007 Air The Florida Public Service retail customers in eight Florida Park, Valparaiso. These hunts will allow ideas for honoring the memory of John B. Arnold Jr., who died stated fire commission Director Van Fuller presented cost of current year operations lot nicer, according to transmission line ease- +%'8+..' #0& 146 "#.610 '#%* Please see HOPPING, page A-2 Force policy change to '&+%#.'06'4'&7%#6+109''- Commission approved a base- counties. are open to children ages 12 and the com- Feb. 23, ending 53 years as mayor. Beacon photo Chairman Ed Dunbar following board members with the pro- City Manager Lannie ments across the Eglin and maintenance. charge “fair market” rent 9+..%10%.7&'104+&#;9+6*#%10%'46 rate increase for the utility. Gulf Power chief executive under. The first hunt begins at 9 mission to the April 10 commission meet- posed budget for fiscal year that Although a self-governing, Corbin. The city council military reservation. suggesting several options for mayor made to the city during for any use of easements (14(+(6*)4#&'45 Final rates under the rage-case Stan Connally said the rate hike a.m. for ages 0-2. Later hunts hear pro- ing. “We did decide to formulate will begin self-funding earlier this month Such Air Force fees honoring Arnold, who died Feb. his many years of service as on military property. !$ ! !! settlement will be finalized by “supports our current infrastruc- are for ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. posals for the budget as a ‘committee of Oct. 1. entity, the approved a state-funded could cost the natural-gas utility New technology installed at it,” Connally said. “These 23 ending a 53-year tenure as mayor. contract to beautify the Lozano said he was con- May 31 and implemented July ture investment—which helps Each group is scheduled to capital the whole’ so that all commis- The pro- authority's and its customers hundreds of the substation can dramatically investments are necessary to mayor. After Arnold's passing, medians with flowering cerned because the Air Force 1, the company said. us continue to provide our cus- begin shortly after the conclu- improve- sioners can walk through the posed annual budg- thousands of dollars. reduce the time it takes to meet the expectations of our Suggestions include naming Strong, mayor pro tem, assumed plants, decorative grass- policy allows the Air Force to The residential bill for an tomers in Northwest Florida sion of the previous one, from ments that full process." budget, he et is subject During a meeting of the restore power to customers dur- customers now, and for future a street, city park, or city build- the post of mayor for the es and trees. Work is choose the appraiser who deter- average customer is currently with long-term, reliable power youngest to oldest. might be In past years, a three-member said, will to review by the Okaloosa Okaloosa Gas board of directors ing outages, and the upgrades generations.” ing after the mayor. Bachelor remainder of Arnold's four-year expected to begin in May mines what “fair market” value $144, plus taxes. Although the and a balanced energy mix.” Parents may help children funded in budget committee composed of be “a little bit less than last County Commission. The April 26, Lozano said that are protected in a fortified struc- In the settlement, Gulf suggested that whatever is cho- term, which ends in March and to be completed by for such easements is, and may design of all rates necessary to Connally cited the need to con- ages 0-2 in the Lincoln Park next year's John B. Arnold two commissioners and the fire year’s budget,” and includes authority will act on the pro- September. Inset: Results Gaetz’s staff has told him that ture that can withstand winds up agreed to a one-time $32.5 mil- sen to be named in Arnold’s 2018. But Strong did not give also charge the same fees to all implement the settlement agree- tinue to invest in the reliability hunt. Parents are not permitted municipal chief proposed the budget, total revenue from receipts and posed budget next month before of a similar project in neither Gaetz nor any of his staff to 150 mph. lion write-down of its ownership honor should be something that up his office as a commissioner, utilities that use an easement, ment have not yet been final- of the electrical grid, like reno- in the hunting area with children budget. which was generally routinely other sources of $27,061,000, submitting it to the county com- Valparaiso in 2015. are available for such a session. “We must always have elec- costs for Plant Scherer, reducing Valparaiso residents see or use whose term also expires in The financial picture for the East Niceville Fire District has such as electric utilities and ized, it is estimated that the vations recently completed at 3 or older. Valparaiso resident Bob adopted by the elected five- including $26,849,000 in gross mission. Beacon photos During a previous gas board tricity available when and where the expense to be recovered improved as its governing board prepares to draft next year's cable TV companies, even if impact to the average residential the Destin substation to ensure a In Bluewater Bay, the Bachelor addressed the city frequently, thus recognizing the member commission. toll revenue and $212,000 in meeting March 22, Lozano had our customers want it and need Please see ARNOLD, page A-3 customer bill will be about $7, secure energy future. Please see GULF POWER, page A-2 Bluewater Bay Tennis Center commission earlier this month, significant contribution that the This year, said Dunbar, "with budget. Beacon photo interest. Please see BRIDGE, page A-3 briefed the board on efforts to .'#5'5'' 2#)'

The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 # #"$! %

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Thoughts on motherhood "Never take for Up in Lest we forget County granted that your BWB tax increase set College tightens belt, children are When you growing up well By Mike Griffith Okaloosa County government, establishing a quorum, while smoke explains from ‘Grandma Angie’ merely because Beacon Correspondent in charge of landscaping, main- members David Costa and Felix The engine com- thought it By Mike Griffith the south shore of Puerto Rico. “I today’s standards, “We were very you give them The governing board of the taining street signs and street- Beukenkamp were absent. partment of an material prosperi- sets raises, bonuses recycling Beacon Correspondent never knew my grandparents,” happy,” she said. “I thought every- Bluewater Bay Municipal lights, and other maintenance Along with the tax hike, the automobile burst Angie Serrano knows a little Angie said, “but I remember my one lived the way we did. We ty," says Angie Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) and improvements to common MSBU board also approved an into flames The proposed budget for the was safe . . . Serrano, a great- something about motherhood. mother as being very loving and never went hungry, and we always voted May 9 to raise its flat tax areas within the unincorporated annual expense budget for fiscal Thursday on State 2017-18 fiscal year, which will transition Known as “Grandma Angie” to grandmother. to $69 a year, from $66, per Road 20 near the No tuition hike seen dedicated to her children." had a supply of fresh food.” "Always give Bluewater Bay community. It is year 2017-18 of $341,594–an begin July 1, was discussed by family members and her many Her mother, said Angie, "raised Angie graduated from high property unit in Bluewater Bay. governed by an elected board of increase of $13,823 over this entrance of Fred By Mike Griffith told college trustees last week. trustees during a meeting May Dave and Anita Halupowski of By Mike Griffith them love, time, Gannon Rocky friends, the 89-year-old Niceville six children in all, and four of school, and became a civil servant The $3 hike, or 4.55 percent, Beacon Correspondent Meantime, the college, 16 on the Niceville campus. No Valparaiso spotted this five- Beacon Correspondent attention, and lis- five directors. year. Bayou State Park. Waste Management Inc., resident is still sought out by them are still living today. My at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto is within the 5 percent annual Tution and fees charged by which has been grappling with votes were taken or final deci- foot alligator in Turkey Creek, ten to them." MSBU board members The lion's share of the The North Bay Okaloosa County's garbage- friends, relatives, and by young father was a good, hard-working Rico. She married her husband, increase allowed by the MSBU's David Vardaman and Steve MSBU expense budget is ear- Northwest Florida State College declining enrollment, plans to sions made during the workshop Niceville, during a stroll along Beacon photo by Fire District and recycling-collection con- mothers seeking advice on child- man, who earned his living as a Vincent, when she was 24 and he charter. would be unchanged next year cut payroll by $680,000, give 2- session. Trustees are expected to the creek boardwalk around 8 Michael Griffith Boswell were the only members marked for its landscape con- responded. No tractor, will soon begin distrib- rearing and life in general. farmer and as a lumberjack.” was 27. The young couple moved A property unit is a single under a proposed budget, the percent pay hikes, and grant vote on the proposed budget a.m. Friday. Photo by Dave of the five-member board to tractor—$189,000, up $4,300 injuries were uting wheeled carts for curbside Born March 15, 1928, Angie Although Angie and her family to New York City where he found family dwelling, or 1,000 square reported. Photo by college's vice president of $1,000 bonuses to full-time during a meeting scheduled for Halupowski attend the May 9 meeting in per- from this year. recycling in unincorporated grew up in Yauco, a small town on would have been called poor by a job as a factory worker. Angie feet of commercial property. Steve Valentine administration, Randall White, employees. son. Member Judy Griffin Please see MSBU, page A-6 areas. Please see ANGIE, page A-2 The MSBU is an entity of Please see COLLEGE, page A-2 attended via speakerphone, thus The 96-gallon recycling carts, which except for yellow Niceville bound for state semifinal tops look like the familiar green Relay Plans to Getting dirty for a clean cause Okaloosa carts used for garbage, will replace the 18-gallon bins used for recycling pickups outside for Life city limits. dredge extends In a recent exchange of questions and answers with the raises Beacon, Okaloosa County Public Works Director Jason bayou Autrey clarified some details of over gas taxes the county’s new contract with Waste Management, its recent By Mike Griffith 29.6-percent rate increase, and $51,000 Beacon Correspondent discussed The Okaloosa County County Commission how the new agreement will extended the county’s local-option gasoline taxes, affect customers in unincorpo- The annual Niceville- By Mike Griffith totaling 10 cents a gallon, until 2044. The commis- rated parts of the county. Beacon Correspondent Valparaiso Relay for Life sion also approved an annual budget submitted by Question: There is a propos- event, held Friday and Planned improvements to waterways and city the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority. al showing a Waste Saturday at the Niceville parks were discussed during the May 9 meeting of Management bid totaling High School football stadi- the Niceville City Council. The bridge authority's 2017-18 budget had been approved by its five-member governing board on $16.05 a month, including um, raised over $51,000 for City Public Works Director Bruce Price told the $2.59 a month for weekly pick- activities funded by the May 11, and was presented to the county commis- council that the final plan for proposed improve- up from an 18-gallon recycling American Cancer Society. ments to the headwaters of Boggy Bayou should be sion May 16 by authority chairman James Nielsen. Preliminary figures showed Some of the gas tax money collected by the bin. Why was this bid not the top five fund-raising presented to it within 60 days. accepted in favor of the seem- Part of the plan, Price said, will be to use “spoil”– county is shared with the 9 municipalities within teams, out of 48, were the county, including Niceville and Valparaiso, ingly more-expensive $17.25- Okaloosa Gas ($10,601), sand and soil dredged from the headwaters–for bayou shoreline restoration. although the majority of the funds are kept by Please see RECYCLE, page A-3 Plew Elementary ($6,600), Okaloosa County itself, and used mostly for road- Chelco ($2,977), Niceville- Price said that the city is working to resolve prop- Valparaiso Kiwanis ($2,844) erty acquisition issues for restoration of Thomas Please see GAS, page A-6 and Justice League ($2,579). Branch, a stream that flows into the bayou. He said A cancer-survivors' lap that rather than seeking to purchase property along around the NHS track kicked Thomas Branch, it would be more economical for off the night-long event, the city to acquire drainage easements from current The Twin Cities Veterans Council held its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Amvets Post 78 in Valparaiso on Monday. A standing-room-only crowd of 300 which featured entertainers heard Valparaiso Mayor Heyward Strong, Niceville City Councilman Dan Henkel and keynote speaker Maj. Robert RomansJr. (U.S. Army retired) speak of such as the Twinkling property owners. America's debt to those fallen in its wars. Military and civilian organizations from around the area came to pay their respects to honor those thatgave all in Twirlers and Studio Fusion. He said he would present further details of the service to their country. It was the first time in 53 years that this ceremony was held without Mayor Bruce Arnold of Valparaiso, who died Feb. 23. The theme was superheroes (including Wonder Woman, Please see BAYOU, page A-3 Beacon photos by Paula Mims aka Wonda White). Pink was the color of the night. Luminarias commemorated those who have passed on. Lion’s scare Valp. eyes outlay needs By Mike Griffith cost of inflation and to make the coming year to pay for an Beacon photos by Paula Mims Film spotlights invasive fish Beacon Correspondent city competitive at hiring quality upgrade of computers and print- Valparaiso city department workers. ers. She also requested $4,500 By Mike Griffith heads last week Mayor Heyward for a server upgrade, $1,500 for Beacon Correspondent Lionfish facts, A-3. briefed the city com- Strong said the a sound mixer, $6,000 for wire- Northwest Florida State Sewer panel broadens The venomous lionfish, an mission on capital requests would be dis- less microphones, and said that Some 3,500 runners, 3,000 spectators and 300 volunteers converged on the campus of Northwest Florida State College, Niceville, on Saturday for The Okaloosa County Commission extended College hosted the May 19 the annual Emerald Coast Mud Run for orphans.The mud-filled events ranged from a mile fun run for kids to a 10K "elite warrior" run involving until 2044 motor-fuels taxes that currently total Eastern Hemisphere native, improvement needs cussed further in meet- an as-yet undetermined amount world premiere of “Reef the premiere of the film, pro- has invaded Florida waters. tests to 12 streams 22 obstacles. Proceeds benefit activities of Heart of the Bride Ministries, a Niceville-based organization dedicated to the needs of orphans through- $8.4 million a year. Beacon photo by Mike Griffith they hope to see fund- ings later this month. of money will be needed for pay Assassin,” a documentary film duced by Mary Beth Abrams of Praying out the world. Heart of the Bride said the event raised $70,000. Beacon photos by Paula Mims duced by her company. ed in the fiscal year During the commis- raises for employees in her By Mike Griffith water samples from four locations about the invasion of Florida Skyline Films, an independent Several local people appear 2017-18 budget. sion meeting May 22, department. Beacon Correspondent in creeks that feed water to the waters by lionfish, a venomous movie company. Abrams told The Niceville-Valparaiso in the film, including U.S. Rep. They also dis- during which no deci- Library Director David bayou, and that thus far “the for the species native to the Eastern the Beacon that her concerns Regional Sewer Board will moni- Beacon photo Matt Gaetz (R; FL; Dist. 1), and cussed with commis- sions were made, City Weatherford said he would like results are great.” Fire district eyes Hemisphere, and about efforts about lionfish prompted her to tor each of the 12 creeks that feed He said that water quality The Niceville High School softball team will play South Fork High School, Stuart, in Vero Beach Friday for the Region 1 7A championship. The City of Niceville is readying plans to get into the filmmaking busi- his father, former Florida Senate sioners what they see Clerk Tammy Johnson to hire a new full-time outreach improve Boggy Bayou, including placing to cope with the resulting eco- as a need for pay rais- water into Rocky Bayou in order measurements taken recently have nation The winner will play May 20 for the state title. Pictured, the Lady Eagles celebrate after beating Tate May 9 in a come-from-behind 4-3 nail- ness, and that Reef Assassin is President Don Gaetz (R; Mayor Heyward told commissioners and education coordinator at a along its shores some sand and soil dredged logical problems. to gather data about how much, if biter at home. On Friday, Niceville defeated Columbia High in Lake City 7-3 for the regional crown. More photos, B-4. Beacon photo by Paula Mims Niceville), both of whom have es to help city employ- Strong that her department will shown favorable levels of nitro- from its headwaters. boost in taxables About 200 people attended the first major documentary pro- any, pollution is getting into the gen, chlorophyll, and visibility in Please see LIONFISH, page A-3 ees keep up with the need $4,000 during the Please see VALP., page A-2 bayou from the regional sewage- local waters, indicating that previ- Niceville and Valparaiso area By Mike Griffith Meantime, finances, both cur- treatment plant. ous data gathered by the Florida Beacon Correspondent rent and future, were discussed church leaders presided over Bridge set Taxable property values are The plant in Niceville dis- Department of Environmental last week by the East Niceville this years local observance of Valp. officials back expected to rise by about 6 per- Fun in the sun charges treated effluent to a spray- Protection (FDEP) were probably the National Day of Prayer, Fire Commission. for summer cent, to about $332.8 million, next Taking advantage of mostly-sunny weather, field just north of Niceville. The inaccurate. held in front of Niceville City "We are in good position and year in the East Niceville Fire Twin Cities area residents took advantage of effluent eventually finds its way After some discussion, board Hall Thursday. Music was pro- on track to make budget," said traffic surge District, according to preliminary Commission Treasurer C.J. the three-day Memorial Day weekend for a into groundwater, including some members agreed to have vided by a choir and band from county sales tax hike figures from the host of outdoor activities. Strollers enjoyed streams that feed Rocky Bayou. Sweetgum expand its monitoring McEntire during a meet- Rocky Bayou Christian By Mike Griffith Okaloosa County the mile-long Turkey Creek Park boardwalk in At a sewer board meeting May of local water quality, to include Beacon Correspondent By Mike Griffith the May 8 meeting would deter- Valparaiso’s share of county gas ing May 8. "We are cur- School. Property Appraiser. Niceville. On Saturday, golfers showed up 4, Glenn Stephens, a consultant to all of the 12 local creeks that feed Members of the Mid-Bay Beacon Correspondent mine the formula for sharing rev- tax revenue would be 2.6787 per- rently 50 percent through The fire district early for a tournament in Bluewater Bay. The the sewer board, said that contrac- water into the Rocky Bayou, to Bridge Authority (MBBA) dis- Valparaiso city commissioners enue from county motor-fuels cent. The city of Niceville would the fiscal year and have fifth annual Wounded Warrior Project softball Beacon photo by Michael Griffith received the estimate tors from Sweetgum ensure that no pollution is reach- cussed the start of the impending supported a proposed half-per- taxes, if also approved by the receive a share of 4.3618 percent, received 93 percent of our tournament was held in Niceville throughout Environmental have been taking summer tourist season, and its cent county sales tax for the next other city and county govern- and other cities throughout the from the appraiser last revenue," he said. "We the weekend. Fishing and boating were popu- Please see SEWER, page A-2 likely effect on traffic over the toll five years, and also supported an ments. county would receive shares week, in time to start are currently at 47 percent lar activities near the T-pier in Valparaiso. bridge and the Spence Parkway, interlocal agreement between According to the proposed ranging from a high of 9.7956 planning the district's of expenditures, 50 per- Looking ahead Playing on swings, picnicking, and enjoying budged for the fiscal year that will the Boggy Bayou Beach were popular at during their monthly meeting held Valparaiso and the other eight interlocal agreement, Please see VALP. page A-3 cent through the year.” Fall football was in the air a few months early for the large crowd on hand in Eagles Stadium Friday for the spring football Budget ‘devastating,’ in Niceville on May 11. cities in Okaloosa County regard- begin Oct. 1. Final taxable values Regarding plans for the fiscal jamboree. Niceville's varsity, pictured, played the first half, beating Choctaw 21-3. Separately, the Niceville softball team Lincoln Park, Valparaiso. Motorists bound Honoring was 7A state runner-up. Sports, page A-5. Beacon Photo by Paula Mims for Destin beaches, however, suffered They also approved an operating how to share revenue from are expected by July 1. Please see FIRE, page A-6 county gasoline taxes. through lengthy traffic jams north of the Mid- ing budget for fiscal year 2017-18, Bay Bridge tollbooths, especially on the fallen schools chief asserts Commissioners passed resolu- which will be sent to the Okaloosa Saturday afternoon. Beacon photos by Mike Griffith tions in support of both proposals Military members, families and sup- By Mike Griffith dents.” County Commission for review. Niceville girl wins porters gathered at the Navy Beacon Correspondent “This is going to be devastat- Bridge traffic typically surges during their monthly meeting on Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Okaloosa County School ing,” Jackson said. “This is wrong. in May as the summer tourist sea- May 8. Commissioners also School on Range Road on Saturday Board members heard Schools son begins, especially after scheduled a budget workshop for High school world science honors for an annual ceremony honoring We don’t have a revenue prob- Superintendent Mary Beth lem–we have an allocation prob- Memorial Day, then continues to 6 p.m., May 22, to discuss the junior Camille Special to the Beacon 1,800 high school students from EOD personnel who have died in the Camille Miles, a junior at Jackson warn of "devastating" lem. I will fight this to the end.” climb to a peak in July, before city’s fiscal year 2018 budget per- Miles, 78 countries, regions and territo- line of duty. Featured speaker was Niceville High School, won first reductions in per-student state The legislature's annual two- starting to decline through August taining to proposed capital Niceville, with ries earned the right to compete in Adm. John Richardson, Chief of The period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is the busiest for the improvements. place in the “Energy: Physical” it this year by excelling in state, Naval Operations. Six names were schools spending last week. month regular session ended and September as the summer Mid-Bay Bridge, a gateway to Northwest Florida beaches. Here, a her interna- The proposed hike in the category and the “Best in regional or national science fairs. added the EOD Memorial this year: During a meeting May 4, Monday. It sent a $82.2 billion tourist season draws to a close. At traffic backup north of the toll plaza in 2015. Beacon photo tionally rec- Category” awards at the Intel Army Master Sgt. Biddle Izard Jr., Jackson told board members that a budget to Gov. Rick Scott that the May 11 meeting, board mem- county sales tax, if approved by ognized sci- Camille was also one of five International Science and Army Tech. Sgt. James Eberle, Navy budget bill recently passed by the included $13.3 billion for K-12 bers discussed how best to handle Okaloosa County’s most popular Fuller was asked about the possi- county voters, would boost the ence project, winners of the “Intel Foundation Engineering Fair May 19 in Los Gunners Mate Robert Burr, Navy Florida Legislature will have the public schools, up 2.6 percent the traffic during the summer sea- beachfront vacation community, bility of extending the Sunpass tax from 6 percent to 6.5 percent a new way to Cultural and Scientific Visit to Angeles. Ensign Charles Grice Sr., Navy Chief effect of cutting $27.20 per stu- from last year. Local school dis- son. climbs from its winter population Lanes at the bridge toll plaza to and be used to fund capital track the sun China Award,” an expense-paid EOD Technician Jason Finan, and Among other honors, she will dent from state funding to county tricts are funded by local property “We are at the precipice of of about 12,000 people to between allow users of Sunpass automatic improvement projects throughout while provid- 11-day trip to the Chinese cities of Navy Sr. Chief EOD Technician Scott have an asteroid named after her. districts. What this means, said taxes and state funds, chiefly the another tourist season,” said board 68,000 and 85,000 people, with toll-paying transponders quicker Okaloosa County, including ing energy for Beijing, Chengdu and Hong Dayton. Pictured, attendees gather to Jackson, is that, “The state budget large numbers of people coming access to the bridge without hav- Valparaiso. hot water. Intel ISEF is the largest inter- Kong, during which they will see the names on the memorial. sales tax. member Gordon Fornell. He said The Valparaiso City Commission endorsed a proposal to enact a fails to serve the needs of stu- that during summer tourist season, or going each weekend. ing to wait in line behind cash The interlocal gas-tax agree- national pre-college science com- attend the China Adolescent Beacon photo by Michael Griffith countywide local-option sales tax, the revenue from which would be Please see SCHOOL, page A-2 MBBA Executive Director Van ment, which was also approved at petition in the world. Nearly the population of Destin, Please see BRIDGE page A-3 shared by the county and its nine cities. Beacon photo by Mike Griffith Please see SCIENCE, page A-6 The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992

, %% pag The , page A-4 The , page A-6 The & The The The The The e A-7 BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn % BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn 8 Pages, 1 Section, 5 Inserts Wednesday, June 7, 2017 50¢ 8 Pages, 1 Section, 6 Inserts Wednesday, June 14, 2017 50¢ 9&+5(9 9!5,17.-99 -(531(9 5-5(+:9)-59 9 8 Pages, 1 Sections, 5 Inserts Wednesday, June 28, 2017 50¢ Bridge authority Solar site County Twin Cities prepare warns of tieups mulls for a bang-up Fourth Beacon Staff Writer nities of Destin and southern The Mid-Bay Bridge Walton County, linking them runoff soils OK for Beacon Staff duathlon, kicking off at 7 a.m. annual 3.2K stand-up paddleboard Authority warned motorists to with Niceville and points north. The Twin Cities will cap a day- The duathlon consists of a 5K run race beginning at 10 a.m. expect heavy congestion and The city of Destin is the No. Beach-bound traffic backs up draft a plan for permanent meas- contamination stemmed from "a long celebration of America's from the park to Lewis School and Registration forms must be com- considerable delays on and 2 drive-to destination in the at the Mid-Bay Bridge toll pot sales The operator of a sun-powered ures to ensure the problem doesn't significant erosion event" at the birthday on Tuesday with a spec- back, followed by a 200-meter pleted for each event, and there is around the Mid-Bay Bridge on state, according to the Destin plaza on Memorial Day week- area bayous electricity plant in Valparaiso was happen again. privately run solar plant, which tacular Independence Day fire- swim in Boggy Bayou, also begin- $25 registration fee for all events, Saturdays during the peak Chamber of Commerce. The end. The Mid-Bay Bridge ordered to take immediate steps to Rain runoff from the Gulf began operating last month on works display over Boggy Bayou. ning and ending at the park. except the fun run (no charge). tourism season, which lasts city's population grows seven- Authority expects more of the Beacon Staff leave the bayou within several Beacon Staff prevent heavy erosion of the kind Power-sponsored installation dur- Eglin land just west of West The fireworks show, which will People interested in something a Participants can sign up in from Memorial Day through fold, by up to 85,000, during its same this summer, especially State environmental authorities days, according to Eglin. The Okaloosa County that sent large amounts of dirt into ing the night of June 6-7 stained College Boulevard and north of begin at about 8:45 p.m., will be bit more slow-paced can join a 5K advance through the city website Beacon Labor Day. peak summer season, with the on Saturday afternoons. sent inspectors to a new solar- The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Commission is scheduled to area waterways last week. with soil a nearby stream as well Highway 85, Valparaiso. %&%# %$"#&%#&!"# preceded by a full schedule of fun run that will begin at 8 a.m. (valp.org/community/events.html) The 3.5-mile toll span across vast majority of visitors arriving photo by Mike Griffith power plant near Valparaiso last Airport, which is two to three hear comments by the mem- The Florida Department of as Toms Bayou and Boggy The 30-million-watt plant's 93+7-(1.3 9%+(19 5569,+)(59+93+7-+59.-91.92+7%9+19+9-5 9(.%+35%5,137,71:9%+-19.53+159':9+94)%2 events for all ages taking place in Those seeking a different chal- , at city hall, or in person at the Choctawhatchee Bay is a gate- week after rainwater runoff from miles south and southwest of the bers of the public June 20 on Environmental Protection (DEP) Bayou. operator initially said the incident &. 539,.-13+,1.39.-9739.3,59%+-97-9/+%+3+7(.99059(1.3 +1539 +(059%+359+ .)-1(9.29(7%197-1. Lincoln Park, Valparaiso, starting lenge on the nation's 241st birth- Beacon file photo way to the beach-resort commu- Please see TRAFFIC, page A-2 the site dumped large amounts of the commission's proposal to also directed the plant's operator to Eglin Air Force Base said the . (935569. (9;+:.)9+-9;.:9;+:.)995359105905+9.29+9)%%:9 07,0910593)-.229.)5923. with the city's 39th annual Please see FIREWORKS, page A-2 solar site, recorded a total of 3.3 &%5+(59(559$#"! " 9+59 day might be interested in the third The Twin Cities' annual Independence Day fireworks show will take place over Boggy Bayou. dirt into Toms Bayou. inches of rain late June 6 and early allow marijuana stores in unin- 1059357.)(%:92.35(159%+- The orange-brown runoff June 7. corporated areas of the county. stained the entirety of Toms The Niceville-Valparaiso The proposed ordinance, Solar School's Bayou, Valparaiso, early regional sewage-treatment plant, endorsed by the county plan- Good day sunshine Wednesday, June 7. The dirty about a mile northeast of the ning board and given prelimi- plume extended into southern power plant, recorded 4.18 inches nary approval June 6 by the plant out! Boggy Bayou. for the 24-hour period ended 6 five-member county commis- Eglin Air Force Base said the a.m., June 7. sion, would allow such stores mud stemmed from "a significant After Eglin Air Force Base in the wake of Florida voters' gets more erosion event" at the privately run authorized the Gulf Power-spon- passage of a state constitutional On May 25, Edge Elementary solar plant, which began operating sored solar plant in 2015, some amendment last year decrimi- fifth graders celebrated the last month on Eglin land just west 240 acres of trees and brush were nalizing sale, possession and end of their elementary- erosion of West College Boulevard and clear cut to make way for it. use of marijuana in the name of school years with "water north of Highway 85, Valparaiso. About 185 acres are covered by medicine. day." They enjoyed games ;:9/53.-7,+9*)5(5-'533: The 30-million-watt plant's 371,000 sky-facing photovoltaic Statewide, the measure controls and water slides lubricated Beacon photos operator said the incident did not panels, popularly called solar pan- known as Amendment 2 by a stream from the Niceville The normally blue-brown waters of Toms Bayou, Valparaiso, were painted orange-brown last Firefighters start their careers Beacon Staff affect its electricity output. els. received over 71 percent sup- Fire Department's new ladder week by silt swept by heavy rains from the site of a giant solar-power plant nearby. The boundary to extinguish fires, but if the Workers began installing An Eglin spokesman said The Florida Department of port, well above the required North Bay Fire District is any temporary barriers to reduce or truck. Beacon photos by Mike Griffith separating the soiled water from the normal waters of Boggy Bayou is shown in the inset at left. heavy rains caused "an undeter- Environmental Protection said it Inset right, part of the 185-acre power plant under construction earlier this year. 60 percent required for pas- indication, they stick with it prevent rainstorms from wash- mined amount of sediment" to sent inspectors to the plant June 8, sage. In Okaloosa County, too, because of their family. ing more dirt into area water- wash into Toms Creek, which the day after the erosion. plans, and permits for new devel- water resources or water quality." affected approximately 500 of the over 71 percent of voters North Bay personnel gath- ways from a Valparaiso solar- feeds Toms Bayou. Toms Bayou "Department staff are working opment would address potential Gulf Power did not respond to 371,000 panels in the solar instal- endorsed it. ered in Bluewater Bay on June power plant. flows into Boggy Bayou, which with the permittee and the contrac- issues involving water quality a request for comment. lation, as well as some land near Amendment 2 allows mari- 13 to honor Lt. Devin Rogers The measures are designed empties into Choctawhatchee Bay. tor to ensure this issue is degradation and help to protect Coronal Energy, the Gulf Tom’s Creek. Nothing is more juana to be sold to people, of and Firefighter Michael to prevent a recurrence of an "According to Eglin's 96th addressed," according to a DEP water resources on Eglin AFB. Power contractor that built and important to Coronal Energy than any age, with certain "debilitat- Grazioso IV with a pinning cer- incident June 7, when heavy Weather Squadron, the location statement. Eglin AFB does not expect that the operates the tax-subsidized plant, the safety of our team and the ing medical conditions" who emony. rains, coupled with the failure experienced up to 8 inches of rain- A 2015 Eglin environmental nature of this project would place issued the following statement: communities in which we operate. obtain a doctor's note authoriz- A dedication for the district's of a stormwater retention pond, fall Tuesday night," according to study preceding construction stat- additional, cumulative demands "Heavy rain from the 100-year Our engineering, procurement and ing the drug's consumption. new fire truck, Rescue 8, was caused large amounts of silt to the Eglin statement. "This would ed the following: "Increases in on water quality or quantity. Eglin weather event on June 6 caused construction firm Swinerton Sales are also permitted to also held. wash into Toms Bayou, tem- represent a one in 100-year event," stormwater runoff have the poten- AFB has not identified, in avail- land erosion at the edge of Builders has contacted the Florida qualifying "caregivers" of such Both Rogers and Grazioso porarily staining it orange. the statement added. tial to decrease water quality. able analyses of foreseeable future Coronal Energy’s solar installation Department of Environmental people. said they became firefighters The Florida Department of The sediment was expected to However, site design plans, safety actions, any adverse impacts on at Eglin Air Force Base. This Please see BAYOU, page A-2 Please see MARIJUANA, page A-2 because of a family member. Environmental Protection When Rogers was 13 his moth- ordered the site's operator, er died in a car crash. While the Coronal Energy, which operates rest of his family was in the the new, 240-acre solar plant Gas utility boosts rates medical field, he became more under contract with Gulf Power, interested in medicine in emer- to take immediate measures to By Mike Griffith through the cost directly to the about 4 percent more on his total gency situations. prevent further runoff into Toms Beacon Correspondent customer without mark-up,” he bill, which will rise about $1.20 a Grazioso said his aunt was a Creek, which feeds the bayou. The Okaloosa Gas District has said. month to about $30.90, Springle paramedic firefighter for the The creek is home to the raised the price it charges cus- The cost-of-gas charge is only said. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Please see SOLAR, page A-6 tomers for natural gas. part of a customer's bill. Springle Springle further explained, Department, and after attending The increase, which the board stated, “An Okaloosa Gas bill is “Natural Gas is domestically pro- programs there he knew that he of the Valparaiso-based utility divided into four components (not duced in the United States and is wanted to have a career in the approved May 24, took effect June including city, county, and state now being liquefied and exported firefighting. 1, adding about 4 percent to the taxes): the customer charge, cost- for trade. In addition, the electric Family prompted both men’s typical customer's bill. of-gas, compliance charge and utilities are now producing a large journeys to becoming firefight- “For every 10 therms of natural distribution charge. The only por- amount of electricity using the ers, but North Bay Fire Chief gas used per month, the customer tion of the bill that will see an natural gas commodity. These are Niceville City Council eyes 2 incumbents unopposed will see an increase of $0.60 on &!#%'##%%&#"!%&&& increase is the cost-of-gas portion two of the major contributors driv- 477-91059 .3109;+:973597(137,1(9-5 935(,)5913),69#5(,)59 9+9,535 .-7+%9)(097-1.9105927350.)(59.-907159&.7-19#.+9%+(19 5569 535910597(137,1(92735 &%5+(59(559#9+59 Beacon Staff according to reasons. their bill,” said Eddie Springle, of the rate." It will increase from ing the market price of natural 270153(97-,%)7-91 .9 0.9 5359(7-%59.)197-9+97--7-9,535 .-: Niceville City City Clerk "First, I have been Okaloosa Gas vice president. $0.285 to $0.345 per therm. gas.” new flood maps, hotel plans Council members Sal Dan Doucet. blessed to live in and The cost-of-gas portion of the The cost-of-gas increase A residential customer who Nodjomian and "Since no contribute to this city's bill reflects the actual amount means that overall, the typical res- would like to review what the Beacon Staff Writer Management Agency, according Holiday Inn Express. & Suites. Daniel Henkel have one came in legacy as a great place Okaloosa Gas pays for the fuel," idential customer burning an aver- Fla. Dept. of Environmental Protection The Niceville City Council on to city officials. Other land-use measures to be been named without to qualify to to live and raise a fam- Springle said. "The utility passes Please see GAS, page A-3 age of 20 therms a month will pay Contractors began taking Tuesday, June 13, is scheduled to Separately, a four-story, 93- considered by the city council opposition to new run against ily," Henkel said. ;:98765943722710 He said the county’s stormwa- said the county currently needs more erosion-control meas- consider adoption of new citywide room hotel is proposed for the for- June 13 are the rezoning of a lot four-year terms. them in this "Secondly, I've been ter control program is separate about $70 million worth of ures on and near a solar- federal flood-hazard maps and a mer Tisa's tract in western on Cypress Drive, easing a set- During the five- election, there asked by many citi- Lawmaker Okaloosa County officials have from the county’s drinking water stormwater control projects, few power plant in Valparaiso, proposal for a new hotel. Niceville by HBC Investment back requirement and parking day filing period last will be no zens of Niceville to including installation of plas- Daniel Henkel Sal Nodjomian been exploring a proposal for a supply or its sewage treatment of which are likely to be funded in After a rainy week, local residents enjoyed outdoor pursuits Saturday. A prime spot was Turkey Creek Park, Niceville, where people walked, looked for wildlife Passage of the flood-map Holdings LLC, an entity con- requirements for a commercial week Nodjomian, who election on July serve another term. and enjoyed the water—although swimming platforms remained flooded in the aftermath of rain from Tropical Storm Cindy's appearance earlier in the week. tic silt fences such as one in discusses new tax to fund drainage improve- program. It is governed by state the foreseeable future. measure would change the classi- trolled by builders Chandler and site at Highway 85 North, relaxing is completing his second term, 18," Doucet said. Finally, we have some projects Particularly happy at Turkey Creek was turtle-watcher Jack Hodgkins, 3, lower right. Down the road, runners took advantage of the new, rubberized track at this gully gouged June 7 by ments in unicorporated areas. and federal regulations that “We have lots of needs, but not fication of some properties and Brandon Huff, Niceville, accord- a setback requirement for an office was the sole candidate to qualify The two men will take the underway that I would like to see Niceville High School. Beacon photos by Paula Mims stormwater gushing from the Lazy Two county commissioners encourage “best management enough money,” said Autrey, as possibly the price they pay for ing to city and state records. Plans on John Sims Parkway, and perfor the ballot for the Group 2 oath of office by July 18. to completion." legislative site. have expressed differing views on practices” (BMPs). Autrey said the county must maintain “thou- subsidized flood insurance admin- for the project indicate that the mission to build a shed closer to seat, and three-term incumbent Henkel said he wanted to Nodjomian did not respond to ;:98765943722710 the advisability of adopting such a the county currently has three sands upon thousands” of culverts, istered by the Federal Emergency hotel would be branded as a the owner's house than allowed by Henkel was the only one to qual- serve another term on the five- requests for comment. session The City of Niceville has tax, which might be imposed by a stormwater control construction pipes, holding ponds, and swales. ify to run for the Group 4 seat, member city council for three days Please see PLANNING, page A-3 By Mike Griffith agreed to purchase 1.1 acres of special district with the power to projects underway, none of which Complicating the county’s Beacon Correspondent vacant land from a church in order levy on properties outside city are in the Niceville-Valparaiso stormwater control efforts, Autrey Niceville Florida State Rep. Mel to improve drainage in the north- boundaries. area, but that the rest of its said, is the fact that, “Stormwater Rest home Eglin Ponder (Dist. 4) discussed what west part of the city. During a commission meeting stormwater control budget is knows no boundaries,” and flows tax rolls has gone right—and wrong—in Chad D. Morris, Niceville’s held in Shalimar on May 30, com- devoted to day-to-day mainte- across jurisdictional lines between Marching the Florida State Legislature As warm, muggy weather director of purchasing and infor- missioners were given a slide nance of existing culverts, holding the county, cities, and private honors sets road this year. last weekend heralded the mation systems, recommended briefing by Okaloosa County ponds, and other stormwater con- property. top $1B for equality The Destin Republican unofficial beginning of that the city spend $150,000 to Public Works Director Jason trol facilities. Autrey suggested that the spoke June summer, Twin Cities resi- buy two parcels along Niceville Autrey, who discussed current Autrey said it costs the county county establish a stormwater util- Beacon Staff veterans dents cooled off in area closures 5 to a meet- Avenue between Highway 85 construction projects and mainte- about $1.2 million yearly “just to ity like those that already exist in For the second year in a row, waterways or worked up a nance activities related to the cities of Niceville and Over 220 people took part The Brookdale assisted-living ing of the sweat in outdoor pursuits North and Early Street. One parcel keep our heads above water.” He &%5+(59(559""9+59 The 96th Test Wing at Eglin Valparaiso have outpaced in a LGBTQA (Lesbian Gay facility in Bluewater Bay last Silver on land. With Lincoln Park, is 1.01 acres, and the other, adja- stormwater control. Bisexual Transgender week held a celebration to Air Force Base said it would con- Sands Valparaiso, in background, cent to it, is 0.1 acres. Both parcels Autrey told the commissioners Okaloosa County in the growth Queer and Asexual) March honor the 12 U.S. military vet- duct munitions test- Republican boaters plied Boggy are across Niceville Avenue from that more money will be needed in of property-tax rolls. for Equality in Niceville on ing on the Eglin "%# % "!&$"& According to preliminary fig- erans and an equal number of Women in Bayou. Near left, Emily the Generations United Church, .9 13+,1(9 .-9 7,57%%59 5-)59 %+--59 2.39 )3,0+(59 ':9 105 the future to keep up with mainte- Saturday. The group military widows among the range complex Bluewater Fedonczak was one of which owns them. 71:9.29 7,57%%5923. 945-53+17.-(9-71590)3,092.39 nance of existing culverts, holding ures issued last week by the to achieve the third-highest val- figures, which will become final walked on the sidewalk facilitys residents. Friends requiring the tempo- Bay. those playing beach vol- Morris and City Manager +359(0. -905359 +36597-9:5%%. ponds, and other stormwater con- Okaloosa County Property uation among the county's 10 after minor adjustments later along John Sims Parkway and family members gathered rary closure of state Ponder leyball in Valparaiso. Lannie Corbin told the city coun- trol infrastructure, and to construct Appraiser, the City of Niceville from Niceville High School at Brookdale to share a meal, Bottom center, the is wetland. land parcels appraised, at a value cities, after Destin and Fort this year. Valparaiso's percent- to the Niceville Chamber of roads 85, 123 and 285 north of is a busi- Rep. Mel Ponder cil that buying the two parcels will more such infrastructure to meet posted a 5.8 percent jump in the Walton Beach. age increase ranked eighth swap stories, listen to a band, Niceville on Thursday. Saturday Farmer's Market Once the proposed parcels are of $265,000. The Generations the county’s growing need for total taxable value of property Commerce and back. and present gifts to the hon- nessman and former mayor of at Palm Plaza, Niceville. improve the ability of the city to Meantime, the countywide among taxing jurisdictions in The roads will be closed no purchased, the city will be able to United Church, however, is will- within city limits, to $1.037 bil- Marchers said their goal orees. Inset: Paul Haplea, 94, Destin, who was elected last Far left, Michael Gioe dis- control storm water runoff into stormwater control to prevent increase in tax rolls, 4.6 percent, Okaloosa County. was to bring awareness to more than 90 minutes at a time year to the seat previously occu- divert the flow of drainage water ing to sell both parcels to the city flooding during and after storms, lion, topping the $1 billion mark was the oldest of the veterans plays a blue crab he Boggy Bayou near Turkey Creek. in a way that will help to protect for $150,000, which Corbin said to $16.405 billion, was the Valparaiso tax rolls, however, inequalities that LGBTQA between 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 pied by fellow Republican Matt caught in the bayou off and to prevent pollution of local for the first time. honored. Known as “Hap” to The parcels are next to a large the ecology of the wetland, and to would be a bargain, and would largest in dollar terms since the remain far below their peak in people and others face. his friends, he was a Navy p.m., according to a wing spokes- Gaetz, who is now serving in Lions Park, Niceville. waterways by stormwater runoff. Niceville's increase was more The event was organized area of open land already owned expand the Turkey Creek recre- enable the city to expand and housing market crashed in 2008, 2007. Values in Niceville, by Seabee during World War II, woman. the U.S. House of Beacon photos by Paula Mims “Stormwater doesn’t get much than a percentage point higher by Jonathan Carr, pic- by the city between Niceville ation area to include some addi- improve the Turkey Creek recre- although the county tax rolls contrast, surpassed 2007 levels and is a survivor of the battle A backup mission is scheduled Representatives. attention unless it rains,” Autrey than the 4.6 percent hike posted tured. Beacon photo by Paula Avenue and Evans Street, and tional parkland, and possibly an ation area as well as gain better remain well below their $18.8 two years ago. of Iwo Jima, the bloody, five- for Friday between 9 a.m. and 11 Ponder told his audience that adjacent to the Turkey Creek told the commission. But when countywide, and it was the Mims week campaign in which U.S. amphitheater or other improve- control of storm water. After a billion peak nine years ago. The tax rolls list issued annu- a.m. in the event testing is can- his Christian faith helps to recreation area. A drainage pipe the county is hit with heavy rains, biggest percentage increase Tax rolls in Valparaiso posted ally by the county appraiser is forces captured the Pacific celed the previous day. ments. brief discussion, the city council he added, there is usually public &!#% "&%'## among the 19 property-tax juris- Island from the Japanese guide and strengthen him in and ditch now lead from Niceville an increase of 4.7 percent this based on taxable values of real Updates can be found at Corbin told the city council voted in favor of the purchase ear- 059"6+%..(+9.)-1:9. 7((7.-90+(9'55-97(,)((7-9 +:( dictions in Okaloosa County. Army. Avenue into the area already outcry about the need for more 1.9 3+7(59 .-5:9 1.9 7 3.59 3+7-+59 7-9 )-7-,.3.3+159 +35+( year, to $217 million, according Please see PONDER, page A-3 that he recently had the pair of lier this month. Niceville leapfrogged Crestview Please see TAX, page A-6 Beacon photos by Mike Griffith www.eglin.af.mil. owned by the city, some of which flood control. 53592%..7-97-9;%)5 +1539;+:97-98+3,09 to the appraiser's preliminary

The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 ('&%$#"!&%# % "!&$"&%&&%%%"#%"!&% The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992

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The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 Page A-4 T HE B AY B EACON Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Please see HURRICANE, page A-2 Beacon photo by Mike Griffith Beacon photos by Mike Griffith Okaloosa County will block Lakeshore Drive at The academic year began last week for over 30,000 schoolchildren in Okaloosa County. At Edge Elementary School, Niceville, first-day students White Point Road the next three Saturday after- displayed varying emotions. Some laughed, a few seemed apprehensive, and most appeared eager to see new classrooms and teachers, renew noons to discourage tourist traffic jams on neighborhood streets. Here, a line of cars turn- Beacon photo by Veronica Quesenberry friendships, and find out what the new year has to offer. Top left to right: The Eagles defense looked strong Friday as the Varsity team played the second half of the Kickoff Classic against Pace. Niceville's Lots of weekend sports activities have been going on around town, from gearing up for fall athletic contests to a day on the Eglin golf course. “I can feel my blood pressure right now rise,” ing left onto Lakeshore toward the Mid-Bay Teachers and students are preparing for the first day of school, which for most will begin Thursday. Center: Niceville High School senior class president defense held the Patriots to just 111 total yards. Niceville's #8 Nathan Lloyd helps to tackle Pace's Kason Lincke. Kicker Connor Allen connects on one Top row, from left: Chip Kooser hits a long drive down the fairway. Niceville High School held open gym sessions in preparation for volleyball Meadow Woods resident Francis Xavier Park Bridge earlier this summer. Maddie Quick puts the finishing touches on her painted parking spot. She won the approval of Principal Charlie Marello to allow seniors to personalize of his two extra points. Allen also kicked a 30-yard field goal. Jacob Edelman cuts up the field for the Eagles after a nine-yard reception from quarterback Beacon photo by Veronica Quesenberry tryouts. Returning players from the Niceville Girls Lacrosse Club hosted a free clinic at Twin Oaks. Right, middle photo: Mason Brewer takes aim told officials on Thursday during a town hall their assigned parking places with paint. Bottom left: Miranda Head, Rachel Ross and Maddie Quick. Bottom right: Senior Abbey Ammons and her moth- Will Koch. Niceville had 220 yards of total offense on the night. Center left: A young fan cheers on her Eagles. Center right: Niceville's cheerleaders kept New hand-held devices allow Niceville City from the seventh tee. Players new to the Okaloosa Men's Baseball League practiced for the season. Bottom row, third photo from right: Freshman meeting concerning weekend traffic jams on er, Donna, work on an ocean-themed parking spot. Top left: At Edge Elementary School, fifth grade teacher Sherri Ferrara prepares a classroom for read- the student section energized. Bottom left to right: Sophomore quarterback Will Koch goes back to throw one of his 11 pass completions on the night. Council members to cast meeting votes Briella Kohler sets the ball during a five-on-five drill. White Point Road caused by tourists taking Koch threw for 149 yards and rushed for 13 yards. The always popular silly string. Brooks Alexander caught a 20-yard pass and rushed for 23 yards dur- shortcuts to the Mid-Bay Bridge. ing, language arts and social studies lessons. Center left: NHS students obtain locker assignments. Center right: Chemistry teacher Scarlet Brock checks Niceville FD stocks electronically. Beacon photos by Paula Mims lab equipment. Meantime, at Rocky Bayou Christian School, teachers attended classes of their own, to learn about new computer software which will ring the night for the Eagles. Beacon photos by Paula Mims help them to track each students progress, and to share information with parents. Beacon photos by Paula Mims and Mike Griffith Ready Niceville Fire district sets stable millage opioid antidote College By Mike Griffith arrive. Favorable audit By Veronica Quesenberry costs, tax collector fees, property cal year. Most items in the budget Solar firm Turning brown thumbs green Beacon Correspondent Library and Parks Director to tackle presses proposes Beacon Correspondent appraiser fees, and other services either increased or stayed the The Niceville City Council Sheila Bishop told the council The East Niceville Fire and supplies. same in cost. However, compen- denies any Master Gardeners heard several reports from city that recent renovations to the for sewer board District has given preliminary Total FY revenues will sated annual leave costs, compen- officials during a meeting Aug. 8. Niceville Children’s Park have fall season frugality, Sungazers no change advise homeowners By Mike Griffith increase from $920,369 during sated sick leave costs, freight and responsibility Niceville Fire Chief Tommy been completed, and that the $8,779,780. approval to holding next year’s Beacon Correspondent “Total assets decreased by tax rate the same as this year’s, at the 2016-17 fiscal year to postage services costs, and debt By Veronica Quesenberry Mayville said the fire department spray park within the children’s Niceville High School football retention Beacon Correspondent The Niceville-Valparaiso approximately $347,000,” the in tax rate 3.0176. $967,909 during the 2017-18 fis- for spills is obtaining training and equip- park will be open on Tuesdays players have been getting in By Mike Griffith Please see DISTRICT, page A-6 Regional Sewer Board has audit report stated. “The decrease During a meeting July 10 the The Okaloosa County Master ment to enable firefighters to use through Sundays throughout the shape for their first game of the Beacon Correspondent Beacon Staff Beacon Staff season, which will be played at received a favorable report on its in total assets and net position is a district’s governing board also Gardeners Program has opened a the drug Narcan as a last-resort rest of August. Textbook costs, perform- The Niceville City Council last The company that built and home on Friday against Pace. annual independent financial result of decreased cash balances approved a budget of $1,177,749 weekly program in Niceville. antidote for opioid overdoses, in Bishop also said that new air- ance-based funding, and out- Skywatchers gathered at week gave preliminary approval to operates a new power-genera- The annual Kickoff Classic is audit. which was caused by increased for the 2017-18 fiscal year. Sponsored by the University the event that firefighters are conditioning has been installed in sourcing of custodial work were Northwest Florida State a municipal millage rate of 3.7 for tion plant in Valparaiso said it of Florida’s Institute of Food and scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Six According to Nate Wolbert, a plant operation expenses as well Both the proposed millage rate called to medical emergencies the Niceville Civic Center. starters are returning to the among the topics discussed by College, Niceville, on the fiscal year that will begin Oct. was not to blame for spills of representative of the Warren as a decrease in revenues due to and budget are subject to final Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), that involve such overdoses. Bishop told the council that Eagles varsity under head coach Northwest Florida State College Monday afternoon to watch 1, unchanged from this year’s rate. mud from the site that soiled the partial solar eclipse, the Averett accounting firm, which decreased usage. Investments approval, following public hear- the program stemmed from the Council member Sal this October will mark the 20th John Hicks. trustees during an Aug. 15 The council scheduled a with a taxable value of $200,000, higher than last year’s due to rising Toms Bayou. Beacon photos by Paula Mims first visible in Northwest did the audit for the fiscal year decreased by approximately ings, before the fiscal year begins Fla. Dept. of Environmental Protection research and training of the uni- Nodjomian asked Mayville anniversary of the establishment meeting. municipal budget hearing for 6 after all exemptions. The city tax property valuations and new con- In responses to a warning let- Florida since 1991. At least ended Sept. 30, 2016, it found no $140,000 as investment funds Oct. 1. The company that operates a new, 240-acre solar-power plant in versity. Master gardeners are whether it would be feasible to of the Okaloosa County Public Sasha Jarrell, director of spe- p.m., Sept. 7. On the agenda will rate does not include the millage struction in the city, according to ter issued June 23 by the Florida Valparaiso said it was not responsible for the collapse of a drainage three ways of viewing the significant problems or difficulties were used to help fund the pur- Throughout its summer com- trained and certified volunteers install markings on local homes Library Cooperative, and she cial projects for the Niceville be further action on the millage imposed on city property owners figures from the Okaloosa County Department of Environmental pond that flooded Toms Bayou with tons of dirt in June. in home horticulture. Volunteers expects an increase of about 3 celestial phenomenon were in the sewer board’s finances. chase of capital assets.” mission meetings, the department to inform firefighters of whether community college, briefed in evidence: heavily tinted rate, the budget itself, and any by other taxing jurisdictions such Property Appraiser. Protection, Coronal Energy and firm retained by California- because of any deficiency in the Beacon photo by Veronica Quesenberry During a meeting Aug. 10, Year-end liabilities were only finalized its financial plans for the have dedicated a minimum of 50 pets reside in such houses. percent in Niceville’s allocation trustees on its annual required eclipse glasses, a filtered changes in water and sewer rates. as the Okaloosa County In addition to the property tax, its engineers said it built the Master Gardeners Ann Foley, Marilyn Koser and Joe Michetti Wolbert said the audit indicated a $71,046. 2017-18 fiscal year. The depart- based Coronal said in a report pond itself. hours each year to answer ques- Mayville said that such markings of funds from the cooperative report to the state of Florida telescope and projection The second and third (final) Commission, the county school the city also receives revenue, solar-power plant according to examine and identify weed samples from a local lawn during a drop in the board’s total net posi- Operating revenue fell 4.3 per- ment’s overall budget has filed last month with the DEP The engineering firm, tions and provide solutions on do not always prove practical or during the coming fiscal year. regarding textbook costs at the onto a piece of paper. readings on the budget and mill- board, and the regional water directly or indirectly through the state specifications and in close weekly open forum in Niceville. tion of assets minus liabilities, cent, to $2.15 million. increased $128,113 from the that the plant’s main stormwa- Michael Baker International, of neighborhood lawn-keeping and helpful, and that the preferred She added that the city library institution. She said the college Courtesy photos by Andrew Bowman age will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. management district. state, from taxes on phone bills, coordination with the Air Force, from $8,948,600 as of June 30, Wolbert said that about 2016-17 budget, which was set at ter-retention pond failed during Pittsburgh, added that any pre- gardening. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Niceville answer questions, books to iden- method is for firefighters to sim- has begun its fall programs. has been mostly successful in 14 and 19, respectively. Even though unchanged, a city cable bills, water bills, motor on whose land the 240-acre site heavy rains in early June failure spillover from the pond Since May 1, master garden- Public Works Director Bruce 2016, to $8,708,730 at the same $92,000 had been reinvested in $1,049,636. Beacon photo Youth Center at 200 Campbell tify any weeds and an electronic ply ask homeowners what people keeping textbook costs from A millage rate of 3.7, or $3.70 tax rate of 3.7 mills would result in fuels, general sales, and other is situated. time in 2017, and that assets capital assets during the past year, The new budget accounts for The East Niceville Fire District governing board has tentatively because of natural erosion would not have contributed to ers have been holding a two- Drive every non-holiday measuring device to test soil pH. or pets may be inside a burning Price said that Phase I of the con- climbing above those of previ- a citywide property-tax levy of items. The drainage engineering decreased from $9,126,600 to and that some of the decline in net per $1,000, would result in an payroll, life and health insurance agreed to keep next years property-tax rate the same as this years. beyond the edge of the pond, not hour, drop-in public forum from Monday. They have an area to structure at the time firefighters Please see COLLEGE, page A-4 annual tax of $740 on a house $3.84 million, about 5.8 percent Please see SOLAR, page A-3 Please see GARDENERS, page A-3 Please see ANTIDOTE, page A-2 Please see AUDIT, page A-3

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The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 Wednesday, January 3, 2018 THE BAY BEACON Page A-5

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Repairs have begun at a 240- Tanya Tucker set for Mullet Festival Power plant sets repairs acre solar-power Honoring the fallen Valparaiso says no plant in Beacon Staff Following a rainstorm the night Co. from Eglin Air Force Base. Valparaiso (aerial 41st annual event to open Oct. 20 Field of Valor display to open Saturday of June 6-7, the main drainage The site is just west of the College The company that operates a photo) where a Beacon Staff Laz and country rocker Frankie to marijuana shops basin on the site of a 240-acre Boulevard extension and just 56;? 4<321103? /1.-7@ power plant blamed for discharg- drainage pond A performance by country- Ballard, both on the night of Beacon Staff Opening ceremony speakers solar-energy plant in Valparaiso north of State Road 85 South. collapsed, spilling /1,,=00=1-? 630 By Mike Griffith moratorium on the opening of ing thousands of tons of dirt into music star Tanya Tucker is Oct. 21. A Saturday, it is tradi- The Exchange Club of will be Air Force Col. Jimmy +17;*?71?)1107?(91(;9' collapsed, sending a wall of water Under terms of its DEP permit, thousands of tons Beacon Correspondent marijuana outlets under a 2017 area waterways said it expects to tionally the most heavily attend- Niceville will host the fourth Mott, commander of the 1st 7@? 73&;0? 3-*? 71? 30< that washed an estimated 17,000 stormwater runoff from the for- of dirt into Toms scheduled to close out the 2017 A@?>=<;?:9=88=76 this year. appraised at $200,000 taxable state law remains in force. Marijuana stores wont be complete key repairs this week, ed segment of the three-day fes- annual Field of Valor flag dis- Special Operations Group, +17;9? (;9,=00=1-? 71 The Valparaiso City allowed in Valparaiso under a cubic yards of silt into Toms merly forested tract is supposed to Bayou in June. Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival on The property tax rate will come value, after homestead exemption The proposed marijuana ban, with more to follow. tival, which attracts tens of thou- play, honoring 360 U.S. service Army Col. Patrick T. Colloton, =,(10;? 3? %1.-7@$=*; Commission voted unanimously proposed city law given pre- Creek, which feeds Toms Bayou. be contained in on-site pits called Photos by Gulf Power Oct. 22. The Okaloosa County up for a final vote following a pub- and other discounts, pays $688.16 which had been discussed at pre- In documents filed with the sands of music fans from members from Florida who have Group Commander, 7th Special 032;0?73&#??"=%7.9;*!?3 for an ordinance prohibiting legal- liminary approval last week. The bayou was turned a muddy detention basins. The singer will cap the 41st Commission has given prelimi- lic hearing set for Sept. 19. in property tax to Okaloosa vious city commission meetings, Florida Department of throughout the Southeast. made the ultimate sacrifice in Forces Group (Airborne) and -;$!? #? ,=22=1- ized marijuana stores in the city. Pictured, the citys business brown for days following the ero- Coronal engineers have told annual edition of the music-and- nary approval to an 11 percent The sales-tax proposal is sub- County, in addition to any other would prohibit medical marijuana Environmental Protection, which Scheduled to perform on Tanya Tucker Frankie Ballard Troy Laz Iraq and Afghanistan since the Air Force Lt. Gen. (Ret.) %1.-7@? %1.9761.0; The measure was approved on district. Beacon photo sion event, and also during two the DEP the company would food event, which will begin increase in the property-tax rate, ject to a voter referendum, the date property taxes owed to other tax- .-*;9? %1-079.%7=1-? =- dispensaries, medical marijuana ordered the remedial work, Friday, Oct. 20, are Alabama 9/11 terror attacks. Richard Y. Newton III. first reading during the commis- subsequent rain-fed spills. repair the collapsed basin, No. 6A, Oct. 20 at the Mullet Festival as well as to a proposal for a new for which has not been set. ing entities such as the school dis- /9;07+=;$? =0? 0%6;*' cultivation facilities, and medical Coronal Energy indicated it would country singer Dan Eubanks, The eight-day event at the Visitors attending the open- sion’s Sept. 11 meeting. It must be The 30-megawatt photoelectric and increase its capacity to grounds at College Boulevard mocks—1980s rock. Other the hits they grew up in the half-cent countywide sales tax. Millage rates represent the rate trict, independent fire districts, and .2;*?819?%1,(2;7=1-?=- marijuana processing facilities greatly increase the capacity of the singer-songwriter Chris Janson, Mullet Festival grounds in ing ceremony will also have the approved again after a second solar plant began operation in 320,000 cubic feet far greater than and Highway 85 North, musical entertainers scheduled 1960s and 1970s. On Sept. 5, commissioners of tax paid by property owners for others. At the proposed new mill- .2@? # within Valparaiso. drainage pond that failed in early and The Molly Ringwalds, a Niceville will begin Saturday, opportunity to view a replica of reading at a future commission May on land leased by Gulf Power the 174,000 cubic feet required by Niceville. include the Nashville family Tucker, who made a name in voted to increase the millage rate every thousand dollars of taxable age rate, the same homeowner meeting before it takes effect. The measure states several rea- June. Also scheduled are headline flamboyant, all male show band group Pelican212, and a local 1972 at the age of 13 with her Sept. 9, with an opening ceremo- the Tomb of the Unknown Please see REPAIRS, page A-2 to 3.8308 for the fiscal year that value of their property. For exam- would pay $766.16. Meantime, a temporary citywide shows by R&B/soul artist Troy whose material celebrates—or band, The Mulligans, who play ny at 10 a.m. The Field of Valor Soldier. The half-size replica of Please see MARIJUANA, page A-2 Please see FESTIVAL, page A-5 will begin Oct. 1, up from 3.4308 ple, the owner of a house If the same owner lives in an will remain open from noon to 8 the monument at Arlington "2;30;?0;;?/4 5 !?(3;?' p.m. on Sept. 9 and during the National Cemetery is brought to same hours every day through the event by the Exchange Club Bluewater Friday, Sept. 15. On Sept. 16 the of Rome, Ga. It will be on dis- Developer TSA shows advances in airport screening hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. play the morning of Sept. 9 only. The Field of Valor, to which The Exchange Club is offer- Adieu to summer admission is free, will display ing opportunities to sponsor a heads effort officials 360 three-by-five-foot American flag ($25), as well as Premier flags in perfect columns and Sponsorships ranging from $250 rows at the north end of the to $2,500. Proceeds will benefit to save BWB hear crime Mullet Festival grounds, College The Fisher House of the Boulevard and Highway 85 Emerald Coast and the North. Exchange Club of Niceville’s A@?;91-=%3? .;0;-);99@ post office On each flag a tag will be local community and briefing attached with a service mem- Americanism projects. It’s something very simple that people take By Mike Griffith ber’s name, rank, home town, for granted every day. It’s something that no one Beacon Correspondent By Mike Griffith branch of service, and date of Contributions may be made would suspect that so many in our community Bluewater Bay developer Raimund Herden Beacon Correspondent death. The flags will be online at www.nicevilleex- don’t have. It’s a bed. continues to lead an effort to save the post office Crime, and how to prevent it, was discussed arranged alphabetically. There change.club. So many families throughout Okaloosa in Bluewater Bay. during a meeting of the Bluewater Bay Municipal will be a table with volunteers to More information is available County don’t have the means to provide them- Earlier this summer, it was announced that the Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) governing board. answer questions and direct vis- from Paul McShane at 850-678- selves or their families with beds. But an small branch post office in the Merchants Walk Guest speakers were Okaloosa County itors around the field. 8680 or [email protected]. Emerald Coast chapter of Beds4Kids has taken business area of Bluewater Bay was likely to Sheriff’s Office crime prevention specialist Ashley the lead to solve that problem. close Oct. 7, as the contractor now operating it is Bailey, along with sheriff’s deputies Dustan Rice Ginger Davis and Diane Freeman are the two planning to retire. The branch’s and Jason Fulghum. They addressed crime in Niceville residents in charge of the Florida post-office boxes were moved to Bluewater Bay, and how to secure one’s car and chapter of Beds4Kids. The first chapter of the the main post office in Niceville other property against bur- organization was founded by Lauren Glass, a earlier this summer. glars and vandals. then high school student living in Tennessee. Since then, Herden has led One of the most common Today, Beds4Kids not only serves families in an effort to keep the little post crimes in Bluewater Bay, Tennessee and the Emerald Coast but also the office open, either at its present said the sheriff’s representa- greater Atlanta area and Birmingham. location or elsewhere in or near Bluewater Bay. tives, is car burglary, usually Davis recalled chatting with Freeman about Herden told the Beacon that he has been in in cases in which someone a year and a half ago when Freeman told her touch with Niceville Postmaster Kelly Lanning, has left a parked vehicle about seeing a Beds4Kids ad in “Good Grit” and with U.S. Postal Service regional officials in unlocked, often with valu- magazine. Both already had jobs, Davis work- Jacksonville, exploring ways to keep a small post ables in plain view inside, ing as a volunteer guardian and Freeman work- office, known as a Contract Postal Unit (CPU), in and in some cases with car or Ashley Bailey ing with the USO, but they wanted to do more operation in Bluewater Bay. house keys also left inside. for their community. In a recent letter to the USPS, Herden stated, “The most important piece of advice I have to The first bed delivery to the nonprofit “Even though Bluewater Bay has the ZIP Code of offer,” said Bailey, “is to always lock your car Florida chapter was made in October 2016, and Niceville, it is a completely different (unincorpo- when you leave it, and to lock up or hide any valu- Beacon photo since then the organization has gone viral. rated) community with more than 10,000 year- ables you leave inside it.” She said most car burgla- The fourth annual Field of Valor salute to Floridas post- Davis said they both still work, but she has round residents and large commercial develop- ries are committed by teenagers or others looking 9/11 fallen troops will be on view starting Saturday for taken on the role of spokesperson for the ment. Including the surrounding unincorporated for a way to quickly and easily steal something of eight days. Beds4Kids Florida chapter while Freeman has residential areas, the total population is about value. By locking a vehicle and keeping valuables overseen the finances. She said that providing 15,000.” out of sight, most such crimes can be prevented. "2;30;?0;;?A !?(3;?' Please see POST, page A-2 Bailey said the most serious car burglaries are those in which someone has left a firearm inside Niceville eyes hikes the vehicle, thus allowing someone to steal the weapon, which can then be sold and possibly used in water, sewer bills Please see CRIME, page A-2 By Mike Griffith During the meeting, Corbin Beacon Correspondent and Doucet briefed the council on Niceville City Council on the proposed FY 2018 budget for Thursday is scheduled to consider the city’s water and sewer depart- raising water and sewer rates. ment. Expected expenses for FY A decision on a proposed 2 18 will be $8,869,640, down from from the FY 2017 budget of percent increase for water and 4 The Exchange Club of Niceville and the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast last week hosted the fourth annual Field of Valor flag display in percent increase for sewer is $9,416,570. The fiscal year starts Niceville, honoring 360 U.S. military service members from the State of Florida who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan since expected during a council meeting Oct. 1. Sept. 11, 2001. On each of the 360 flags was a tag with information of each of Florida's fallen heroes, including their name, rank, branch of serv- scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 7. Asked by council member Dan ice, hometown, and date of death. A half-size replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, center, was on display on opening day, Sept. 16. Warm, sunny weather on Saturday brought people outdoors to enjoy the last summer holiday weekend of 2017. Clockwise: Separately, during a meeting Henkel about the reason for the Pictured, bottom right: (left to right) Col. Patrick Colloton, commander of the Army 7th Special Forces Group, Chief Master Sergeant (ret.) Bryan Some folks enjoyed boating and water sports in Tom's Bayou. Tennis players and spectators enjoyed the sunshine at the 9;3?9;0=*;-70!?71.9=070?3-*?6.99=%3-;?;+3%.;;0?32=<;?;-1@;*?89;;?.0;?18?76;?>=*'A3@?A9=*;?387;9?:1+#?=%=<;?:9=88=76 and the school district. Property taxes are not the Even with no rise in the mill- only source of revenue for the Status of Fire district Aiming City planners The Valparaiso City age rate, property taxes would city, with the rest of the city’s the block Commissioners has tentatively rise due to appreciation in val- budget being funded by other approved a city budget of ues. The city expects to collect sources, such as state revenue F-35 jet millage stable to ease eye exceptions $9,580,035 for fiscal year 2018, nearly $1.04 million in property sharing, other taxes, license Family spreads cheer which begins Oct. 1 of 2017. taxes next year, up 4.7 percent fees, fines, and fees for city By Mike Griffith budget of $1,049,636. The FY from this year’s budgeted Beacon Correspondent 2017-18 millage rate was tenta- Beacon Staff Dr, requested a special excep- A@?>=<;?:9=88=76 Commissioners also approved a program jams By Veronica Quesenberry nect with the community. Amy Huwa, with $992,000. "2;30;?0;;?"!?(3;?' East Niceville fire commis- tively set at 3.0176, the same as tion to allow for a 10-foot front sons Markus, 10, millage rate of 5.024 for the The City of Niceville Beacon Correspondent “I’ll never forget my first sioners will consider giving final the current rate. setback as opposed to the and Preston, 8, The Niceville City Council has coming fiscal year—the same as By Mike Griffith Planning Commission Painted rocks have been batch of rocks (in Niceville),” have made it a approval tomorrow to the fire dis- According to Commissioner required 25 feet. approved resolutions giving final for the current fiscal year. detailed Beacon Correspondent will conduct a public mysteriously appearing in the Huwa said. “I saw this woman vocation to leave trict’s budget and property tax Ryan Ingram, the FY 2016- —Dan Dufault, 380 rocks painted with approval to increases in water, Also given tentative approval Officials on Saturday began hearing, Tuesday, oddest places. Some businesses pick up my rock, look at it and By Mike Griffith millage rate for Fiscal Year 17 budget included an Iowa St, requested his uplifting messages sewer, and sanitation fees. were increases in water and Beacon Correspondent an experiment with redirecting Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. at have even started holding rock move it to the side. I just in unexpected During a meeting Sept. 7, the sewer rates. 2017-18, which begins “operating budget” of two new properties be places throughout Air Force Col. Ryan heavy tourist traffic away from City Hall to consider exchanges in their laughed and said, ‘Oh, council also approved the first At the current property tax Oct. 1. The final hearing $883,271, not count- neighborhood streets. re-zoned from C-1 and honey, we have a lot of the area. Suttlemyre, three petitions for stores. But how did it Beacon photo by reading of ordinances approving rate, Valparaiso property owners to approve the new ing reserves. The pro- C-2, Commercial to R- operations Motorists trying to reach the special exceptions to all start? work to do.’” Veronica Quesenberry the city budget and property tax pay $5.024 in ad valorem prop- budget and millage rate posed FY 2017-18 NC, Manager Lannie Corbin and City which he presented figures sup- group com- Mid-Bay Bridge on Saturday zoning rules and one The woman behind Before relocating to millage rate for fiscal year 2018, erty tax for every thousand dol- is scheduled for 6 p.m., budget has an “operat- Residential/Neighborhood which will begin Oct. 31, 2017. Clerk Dan Doucet wrote about porting his recommendation for mander of afternoon had to go the “long” rezoning. the rocks is Bluewater Florida, the Huwa fam- lars of appraised, taxable value Air Force photo Thursday, Sep. 21, in the ing budget” of Commercial. The millage rate would remain reasons for the proposed water rate increases for water and sewer. the 33rd way around, using State Road 20 —Darrell and Anjanette Bay resident Amy ily resided in and sewer rate hikes. “We must According to figures provided of their property. The 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base is authorized to operate 59 of the nations newest fire commission chamber in $930,315, up 5.3 per- and Spence Parkway, the con- Simpler, 103 Bowdoin Ct, —Janie Castillo, 2007 Huwa, 38. She is a for- Washington. Her son unchanged. Fighter fighter plane, the F-35, to train pilots and maintainers. While approval of the water have water and sewer rates in by Stephens, Corbin and Doucet, For example, the owner of a the East Niceville fire station at cent—again not including nector road leading to the bridge, requested a special exception to Bayshore Dr., requested a spe- mer ABA tutor, mother Markus initiated the Wing at and sewer rate hikes was finalized place that are sufficient to support the proposed rate hike package house valued at $150,000, after the wing earlier this month. various locations in North Africa The wing also distinguished 1709 27th St., Niceville. reserves. rather than using a previously allow for a detached carport to cial exception to allow for a flo- of two sons, Markus, family’s interest in Eglin Air at the Sept. 7 meeting, the budget our operating expenses and bond will increase the monthly base rate homestead exemption and other Suttlemyre told his listeners and Europe during the war, when itself in various other combat the- The proposed budget and mill- The larger increase in the over- available “shortcut” along White be 3 inches from the house and ral business in a residential 10, and Preston, 8, and rocks when he started payments and provide coverages for water and sewer customers Force Base, and millage ordinances require discounts, pays $753.60 in prop- that the unit has a long and proud it flew such aircraft as the P-38 aters during the Korean and age were given tentative approval all budget, compared with the Point Road and Lakeshore Beacon photos by Mike Griffith 3 feet, 7 inches from the proper- home. wife of Daryl, a Navy instructor. collecting them, along with which have been promised in pre- from $12.07 to $12.31. It will also briefed two more readings at public meet- erty tax to the city, in addition to history, beginning in World War II Lightning fighter. The stealthy F- Vietnam wars, and may be best during the fire commission’s Sep. operating budget, is due to a deci- Drive. Okaloosa County shut Lakeshore Drive at White Point Road on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. to deter- ty line, as opposed to the The Niceville City Council The Huwas moved to other minerals and crystals. vious bond issues.” increase water consumption rates members of ings before being given final any additional property taxes Col. Ryan when the wing, then part of the 35, said to be the most advanced known more recently for the role it 7 meeting, with the budget tenta- sion to replenish the fire district’s Okaloosa County officials mine whether the closure would ease tourist traffic jams on residential roads. An electronic sign on required 10 feet and five feet, will also conduct a public hear- Niceville in October. At first, Huwa said, she and approval. During the Sept. 7 meeting, by varying amounts based on the the Mid-Bay Suttlemyre levied by other government enti- Army Air Forces, earned its nick- fighter in the world, is nicknamed played during Operation Desert tively set at $1,177,749, up 12.2 reserves to save for new equip- closed Lakeshore Drive in both State Road 20 announced the closure. Even an ambulance (not on emergency call) was not allowed respectively. ing on the requests on Sept. 12 Immediately, she sought to con- In a joint statement, City Glenn Stephens, a city consultant, amount of water used by each cus- Rotary Club Please see ROCKS, page A-5 ties such as Okaloosa County name “Nomads” by deploying to the Lightning II. percent from the FY 2016-17 ment, according to board to use the Lakeshore shortcut to the Mid-Bay Bridge during the shutdown, which is scheduled to be —Dan Dufault, 712 Cypress at 7 p.m. gave a briefing to the council in "2;30;?0;;?/ !?(3;?' on the history and military role of Please see JAMS, page A-2 repeated Saturday, Sept. 2. Please see F-35, page A-3 Please see MILLAGE, page A-3

, pages A-4 & A-5 The Bay Beacon , page A-4 The Bay Beacon , page A-5 The Bay Beacon The Bay Beacon Bay Beacon Bay Beacon Bay BeacCelebrateo the Artsn Bay Beacon Special Section Inside 8 Pages, 1 Section, 3 Inserts Wednesday, September 27, 2017 50¢ 8 Pages, 1 Section, 6 Inserts Wednesday, October 4, 2017 50¢ 16 Pages, 2 Sections, 6 Inserts Wednesday, October 11, 2017 10 Pages, 1 Section, 4 Inserts Wednesday, October 18, 2017 50¢ College outsourcing Okaloosa Gas increases rates State seeks penalty Niceville council acts 34 blue-collar jobs Beacon Staff taxes. Okaloosa Gas, a self-govern- lightly and the adjustment in our Effective Oct. 1, the After consulting an outside ing state agency based in rates is necessary for this to con- to bar marijuana shops By Mike Griffith Officials said handing over the Custodial and grounds work- Aerial view ers at Northwest Florida State Okaloosa Gas District raised its rates advisory firm, Gordon Valparaiso that distributes natu- tinue,” King said. “As one of the for solar-site spills By Mike Griffith Beacon Correspondent work to an outside company of 240-acre Council members also “prohibiting medical marijuana The Niceville City Council last College addressed the col- rates, citing increasing operating King, who became the dis- ral gas to 42,000 customers largest natural-gas utilities in Despite the concerns of some would save money and improve Beacon Staff Protection Monday. The propos- Solar Center I LLC, under con- solar-power Beacon Correspondent proudly watched as members of cultivation facilities and medical week gave preliminary lege board last week regard- expenses, system-improvement trict’s chief executive in Okaloosa, Walton, Florida, Okaloosa Gas District current employees, Northwest services. State environmental authori- al, which Coronal has until Oct. tract with Gulf Power. The plant generating Niceville City Council mem- Niceville’s Youth Advisory marijuana processing facilities.” approval to an ordinance ban- ing their concerns about the outlays, and expansion costs. this week, recom- Santa Rosa and Escambia will continue to expand its serv- Florida State College trustees have Several custodial and grounds ties have proposed a $10,500 31 to accept or reject, follows opened earlier this year. plant on Air bers last week heard a presenta- Council (YAC) received a first- Among the reasons for the pro- ning state-legal marijuana institutions decision to hand The typical residential cus- mended the increase. counties, operates under ices to provide customers with a Force land in voted to outsource custodial and maintenance workers employed fine against the operator of a three erosion episodes last sum- In filings with state environ- tion on how to renovate or place statewide award for a hibition, as stated in the pro- merchants, such as this one in over their work to a contrac- tomer who consumes 20 therms “As the district oversight of the Florida domestically produced and eco- Valparaiso. Tallahassee. ground maintenance activities at by the college addressed the Sept. tor to save money. solar-power plant in Valparaiso mer during which sediment mental authorities, Coronal has rebuild the Niceville police sta- community service project. posed ordinance, are: of natural gas a month will see grows in both age and Public Service nomical energy source.” Gulf Power the Niceville institution to a con- 19 trustees meeting, saying they Beacon photo by Mike Griffith that dumped thousands of tons washed from the 240-acre denied any responsibility for the tion at a cost of $7.7 million to Meeting Oct. 10, the city —“Cannabis is currently ille- an increase in the monthly bill customers, our key focus Commission, which regu- A residential bill is broken tractor. were worried about what will hap- of dirt into area waterways after power plant site into a creek and spills, but pledged to take meas- $9.5 million. They also council unanimously approved gal and the United States Drug of nearly 8 percent, or $2.46, not has always been to make sure lates safety of the state’s natural- into four components (not College officials said that all pen to them when their work is a drainage pond failed. two bayous. ures to prevent any recurrence approved the first of three read- the first of three scheduled read- Enforcement Agency has con- counting taxes. we maintain the integrity and gas pipelines. including city and state taxes): a current workers affected by the outsourced to Cleveland-based A proposed consent order The spills resulted from of the failure of the plant’s main ings of an ordinance to prohibit ings of proposed Ordinance 17- firmed that cannabis remains a A 20-therm monthly bill will safety of our pipelines,” King “Safety is a matter that fixed monthly customer charge, move would be offered new jobs. seeking the civil penalty against drainage failures at the site, a stormwater retention pond after “medical marijuana dispen- 12-04, “prohibiting medical Schedule I drug under federal Please see COLLEGE, page A-2 rise to $33.33, from $30.87, plus said. Okaloosa Gas has never taken Please see GAS, page A-2 the operator, Coronal Energy, 30-million-watt sun-powered heavy rains June 7. The failure saries” within the city. marijuana dispensaries” and Please see MARIJUANA, page A-3 was filed by the Florida generating plant operated by sent a wall of muddy water surg- North Bay Waterfront Department of Environmental Coronal Energy as Gulf Coast Please see SOLAR, page A-2 Tail end of summer Fall fun for a cause Niceville High marks Homecoming Countywide 41st Mullet Festival holds line industrial vote is set set to open Friday on millage as site in Valp. Three days of music, food, fun for schools Beacon Staff Festival performers, revenues rise The 41st Annual Boggy Bayou schedule, map: A-4, A-5. finds a buyer Mullet Festival is scheduled for By Mike Griffith Beacon Staff sales tax Friday through Sunday at the Mullet Beacon Correspondent Festival grounds, College Boulevard —Beach Community Bank. A buyer has been found for a 4.7-acre water- By Mike Griffith —CEFCO convenience stores. The North Bay Fire Commission agreed to keep front industrial site in Valparaiso that was Beacon Correspondent at Highway 85 North, Niceville. the independent fire district’s property tax millage —CCB Bank. placed on the market last year, according to the The Okaloosa County Commission has With lots of ways to enjoy the festiv- rate at 2.35 for fiscal year 2017-18, which begins —Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber real estate firm handling the sale. approved holding a referendum on whether to ities, everyone can find something Oct 1. Tax collections, however, are expected to of Commerce. The Vulcan Materials property, 157 S. John impose a half-percent sales tax to help fund the that will help them jump 7.5 percent. —Coastal Bank & Trust. Sims Parkway, has been used as a building- Okaloosa County School District, loosened county make memories. The action will continue the same millage rate —Niceville Library. materials depot for over four decades. regulations on chickens and storage sheds in unin- At least 35,000 that has been in effect in the North Bay district for —Peoples Bank. NBI Properties Inc., the Fort Walton Beach corporated areas, and tabled a proposal to provide people are expect- the last eight years, said Fire Commission —Valparaiso City Hall. agent that listed the property for sale on behalf funding for marketing an airline at the Destin-Fort ed to attend at least Chairman Jim Boswell. Fire commissioners also Chart-topping entertainers of Coastal Materials Inc. last year for $3.2 mil- Walton Beach Airport. part of the three- approved a budget of $2,314,370 for the coming for the weekend will include lion, announced that the property is under con- Meeting in Crestview Oct. 3, the commission day event, drawn fiscal year. Chris Janson, Troy Laz, Frankie tract for sale. also approved the sale of four acres of county land by top-name coun- The final decision on budget and millage rate Ballard and Tanya Tucker Terms of the transaction, the contracted to the City of Niceville to add to Turkey Creek try-music acts, a was made at the fire commission meeting on Sept. (story, Page A-4). buyer, and future use were not disclosed. Park. variety of food 20, after a series of meetings and workshops on the Besides music for the ears, The land, with 500 feet of deepwater water- Commissioners endorsed a resolution to (including of subject throughout the summer. Tanya Tucker there will be a wide array of fes- front on Boggy Bayou to the northeast, and include a proposal on the May 15 countywide spe- course smoked and At a millage rate of 2.35, North Bay property tival foods for the palate from 50 frontage on John Sims Parkway to the south- cial-election ballot, asking voters to approve or fried mullet fish), carnival rides, and owners pay $2.35 a year in tax for each $1,000 of food vendors. You may want to try west, could be developed into a multi-family disapprove the levy of a one-half percent sales sur- arts and crafts booths. appraised, taxable value of their property. For some alligator for the first time, or residential site, NBI stated. It is zoned C-1, or tax for a period of 10 years beginning on Jan. 1, Festival organizer Lavon Mason example, the owner of a home appraised at Please see FESTIVAL, page A-5 “limited commercial,” by the city of Valparaiso. 2019, in order to fund the acquisition of land, con- said the festival is like a family $150,000 taxable value, after homestead exemp- Permitted uses in such a zone include single- struct and improve school facilities, acquire equip- reunion for the whole town. tion and other discounts, pays $352.50 in tax to the family and multiple-family dwellings. ment including technology, and to service bond “The mullet was a mainstay for North Bay Fire District, in addition to whatever The site is an industrial port and storage indebtedness for such purposes. pioneers that settled in our area and played a major role in our communi- depot for crushed rock brought to it by barge. It Okaloosa County School Board Member Please see NORTH BAY, page A-2 ty's history,” Mason said. “The is also the location of another business, Country Melissa Thrush addressed the county commission- Mullet Festival honors the mullet, Corners Tires. ers, saying the proposed sales tax is needed to help and also gives us the opportunity to In 2011, Coastal Materials, long the opera- repair or replace aging and deteriorating facilities showcase Niceville and what is great tor, wound up its business and leased the tract and equipment throughout the school district. about living in Northwest Florida.” for the same purpose to Vulcan Materials Co., Thrush said the school district has a record of Gates will open at noon Friday Birmingham, Ala. Vulcan has operated the site using its available funds effectively, and that coun- and at 11 a.m. on Saturday and ever since, most recently on a month-to-month ty schools are among the best rated in the state. Sunday. lease, according to NBI. She also said that Okaloosa is one of the few Admission at the gate costs $15 Coastal Materials was established in 1972 by school districts in Florida that still operate a seven- for Friday or Saturday, and $10 on Please see BUYER, page A-2 period day in its secondary schools. The state Sunday. Advance tickets are $10 for requires only six periods. each day at the following outlets in Please see SCHOOLS, page A-2 Niceville and Valparaiso: —Niceville City Hall utility billing, building and administrative offices. The North Bay Fire District has bought a new Beacon photos by Paula Mims rescue truck. The smaller, more fuel-efficient Kids cooled off in the spray area of the Niceville Children's Park during last Saturday's hot afternoon. Top left: Michael Rivera, 3. Bottom right: vehicle can respond to medical emergencies, Auryana Chambers, 3. The spray park will be open again this weekend, then close for the season, reopening May 1. The rest of the recently ren- the bulk of the districts calls, previously served ovated Childrens Park operates year-round, Wednesday through Sunday. by a full-sized fire truck. Beacon photo

Valparaiso tax rate unchanged Niceville High School celebrated homecoming Friday evening at Eagle Stadium with a parade followed by a 37-0 victory over Mosley. Pictured, Beacon photos by Paula Mims The Okaloosa County School Board will ask city’s monthly base water rate and tion to any additional property top left: The five ladies representing the senior class were (l-r) Aubrey Hinley, Kirsten Jones, Maddie Quick, Meredith Freeman, and Camille Miles. voters to approve a 10-year, countywide sales An estimated 5,000 people flocked to the 23rd annual Oktoberfest Friday and Saturday in Bluewater Bay. Proceeds from the event, sponsored Top right: Air Force JROTC and the Eagle Pride band lead the Homecoming parade into the stadium. Center: The class of 2020 won the float- Water, sewer prices hiked base wastewater rate, which will taxes levied by other government by the Mid-Bay Rotary Club, will be used to fund various charitable causes. Beacon photo tax of one-half percent to fund capital projects. be used to repay for bonds issued entities such as Okaloosa County A 4.7-acre industrial site on Boggy Bayou decorating contest. Bottom l-r: Meredith Freeman and Justice Woods were named Homecoming Queen and King. Opus One sang the National Pictured, portable buildings at Plew Elementary Anthem before the game. NHS principal Charlie Marello in the parade. Game photos, Page A-7. Beacon photos by Paula Mims By Mike Griffith water and sewer prices. in 2017 to fund improvements to and the school district. was offered at $3.2 million. School, Niceville. Beacon photo Beacon Correspondent During a meeting Sept. 18, those systems. The ad valorem property tax is The Valparaiso City commissioners also approved a Valparaiso property owners expected to generate $1,038,315 Commission has given final total budget of $9,580,035 for the will pay $5.024 a year in property in revenue for the city’s general Class-start time plan approval to a property tax millage coming year. tax for every $1,000 of appraised, fund. City eyes Niceville mulls gifts to nonprofits Nate rate of 5.024 for fiscal year 2017- The budget and millage go into taxable value. For example, the Although the tax rate will By Mike Griffith budget process, but city funding —Economic Development Chamber of Commerce: gets cool reception 18, unchanged from this year’s effect at the beginning of the new owner of a house valued at remain unchanged from the cur- land-use Beacon Correspondent levels for each organization Council: Attracts new business- Promotes businesses and eco- brushes rate. zThe total tax levy will rise fiscal year on Oct. 1. $150,000, after homestead exemp- rent rate, city taxes will rise for By Mike Griffith posed schedule merely reverses were not determined until a city es and promotes economic nomic growth in Niceville and nearly 3.5 percent. The new budget also imposes tion and other discounts, will pay many if not most owners because The Niceville City Council is Beacon Correspondent the order of stops along existing council meeting in January growth in Okaloosa County, Valparaiso, $5,000, $5,000. Valparaiso The commission also raised increases of $1.75 apiece on the $753.60 in tax to the city, in addi- petitions considering making gifts to 11 During a nonvoting workshop bus routes, but that it does not con- by Niceville man Please see VALP, page A-3 nonprofit organizations asking 2017. $5,000, $5,000. —Sharing & Caring: held Oct. 5, Okaloosa County sider fluctuations in traffic, time for a total of $28,000 in taxpay- Below is a list of the organi- —Niceville Valparaiso cements pot Beacon Staff Please see NONPROFIT, page A-3 School Board members expressed needed for driver breaks, and Storm damage was relatively er funding to help them accom- zations, each followed by its skepticism about an upcoming other factors. In some cases, said light in Okaloosa County as The Niceville City Council plish their missions in the com- stated mission, the amount it Hurricane Nate, the center of gets 11 years presentation in favor of later Thrush, the new schedule might ban, OKs City to fix some subpar homes on Oct. 10 is scheduled to con- City of Niceville munity. received in city funding last which came ashore Saturday A lot at Reeves and 27th school start times. The presenta- actually increase the time needed sider four petitions concerning According to City Clerk Dan year, and the amount is has night on the Gulf coast of Beacon Staff District of Florida. By Mike Griffith be rehabilitated and brought into able to them to use for home streets (outlined in red) may tion was scheduled to be given by to bring students to and from new pier Oktoberfest is set land use. Doucet, the council has budget- requested for this year. school. Mississippi, brushed the Twin U.S. Attorney Christopher P. Beacon Correspondent compliance with the housing repairs, when needed.” become the site of a two-story Lynn Keefe, a Niceville pediatri- Cities area, resulting in Jeremy Langston Alford, 34, Margaret Frere requests her ed $21,000 for aid to nonprofit By Mike Griffith Canova and Okaloosa The City of Niceville has code. “In addition to assistance building after annexation by cian, during the school board’s School Board Chairman downed trees, over four inch- of Niceville, was sen- property at 707 Cypress Dr. be Beacon Correspondent County Jail records received a $700,000 Dingman also said, “27 per- with housing repairs, temporary the city of Niceville. organizations during the fiscal regular, voting meeting on Lamar White thanked Thrush for es of rain, and minor flooding. tenced Oct. 12 to serve The Mid-Bay Rotary Club will hold its 23rd annual rezoned from R-1, year that began Oct. 1, $1,000 gave the following Community Development cent of the households in relocation assistance will be Oktoberfest this Friday, 5-10 p.m., and Saturday, Monday, Oct. 9. her comments, saying that it was Gulf Power said it quickly Valparaiso city commissioners 135 months in federal residential single- account: Block Grant to renovate Niceville are headed by a provided to residents who will 11 a.m.-10 p.m., in the Winn-Dixie parking lot, 806 Bayshore Dr., and that they more than last year. School board member Melissa helpful to hear from “a real engi- restored service to 38,000 cus- gave final approval to an ordi- prison after pleading family, to R-1B, On Feb. 24, substandard housing. person age 65 or older, be unable to remain in the home Bluewater Bay. Festivities will include German- be divided equally between the During a council meeting Thrush said that she understood neer.” tomers affected by outages in nance banning medical marijuana guilty on July 31 to residential single- its nine-county service area. Okaloosa County Dennis Dingman, compared to 29.4 per- during construction, as needed,” inspired dance, live music, food and drink. adjoining property owners. Aug. 29 when representatives of that Keefe planned to present a Also during the Thursday dispensaries in the city during unlawfully possessing family, which Pictured, children venture out Sheriff’s deputies dis- a consultant with cent statewide. Dingman added. Vendors will sell food, beer and crafts. For chil- Howard Leavins, FOM the 11 groups made their cases plan for alternative bus schedules workshop, school board members their monthly commission meet- a firearm as a convict- dren, there will be a giant slide, a bounce house, would allow two at Lions Park, Niceville, covered that Jim’s Summit Professional Among this elderly In order to successfully com- Enterprizes, 206 College Blvd. for taxpayer funding, Mayor that would allow later start times heard a briefing from Amber ing on Oct. 9. ed felon, possessing Coco the Clown and a climbing wall. The North homes to be built rather than Sunday morning amid dimin- Valparaisos 265-foot-long T-pier will be replaced with a slightly shorter and narrower one at a Guns and Supplies, a Services, hired by Niceville population, pete for the grant, Dingman E., at College and Ginkgo Randall Wise said that it may for high school students, some- Flenniken, general manager of They also renewed the city’s stolen firearms, and Bay Fire District will sponsor a truck pull contest. one. take some time to determine ished rain and wind. cost of $74,000 under a contract approved last week by the city commission. Beacon photo firearms dealer in the city to pursue such 28 percent already said, Niceville committed Avenue, requests that the prop- thing that Keefe has repeatedly The Nutrition Group, concerning Meantime, a bald eagle perch- agreement with the Okaloosa theft of firearms from Proceeds from Oktoberfest will be donated to Mark Woolsey, requests that how much money, if any, the Beacon photos an update to food services the County Public Library the premises of a feder- Niceville, had been grants, told the Beacon spend more than 30 per- $50,000 of its general revenue local activities and organizations. erty be annexed into the city and advocated to improve the health es in a pine, contemplating its approved plans for a new water local governments, and tentatively Commissioners unanimously Jeremy Langston the city abandon two slivers of city will award to each. Sharing and Caring, and the Niceville company operates at Okaloosa Cooperative, approved a plan to al firearms licensed burglarized and that a that with the federal grant cent of their income on hous- funds toward housing rehab, municipal property directly be zoned R-2, one- or multi- Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, are and overall performance of high next move, inset. metering system and to rebuild agreed to sell three lots from the approved the second and final Alford Similar requests were made schools. Some new features at Beacon photos use Gulf Power poles to support dealer, according to the number of firearms, money, at least 10 low- or medi- ing. This leaves this group of demolition and replacement behind his two lots at 802 and among 11 nonprofit entities seeking financial school students. the city’s T-pier, approved a reso- city’s Glen St. Mary Park to a reading of Ordinance 680, “pro- people with few resources avail- Please see LAND, page A-3 to the council during last year’s Thrush said that Keefe’s pro- city cable TV and Internet cables, lution supporting home rule for home-building company. U.S. Attorney for the Northern um-income housing units will Please see HOMES, page A-3 assistance from the City of Niceville. Please see CLASS, page A-3 Please see VALP, page A-2 Please see 11 YEARS, page A-3

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The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 Page A-6 T HE B AY B EACON Wednesday, January 3, 2018

B Section

, The p The , The age A-7 The BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn The Bay Beacon page A-7 The Bay Beacon Bay Beacon Bay BeacoInside: Holiday nevents 10 Pages, 1 Section, 3 Inserts 50¢ 14 Pages, 2 Sections, 4 Inserts 50¢ special section Wednesday, October 25, 2017 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 10 Pages, 1 Section, 7 Inserts Wednesday, November 8, 2017 50¢ 18 Pages, 2 Sections, 6 Inserts Wednesday, November 15, 2017 Mile-long median The Okaloosa MSBU bolsters public Army vet wins new battle County moves toward County facelift progresses Commission By Mike Griffith father was a United States Guam. will hold a pub- Beacon p oddetSonf enr Marine, and Aubrey and each of A third brother was drafted lic hearing Dec. Beacon Staff water reclaimed from sewage Forty vitex trees, also known outreach measures Army veteran Aubrey Seales is a 20-year his four brothers have served the into the U.S. Army during the Aubrey Seales vote on sales tax hike 5 on whether to as chaste rose, are the first A $265,000 project to beauti- effluent. By Mike Griffith mation improvements during a Board member Judy Griffin veteran of the U.S. Army who U.S. in wartime. Korean War, and a fourth broth- set a referen- plants to be placed under a and his wife, fy the grass medians on John Municipal officials estimate Beacon Correspondent meeting Oct. 10. Most centered said that a “sign-up button” on By Mike Griffith sioners approved grant pre- percent would go to county gov- dum on a $80 $265,000 contract to beautify a helped to win the Cold War. His oldest brother served in er served in the U.S. Air Force Carolyn, in their Sims Parkway from Palm that city labor required to care Beacon Correspondent applications to help pay for ernment, and the remainder million sales- mile-long stretch of medians The Bluewater Bay on changes to its website, blue- the website, allowing people to More recently, the 80-year-old the Merchant Marine during as a mechanic during the front yard. If the for the new plants will be about tax hike, pro- Boulevard eastward to on John Sims Parkway. The Municipal Services Benefit Unit waterbay.org. From now on, obtain emails of the MSBU veteran won another battle, this World War II, hauling fuel to Vietnam War. weather is nice, The Okaloosa County improvements at county airports, would be split among the coun- half that previously required to ceeds from Tamarack Avenue, Niceville, is now-dormant trees will even- has bolstered its communica- financial reports, once approved newsletter, special events time against cancer. wherever it was needed, despite Aubrey’s family moved from they may go for a Commission set Dec. 5 for a and asked county staff members ty’s nine cities. which would moving toward completion, maintain the grass. tually produce long-lasting tions with constituents. by the board, will be posted on announcements, and so on, is in There are two things that the threat of enemy aircraft and Mississippi to Pensacola when motorcycle ride public hearing on whether to call to recommend what projects According to information pay for infra- according to city officials. Plans call for the planting of summer color (inset). the website within 48 hours. place. U-boats. Another brother served he was in sixth grade, where he on Veterans Day. a countywide referendum on a may be funded by the state’s BP provided to the commission by The MSBU is a governmen- seem to run in his family, Seales structure The state-funded contract 2,306 containers of liriope, 557 tal unit that oversees improve- Board meeting minutes, once Emails to the Bluewater Bay told the Beacon. One of them is in the Army Air Corps as a B-25 met a 12-year-old girl named Beacon photo sb y Pue proposed half-percent sales tax oil spill fund. staff members, Florida law lMPiiPth upgrades. will plant the medians with of breeze grass, 741 of African ments and maintenance of com- approved, will be posted on MSBU website will be received, military service, and the other is pilot, who was shot down over Carolyn, and they became child- that would pay for infrastructure The proposed county local- authorizes counties to adopt a iris, and 859 of pink drift rose. Pictured, the flowering plants, decorative mon areas in Bluewater Bay. within 10 days. Meeting agen- filtered and distributed to the a love of motorcycles. the Pacific, badly burned in the hood sweethearts. They became improvements. option sales tax would cost tax- local-option sales tax of 0.5 per- overcrowded grasses and trees. Also planted will be 44 vitex The entity’s elected govern- das will be posted a week before board members by association Aubrey was born near resulting crash, and spent more engaged on her 17th birthday in Also during a meeting, held payers an estimated $80 million cent or 1 percent to pay for infra- county jail. trees and 41,659 square feet of When completed, the plant ing board discussed the infor- the next meeting. Please see OUTREACH, page A-8 Tupelo, Miss., in 1937. His than a year hospitalized in Nov. 7 in Crestview, commis- over its five-year life. About 69 Beacon photo will be irrigated with purified zoysiagrass sod. Please see VETERAN, page A-2 Please see TAX, page A-5 Bridge suffers Homage to the lowly mullet Two colleges Bazaar benefits missions Goodwill drumbeats in Niceville County eyes Honoring those who served Company mark 25th toll losses a new tax purchases birthday of in hurricane to help fund its site for suspension drainage work $3 million joint campus By Mike Griffith By Mike Griffith Beacon p oddetSonf enr Vulcan Materials By Mike Griffith Beacon Correspondent Beacon Correspondent The Mid-Bay Bridge Authority is awaiting fig- The Okaloosa County Commission is consid- tract in Valparaiso ering a potential new tax to fund stormwater con- Northwest Florida State College and the ures regarding how much money the authority lost trol. fronts bayou University of West Florida celebrated the 25th during a 17-day state-ordered suspension of tolls During a meeting Oct. 31 in Shalimar, county anniversary of their joint campus in Fort Walton during Hurricane Irma evacuations last month. Public Works Director Jason Autrey presented to Beach with a reception Oct. 17 at the campus on Executive Director Van Fuller said Monday that Beacon Staff the commission his ideas on potential funding for Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. the authority still has not received traffic and toll- The recent buyer of a 4.7- a county stormwater utility. Currently, he said, The goal of the shared campus is loss figures from the state Department of acre waterfront industrial site in the county has a Municipal Services Taxing Unit to implement an agreement allow- Transportation, which operates the 3.5-mile toll Valparaiso is the very company (MSTU) which charges a small ad valorem prop- ing local students to complete the span and its associated toll parkway on behalf of that has been leasing it, Vulcan erty tax on property in unincorporated parts of first two years of a four-year col- the bridge authority. Materials Co., according to the county, mainly to pay for county parks, but lege career under the aegis of the Bridge and highway tolls were suspended county tax records. also for stormwater control. Niceville-based community college, and the final statewide to facilitate travel before, during and fol- Stormwater revenue earmarked from the The Birmingham, Ala., two years under the aegis of the Pensacola-based lowing the storm, which slammed into southern MSTU millage and other county funding building-materials company university, without having to leave Okaloosa and Florida Sept. 10 and traveled up the peninsula. No sources, he said, is about $1.57 million a year, paid $3.025 million for the Walton counties. evacuations were required locally. while the county needs over $70 million to com- tract, according to records of Construction of the campus began in August The state of Florida typically suspends the col- plete all the projects deemed necessary to control the Okaloosa County Tax 1990, and was completed in July 1992, paving the lection of tolls on state roads and bridges whenever stormwater throughout the county. Appraiser, which for tax pur- way for classes to begin in August emergency evacuations are underway or may be An alternative way of funding the stormwater poses values the property at just 1992. The campus was built on 156 imminent utility, he said, would be to charge annual over $1.1 million. acres formerly owned by Hurlburt Fuller also said that traffic and toll revenue fig- “impact fees” on property owners, based on the The property was placed on Field and deeded to NWF State ures were available through the end of August amount of impermeable surface on each proper- the market last year by its previ- (then Okaloosa Walton Community 2017, and that those figures are within the range ty. For example, he said, a typical single family ous owner, Coastal Materials College). forecast by MBBA traffic engineers. residence in the county, with about 4,100 square Inc. Devin Stephenson, NWFSC During August, he reported, 650,241 vehicles feet of impervious surface such as roof and drive- president, noted in brief remarks during the recep- crossed the Mid-Bay Bridge linking Niceville and With 500 feet of deepwater way, could be charged $31.90 per year, assuming tion that the campus is one of the few in the U.S. Destin, producing $2,034,227 in revenue, slightly waterfront on Boggy Bayou to such a tax would raise no more money for that is dotted with signs warning people to beware above the $2,021,280 generated during August the northeast, and frontage on stormwater control than do the current MSTU ad of bears and alligators. 2016. Along the Spence Parkway during August, John Sims Parkway to the valorem tax and other county levies. A Also addressing the reception was Howard J. 291,000 vehicles paid tolls, producing revenue of southwest, the land is an indus- spokesman later said the actual tax level would Reddy, UWF vice president, who said that the inno- $473,903, below the $529,411 produced during the trial port and storage depot for be determined by the county commission, which vative joint campus program began in the 1980s, same month in 2016. The totals do not include crushed rock brought to it by could set it higher. barge. It is also the location of Please see CAMPUS , page A-2 Please see BRIDGE, page A-3 Other properties, such as commercial busi- another business, Country nesses and shopping centers with much larger Corners Tires. amounts of impervious surface, could be charged In 2011, Coastal Materials, larger amounts based on how many “equivalent long the operator, wound up its Please see DRAINAGE, page A-3 business and leased the tract for the same purpose to Vulcan. Vulcan has operated the site ever since. The company did not respond to a request for comment. The piles of rock in invento- ry have long been a landmark between John Sims Parkway and the bayou near Valparaiso's northern boundary with A beautiful sunny day set the stage for the Niceville-Valparaiso Veterans Day ceremony at Doolittle Park on Saturday morning. Over two-dozen Boy Scout, Niceville. Large crowds attended the 30th annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow last weekend in Niceville. The event, aimed at fostering goodwill between school, and military organizations presented wreaths during the ceremony, which was sponsored by the Twin Cities Veterans Council. From top to bottom, left Vulcan, which had $3.6 bil- Beacon photos by Paula Mims The joint campus of Northwest Florida State Customers got a jump on the Christmas shopping season Saturday during the Crosspoint Church World Bazaar. Over 100 crafters, artists and other vendors were featured. The annual bazaar benefits local and international missions for women and children. Center right: Local author native and nonnative people, was attended by tribal members from through the Southeast and beyond. Top left: Members of the host drum. to right: A veteran salutes after presenting a wreath. “Taps” was played by Jarod Deiters. The Eglin Air Force Base Honor Guard offers a rifle salute. Valparaiso lion in sales last year, has oper- The 41st annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival was a huge success this past weekend. The three-day event in Niceville attracted tens of thousands College and University of West Florida in Fort Mayor Heyward Strong (left) and Niceville Mayor Pro Tem Sal Nodjomian (right), spoke and presented wreaths. A large crowd was on hand to honor the area's Linda Knowles with her fifth book. Bottom left: Local artist Donna Ammons shows her crafted crosses. Beacon photos by Paula Mims Middle row center: Col. Scott Dickson, 96th Test Wing vice commander at Eglin Air Force Base, joined members of the Thunderbird Honor Guard ations in 20 states, including of people of all ages to enjoy food, rides, crafts and music. Walton Beach is marking its silver anniver- in the circle during the grand entry on Saturday. Middle row right: Head man Ed Winddancer. Bottom row right: Veterans from the audience were Flooding in Bluewater Bay in 2015. veterans, past and present. The Niceville High School Air Force Junior ROTC presented the colors. Beacon photos by Paula Mims sary. Beacon photo by Mike Griffith other sites in Northwest Florida. invited to come into the circle. Beacon photom sb kaGra y Pfm Beacon photo Valparaiso County offers tax subsidies Valparaiso backs Sewer panel Solar firm agrees to fine State park Two arrested to build to 2 unidentified companies discusses Beacon Crass Coronal Energy as Gulf Coast measures to prevent any recur- details hike in sales tax Solar Center I LLC, under con- rence of the failure of the plant’s By Mike Griffith Greg Stewart told commission- Bayou State Park, had requested The operator of a solar- as drug dealers possible tract with Gulf Power. The plant main stormwater retention pond niches for Beacon Correspondent ers that Chris Hawthorne, Park an opportunity for the public to By Mike Griffith ments to streets, parks, and utili- power plant in Valparaiso that upgrades By Mike Griffith sessing with intent a controlled opened in May. after heavy rains June 7. The Manager, Fred Gannon Rocky Beacon Correspondent ties, as well as to help pay off a fire Oil-change dumped thousands of tons of Beacon Correspondent substance, trafficking between Okaloosa County commis- toxic inflows Under terms of the consent failure sent a wall of muddy Please see SUBSIDIES, page A-3 truck previously purchased. dirt into area waterways after a Two Valparaiso residents 25 grams and 150 kg of cocaine cremains sioners last week approved Valparaiso city commissioners order, Coronal neither admitted water surging down a slope into By Mike Griffith Revenue from the tax may also By Mike Griffith drainage pond failed has agreed have been arrested on drug-traf- or mixture, trafficking 14 grams Beacon Staff plans for taxpayer financial sup- expressed support for a proposed outlet nor denied responsibility for the Beacon Correspondent be used to reduce Valparaiso prop- Beacon p oddetSonf enr to pay a $10,500 fine, according ficking charges. or more of amphetamine, traf- The City of Valparaiso has port to an airline and another half-percent county sales tax, and spills. It had already taken Please see SOLAR, page A-3 Local residents met with erty taxes by about one-half mill. During the Nov. 2 meeting of to state records. On Nov. 7 the Okaloosa ficking phenylethylamines of 10 scheduled a groundbreaking cer- unidentified business. discussed how the city would use Florida state park officials Nov. 7 A mill represents a tax of one dol- planned the Niceville-Valparaiso A consent order seeking the County Sheriff’s Office arrested grams or emony Friday for a planned They also approved a plan to its share of revenue from such a to hear a briefing and discuss lar for every thousand dollars of Regional Sewer Board, board civil penalty was filed by the Theresa more, and columbarium at Sunset purchase land for expansion of tax if it is approved by voters dur- plans for the 10-year Unit the county jail near Crestview, ing a proposed countwide appraised taxable value of Land has been cleared at members discussed permitting Florida Department of Ann drug equip- Cemetery. John Sims Parkway at Wise Management Plan for Fred referendum. property. issues with the Florida Environmental Protection last Hobbs, 41, ment pos- The columbarium, a place for renewed a contract with the Avenue, Niceville, in prepa- Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Computer rendering shows a planned 104-niche columbarium Valparaiso Mayor Department of Environmental month. The company agreed to a house- session the interment of cremated Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office to City Clerk Tammy ration for commercial con- which outlines recent, ongoing, for which the City of Valparaiso is scheduled to break ground H.H. Strong said that Protection (DEP), and also dis- it Nov. 1 keeper, and and/or use, remains, will be a first for the provide a law enforcement and Johnson showed com- struction. The formerly and planned improvements. on Friday at Sunset Cemetery. security at county airports, missioners a chart between now and the cussed potential sources of toxic Regional sewer officials are studying whether possible toxins in The state penalties followed Dion according municipal cemetery, which is on wooded tract, owned by raw sewage may be interfering with effluent treatment. three erosion episodes last sum- Tyler Maldonado, a consultant columbarium fees. "The need was based on many received an award from the showing how the city’s referendum, the city Ruckel Properties, is slated chemicals that could affect Latwon to official Virginia Avenue on Sunset Lane. Beacon photo mer during which so much sedi- for the Florida Office of Planning, Initial prices for each of the requests," said Kelley. "With the Florida Department of Health, expected $450,000 in commission should hold to be the site of a vehicle- sewage being treated at the briefed attendees on plans for Wingate, arrest The event, which is open to ment washed from the 240-acre The state parks service has developed a 10-year plan for management and improvements at Fred 104 niches, or small vaults, are funeral costs on the rise, crema- and announced a public meeting revenue in each of the several public workshops lubrication business, regional sewage treatment plant rent interim limits for nitrogen modifications which are expect- improving the park. The plan, he 46, a labor- records. the public, will take place at 10 power plant site into a creek and Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park. Beacon photo by Mike Griffith expected to be about $750 if pur- tion is a less-expensive option in Niceville to discuss a pro- years from 2019 through to answer questions and according to the city build- in Niceville. in effluent discharged from the ed to significantly lower nitro- said, “serves as the basic state- er, both of Theresa Ann Hobbs a.m. ing office. Beacon Photo two bayous that it temporarily chased before death, and about that many people are choosing." posed 10-year management plan 2023 is expected to be used. The explain to citizens why the pro- Glenn Stephens, a consulting regional sewer plant, and to gen emissions in the near future, ment of policy and direction for 500 Kelly Dion Latwon Hobbs was also City Public Works Director stained them brown. that guide each aspect of park anced public utilization.” were Chris Hawthorne, who is the $1,000 if purchased at time of “We are very excited to offer for Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou uses include paying off bonds posed sales tax is necessary and engineer to the sewer board, extend the current consent order and that he does not anticipate the management of Fred Gannon Mill Rd., Wingate charged with renting a structure said the structure, which will cost The spills resulted from administration, and sets forth the Also participating in the brief- manager of the state parks at need, Kelley said. Plans leave an alternative for families’ final State Park. originally issued to fund infra- how it will benefit the city. said that as previously directed allowing extra nitrogen to be any difficulties in getting DEP Rocky Bayou State Park as a unit Apt. 175, Valparaiso, on charges knowing that it would be used $40,000, will be financed by the Beacon photo drainage failures at the site, a specific measures that will be ing and discussion with local res- Rocky Bayou and at Henderson room for expansion beyond the needs with this waterfront view at During the Oct. 17 meeting structure improvements in The Okaloosa County by the board, he recently sent a discharged. to temporarily expand and Unauthorized runoff from a solar-power plant in Valparaiso last of Florida's state park system. It of cruelty toward a child without for trafficking drugs. cemetery's reserve fund, which An airline is one of two companies offered tax subsidies for letter to the DEP requesting that 30-million-watt sun-powered summer stained Toms Bayou brown on three occasions. implemented to meet manage- idents at the Bluewater Bay initial 104 niches. affordable prices,” he added. in Shalimar, County Attorney promises to expand operations in Okaloosa County. Valparaiso, including improve- Please see VALP page A-3 Stephens said the sewer plant identifies the goals, objectives, great bodily harm, selling, man- will be repaid over time by Please see SEWER, page A-3 generating plant operated by Beacon photo ment objectives and provide bal- branch of Crosspoint Church Please see PARK, page A-5 Please see DRUG, page A-5 the state agency double the cur- is undergoing repairs and other actions and criteria or standards ufacturing, delivering, or pos-

The , page A-6 The , page A-3 The , page A-8 The , page A BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn -3 12 Pages, 2 Sections, 5 Inserts Wednesday, November 22, 2017 50¢ 8 Pages, 1 Section, 4 Inserts Wednesday, November 29, 2017 50¢ 10 Pages, 1 Section, 6 Inserts Wednesday, December 6, 2017 50¢ 8 Pages, 1 Section, 4 Inserts Wednesday, December 13, 2017 50¢ Home for the holidays No room this year for Capt. Jacob A mother’s quest for missing son Sales-tax vote delayed Pfannenstiel Debbie Lewiss By Mike Griffith The referendum will be split between county govern- and his wife, sprawling Judy Lyon still presses to find young man who disappeared in 2015 Beacon Correspondent included as a ballot item in the ment and its 10 cities. AF family has much to be thankful for Chelsea, are ‘Christmas Lady’ display “Animation in Proceeds of a The Okaloosa County already-scheduled Nov. 6, 2018, According to information By Mike Griffith boy, Roman. Capt. Pfannenstiel the headquarters support ele- looking forward Motion” By Mike Griffith Department and other investigat- she and other family members are proposed By Mike Griffith of Christmas lights, Beacon Correspondent Niceville policeman seeks Commission has delayed a ref- general election. Previously, the provided to commissioners by Beacon Correspondent was deployed to Afghanistan for ment for Operation Resolute to their first Christmas parade, A-6. Christmas dis- ing agencies have not given up, still looking for clues near Okaloosa Beacon Correspondent animated figures, answer, page A-8. Jacob Lyon of Niceville disap- erendum on a proposed county- commission had indicated it County Administrator John Being home with family seven months earlier this year, Support, helping to provide Thanksgiving play has been a Despite the disappointment of and continue to follow up on any DeFuniak Springs in Walton peared in November 2015 at County sales- The Niceville- model trains, and other which requires at least 15,000 community holi- wide sales tax until November would schedule the referendum Hofstad and his assistant, members during such holidays returning home Oct. 31. While training, supply, and other assis- with their infant last week’s unsuccessful search in and all tips or information that County, hoping to find informa- age 19. His mother, Judy tax hike would son, Roman, Valparaiso Rotary Club Christmas-related square feet. Last year’s location, day fixture for November 2015. “Two years is 2018. in April, which would have been Roland Sims, “Florida law be shared by the serviceman was gone, tance to Afghan military forces Walton County, the hunt continues might give them a clue as to tion that will help them find out Lyon, still hopes he will be as Thanksgiving and Christmas who was born has chosen “Christmas items. in an empty store in Niceville for- many years. too long,” she said, to go without The commisson on Dec. 5 before a referendum on an unre- authorizes counties to adopt the county govern- is something that many people Roman was born, so father and in their fight against terrorists. for Jacob Lyon, who has been Lyon’s whereabouts or fate. what happened to Jacob. “We are found. here during Lady” Debbie Lewis as Ironically, this will merly occupied by a Kmart, is This year, it will missing since he disappeared from Jacob’s mother, Judy Lyon, walking the area,” she said, “pass- learning what became of her son. decided to schedule a referen- lated proposed sales-tax hike Local Government ment and the 10 take for granted, but for a mili- son did not meet until his return. He served in the Joint be absent for Jacobs recent the Grand Marshall for be the first time in sev- now occupied by other tenants, the family home in Niceville two contacted the Beacon Friday to ing out flyers, and making people She expressed disappointment in dum to approve or disapprove contemplated by the county Infrastructure Surtax of either cities. tary family during wartime, Pfannenstiel, a member of Visitors Bureau, preparing and lack of space. Beacon photo seven-month this year’s Niceville- eral years that the and despite Lewis’ skill as a discuss the case, and to say that aware that Jacob’s life matters.” last week’s search. “Two hours the proposed tax, which would school board. But the school one half-percent (0.5%) or one Detachment 2 of the Air Force coordinating the comings and Beacon file photo years ago at the age of 19. such a get-together is an event to deployment to Valparaiso Christmas Animation in Motion Realtor, she has been unable to with three cadaver dogs is not levy one-half of one percent for board has tabled its own pro- percent (1.0%) for the purposes Operational Test and Evaluation goings of senior U.S. officials Afghanistan. Niceville Police Chief Dave she and other family members Judy also expressed frustration be treasured. parade, honoring her show will not go on. find another location for this enough,” she said. “That area is five years to fund infrastructure posed tax increase. of providing infrastructure and Center (AFOTEC) at Eglin Air on various fact-finding or diplo- Beacon photo by Debbie Lewis Popwell told the Beacon Friday have no intention of giving up at the failure of authorities thus far Such is the case for Air Force many years of serving The reason for this year’s show, either in or outside not done.” improvements throughout the If approved by voters Nov. 6, other purposes set forth in the Capt. Jacob Pfannenstiel, his Force Base, was deployed to matic missions. Mike Griffith that although Lyon has not yet either. “We’re still tracing down a to solve the case since the young the community through her annu- year’s cancellation, said Lewis, is of the Niceville-Valparaiso area. Please see MISSING, page A-8 county. the county revenue would be Kabul, Afghanistan, as part of been found, the Niceville Police few leads,” she said, adding that man disappeared in early Please see TAX, page A-7 wife, Chelsea, and their baby Please see HOLIDAYS, page A-3 al “Animation in Motion” display lack of a place to hold the event, Please see CHRISTMAS, page A-2 Celebrating a pioneer heritage Niceville Fine weekend kicks off holiday season North Bay wins Recalling Christmas of an earlier age Valparaiso residents better rating wrestles with for insurance rentals issue debate ban By Mike Griffith By Mike Griffith Beacon Correspondent Beacon Correspondent The North Bay Fire District has improved its The Valparaiso City Commission has sched- score with a national fire-safety rating organization, uled another public workshop meeting to discuss on pot sales and hopes to see the new yardstick lead to lower the subject of vacation rental properties in insurance premiums for property owners, said North By Mike Griffith Valparaiso, and how, if at all, the city should reg- Beacon Correspondent Bay Fire Chief Byron Bennett. ulate them. The independent fire district, which serves The Niceville City Council approved the The workshop, to be held at 6 p.m., Jan. 11, Bluewater Bay, Seminole and nearby unincorporat- second of three required readings of a city ordi- was scheduled at the request of Valparaiso resi- ed communities, recently completed its Insurance nance banning the establishment of marijuana dent JC Baltz. Service Office (ISO) Public Protection stores within Niceville. If a third such reading is During a city commission meeting on Classification (PPC) evaluation. The rating is meas- Parade approved by the council, the ordinance will take Monday, Baltz told commissioners that he was ured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best. effect. dissatisfied with the outcome of a public work- North Bay improved to a rating of 2, from its pre- Before voting during a meeting Nov. 14, heralds shop on vacation rentals held earlier this month. vious rating of 4, Bennett said. council members heard vigorous debate from “I’m asking for an actual workshop,” he said, The ISO evaluation measures fire department Niceville residents who favored or opposed it. “not some railroad” as he said occurred during communications in receiving and responding to Christmas Resident Herbert Black spoke against the the previous workshop. alarms, fire department operations (including proposed ban on state-legal marijuana outlets, During the earlier meeting, City records management, training, response time, and season which are also called “medical marijuana dis- Administrator Carl Scott told commissioners fire prevention, inspections and communication), pensaries,” saying it looked like a copy of an that the city’s current code already forbids vaca- and the supply of water in the community available Quite a crowd made it out ordinance recently approved in Valparaiso. to this years Niceville- tion rentals in R-1 residential zones, while perfor fighting fires. Black said that a ban on such outlets in Valparaiso Christmas mitting some use of vacation rentals in R-2 “The evaluation of these components provide us Niceville would go against the will of Florida Parade along John Sims mixed residential and commercial zones. with a PPC rating which helps determine home and voters, who last year approved a state constitu- Parkway on Saturday. Baltz told commissioners that he had previ- business insurance rates,” said Bennett. tional amendment legalizing them under state Festivities were celebrated ously been told that short-term rentals were per- “North Bay Fire Control District is one of 1,324 by all ages. Top to bottom, law. Implementing legislation gives localities mitted throughout Valparaiso, and prepared his fire departments nationwide to be rated with a rating left to right: Rocky Bayou the option of banning such stores within their house to be used for that purpose. He said he was of a class 2,” Bennett said. Christian School marching boundaries. “blindsided” by Scott’s announcement at the pre- “Although it is not guaranteed, our hope is that band. Santa arrives in a Black said that reasons given for Niceville’s vious workshop. our residents and business owners will see a saving fire truck. Cutest parade proposed ban on such dispensaries include con- participant of the day. Baltz said rentals should be permitted by the with our new rating,” he added. cerns about crime and other unsavory activities, Grand Marshal Debbie city, with only reasonable regulation and over- The next ISO evaluation is scheduled for 2022. but he asked council members what data exist to Lewis. Parade participant sight. Most renters in Valparaiso, he said, are not Travis Betsinger, a property-insurance agent in support such assertions. Susan Leger was decorat- spring breakers seeking wild parties, but are Bluewater Bay, said that while he was not author- Black said that the city allows liquor stores ed head to toe. Ruckel “mostly old people seeking a laid-back area ized to give statements to the press on behalf of any Middle School band. and tattoo parlors, and questioned whether mar- away from the beach.” particular company, his experience has shown that Niceville High School ijuana dispensaries should be forbidden if those By offering his own house for rent, Baltz said, insurance companies tend to look at multiple factors band. Valparaiso Mayor he is “seeking the best way to use my own prop- other establishments are permitted. Heyward Strong. The Black also objected to the city’s assertion Please see NORTH BAY, page A-2 Emerald Coast Children's Please see RENTALS, page A-7 Advocacy Center's float Please see DEBATE, page A-3 theme was “Making Childhood Sweet Again.” Beacon photos by Paula Mims

Hundreds of people flocked to Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park on Saturday to enjoy the annual Pioneer Day festival. Visitors could make their own candles, churn butter, eat campfire-cooked food, make a rag doll, visit an old-fashioned schoolhouse, wash clothes on a washboard, pump their own water, and enjoy a large variety other pioneer activities and displays. Center: Jacob Schwartz shows a boy how to make a fire. The pleasant fall weather throughout the Thanksgiving weekend drew many people outside, including visitors to Nicevilles Turkey Creek Walk (top left), Clockwise from top left: Participants shake a jar to "churn" their own butter, which they could enjoy on a cracker. Learning how to grind corn where they enjoyed looking at nature and occasionally reaching down to feel the water temperature of Turkey Creek. Clockwise, from top center: Boggy Many gathered Saturday at Heritage Museum and Perrine Park in Valparaiso for the annual Yule of Yesteryear festival. Clockwise from top left: Three- was also a popular activity. Visitors work hard to scrub their clothing clean on a washboard. A girl listens intently to directions for making her year-old Sienna Porter sat on Santa Clauss lap, discussing her Christmas wishes. Walton Guard member Deborah Busby demonstrated 19th century Members of the public during a Niceville City Bayou was also a good place for a family boat ride. Karen Bartolo is a Salvation Army volunteer, with a traditional bell and donation kettle. Nothing displays North Bay Fire District firefighters spend Beacon photo own doll out of rags. Margaret Bonner helped people churn butter. Victoria George, Ruth George and Alexis Temple were among those enjoying camp cooking, along with some of the clothing worn by women of that time. John Mertins, of Milton, shows Civil War weaponry. Inside the museum, Kate Short-term rentals in Valparaiso are prohibit- Council meeting last week debated a proposed the true spirit of Thanksgiving like an inflated plastic turkey wearing a pilgrim hat. This one welcomed people to Valparaiso throughout the weekend. On time at Bluewater Elementary School educat- the activities at Pioneer Day. Jamie Schwartz cooks a dinner on a campfire. Participants dip a wick into hot wax many times to form candles. Nelson, 10, and her brother Kenyon, 6, had fun playing in a replica of a pioneer-era general store. As the day came to a close, Walton Guard members, ed in residential neighborhoods zoned R-1, ordinance that would outlaw state-legal mari- the shore of Boggy Bayou a man stopped to feed Thanksgiving dinner to a flock of seagulls. Another man flew a remote-controlled model seaplane. In ing students on fire prevention and safety, Beacon photos by Paula Mims playing their role of Confederate troops, gathered and stood at attention for the retirement of the colors. Valparaiso resident David Sandlin demonstrated according to city officials. The issue will be juana sales in the city. Bluewater Bay, a small army of volunteers helped local resident Jeff Werner set up his annual “Geek Lights on the Corner” Christmas light and music one of the areas evaluated for the fire dis- Beacon photo by Mike Griffith blacksmithing and other pioneer skills. People gathered in a tent to hear music performed by Redwood, a blues and rock band. examined further during a city commission show. Golfers also enjoyed the outdoors, whether playing the game on local links or passing on their golf skills to the next generation. tricts insurance rating. Beacon photos by Mike Griffith Beacon photos by Michael Griffith meeting Jan. 11. Courtesy photo Senior living Toll suspension Valparaiso eyes College eyes $20M in repairs School board affirms Senior-home’s buyer center is sold By Mike Griffith contract with Johnson, and bor- college actually needs about $40 Beacon Correspondent row about $20 million from Bank million worth of repairs to such terms of suspension costs bay bridge rules on rentals to Mich. firm The Northwest Florida State of America for much-needed facilities as air-conditioning sys- briefs its residents College Board of Trustees dis- repairs and renovations to facili- tems, roofs, and other key infra- By Mike Griffith Lamar White, however, replied By Mike Griffith that the effects they do experi- By Mike Griffith posed city ordinance to regulate By Mike Griffith cussed a possible $20 million ties at the college’s Niceville and structure throughout the campus- Beacon Correspondent that a letter the board had sent to Senior Beacon Correspondent Beacon Correspondent ence will be positive ones. over $1.1 million Beacon Correspondent such rentals within Valparaiso. maintenance and renovation con- Fort Walton Beach campuses. es, but that the college can cur- The Okaloosa County School Farley was not a summons but Superior Residences at He said his Michigan-based A slow Sunday morning on the The Valparaiso City The commission scheduled a tract, discussed building a new White told the trustees that the Board has declined to overturn rather an invitation to appeal its Senior managers briefed res- Please see COLLEGE, page A-6 company, which recently By Mike Griffith make it easier for people to Mid-Bay Bridge. A recent 15- Commission is scheduled to take public workshop for 6 p.m. Dec. center Bluewater Bay, an upscale sen- indoor batting facility for the col- the suspension without pay of decision if he chose to do so. idents and staff last week on bought the locally owned facili- Beacon Correspondent evacuate from the path of the day toll suspension has cost up the question of whether to 5, at which commissioners and ior-living facility located along lege baseball and softball teams, school district employee Arden Farley agreed with attorney how things will, and will not, ty from Superior Residences for Hurricane Irma cost the Mid- storm. the bridges owner over $1.1 restrict short-term home rentals residents will further discuss the State Road 20, has been sold to and honored retiring board mem- Farley, who was charged with Franklin Harrison, who was rep- change as the former Superior nears a reported $24.5 million, was Bay Bridge Authority an esti- Although Hurricane Irma did million—and saved motorists during a meeting Dec. 5. home rule and vacation rental American House Senior Living ber Robert Chedister. failing to report suspected child resenting Schools Residences in Bluewater Bay impressed with its modern, mated $1,180,000 in lost toll not make direct landfall along a like amount. Valparaiso residents and city issues. The discussion will also Communities, Bloomfield Hills, During a meeting in Niceville abuse. Superintendent Mary becomes part of the American Beacon photo resort-like amenities and with revenue, said MBBA Executive the Emerald Coast, and local commissioners vigorously debat- include alternative proposals for completion Mich. American House is affili- Nov. 21, the board heard a presen- During an appeal Beth Jackson, that House Senior Living its efficient, resident-friendly Director Van Fuller during the communities such as Niceville ed the pros and cons of short- a city ordinance to regulate ated with Redico, a real estate tation from the college’s vice hearing held Dec. 5 Farley was facing four Communities national chain of The Niceville senior-citizen and development company. atmosphere. Nov. 16 meeting of the bridge or Destin were not ordered to term vacation home rentals short-term rentals, which center, currently under con- president of administration, by the school board felony charges, and that assisted living facilities. one such proposed ordi- Raimund Herden, the devel- Yolanda “Yoly” Ostertag, the authority’s five-member govern- evacuate, many of the people during the Nov. 13 meet- struction behind City Hall, Randall White, who recommend- in Niceville, Farley his appeal was not “Nobody’s rents are getting nance defines as rentals of oper who built the Superior Beacon photo by Mike Griffith Beacon photo by Mike Griffith facility’s current executive ing board. who did evacuate from other ing of the Valparaiso city is scheduled to open early ed that it enter into a “perfor- said that he had not against his suspension, jacked up, and nobody’s getting privately owned homes Residences facility in Bluewater Superior Residences of Bluewater Bay, a 94-apartment senior-liv- Arden Farley was cut off by the Okaloosa County School Board director, said she will remain as The toll revenue was lost, parts of Florida used the Mid- commission. next year, according to ing facility, has been sold to a Michigan company for $24.5 million. mance-based” contract with originally planned to but was limited to the fired,” said Robert W. Gillette, for periods of less than a Bay, informed the Beacon of the while attempting to argue the case against his suspension fol- the senior manager at the said Fuller, because as the hurri- Bay Bridge and the Spence Valparaiso Mayor Chad Morris, municipal pur- Johnson Controls, a company appeal its earlier issue of whether the chief operating officer of month, and occurring 3 or chasing director. sale last week, saying that he lowing criminal charges. Bluewater Bay residence. “I just cane approached and passed Parkway, which connects the Heyward Strong stated his Herden. the Midwest and Florida, and which already has such a contract decision to suspend suspension should be American House, as he began over the state of Florida, Gov. bridge with State Road 85 at a support for legislation to reduce more times per year. Beacon photo by Mike Griffith believes the transaction will ben- with the state of Florida for reno- him, but was present with or without pay. came back from a wonderful Fuller told members of the were lost along the Spence than the $1,811,740 collected in $416,538 collected from the According to a press release Redico, a national real estate that he had done everything Kenwood Elementary School, his briefing to residents in the Rick Scott ordered the collec- point north of Niceville, to reach state control over vacation rentals Strong spoke in favor of a pro- efit the people who reside there, vating and maintaining college because he believed Arden Farley Farley, who has trip to Detroit,” Ostertag said of MBBA governing board that the Parkway. bridge toll revenue during Parkway in the year-earlier peri- from Redico spokeswoman investment and development required of him by board policy Fort Walton Beach. top floor meeting room of the tion of tolls be suspended on all lodging in the Destin area, and strengthen the “home rule” posed city resolution supporting as American House has a great facilities throughout the state. he had been “sum- pleaded not guilty to the her recent visit to the American estimated tolls lost over the Fuller told the board that tolls September 2016. Tolls from the od. Tolls were suspended Sept. Jacqueline Trost, “American company, are pleased to during and after his investiga- Farley contended that it was facility. Gillette assured them of the state’s toll roads and toll where some evacuees took authority of local governments to home rule, which he said is “a deal of experience and expertise White recommended that moned” to present an appeal to criminal charges, attempted to House headquarters in a suburb bridge itself were about actually collected at the bridge Spence Parkway during 5-20. House Senior Living announce the acquisition of tion, on the school district’s school district officials, not him, that the new change in manage- bridges, including the Mid-Bay refuge until the storm had regulate such rentals, while some big deal” favored by the Florida in managing such facilities. Northwest Florida State College the school board. present documents to the school of that city, where she met with $920,000. He estimated that an during September were September were $301,655, near- Communities, a senior housing Superior Residences at A proposed $20 million overhaul of Northwest Florida State behalf, of allegations that a ment will have very little effect Bridge, for 15 days in order to passed. Valparaiso residents spoke in League of Cities. The proposed Transaction price was about join other colleges in the state College facilities would include aging air-handling units such School board Chairman board supporting his contention Please see SCHOOL, page A-2 Please see RESIDENTS page A-8 additional $260,000 of tolls $854,068, nearly 53 percent less ly 28 percent less than the Please see BRIDGE, page A-7 company with communities in Please see SENIOR, page A-10 teacher had abused a student at on their current lifestyles, and favor and in opposition to a pro- Please see RENTALS, page A-7 $24.5 million, according to as this one. NW Fla. State College

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The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 Wednesday, January 3, 2018 THE BAY BEACON Page a-7

THe InquIrIng PHOTOgraPHer —by Mike Griffith What do you think about President Trump’s first year in office? Location: CEFCO gas station, John Sims Parkway

“It’s been bittersweet. “I think he’s taken “It’s been an “I think he’s “I think he’s doing “I think President The economy seems action that previous interesting year getting more done a pretty good job. Trump’s trying to to be doing well, but presidents have not, on the Internet.” than most people He’s done more than execute what he we’re divided as a but I also think that give him credit for.” Obama did, and I hope promised, but the country more than he should think twice Zachary Revell, 29, he keeps up the good Rebecca Steele, 44, press brutalizes him I’ve ever seen.” before he types.” Niceville, work. That’s how Crestview, no matter what he does. delivery driver much I like the guy.” Randy Lemon, 52, Noah Glenn, 17, housekeeper I hope his tax plan Destin, Niceville, Charles Huffman, 41, stimulates the economy cabinet builder Northwest Florida State Niceville, to employ people and College student sales associate keep corporations here at home.” Ron TenBrink, 66, Carmel, Indiana, teacher

What should we ask next week? Email your suggested question to: [email protected] Include "Suggested IP question" in the "subject" field. our Town

Life Tributes Center for Olga Jean Bordner 1932–2017 Lifelong Learning Olga Jean Bordner of Niceville, Florida, passed away donates to CIC on December 27, 2017, to meet The Center for Lifelong Learning showed with her Savior Jesus for eternal their great support to Children in Crisis by life. She was born in East presenting a $1,000 donation to the CIC Chicago, Indiana, on August 18, education Fund for the children living at the 1932, before moving to the CIC Children’s neighborhood. The donation Phoenix, Arizona, area, in l987, will help with educational items that are she was formerly from Palos unfunded but critical to the growth of the at- Hills, Illinois. risk children. Olga was the beloved wife of the late Donald Bordner and was also preceded in death by her parents Elia and Nelie (Bilo) Olga Jean Bordner Kozlow. Loving mother of sons, Doug (Margaret) and Tim for Parkview Orthopedic Group, (Dorothy), and daughter, Kerry Secretary for Arizona State (Frank) Halbert; cherished University and Hostess for Pulte grandmother of Jamie (Adam) Corporation. She loved all her Osmanski, Jason (Tricia), Kelli, school friends from Perry and Bershire Hathaway Derek (Jessica), Ashley (Travis) Chicago Vocational High Melton, Brandon Halbert, School, her friends from gives away award Lauren (Tyler) Van Decar M.D. Arizona, and Seniors Over Sixty and Chelsea. She was a Great in Niceville, Florida. Grandmother (GeGe) to Tyler, A visitation will be held from winning float prop Chase and Beckham Osmanski, 10-11:00 a.m. on Friday, Float winner of the niceville Christmas Parade on Preston, Audry, Bryan and January 5, 2018, at Christ Our December 2, 2017, Berkshire Hathaway Jaxson; sister to the late brother, Redeemer Catholic Church, HomeServices PenFed realty has given away the Ed (Shirley) Kozlow; niece, Niceville. A funeral Mass will Playhouse that was the star of the float to a local Diane (Michael) Richard; their begin at 11:00 a.m. at the niceville family. Pictured from Left to right: children, Melissa (Dan) Rooney church, with interment in Mount Cathy alley, Donna Holman, amanda grandy, M.D., Kent (Aileen) and Hope Cemetery, Chicago, royce Mitchell, andrea Deangelis (winner of the Meredith Richard; nephew, Illinois. Playhouse), Chanie erb (kneeling), Tammy Edward (Bridget) Kozlow and Summers, Beth Little, Donna Bennett, Lynn Expressions of love and sym- gauthier, and Bethany Zaal. their children, Erin, Megan and pathy may be viewed or submit- Maureen. ted online at www.heritagegar- Her skills were a Bookkeeper densfuneralhome.com.

RBCS students In Loving Memory of Matthew Roy Sutton offer free tutoring 10/26/82 — 12/29/16 rocky Bayou Christian academy’s Mu alpha Theta Club offered a free tutoring community service project on Saturday, recently, at rocky Bayou Christian School. Tutoring in basic math through aP Calculus was available. approximately 25 students and tutors attended the event. The rBCS Mu alpha Theta Club will offer a second community service free tutoring event in the spring. Photo 1: MaT member alicyn grete enjoys working with two students, Tutor Hannah Suh in background Inset: Tutor Beloved Son and Brother. Parker athearn Forever Loved, Forever Missed. explains algebra. Dad, Mom, and Shannon.

The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992 Page A-8 T HE B AY B EACON Wednesday, January 3, 2018 Thursday, January 4 at the Emerald Benefit Breakfast have to be associated with the Elks. join in the fun. RSVP to Coach Matt Valparaiso garden club Coast Science Center. The topic of the Twin Cities Elks Lodge #2747 is For more information on this activ- to reserve your spot by calling the Join us to learn about how individ- workshop will be "How to use your holding 3 public breakfasts on January ity, camp information or information Front Desk (850) 897-8010 or email- uals, neighborhoods and businesses

7 6 new telescope". The public is invited 6, 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and again on Feb. on joining the Twin Cities Elks Lodge, ing: [email protected]. can help beautify the Emerald Coast 20185 4 3 2 14 1 13 to bring their new telescopes for an 3 and March 3. The Lodge is located call the lodge Tues-Fri 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mosaics class one tree at a time. Allen French, exec- 12 11 10 21 9 20 evening of instruction and advice. at 224 Seminole Ave (off John Sims) at or just camp information at 850- Create your own unique Mosaic utive director of Trees on the Coast, 8 19 18 17 16 15 The workshop starts at 5 p.m. in Valparaiso behind the little white 217-7388. design with instructor Katheline Inc., will inform us on what this non- Come any time between 5:00 p.m. and barber shop. Donation is $8. We will Family fun day Nehus in a two part class, Saturday, profit organization is doing to increase CALENDAR 7:30 p.m. The center closes at 8:00 be serving Biscuits n Gravy, Pancakes Join us Saturday, Jan. 6, from 11- January 6 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 the tree canopy in Okaloosa and p.m. If your scope is powered bring a (blueberry and plain), Sausage, and 12 p.m. at the Bluewater Bay Tennis p.m. You may bring a memento or Walton counties. fresh set of batteries and any instruc- Omelets/eggs to order and fruit and Center for a family fun day. Bring the your own materials to incorporate into The Valparaiso Garden Club will How to use telescopes tions/manuals that may have come beverages. kids down for a free tennis event. No your mosaic. The fee is $30 or $25 for meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January In association with the Emerald with your equipment. Each summer in June, the Florida experience or equipment required - all Museum Members. All materials 10, at the Trinity Presbyterian Church Coast Science Center, the NorthWest If you have any questions call Tom Elks sponsor a Youth Camp in kids aged 4+ are welcome. Mom, included. Fellowship Hall located on Chicago Florida Astronomy Association's first Haugh (850)678-6483 or the ECSC Umatilla for children 9-13 years old Dad, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts Space is limited. Please call to reg- Avenue in Valparaiso. workshop of 2018 will be held (850)664-1261. who can attend at no cost. They do not and uncles we want all of you out to ister (MC/Visa): 850- 678-2615. ALL AROUND THE TOWN Beauty Careers Training Center Celebrating 45 years of training beauty professionals Advertising Feature is $14.23. Florida is a state Beauty Careers Training that employs a Center, open since 1972, has an large concentra- established reputation for consis- tion of cosmetol- tency in training skilled cosmetol- ogists; and in ogists and offering cosmetology this area, we services. 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Newsome and is currently owned by her daughter, Elaine Brewer. and to do complete facials and came from Freeport for a session We assist students in finding makeup methods. Students at Beauty Careers. “The students employment; however, we do not Magaline Stanfill was another original owner. “We have trained learn to do manicures and pedi- pay very careful attention to guarantee employment. We are cure techniques. They learn everything they do, exactly as happy to help when we can by thousands of men and women who are now successful cosme- about the chemistry/disorders of theyʼve been taught. Nothing is recommending students to hair, skin and nails. 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The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992