[email protected] The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and...

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

10 Pages, 2 Sections, 5 Inserts

The voice of Niceville, Bluewater Bay and Valparaiso since 1992

By Mike GriffithBeacon Correspondent

The board of directors of theBluewater Bay MunicipalServices Benefit Unit (MSBU)has scheduled a public land-scaping workshop for 10 a.m.,Feb. 19, in the golf clubhouse at1950 Bluewater Boulevard.

The MSBU is a special unitof Okaloosa County govern-ment, in charge of landscaping,street lights and signs, and gen-eral maintenance of commonareas throughout the unincorpo-rated Bluewater Bay communi-ty. It is governed by a five-member board of elected direc-tors.

At the MSBU’s Decembermeeting, newly elected boardmembers Debbie Stretch andJudy Griffin said they were dis-

satisfied with the MSBU’s over-all approach to landscaping, andasked that a workshop bescheduled to discuss alternativedesign ideas and to possiblyhear ideas from local landscapedesigners to improve the look ofthe Bluewater Bay community.

At a meeting Jan. 8, boardmember Joan McCarthy saidpurposes of the workshop willinclude gathering input fromresidents on how they wantBluewater Bay to look, and alsoto hear ideas from any profes-sional landscape designers whoare willing to present ideas freeof charge during the workshop.

During the Dec. 11 meeting,Griffin and Stretch had saidthey would like to change theMSBU’s approach to landscap-ing in Bluewater Bay. Griffin

said that the stacked masonryblocks currently used to containflower beds at many BluewaterBay intersections “are not anattractive option,” and are oftendiscolored by stains from waterused to irrigate the flower beds.

Fellow board member DougBurgess replied that the stackblocks are cleaned about threetimes each year, but Griffin per-sisted, saying that she wouldprefer replacing the stackblocks with such natural materi-als as shrubbery or grass. Shesaid she has some experiencewith landscaping and wouldcome up with some specificideas for what she has in mind.

At the December meeting,board member Joan McCarthysaid that she, too, thinks

By Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

If you happened to exceedthe speed limit in Niceville lastyear, you were much more like-ly to get a ticket.

The number of traffic cita-tions written by Nicevillepolice in 2012 was nearly twicewhat it was in 2011 and wasthe highest it's been since 2008,according to statistics releasedby the Niceville PoliceDepartment.

Niceville police recorded3,245 traffic tickets in 2012, upfrom 1,766 in 2011 and over3,000 for the first time since3,504 tickets were recorded in2008.

Police Sgt. Jimmy Maconattributed the increase to thefact that Niceville had morepatrol officers in 2012 than theprevious year.

"I think having more officersis the main reason that numberwent up," Macon said. "We

have more people and are ableto cover more ground andrespond to more calls. Whenwe had less, we had to priori-tize and only respond to themost important calls, but nowwe're able to cover more area."

Macon said Niceville hasadded five officers since thistime last year, increasing thedepartment's total to 25 full-time officers. He said this

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, January 16, 2013




Wednesday, 6-8 p.m.Learn to manage your

moneywith afreefinancialwork-shop attheStudent

Services Building,Northwest Florida StateCollege, Niceville.

Thursday, 6:30 p.m.Celebrate Florida’s

anniversary with theNiceville Library and learnabout Panhandle historywith Dr. Brian Rucker at theNiceville CommunityCenter.

Saturday, noonCheck out

The BluewaterBay SailingClub race attheBluewaterBay Marina,Niceville. Register as late asthe day of the race.

Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.Learn the art of basketry

in a basket weaving classat theHeritageMuseum ofNorthwestFlorida,Valparaiso.

Saturday, 1 p.m.See the Soka Gakkai

International’s “The Centuryof Women” exhibit in theMcIlroy and Holzhauergalleries, Mattie Kelly ArtsCenter, Niceville.

See Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP

Please see BWB, page A-6

Please see TICKETS, page A-2

Please see SEWERS, page A-5

Please see GPS, page A-2

Police Blotter

Page A-4

Public comment sought on BWB landscaping

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserMembers of the Duke Field chapter of the Special Forces Motorcycle Club rode to Shadow Lane, Niceville, Saturday to cheer upmember Ryan Pierson, who is recovering from surgery for a foot injury. The club, which is made up of active duty and retired SpecialForces members, stages rides to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and other charities. It gained a stronger local pres-ence after the Army 7th Special Forces Group relocated from Fort Bragg, N.C., to Eglin Air Force Base in 2011.

Tough love

Beacon photo The condition of traffic-island stack blocks such as these on Bluewater Boulevard will be amongthe topics of a public meeting on landscaping issues to be held Feb. 19 by the Bluewater BayMunicipal Benefit Unit governing board.

Stolen GPSfinds itsway homeBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

An alleged thief learned tech-nology isnot alwaysyour friendwhen infor-mationstored in aGPS ledsheriff'sdeputiesback to itsowner andimplicatedhim in its theft.

A report by the Okaloosa

Rocky studentssub hoofsfor booksRocky Bayou Christian School s“Jan Term,” held between semes-ters Jan. 7-18, featured innovativespecial-interest short coursessuch as ballroom dancing, cook-ing, off-campus internships, andhorseback riding. StudentsNathan McCullough and MadelineMcIntosh were among thosestudying horsemanship.

Beacon photo by Anna Kavanaugh

Cityacts tounclogsewersBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

Facing an "epidemic" of dis-posable wipes clogging citysewers, the Niceville CityCouncil authorized the citymanager to purchase twosewage grinders.

Niceville Public WorksDirector Bruce Price said thegrinders are needed because ofnew types of materials peopleare flushing into the sewagesystem.

"We have sort of an epidem-ic going on right now," Pricesaid. "People use disposablewipes and just throw them inthe toilet and flush them down,and they don't dissolve in thewater. [The wipes] have led to clogging and buildup in ourscreens and pumps, and thesewage grinders should be ableto grind these solids down."

A resolution, approved 4-0

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Traffic accidents (line, right scale)Traffic citations (bars, left scale) Source: Niceville Police Dept.

More traffic tickets, fewer crashesIn the city of Niceville, by year

Niceville cops write more tickets

Matthew R.Setterstrom

Friday, 7:30 p.m.

See a free screening ofthe surfing documen-tary “Florida’s SurfingHistory-Part One: ThePanhandle” at the MattieKelly Arts Center,Niceville.

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.

Bring new and old tel-escopes for a free tele-scope workshop withthe Northwest FloridaAstronomy Association atNorthwest Florida StateCollege, Niceville.

Saturday, 9-11 a.m.

Enjoy a free Bibleseminar“Why BiblicalCounseling?” with Dr.Abercrombie at RockyBayou Baptist Church,Niceville.

Saturday, 10-11 a.m.Learn hand appliqué

and create a wall hang-ing in a hand-quiltingworkshop for $35 or $30for members at theHeritage Museum ofNorthwest Florida,Niceville.

Saturday, 9-11 a.m.

Children ages 9-18 cantry out for the FC DallasEmerald Coast TravelSoccer team for $10 atthe Twin Oaks SoccerComplex, Niceville.

See Calendar, B-2.


Work was completed Fridayon a four-way stop at WhitePoint Road and WoodlandsDrive, placed to discouragemotorists from using WhitePoint as a shortcut to and fromthe Mid-Bay Bridge.

While the main access to thenew Mid-Bay Bridge Connectorintersects State Road 20 approx-imately one mile east of WhitePoint's intersection with S.R. 20,many drivers use White Point,the former bridge access road,to get to the Lakeshore Driveinterchange with the new con-nector.

At a cost of $10,000, fundedby the Mid-Bay BridgeAuthority, Okaloosa Countyworkers placed four stop signsat the intersection and built con-crete medians to separate north-south traffic on White Point.The medians are intended toslow left-turning traffic fromWhite Point onto Woodlands.

In October, bridge authorityChairman Gordon Fornell saidcitizens informed him aboutdangerous driving conditionsresulting from motorists turningat the intersection of WhitePoint and Lakeshore.


Okaloosa County foreclosures almostdoubled from 2011 to 2012 but weredown slightly from 2010.

According to county figures, 1,650real-estate foreclosure lawsuits were filedlast year.. This number is up significant-ly from the 957 recorded in 2011, whenmany banks slowed foreclosure proceed-ings after national reports of "robo-sign-ing" filings surfaced.

Okaloosa County Clerk of Court DonHoward said apprehension about poten-tially filing fraudulent foreclosuresslowed foreclosure action in 2011, artifi-cially depressing real estate repossessionssparked by the nationwide housing crash.

"That decrease was due to problemsin the [banking] industry," Howard said."Things went on hold in that industry fora long time."

Howard said foreclosure action picked

up at the end of 2011 largely due to stateefforts.

"The state devoted a lot of resourcesto clear up what they called 'foreclosurebacklog,'" Howard said.

The total 2,445 foreclosure actionsfiled in 2009 represented a county record.

Howard attributes the slowing to sev-eral factors, including the fact that thehigh volume of foreclosures filed 2009-10 left fewer properties left to forecloseon.

Howard said another reason for theslight decline is an effort by the bankingindustry to resolve debts using methodsother than repossession.

"Banks really started working withpeople to find other ways to resolveproblems," Howard said. "Often timesthey worked to get properties into thehands of people who were able to make

Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

An independent-living facilityfor retired residents is planned forconstruction near the intersectionof State Road 20 and White PointRoad, Bluewater Bay, accordingto developer Raimund Herden.

Herden, one of the originaldevelopers of Bluewater Bay, andhis company, BluewaterCommercial Developers, said heis working in conjunction withSuperior Residences to finalize

plans for the center, which wouldbe on currently vacant commer-cial land next to BluewaterFitness, on the southeast side ofthe intersection.

Herden said the estimated $19million facility, tentatively namedIndependent Living Facility atBluewater Bay, will contain 97 or98 rental apartments in five sto-ries, with a sixth story devoted toamenities.

Herden says the amenities arewhat would distinguish the inde-

pendent-living facility fromassisted-living facilities and regu-lar apartment complexes.

"Apartment complexes don'thave all the amenities," Herdensaid. "This will have a library,home theater, putting green,restaurant. It is an inclusive facil-ity for people who are stillactive."

Shelly Normand, executivedirector of Superior Residences,





COMINGUP

Please see RETIREE, page A-2

Please see DOT, page A-3

Please see FORECLOSE, page A-3

Please see FOUR-WAY, page A-3

Police Blotter

Page A-6

Foreclosures surge after 2-year decline

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserClara Thomas, an Okaloosa County deputy sheriff, patrols Plew Elementary School, Niceville, Jan. 16. Thomas and other sheriff'sdeputies were placed in 26 Okaloosa elementary schools at the request of the county school board beginning the first day afterChristmas break in response to the school shootings in Newtown, Conn., Dec. 14. Sheriff Larry Ashley asked the county commis-sion to fund half the extra cost. The school board agreed to pay the other half. Deputies have been stationed in county middle andhigh schools for years, chiefly to deter student crime rather than violence by outsiders.

Standing guard

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Sources: Ok. Co. Clerk of Court; Univ. W. Fla.

Foreclosures since 2003Foreclosure actions filed, Okaloosa County

DOTseeksto tapbridgetollsBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

Governance and control of theMid-Bay Bridge Authority wouldbe transferred to a newOkaloosa-BayRegionalTollwayAuthorityunder a billto be pro-posed in the2013 statelegislativesession.

Thetransfer, if approved, would putthe locally governed authorityunder regional control, and allow

$19 million retiree center planned

Four-way stop puton White Point Rd.

Work was completed Friday ona four-way stop at the intersec-tion of White Point Road andWoodlands Drive. It is intendedto discourage drivers fromusing Lakeshore Drive by wayof White Point as a shortcut tothe Mid-Bay Bridge.

Beacon photo by Daniel Elsesser

Raimund Herden explains hisproposal for a six-story retire-ment center near the intersec-tion of State Road 20 and WhitePoint Road, Bluewater Bay.

Beacon photo

Ananth Prasad

Thursday, 3 p.m.

Enjoy the outdoorsand take a scenic bikeride with the AdventureClub in the BluewaterBay Resort subdivision,Niceville.

Friday, 7 p.m.

Enjoy the freeOkaloosa All CountyMiddle School Bandconcert at the MattieKelly Arts Center,Niceville.

Monday, 1:30 p.m.Learn Spanish for

free with CarmenCameron at theValparaiso CommunityLibrary.

Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Explore Mac systemsand apps at a MacUsers meeting atNorthwest FloridaState College, Niceville.

Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.

Listen and learn atthe free, public, classicalmusic study series,“Better Listening,” at theUnitarian ChurchFellowship Hall,Valparaiso.

See Calendar, B-3.

of thousands of dollars by formerTDC director Mark Bellinger, whobought a house with the money. Hekilled himself last year after thescheme came to light.

Gaetz said it is important that citi-zens attend the hearings to betterunderstand the issue and learn howthe legislature intends to prevent suchthefts from occurring again.

"It is in the interest of the legisla-ture to see whether we need to embed

ethics reforms at the county and locallevels," Gaetz said.

Gaetz said Okaloosa CountyCommissioner Dave Parisot will bepresent to provide the countyresponse to the proposals.

Gaetz said that after the auditorgeneral's presentation, municipalitiesand other organizations and individu-als will make proposals for the


Murphy Oil Corp. submittedupdated site plans Friday for agasoline station and conven-ience store near the entrance ofthe Walmart at 1300 E. JohnSims Parkway, Niceville. Thecompany plans to begin con-struction in February, accordingto Niceville Building InspectorDarcy Chaney.

Murphy Oil, based in ElDorado, Ark., operates high-volume, low-priced gas stationsand associated conveniencestores, typically near Walmartor Sam's Club stores.

The plans indicate that theNiceville installation would be

accessed by a Walmart exitroad rather than directly fronJohn Sims Parkway.

Murphy Oil had to submitnew site plans because the orig-inal plans called for a canopyto cover the gas pumps whichcould withstand wind speeds of140 mph. Chaney said struc-tures of that nature in Nicevillemust be able to withstand 150mph winds.

Murphy made the necessarychanges, as well as somechanges to the interior of theplanned convenience store,according to Chaney.

The plans indicate the gas


Eglin Air Force Base fire-fighters will conduct a plane-crash drill with the Valparaiso,Niceville and East Niceville firedepartments in Valparaiso today.

Valparaiso Fire Chief MarkNorris said the drill, called amajor accident response exer-cise, is intended to help civilianfirefighters work with their AirForce counterparts in the event.

"This will be an integratedtraining exercise," Norris said."We want to learn how to inte-

grate our firefighters with Eglin,and we hope to learn eachother's capabilities and limita-tions."

Norris said the exercise,which is scheduled to begin at 3p.m. at the city public worksyard on Valastics Avenue, underthe air approach to one ofEglin's two runways, will simu-late a situation in which a planecrashes into a building andignites a fire. A building at theworks yard will be filled withfake smoke from a theatricalsmoke machine.

Norris said there would be anunspecified number of peopleplaying the roles of injured ordead victims of the mock crash.

The site is a few hundred feetfrom where a real Eglin jetcrashed in 2003, severely dam-aging two houses. No one wasseriously hurt in that accident.

According to Norris, a flash-ing light will indicate that a"fire" is burning, and the lightwill stop flashing when themock blaze has been extin-guished.

The exercise will assume the

pilot and co-pilot of the F-16approached Eglin Air ForceBase for a landing, lost controland ejected before impact.

Norris said two victims willbe dressed as pilots, completewith deployed parachutes, andthat emergency workers willcare for them accordingly.

Norris said it is important toinvolve nearby fire departmentsin the exercise, because in a realair crash off base, Valparaiso,Niceville and East Niceville fire





COMINGUP

Please see TRAIN, page A-4

Please see MURPHY, page A-5

Police Blotter

Page A-2

Beacon photo by Anna KavanaughThe Okaloosa STEMM Academy began its second semester with a new flight lab paid for by Boeing Co. Here, studentsAllison Rodas and Sam Scholl learn how to take off, fly and land planes with simulators at the science-and-mathmagnet middle school, which opened in August in Valparaiso. Story, page B-1.

Students take flight in new lab DOT to attendmeeting onhighway noise By Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

Florida Department of Transportation repre-sentatives will attend a meeting Thursday of theMid-Bay Bridge Authority and residents of twoneighborhoods to discuss noise from the Mid-Bay Bridge Connector road.

Meantime, workers this month are plantinghundreds of trees in a second attempt to blocktraffic sounds and headlights from the four-lanehighway east of Bluewater Bay.

Residents of Chardonnay Estates and WhitePoint Village, both neighborhoods just west ofthe busy state road, have told the Mid-BayBridge Authority their quality of life hasdecreased significantly due to traffic noise.Representatives of the neighborhoods haverequested that the DOT conduct a study, whichthey believe will justify installation of a noise-

Firefighters train for plane crash

Fire Chief Mark Norris


Members of the Okaloosa Countystate legislative delegation will hold apublic hearing today from 5 to 6:30p.m. at Niceville City Hall, 208 N.Partin Drive.

The delegation will offer a forumfor public comment on proposals forthe 2013 regular session of theFlorida Legislature, which will beginMarch 5 and last 60 days.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Fort WaltonBeach Republican whose districtincludes Niceville and Valparaiso,said the Florida Auditor General'soffice will present plans to preventfurther misuse of county tax funds,including discussion of the auditor'srecent audit of the Okaloosa TouristDevelopment Council.

The audit criticized the OkaloosaCounty Commission for failing tonotice the embezzlement of hundreds

Auditor to present TDC findings

CollisioncleanupNiceville police officersmove a motorcycle offJohn Sims Parkway after itcollided with the rear of aCadillac Escalade at JohnSims and RedwoodAvenue Jan. 24. Themotorcyclist, whose namewas not available, was air-lifted via helicopter ambu-lance to Baptist Hospital,Pensacola, according tothe Niceville FireDepartment.


Please see TDC, page A-3Rep. Matt Gaetz

Murphy offersnew plansfor gas station

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserWorkers place an irrigation system next to anew vegetation barrier between houses andthe Mid-Bay Bridge Connector Jan. 23.Plants in a previous barrier died, promptingcomplaints about noise and lights from thehighway.

Please see NOISE, page A-3


During a two-hour hearing inTallahassee Monday, a FloridaLegislature panel questionedmembers of the Okaloosa CountyCommission and other countyofficials about their possible rolesin the financial scandal surround-ing the county's TouristDevelopment Council (TDC),and what steps they have taken toinvestigate and prevent a recur-rence.

There were few concreteanswers, however. And a numberof people who held key countyoffices at the time of the scandalwere absent from Monday's hear-ing.

During the hearing, the countycommission chairman called thescandal “a very dark hour in thehistory of Okaloosa County,” andsaid all the facts are not yetknown.

The county administratorcalled the theft, diversion, andwaste of hundreds of thousands

of tax dollars “a catastrophic fail-ure of controls at all levels.”

The legislative committee saidit would hear more testimonyFeb. 18, and indicated it wouldsubpoena county officials or ex-officials who did not show upMonday.

The panel also ordered a newstate audit of county affairs.

The hearing by the JointLegislative Auditing Committeeat the Capitol began with a brief-ing by Florida Deputy AuditorGeneral Ted Sauerbeck about hisrecent audit of the TDC, thecounty commission, and theirfinancial dealings.

Sauerbeck’s report reviewedthe 25 findings already presentedto the Okaloosa County legisla-tive delegation at a public meet-ing held last week in Niceville,listing ways in which the countyfailed to follow the law or pre-scribed policies or proceduresgoverning the handling of grants,tourist development taxes and

By Anna KavanaughBeacon Staff Writer

Louis and Catharine Marini ofNiceville first laid eyes on eachother in 1953 at an ice cream par-lor in Bristol, Pa. Fifty-five yearslater, they are just as in love.

The couple, who will cele-brate their 56th anniversary June8, plan to renew their weddingvows for the 14th time in honorof Valentine’s Day with morethan 40 other couples Thursday atHoly Name of Jesus CatholicChurch, Niceville.

“It will be kind of nice to lookeach other in the eye and remem-

ber,” Catharine said. “Because Isure don’t remember the originalvows.”

Lou was smitten withCatharine the moment he saw herat the ice cream parlor. He decid-ed to ask one of her friends for anintroduction.

“My brother used to pick meup,” said Catharine, a 16-year-oldcheerleader at the time. “Hedidn’t want me riding in carswith boys.”

The couple dated for three tofour years before they wed.


Sometimes the getaway isnot as smooth as the crime.

Police arrested a Nicevilleman who allegedly stole itemsfrom a home, including somefrom a nightstand next to wherethe victimswere sleep-ing, only toawakenthem withthe alarmof their caras he droveaway in it.

One ofthe itemsstolen wasa cell phone which the ownerwas able to track electronicallyto the alleged burglar's house.

Niceville police gave the fol-

lowing report:Bryce Matthew Morrison,

unemployed, 18, of 1697 VineAve., Niceville, was arrested bysheriff's deputies Jan. 30 oncharges of burglary of an occu-pied dwelling, burglary of anunoccupied conveyance, petittheft, grand theft of a motorvehicle and two counts ofgrand theft.

Two of the four residents ofa house on the 1600 block ofVine Avenue woke up at 5:30a.m. Jan. 30 to the sound ofone of their vehicles, a 2010Toyota four-door, being drivenaway with its theft alarm blar-ing.

One resident looked aroundthe house and noticed heriPhone, which had been on the


The Bluewater Bay Resort hassubmitted plans for approval toshorten four holes of its Magnoliagolf course and have the landzoned to allow the construction ofhomes, including 100 multiple-family dwellings, according to

Steve Hall, an attorney represent-ing the resort.

The proposal, a change to thecurrent development of regionalimpact (DRI) plan approved bygovernment officials in the 1970s,was submitted Jan. 22 to theOkaloosa County Department ofGrowth Management, the West

Florida Regional PlanningCouncil and the state'sDepartment of EconomicOpportunity, according to Hall.The plans are currently pendingapproval by all three entities.

The submitted plans call for7.4 acres of Magnolia courseholes 6 and 7, which border State

Road 20 on one side, to berezoned from G (golf) to H (highdensity residential), allowing forup to 13.5 dwelling units peracre. The plans list 100 dwellingunits as the maximum alloweddensity on this portion of land.

The submitted plans for holes6 and 7 show changes from origi-

nal plans created Sept. 7, 2012.The September plans, which werediscussed with neighboringhomeowners but not submittedfor government approval, calledfor 8.49 acres of holes 6 and 7 tobe zoned high density, allowingfor a maximum of 114 dwellingunits.

Hall said multiple-familydwelling units, in the form of"quads" containing four unitseach, would likely be constructedon the land now occupied byholes 6 and 7 if the plans areapproved.

Thursday 3-6 p.m.

Meet author and artistLynette Miesen ofNiceville at her booksigning of “The Poetry ofArt,” at Bayou Book Co.,Niceville.

Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a night of Irishtradition with “TheWomen of Ireland” con-cert at the Mattie KellyArts Center, Niceville.Tickets are $35.

Saturday, 8 a.m.Run or walk to sup-

port the Niceville HighSchool “Band on the Run5K/Mile Fun Run”fundraiser at NicevilleHigh School.

Sat., 9 a.m.-2 p.m.Attend a free conflict

resolution workshopsponsored by the Mid-Bay Bridge Rotary Club atSt. Paul LutheranChurch, Niceville.

Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m.

See OkaloosaVolunteer Art Lessonsfifth-grade artwork in apublic art showcase andopen house at LewisSchool, Valparaiso.

See Calendar, B-2.

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, February 13, 2013



COMINGUP

Please see RESORT, page A-5

Please see TDC, page A-4

Please see THEFTS, page A-7

Please see LOVE, page A-5

Police Blotter

Page A-6

Few concrete answers in TDC testimony

Still in loveafter 55 yearsCouple to renew vows on Valentine s Day

Residents sleepthrough theftsas home is rifled

Commission chairman calls scandaldark hour for Okaloosa County;Fla. Legislature to continue probe


Lou and Catharine Marini planto be among the 40 coupleswho will renew their marriagevows tomorrow, Valentine'sDay, at Holy Name of JesusCatholic Church, Niceville.


Resort seeks OK for homes on golf course

Beacon photo by Mike Griffith

Okaloosa County Administrator James Curry, center, testifies before a legislative panel trying to get tothe bottom of the county Tourist Development Council money scandal. Curry and county commissionchairman Don Amunds, right, were among county officials heard by the panel Monday in Tallahassee.At least one more hearing is planned.


One brick at a timeNiceville municipal public works employees lay bricks for a new sign for the Rockywood subdivi-sion off Rocky Bayou Drive Feb. 6. Residents of the community paid the nearly $2,000 for materi-als, and the city furnished the labor, to replace a 25-year-old wooden sign, which was in disrepair.Story, A-8.

Bryce Morrison

By Kenneth BooksBeacon Crass p dtred

Niceville High School footballplayers who want to play thesport in college have an advocate.

NHS football coach AdronRobinson, a 1989 alum, helpsNiceville athletes find collegeberths.

One such player is AndrewMitchell, the NHS football team’squarterback.

“He got it all started,” Mitchellsaid of the strong attention

Mitchell’s efforts are getting froma number of colleges. “He wastons of help. He taught us all weneeded to know.”

The key, Robinson said, wasmainly in communicating to col-lege coaches the quality of schol-ar-athletes who play for NicevilleHigh.

“We have good players whoare good in the classroom,” hesaid. “And we did a better job ofmarketing the Niceville High

By Mike GriffithBeacon Soddef Woni enr

More local scholarship moneyis likely to be available to stu-dents at Northwest Florida StateCollege during the 2013-14 aca-demic year, following threestraight years of decline, if theNWFSC Foundation, the col-lege’s fundraising organization,

follows the recommendations ofits finance committee.

The foundation's board isexpected to act on the advice Jan.8.

During a meeting in NicevilleDec. 13, the finance committeereviewed the financial status ofthe foundation's endowed scholar-ship funds. The panel learned

that many funds that have been“underwater,” or earning lessinterest each year than the cost ofthe scholarships they are meant tofund, are doing much better andare now able to once again awardscholarships to students.

Foundation Executive DirectorCristie Kedroski told committeemembers that only 31 scholarship

funds are now underwater, downfrom 95 a year ago. As a result,she said, the amount of NWFSCFoundation endowed scholarshipmoney available to students in theyear that will begin in August2013 will be between 30 and 40percent greater than this year.The funds are paid from earningsof the foundation's endowed

scholarship funds, currently val-ued at $37.4 million.

The foundation awarded$190,922 in scholarships in the2011-12 academic year, downfrom $387,415 three years earlier.Moreover, the 2011-12 totalincluded $45,300 in funds from





Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

The ChoctawhatcheeAudubon Society willhost a free programabout bottlenose dol-phins at the NorthwestFlorida State CollegeStudent ServicesCenter, Niceville.

Friday, 10 a.m.-noon.

Home-schooled stu-dents can learn aboutNative Americans in afree education programat the Heritage Museumof Northwest Florida,Valparaiso.

Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sign up for theNiceville-Valparaiso LittleLeague baseball andsoftball teams in theRuckel Middle Schoolcafeteria, Niceville.

Monday, 6 p.m.

The Northwest FloridaSymphony Chorale willhold open auditions inthe Tyler Recital Hall,Niceville.

Tuesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Learn the art of handknitting at the HeritageMuseum of NorthwestFlorida, Valparaiso.

See Calendar, B-2.

COMINGUP

Please see MONEY, page A-5

Please see SIDEWALK, page A-5

Please see ATHLETES, page A-6

Police Blotter

Page A-4

NHS coach helpsstudent athletesfind a college

More money for scholarships

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserYoung soccer players battled chilly weather to practice fielding corner kicks at the Twin Oaks soccer complex, Niceville, Dec. 27. Atthe same facility, elementary school-age children participated in FC Dallas Emerald Coast winter soccer camp.

Best foot forwardMore residents seek walls to blockroad noiseBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Crass p dtred

A representative of WhitePoint Village asked the Mid-BayBridge Authority to provide thesame noise and light abatementmeasures currently implementedbetween Chardonnay Estates andthe Mid-Bay Bridge connectorroad.

Darlane Landsberger, associa-tion manager for BluewaterManagement Services, spoke atthe Mid-Bay Bridge Authoritymeeting Dec. 13 in the City ofDestin board room, telling theboard the residents of WhitePoint Village are also subject tonoise from traffic on the connec-tor road.

In response to previous com-plaints, the Mid-Bay BridgeAuthority had already decided toreplant a vegetation barrierbetween the Chardonnay Estateshomes and the connector road.Many of the previously plantedtrees failed to grow. The plantingof a new barrier, along with atemporary irrigation system, isnow under way, according toMid-Bay Bridge AuthorityExecutive Director Jim Vest.

Beacon photo by Kenneth BooksSome of the Niceville High School athletes whom Adron Robinson has helped get noticed by colleges surround him in the school cafeteria.From left: Nick Haynes, Devon Vasquez, Kyle Knight, Shikim Coward, Andrew Mitchell, Robinson, Tyler Ross, Austin Campbell, BrandonKucera, Ean Savory-Booker and Carter Fletcher.

Sidewalk eyed for 1.3 miles of Rocky Bayou Dr.By Daniel ElsesserBeacon Crass p dtred

The Florida Department ofTransportation plans to constructa sidewalk along Rocky BayouDrive from Forest Road toHuntington Circle.

The DOT's tentative five-yearwork program allots $26,000 forpreliminary engineering of theproject in the 2014 fiscal year.

Construction is expected tobegin in 2015, with $263,000allotted for construction in the2015 fiscal year and $27,000 inthe next.

The sidewalk will be five feetwide and stretch 1.3 miles fromthe Ruckel airstrip to theHuntington subdivision.

The stretch of Rocky BayouDrive from Forest Road toHuntington Circle would get a1.3-mile sidewalk, under a pro-posal by the FloridaDepartment of Transportation.




Heavy users of Valparaisocable TV services can soonexpect faster Internet servicethanks to new equipment,according to Burt Bennett,Valparaiso Cable TV Servicesgeneral manager.

"For our current users, someare experiencing what I wouldcall 'bandwidth lag' in theevening during peak hours," Bennett said. "With ournew system, that problem should go away."

The Valparaiso Cable Authority bought a newcable modem termination system (CMTS) that willallow the citywide, municipally owned cable networkto provide optimum service during peak usage hours,according to Bennett.


The city of Niceville beganmaking payments Jan. 1 toRocky Bayou Country Clubpreviously made by OkaloosaCounty to accept surplusreclaimed wastewater.

The city will finish thecounty's payments of 10 centsper 1,000 gallons of reclaimedwater to the country club inexchange for the county's stakein the Niceville ValparaisoRegional Wastewater Treatmentfacility.

According to Niceville CityManager Lannie Corbin,Okaloosa County entered intothe agreement with the countryclub Jan. 26, 2000, afterNiceville, Valparaiso and thecounty expanded the volume oftheir sewage-treatment plant onHighway 85 North, Niceville.

According to Corbin,Niceville and Valparaiso eachhad enough room on the plant's270-acre sprayfields on Eglinland onto which the plantsprays effluent after it is treat-ed. The county, on the otherhand, had too much effluentsand had to find an outlet toavoid over-saturating the spray-field land.

Rocky Bayou Country Clubuses the excess reclaimed waterto water its 18-hole golf course.

Corbin said the county willbegin using its own plant andsprayfields in Wright in about ayear. Niceville bought thecounty's share of the Nicevilletreatment plant last year.

Niceville will make the pay-ments until the agreement withRocky Bayou Country Clubends in May 2014.

Corbin estimates these pay-

ments will cost the city about$25,000, which he feels is afair price for the county's stakein the sewage treatment plant.

"I think the city's getting agreat deal," Corbin said."We're getting use of a facilitywhich has had several million

dollars invested in it, for justthese payments we'll be makingto the country club for the next18 months or so."

The agreement, which wasapproved by the Niceville CityCouncil Nov. 13 and by theOkaloosa Board of County

Commissioners Nov. 20, givesto Niceville the county's previ-ous stake in the three compo-nents of the reclaimed watersystem: the reclaimed waterproduction facilities onHighway 85 North, the storageand pumping facilities, which

include a 19-million-gallonretention pond, and the off-sitepiping system which servicesthe country club, HeritageGardens Cemetery, Swift Creeksubdivision and the RockyBayou Christian School. Alluse the water for irrigation.

work with law enforcement offi-cers from all over the country andsee how they handle problems intheir departments."

Graduates of the academy mayjoin the FBI National AcademyAssociates, a network of over15,000 law officers that works todevelop national cooperation.Popwell said membership in thisnetwork will aid the quality of

police work in Niceville."If we come across a problem we've

never seen before, I can call up someonefrom, say, the LAPD and ask them howthey've dealt with this sort of thing,"Popwell said. "We can pull experiencefrom all over the country without havingto learn it the hard way."

Popwell, who has been chief since

The robber vaulted the front deskand demanded the clerk at gunpointto give him money. After the clerkhanded him about $600 in a laundrybag, the gunman ordered her to thefloor and threatened to come backand kill her if she called the police.

Jackson was identified in a photoline-up looking into cars and actingsuspiciously in a Holiday Inn Expressparking lot Dec. 3.

On Dec. 29, at 11:06 p.m.,Niceville police responded to anarmed robbery call from the Shell sta-tion at 220 N. Partin Drive, where anemployee reported a man wearing a"Jason" mask ordered the clerk to theground at knifepoint and took $200,cigarettes and lottery tickets beforefleeing on foot.


A Niceville man has been jailedafter allegedly robbing two Nicevillebusinesses and a Valparaiso store,each time threatening employees andwearing a horror-film "Jason" mask.

A Niceville police report gave thefollowing account:

Keith Jo Jo Jackson Jr., unem-ployed, 19, of 304 Reeves St. Lot

C10, was arrested by Niceville policeJan. 1 on charges of robbery with afirearm, grand theft, robbery with aweapon, and petit theft.

On Dec. 4 at 12:04 a.m., Jacksonallegedly entered the Quality Inn at101 N. Highway 85 wearing a hockeymask like that of the actor portrayingJason, the psychotic killer who wasthe main character in a string of"Friday the 13th" slasher films.





Thursday, 10:30 a.m.Bring

toddlersto seeCliffordand hearhis story,“HappyBirthday

Clifford,” at the CityCouncil Chambers,Niceville.

Thursday, 7 p.m.See Jerry Seinfeld’s

stand-uproutine atthe MattieKelly ArtsCenter,Niceville.Tickets are$79.50each plus processing fee.

Friday, noon-1 p.m.Eat lunch and listen to

a history lecture by his-torian H.C.Klein onthe 1861blockadeof theDestin EastPass at the

Heritage Museum ofNorthwest Florida,Valparaiso.

Saturday, 10 a.m. Children ages 10-14

can compete in theKnights of ColumbusFree ThrowChampionshipat the HolyName ofJesus FamilyLife Center,Niceville.

Wednesday, 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Enjoy the Economicand Housing ForecastBreakfast at NorthwestFlorida State CollegeStudent Services Center,Niceville. Tickets are $12or $175 for a table of 8.

See Calendar, B-2.

COMINGUP

Please see HOLDUPS, page A-2

Please see CHIEF, page A-2

Police Blotter

Page A-4

Niceville takes oversales of reclaimedwater from Okaloosa

Niceville man arrested after 3 holdups

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserErik Bendl rolls his 80-pound inflated canvas globe across John Sims Parkway with his dog, Nice, Monday. Bendlhas walked over 6,000 miles in 39 states since 2007 to raise money for diabetes research. See story, A-2.

Small world Faster cableInternet speedspromised inValparaiso


Niceville Police Chief David Popwellwill leave Jan. 9 to attend a 10-weektraining session at the FBI NationalAcademy at Quantico, Va.

The program, designed for leadersand managers of state and local policedepartments, combines academic coursework with physical fitness tests. At 51,Popwell said he is 10 years older than

the average participant.Popwell will join about 250

other law enforcement officersfrom all 50 states, several U.S. ter-ritories and over 150 partnernations in the program, intended toenhance the professional develop-ment of law enforcement leaders.

"This will bring a breadth ofexperience to the department,"Popwell said. "I'll be able to net- David Popwell

Burt Bennet

Keith Jo JoJackson Jr.

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserHeavy Internet usage threatens to overwhelm amodem system used by the Valparaiso cable TVnetwork. The device will be replaced with a fasterone this month.

Police chief tapped for 10-week FBI course

Please see CABLE, page A-6

The irrigation system at theRocky Bayou Country Club,Niceville, which uses reclaimedeffluent from the NicevilleValparaiso RegionalWastewater facility, sprayswater on the club's golf courseJan. 3. The city of Niceville Jan.1 began making payments pre-viously made by the county tothe club to accept the water.



Okaloosa County SheriffLarry Ashley and State AttorneyBill Eddins announced that acriminal summons has beenissued to Vision Airlines for fail-ing to pay $100,000 in airportfees.

The Las Vegas-based airline,which once made the county-runNorthwest Regional Airport itsoperating hub, "collected but didnot remit to Okaloosa County . . .more than $100,000 in passengerfacilitycharges,"accordingto a crimi-nal-chargeaffidavitfiledMondayinOkaloosaCounty Circuit Court by Eddins.

"Although some paymentswere made, at this time, Visionowes the county more than$117,659.98," the affidavitalleged.

In July 2012, the county evict-ed Vision from the airport, a yearand a half after a much-bally-hooed opening that was supposedto bring tens of thousands oftourists to the Emerald Coastfrom throughout the Southeast.The company now operates twoscheduled routes between otherFlorida cities and the Biloxi,

Miss., gambling resort.In the affidavit, the State

Attorney alleged that "Visionmisappropriated the PFC rev-enues that were in trust for thecounty and airport and committedfirst degree grand theft, in viola-tion of section 812.014(2)(a).Florida Statutes."

During a press conferenceMonday at the Okaloosa CountySheriff’s office in Shalimar,Eddins said that when criminalcharges are made against a corpo-ration rather than against individ-

ual per-sons, noone isarrested,nor arethey sentto prison ifconvicted,but thecorpora-

tion itself can be punished bybeing made to pay a fine, as wellas restitution for losses by thevictim of the crime—in this caseOkaloosa County—and alsomade to pay the cost of the inves-tigation and prosecution.

In the case of Vision Airlines,Eddins said, the company hadallegedly failed to pay more than$100,000 in passenger facilitiescharges.

Eddins said that such chargesare similar to a state sales tax,which Vision was required to


Members of the BluewaterBay Municipal Services BenefitUnit (MSBU) board of directorsmet Feb. 12, and changed thedate of an upcoming landscapeworkshop to Feb. 22.

They also discussed makingrepairs to some of BluewaterBay’s aging street and directionalsign.

The MSBU is a special unit ofOkaloosa County government, incharge of landscaping, street

lights and signs, and generalmaintenance of common areasthroughout the unincorporatedBluewater Bay community. It isgoverned by a five-member boardof elected directors.

The landscape workshop hadpreviously been scheduled forFeb. 19, but was rescheduled to10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, afterboard member Judy Griffin saidthat at least one board memberwould be unable to attend on Feb.19.


The Niceville City Councilunanimously approved a pro-posal to test a curbside recy-cling program using 96-gallonwheeled cans instead of thefamiliar little blue bins.

A representative of the city'sgarbage and recycling hauler,Waste Management Inc., saidswitching to big recycling con-tainers would dramaticallyincrease recycling, with a corre-sponding decrease in garbagesent to landfills.

The council, voting at itsmeeting Feb. 12 in the Niceville

City Council chambers, author-ized City Clerk Dan Doucetand City Manager LannieCorbin to designate a neighbor-hood of about 50 homes thatwould be a good area to test theprogram.

Domenica Farmer, districtmanager for WasteManagement, said the goal ofthe program is to increase recy-cling and reduce garbage vol-ume.

Farmer said the greatercapacity of the new receptacleswould cause users to put recy-clables in the correct bininstead of the garbage. She

said the convenience of rollingthe cart to the street instead ofpicking up and carrying thesmaller bin would also boostparticipation in the city's volun-tary curbside recycling pro-gram.

The pilot program wouldtest a neighborhood thatreceives garbage pickup twice aweek and recycling and yardwaste pickup once a week. Thepickup schedule for the pilotprogram would remain thesame, and the only aspect thatwould change would be theswitch from the 18-gallon recy-cling bin to a 96-gallon rolling

container the size and shape ofa Waste Management garbagecan. The program would runfor four to six months.

Waste Management willrecord the "set-out" rates ofgarbage and recycling duringthe program and compare themto previous figures. This infor-mation, along with the resultsof a survey of participants, willbe provided to the city councilfor consideration with an eye todeciding whether to switch theentire city to the plan.

The 96-gallon recycling

By Daniel Elsesser and Angela Yuriko SmithBeacon Staff

East Niceville Fire Commission TreasurerEd Dunbar suggested the commission followmore closely a Florida law requiring thecommission to elect its board officers annu-ally.

Dunbar said at a commission meetingFeb. 11 that the panel has not been followingthe law, which requires that a board vote topick a commission chairman, vice chairman,

treasurer and secretary be held within 60days of the date that newly elected commis-sioners take office.

Dunbar said that if the commission doesnot adopt the required policy, he would stepdown from his treasurer position at the endof the fiscal year, which will end Sept. 30.He would still retain his seat on the commis-sion throughout his full term, which endsNovember 2014.

"I'd announce my resignation [as treasur-

er] not to force anything untoward, but justto give everyone fair warning of what'sgoing to happen," Dunbar said.

Dunbar said the commission membersasked—but did not elect—him to assumethe treasurer position after he was appoint-ed to the commission in May 2010 due to avacancy caused by the death of longtimecommissioner Ray Hinck.

Dunbar said the commission has neverheld internal elections or rotated positions

during his time on the commission. John Root, vice chairman, who has been

a commissioner for 12 years, said he wasn'tsure when the commission last held elec-tions for board officers, but added that itwas "probably two or three years ago."

Florida Statute 191.05 states "[a]nnually,within 60 days after the newly electedmembers have taken office, the board shall

Wednesday, 7-8 p.m.

Meet Dr. Bob Shipp andhear his free presentationon red snappers and artifi-cial reefs at the StudentServices Center,Northwest Florida StateCollege, Niceville.

Wednesday, 4:30-8 p.m.

Donate blood toNorthwest Florida BloodServices and then enjoy asnack and drink at FirstBaptist Church, Niceville.

Thursday, 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy nature with theAdventure Club for a bikeride in the Parkwood area,through Bluewater Bay,Niceville.

Saturday, 10 a.m.Get into weaving with

the Strictly Weavers of theEmerald Coast at theirmonthly meeting at theTwin Cities HospitalWellness Center, Niceville.

Saturday, 7 p.m.

Take a look at the starsat the Northwest FloridaAstronomy Association’smeeting at the observato-ry, Northwest FloridaState College, Niceville.

See Calendar, B-2.




COMINGUP

Please see VISION, page A-2

Please see ELECTIONS, page A-3

Please see CITY, page A-2

Please see FACELIFT, page A-3

Police Blotter

Page A-4

Bluewater Bayfacelift meetingset for Friday

Company allegedly failed to pay$100,000 in county charges


Some of Bluewater Bay's agingdirectlonal signs give inaccu-rate information. The “confer-ence center” mentioned on thissign, for example, no longerexists. The building that oncehoused the center is occupiedby an investment company.

Fire commissioner: Law requires officer elections

Beacon photo by Mike GriffithState Attorney Bill Eddins announces a criminal charge against Vision Airlines for failing to paycounty airport fees. He was joined at a press conference in Shalimar Monday by OkaloosaCounty Sheriff Larry Ashley.

Ed Dunbar

City to test giant recycling cans

A 96-gallon recycling cart.

Vision Airlines charged in fee case


Three single-family homescould be added to Nicevilleproperty rolls under an annexa-tion and zoning request byWalter Spence of SpenceBrothers Properties.

Spence has submitted arequest that the city annex theland at 631 Fir Ave., three-quar-ters of an acre currently in anunincorporated area ofOkaloosa County, into Nicevilleand zone it R-1B, to allow sin-

gle-family homes. Jerry Spence, also of Spence

Brothers Properties, said thecounty currently zones the landR-2, to allow for single- or mul-tiple-family homes.

Jerry Spence said he plans toconstruct three one-familyhouses ranging from about1,370 to 1,650 square feet andsell them for between $185,000and $235,000 each. He said heis building due to a market needfor houses in that price range.

here; it will still be our county.”“We must clean house,” said

Boyles, “and fix our problems, butwe must also get our message out.We must be circumspect in articulat-ing about Okaloosa County.”

Boyles did not specify any house-cleaning measures or fixes.. Countyofficials have stated that only recentlyhave they received permission fromcriminal investigators to start their

own internal probe.During a question-and-answer ses-

sion following Boyles' address, hewas asked about federal Restore Actfunding for Okaloosa County.

“We don’t know yet,” he said,how much money the county willactually receive as its share of BPclean-water penalties stemming fromthe 2010 oil spill.


Okaloosa County CommissionerNathan Boyles said officials must"clean house" in the wake of the TDCscandal, but that they "must be cir-cumspect" lest the county's reputationbe further damaged.

Speaking to members of theNiceville Valparaiso Chamber ofCommerce, in Niceville Feb. 19,

Boyles said, “The issue on our fore-front right now" is the scandal sur-rounding the Okaloosa CountyTourist Development Council, anagency overseen by the county com-mission.

Despite the scandal, said Boyles,“The big message is that we areOkaloosa County—all of us.”

“At the end of the day,” he said,“this will blow over and we’ll still be


A bill that would transfer con-trol of the Mid-Bay BridgeAuthority (MBBA) to anOkaloosa-Bay Regional TollwayAuthority was filed in the FloridaSenate Friday.

Sen. Jeff Brandes, a PinellasCounty Republican, chair of theSenate TransportationCommittee, submitted Senate Bill1132, which would also establishprocedures for creation of newregional tollway authorities.

Not coincidentally, theMBBA, which opposes the meas-

ure, on Thursday hired aTallahassee lobbyist for the firsttime.

The Senate bill states "[t]heassets, facilities, tangible andintangible property and any rightsin such property, and any otherlegal rights of the (Mid-Bay)bridge authority, including the bridge system operated by theauthority, are transferred to theregional authority."

The bill states the powers ofthe locally governed authoritywould be handed to a new region-


The Valparaiso CityCommission last week hassmiled on a request from MichaelHarris, owner of the CompassRose restaurant, to expand on thewaterfront.

Harris, whose restaurant liesalong the north shore of TomsBayou near John Sims Parkway,has requested city permission toconstruct an "oyster bar" anddock on the shoreline, next to therestaurant.

Harris addressed the commis-sion Feb. 18 concerning his pro-posal. He showed commission-

ers a survey map of his propertyto help illustrate his plan.

Commissioners expresseduncertainty, however, aboutwhether they can grant such per-mission without being certainwhether the city itself or water-front landowners actually holdlegal title to the shoreline itself.

Commissioner Joe Morgansaid the city should not grantsuch permission without firstknowing who owns the shoreline.

Harris addressed the commis-sion, saying that he wants to openan oyster bar and dock for hiscustomers. He said the dock





Please see BILL, page A-2

Please see BUILDER, page A-3

Please see VALP., page A-6

Police Blotter

Page A-4

Bill would tapbridge tolls forother projects

Builder proposesthree new houses

Valp. restaurant seeks expansion to bayou shore

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserThe Compass Rose restaurant, shown here partly hidden by vegetation, center right, has pro-posed extending its operation to the shore of Toms Bayou with an oyster bar and dock.

2013Spring-Summer 2013 • Supplement to The Bay Beacon

Niceville-Valparaiso, Florida

The Bay Beacon’s

and Community Directory

NEWCOMERGUIDE

Inside ...

Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.Learn

about BlackSeminolesin a free his-tory lec-ture, “The

African Presence inSpanish Florida: BlackSeminoles,” with Dr.Rosalyn Howard atNorthwest FloridaState College, Niceville.

Thursday, 10 a.m.See the opening of

the free Arnie Hart Juriedstudent and NorthwestFlorida State College fac-ulty art exhibition in theMcIlroy and Holzhauergalleries, at the MattieKelly Arts Center,Niceville.

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.

Run for a good causewhile listening to theNiceville High SchoolChorus at its 2nd AnnualGrand Staff 5K Run/Walkfundraiser at theNiceville High School.

Saturday, 7:30 p.m.Hear the New

Directions VeteransChoir from all branchesof the U.S. military sing acappella at the MattieKelly Arts Center,Niceville.

Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

Get help in a free col-lege financial aid work-shop, “Cash 4 College,” atthe Student ServicesCenter, NorthwestFlorida State College,Niceville.

See Calendar, B-2.

COMINGUP

Airline payscounty feesof $117,000By Mike GriffithBeacon Correspondent

Okaloosa County has receiveda $117,000 check from VisionAirlines following the lodging ofa criminal complaint against theairline for alleged nonpayment.

Okaloosa CountyCommissioner Dave Parisot Feb.20 provided the Beacon with acopy of a check for $117,659.98from Vision Airlines to OkaloosaCounty, in payment for passengerfacilities charges owed to thecounty.

The airline, which had been

Familiar facesretire from post officePatricia Vines and Eugene Teichert, pic-tured, as well as David Young retired fromthe Niceville Post Office Jan. 31 after atotal of 85 years of federal service. Story,page B-1.


Photo by Cycnut.comCindy Janazzo of Niceville was among over 100 runners who pushed through heavy rain Saturdayin the Bluewater Bay Duathlon, which raised more than $2,000, to benefit the EOD community andEmerald Coast Triathlon Club. The bike portion was canceled due to the weather, but 112 runnersparticipated in 5K or 10K courses. The area was drenched by upwards of 10 inches of rain inrecent days. Race results, page B-2.

Rainy day runner

Please see AIRLINE, page A-2

Nathan Boyles

‘We must clean house’ in TDC scandalBut commissioner urges caution to protect Okaloosa County s reputation



HDR Engineering will con-duct a study to determine theeffectiveness of a noise abatementwall between the Mid-BayBridge Connector road and theadjacent neighborhoods ofChardonnay Estates and White

Point Village, according to Mid-Bay Bridge Authority ExecutiveDirector Jim Vest.

Vest, speaking at a specialmeeting with the Mid-Bay BridgeAuthority and representativesfrom the Florida Department ofTransportation and the neighbor-hoods, said the study would sim-

ulate the estimated peak noise ofthe area in question for 2030,when traffic is expected to beeven heavier than today's 18,000average daily vehicle count. Vestsaid the results of the study willbe available in six to eight weeks.

Thursday 1:30 p.m.

Bring the kids and enjoysnacks and drinks whilewatching “HotelTransylvania” at theValparaiso CommunityLibrary for its early releasemovie day.

Friday, noonEnjoy your lunch break

with a history lectureabout the West FloridaBritish Colonial period atthe Heritage Museum ofNorthwest Florida,Valparaiso.

Saturday, 2-3:30 p.m.

Celebrate Valentine’s Daylearning tea etiquette at atraditional Victorian tea atthe Heritage Museum ofNorthwest Florida,Valparaiso. The tea is $15 or$12 for members.

Sunday, 2 p.m.

Hear the sounds of theNorthwest Florida StateCollege SoundsationsSnowbird Show Choir in aconcert at the Mattie KellyArts Center, Niceville.Tickets are $10.

Monday, 9:45 a.m.Take the little ones to

“The Little Engine ThatCould” children’s show atthe Mattie Kelly ArtsCenter, Northwest FloridaState College. Niceville.Tickets are $6.

See Calendar, B-3.


Valparaiso Police ChiefJoseph Hart retired Thursdayafter 32 years in policework, including nineas the department'schief.

In a ceremony atValparaiso City Hall,Hart was honored byfamily members, fel-low police officers andother city employees.

Mayor BruceArnold gave a speechat the ceremony, thanking Hartfor his years of service.

"You're everything a mayor

hopes for in a police chief,"Arnold said of Hart.

Hart gave the last speech atthe ceremony, tearfully thanking

his coworkers for theirassistance during histenure.

"Police work is allI've ever known," Hartsaid. "Thanks to all ofyou, this little depart-ment has becomewhat I believe to beone of the best in thearea."

Hart's position willbe filled in the interim

by Capt. David Bruckelmeyer.


Members of the Okaloosa Countylegislative delegation said key questionsremain unanswered concerning misuseof Okaloosa County tourist bed-taxmoney.

The legislators, especially state Rep.Matt Gaetz, said they want moreanswers in the wake of the FloridaAuditor General’s recent investigationof how over $1.5 million was stolen ormisspent by the late executive directorof the county’s Tourist DevelopmentCouncil (TDC), an agency that was sup-posed to be overseen by the Okaloosa

County Commission.The lawmakers spoke during and

after a briefing on aspects of the scandalby officials of the Florida AuditorGeneral during a public hearing by thecounty's representatives to the FloridaLegislature Jan. 30 in Niceville.

The hearing was held in theNiceville civic center auditorium, andwas attended by about 200 members ofthe public as well as the state legisla-tors.

Proceedings began as OkaloosaCounty Sheriff Larry Ashley gave ashort briefing on the criminal investiga-tions being conducted by the sheriff's

office, as well as by the FloridaDepartment of Law Enforcement, theDistrict 1 State Attorney, and the FBI.

The second briefing, by Auditor




COMINGUP

Please see BURGLARY, page A-6


Please see COP, page A-5


Police Blotter

Page A-7

Jet-crash drill Burglarysends girlrunningfor safety

Unanswered questions on TDC

Valparaiso’s top cophangs up his badgeChief Joseph Hart retires

Beacon photos by Daniel ElsesserParticipants in a drill dressed as Air Force pilots who ejected before asimulated military jet crash in Valparaiso are "rescued" by an Eglin AirForce Base firefighter on Valastics Avenue Thursday. Members of theValparaiso (right photo), East Niceville and Niceville fire departmentsalso participated in the exercise, which Valparaiso Fire Chief Mark Norrissaid was designed chiefly to strengthen inter-agency communication.

Joseph Hart


Eye of thebeholderEd Nickerson, 68, paints apicture of Cranky J's CoffeeShop and its environs whilesitting a few feet from asteady stream of traffic atBullock Boulevard and JohnSims Parkway Monday.Nickerson, retired, ofChoctaw Beach, said hepaints for recreation, butmay someday try to use hisart to turn a profit."Eventually I hope to sell myart," Nickerson said. "Butit'll be a while before that."


Highway noise study promised


A man hurled a lawn orna-ment through the glass of awindow of a Niceville resi-dence, terrifying the teenagegirl inside, entered the shat-tered opening, snatched $700in jewelry, ran home, and pre-vailed on a friend to sell theloot, according to police.

Two people were arrested.Niceville

policereportsgave thefollowingaccount:

ArrestedJan. 24 wasGregoryHoude,unem-ployed, 29,of 304 Reeves St. Lot A-5,Niceville, who forced his wayinto the house, took the jewel-ry, and asked someone to sell itto a local gold store as her ownfor $200.

Houde was jailed on chargesof burglary of an occupieddwelling while unarmed, deal-ing in stolen property, grandtheft and property damagecriminal mischief.

At about 12:25 p.m. Jan. 18,a 15-year-old resident of the1100 block of Rhonda Drive,Niceville, was startled by a

Gregory Houde

State Rep. Matt Gaetz's questions ofOkaloosa County and state officialsconcerning misspent or stolen fundsof the county Tourist DevelopmentCouncil largely went unanswered at alegislative hearing last week inNiceville.


Gail Rich, Chardonnay Estates,Niceville, speaks at a meetingconvened Thursday to discussnoise from the Mid-Bay Bridgehighway.



Landscaping companies madesuggestions to improve the lookof Bluewater Bay during a recentpublic forum.

The Bluewater Bay MunicipalServices Benefit Unit (MSBU), ataxing district that maintains theappearance of common areas ofBluewater Bay, hosted a land-scaping workshop Feb. 22.

The workshop meeting wasscheduled by the MSBU to gather

information and ideas about howto improve the overall appearanceof the Bluewater Bay community.No decisions were made, butideas advanced at the workshopare expected to be discussed atfuture MSBU meetings, such asthe one scheduled for March 12.

The workshop began with aslide presentation from JasonConnor, a representative of theValleyCrest LandscapeCompanies.

Connor showed slides of work

his firm, a national companywhich is based in California andhas an office in Santa RosaBeach, has done at other plannedcommunities similar to BluewaterBay. ValleyCrest was an unsuc-cessful bidder for the MSBU'scurrent landscape-maintenancecontract.

Connor said that while he didnot wish to throw stones at thehard work done by other land-scaping companies in BluewaterBay, his company could offer

ideas that would enhance the“curb appeal” of Bluewater Bay,and help local residents “to behappy where you live.”

Connor said some of the land-scaping designs and street signsin the Bluewater Bay area areaging and that their deterioratingappearance could reduce localhome values. He suggested thatcurrent wooden street signs couldbe replaced by more durablesigns such as concrete or brickmonuments or by making use of

landscaping features to elevate orprotect signs against damagefrom lawn mowing equipmentand other sources.

Connor also said that local turfcould be helped to grow andmaintain its appearance throughbetter use of water and fertilizers,which could be planned by hiscompany. He also recommendedthat steps be taken to removesuch eyesores as ant mounds,deadwood, and other debris fromlandscape areas. Connor also sug-

gested adding what he called a“third rotation” of seasonal colorto Bluewater Bay through theplanting of colorful flowers andshrubs in local flower beds.

Connor’s slide show was theonly formal presentation fromany landscaper or company at theworkshop. However, some otherlandscapers did speak up withideas of their own. Hank Bruns,for example, mentioned that he


Firefighters will be able torespond better to waterfront firesand other emergencies on areawaterways, thanks to a new fire-boat operated by Niceville FireDepartment Feb. 27.

Niceville Fire Chief TommyMayville said the boat, a 27-footBrunswick Boston Whaler, canfight blazes by pulling up tostructures or vessels from thewater side.

Mayville said the boat has anintake pump that can shoot waterfrom the bay through hoses at1,200 gallons per minute, nearlythe rate of a fire engine.

According to Mayville, theboat would also respond to aircrashes in the bay.

Before Feb. 27, the only fireagency near Choctawhatchee Bayto have a proper fireboat was theDestin Fire Control District,


The Okaloosa CountyCommission will hear a requestat its April 16 meeting for anotice of proposed change to theBluewater development of region-al impact (DRI) by the BluewaterResort to change four of theresort's golf holes to land for resi-dential development.

According to Terry Jernigan,Okaloosa County planning man-ager, the commission will decidewhether the proposed changeconstitutes a substantial deviationfrom the original developmentplan, and then decide whether toapprove it.

Jernigan said a decision thatthe change does not constitute asubstantial deviation does not

necessarily mean an approval ofthe plan.

"They could decide it's not asubstantial deviation and still giveit the thumbs down," Jernigansaid.

Jernigan said the West FloridaRegional Planning Council andthe state's Department ofEconomic Opportunity (formerlythe Department of Community

Affairs) have also received sub-missions from the resort and willalso decide whether the proposedchange is a substantial deviation.

If the county determines thechange does not constitute a sub-stantial deviation and theDepartment of EconomicOpportunity does, the issuewould be sent for review tothe state's Land and Water

Adjudicatory Committee, consist-ing of Gov. Rick Scott and hiscabinet.

Jernigan said DRIs are gov-erned by a different statute thannormal zoning changes, and thusthe change will not go before theOkaloosa County PlanningCommission.


A nurse at a Bluewater Baynursing and rehabilitation facilitywas arrested after she was caughtwith over 100 pills intended forresidents of the facility, accordingto Okaloosa County Sheriff's Officereports.

Renee Lorraine Stern, 32, of229 Limestone Circle, Crestview,was arrested by sheriff's deputiesFeb. 24 on charges of petit theft, two counts of posses-sion of a prescription drug without a prescription andtwo counts of trafficking opium or a derivative, accord-ing to the sheriff's reports, which gave the followingaccount:

Duane Gallagher, administrator of the Manor at

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, March 6, 2013



Please see PLAN, page A-2

Please see NURSE, page A-3

Please see SCANDAL, page A-5


Please see NEWEST, page A-3

Police Blotter

Page A-4

Nurse chargedwith stealingpatients’ pills


A parade of Okaloosa County officials and contrac-tors testified Monday before the Florida Legislature’sJoint Legislative Auditing Committee (JLAC) inTallahassee during the panel's second hearing regardingthe Okaloosa County Tourist Development Councilscandal of 2012.

Each witness explained his role in relation to theTDC and said that he was not responsible for any mis-conduct connectedwith deceased TDCdirector MarkBellinger’s theft ofcounty funds. It wasthe third time in recent weeks that the JLAC has sum-moned Okaloosa County officials to testify on eventssurrounding the looting of hundreds of thousands of dol-lars from county coffers.

One of the first witnesses was Warren Gourley, amember of the TDC's governing board. He said thatTDC board members were volunteers who served mere-ly in an advisory role, and that votes taken during their

Officials deny blamein TDC scandal

Landscapers offer ideas to spruce up BWB

Wednesday, 3-4 p.m.

Learn how to checkout eBooks and audiobooks with your Nook ina free Nook workshopat the Niceville PublicLibrary.

Thursday, 1:30 p.m.

Bring the kids andenjoy popcorn at anearly release movie dayfeaturing “Wreck itRalph” at the ValparaisoCommunity Library.

Friday, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy food from local

restaurants at the ChildCare Services annual“Taste of the Bayou”and charity auctionfundraiser at St. MaryChurch, Fort WaltonBeach.

Saturday, 6-9 p.m.

Support the RockyBayou Christian Schoolat its Burgers and Bidssilent auction to benefitits scholarship and finan-cial aid programs at theDestin United MethodistChurch.

Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Hear the LibertyUniversity WindEnsemble in its springtour free concert at theFirst Baptist Church ofNiceville.

See Calendar, B-2.

COMINGUP

Newest fireengine floats Niceville firefighters test the

pump and spout on a new fireboat in Boggy Bayou off LionsPark, Niceville, Friday. The 27-foot Boston Whaler, which willbe used to fight fires aroundChoctawhatchee Bay, canpump water in a 200-footstream at 1,200 gallons aminute.


Play ball!

Renee L. Stern

Plan to build on part of golf course eyed


Beacon photo by Mike GriffithSaturday was opening day for 120 players of the Valparaiso-Niceville Girls Softball Association. Tenteams, divided into four leagues covering ages 5 to 18, faced off at the Niceville softball complex for theirfirst games of the 42nd season, which ends May 18. Coaches helped girls in the dugout get ready totake the field while parents and family members cheered from the stands.

2 accused in case, A-3.

The Bay Beacon this week is pleased to present alook back at the top stories and photos of 2013, aspresented in a week-by-week review of Page 1.

Thank you, readers, for welcoming us intoyour homes in 2013. Thank you, advertisers,for your support in the past year.

We look forward to continuing to serve you in 2014.

—The staff of the Bay Beacon: Stephen Kent, Sara Kent, Bunni Farhnam,Linda McCormick, Candice Legge, Mac Macasaet,Cheryle Valentine, Angela Yuriko Smith, Karon Dey.Correspondents: Mike Griffith, Sarah Clauson.


Page A-2 Wednesday, January 1, 2014 THE BAY BEACON

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By Daniel ElsesserBeacon Crass p dtred

County traffic engineers havereduced the left-hand turn lanesfrom White Point Road to StateRoad 20 from two lanes to one,but many motorists are apparent-ly finding the new pattern con-fusing.

More changes are planned tomake the new flow easier to fol-low, according to county offi-cials. Meantime, manymotorists are still using the cen-ter of three lanes as a left-turn

lane, despite traffic engineers'recent efforts to designate it as astraight-on lane.

Jason Autrey, manager of theOkaloosa County Public Worksengineering division, noted thattraffic on White Point Road hasdecreased dramatically after abypass opened to the east inSeptember 2011. At that timeWhite Point Road reverted tocounty-road status; it has been astate highway since the bridgeopened in 1993.

The Florida Department ofTransportation counted an aver-age of 18,700 vehicles a day at apoint on White Point Road 500feet south of SR 20 in 2010, theyear before the connectoropened. In 2011, the FDOTcounted an average of 7,500 aday.

The decline means that north-bound motorists on White PointRoad who wish to turn left at SR20 no longer need two left-handturn lanes to ease congestion atthe intersection, Autrey said.

Autrey said the intersection iscurrently a "split-phase" inter-section, meaning traffic from

White Point on either side of SR20 cannot turn left at the sametime. He said the signals willeventually be changed to allowsimultaneous left turns by trafficheading west on SR 20 fromWhite Point Road and trafficheading east on SR 20 fromNorth White Point Road, a spurthat ends at the BluewaterManor.

Autrey said forward-pointingarrows intended to guide vehi-cles in the center lane were

added to the pavement and thetraffic-light mast in late January.However, recent observationsshow that many motorists arestill turning left, or west, fromthe center lane.

Autrey said this will increasethe efficiency of the intersectionby lessening downtime, or timewhen traffic is not moving. Bynot making traffic on oppositesides of SR 20 wait for eachother to turn, Autrey said, aboutfour seconds of red light time

can be cut from each 100-secondcycle at the intersection.

Autrey said that a dotted"skip" stripe that still suggests tomotorists that they may turn leftfrom the center lane will beremoved at the expense of theMid-Bay Bridge Authority.

Autrey said that signalchanges, which will disable theturn arrow from the center signalfacing White Point Road, shouldbe completed within six months.He said this only requires a pro-

gramming change and will costvirtually nothing.

"We will be monitoring thisintersection," Autrey said. "If itdoes not work, we can alter it."

Autrey said recent adjust-ments have been made to WhitePoint Road to lessen the volumeof through traffic headed to andfrom the Mid-Bay Bridge,including a four-way stop at theroads intersection with

Daniel ElsesserBeacon Crass p dtred

Many Bluewater Bay residentsoppose a plan by the BluewaterBay Resort to convert four of theresort's Magnolia golf courseholes to residential areas, accord-ing to critics of the plan.

The resort submitted a pro-posed change to Bluewater'sdevelopment of regional impact(DRI) to Okaloosa County. The

Okaloosa Board of CountyCommissioners is scheduled toreview the change at a meetingApril 16, set for 6 p.m. at thecounty water and sewer building,1804 Lewis Turner Blvd., FortWalton Beach.

Manfred Meine, a resident ofBluewater's Magnolia Plantationsubdivision and former presidentof the neighborhood's homeown-ers' association, said he will

attend the commission meeting toshow opposition to the proposedchange. Meine said he expectsmany other residents to attend inopposition as well.

"I think you're going to havestanding room only," Meine said.

Raimund Herden, one of theoriginal developers of BluewaterBay, said he expects around 500people from all over Bluewater toshow at the April 16 meeting in

opposition to the change. Meine, a professor at Troy

University, said many Bluewaterresidents moved to the neighbor-hood because of the environmentprovided by the golf course.

"I think part of why most of usmoved here is because the golfcourse gives you a park-like feel,"Meine said. "I think that's goingto be damaged."

Meine said he is concerned

that property values will decreaseas a result of adding high-densityhousing to areas previously occu-pied by the golf course. He saidhe is also concerned aboutincreased traffic congestion andgeneral deterioration of the golfcourse, and said he is certainnumerous Bluewater homeownersjoin him in his sentiments.


At a Niceville Valparaiso Rotary Club meetingThursday, Okaloosa CountyCommissioner David Parisot didwhat he could not do three daysbefore at a legislative hearing inTallahassee.

Parisot presented a PowerPointbriefing entitled “ACommissioner's Viewpoint,” inwhich he discussed the events ofthe Okaloosa County TouristDevelopment Council (TDC) scan-dal, and the county commission’srole in trying to solve the problems that made the scan-dal possible.

Parisot had submitted, and attempted to present, thesame PowerPoint to the Joint Legislative AuditingCommittee (JLAC) during the panel’s hearing inTallahassee March 4. However, his briefing had been





Please see SCANDAL, page A-3

Please see PLAN, page A-2

Police Blotter

Page A-4

Commissioner reportson county actions inTDC scandal’s wake


In its third meeting, a new citizens panel advising theValparaiso City Commission spent much of its time dis-cussing whether it was required to continue to meet inpublic.

The Valparaiso Visioning Committee held its thirdmeeting Thursday.

Attending for the first time was Jill White, co-chairof the committee and a professor at Northwest FloridaState College. Also in attendance was Valparaiso CityClerk Tammy Johnson, in an advisory role.

The main order of business was a speakerphone dis-cussion with Valparaiso City Attorney Hayward Dykes.The committee members asked Dykes for his advice asto whether the visioning committee is subject to theFlorida Sunshine Law, which requires members of gov-ernment boards that make laws or policy or advise thegovernment to announce meetings in advance and toadmit the public.

Valp. panel wonderswhether it is subjectto open-meetings law

Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

The Northwest FloridaState College presentsthe theatrical version ofShakespeare’s “AMidsummer Night’sDream” in the SprintTheater, at the MattieKelly Arts Center,Niceville.

Thursday, 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy a scenic bikeride with the AdventureClub along theBluewater Bay Resort,Niceville.

Saturday, 7-11 a.m.Eat breakfast at the

Niceville-ValparaisoKiwanis Club’s pancakebreakfast and silentauction at the NicevilleHigh School cafeteria.

Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

See the pianist YueChu return for a privatepiano recital in the TylerRecital Hall of the MattieKelly Arts Center,Niceville.

Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate archeologywith a free history lec-ture, “Talking Smack: TheSailing Vessels ofPensacola’s FishingIndustry,” at the NicevilleCommunity Center, 205N. Partin Drive.

See Calendar, B-2.

COMINGUP

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserThe left turn lane from White Point Road to State Road 20 was reduced from two lanes to one because of a perceived decrease in trafficturning off the road resulting from the construction of the Mid-Bay Bridge Connector. But old habits die hard, and some motorists, suchas the one pictured (center left), are still turning left from the center lane.

Straight and narrow

Opposition mounts to golf course plan, critics say


Beacon photo

Workers contracted by the city of Niceville lay concrete for a sidewalk on 27th Street, just east of PalmBoulevard, March 5. The job is one of several to add concrete sidewalks or asphalt walkways in the city. PublicWorks Director Bruce Price said Niceville awarded a $226,000 contract in October to Gum Creek Farms, aDeFuniak Springs paving company. The contract also includes orders for concrete sidewalks on Kildare Circleand asphalt pathways on Valparaiso Boulevard and Rocky Bayou Drive. The work is expected to be completedby mid May, with a total of 5,500 to 6,000 feet of new walkway.

David Parisot

Intersection update confuses motoristsAttempts continue to revampWhite Point Road as local street

New arrow on traffic mast indi-cates traffic flow from north-bound center lane of WhitePoint Road at SR 20. Please see CONFUSES, page A-5


First Judicial Circuit StateAttorney Bill Eddinsannounced last week that thestate has dropped a theft chargeagainst Vision Airlines after thecompany paid $160,000 inrestitution and costs.

The state attorney's officehas previously charged the LasVegas-based airline, formerly atenant at Northwest FloridaRegional Airport, with firstdegree grand theft for its

alleged failure to remit morethan $100,000 in passengerfacility charges (PFCs) to thecounty-operated airport.

According to the state attor-ney's office, Vision paid about$117,000 in PFC restitutionafter being charged. On March11, Vision paid an additional$43,477 in costs and legal feesowed to Okaloosa County andthe airport. This paymentincludes $13,783 in legal feesto Okaloosa County and$29,694 in interest and delin-

quent fees.According to the original

probable cause affidavit filedagainst Vision, the airline col-lected a $4.50 PFC for everypassenger. It was permitted toretain 11 cents and remit therest to the county monthly.Vision allegedly failed to dothis frequently, according to theaffidavit filed in OkaloosaCounty Circuit Court.

Vision began offering flightsout of the Northwest FloridaRegional Airport in December

2010, and was evicted byOkaloosa County for nonpay-ment in July 2012, according toofficials.

According to Eddins, Visionhas agreed to cooperate withthe state attorney and theOkaloosa County Sheriff'sOffice in the ongoing investiga-tion of the misuse of countyfunds by the TouristDevelopment Council.

Eddins said March 12 thatVision's cooperation led to thedropping of the charge.

"Vision paid the requiredPFC money immediately afterthey were charged, and they'vepaid late fees, Okaloosa's attor-ney's fees, and they've agreedto cooperate in our investiga-tion," Eddins said. "Because ofthose three things, we felt thatthere would be no useful pur-pose in pursuing the chargesand that justice will be proper-ly served by disposing of thesituation the way that wehave."

Eddins said his office is no

longer involved in the disputebetween Okaloosa County andVision because the airline hasmade all required paymentsregarding PFCs. He said acounty dispute with the airlineover certain utility payments isa civil matter and thereforedoes not involve his office.

Attempts to reach VisionAirline were unsuccessful.Previously the company haddenied any wrongdoing andalleged that the county owed itmoney.


The NicevilleYMCA may have tomove, but it's notshutting down,according to MichaelRojas, chief executiveof YMCA of Florida'sEmerald Coast.

Rojas said RuckelProperties, landlordfor the YMCA branchat Palm Plaza in Niceville, wants

the YMCA to begin paying themarket rent for its spacein Niceville or else relo-cate.

Rojas said that giventhe market rate of about$10 per square foot peryear, the 13,000-square-foot Niceville YMCAcannot afford to stay inPalm Plaza, its homesince the branch openedin 2006.

By Daniel Elsesser Beacon Crass p dtred

The Niceville City Councilapproved a plan at its meetingMarch 12 to install new watermeter reading technology tomonitor the city’s residential andcommercial water usage.

The council approved a$1,315,177 project to install anautomatic metering infrastruc-ture (AMI) which sends data

from meters to a database byradio transmission.

City Clerk Dan Doucet saidthe previous system neededreplacement because sometransmitters had failed, requiringthe city to go out and read theamounts manually instead ofthrough a database.

The city awarded the contractto Innovative MeteringSolutions, a distributor of meter

products. Doucet said the newmeter reading system they offeris of greater quality than the onecurrently used by the city.

Doucet said the new systemwould eventually allow allmeters to be read through thedatabase, requiring no manualfield readings. Doucet said thisis important because field read-ings can be delayed due toinclement

weather, leading to water bills forcity customers that include anextra week of billing. Doucetsaid this confusion can be elimi-nated with an improved meter-reading system.

Innovative MeteringSolutions is a distributor forBadger Meter, a Wisconsin com-pany that manufactures the read-ing equipment.


On a split vote, the Bluewater Bay MunicipalServices Benefit Unit (MSBU) governing board hasdecided to seek proposals to spruce up the community.

During a meeting March 12, board member JudyGriffin said that a landscape workshop held Feb. 22 wassuccessful, with over 30 people in attendance. She rec-ommended that the tax-supported MSBU follow up thatworkshop by seeking bids from landscape designerswho might be able to come up with a master landscap-ing plan for Bluewater Bay.

Fellow board member Dale Blanchard, however, dis-agreed with Griffin’s statement that the landscape work-shop had been a success. “I was there,” he said, “and Ididn’t get that impression.”

Griffin, however, persisted in saying that Bluewater




Please see WATER, page A-5

Please see MSBU, page A-3

Police Blotter

Page A-4

MSBU votes toexplore optionsfor landscaping


Valparaiso Mayor BruceArnold has called for replacing thecity commission form of govern-ment that he has long headed witha city council that delegatesadministrative functions to eitheran elected mayor or a hired citymanager.

Any such change would requirevoter approval.

In a two-hour nonvoting workshop meeting heldMonday, city commissioners discussed whether, and ifso, how, to change the form of the city's government.The meeting produced little agreement, except to holdanother workshop on April 1.

The meeting began with a presentation by Arnold ofhis position paper advocating a change in the form of

Valp. mayorurges changein govt. form

Wed., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Northwest Florida StateCollege and University ofWest Florida will host acareer and job fair at thejoint college campus, FortWalton Beach.

Thursday, 6 p.m.

Enjoy a “HuntingHeritage Banquet” tobenefit the National WildTurkey Federation featur-ing raffles, an auction andgames at the North LightYacht Club, Niceville.

Friday, 2-4 p.m.

Bring the kids to playgames at a giant boardgame party at theValparaiso CommunityLibrary.

Friday, 7:30 p.m.Come hear the

Okaloosa ChamberSingers perform “Now LetUs Sing” in a free, publicconcert at St. PaulLutheran Church,Niceville.

Saturday, 7:30 a.m.

Embark on a free birdand nature walk with theChoctawhatcheeAudubon Society in theUpland Hardwoods ofWalton County. Meet atFood World, Niceville.

See Calendar, B-2.

COMINGUP

Kellie Morris, 31, of Niceville,exercises at the NicevilleYMCA March 18. She said shehopes the Niceville Y will stayopen in some capacity in theTwin Cities. The non-profithealth club will likely have tomove from Palm Plazabecause of a rent increase.


The wind's song

Niceville OKs $1.3 million water-meter pact

Beacon photo by T ive f riNNithOn Saturday, the Bluewater Bay Sailing Club held its fourth regatta, or sailboat race, of the 2013 season.Clear weather, calm water on Choctawhatchee Bay, and a moderate breeze made an ideal day for sailing.The boat Avocet, pictured, finished fifth in the second spinnaker race, which was won by Shenanigan.Other winners were: Maverick (first spinnaker race), and Pandemonium (nonspinnaker/cruiser race).


Michael Rojas

Mayor BruceArnold

Theft charge against airline is dropped

YMCA seeks cheaper home

New radio-controlled water meter.

Please see YMCA, page A-2

uhe woice oN Vicewille, Bl1e9 ater Bay and Malparaiso since kGG2


Valparaiso Mayor Bruce Arnold saidhe is "not planning" to run for reelectionnext year, but that he might change hismind.

Arnold said he was "getting tired" andwould likely not seek another four-yearterm.

Arnold, 83, was elected mayor ofValparaiso in January 1964 and will have

served 50 years by the time ofthe next election in March2014, the longest unbrokentenure by a currently servingelected mayor in Florida.

A representative of theFlorida League of Cities saidApopka's John Land has servedthe longest as an elected mayorin Florida—63 years and count-ing. But Land's tenure, which

began in 1950, was broken forthree years from 1968 to 1971.

Arnold, whose mayoral posi-tion also makes him a votingmember of the five-member citycommission, said he had notintended to run for reelection inValparaiso's 2010 election, butwas persuaded to run by mem-bers of the Valparaiso commu-nity.

"I wasn't going to run last time, but Idid because so many people asked meto," Arnold said. "If I hadn't had somany people coming to my house andbegging me to run again, I would'veretired."

Arnold said that for this election, anysuch requests would not figure in hisdecision whether to seek office again.


The Florida Fire Marshalhas determined that someoneset an early-morning fire thatdestroyed a motor vehicleparked in a front yard inValparaiso March 17.

Spokeswoman Deborah

Jamison said the fire marshal'soffice has determined arson tobe the cause of the blaze. Shesaid the agency was trying todetermine who was responsi-ble.

Estimated damage to the2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee was$15,000.

On March 17, ValparaisoFire Chief Mark Norrisinformed police that he sus-pected foul play as the cause ofa vehicle fire which firefightershad just extinguished, accord-ing to a Valparaiso policereport. Norris said the unoccu-pied SUV, found on the first

block of Edge Avenue, wasengulfed in flames upon fire-fighters' arrival.

The Jeep was parked in themiddle of the front yard awayfrom the house. A police offi-cer reported the car is usuallybacked in close to the house tothe right of the front porch, and

he said he had seen the car itsusual position at approximately1 p.m. March 16.

Investigating the fire, theofficer contacted other resi-dents of Edge Avenue whohave a home video surveillancesystem.

The officer viewed surveil-

lance footage and saw a flashof fire in the vehicle and a fig-ure running away from it at4:29 a.m. March 17.

Norris said his departmentworked with a fire marshalinvestigator who took debrisfrom the burned car for inspec-tion.


Niceville High Schooladministrators plan to close OldCoastal Highway, the streetbetween NHS and Ruckel MiddleSchool, to through traffic from 9a.m. to 1 p.m. on school days,starting Monday, as a securitymeasure.

Grant Meyer, an assistantprincipal at Niceville HighSchool, said the east entrance toOld Coastal Highway at PalmBoulevard North will be blockedby a locked gate every day schoolis in session.

Meyer said the entrance toOld Coastal from Partin DriveNorth will remain open at alltimes.

Meyer said he brought theidea up to other Niceville HighSchool administrators at a meet-ing called to identify ways tomake the campus safer.

A March 13 letter fromPrincipal Rodney Nobles toNiceville city officials cited,


The Niceville Housing Authority opened its waitinglist March 5 for zero-and one-bedroom housing for thefirst time since September 2010.

Dottie Avery, the authority's executive director, saidnine people dropped off the list in the last six months,dropping the expected wait time for housing down toabout two years. Avery said she had reason to believe asmany as six more will drop off in the next six months.

Of the authority's 111 units, only 15 are one-bed-room and three are zero-bedroom, Avery said. A one-bedroom dwelling is about 600 square feet, while azero-bedroom unit is 550-square-foot efficiency apart-ment with a bed "nook" instead of a bedroom with adoor.

Avery said that the waiting list for the 18 units stands




Please see MAYOR, page A-8

Please see HOUSING, page A-7

Please see BRIDGE, page A-2

Please see SECURITY, page A-5

Police Blotter

Page A-3

School safety eyed, A-7.

Housing agencytakes applicationsfor 18 dwellings


The Mid-Bay Bridge Authority (MBBA) has ruledout building a wall to reduce road noise that bothers res-idents who live near the south end of the bridgeapproach highway.

The authority said a noise study of the neighbor-hoods White Point Village and Chardonnay Estatesfound that it wouldn't be cost effective to build the wall,which was requested by the residents.

The study was commissioned at a meeting Jan. 31between the MBBA, the Florida Department ofTransportation (FDOT), and residents of the neighbor-hoods, many of whom had complained that traffic noisefrom the connector was harming their quality of life.

MBBA Executive Director Jim Vest the MBBA willaccept the results of the study.

"We conducted the noise study at the request of the

Bridge agencyrules out wallto block noise

Through March 30

Artist LouKaunzinger's art is ondisplay at NicevilleLibrary. Come viewher watercolors andacrylics during regularlibrary hours.

Wed., 6-7:30 p.m.

Meet the five final-ists for the position ofOkaloosa CountyAdministrator duringa meet and greet atEmerald CoastConvention Center.Light hors d'oeuvresand a cash bar avail-able.

Friday and Saturday

Three Easter egghunts will keep the lit-tle ones happy allweekend long, Nicevilleand Valparaiso.

Mon., 6:30 p.m.

Anne Hornstein willshow how to make fly-ers, format a book andmake greeting cardsusing Pages applica-tion for Mac, NWF StateCollege.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP

®

The east gate of Old CoastalHighway between NicevilleHigh School and Ruckel MiddleSchool, which connects toPalm Boulevard North, will beclosed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. onschool days starting April 1.The idea was proposed byAssistant Principal GrantMeyer, pictured at the gate.


Spring swim

Valp. mayor mulls retirement

Beacon photo by Mike GriffithAfter a series of thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday, ushering in the official start of spring like a lion, TwinCities residents welcomed bright blue skies and warm temperatures on Sunday, which gave people the oppor-tunity to enjoy the outdoors, especially near local waterways. Valparaiso s Lincoln Park was a busy placeSunday afternoon, as the sunny weather brought people out to the beach.

Arson blamed in blaze that destroyed SUV

In security move,schools curb accessvia Old Coastal Hwy.


Bruce Arnold


A member of the FloridaHouse of Representatives hasalready launched his campaignfor the District 1 state senate seatcurrentlyheld byDon Gaetz,sayingGaetz mightleave officebefore histerm ends in2016.

Gaetz, aNicevilleRepublican,said hedoesn't plan to leave office pre-maturely.

Jimmy Patronis, a PanamaCity Republican from District 6,said his senate campaign isgeared towards running for theDistrict 1 senate seat, currentlyheld by Gaetz, who is also serv-ing as Senate President.Because of Florida term limits,Gaetz, who was first elected to

the senate 2006, cannot run forre-election when his currentfour-year term ends inNovember 2016.

Patronis said the possibility ofGaetz stepping down early, per-haps to pursue higher politicaloffice, was one reason he hasbegun campaigning now.

"I haven't spoken to the sena-tor personally on this, but hemight for some reason decide toleave officebefore histerm isover,"Patronissaid. "Intwo yearshe'll gofrom beingSenatePresident tobeing in aposition of much less authority,"he said, referring to the fact thatGaetz's Senate term will last twomore years after his tenure as thebody's president ends next year.

Patronis stated Gaetz may be

a candidate for appointment lieu-tenant governor, a seat thatbecame vacant upon the March12 resignation of RepublicanJennifer Carroll amid questionsabout her financial dealings.Gov. Rick Scott said he wouldnot appoint a new lieutenantgovernor until the current leg-islative session ends late thismonth.

Gaetz said last week that hehas no intention of leaving hissenate seat before his term endsin 2016.

"I intend to fulfill my respon-sibilities," Gaetz said. "I waselected to a four-year term, and Iwill serve every day of thatterm."

Gaetz also said he has nodesire to be lieutenant governor,and declared that Patronis is get-ting "ahead of himself" if heexpects the senator to leaveoffice early.

"Rep. Patronis is the onlypolitician in the state running for


A Niceville man allegedlypresented a one-sided case asto the legitimacy of his cash.

The 51-year-old man triedto buy coffee from twoNiceville stores with a fake$100 bill that was printed oncopier paper and was blank onone side, according to

Niceville police, who issuedthe following report:

The man was arrestedMarch 23 on two felony countsof fraud by passing a counter-feit note.

He allegedly attempted tobuy coffee with a counterfeit$100 bill at the Dollar Tree inthe Palm Plaza, Niceville


The Valparaiso CityCommission’s second meetingon potential changes to the citycharter, held Monday, producedno more agreement than a previ-ous session on the same subject.

Another such workshop meet-ing will be held on April 22 at 6p.m.

The commission does nothave the authority to change thecity’s form of government on itsown. The most the city commis-sion can do, if commissionerseventually vote to do so, is toplace a proposed change to thecharter on the ballot for a refer-endum by Valparaiso voters.

During Monday night’s dis-cussion, Mayor John B. Arnoldand Commissioner KayHamilton supported a change inthe form of city government,while commissioners HaywardStrong and Joe Morgan preferredto leave the form of government

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, April 3, 2013




Please see FAKE, page A-3

Police Blotter

Page A-4

Debateon Valp.charter

Thurs., 3-5 p.m.Emerald Coast

Professionals will behoning theirskills and mak-ing connec-tions during anew network-ing group at the NicevilleValparaiso Chamber ofCommerce. Visit emerald-coastprofessionals.comfor details, Niceville.

Sat., 11 a.m.-5p.m.Safe Haven Horse

Rescue willhost a cele-bration thatincludes livecountry music

by Ed Tanza, arts andcrafts vendors and an auc-tion at 1 p.m. Horses avail-able to adopt, Laurel Hill.

Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Scout-O-Rama will

have plenty of free games,demonstrations and craftsat UptownStation.Inflatableentertainmentcan be enjoyed with pur-chase of an armband $8at the door, $25 for fami-lies, Fort Walton Beach.

Sat., 6 p.m.Choctaw Bay Music

Club members performon two new Yamahagrand pianos as it pres-ents its 22nd annual duopiano concert at TylerRecital Hall, NorthwestFlorida State College,Niceville.

Calendar, B-4

COMINGUP

Hop to it

Lawmaker eyes Gaetz seat



Blew by youLandscaper Justin Kelley cleans the remnants of winter from the Niceville First United MethodistChurch parking lot March 27 in preparation of the church's Holy Week services.


Niceville launched a pilotprogram Monday to determinethe effectiveness of 96-gallonrecycling carts, using twoneighborhoods as guinea pigs.

City officials and garbage-company executives hope thethree-month program willencourage residents to recyclemore waste. If that proves tobe the case, the program couldbe expanded citywide.

Waste Management Inc.delivered the wheeled, yellow-lidded carts Friday to homeson Kildare Circle, a 50-home

Please see GAETZ, page A-3

This piece of copy paperallegedly presented as legaltender in two stores was blankon the reverse, a fact not lost onthe cashiers who refused toaccept it. A Niceville man wascharged with passing a coun-terfeit.


Waste Management employeesdistribute 96-gallon recyclingcarts to houses on Black BearCircle, Niceville, March 29. Thecarts will be used as part of a90-day program which beganMonday to determine whetherthe larger carts lead to anincrease in recycling.

Don Gaetz

Jimmy Patronis

Big recycling cansare set out in test

Please see CANS, page A-5

Beacon photo by Mike GriffithIt was a cavalcade of cuteness Saturday morning at Valparaiso s Lincoln Park and at Niceville s softball complex, as each city heldits annual Easter egg dash. Children in various age groups waited eagerly for the starting signal, before dashing out across sunlitgrassy fields to gather up as many plastic Easter eggs, small toys, and pieces of candy as they could. Some 3,500 eggs were usedin the Valparaiso event, pictured.

Man tries to buy coffee with fake $100

Goodpaster Design Rendering of proposed $225,000 Eagle Ram Tennis Center atRuckel Middle School. The eight-court complex would be openfor public use, according to fundraisers.


Members of the Eagle RamTennis Center "SteeringCommittee" said they haveraised $165,000 towards theestimated $225,000 necessaryto begin construction on a newtennis facility in Niceville.

Chris Poate, Niceville HighSchool tennis coach and co-chair of the committee, said theproject is intended to giveNiceville and Ruckel tennisteams a home facility. It willalso be open to the public, he

said.Poate said the original esti-

mate of $300,000 for initialconstruction has gone downsignificantly thanks to in-kindwork commitments from theCity of Niceville and individu-als such as Matt Parker of JPEngineering.

Bruce Price, Niceville publicworks director, said thatReagan Huff, a member of thecommittee, approached himwith a "wish list" of servicesthe city might provide for thefacility without charging.

Price said the departmenttentatively agreed to some proj-ects on the wish list, includingdemolition, grading and con-struction of underground con-duits for a lighting system.

Price said the projects couldcost the city $1,000 for demoli-tion and $2,000 to $3,000 forequipment rental, in addition tolabor. He didn't request actionby the council, but he said hewill likely request approvalfrom the council before making


Okaloosa County may require increases in taxeson property, fuel and sales, along with more cuts tocounty staff and services, according to retiringCounty Administrator Jim Curry.

The Okaloosa County Commission was sched-uled to meet last night to begin its budget-settingprocess for the 2013-14 fiscal year, which will beginOct. 1.

In recommendations prepared for delivery to thecommission, Curry stated that while the costs ofcounty services continue to climb, revenue fromproperty taxes, as well as other taxes and state aid,remains flat or even in decline, largely due to thestagnation which has afflicted the national and localeconomies since 2008.

Curry’s budget recommendations for the comingyear began with a recommendation to increase thecounty property tax millage rate:

“Because of the current demand for new servic-es, the increase in operating costs and unfunded




Please see COUNTY, page A-3


Police Blotter

Page A-4

County aideasserts needfor tax hikes


The Valparaiso City Commission approved anordinance April 8 on second and final reading thatprohibits front- or side-yard fences in R-2 (residen-tial multiple-family) zoning districts or zero-lot-linedevelopments.

The ordinance was drafted to keep people fromconstructing fences that would inadvertentlyobstruct their neighbor's access to their own proper-ty.

Valparaiso City Administrator Carl Scott saidmany houses in Valparaiso are zero-lot-line develop-ments, or developments where a structure has beenplaced along a boundary line. He said because ofthis, fences built on the front and side yards of theseproperties, if they run along the perimeter of theboundary, would run almost directly up against theadjacent house.

This would make it impossible for the resident ofthe adjacent house to access his exterior side wall,which in some neighborhoods holds the house'senergy meter.

"On zero-lot-line property, you could build a

Valp. votesfence limits

Thurs., 9:30 a.m.Bluewater Bay

Garden Club inNiceville will presentguest speaker MarinaWilson,seniorforester,to teachaboutmanag-ing Florida trees tolast for years. Call 897-5560 for details.

Fri,. & Sat., 7:30 p.m.Dance Facets

returns to the mainstage at the MattieKelly Arts Center inNiceville to present itsannual dance con-cert. 38 dancers will

per-formfour-teenorigi-nal

dance presentationsfeaturing a variety ofdance styles. Tickets$20 for adults, $15 foryouth. Call 729-6000.

Sat., 11 a.m.-1 p.m.The Science

Brothers will beexploring scienceusing hands on exper-iments for all ages atthe Biophilia Center,Centerhoursare 10a.m.-3p.m.Centeradmission is $5 foradults, $2 for children.Call 835-1824.

April 17, 8 a.m.Northwest Florida

State College inNiceville begins itsanniversary celebra-tion with a free assem-bly for the public atthe Raider’s Arena.Three of the survivingWWII DoolittleRaiders crew mem-bers are scheduled toappear.

Calendar, B-3

COMINGUP

Mike Moore, owner of Gulf StarContracting, the company hiredby the Niceville ValparaisoRegional Sewer Board to main-tain the board reclaimed watersprayfields, mows grass on thefields April 4. A decrease in thefield's acreage to make roomfor the Mid-Bay BridgeConnector led the board to signa less expensive contract withMoore for the next year.



The Niceville ValparaisoRegional Sewer Board extendedits contract with Gulf StarContracting, the contractor thatoversees the board's reclaimedwater sprayfield, until June 2014.

Mike Moore, owner of GulfStar Contracting, said the exten-sion for his original contract wasset to expire June 30. At a meet-ing April 3 in Niceville, the sewerboard discussed some method oflowering maintenance expendi-tures because the sprayfieldshrank from 280 acres to 230acres in June 2012, when someland was taken for the new Mid-Bay Bridge Connector highway.

The sewer board owns andcontrols the Niceville ValpariasoRegional Wastewater TreatmentFacility and its associated effluentsprayfield on Eglin land north ofNiceville.

Rick Helms, NicevilleValparaiso Regional WastewaterTreatment Facility manager, sug-gested the board reduce its pay-ment to Gulf Star from $118,000a year to something proportionalto the smaller field size.

Moore offered to continue hiscurrent tasks on the smaller fieldsfor $95,113 a year, an offerwhich the board unanimouslyapproved.

Sewer authority makes hay while the sun shinesLess sprayfield mowingas effluent gets cleaner

$165K raised for tennis center

Spring temperatures and clearskies have brought people out oftheir houses to enjoy such activi-ties as kayaking at Turkey CreekPark or, right, the scene at theBluewater Bay Cultural ArtsFestival, hosted Saturday byBluewater Bay Marina. Marinaowner Brett Hinely said that about25 vendors set up booths at the fes-tival, offering food and beveragetastings, live music, and assortedarts and crafts.

Beacon photos by Mike Griffith

Warming trend

Please see TENNIS, page A-2

Please see SEWER, page A-2


A year-long 50th anniversary celebration ofNorthwest Florida State College begins today,Wednesday, with the visit of three crew members ofthe Doolittle Raiders to dedi-cate a new exhibit detailing thefamed aviators' daring air raidon WWII Japan.

The festive 50th anniversarykickoff assembly will begin at9 a.m. in the college’s 2,100-seat Raiders Arena on theNiceville campus. Doors will open at 8 a.m., butwill close when the arena reaches capacity.

Free and open to the public, the event featuresthe opening of a permanent Doolittle Raiders histor-ical exhibit in the lobby of the arena. Three of thesurviving 1942 Doolittle Raiders crew members arescheduled to appear at the event and will be honored





Please see RAIDERS, page A-2

Doolittle Raiders kick off college’s 50th birthday


Users of reclaimed water from the NicevilleValparaiso Regional sewage plant must temporarilyget water from other sources due to side-effects ofwork at the plant.

The work, which is designed to make effluentfrom the plant cleaner, has had the paradoxicalshort-term effect of making the water unfit for pub-lic irrigation, when tested under state standards.

The sewage plant in Niceville has closed one ofits three "trains," or wastewater treatment systems,for upgrades that will eventually remove more nitro-gen and phosphorus from effluent.

While the work goes on, however, it effectivelyforces all wastewater processed by the plant intotwo-thirds of the plant's usual processing capacity,temporarily lessening the effectiveness of treatment.

According to Niceville City Manager Lannie

Reclaimed wateruse suspended

Sat., 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.The Heritage Museum

of Northwest Florida willhost its 37th Saturday inthe Park at 115 WestviewAve., Valparaiso with folk

artists,tradi-tionalher-itagecraft

demonstrations, re-enac-tors, live entertainment,food and craft vendors.The museum will be openfree of charge and show-case a new exhibit tocommemorate exhibit tocommemorate 500 yearsof Florida history.

Sat., 7 a.m.-12 p.m.Saint Paul Lutheran

Church will hold itsAnnual Yard SaleExtravaganza in theChurchparkinglot at1407 E.JohnSims Parkway in Niceville.Proceeds from the yardsale will be used for aLutheran ScholarshipFund. For more informa-tion call 678 -1298.

Wed., 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.Celebrate Earth Day at

the Biophilia Center. Theevent will feature blue-grass music with Franko

and theFiends,festivalfood,great

raffle prizes, environmen-tal demos and more.Tickets are $2 and chil-dren under six get in free.For more information visiteowilsoncenter.org.

Calendar, B-4

COMINGUP

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserRocky Bayou Christian School fourth-graders Gavin Johnson, Zev Edelman and Brandon Payne help clean up ayard on Nathey Street, Niceville, April 12. Students from the school have gone out annually for years to assist peo-ple with work they can't do themselves. Nearly 700 students from grades 1-12 helped out at this and 21 other loca-tions in the Twin Cities area that day.

Helping hands


Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserA pond resulting from beavers damming up a natural spring westof Juniper Avenue, Niceville, is pleasing to some nearby residentsbut creates more wetlands than city officials would like.

Police Blotter

Page A-4

Give me a brakeErica Laine (right), Eglin NaturalResources volunteer coordina-tor, stares down an all-terrainvehicle approaching at 15 mphwhile conducting a quick stopexercise during an ATV trainingcourse for Eglin volunteers atthe Jackson Guard, Niceville,April 12. The trainees will patrolEglin-owned beaches to watchover sea turtle nests.


Will beavers beat city hall?By Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

Leave it to beavers to rockthe boat.

A natural spring west ofJuniper Avenue nearHoneysuckle Lane is backed upinto a pond by a beaver dam,causing headaches with theNiceville Public WorksDepartment, the FloridaDepartment of EnvironmentalProtection (DEP) and nearbyhomeowners.

Public Works Director BrucePrice said the city does notwant any additional wetlandsand thus will seek to reduce thewater level in the pond, possi-bly by removing he dam thebeavers have built.

Price said the beaver dammight be replaced by a concreteweir to keep the water levellower than it is now.

However, some residents ofHoneysuckle Way, a neighbor-hood just south of the beaver

pond, like the look of the pondand don't want it drained.

Price said he is not sureexactly what the city will beable to do regarding the pond,not only because it is privateland owned by RuckelProperties, but also because anysolution would require approvalfrom regulatory agencies suchas the DEP.

Price said the city has hiredan environmental surveyor todetermine the boundaries of the

wetland and to help determinehow high to allow the water torise with the planned weir.

Price learned about thenecessity of DEP approval first-hand when an almost identicalsituation arose 12 years ago.

In 2001, the same springbecame backed into a pond bya beaver dam, a little fartherwest than the current dam. Thedam was damaged and the

Please see BEAVERS, page A-6

County eyes one or more tax hikesBy Mike GriffithBeacon Correspondent

Okaloosa County commis-sioners last week considered rais-ing county gasoline taxes andimplementing franchise fees forpublic utilities as possible optionsfor increasing county revenue in

order to balance the Fiscal Year2013-14 county budget. The newfiscal year will begin on Oct. 1.

The county commission’s firstnonvoting budget workshop forthe coming fiscal year was heldApril 9 in Fort Walton Beach.

It began with a briefing from

County Administrator JamesCurry, who told commissionersthat although county revenuefrom property taxes has notincreased, expenses for providingcounty services have grown dur-ing the past year. In order to bal-ance the coming year’s budget,

said Curry, the county commis-sion must either make seriouscuts to county services and/orstaff, or raise an additional $4.82million for the county’s generalfund.

Curry stated that while thecosts of county services continueto climb, revenue from propertytaxes, as well as other taxes and

state aid, remains relatively level,or even in decline, largely due tothe stagnation of the nationaleconomy since 2008.

One option for increasingcounty revenue, said Curry,would be an increase in countyproperty taxes.

But commissioners rule out boost in millage rate

Please see TAX HIKES, page A-3

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THE BAY BEACONWednesday, January 1, 2014 Page A-3


Mid-Bay PlazaBluewater Bay 897-4466


During a meeting of theMid-Bay Bridge Authority inDestin Thursday, ExecutiveDirector Jim Vest told the gov-erning board that the MBBAhas received its final settlementfrom BP.

The settlement, said Vest, isfor $200,000 and covers rev-enue lost during 2011 and lateryears as a result of tourists andother potential users of theMid-Bay Bridge who stayedaway after hearing about theBP oil spill in 2010. No sig-nificant amounts of oil reachedOkaloosa County or WaltonCounty shores, but bad publici-ty caused many vacationers tocancel their plans, hurtingbridge toll revenue during thepeak summer season.

The $200,000 settlementfrom BP follows an earlier set-tlement from BP for Mid-BayBridge revenue lost during2010, the year of the oil spill.

Vest also gave the board anupdate on pending state legisla-tion that may affect the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority. He saidHouse Bill 70127 has made itthrough committees and is duefor a vote on the house floor





BridgereceivesBP funds

Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.The Niceville High

School DramaDepartment will bepresenting“Promedy” and “TheBestShowNeverSeen”,in the NicevilleAuditorium on Friday,April 26 and Saturday,April 27. All showsbegin at 7 p.m..Tickets are $5 at thedoor and may also bepurchased prior to theperformance at 217-8101.

Sun., 6:45 p.m.

The BaptistCollege of FloridaJazz Ensemble willperform at a springconcert Sunday, April28, 6:45 p.m. at FirstBaptist Church ofNiceville.

Mon., 7:30 p.m.The Northwest

Florida State CollegeSoundsationsShowchoir and JazzEnsemble presents anend-of-year concertApril 29, 7:30 p.m., inthe mainstage theaterof the Mattie KellyArts Center, NWFSC,Niceville. Tickets are$15 foradultsand$10 foryouths18 andyounger. NWFSC stu-dents may obtain onefree admission per ID,in person from the boxoffice. Purchase ticketsat 729-6000 orwww.mattiekellyarts-center.org.

Calendar, B-3,5

COMINGUP


Valparaiso City CommissionMonday held its third in a seriesof workshops to discuss potentialchanges to the municipal charterand to the city’s form of govern-ment.

As during the previous twoworkshops, held March 18 andApril 1, Mayor Bruce Arnoldadvocated changing the city’sform of government from its cur-rent “commission” form to anoth-er form, such as a “strong mayor”or “city manager” type of govern-ment. Two commissionersopposed the idea.

The city commission does not

have the authority to change theform of government on its own.The most the commission can do,if it eventually votes to do so, isto place a proposed change to thecity charter on the March 2014ballot for a citywide referendum.

During Monday’s discussion,Arnold and commissioners DianeKelley and Kay Hamilton sup-ported a change in the form ofcity government, while commis-sioners Hayward Strong and JoeMorgan preferred to leaveValparaiso’s form of governmentas it is.

Strong and Morgan said that

Beacon pacnhct pao bbaycDbi al EsarcDETcEvf cNEb, ErE uncu vpacwddV


Okaloosa County traffic engi-neers have dropped a controver-sial plan to reduce the number ofleft-hand turn lanes from WhitePoint Road to State Road. 20 inBluewater Bay.

In late January, the countyreconfigured the intersection sothat north-facing vehicles emerg-ing from White Point Road at SR20 could no longer use the mid-dle of three lanes to turn left.

In theory, the restriction

reduced the number of left-turnlanes to one for motorists leavingnorthbound White Point Road forwestbound SR 20. But thechange was widely ignored, andmany motorists continued to usethe middle lane to turn left.

Jason Autrey, OkaloosaCounty engineering divisionmanager, said traffic haddecreased so much on WhitePoint Road since the opening ofthe Mid-Bay Bridge connector

County backtracks on turn-lane restriction

Police Blotter

1E9ac2Pg

A final salute

DaEpnvc, ensncATc- Ev abc4buauuarLt. Cols. Dick Cole and Edward Saylor and Staff Sgt. David Thatcher, three of the four surviving Doolittle Raiders, stand beside Medalof Honor recipient Col. Bud Day at a ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of Northwest Florida State College and the 71stanniversary of the Doolittle raid at the college's Raiders Arena, Niceville, April 17. The college mascot, a fox named Jimmy after thehistoric WWII air raid's leader, the late Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, attended as well. The 2013 reunion of the Doolittle raid veterans is saidto be their last.

Valp. officialssplit on changeto city charter

Relayfor LifeNeither rain nor cold norgathering darknessstopped a small but dedi-cated group of Relay forLife supporters from tak-ing part in this year sevent to fight cancer. Thisyear s annual Relay forLife at the Niceville HighSchool stadium beganFriday evening despiteconstant rain, droppingtemperatures, and dark-ening skies. The eventbegan with an openingceremony. This was fol-lowed by the “survivors'walk,” in which cancersurvivors paraded aroundthe track at the stadium.


Please see LANE, page A-6

The turn lanes at White Point Roadand SR 20 have been repainted backto the way they looked beforeJanuary. County traffic engineerschanged the intersection in Januaryto allow left turns from only one ofthree lanes, a reduction of one. Thepattern was repainted to revert totwo turn lanes earlier this monthafter many drivers ignored the newflow.

DaEpnvc, ensncATc- Ev abc4buauuar


Bluewater Bay ResortMonday withdrew a request toredesignate part of its Magnoliagolf course as land for residentialdevelopment and announced itwould close the nine-hole courseto play beginning May 1 as acost-cutting move.

Helmut Werner, chairman ofthe resort, withdrew the proposal

Monday afternoon amid mount-ing opposition to the developmentplan from Bluewater Bay home-owners.

In a statement, the resort alsosaid it was working with commu-nity members in an effort to avoidthe closure of an additional,unspecified, nine holes as well.The company operates four nine-hole courses in Bluewater Bay, alllined by houses.

Werner said the Magnoliadevelopment, proposed earlierthis year, was withdrawn becauseOkaloosa County planners were"imposing unreasonable stan-dards of review" on the petition tochange Bluewater Bay's develop-ment of regional impact (DRI)plan, which broadly governsdevelopment in the 35-year-oldcommunity.

"There have been 13 changes

to the DRI made in the past 20years or so," Werner said. "[Thecounty] has never requested suchdetailed information."

Werner said the countyrequested plans for roads, set-backs and other details for thepotential residential developmenton the golf course. He said theresort could not afford the addi-tional time and money it wouldtake to provide the information.

Werner said all nine holes ofthe Magnolia course would beclosed indefinitely. He said the

resort would erect fences aroundthe course and would not mow orotherwise maintain it.

Werner said the fences aroundthe closed Magnolia coursewould bear "Private Property"signs, and residents would nolonger be allowed on it, becauseof insurance concerns. He saidthat footbridges over water on theMagnolia course would beblocked as well.

Tom Hanks, resort general

Please see WITHDRAWN, page A-2

Golf-course conversion bid withdrawnBWB Resort drops plan to build homes on links


Having achieved their aim ofblocking a proposed housingdevelopment, many Bluewaterresidents are unhappy withBluewater Bay Resort's decisionlast week to shut down its itsnine-hole Magnolia golf course,which closed to play effectiveyesterday.

Manfred Meine, a resident ofBluewater's Magnolia Plantationsubdivision, said the resort hastaken a "stick in the eyeapproach" to the failure of itsplan to sell part of the golf coursefor home sites.

"We got our wish," Meinesaid, referring to the resort's deci-sion April 22 to withdraw itsrequest of the county to designateparts of four of Magnolia's ninefairways for residential develop-ment. "But the resort isapproaching this in a way thatwill make things unpleasant foreveryone," added Meine, a for-mer Magnolia homeowners asso-ciation president.

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, May 1, 2013



Residentslamentclosureof golfcourse9 holes shutteredafter housing plansare scotched

Fri., 7:30 p.m.Northwest

Florida Ballet pres-ents LightwireTheater one nightonly with The UglyDuckling and

Tortoise and theHare. Tickets are $28for adults and $14for children. Call664-7787, Niceville.

Sat., 11 a.m.Visit the Biophilia

Center as RickO’Connor teachesall about snakes inour area. Turtle Bobwill also be on hand

with his reptilianfriends. For moreinfo visit eowilson-center.org, Freeport.

Tues., 5:30 p.m.Join the Heritage

Museum ofNorthwest Florida,115 Westview Ave.for a fiber rushweave class.Students will learn

fiber rush weaveand make their ownfoot stool for $55 or$50 for museummembers. Registerearly at 678-2615,Valparaiso.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP


The Mid-Bay BridgeAuthority is forecasting a 28-per-cent surge in toll revenue nextyear due to increased traffic andthe opening of a tolling point ona new highway leading to thespan.

In a budget to be presented ata public hearing tomorrow,Thursday, the authority will air adraft budget for fiscal year 2014.Highlights of the proposed budg-et include:

—Gross toll receipts are pro-jected to rise from the fiscal year2013 level of $16,089,000 to$20,698,000 for the fiscal yearthat will begin Oct. 1.

—Operations and mainte-nance expenses are expected todecline from $2,511,340 in FY

2013 to $2,700,000 in FY 2014.—Debt service, including

principal and interest, is expectedto jump from $9,661,000 in FY2013 to $13,352,000 in FY 2014.

—Total operation and admin-istration expenses are expected toincrease from $13,226,340 in FY2013 to $17,009,800 in FY 2014.

—Capital expenditures areexpected to drop dramatically,from $22 million in FY 2013 to$6 million in FY 2014, as theMid-Bay Bridge Connector con-struction project comes to a close,and the 11-mile, $137-millionexpressway connecting the northend of the bridge with Highway85 north of Niceville fully opensearly in 2014.

The forecast increase in tollcollections would amount to 28.6



Niceville's Turkey Creek Parkwill likely expand soon.

City Manager Lannie Corbinsaid Niceville has been approvedfor state grants for two land pur-chases to add to the nature trail.

Corbin said the city is set toreceive about $1.7 million ingrant money from the FloridaCommunities Trust's land acqui-sition grant program to purchase74 acres near Turkey Creek.

Nine acres on John Sims

Parkway just east of the park'sentrance, north of the site of aformer Hardee's restaurant, willbe purchased by the city for $1.4million from Huntsville, Ala.-based Breland Properties, accord-ing to Corbin.

Carl Breland of BrelandProperties said the land wasappraised for $2.1 million, but hehas agreed to accept the $1.4 mil-lion allotted by the grant, callingthe difference a donation to thecity.

74 acres set for additions to park

Police Blotter

Page A-4

28% gain seenin toll revenue

Vehicles approach the Mid-Bay Bridge tollboothsMonday. Citing increasedtraffic and the opening of atolling point on a newapproach road, the span'sgoverning board forecasts a28-percent hike in collectionsnext year.Beacon photo by Daniel Elsesser


Niceville may soon be ableto lease land owned by EglinAir Force base for light indus-trial use.

Mike Spaits, an Eglin AirForce Base spokesman, said theAir Force has agreed to per-form a mission impact analysisto determine whether it would

be feasible to lease some Eglinreservation land to the city ofNiceville.

Niceville City ManagerLannie Corbin said the citywould look to use the leasedland for light industry, bywhich he means general manu-facturing with relatively smallenvironmental impact.

The land in question is a

parcel northwest of the inter-section of State Road 285 andCollege Boulevard.

Spaits noted that the 11-mileMid-Bay Bridge Connectorroad, now under construction,cuts through the Eglin reserva-tion east and north of Niceville,leaving parcels that are nolonger contiguous with the restof the reservation. As part of

the mission impact analysis, theAir Force will consider the pos-sibility of leasing out such landthat has been cut off by thehighway, he said.

Such leases of Air Forceland are now typically offeredat market prices.

The analysis will determineif the land is suitable for anenhanced use lease (EUL).

Spaits said the Air Force maylease land to other entities if itdetermines that the leasing ofthat property would enhancethe mission the Air Force triesto accomplish with the land.

One example of a recentEglin EUL is a $25 millionHoliday Inn under construction

Eglin mulls land lease to Niceville

Please see GOLF, page A-2

Please see REVENUE, page A-2

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserDoug Ferris, Bluewater Bay, takes a shot on the seventh fairway of the Magnolia golf course Monday. Ferris was one of the lastgolfers to play the course, which saw its last play Tuesday before closing indefinitely due to decreased revenue. His wife, Vicky,came along for the ride.

The city of Niceville is in finaldiscussions to buy nine acresoff of John Sims Parkway eastjust of the Turkey Creek Parkentrance to expand the park.The land, owned by BrelandProperties, Huntsville, Ala.,would be purchased for $1.4million with state grant.Another 65 acres north ofCollege Boulevard would bepurchased from RuckelProperties under another deal.Beacon photo by Daniel Elsesser

Please see LEASE, page A-6

Please see PARK, page A-2


The Niceville ValparaisoRegional Sewer Board approvedits budget for the 2013-14 fiscalyear, with a slight decrease inexpenses from the current fiscalyear at its meeting May 1 inNiceville.

The sewer board's budget forthe fiscal year scheduled to startOct. 1 allots $2.1 million forexpenses, $23,510 less than thebudget for the current year. Thebudget approved May 8 calls forno cost-of-living adjustment andno pay raises for plant employ-ees.

However, in approving thebudget the board also added aprovision stating the memberswould consider adding cost ofliving adjustments and possiblemoney for raises to the budget atthe board's September meeting.

Last year the board initiallyapproved a budget with no addedincreases, and eventuallyreviewed it and added a 2 percentcost-of-living raisers and a 1 per-cent increase in payroll to begiven as raises to employees atplant manager Rick Helms' dis-cretion.




Sewageauthoritysees flatbudget

Fri., 12 p.m.The Heritage

Museum ofNorthwest Florida,115 Westview Ave.,Valparaiso, ishostingHistorySandwichedIn, an informaleducationallunchtime lecture.The speaker for thislecture will be Dr. PatMoran with “Hide itunder a bush? …No!”Free and open to thepublic. Space islimited. To reserve aspot call 678-2615.

SaturdayContribute to the

National Associationof LetterCarriers’StampOutHungerFood Drive byplacingnonperishablecanned goods in abag by your mailbox.Items will be pickedup and delivered to alocal food pantry. Noglass or expireditems.

Sat., 7 a.m.

Collegiate HighSchool is hosting ayard sale until noonat the Twin CitiesPavilion AssistedLiving Facility, 1053 EJohn Sims Pkwy,Niceville. They willalso be takingdonations for Hugsfor Heroes andcanned goods for afood drive. Call 678-7312.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP



The city of Niceville plans to demolish a100,000-gallon water tank on Marysa Drive andreplace it with one more than seven times larger, inpart to serve a planned 1,100-acre development tothe east.

The city is seeking bids for a contract to build a750,000-gallon water tank, intended to replace the100,000-gallon tank on Marysa Drive, near thesouth end of Forest Road.

Niceville Public Works Director Bruce Price said

the new tank will be larger to accommodate theanticipated development of 1,100 acres east ofForest Road owned by Ruckel Properties.

Jerry Regans, Niceville water and sewer superin-tendent, said it is likely that other tanks will eventu-ally be constructed as well to supply development,on which work has not yet started.

Glenn Stephens, senior vice president ofPolyengineering Inc., the company that designed thenew tank, said it would hold more water to meetpeak demand plus provide additional water volume

Giant new water tankto supply development

Police Blotter

Page A-6

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserLaura Ham, a Freeport High School sophomore, conditions under the direction of trainer Cory Scott at Twin Oaks park, Niceville.Working against the resistance of an elastic band tethered to a fence, Laura was exercising for basketball and volleyball.

Stretching exercise

Two annexationrequests advanceNiceville would add homesites National

Day ofPrayerApproximately 200 Nicevilleand Valparaiso students,public servants and otherscame to Niceville City HallMay 2 for a localobservance of the NationalDay of Prayer. Several localpastors and residents ledprayers following thisyear's theme, "Pray forAmerica." Beacon photo by Daniel Elsesser

This 100,000-gallon waterstorage tank on Marysa Drive,Niceville, will be replaced by a750,000-gallon tank once thecity of Niceville awards acontract for construction. Beacon photo by Daniel Elsesser


A bill that would have trans-ferred control of the Mid-BayBridge to a regional authorityheavily influenced by the FloridaDepartment of Transportationdied in the Florida House ofRepresentatives as time ran outon this year's legislative session atmidnight May 3.

The bill, which passed in theFlorida Senate 40-0, would have

transferred control of the bridgefrom the Mid-Bay BridgeAuthority (MBBA) to a newlycreated Regional TransportationFinance Authority.

The DOT's intention to obtaincontrol of the Mid-Bay Bridge inthis legislative session was madepublic when agency SecretaryAnanth Prasad announced inJanuary that it would submit a billto create regional tollway authori-ties. These authorities would

have encompassed three to fourcounties each, and would haveabsorbed control of existing toll-way independent authorities suchas the MBBA.

The MBBA was the only suchentity mentioned by name in theDOT draft proposal of the bill.

Senate Bill 1132, which con-tained the stated language, wasfiled Feb. 22, and the House com-panion bill, House Bill 7127, wasfiled about one month later.

The language of both bills waseventually changed to includeregional finance authorities, enti-ties similar to the regional tollwayauthorities defined in the initialfiled bills.

According to MBBAExecutive Director Jim Vest, whohad been monitoring the measurethrough the lobbying firmSouthern Strategy Group, theHouse bill had been amended toremove the language transferring

control of the MBBA. Vest said the House approved

the amended bill April 25 andsent it to the Senate. He said theSenate again amended the bill toadd back the language to controlthe MBBA, and approved it 40-0May 3. However, the bill died inthe House, with no action beforethe session ended.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-FortWalton Beach, said the bill

Bridge takeover bid fails

Please see SEWAGE, page A-3


The Niceville Planning Commissionapproved two requests to annex propertyinto the city.

During a meeting Monday, the boardalso gave preliminary approval for threeresidential lots on 23rd Street.

Jerry and Walter Spence of SpenceBrothers Properties requested their twolots on Adams Street be annexed into thecity and zoned R-1B. Walter Spencesaid the company does not yet have aplan for development on the property,but wants the annexation in order tomake the property more attractive, eitherto another developer who might buy it,or a home buyer if Spence Brothersdecides to build on it.

The property is currently zoned in thecounty as R-1, low-density residential,

which allows four dwelling units peracre and minimum building setbacks of20 feet in the front yard, 10 feet in theside yard and 10 feet in the back. Themaximum dwelling height is 45 feet.

The requested R-1B city zoningallows eight dwelling units per acre andminimum setbacks of 25 feet in front,five feet on the sides, and 20 feet inback. The maximum height is 35 feet.

According to the Okaloosa CountyProperty Appraiser, the lot is vacant andhas an assessed value of $52,000.

Separately, the planning commissionapproved a request from Scott and CarrieSummerlin to annex their vacant lot onNew Market Road, in the Huntingtonsubdivision, into the city and zone it R-1,residential single family.

The property is currently zoned in the

Please see ADVANCE, page A-5


Please see BRIDGE page A-7

Tax auctionis underway





The right to collect delinquent property taxes inOkaloosa County is up for bid.

Okaloosa County Tax Collector Ben Andersonopened an online auction May 11, in which buyerscan bid on the rights to collect interest on unpaidOkaloosa real estate taxes. The auction will closeMay 31. A workshop forprospective bidders will beheld in Niceville Monday.

Okaloosa real estate taxeslevied in 2012 were dueMarch 31, 2013. After that,unpaid taxes are delinquentand eligible for auction,according to tax administratorJustin Gordon.

Auction participants bidwith the interest rates they arewilling to accept, with the lowest bid winning thecertificate. The winner then pays the county theface value of the certificate—that is, the amountthe property owes in taxes.

Bids for the interest rate start at 18 percent andare submitted in increments of 0.25 percent. The lowest possible interest bid is 0.25 percent.

Sat., 7:30 a.m.

2013 Emerald CoastMud Run will be takingplace at NorthwestFlorida State College.Around 4,000 runnerswill be battling the ele-ments to raise moneyfor orphans. Call 714-3757 or visit emerald-coastmudrun.com fordetails, Niceville.

Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

OAA presents thesixth annual FamilyFun Arts Fest atHarborwalk Village inDestin. There will beartisan vendors, livemusic and food in afestival atmosphere.Call 499-8335 fordetails.

Tues., 5:30 p.m.

Friends of NicevillePublic Library present aMaritime HistoryLecture with speakerDella Scott-Ireton whowill be sharing informa-tion about Florida'searliest shipwreck siteat the NicevilleCommunity Center,204 N. Partin Dr.,Niceville. Call 279-4863ext.1504 to reserve aspot.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP


Work is in progress to con-struct a new "City of Niceville"sign at the "triangle" intersec-tion of John Sims Parkway andHighway 85 North.

City Manager Lannie Corbinsaid the work is being doneentirely by the Niceville PublicWorks Department.

He expects work on theproject to be completed inabout a month.

The old "City of Niceville"sign, basically a series of largeflowerbeds on a hillside, wastorn up when John SimsParkway on either side of theintersection was expanded tosix lanes, a project that beganin 2003.


Police Blotter

Page A-4

Out of this world

Over 500 fourth- and fifth-grade students from area schools pretended to colonize another planet during theannual Marsville event at Eglin Air Force Base May 9. Pictured, students from Lewis School celebratecompletion of their biodome as a classmate looks on. More on B-1.

New ‘Niceville’sign in works


Niceville city officials are con-sidering a change to the city sealto convey a deeper sense of com-munity history.

City Manager Lannie Corbinhas proposed that the city councildecide whether to add a bannerreading "Est. 1868" to the city's

seal, which currently bears nodate.

The city was incorporated in1938, but a local-history buff hasbeen pushing city officials toemphasize that the community'sroots go back more than sixdecades before that.

Corbin brought up the requestat the suggestion of Elisa

Mitchiner, a self-described "free-lance historian" who has spentyears chronicling the history ofthe area, to which the first settlersof European descent arrived inthe 1840s.

Mitchiner arrived at the 1868established date because that wasthe year mail service in the areabegan, when the community was

named Boggy. According tothe city of Niceville'swebsite, "the BoggyPost Office waslocated about 100feet from awharf close towhere MillCreek flows intoBoggy Bayou."Mill Creek drainsTrout Lake, which isnorth of John Sims

Parkway on the Eglin golfcourse.

That developmentoccurred 60 yearsbefore 333 of about1,500 area resi-dents voted, 329-4,to incorporate as acity. The decision,made in July 1938,

was followed by thenaming of J.M.

Please see SEAL, page A-3

Please see TAX, page A-3

Ben Anderson

Matt Gaetz seeks Senateseat now heldby his fatherBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

The race for Don Gaetz'sDistrict 1 Senate seat isalready heating up, as MattGaetz, his son, became thesecond person to file candida-cy for the race, which isscheduled to be decided in2016.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-FortWalton Beach, filed Monday


Niceville seeks to promote its seniorityOfficials eye addition of date to city seal


Eglin Air Force Base is dis-banding a committee designed towork with local communities onthe issue of jet noise, according toValparaiso's representative to the

panel.During a Valparaiso City

Commission meeting Monday,Bob Webb, the city’s representa-tive to the Eglin Air Force BaseNoise Committee, told the com-mission that during the latest

meeting of the noise committee,held May 9, he was informed bybase officials that it was the finalmeeting of the panel as presentlyconstituted.

Webb said he hopes to pro-pose that the noise committee be

succeeded by a smaller commit-tee made up mostly of Valparaisoand Eglin representatives, as theother cities previously represent-ed on the noise committee areless affected by aircraft noisefrom the base and are therefore

less interested in the noise issue. Webb suggested to the com-

mission that the city’s futurestrategy in dealing with aircraftnoise should focus on engagingdirectly with the 33rd FighterWing commander, as well aswith Pentagon-level Air Forceenvironmental officials, andshould focus on what Webbcalled “positive action” to

address noise issues affectingValparaiso.

Webb also said that thedelayed final version of the AirForce’s environmental impactstatement regarding Eglin F-35operations, including jet-noiseimpacts on Valparaiso and othercommunities, is expected to bereleased later this month.

Eglin disbands jet-noise committeeF-35 environmental report expected later this month

Please see EGLIN, page A-2

Matt Gaetz

Work has begun on a new sign (left) at Highway 85 Northand John Sims Parkway, which will read "Enjoy Niceville,"according to a city rendering, below.Beacon photo by Daniel Elsesser


Qualifying for candidates inthe July 16 Niceville municipalelection will open at noon,Tuesday, May 28, and close atnoon Friday, May 31.

The Niceville City Councilseats occupied by Dan Henkel(Group 2) and Sal Nodjomian(Group 4) are up for election.Both have stated they intend torun for new four-year terms..

Henkel, a program manager

for a foreign military sales pro-gram, was elected in 2008 in aspecial election to fill a vacancycreated by the death ofCouncilman Terry Tislow.Henkel was re-elected in July2009.

Nodjomian, executive vicepresident of Matrix Design Groupand former installation command-er of Eglin Air Force Base, is fill-ing out the unexpired term of BillSmith, who resigned from thecouncil last year to run for

Okaloosa County Commission.Nodjomian, who was the onlyperson to file for the vacancy, hasserved since January.

The seats occupied by councilmembers Bill Schaetzle, Judy

Jets to fly higher to cut noise By Mike GriffithBeacon Soddef Woni enr

In an attempt to reduce jetnoise, Eglin Air Force Base offi-cials announced new flight rulesfor aircraft using the base.

Among other things, the rulesrequire planes to fly higher whenover "congested" areas.

Col. Donald Johnson, com-

mander of the 96 OperationsGroup at Eglin, said the newrules are intended to enhance thesafety of flight operations, and tominimize aircraft noise overneighboring communities such asValparaiso and Niceville.

The new rules, announcedMonday, include:

—The "minimum noise abate-

ment altitude" for most flightsover "congested areas" has beenincreased from 1,000 feet to1,500 feet, except when withinfive nautical miles of the airfieldwhile taking off or landing. Theminimum for helicopters will be500 feet.

Thurs., 5:30 p.m.

New parents ofbabies born in the last3 months and all preg-nant women are invit-ed to the World’sGreatest Baby Showerheld at the EmeraldCoast ConventionCenter, 1250 MiracleStrip Pkwy., Fort WaltonBeach. Admission isfree, call 833-9284 formore info.

Sat., 11 a.m.

A one day rock con-cert, Blazefest, will behappening at theMullet Grounds,Niceville. Purchase tick-ets atblazefestrocks.com for,$27.50 for advance tick-ets and $35 the day ofthe show. Active dutymilitary can purchasetickets for $20 plus fees.

Tues., 6 p.m.

The NicevilleGarden Club is havingan open house andpotluck to install thenew officers and wel-come new members.Potluck dinner will beserved. [email protected] formore info.

Calendar, B-2


The North Bay FireCommission discussed the possi-ble purchase of a new fire truck,or simply overhauling the oldone.

During a meeting May 14, thecommission also discussed budg-et plans.

Fire Commissioner JimBoswell said that although thepotential purchase of a new truckhas been discussed during a cou-ple of previous commissionmeetings, the commission is “stillin the information-gatheringstage,” regarding any such deci-sion concerning the aging"Pumper 8.".

During a previous fire com-mission meeting, North Bay FireChief Joseph Miller hadinformed the commission that atleast one fire equipment compa-ny offers such a truck for about$487,000.

Commissioner David Schollsaid that among options to beconsidered would be the refur-bishment of the existing truck, aswell as the option of replacing itif that would be more cost-effec-tive.




Firetruckpurchasemulled

COMINGUP


Police Blotter, page A-6

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserChildren participated in the Kids Fun Run, one of six races held at the second Emerald Coast Mud Run at Northwest Florida StateCollege May 18. Over 3,900 participants ran in the event, comprised of four different 5K races, the one-mile kids run and a five-mileadvanced race, all with obstacles. The event, put on by Niceville-based Heart of the Bride Ministries, raised over $100,000 for thecare of orphans around the world. Last year's run, the first, raised about $48,000 and featured 1,700 participants.

Muddy buddies

Bridge traffic declinesBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Crass p dtred

The Mid-Bay BridgeAuthority (MBBA) reported a 3.6percent decrease in toll revenuesin April from April 2012, withcollections at $1,277,162, downfrom $1,324,396 for the same

month the previous year. The number of vehicles using

the bridge decreased about 3.2percent from April 2012 as well,with 535,467 vehicles using thebridge in April, a decrease from553,241.

MBBA Executive Director

Jim Vest explained the discrepan-cy in percentage decreases bynoting many of the users paid thecash fee instead of the decreasedSunpass rate, as many out-of-state vacationers were using thebridge in April, the end of spring


Aerial exerciseThe Niceville Fire Department, Panama City Fire Department and Okaloosa County Sheriff's Officeparticipated in an exercise with a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter May 15 in Boggy Bayou near theNorth Light Marina, Niceville. The exercise, paid for by the same grant that allowed the NicevilleFire Department to purchase its fire boat, was conducted to familiarize fire prevention agencies onFederal Emergency Management Agency procedures for water rescues.

Daddy'shome!The Army 7th Special ForcesGroup (Airborne) held anopen house May 15 at theunit's base north of Niceville.Public affairs officer Lieut.Col. James Brownlee saidthe event recognized the factthat the 7th has a larger per-centage of its personnel athome than at any time in thepast several years. Althoughthe unit has a battaliondeployed to Afghanistan,said Brownlee, two otherbattalions have recentlyreturned from overseasdeployments. Pictured,Warrant Officer 1 GeorgeValdez gave his daughterGabby a grown-up's eyeview of visitors day.


Please see JETS, page A-3

Please see TRUCK, page A-5


Please see ELECTION, page A-8

Niceville election season begins

Eglin Air Force Base jetswill be subject to newflight rules aimed atreducing jet noise overpopulated areas.Pictured, an Eglin-basedF-35 refuels over the Gulfof Mexico May 13.

Air Force photo


The Valparaiso Planning Commissionheard two variance requests from prop-erty owners at its meeting May 21 atValparaiso City Hall, denying one andtabling another until the city commissionclarifies a complication.

The tabled request was made by LynKnowles, who requested three variances,or allowances to override building code,for his property at 238 Rose Court.

Knowles intends to build an approxi-mately 1,660-square-foot single-familyresidence on his property, on which healready has a covered recreational vehi-cle parking space. To fit these two

structures on the property, Knowlesrequested he be allowed to construct thehouse with a rear setback of 12 feet 6inches, an allowance of 7 feet 6 inchesfrom the 20-foot requirement.

Knowles also requested a 2-foot vari-ance on the requirement that separatestructures be 10 feet apart, intending tobuild the house 8 feet from the existingstructure.

His third request was for a 427-square-foot variance for lot size.Building code requires lots be 11,250square feet to build a structure of thesize Knowles intends. The lot is 10,823square feet.


If a proposed budget underdiscussion by Northwest FloridaState College trustees is givenapproval, then full-time studentswould see fees rise by $30 persemester in the 2013-14 academicyear, but no tuition increase forthe first time in many years.

Meanwhile, college employ-ees would get a 1.5-percent payincrease.

During a nonvoting budgetworkshop held May 21, NWFSC

Vice President Gary Yancey andPresident Ty Handy briefed thecollege’s board of trustees on theproposed budget for the comingacademic year.

The total proposed increase intuition and fees for lower-divisioncourses, subject to approval bythe trustees next month, would be2 percent, to a total of $102.12per semester hour. A full-timecourse load is 15 semester hoursa semester, or 30 a year, whichwould make the proposed annualcost to a full-time student

$3,063.60. All of the increasewould come in the fee compo-nent; tution would remain flat at$77.10 an hour.

According to the draft budgetdiscussed during a trustees' meet-ing May 21, the college expectsto have total revenue of$39,419,886 during fiscal year2013-14, which will begin July 1.

According to Yancey, directstate funding used to cover about85 percent of the cost of student’seducation at NWFSC. Now, how-ever, the state's direct share of

funding for student’s education atthe college is only about 54 per-cent.

However, those figures do notinclude student scholarships,most of them funded by the stateand federal governments as well.According to Yancey, 38 percentof students receive state and fed-eral aid which is funneled to thecollege, and of these, the averageaward is $1,340 per semester.The tuition of many military


A Valparaiso jet-noiseadviser and the mayor are cau-tiously optimistic about newflight rules announced lastweek which the Air Force sayswill reduce noise over civilianareas from military aircraftusing Eglin Air Force Base.

Bob Webb, a Valparaiso res-ident who represented the cityon a recently disbanded com-mittee to discuss the issue ofjet noise with Eglin representa-tives, said he's "encouraged" bythe new rules.

"It sounds like Air Force isfinallytrying,"Webbsaid,meaninghe feelsEglinofficials are now making a con-certed effort to reduce aircraftnoise.

However, Webb said he isconcerned that apparent loop-holes in the new rules couldpotentially negate positiveaspects of the regulations.

Valparaiso Mayor BruceArnold said he has not lookedover the new rules closely, buthe feels they are an indicationthat Eglin officials are seriousabout reducing jet noise.

"It looks like the Air Forcewants to make changes,"Arnold said.




Please see COST, page A-2

Please see VALPARAISO, page A-3

Cautiousoptimismon jetrules

Sat., 9 a.m.

Women 15 andolder are invited to aself defense seminarheld at the NicevilleCommunity Center,204 N Partin Dr. Free,registration required,call 279-4863 ext.1504 for more info.

Sun., 9 a.m.

Everyone is invited toattend a science andfaith seminar pre-sented by scientistand former atheistJohn Clayton at theNiceville Church ofChrist, 801 E JohnSims Pkwy. Call 678-2911 for more info.

Tues., 5:30 p.m.

Phil Richter will beat the HeritageMuseum ofNorthwest Florida toteach fiber rushweaving. Participantswill create a footstool.Class is $55, $50 formembers of HMNF.Space is limited, pre-register by calling678-2615.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP

Beacon photo by Mike GriffithThe deeper meaning of Memorial Day was honored Monday during a community ceremony at Doolittle Park, Valparaiso. The event,sponsored by the Twin Cities Veterans Council, featured presentation of wreaths by civic organizations, a rifle salute by an Amvetshonor guard, and the playing of “Taps” by local musicians. Among the speakers was Niceville Mayor Pro Tem Dan Henkel, who saidthat American soldiers throughout the nation s history have sacrificed themselves to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy. A flyoverby warplanes based at Eglin Air Force Base, a fixture of past ceremonies, did not occur this year because of budget cuts, accordingto an Eglin official. Pictured, Niceville High School AFJROTC cadets raise the American flag.

Remembering America's war dead


93 graduatefrom CollegiateMadisan Johnson, Niceville, celebrates whilewalking with the rest of the senior class ofCollegiate High School at Northwest FloridaState College to its commencement ceremonyMay 23 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Ninety-three Collegiate High seniors graduated. Theprevious five classes have ranged from 83 to101 students.


2% college cost increase is proposed


Valparaiso plannersact on 2 variances

$48.45 $50.90$55.45

$58.78$63.00

$66.78$75.73

$84.62$94.02

$100.12 $102.12

2003

-04

2004

-05

2005

-06

2006

-07

Win

ter

'08

2008

-09

2009

-10

2010

-11

2011

-12

2012

-13

2013

-14

$0

$20

$40

$60

$80

$100

$120

Tui

tion

& fe

es p

er h

our,

low

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ion

*2-year degree classes; 2013-14 proposedSource: NWF State Coll.

NWFSC tuition and feesPer semester hour, by academic year*

Please see CAUTIOUS, page A-2

$1.00

$2.00

$1.50

$2.50

$2.00

$3.00 $3.00

$4.00

1999 2004 2010 2015*$0

$1

$2

$3

$4

$5

SunPassCash

*2015 is planned

Mid-Bay Bridge toll historyOne-way, two axles

Bridge sees toll hike in 2015Rise would come 2 years earlier than previously plannedBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

The Mid-Bay Bridge Authority(MBBA) plans to increase bridge tolls$1 as soon as 2015, two years earlierthan originally planned.

The increases would bump tolls upto $3 for Sunpass users and $4 fortwo-axle, full-fare use.

The hikes would cost bridge usersan estimated $7 million a year.

MBBA Executive Director JimVest said the increase was required ofthe authority by the underwriters ofthe bonds that finance the building ofthe Mid-Bay Bridge Connector road,currently under construction.

Vest said a 2017 increase had beenplanned in order to repay the debtbased on revenue projections pub-lished December 2010. However, itbecame apparent that the authority

would not be able to pay the bonds onschedule without increasing revenueby scheduling the toll increase sooner,he said.

The MBBA most recentlyincreased tolls June 1, 2010, whenthey rose from $1.50 to $2 for two-axle Sunpass users and from $2.50 to$3 for full fare. The bridge postedone previous toll increase, in

Please see HIKE, page A-2

I own Anna’s Bridal and Formal Shop and I am so happy with the results frommy Beacon ad on Dec. 11. My sales rep guided me along helping me to make myad effective. To my surprise, the day after my ad ran as I approached my shopthere was someone waiting for me with a copy of the Bay Beacon, and my $50dress ad, and I made a sale - more than paying me back for the ad. That wasn’t afluke either – I stayed busy the rest of that week, and a lot of that traffic camefrom my ad. This December I had the best sales in many years.

Thank you for all your help – it really does pay to advertise in the Bay Beacon!

Advertising in the Bay Beacongets results! Here’s proof!

Anna Distelzweig, OwnerAnna’s Bridal & Formal, Niceville

ANNA’SBRIDAL & FORMAL


Page A-4 Wednesday, January 1, 2014 THE BAY BEACON


The taxable value ofNiceville and Valparaiso proper-ty last year grew faster than thatin other jurisdictions inOkaloosa County, which itselfsaw an increase in property val-ues for the first time since 2007,according to the preliminary fig-ures by the Okaloosa CountyProperty Appraiser.

The Niceville, Valparaiso,East Niceville and North Baytaxing districts were the four

highest areas in terms of per-centage increase in property val-ues since the previous year,according to the figures,released by the appraiser May28.

Including the value of com-pleted new construction,Niceville's taxable property val-ues as of Jan. 1, 2013, were4.662 percent higher than a yearearlier, totaling $813.5 million,up from $777.3 million.Niceville's percentage increasewas the highest in the county.

Taxable values are assessedvalues less exemptions such ashomestead and Save OurHomes. The figures releasedthis week are subject to revisionbefore they are certified as finalJune 21. The final values willbe those used in figuring a givenproperty's taxes for county, pub-lic schools, cities, fire districts,and other taxing jurisdictions.

According to the preliminaryfigures, Valparaiso saw a 3.328


The six-month Atlantic hurri-cane season began Saturday.Typically, the peak of the hurri-cane season, during which themost severe storms are likely tohit the Emerald Coast, occursbetween mid-August and the endof October.

Fortunately, the Twin Citiesarea has been spared direct hits

from major hurricanes for thepast several years, although thatcould change in any given year,including this one.

Okaloosa County EmergencyManager Randy McDaniel andemergency management staffmember Ken Wolfe recentlybriefed the Beacon on some newaspects of local hurricane prepa-ration.

Wolfe said that according to

an annual hurricane season fore-cast by nationally respected mete-orologist Dr. William Gray ofColorado State University, theaverage probability of a hurricanestriking Florida’s Gulf Coast thisyear is 48 percent—noticeablyhigher than the 30 percent aver-age annual probability of such astorm striking the Gulf Coast.

Regardless of forecasts andprobabilities, any season in which

a hurricane actually strikes theNiceville-Valparaiso area is a badseason for local residents.

As in any hurricane season,residents are well-advised to pre-pare themselves to either takeshelter or evacuate in the event ahurricane or severe tropical stormapproaches.

According to a recent monthlynewsletter from theChoctawhatchee ElectricCooperative (CHELCO), thosewho choose to “ride out” a stormin the local area should follow the

“72-hour rule”—that is, prepareto survive on one’s own for atleast the first three days after thestorm. It may take that longbefore organized outside aidreaches storm-ravaged areas insubstantial amounts.

Recommended contents forindividual hurricane readiness kitscan be viewed in the CHELCOnewsletter, as well as on theOkaloosa County website at www.Okaloosafl.org, and in the

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, June 5, 2013




Please see ELECTION, page A-5

Please see SEEN, page A-2

One seatcontested in Nicevilleelection

Thurs., 2 p.m.

The ValparaisoCommunity Libraryinvites everyone to thefirst Movie Thursday ofthe summer. Themovie will be Escapefrom Planet Earth.Call 729-5406.

Sat., 10 a.m.

The GenealogicalSociety of OkaloosaCounty is hosting aprogram on OnlineFamily Trees presentedby Margaret Harris atNorthwest FloridaHeritage Museum,115 Westview Dr. Formore info call 678-2023

Mon., 10 a.m.

Michael Aurbachwill transform theMcIlroy Gallery at theMattie Kelly ArtsCenter with largescale sculpturedesigned to commenton the paradoxes andcontradictions of life.Exhibit open throughJuly 19. Call 729-6044or visit mattiekellyarts-center.org.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP


The East Niceville FireDistrict is working on an agree-ment with the North Bay FireDistrict to perform inspections onbuildings in East Niceville.

East Niceville Fire ChiefMichael Wright said eight busi-nesses and the East Niceville FireStation must be inspected forsafety each year by the EastNiceville Fire District.

Previously, Wright said, acounty inspector or Niceville FireDepartment fire inspector did thework at no cost to the district.

Okaloosa CountyConstruction inspector ChuckBonta said the county stoppedperforming free fire inspectionsaround 2007. Bonta now per-forms fire inspections for all

unincorporated north-countyareas, and charges the individualbusinesses inspected.

Bonta said the county chargesa minimum inspection fee of $50per job for structures up to 2,500square feet and the pricesincrease as structures get larger.

Niceville Fire Inspector MikeValenzuela said the city enteredinto an interlocal agreement withthe county in 2001 to performinspections in unicorporated EastNiceville without charging.

Valenzuela said Nicevilledecided to stop performing fireinspections for East Nicevillebecause the added liability wastoo much of a burden with nofinancial gain. He said the agree-ment could be terminated if either


Hurricanes seen as more likely this year

Kick back

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserMeghan Doan, 15, breaks a board held by Darrin Palmer of ATA Taekwondo, Niceville, during a self-defense class at the NicevillePublic Library May 29. The free one-hour class, attended by 16 teenage girls, taught them how to break the grasp of an attacker andhow to fight him off by targeting vulnerable points.

Fire district eyesinspection fees

Rocky BayouChristianSchoolGraduates 52The senior class of RockyBayou Christian Schoolstands on stage to begintheir graduation ceremony atthe First Assembly of God,Niceville, May 31. The 2013class contained 52 gradu-ates.


Please see DISTRICT, page A-2

Supplement to The Bay Beacon

Niceville, Florida • June 5, 2013

Inside . . . Class of 2013


$13,576,903,661

$17,899,368,086$18,806,840,352

$17,410,630,993

$16,174,789,111

$14,499,871,635$13,781,239,430 $13,565,741,937 $13,829,355,612

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013*$0

$5

$10

$15

$20

Bill

ions

*2013 preliminaryOk. Co. Property Appraiser

Okaloosa County taxable valuesBy year, property subject to taxation by the county commission

County tax rolls snap 5-year losing streak

Officials offer advice on dealing with storms


The Niceville City Councilseat occupied by Dan Henkelwill be con-tested byArmand G.Izzo in theelection tobe held July16. SalNodjomianwill retainhis seat forthe nextterm, as noone filed torun againsthim byFriday'snoon dead-line.

Izzo, 54,a programmanager forTASC Inc.,an engineer-ing firmcontractedby Eglin Air Force Base, was theperson to file for the contest for afour-year-term in the Group 4seat.

Izzo, of Sugarcane Creek

Dan Henkel

Armand Izzo


The Valparaiso CityCommission Monday turneddown five ordinances that wouldhave relinquished city rights towaterfront land adjoining fiveparcels near the Compass Roserestaurant, Glen Avenue.

The decision, which one offi-cial said may set the stage for alawsuit, came after two hours ofdiscussion by the commissionand public comments from anunusually large audience.

Three ordinances would havevacated city rights of way on landfronting Toms Bayou adjacent tothree lots owned by CAJTDMLLC, a company owned by

Compass Rose owner MichaelHarris. Another of the ordi-nances would have added water-front to a lot owned byCommissioner Kay Hamilton, aformer Compass Rose employee.A fifth would have done the samefor land owned by Jason andAngelle Rosenbleeth.

According to the ordinances,the property owners would haveallowed the city an undergroundeasement for utilities on theirproperty in exchange for vacationof right of way.

In February, the city commis-sion granted Harris an allowanceof encroachment on city water-

By Mike Griffithand Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff

The Okaloosa CountyCommission has agreed to paysomeone $47,000 a year to keepan eye on an estimated 10 to 20sea turtle nests on county beach-es.

The money comes from bedtaxes levied by the commissionthrough its Tourist DevelopmentCouncil.

In other business during acounty commission meeting June4 in Crestview, TDC lawyer GregStuart briefed the commission on

efforts to recover money lost dur-ing the TDC scandal last year, inwhich the late former executivedirector of the TDC, who wassupposed to have been overseenby the county commission, stolehundreds of thousands of dollarsfrom the county and allegedlyallowed additional sums to besquandered on inappropriate pur-chases.

Stewart told the commissionthat the county has recentlyrecovered more than $10,000from firms who were paid in a

2 more businessessought for centerBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

The Oak Creek ShoppingCenter in Niceville may seethe addition of two more-visi-ble businesses, as the center'slandlord wants to shrink thecenter's parking lot to accom-modate new freestandingbuildings next to John SimsParkway.

Matt Zenke, an engineerfor Valparaiso Realty, whichowns the shopping center,

said it asked the city to buildon the parking lot to accom-modate the potential develop-ment of more "outlot" busi-nesses. These outlots wouldbe separate from the block ofbusinesses that stretches fromthe CVS Pharmacy to east ofKmart in the shopping center.

The developer plans toshrink the parking lot so thatthere would be as few as 4.5


Citing a sharp rise in reportsof crime and other police matters,the Valparaiso Police Departmentis seeking to add another officer.

The city commission is sched-uled to discuss the request later

this month.For the budget year that will

begin Oct. 1, the police depart-ment is requesting the addition ofone full-time police officer at anannual cost of $46,600 includingsalary and benefits.

The department has 12 offi-cers and four civilian employees.

To justify the additional offi-cer, a police proposal issued lastweek cited increases in law-enforcement activity for the 12months ended in May, versus theyear-earlier period.

The police proposal showedincreases of 28 percent in thenumber of incident reports (to a

total of 333), 20 percent in vehi-cle crashes (to 61), 150 percent inDUI arrests (to 5) , 23 percent intraffic citations (to 624), and 23percent in domestic violence anddisturbance calls (to 59).

The report also noted that dur-ing the period of May 2012

through May 2013, officersworked alone for all or at leasthalf of their shifts on 140 occa-sions.

Domestic violence and distur-bance calls are officer-safety con-cerns, said the report, and thusrequire the response of at leasttwo officers. This means that anofficer working an evening or




Please see POLICE, page A-3

Please see TURTLE, page A-5

Please see CENTER, page A-6

Thurs., 7 p.m.

Join “Dancing WithThe Stars” celebrities atDancing with Desire, abenefit for Children inCrisis, will be at theMattie Kelly Arts Centerand feature . Call 864-4242 to purchase tick-ets.

Fri., 10:30 a.m.

Ret. Col. John D.Ross will be speakingon how to live to be100 in the NicevilleCouncil Chamber, 208N. Partin Dr. For moreinfo call 279-4863x1504

Tues., 6:30 p.m.

Historian MikeThomin will share infor-mation on the pirateswho terrorized the GulfCoast during the 1800’sat the NicevilleCommunity Center,212 Partin Dr. Call 279-4863 x1504 for moreinformation.

Mon.-Fri., 9-12:15 p.m.

Children fourthrough completedfifth grade are invited toNiceville UnitedMethodist Church forJUMP, a VBS programdesigned to teach chil-dren how to put theirfaith into action whilehaving fun. $15 perchild. Call 678-4411 formore information orvisit nicevilleumc.org

Calendar, B-3

COMINGUP


422 graduate from Niceville High School

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserMembers of the Niceville High School class of 2013 walk into commencement ceremonies in the football stadium June 6. The school graduated 422 seniors this year."I think they're extremely well prepared," Principal Rodney Nobles said. "They're a great class, and they're very motivated."

City nixes bids togive up waterfront About 40 people watch

a Valparaiso CityCommission meetingMonday. Some raisedtheir hands whenMayor Bruce Arnoldasked who opposedrequests by someproperty owners thatthe city relinquishrights to land frontingToms Bayou.



Please see WATERFRONT, page A-5

City seen rehiring ex-chief, A-3.

Valparaiso police seek to add officerSharp rise in law-enforcement activity cited

Sea turtle nest on a Gulf Coastbeach.

County to spend $47Ka year on turtle project

Beacon CrassAfter studying eight ways to

handle the growing number of F-35 flights to and from Eglin AirForce Base, the Air Force says itspreferred option would result inthe most noise for hundreds ofresidents of Valparaiso and manyin Niceville.

Eglin last week released a

study of the environmental effectsof the nation's 2008 decision tobase a new F-35 training wing atthe base.

The study stated that the AirForce favors implementing F-35flight patterns that would result inregular jet noise above 65 deci-bels for an estimated 2,913 peo-ple off base, the vast majority of

them in Valparaiso. By contrast, continuing the

current practice of restrictingmost F-35 flights to Eglin's east-west runway, mostly avoiding thenorth-south runway whose

approach is over Valparaiso,would result in regular jet noiseexceeding 65 decibels for an esti-mated 1,800 residents, accordingto the study. The "preferredalternative" would end the currentrunway restrictions and increasenoise over civilian areas.

"Residential use is stronglydiscouraged" at regular noise lev-

els above 65 decibels, accordingto the study. The study includednoise from all aircraft usingEglin, not just F-35s. TheLightning II, as the nation'snewest aircraft is also known, willaccount for a disproportionateshare of "flight operations" at the

By Mike GriffithBeacon p oddeCt onSenr

The Bluewater BayMunicipal Services BenefitUnit(MSBU) isseeking avolunteer tobecome theboard’snewestmember. Itis alsoplanning abudget fornext yearthat will maintain the current$60 annual flat fee tax onBluewater Bay property own-ers.

The Bluewater Bay MSBUis a subunit of Okaloosa

County government, in chargeof maintaining street signs,streetlights, landscaping, andgeneral maintenance of therights of way of main streetsand other common areas inBluewater Bay. It is governedby a five-member board ofelected, unpaid volunteers.

At the June 11 MSBU meet-ing, board chairman DaleBlanchard announced that he isresigning from the board, effec-tive June 30, because he ismoving to St. Petersburg.

In a June 15 interview withthe Bay Beacon, Blanchard,who was first elected in 2008,discussed his service to theBluewater Bay community. “Ifeel bad about leaving,” he said,

By Daniel ElsesserBeacon f rass Wdired

Valparaiso officials droppedas too costly a proposal thatwould have promoted the cityas home of Eglin Air ForceBase in one of the most visibleways possible—by painting iton the water tower near cityhall.

The Valparaiso Public WorksDepartment mulled two newdesigns for the elevated tank,one that would feature three F-35 aircraft and the phrase"Home of Eglin Air ForceBase" beneath the city's name,and one that would containonly the "Eglin" phrase.

The city is preparing torepaint the tank in the course ofroutine maintenance. It askedthe contractor who was award-ed the job how much more it

would cost to addone of the Eglinbanners.

Deputy PublicWorks DirectorNathan Kelley saidthe design with theaircraft would havecost the city anadditional $10,000.The design withonly the "Eglin"phrase would havecost $6,500.

Kelley said thedepartment deemedboth figures tooexpensive. Hedecided to have the tankrepainted as it looks now.

Valparaiso Public WorksDirector James Valandinghamsaid the water tower will berepainted within the next

month. The company hired topaint the tower will do so as itis, silver with the word"Valparaiso" in black block let-ters, with no additional charge




Please see F-35, page A-5


Please see BUDGET, page A-3

Thurs., 10 a.m.

Load up on yourplant lore at the Tri-County HorticultureStudies Group heldat the HeritageMuseum of NorthwestFlorida, Valparaiso.Plant swap will beheld afterwards. Formore information callthe museum at 678-2615.

Fri., 11 a.m.

The BiophiliaCenter will be teach-ing all about crabswith special activitiesand games. Generaladmission is $8 foradults, $5 for childrenages 3-12. Call theBiophilia Center at835-1824.

Sat., 11 a.m.The second

annual Pearlsfor PurpleHearts chari-ty auctionwill be held atthe MagnoliaGrill with a vintage60’s and 70’s theme.Funds raised will ben-efit Special OperationsWarrior Foundationand Fisher [email protected] for moreinfo or to volunteer.

Tues., 8 a.m.

There will be ablood drive at TwinCities Hospital, 2190Highway 85, Nicevilleuntil 1:30 p.m. with afree T-shirt for alldonors.

Calendar, B-4.

COMINGUP


MSBU OKs budget,will fill a vacancy


Valp. officials react, A-2.

Eglin’s F-35 choice would be noisiest

Plan to boostValp. as hometo Eglin nixed

CastawayBrian McGovern, 14, ofCrestview, casts his net atthe Valparaiso T-pier June 14in hope of catching baitfish.Summer vacation hasallowed him ample time forangling. "I usually don'tcome down here duringschool days when I havehomework," McGovern said."Now I'll come down hereand fish a lot."


Colored contours superim-posed on a map released lastweek indicate that the AirForce's "preferred alternative"for aircraft flights to and fromEglin Air Force Base wouldresult in regular jet noise above65 decibels in much ofValparaiso and northwestNiceville. Areas affected bysuch noise levels are deemedunsuitable for residential use,according to the Air Force. AnEglin-sponsored public hearingto solicit comments is sched-uled July 9.

U.S. Air Force

Eyesore polesgetting faceliftBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon f rass Wdired

The intersection of StateRoad 20 and Rocky BayouDrive, Niceville, should soon bea little easier on the eyes.

Public Works Director BrucePrice said the public worksdepartment is repriming andrepainting the traffic signal

masts. The paint on the masts began

to peel and flake off soon afterinstallation, presenting an eye-sore.

Price said the masts are forcounty signals, and therefore hemay request the use of a county

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserCity of Valparaiso officials decided against aplan to paint three F-35 planes and the phrase"Home of Eglin Air Force Base" on the watertower near Valparaiso City Hall.

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserA stoplight pole at SR 20 and Rocky Bayou Drive (back-ground) has been repainted, while another (foreground)awaits a similar facelift.

Please see EYESORE, page A-6

Dale Blanchard

By Daniel Elsesserand Mike GriffithBeacon Staff

Some Okaloosa CountySchool District officials may dis-agree over whether the year-oldOkaloosa STEMM Academy inValparaiso should remain openover the long run, but no deci-sions were made during a schoolboard meeting Monday in FortWalton Beach.

The magnet school offersadvanced middle school scienceand mathematics curriculum. Theacronym STEMM stands forScience, Technology,Engineering, Math and Medical.

In addition to the STEMMAcademy for students, the centeralso includes the Center forSTEMM Innovation; a scienceeducation training center forteachers from throughout theschool district.

Okaloosa CountySuperintendent of Schools MaryBeth Jackson told the Beaconprior to Monday’s school boardmeeting that the academy was inher draft proposed budget for the2013-14 year.

But Jackson said she opposedthe opening of the school duringher campaign for election assuperintendent last year, and saidshe felt a decision on whether ornot to close the school was onethat would have to be faced inlight of the setting of budget pri-orities.

Valp. prepares to make case on jet noiseBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

Valparaiso officials are work-ing to enlist the help of electedlawmakers, and to organize citi-zen support, to protect what theyview as the city's interests regard-ing Eglin's "preferred" plan for F-35 operations, which wouldincrease jet noise over the city.

Meantime, local officials and

community leaders continued toreact to news that the Air Forcefavors a plan to end restrictionson F-35 warplane flights usingthe north-south runway of EglinAir Force Base.

The "preferred alternative" foroperations by a new and growingF-35 training wing at Eglin wouldresult in more flights overValparaiso and northwest

Niceville, markedly increasing jetnoise over those areas, accordingto an Air Force environmentalstudy issued earlier this month.

At a Valparaiso CityCommission meeting Monday,Mayor Bruce Arnold acknowl-edged that residents of surround-ing communities would focus onthe positive effects of having theF-35 at Eglin, without consider-

ing the negative impacts onValparaiso.

"Everybody outside ofValparaiso is dreaming about the7,000 new jobs the F-35 couldbring," Arnold said. "They couldcare less about us."

For this reason, Arnoldstressed the importance of gettingthe support of state and federallawmakers.

"In the past, we've had no sup-port of elected officials," Arnoldsaid, referring to the city's partial-ly successful 2009 campaign toget restrictions on F-35 opera-tions. It is the runway-use restric-tions the city won in that cam-paign that the Air Force now saysits "preferred alternative" would


Construction of the Mid-BayBridge Connector will likely becompleted and opened about amonth ahead of schedule, accord-ing to the project manager.

In a briefing to the bridgeauthority’s governing board inDestin June 20, HDREngineering representative JamesVanSteenburg said that construc-tion of the bridge connector, aroad connecting the north end ofthe Mid-Bay Bridge with StateRoad 85 north of Niceville, is

now “on the downhill slide to fin-ishing out,” and is expected to becompleted by Jan. 10, about amonth ahead of the scheduledspring 2014 completion currentlyadvertised on signs along stateroads 85 and 285.

In fact, said VanSteenburg, ifall continues to go well, the proj-ect may be done by the end ofthis year. HDR is the prime con-tractor managing the bridge con-nector construction project.

The connector, an 11-miletollway that will connect the


In response to queries fromthe Bay Beacon, a state senatorrepresenting part of northwestFlorida has denied any connec-tion with a public conflictbetween Northwest Florida StateCollege (NWFSC) Board ofTrustees member Patrick Byrneand college President Ty Handy.Another area senator did not

comment.During a

meetingJune 18 ofthe NWFSCBoard ofTrustees inNiceville,Handy pre-sented theboard with awritten statement in which heaccused a trustee later identified

as Byrne of persistent attempts tooust him. Handy said thatByrne’s efforts have taken placeover the past several months.

Handy said that Byrne, ofNiceville, who was appointed tothe board earlier this year, hadtold him that at least oneunnamed Florida state senator hasalso been pushing for Handy’souster, and promised to provideseveral million dollars of addi-tional appropriations for the col-

lege if Handy resigned or wasremoved by July 1 of this year.The board of trustees June 18extended Handy's contract by ayear, to mid-2016.

In a phone conversation withthe Beacon Monday, Byrne, whohas acknowledged pushing forHandy's removal, said, “No sena-

tor ever offered any money if Dr.Handy was removed from office.”

In a June 19 phone interviewwith the Beacon, District 1 StateSen. Don Gaetz, whose districtincludes southern OkaloosaCounty and the college’s maincampus in Niceville, as well assatellite campuses in Fort WaltonBeach and Walton County, statedemphatically that he has neverbeen involved in any effort to oustHandy.

“I never did, and never wouldsay anything like that,” saidGaetz, referring to the statementsattributed to a senator whoseidentity Handy said he did notknow.

“I was not the senator men-tioned in Dr. Handy’s statement,”said Gaetz, a NicevilleRepublican who is in the middleof a two-year term as president of




Please see STEMM, page A-4


Please see SENATOR, page A-6

Thurs., 10:30-11:30 a.m.Lynette Miesen has

combined her work as aplein-air painter with herpoetry in her first book,“The Poetryof Art”. Shewill be at theNicevillePublicLibrary, 206 N. Partin Dr.,signing copies which willalso be for sale. For moreinformation call 279-4863x1507.Thurs.,2 p.m.

ValparaisoCommunity Library will

have a freeshowing ofthe movie‘BeautifulCreatures’for their

Movie Thursday event.For more info call 729-5406.

Sat.10 a.m.- 1 p.m.“All-American Days”

Independence Day cele-bration at ERA Realty,1069 E. John Sims Pkwy.,Niceville. There will befreeAmericanflags, petparades, facepainting, abouncy house, giveaways,hot dogs, snow cones andpopcorn. Mayor Wiseand his wife Helen willbe on hand for a pie tast-ing.

Mon., 6:30 p.m.The July meeting of

the Mac Users Group willbe held at the NWF StateCollege Student ServicesBuilding, room 132. JamesSavage will present ‘TheBasics of the ApplicationDrop Box for MacOS andiOS.’ For more informa-tion, visit FWBMug.com orcontact Jean Dutton [email protected] or862-3327.

Calendar, B-5.

COMINGUP

Highway seenopening earlyJanuary completion eyed for bridge connector

Police BlotterBeeacone ph

Dramatic confrontation, A-2.

OfficialsdiscussSTEMMfuture

1 senator denies any link in college tiff; another is mum

A sign on State Road 285, justbefore a Mid-Bay BridgeConnector overpass underconstruction, advertises aspring 2014 opening for theconnector road. An engineerfor the project said last weekthat the road should be com-plete by Jan. 10, a monthearly.

t ncbyMeai ykyeGr ef cMTnveNvl nl l n,

t ncbyMeai ykyeGr eu Twned ,TVVTki

Friday was the summer solstice—the longest day of 2013. As the day drew toward a close, many people could still be seen atValparaiso s Lincoln Park as they enjoyed the last chance of the day to take a boat out on Boggy Bayou, propel a paddle board acrossthe water, explore the shoreline, or enjoy a float together in the calm waters in the light of the setting sun.

Summer takes a bow

Please see HIGHWAY, page A-5

s i ne1yTbneyVe9 Tbn1TvvnBet v2nDckn,et cr ecMEegcvac,cTl yel TMbneA- - 4

Sen. Don Gaetz

By Daniel Elsesser Beacon Crass p dtred

Valparaiso Mayor BruceArnold has drafted a proposednew charter for the city ofValparaiso that would movesupervision of the city govern-ment's departments from the citycommissioners to three new citypositions. The commissionerswould only have "oversight" overthe departments in the new char-ter.

Two city commissioners havevoiced reservations about the pro-

posed changes.Arnold said he feels city com-

missioners should relinquishoperational control of the govern-mental departments partially sothey can focus on broader issues.

"Our commissioners should beable to focus on big-pictureissues," Arnold said. "Theyshouldn't have to worry aboutwhen someone's water needs tobe shut off, or who needs to mowtheir grass."

Arnold said operational con-trol should also be shifted to city

employeesbecause,under thecurrent sys-tem, Arnoldfeels thatoften timesthe city's"left handdoesn'tknow whatthe righthand is doing."

"It's embarrassing to have citi-zens to call up city hall with

questions about a decision one ofthe commissioners made in theirdepartment, and no one at cityhall knows anything about it,"Arnold said. "We really have nocentral control."

Arnold said the "oversight"mentioned in the draft chartermeans commissioners would beresponsible for championing theneeds of their respective depart-ments.

At a city commission work-shop June 24, Arnold and com-missioners Diane Kelley and Kay

Hamilton voiced approval of thedraft, but commissioners JoeMorgan and Heyward Strongexpressed general objections.Valparaiso voters would have thefinal say in a referendum on anyproposed changes.

Arnold said the charter willnow be given to Valparaiso CityAttorney Hayward Dykes, whowill "clean up" the language ofthe document and determinewhether the draft constitutes anew charter or an amendment tothe city's existing charter.

After the attorney has madechanges and advised the commis-sion on any other issues, the char-ter will go before the city com-mission at a public meeting,where it will vote on whether thecharter should be put to a referen-dum.

If it is approved for referen-dum, the proposed charter will beput on a ballot for Valparaiso citi-zens to vote on in the March2014 city election.


The Air Force will hear pub-lic comments Tuesday concern-ing a recently released draftenvironmental statement whichnotably stated that the AirForce's "preferred alternative"for F-35 operations at Eglin AirForce Base would increase jetnoise over parts of Valparaisoand Niceville.

An Eglin spokesman saidpublic comments during the for-mal portion of the hearingwould be limited to three min-utes per speaker, although writ-ten comments may be submittedwithout regard to length.

Experts will be on hand dur-ing a half-hour, informal sessionto answer certain questions,according to the Air Force.

The meeting will be heldJuly 9 at the First BaptistChurch of Valparaiso, 444Valparaiso Parkway, from 5:30-8 p.m.

The preferred alternative list-ed in the environmental studywould boost average jet-noiselevels to 65 decibels over some1,200 residential parcels, affect-ing over 2,900 people, byincreasing jet operations fromEglin's north-south runway.The statement said such levelsmay be unsuitable for residen-tial use.

City seeks to end club’s use of effluentBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Crass p dtred

City of Niceville officials saythey are pushing to complete adeal with Rocky Bayou CountryClub that would stop the club'suse of reclaimed water andrelieve the city of its obligation topay the club for taking the water.

Niceville City ManagerLannie Corbin, a member of the

Niceville Valparaiso RegionalSewer Board, which owns theregional wastewater facility thatproduces reclaimed water, saidthe agreement would get thecountry club, by far the largestuser of the plant's reclaimedwater, to switch to another sourcefor irrigation.

Reclaimed water is highlytreated effluent that has been cer-

tified safe for irrigation.Distribution of reclaimed water tousers in the Niceville area is oneway the regional treatment plentdisposes of its effluent.

The wastewater plant is beingmodified under a FloridaDepartment of EnvironmentalProtection mandate to removemore nitrogen and phosphorusfrom the water. The $5 million

project requires one of the plant'sthree sewage "trains," or treat-ment systems, to be shut downtemporarily.

The use of only two trains at atime forces all of the area's rawsewage into two-thirds of theplant's capacity, which has causedproblems.

In early April, the limitedplant capacity caused the

reclaimed water to become toocloudy by DEP standards to besent out for irrigation. For nearlytwo weeks, the plant had to relyon limited reserves to send tousers, and temporarily had to sus-pend service to those users,including the Swift CreekPlantation and Preserve


Shortly before his retire-ment, Okaloosa STEMM centerdirector Rick Soria gave theBeacon a tour of the school hebecame so proud of during theyear he has been in charge of it.

He showed a reporter aroundthe school on June 18, the dayafter the Okaloosa CountySchool Board discussed, butdid not decide, whether to con-tinue the year-old center forteaching science, technology,engineering, mathematics andmedical subjects to selected

middle school students fromthroughout the OkaloosaCounty School District. Soriaretired Friday.

“I’m amazed that after ayear of operations, some peoplein the community, and even atthe school district headquarters,still don’t know what we do,”said Soria. For example, hesaid, he was recently asked byone local citizen, “How muchis the tuition at the STEMMcenter?”

Soria said that he did not

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, July 3, 2013



Please see CITY, page A-2

Please see HEARING, page A-9


Please see MATH, page A-7

Wed., 7 p.m.Say the Word, an

open mic poetry night,is open toeveryone atFrench QuarterBar and Grill, 714Howell Rd. Each per-former should plan toshare 2-3 pieces. Musicwill be played live byDamian Churchwell.Call 678-2604 for moreinfo.

Thurs., 5 p.m.First Baptist Church

of Niceville is holdingtheir annualFamilyFourthCelebrationat Freedom

Field at the corner ofBayshore and PartinDrive. There will befood, games and enter-tainment. Call 678-4621 for more info.

Sunday, 10:45 a.m.Graham and

TammyBoutwellwill be per-forming atRosemontBaptist Church, 160127th St., Niceville, dur-ing their morning wor-ship. For more informa-tion please call 678-1611.

Tues., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Give bloodatNorthwestFlorida

StateCollege, help save livesand receive a freemovie ticket.

Calendar, B-3.

COMINGUP

‘Math permeates everything we do here’STEMM center s future clouded

3 minuteseach forhearingspeakersJet-noise sessionset for July 9

Valparaiso mayor drafts charter changes

STEMM center summer stu-dents Elizabeth Kim, 12, andJillian Parker, 12, brief a classon their design for an artifi-cial heart valve.



Independence Day festivities got off to a highly visible early start Saturday in Niceville with a parking lot festival dubbed "All-American Day," sponsored by ERA American Realty. The event celebrated "what makes Niceville—and America—a nice placeto live,” according to a company statement. Featured were an apple pie tasting contest judged by Mayor Randall Wise, a petparade with costumes and prizes, fire truck exhibits, face painting, snow cones, and, of course, plenty of American flags. OnJuly 4, area celebrations will include a day-long festival at Lincoln Park, Valparaiso, capped by evening fireworks over BoggyBayou. See page B-1 for a story on these events.

Proud to be Americans


Bruce Arnold


The Okaloosa County SchoolBoard approved SuperintendentMary Beth Jackson's recommen-dation to appoint JacquelineCraig as the head administratorof both the Okaloosa STEMMAcademy and the NorthwestFlorida Ballet Academie.

Under terms of her appoint-ment, apparently she will bespending less time running the STEMM school thanher predecessordid.

The board onMonday namedCraig, who untilJune 30 was the principal at Northwood ElementarySchool, Crestview, to fill the head administrative roleat both magnet schools.

Incumbent faces challenge in Niceville votingBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

Niceville municipal electionswill be held July 16.Two city council seatsare at stake. The four-year terms for theGroup 2 and Group 4seats will expire thismonth.

The Group 2 seat,currently occupied byCouncilman SalNodjomian, is not con-tested in this election.Nodjomian was the only personto file for candidacy.

Nodjomian gained his currentposition in January. He was

unopposed then as well, being theonly person to file in a specialelection in January to fill the

remainder of the termof Councilman BillSmith, who resignedto run for a seat on theOkaloosa CountyCommission.

The Group 4 seat isbeing contested by theincumbent,Councilman DanHenkel, and one chal-lenger, Armand G.

Izzo.Henkel won his current posi-

tion in a 2008 special election tosucceed the late Terry Tislow.

Henkel was reelected in 2009. The following are responses to

a questionnaire sent to all threecandidates.

Daniel HenkelAddress: 2406

Rocky Shores Drive Age: 57 Occupation: pro-

gram manager, JacobsTechnology, Inc.

How long have youlived in Niceville: 15years

Why are you seek-ing a seat on the Niceville CityCouncil?

I want to continue my effortsin making Niceville the “Number

1 City in Florida to Raise aFamily." Additionally, I want tocontinue helping the citizens of

our great city with theissues and concernsthey’ve raised and workto resolve them.

Why should peoplevote for you?

I have a record ofvoting to keep taxeslow and working hardto find solutions tochallenges that the cityand its citizens are

faced with. What would you like to

change in Niceville?As growth continues in

Niceville, I want to make sure wedon’t forget about doing thethings necessary to build andimprove our infrastructure likeroads, sewer, water, etc.

But, I want to make sure theappearance and friendliness of asmall town aren’t lost. To thatend, I would like to see more ofour citizens get involved in ourcommunity. They can do this byattending city meetings and look-ing to see what the needs are andthen get involved.

What do you think about therevised draft supplemental envi-ronmental impact statement

Beacon Staff WriterKids out of school? Don’t sweat it.

There are plenty of activities for kids ofall ages in the area so no need to parkthem in front of the television and com-puter all summer.

Here’s a comprehensive list of upcom-ing summer camps, programs and activi-ties that will make your summer planninga breeze.

Special InterestKids on Campus

Northwest Florida State College pres-ents Kids on Campus, a unique opportu-nity for summer enrichment and fun in acollege environment. The summerenrichment program for students enteringthird through eighth grade. Studentschoose from a variety of exciting classessuch as: athletics, fine & performing arts,academics, and arts and crafts. Studentscan choose morning, afternoon or all dayclasses. Extended care is also available inthe morning and afternoons.

The next session will be July 15-25

with the last day of registration on July10. Full and half day sessions are avail-able with extended care.

Please call 729-6086 for the Kids onCampus office to find out complete infor-mation.

Heritage MuseumHistory Rocks! Summer Camp will be

held August 5-9 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. atthe Heritage Museum of NorthwestFlorida. See history as a pioneer, exca-vate like a real scientist to find artifacts,learn how to “curate” a museum — thissummer camp is a sure fix for boreddays. Costs $60 for the week, or $15 aday for non-members. $50 for the weekor $13 per day for members. Become aFamily Member and receive one campregistration half off. Space is limited.Pre-registration is required.

Camp CollegeThis camp is designed for rising sen-

iors to get their college applications com-pleted during the summer to be ready to




Please see VOTING, page A-6

Please see STEMM, page A-3

Please see KIDS, page A-5

Thurs., 11:30-12 p.m.

Henderson BeachState Park will host theEmerald Coast WildlifeRefuge staff and theiranimal ambassadors,weather permitting.Bring your camera forsome great photoopportunities.

Fri., 12 p.m.Free

lunchtimelecture,“YourHeritageLadder,” atthe Heritage Museumof Northwest Florida,115 Westview Ave.,Valparaiso presented byCharlene H. Grafton,local author of ”What’s InYour Genes?”. Bring asack lunch an enjoy aninformal lunchtime edu-cation. Please call toreserve a seat. 678-2615.

Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Lewis Schoolvolleyball team will bewashing cars for dona-tions and having a bakesale in the Lewis parkinglot at 281 MississippiAve., Valparaiso.

Sat., 10 a.m.The Genealogical

Society of OkaloosaCounty presents Farris“BlueHeron(Wah-Ka-chobee)”Powellwho willbe speak-ing on Seminole andCreek tribes of the pan-handle area from 1700 to1830 at HeritageMuseum meeting roomlocated at 115 WestviewDr., Valparaiso. For moreinfo call 678-2023.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP


New STEMMschool chiefis namedWill divide her timewith dance academy


Valparaiso city offi-cials Monday discloseddetails of a sewage spill inValparaiso on Saturday,July 6, that may havecontaminated the watersof Boggy Bayou andToms Bayou as holidayswimmers frolicked, pos-sibly unaware of anypotential danger.

City commission and

Please see SPILLS, page A-2

58,000 gallonsof sewage spillsinto bayous

Among the many things to dothis summer is the Kids onCampus program ofNorthwest Florida StateCollege. Classes, for grades3 through 8, range from arts,to science, to sports.

Beacon file photo

Beacon photo by Mike GriffithOn Sunday, July 7, the rain that had soaked the Twin Cities area throughout the Independence Day long weekendfinally halted long enough to let people come outside to enjoy one day of sunny weather in an otherwise rainyfour-day weekend. Among them were two girls who leapt off the end of the swimming pier at Lincoln Park,Valparaiso, and into Boggy Bayou.

Here comes the sun


Armand Izzo Dan Henkel

Jacqueline Craig

Lots of things for kids to do this summer

School needs a chanceto succeed , A-3.

Warning sign Tuesdayat Lincoln Park,Valparaiso.


The Valparaiso City Commission voted unani-mously to approve a proposed millage rate of 5.21 forthe next fiscal year, a 15 percent increase over the cur-rent tax rate of 4.52 mills.

Valparaiso Mayor Bruce Arnold said the figure waspurposefully set high, so the commissioners canensure they have enough funds to work with beforeworking on lowering the rate at subsequent budgethearings before a final tax rate is approved inSeptember.

The millage rate is the amount per $1,000 chargedon ad valorem taxes, or taxes on real estate or businessproperty. On property carried on the tax rolls at


During their July 9 meeting, members of theBluewater Bay Municipal Services Benefit Unit(MSBU) governing board chose Bluewater Bayresident Jonathan Tallman asthe newest member of thepanel.

The board also discussedenforcement of deed covenantsin the community.

Tallman succeeds DaleBlanchard, who recentlyresigned in conjunction with amove to St. Petersburg.

Although MSBU boardmembers are usually elected tofour-year terms as unpaid vol-unteers on the board, when a vacancy occurs dur-ing a term the remaining board members mayappoint someone to fill out the remainder of theterm.


Opinions differed sharply dur-ing a public hearing held July 9 atthe First Baptist Church inValparaiso, to discuss an environ-mental study of various optionsfor conducting F-35 flight opera-tions.

The Air Force-sponsored hear-ing began with an informal ques-tion-and-answer period amongvisitors and Air Force officialswho spoke one-on-one with citi-zens who wished to ask themquestions or discuss the F-35 pro-gram.

During the introductory peri-

od, visitors were also given print-ed material about the F-35 pro-gram, and were allowed to fill outcards requesting three minutes ofspeaking time during the formalportion of the public hearing.They were also allowed to submitwritten comments about variousflight operation options for the F-

35, and about the SupplementalEnvironmental Impact Statement(SEIS)—a recently issued reportof an Air Force study of the likelyenvironmental impacts of F-35training flights to take place fromEglin Air Force Base now and inthe future.

During the question-and-answer period, Eglin environmen-tal public affairs officer Mike

Spaits answered some questionsfrom the Bay Beacon, aboutclaims by some Valparaiso resi-dents that noise from F-35 flightoperations would render somehomes in Valparaiso. “incompati-ble with residential use,” andwould therefore mean that resi-dents must move out of suchhouses.


The Okaloosa County HealthDepartment has received noreports of anyone becoming sickas a result of exposure to sewage-contaminated water during theJuly 4 weekend, and does notexpect any such reports now, saidDr. Karen Chapman during ameeting held Monday inNiceville.

Meantime, officials acted toprevent any recurrence of a com-munications foul-up that delayedwarnings to the public of thespills for two days.

During Monday’s meeting,officials from the OkaloosaCounty Department of PublicSafety, the county branch of theFlorida Department of Health,

which Chapman heads, and fromlocal water and sewer utilitiesdiscussed proposed changes tostreamline the way notificationsof sewage spills are handled inOkaloosa County.

On Saturday, July 6, a week ofheavy rains caused storm water tofind its way into sanitary sewagesystems in Valparaiso and otherparts of the county. InValparaiso, the result was anoverflow of tens of thousands ofgallons of sewage from manholesinto some city streets near thenorth shore of Toms Bayou.From there, an estimated 58,000gallons found its way into TomsBayou and Boggy Bayou,according to the city.

Meantime, a similar spill in




Please see F-35, page A-5


Please see SEWAGE, page A-2

Wed., 7:30 p.m.“Les Misérables”

opens atthe MattieKelly ArtsCenter,Nicevilleand runsuntil July 20 and from July25-27. Tickets are $25 andcan be purchased by 729-6000 or visiting online atmattiekellyartscenter.org.Read the complete storyon A-4.

Sat., 6 p.m.Holy Name of Jesus

Catholic Church, 1200Valparaiso Blvd, Niceville,invite the public to a buf-

fet style din-ner in theLife CenterHall featur-ing Filipinoentrees and

desserts. Cost is $7 for tenyears and up, $4 for 7-9years and six and undereat free. Price includesentree, dessert and bever-age. For more informationplease call 678-3000.

Tues., 6:30 p.m.Dr. Sandra L. Davis,

author of “So, What’s ANice Girl LikeYou Doing InA Place LikeThis?” will bespeaking atthe Niceville PublicLibrary. Free and open tothe public. For more infoplease call the NicevilleLibrary at 279-4863 x1514.

Tues., 5:30 p.m.The Quit Smoking

Now (QSN) program willbe at Twin CitiesHospital’s WellnessCenter, 2190 N Hwy 85,Niceville. The QSN pro-

gram is atobaccocessationprogram

with group support, pro-viding NicotineReplacement Therapy(NRT) in a six week pro-gram led by a CertifiedTobacco TreatmentSpecialist. To register for aclass, please call 398-6965or visitwestfloridaahec.org.

. Cal enCdr, B- 2

COMINGUP


MSBU namesa new member

Valp. eyesmillage hike

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserTryston Garvey launches his skateboard off a ledge near Bayshore Drive and Edge Avenue, Niceville July12, while Devon Glenn walks to set up a jump of his own. The Niceville High School students were filmingthe stunts for a video-editing class. "We're making a summer movie," Said Devon, 15. "It's for school, butwe're also doing it for fun."

Lift off


JonathanTallman

Valparaiso city employees pumprainwater out of a city lift stationnear Toms Bayou July 11. Thework was done as a preventativemeasure to keep overflow from thelift station from running into thebayou. The previous weekend,efforts to prevent a sewage over-flow failed, partly due to a shortageof pump trucks, resulting in a spillof 58,000 gallons of Valparaisowastewater into area bayous.Public Work Director JamesValandingham said the city bor-rowed an Okaloosa Countysewage truck to pump the stationon July 11.


3.99 3.99 3.99

3.122.88

3.754.16

3.93 4.06

4.52

5.21

20032004

20052006

20072008

20092010

20112012

2013*

Fiscal year ended Sept. 30

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Mill

age

*2013 preliminary, may be revised downwardSource: City of Valparaiso

Valparaiso tax ratesMunicipal millage rate, by year (does not include county or other levies)

Mixed reaction to Eglin F-35 plansAir Force hears public on jet-noise issues

Officials act to speed warnings on sewage spillsNo illnesses reported despitetwo-day lag on notification

Please see MILLAGE, page A-3

Valparaiso, do future zoningof high noise exposure areasnear the base in such a way asto encourage nonresidentialuses of property, such asindustry or agriculture, butthat such language does notmean that anyone will beforced to abandon or teardown their homes, or to makeexpensive renovations if they

choose not to.On Monday, July 15, Larry

Chavers, Chief ofEnvironmental Analysis atEglin Air Force Base,responded to a series of ques-tions from the Bay Beacon,based on Mayor Arnold’sstatement, as follows:

Question: Which versionof the likely impact of F-35

noise over Valparaiso is cor-rect?

Answer: The version thatEglin portrays in the discus-sions below is correct. Pleaserealize that there have beennoise issues in Valparaiso foryears even prior to the F-35sarriving.


Workers were scheduled toplace girders for the Mid-BayBridge Connector span overState Road 285 late today andearly Thursday, laying theframework for the last of fiveoverpasses to be constructed

for the new highway, set toopen in early 2014.

State Road 285 was sched-uled to be closed from CollegeBoulevard to Interstate 10 from11 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, to5 a.m. Thursday morning to


The Air Force respondedlast week to statements madeby Valparaiso Mayor BruceArnold during a July 9 publichearing regarding present andfuture training flights of F-35fighter planes at Eglin AirForce Base.

During the hearing, MayorArnold said that if the AirForce chooses option 1-A, oneof several options in a recentSupplemental EnvironmentalImpact Statement (SEIS), andthe option which would routemore flights over the city ofValparaiso, then hundreds ofhomes in a large area of thecity would become “incom-

patible for residential use”because of jet noise.

Mike Spaits, a spokesmanfor Eglin Air Force Base, hadoffered a different viewpointduring the July 9 hearing, say-ing that words such as“incompatible” in the SEISmerely served as a “recom-mendation” that communitiesadjacent to the base, such as


Turnout for Niceville's July16 regular city council electionwas the lowest it has been in atleast two decades, as about 3.5percent of the city's registeredvoters cast ballots, reelectingincumbent Dan Henkel overchallenger Armand Izzo.

Henkel retained his Group 4seat in a July 16 election, top-ping Izzo 246 votes to 96.

Sal Nodjomian was unop-posed in his run for the Group2 seat, the only other seat upfor election this year.

The 342 total votes castfrom a pool of 9,663 registeredvoters represented 3.5 percentvoter turnout, lower than the 10percent that was expected byCity Clerk Dan Doucet.

Okaloosa County Supervisorof Elections Paul Lux saidthere were a few circumstancesthat may have led to the lowturnout.

"When you hold summerelections, you typically have alot of people out of town," Luxsaid. "Or elections just mightnot be in people's minds."




Please see OVERPASS, page A-2


Please see VOTING, page A-3

Thurs., 4 p.m.An Adventure

Club bicycleride will beleavingfrom the golf courseclub house at BluewaterBay Resort’s parkingarea, 1940 Bluewater BayBlvd., with participantsjoining for a meal afterthe ride at a local restau-rant. Call Jim Bayes at897-6756 for more info.

Sat., 10 a.m.Strictly Weavers of

the EmeraldCoast will bemeeting at theTwin Cities

HospitalWellness Center,Niceville, to weave Kentejackets. Free and opento the public. For moreinfo please call the Aliceat 934-4403.

Sat., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.Charles

Williamswill besigningcopies ofhis book,“In CloseProximity” at BayouBooks, 1118 John SimsPkwy., Niceville. Formore information pleasecall 678-1593.

Sun., 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

There is an opportu-nity to give blood atChrist Our RedeemerChurch, 1028 WhitePoint Rd., Niceville.Receive a free choles-terol and blood pressurescreening with donation.For more info visitoneblood.org.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP


5% raiseseyed forteachers

Beacon photos by Daniel ElsesserAutumn Ryan, 10, prepares to launch a rocket she made aspart of Rocky Bayou Christian School's week-long CrazyRocket Camp. The camp's nine participants (right, withsupervisor Ray Allen) launched their model missiles July 19at the Twin Oaks Park, Niceville.

Rocket science


Niceville hits lowin voter turnout

Niceville City CouncilmenDan Henkel (center) and SalNodjomian are sworn in byMayor Randall Wise for thenext city council term afterthe announcement of the cityelection results July 16 at7:15 p.m. in the Niceville CityCouncil chambers.


Air Force responds to mayor on F-35 noise


The Okaloosa CountySchool Board met July 16 todiscuss the proposed schooldistrict budget for fiscal year2013-14.

Increases in teacher com-pensation, including raisesaveraging 5 percent, were heldresponsible for the lion's shareof a 3.5-percent increase ingeneral-fund spending.

During the meeting, atwhich no formal action wastaken, board members poredover phone-book-thick budgetbooks, as school district chieffinancial officer Rita Scallanand human resources directorMike Foxworthy discussedbudget figures for variousdepartments.

Some of the school district’sdepartment heads also spoke,explaining the projectedamounts tentatively budgetedfor their departments.

Among the highlights of theworkshop meeting, Scallan saidthat she expects the school dis-trict to have a total generalfund budget for all departmentsof $24,487,818, or $864,012(3.5 percent) higher than thatfor fiscal year 2012-13.

The budget year began July1, but the school board typical-ly doesn't finalize its numbersuntil a month or two after thattime.

Scallan said that the bulk ofthe increase will come fromincreases in personnel costsdue to teacher raises andincreases in pension funding.

She said there will also beincreases in the costs of Social

Please see 5% RAISES, page A-5

Bruce Arnold

Girders for the Mid-Bay BridgeConnector span over State Road 285were ready for placement Monday. The186-foot steel beams were scheduled tolifted into place between 11 p.m. tonight,Wednesday, and 5 a.m. Thursday, duringwhich time SR 285 will be closed fromCollege Boulevard to Interstate 10.


Overpass a final link in highwayGirders set to be placed this week


FloridaSenatePresidentDon Gaetzheld a"neighbor-hood day"in the TwinCities July25, speakingwith resi-dents aboutnew or revised state laws andother citizen concerns.

Gaetz, a Niceville Republican

who represents District 1, saidthat based on his converationswith constituents, the issues TwinCities residents are concernedabout include residential sound-proofing necessitated by the pos-sible change in F-35 operations atEglin Air Force Base, new statehealth care laws resulting fromfederal requirements, Florida'scontroversial "stand your ground"law, and education reform.

Gaetz said many citizen ques-tions regarding the F-35 opera-tions had to do with requirementsabout soundproofing their houses,


Local Vietnam War veteransspoke fondly of their experienceswith Col. Bud Day, the Medal ofHonor recipient who diedSaturday at 88.

Day, one of the nation's most-decorated war heroes, died sur-rounded by family in his home inShalimar after an extended fightwith cancer.

A public memorial service is

scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursdayat the Emerald Coast ConventionCenter, Okaloosa Island.

Retired Air Force Col. RonWebb, Niceville, in 1967 shared acell with Day in a Hanoi prison-of-war camp during the VietnamWar after the warplanes of bothmen were shot down in separateincidents. Webb said he had metDay before they were sent to war,during survival training in asnowy winter in Washington

state. When Day arrived at the

Hanoi prison camp, nicknamedthe Plantation, Webb had beenthere for several months.

"When I saw him, I was verysurprised to see that he had beenshot down," Webb said. "I wasviewing him through a small holein the door of my cell, and Icould see that he was very badlyinjured."


The Okaloosa County SchoolBoard set a tentative millage rateMonday, proposing a rate of 7.55mills, up from 7.48 last year.

School District ChiefFinancial Officer Rita Scallansaid the increase is caused entire-ly by the local effort millagerequired by the state. The

required rate this year is 5.3mills, up from 5.22 last year.

The required local effort is themillage which the district mustlevy in return for receiving statemoney, which is based on severalfactors, including a formula that

attempts to reduce funding dis-parities between richer countiesand poorer ones.

Scallan said the discretionarymillage rate, set by the schoolboard, will remain at 1.5 mills, asit has since the 2009-2010 schoolyear.

The preliminary and tentative budget allots a total of $122.8




Please see HERO, page A-2



Wed., 4-8:15 p.m.

There will be a blooddrive at Niceville UnitedMethodist Church, 214South Partin Drive,Niceville. Donors willreceive a T-shirt.

Thurs., 6:30 p.m.

The ChoctawhatcheeAudubon Society willfeature two programs, EdHubbard on his Africanwildlife photography andSamantha Sexton on thedangers of overfishing, inroom 132 of the StudentServices Center at theNiceville campus ofNorthwest Florida StateCollege. For more infor-mation call Walt Spenceat 582-7064.

Fri., 3 p.m.

The ValparaisoCommunity Librarywould like to invite kids 9and up to a party in cele-bration of the upcomingmovie “Percy Jackson:The Sea of Monsters.”There will be chances towin prizes, including tick-ets to the movie. Sign upby calling 729-5406 oremailing [email protected].

Mon., 6:30 p.m.

JVO Weaver will pres-ent “Tips and Advice onhow best to post-processyour digital photos usingiPhoto or Aperture” at thenext meeting of the MacUsers Group at theNorthwest Florida StateCollege Student ServicesBuilding, room 132. Nofees or reservationrequired. For more infor-mation, visitFWBMug.com or contactJean Dutton at [email protected] or 862-3327.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP

Police BlotterThhe vohi cf

School grades, A-6.

Thievesstrike2 ATMS

8.294 8.294 8.063 7.86 7.639 7.624 7.639 7.534 7.769 7.476 7.551

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014*

Fiscal year ended June 30

0

2

4

6

8

Mill

age

*2014 proposedOk. Co. Sch. Dist.

Schools tax rate edges upMillage, Okaloosa County School District, by year

In remembrance

Nl oh, BuwohBaht uwo, urroThy rnod Vophy sh 19h2 re p ubBhbu1wohDEEg

Constituents bendSen. Gaetz’s ear


Niceville police responded toan alarm after someone from theCoastal Bank and Trust branch atJohn Sims Parkway and PalmBoulevard notified authoritiesthat the bank's live video feedshowed the drive-up automatedteller machine was "wide open"Monday at 12:42 a.m.

A Niceville officer reportedobserving damaged hinges in theATM. Investigators were tryingto determine the amount of cashtaken.

Okaloosa County sheriff'sdeputies responded to a similarcrime at the Coastal Bank andTrust's location at 4300 E. StateRoad 20 minutes later.

Emerald Coast Crimestoppersoffered a $2,000 reward for infor-mation leading to an arrest.

Schools to up millage

Cast awayAngie Travis teaches her daugh-ter, Olivia, 7, how to cast a fish-ing line into a pond offBluewater Boulevard as Travis'nephew, Jonas Parr, 10, fishedalongside. Mother instructeddaughter to wait to begin reeling"until you feel the fish tug on theline."

y o wB1hel BVBhAsh- 1uorh4rbobbop

Medal of Honorrecipient Col. BudDay, right, withDoolittle raider StaffSgt. David Thatcher,at an event inNiceville earlier thisyear. Day diedSaturday at 88.

y o wB1hel BVBhAsh- 1uorh4rbobbop

The OkaloosaC o u n t yS h e r i f f ' sO f f i c er e l e a s e dthese photosof a suspect allegedly pho-tographed in the act of stealingfrom an ATM in Niceville.

Don Gaetz

Col. Bud Day recalled as ‘a hero’

y o wB1hel BVBhAsh- 1uorh4rbobbopBeth Born Croft and Craig Born, parents of Army Sgt. Joshua Born, a former Nicevilleresident who was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2012, in front of a memorialbench dedicated in honor of their son July 25. Story, A-2.


Homeowners of theSouthwind and Sunset Beachsubdivisions of Bluewater Baywill hold a meeting Aug. 8 to dis-cuss the potential purchase ofBluewater Bay Resort "Gold"memberships in order to generaterevenue for the resort's Marsh

golf course, which the two subdi-visions surround.

A published ad by the home-owner's association urged ownersto attend "to save the Marsh golfcourse."

"Failure to attend could resultin the Marsh course being aban-doned like the Magnolia course,"stated the ad, published last week

in the Bay Beacon.Bill Putz, director of golf for

Bluewater Resort, said the nine-hole course is not currently indanger of closing, but needs rev-enue in order to be maintained.Putz said the proposed $160memberships would mirror the


The East Niceville FireDistrict has rejected a proposal tocharge businesses for annual fireinspections.

The commission voted unani-mously July 8 to drop the pro-posed resolution.

Fire Chief Mike Wright had

initially proposed such a resolu-tion at the commission's Maymeeting. He said the district'sagreement with the county andcity of Niceville, in which aNiceville fire inspector had per-formed fire inspections on theeight businesses in East Nicevillefor no charge, had ended thatmonth.

Wright finalized an agreementto have North Bay Fire DistrictInspector Lloyd Losinger performEast Niceville's fire inspectionsfor a $25 fee charged to the EastNiceville district, with a free re-inspection and an additional $50added if he had to return for asecond re-inspection.

Wright drew up a resolution

which would have charged theindividual businesses to reim-burse East Niceville for its pay-ments to North Bay.

At the meeting July 8,Commissioner Tricia Brunsonsaid the resolution should not bepassed because the eight busi-nesses in East Niceville alreadypay enough in taxes and should

not be burdened by an additionalinspection fee. She said the totalcost to East Niceville would bemanageable.

"If we can't figure out a way tocome up with $1,000 in a year,we're doing something wrong,"Brunson said.

Before the commission votedto do away with the resolution,

Wright said paying North Bay forinspections would still be cheaperthan paying for Wright to get thenecessary certification to performinspections, and the commissionagreed to keep the agreementwith North Bay and find room inthe budget to pay for it.


The Okaloosa County SchoolDistrict has expanded its jurisdic-tion over bullies, expandingschools' authority in order to dis-cipline students who intimidateothers off school grounds, on theInternet, or via texting.

The rule change, adopted onan "emergency" basis last month,subject to final approval after apublic hearing, follows passageof a state law earlier this year thatprohibits student "bullying orharassment with respect to com-puter-related activities," "providesthat bullying includes cyberbully-

ing" and "revises components ofschool district policy on bullyingand harassment."

The changes to the school dis-trict's rule were approved for"emergency adoption" by theOkaloosa County School BoardJuly 22, in order to be in placebefore classes start Aug. 19.Because it was an emergencyadoption, the rule change is ineffect 90 days from approval.

If the school board approvesthe changes at a public hearingAug. 26, the changes willbecome permanent.

The changes to Okaloosaschools Rule 4-43 expand the dis-

trict's ability to curb cyberbully-ing that may occur after schoolhours or off campus, according toschool board member CindyFrakes.

"The changes to the rule givesour schools more authority overactions taking place outside ofschool, as long as our studentsare involved," Frakes said.

The changes to the rule add"private humiliation" as one ofthe definitions of bullying, andadds "electronic communica-tions," "facsimiles" and "otherInternet communications" and"the creation of a web page" to

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, August 7, 2013



Please see MARSH, page A-3


Please see FEE, page A-7

Please see BULLYING, page A-8

Fri., 7 p.m.All are

invited toattend afull featuremovie andBBQ din-ner. BBQbegins at

5:30 p.m. with the full fea-ture movie, “Home Run,” atNiceville UnitedMethodist Church, 214Partin Drive South,Niceville. Please register atnicevilleumc.org/recovery/to ensure your seat, byWednesday, August 7.Movie is free, BBQ costs $5per person, $15 per familywith reservation.Sponsored By NicevilleUMC. Call 678-4411.

Sat., 10 a.m.The annual August

membership coffee for theSand Dunes Chapter ofEmbroiderers’ Guild ofAmerica willbe the FirstUnitedMethodistChurch ofNiceville,Fellowship Hall. The 2013-14 program will be pre-sented and snacks will beserved. Visitors are wel-come. Call 496-3466 withany questions.

Sat., 6-10 p.m.Parker James

Willingham of Niceville isplaying live at TheBoathouse Landing,Valparaiso. For more infoplease call 642-1528.

Mon., 7 a.m.The Third Annual

Warlord ClassicFour Man

Scramblewill be held

at the EglinGolf Course,

1527 Fairway Dr.Entry fee is $65 andincludes 18 holes of golfincluding cart and lunch.Preregister by callingDennis Deppen at 843-465-7552.

. Cal enCdr, B- 2

COMINGUP


Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserJosh Collins, 17, sprays a hose while Elizabeth Burgess, 18, and Patti Burgess, 23, stand under the cooling water spray onSouth Cedar Avenue, Niceville, last week as the thermometer hit 90 degrees.

Keeping cool


Schools seek to broadenauthority over cyberbullying

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserThe Okaloosa County School Board has expanded its authority to punish bullies who act off-campus, over the Internet or via smartphones.

Homeowners to discuss membership purchase to help Marsh course

East Niceville nixes inspection fee


Local taxing districts have settentative millage rates for the2013-14 fiscal year, with publichearings for the final approval ofthese rates coming in September.

The millage rate is the amountper $1,000 charged on ad val-orem taxes, or taxes on real estateor business property. On proper-ty carried on the tax rolls at$100,000 after all exemptions, amillage rate of 2.00 would drawa tax payment of $200.

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserResidents of the Southwind and Sunset Beach subdivisions, nearthe Bluewater Bay Resort's Marsh golf course, will meet Thursdayto discuss requiring homeowners to purchase "Gold" golf mem-berships.


The Valparaiso Public WorksDepartment announced Saturdaythat water customers on the southside of Tom's Bayou Bridgeshould boil tap water used forconsumption as a precautionarymeasure because of complica-tions from a broken water main.

The affected areas includeJohn Sims Parkway and SouthBayshore Drive to Indian Shoresand South Bayshore Drive toLouisiana Avenue and OldHighway 10.

The notice will be kept onuntil at least Wednesday, Aug. 7.

The Public Works Departmentsaid the tap water is still suitablefor bathing, washing clothes andirrigation.

Two separate water samplesmust be analyzed and approvedas safe before the boil waternotice will be lifted.

People requesting follow-upnotification or other informationmay call Valparaiso Public Worksat 850-729-5407.

Boil waternotice for someValp. customers

Local taxdistricts settentativemillage rates


Local schoolchildren, teach-ers and staff are preparing forthe new school year, whichwill begin for OkaloosaCounty public-school studentsMonday, Aug. 19.

Many faculty membersreported to work even beforeAug. 12, the official first dayfor teachers.

Paul Whiddon, the new principal ofRuckel Middle School, Niceville, saidmany students and parents have dropped by

the school early for information."We've already had about 1,000

students register," Whiddon said."Parents and students have been

coming by asking about things, soeveryone's very excited."

Whiddon, who will be Ruckel'sprincipal after two years headingShoal River Middle School inCrestview, said the most notablechange and challenge for the com-ing year will be the implementation

of Common Core State Standards. "We'llbegin implementing Common Core this


The Valparaiso CityCommission continued workingtoward balancing the municipalbudget at a workshop Aug. 5,deciding to make decisionsassuming next year's property-tax will be the same as the cur-rent one of 4.52 mills.

At a previous workshop, thecommission set the tentativemillage rate at 5.21 mills, pick-ing a high rate so the citywould be ensured enough fund-ing while still being able towork the rate down to a moreappropriate amount as budgetdeliberations proceed.

City CommissionerHeyward Strong presented aproposed 2013-14 budget con-taining several deletions orreductions of fund allotmentsfrom the last budget meeting, at




Thurs.-Fri., 7 p.m.

New Life ChristianMinistries, Niceville, willhost its first "WordRevival" with BishopJohn W. Pace II, leadpastor. The desire is toempower people to pur-sue life without limitsand to transform thelives of ordinary peopleso that they becomeextraordinary. For moreinformation, call 729-0733.

Fri., 11 a.m-2 p.m.

Go green at theBiophilia Center,Freeport, with recyclingactivities from 11 a.m.-2p.m. Create an ediblelandfill, play games andmake arts and craftswith recycled materials.Fun for all ages.

Fri., 7-11 p.m.

All are invited toenjoy a free karaokenight at the AmericanLegion Post #221, 444E. John Sims Parkway,Niceville. For more infocall 678-2682

Sat.-Sun., 3 p.m.Angela Robinson as

Veronica Harrington ofthe New Tyler PerryShow on the ‘O’ Networkwill be at WellspringMinistries, Niceville,with a performing artsand acting seminar onAugust 17 and 18.Tickets are $25 at thedoor, $20 in advance.Call 678-9355 for moreinformation.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP

Police BlotterThhe vohi cf

Please see ROBBED, page A-2

No l , Bheu, w, hat hr ByonhdnVoVVopChildren prepare to launch arrows Aug. 8 during Camp Corral, a week-camp held at Camp Timpoochee for children of wound-ed military veterans.

Taking aim

No l , Bheu, w, hat hr ByonhdnVoVVopThe Valparaiso City Commission tentatively removed from its budget $20,000 requested to repaint theinside and outside of Valparaiso City Hall.

Schools prepare for new year Emily Voigt, a new

first-grade teacherat Plew Elementary,sorts books inpreparation of thenew school year,which begins Aug.19. Voigt and manyother teachers werein their classroomsmaking prepara-tions before teach-ers were required tobegin work Aug. 12.

No l , Bheu, w, hat hr ByonhdnVoVVop

Please see SCHOOLS, page A-2


Marsh course meeting'a good first step'By Mike GriffithBeacon Soddef Woni enr

Although no votes weretaken or final decisions madeat an Aug. 8 meeting ofhomeowners associationmembers from Southwind andSunset Beach in BluewaterBay, the meeting was “a goodfirst step” toward preventing

the possible closure of theMarsh golf course inBluewater Bay, according toRay Herden, a former devel-oper of the Bluewater Baycommunity, which includesthe Southwind and SunsetBeach subdivisions.

The meeting was held to

Valp. mulls lower millage

suoh1, yl oh, 9h2 yl o1ynnoThNnboD wophN t h BEhg ne p yV, hVyBl ohA- - 4

No l , Bheu, w, hat hr ByonhdnVoVVopBluewater homeowners who live near the Bluewater Resort'sMarsh golf course (pictured) met Aug. 8 to discuss resortmembership purchases to generate revenue for the course.

Paul Whiddon

Please see MARSH, page A-4

Niceville issuesprecautionaryboil waternoticeBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Crass p dtred

The Niceville Public WorksDepartment announced thatwater customers in the area ofValparaiso Boulevard betweenPalm Boulevard and BayshoreDrive should boil tap water forone minute before consumptionas of 8 a.m. today, Aug. 14.

The affected area includesMagnolia Shores Drive.

The Public WorksDepartment said residents inthe affected areas shouldexpect temporary water outageson Wednesday, Aug. 14, andThursday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m.


Couple beatenand robbed atRocky BayouhomeBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Crass p dtred

A couple was assaulted androbbed at their home at KristinCircle, Niceville, Thursday, Aug.8, according to the OkaloosaCounty Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff's deputies found a 68-year-old man bleeding at themouth outside his residence atabout 10:30 p.m. His 64-year-old wife, who sustained injuriesto her head and throat, was at aneighbor's house when deputiesarrived.

The woman reportedly tolddeputies three men wearingmasks and gloves followed herinto the garage of her lakefrontproperty when she arrived home,attempting to rob and physicallyattack her inside the residence.


The first people to travel along the newMid-Bay Bridge Connector road after itopens will do so on foot, during a commu-nity run/walk event to be held during theweekend of Jan. 11, 2014.

At the Aug. 15 meeting of the Mid-BayBridge Authority (MBBA) governingboard, Executive Director Jim Vest said thenew connector route, linking an interchangeat State Road 85 north of Niceville with thenorthern end of the Mid-Bay Bridge, whichcrosses Choctawhatchee Bay, linking theNiceville area with Destin and other com-munities along the Gulf of Mexico shore-line, is now scheduled to be completed byJan. 10—more than a month ahead ofschedule.

Vest and James VanSteenburg, an engi-

neer from HDR Engineering, the contractormanaging the Mid-Bay Bridge Connectorproject for the MBBA, said the work isahead of schedule and within budget.

Vest said that he is monitoring the proj-ect, and that current tentative plans call foran opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting onthe afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 11, follow-ing a festive run/walk event to be held earli-er that morning. Once the road is open onSaturday afternoon, said Vest, no tolls willbe charged to drivers who use the connec-tor road during Jan. 11 or 12. Tolls, whichwill be half the amount of the tolls chargedto cross the Mid-Bay Bridge itself, will becollected starting on Monday, Jan. 13.

Vest said that details of the run/walkevent are still being worked out, but that theevent will be jointly sponsored by the


During their meeting on Aug. 12, members of theValparaiso City Commission discussed whether to put astreet sign along John Sims Parkway to mark the inter-section with North Bayshore Drive, and whether to sup-port a recent chamber of commerce resolution support-ing the F-35 flying mission at Eglin Air Force Base.

They also approved a revision to the city’s existingsanitation ordinance, and were given copies of a pro-posed revision to the city charter.

In addition, the commission discussed how to makeits views known to the Okaloosa County Commissionconcerning the city-county split of current and proposedcounty gasoline taxes.





Please see TOLLWAY, page A-2

Please see GARBAGE, page A-2

Please see STREET page A-3

t ncbyMeai ykyeGr ef cMTnveNvl nl l n,Students at Plew Elementary School, Niceville, walk off buses and head to class Aug. 19, the first day forstudents of Okaloosa County public schools.

Fresh faces

t ncbyMeai ykyeGr eu Twned ,TVVTkiNorth Bayshore Drive, Valparaiso, although platted as a city street, has neverbeen paved, and is currently little more than a trail through the woods betweenthe shore of Toms Bayou and the backyards of some Valparaiso homeowners.It begins at John Sims Parkway near Doc s oyster bar behind the Compass Roserestaurant, and eventually meets some actual paved city streets.

First users of tollway to be on foot

Construction on abridge for the Mid-Bay bridgeConnector roadover Swift Creek,Niceville.

u Tspt cr et T,son 1ki y,Tkr

N. Bay eyes$2M budgetBy Mike GriffithBeacon Correspondent

North Bay fire commis-sioners heard a briefing onthe fire district’s proposedfiscal year 2013-14 budgetduring their Aug. 13 meet-ing.

Fire Chief Joseph Millertold commissioners that theproposed budget willinclude total revenues of$2,034,590 and total budgetexpenditures of$2,005,520.63. The expen-ditures are projected to be$50,998.68 above those offiscal year 2012-13, whichwill end Sept. 30.

Miller’s proposed budg-

et also includes a propertytax millage rate of 2.35–thesame as for the current fis-cal year. At that millagerate, property owners withinthe self-governing fire dis-trict will pay $2.35 in prop-erty tax for every $1,000 ofappraised, taxable value oftheir properties, after suchthings as homestead exemp-tions and other discountsare taken into account.

For example, the ownerof a house appraised at$200,000 taxable valuewould pay $470 in tax tothe North Bay Fire District,

Valparaisocommissiondiscussesstreet, F-35

9i ne2yTbneyVeDTbn2TvvnBet v1nEckn,et cr ecMsegcvac,cTl yel TMbneA- - 4

Company, city dicker over cutting garbagepickupsBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

A Waste Management representative said lastweek that the company is still working withNiceville city officials to determine how new, largerrecycling carts will be paid for if the city decides toadopt the carts for all garbage customers.

If the recycling program is expanded citywide,Waste Management said it wants to cut collection ofregular garbage to once a week. Recyclables wouldbe collected once a week as well.

Currently, garbage is collected twice weekly, andrecyclables once weekly.Waste Management con-ducted a three-month pilot program, which conclud-ed June 30, to test the effectiveness of 96-gallonrecycling carts.

Waste Management representative Lynn Yort saidshe would meet with Niceville City Manager LannieCorbin and City Clerk Dan Doucet to work out anagreement for payment of the carts, which Doucetsaid could cost $250,000.

The pilot program tested two Niceville neighbor-hoods, Kildare Circle and Black Bear Circle, thatcontain a total of 90 homes. It is up to the councilwhether to expand the program citywide as pro-posed by the refuse-collection company.

The program recorded the amounts of recycling

2013Fall-Winter 2013 • Supplement to The Bay Beacon

Niceville-Valparaiso, Florida

The Bay Beacon’s

and Community Directory

NEWCOMERGUIDE

Thurs., 6:30 p.m.

The Northwest FloridaSymphony Choraleannounces that auditionsfor the 2013-14 season willbe held in Tyler Recital Hallat the Mattie Kelly ArtsCenter on the Nicevillecampus of NWFSC. TheChorale, under the direc-tion of music professor LoisVan Dam, is a select choralgroup that performs withthe Northwest FloridaSymphony Orchestra aswell as in independent con-certs. For more informa-tion, contact Van Dam [email protected] or call729-6009.

Thurs., 6:30 p.m.The Sand Dunes

Chapter ofEmbroiderers’Guild ofAmerica willhave their finalsummer stitch-in onThursday Aug. 22, at 6:30p.m., at the Niceville UnitedMethodist Church, room400. Visitors are welcome.For more info call 496-3466.

Sat., 6 p.m.The Holy Name of

Jesus Catholic Church willsponsor a charity buffetdinner at the Life CenterHall. Filipino dishes and

desserts will beserved. All arewelcome,please invitefamily and

friends. Cost is $7 for 10years and up and $4 forseven to nine years.Children five and under eatfree. Price includes entree,dessert and beverage.Proceeds go towards fund-ing missions. For moreinformation please call 678-3000.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP

Inside ...


t ncbyMeai ykyeGr ef cMTnveNvl nl l n,A Waste Management truck picks up a 96-gal-lon recycling cart on Black Bear Circle,Niceville.

THE BAY BEACONWednesday, January 1, 2014 Page A-5


1181 E. John Sims Parkway, Niceville, Florida 32578(850) 678-1080 • Fax 1-888-520-9323

[email protected]

The Bay Beacon& Beacon Express

Stephen W. KentEditor and Publisher

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Representative

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The Bay Beacon and Beacon Express, incorporating the Bluewater Breeze, ispublished every Wednesday by Bayou Enterprises Inc. Free total-market homedelivery to Niceville, Valparaiso, Bluewater Bay and Seminole, as well as mid-

Walton County from Villa Tasso to Basin Bayou, including Choctaw Beach.Subscriptions: One year, mail, $104. One year, electronic subscription, $52. All

submissions for publication become property of The Bay Beacon.

Nicevilleʼs Newspaper

Sara KentMarketing Director

Low rates are just around the corner.

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states or all GEICO companies. Motorcycle coverage is underwritten by GEICO

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The Niceville City Councilhas rejected requests by thepolice and fire departments formore personnel.

Members of the council lastweek agreed with City Clerk Dan

Doucet's statement that there wasno room in the city's 2013-14budget to fund the three policeofficers and six firefighters thedepartments requested in theirbudget proposals.

The three employees request-ed by the police department

would have cost the city$124,170 a year, and the sixrequested by the fire departmentwould have cost $281,960.

City Manager Lannie Corbinnoted during a council meetingThursday that with the require-ments of the Affordable Health

Care Act to take place next year,the city would have to give cer-tain retirement benefits to all cityemployees, including those work-ing part time. Corbin cited theACA, the federal law popularlyknown as Obamacare, as the pri-mary reason for the high cost ofbringing in new employees andthe reason why it could not be

afforded. The police department has 24

full-time and six part-time offi-cers, while the fire departmenthas 10 full-time and three part-time firefighters.

In his request, Fire ChiefTommy Mayville said the





Please see NIXES, page A-5

Please see ROBBERY, page A-4

Niceville High marks its golden anniversary

Celebrating 50 years

Artist's rendering of pro-posed Emerald Coast AutismCenter at Northwest FloridaState College, Niceville.

Emerald Coast Autism Center


Robberyvictim, 64,recountsbeatingsThree homeinvaders stillon the looseBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

Even after an assailantslammed her head repeatedlyinto her kitchen floor, LourdesAdams, 64, was able to warn herhusband and later run for helpafter an Aug. 8 assault and rob-bery in her Niceville home.

Mrs. Adams and her husband,Richard, were attacked Aug. 8 bythree masked men wearinggloves upon arriving at theirhome. The men stole at least$700. Last week, Mrs. Adamsgave the Bay Beacon her accountof the couple's ordeal.

Mrs. Adams reached her lake-front home on Kristin Circle, in

Official:Cut oursalaryBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

An East Niceville fire com-missioner believes that he andhis fellowboardmembersare over-paid and ispushing fora pay cut.

EdDunbar,treasurer ofthe EastNicevilleFire District, said the $500 permonth received by the electedcommissioners of the self-gov-erning district should bereduced.

"I'm not proposing that we

Thurs., 6 p.m.

A dinner to benefit theMattie Kelly ArtsFoundation’s cultural artsand educational programswill be at the TradeWindsRestaurant, 205Government Street,Niceville. $50 for MattieKelly Arts Foundationmembers, $65 for non-members. Call MKAF at650-2226 for reservations.

Fri.,11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

The Biophilia Center,Freeport, presents “Funwith Folk Art” withAbrakadoodle makingupcycled roosters on can-vas. Open to all ages.General Admission is $8for adults $5 for children,under 2 free.

Fri., 10-11 a.m.Henderson Beach

State Park, Destin, invitesthe public to participate ina celebration of readingand September’sLiteracy Month. Join

parkrangers asthey readtheirfavoritechildren’sbooks.Following

story time, there will berefreshments and an envi-ronmentally friendly artactivity. Event weatherpermitting. Regular parkadmission fees apply. $6per vehicle, limit 2-8 peo-ple per vehicle. $4 singleoccupant vehicle. $2pedestrians, bicyclists,extra passengers and pas-sengers in vehicle withholder of AnnualIndividual Entrance Pass.

Fri.-Sat., 1-7 p.m.The Bloodmobile will

be at the NicevilleWalmart. All donors willreceive a $10 Wal-Martgift card.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP

By Angela Yuriko SmithBeacon Staff Writer

Niceville High School willcelebrate its 50th anniversary atits current site on Friday, begin-ning with a pep rally in theschool’s gymnasium and endingwith a football game thatevening pitting the Eaglesagainst Rutherford.

The school's history actuallyextends back much further than50 years. Classes were held ina three-room frame buildingthat was named Niceville High

School in 1922.In 1924 land was

purchased for a newhigh school to be builtfrom George Natheyfor $1 at the site ofwhat is now EdgeElementary School. Itburned down duringthe 1926 Christmasholidays.

Niceville High wasrebuilt on the same site by1928, but the new building, too,didn't last long. A hurricane

destroyed it in July1936. Unable toafford to rebuild aftertwo catastrophes,classes were splitbetween a formerdance hall and theValparaisoCommunity Center.

In the early 50’sthe school districtdecided to send

Niceville high schoolers toChoctawhatchee High Schoolin Fort Walton Beach.

“I was sad to see the twoschools combine,” saidNiceville Mayor Randall Wise.“And I was happy to see itrebuilt back in Niceville.”

In 1964, Niceville HighSchool was built at its currentsite at John Sims Parkway andCedar Avenue, and the long busrides to Choctaw High ended.

Alumni and staff have beenpreparing since last June to planthe golden anniversary


A fast-growing school forchildren affected by autism hasproposed moving to a site onthe Niceville campus ofNorthwest Florida StateCollege.

At the Aug. 20 meeting ofthe college board of trustees,officials were briefed on a pro-posed partnership between thecollege and the Emerald CoastAutism Center, Niceville.

The trustees heard a presen-tation by Heidi Blalock, chiefexecutive of Emerald CoastAutism Center, who proposedthat the center build a facility

on land leased from the college.Blalock proposed building a

12,000-square-foot facility onthe Niceville campus, whereher organization could providetherapeutic and educationalservices to students withautism.

The four-year-old center has35 full-time and 27 part-timestudents, ages 18 months to 14years, according to documentsit furnished to the trustees.Teachers work with them on aone-to-one ratio.

Blalock said the autism cen-ter has a waiting list, and thatthere is “a great need for our

Please see CUT, page A-6

Please see AUTISM, page A-4

Randall Wise

Niceville nixes more cops, firefightersCouncil cites need to hold line on expenses

Please see 50 YEARS, page A-5

Fast-growing autism school seeks college siteNWFSC trustees eye proposal

Ed Dunbar

Beacon photo by Sarah Clauson

Niceville High School will mark its 50th anniversary during festivities immediately preceding its scheduled football gamewith Rutherford at Eagles Stadium Friday. Pictured, fans got an early start during last Friday's Kickoff Classic.


Niceville police arrested aDeFuniakSpringsman whoallegedlystole$24,800from anacquain-tance's vehi-cle.

Later he


Property Appraiser PeteSmith saidthis hasbeen thequietestTRIM sea-son hisoffice hasseen in the21 yearshe's workedthere.

S m i t h

$70,000 to perform, ThompsonSquare $55,000 and Moore$35,000. Corbin said expensescome from festival revenues, nottaxes.

Gill has been a staple in countrymusic for over 30 years, starting hiscareer singing and playing guitar forthe country rock group Pure PrairieLeague before beginning a solocareer in 1983. The songs "Go Rest

High on that Mountain," "Look atUs" and Threaten Me with Heaven"are in the 20-time Grammy winner'srepertoire.

Thompson Square, comprised ofmarried couple Keifer and ShawnaThompson, will headline the festi-val's Saturday night show. Recentwinners of the Academy of Country


The Niceville City Councilcompleted its budget discus-sions at a meeting Aug. 27, set-ting up a proposed $12.7 mil-lion municipal budget for finalapproval at a public hearingSept. 12.

The city will enter the final

budget hearing with a proposedmillage rate of 3.7 mills,unchanged from that of the fis-cal year that will end Sept. 30.

One mill is a property tax of$1 for each $1,000 of assessedvaluation. On property carriedon the tax rolls at $100,000after all exemptions, a millagerate of 3.7 would result in a tax

of $370.With that rate, the city

would bring in $2.86 million inad valorem tax revenue, up$130,870 more than the previ-ous fiscal year.

The city council discussedthe budget with Niceville's city

Niceville settles on budget plan


County Music Hall-of-FamerVince Gill will cap the slate ofmusical performances at this year'sBoggy Bayou Mullet Festival,scheduled Oct. 18-20.

Gill will close out the Nicevillefestival on Sunday, Oct. 20, afterperformances on Oct. 18 by coun-try star Justin Moore and Oct. 19

by the duo Thompson Square.The festival, which will cele-

brate its 37th year in October, willbe held in its traditional site at thecorner of Highway 85 North andCollege Boulevard, Niceville.

According to Niceville CityManager Lannie Corbin, whoarranges entertainment on behalfof the private Mullet FestivalCommittee, Gill will be paid


The Niceville City Council isscheduled to hear requests for anannexation, a rezoning and a spe-cial setback exception at its meet-ing Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in theNiceville City Council chambers.

The council will hear a

request from Larry Wright askingthat two of his parcels at 1420Bayshore Drive, Niceville, in an

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, September 4, 2013



Thurs., 1:30 p.m.

The ValparaisoCommunity Libraryinvites children andfamilies to the firstEarly Release Movie ofthe school year. The freemovie will be “Epic.”Popcorn and beverageswill be served.

Fri., 7 -11 p.m.Please feel free to

come in and enjoy afun evening of freekaraoke with Bill andRhonda at theAmerican LegionPost #221, 444 E. JohnSims Parkway, Niceville.

Sat., 8:30 a.m.

TheChoctawhatcheeAudubon Society willbe having a field trip toPoint Washington StateForest led by biologistTom Greene. Meet atthe Tom Thumb at theintersection of Hwy. 98and 331 in S. WaltonCounty. Call 694-6403.

Sat.-Sun.

Niceville UnitedMethodist Church willbe celebrating thechurch’s 100th birth-day in all worship serv-ices. For more informa-tion, please visitnicevilleumc.org. Thecommunity is invited.

Calendar, B-3

COMINGUP


Please see VINCE, page A-3

Please see TRIM, page A-5

Please see ARREST, page A-3

Please see LAND, page A-5


t ncbyMeai ykyeGr ef TvneNlT,,Tki

Despite the occasional threat of a thunderstorm, weather during the Labor Day long weekend was mostly clear and hot,allowing local residents to enjoy the traditional last days of summer. Activities included golfing, taking a dip in a neighbor-hood pool, playing tennis, riding bikes, tubing down Niceville s Turkey Creek, and taking to the water in all shapes and sizesof boats, shown here at Bluewater Bay Marina.

Summer's last hurrah

Council eyes2 land petitions

ui newyTbney,ed TbnwTVVnBet Vsn1 cknlet cr ecM9e2cVaclcTDyeDTMbneEggA

Arrestin theftof $25K

New restaurant, A-2.

Low-keyreceptionfor TRIMnotices

Clearing for developmentWorkers clear trees from landthat will eventually be home to aPanda Express restaurant andthree other businesses in frontof the Walmart in Niceville. Thebuilding is expected to be com-pleted in early spring. See storyon A-2.

t ncbyMeai ykyeGr e- cMTnVe4VDnDDnl

Pete Smith

Jeffrey W. Harris

Vince Gill

The owner of theproperty at 1420Bayshore Drive,Niceville, request-ed that his proper-ty be annexed bythe city and zonedfor single-familyresidential use.

t ncbyMeai ykyeGr e- cMTnVe4VDnDDnl

The city of Nicevillebudget, set for finalapproval Sept. 12,allots $284,000 fortransportation proj-ects such as the addi-tion of asphalt pathslike the one currentlyin place along RockyBayou Drive.

t ncbyMeai ykyeGr- cMTnVe4VDnDDnl

Vince Gill signed for Mullet FestivalBy Daniel ElsesserBeacon Staff Writer

Rates for the 7,930 cus-tomers of the Niceville munici-pal water and sewer works willrise if approved at a NicevilleCity Council meeting Sept. 12.

The proposed increaseswould raise rates for residentialuse of the city's water systemby 1 percent and sewer system

by 3 percent.The typical water user,

defined by the city as one whouses 7,000 gallons a month,would see his bill increase by26 cents a month, from $28.43to $28.69, not counting a 10percent city tax.

Sewer rates would rise from$36.46 to $37.57 per month fora 7,000-gallon customer, not

counting a 10-percent taxcharged on sewer bills paidonly by customers outside thecity.

Commercial and industrialrates will climb as well.

Customer bills sent afterSept. 12 will use the new rates,assuming they win finalapproval Thursday. The city ofNiceville services water and

sewer customers inside and out-side the city limits.

Glenn Stephens ofPolyengineering, the city engi-neer, recommended that the cityboost water and sewer prices bythe proposed amounts to covercosts the city incurred when itpurchased Okaloosa County'sstake in what is now theNiceville Valparaiso Regional

Wastewater Treatment Plant. The operations and mainte-

nance costs for the facility hadpreviously been shared by thecounty and the cities ofNiceville and Valparaiso.

Under the previous arrange-ment, Niceville owned 55 per-cent of the plant, Valparaiso 20percent and Okaloosa County


The East Niceville FireDistrict gave preliminaryapproval to a budget for the2013-14 fiscal year, allotting$21,334 more than last year,after district tax rollsincreased.

The board unanimouslyvoted for preliminary approvalat its meeting Sept. 4.

The preliminary budgetprovides for $817,032 inexpenditures, up from$796,139 for the fiscal yearthat will end Sept. 30.

Tax revenues for the dis-trict should increase as well,as the taxable value of proper-ty in the East Niceville district

rose 2.6 percent over last year,to over $238 million.

On July 8, the fire commis-sion unanimously voted to setthe maximum millage rate forthe next fiscal year at 2.37mills, the same rate as thisyear. The budget given prelim-inary approval Sept. 4assumes this millage figure.

The millage rate is theamount per $1,000 taxed onproperty in the district. Onproperty worth $100,000, a2.37 millage rate would garnera fire tax of $237.

The commission will holda final budget hearing Sept.18, at 7:30 p.m., in the fire-house at 1709 27th St.,Niceville.




Thurs., 6:30 p.m.

The Emerald Coast ReefAssociation, in prepara-tion for their upcomingLionfish Tournament, isproviding a free LionfishWorkshop at DiscoveryDive World, 92 S. JohnSims Pkwy., Valparaiso.Learn safety, huntingtricks, filleting and more.Seating is limited. PleaseRSVP to [email protected] more info, visitecreef.org

Sat., 8 a.m. -12 p.m.Niceville High School’s

Eaglette Dance Team ishosting a dance clinic forages 4-12. The clinic willinclude dancing, games,lunch and a craft. Thedance learned will beperformed during thepre-game show at theSept. 20 NHS vs. Choctawfootball game.Registration info at theNHS Attendance Office.

Sat.11 a.m.-2 p.m.Meet

SherylLynnSiler atthe BayouBookCompany,

1118 John Sims Pkwy. E.,Niceville, for a book sign-ing. Stop by and play the“Happy to Be Me” gameand find out about hernew book, “Snapshots:Great Attitudes &Positive Self-Talk.”

Sat., 7:30 p.m.

The Northwest FloridaState College Fine &Performing Arts Divisionpresents a classical guitarrecital in the Tyler RecitalHall of the Mattie KellyArts Center featuring Dr.Kevin Manderville ofMontgomery, Ala. Thereis no ticket for the event,donations will be accept-ed at the door. For moreinfo call 729-5382.

Calendar, B-3

COMINGUP


Please see HIKE, page A-3


Labors of love

Niceville set to hike utilities rates


Final voteset onmillageincreaseCounty ratewould rise 4.3%By Mike GriffithBeacon Correspondent

The Okaloosa CountyCommission has tentativelyapproved a county property taxmillage rate of 3.4308 mills,about 4.3 percent above the cur-rent rate of 3.2899 mills, and 5.3percent above the “rolled back”millage rate of 3.2583—the rateat which county property taxeswould produce the same amountof revenue as was collected dur-ing the current year.

A second approval, scheduledfor Sept. 16, is required to con-firm the preliminary vote, whichoccurred Sept. 5.

At the proposed new rate,property owners in OkaloosaCounty will pay about $3.43 inproperty tax to the county forevery $1,000 of taxable valueafter homestead exemptions andother discounts.

For example, the owner of ahome appraised at $200,000 tax-able value would pay $686.16 ifthe new millage rate is givenfinal approval during the county’sfinal public budget hearing,scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday,Sept. 16, at the county water andsewer building, 1804 LewisTurner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach.

At the current millage rate,that same homeowner now pays$657.98, meaning that the newrate, if passed next Monday,would result in a $28.18 annualtax hike for the homeowner men-tioned above. Other propertyowners would pay more or lessthan that amount, depending onthe appraised value of their prop-erty, and what discounts theymay be eligible for.

The county commission prop-erty tax does not include leviesby other taxing authorities withinOkaloosa County, such as theschool district, fire districts, andcities.

Property taxes are one of

Fire board mulls$21K spending hike

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserThe driver of a Walmart 18-wheeler tried to make a U-turn, but the cab got stuck on the shoulder of State Road 20 East, justwest of the entrance to Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, at about 9 a.m. Sept. 6, blocking two lanes and forcing west-bound traffic into an eastbound lane. A tow truck removed the blockage after an hour and 15 minutes.

Wrong turn


Diana Peterson sat in theshade while the morning sunglinted off the metallicLamborghini Blue paint ofher 1957 Chevy, on which awindshield sign politelyimplored passersby to pleasenot touch.

Such requests were diffi-cult to obey at the EmeraldCoast Car Show, held at theMullet Festival grounds,Niceville, Saturday, wherePeterson and about 200 othercar owners proudly displayedthe polished and turbo-charged objects of their pas-sion.

Peterson, of Niceville, hadone of the shortest drives tothe show, as many from outof city and out of state paidthe $25 entrance fee, withproceeds going to theHumane Society andAdoption Center at PAWS inFort Walton Beach and otherlocal charities.

Peterson and her husband,Kirk, bought their 1957Chevy for $2,000 about 20years ago. Kirk began usingit in his lawn service, but intheir retirement the Petersonsbegan making the modifica-tions that transformed the for-mer work vehicle into a

Please see CAR, page A-2

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserA line of classic pickup trucks in the Chevrolet 1955-57 class at the 21st annual Emerald Coast Car Show in NicevilleSaturday. The group included a blue 1957 Chevy owned by Diana Peterson (below).

Car show raisesfunds for charity


The Niceville City Councilhas tentatively approved a $12.7million budget, set for finalapproval tomorrow, Sept. 19, at apublic hearing in the NicevilleCity Council chambers at 6 p.m.

The tentative budget assumesa millage rate of 3.7 mills, thesame as last year's rate. This rate

will bring in $130,870 more advalorem taxes than last year, asNiceville's property valuesincreased 4.89 percent since then.

The rolled-back millage rate,or the rate that would garner thesame amount of ad valorem taxrevenue as the previous year, is3.6345 mills. The proposed mill-age rate is a 1.8 percent increaseover the rolled back rate.

The millage rate is the amountper $1,000 charged on ad val-orem taxes, or taxes on real estateor business property. On proper-ty carried on the tax rolls at$100,000 after all exemptions, amillage rate of 3.70 would draw atax payment of $370.

Glenn Stephens, an advising


The Bluewater Bay MunicipalServices Benefit Unit (MSBU)voted to oppose construction of aproposed 317-foot communica-tions tower in Bluewater Bay.The issue is before the OkaloosaCounty Commission, which isscheduled to consider it Oct. 1.

The tower would be erectedon a tract on Bay Drive whichalready includes a community

swimming pool and a boat stor-age lot.

MSBU governing board mem-ber Jonathan Tallman made themotion to oppose the tower,which passed 5-0 at a meetingSept. 10. However, the MSBU,which oversees property mainte-nance of public areas inBluewater Bay, has no legalauthority over the tower's place-ment. That question is reservedto the Okaloosa CountyCommission.

Area residents appeared at acounty commission meetingTuesday to speak against thetower plan. The commissionvoted to postpone a decision untilits next meeting, Oct. 1 inCrestview, to give time for thedeveloper of the tower and neigh-borhood residents to meet.

At the county commissionpublic hearing Tuesday in FortWalton Beach, Jack Brooks, ofLido Circle, addressed a towercompany suggestion that the

structure would be landscaped toreduce its visual impact. “Youcan’t landscape a 317-foot tower”Brooks said. “There is no waythat this will go through without abig fight.”

After yesterday's public hear-ing, county Commissioner WayneHarris said he saw no reason notto approve the proposed tower.

Tallman, speaking after theMSBU meeting, but before thecounty commission meeting, toldthe Beacon: "I am concerned

about property values, and havinga tower in your back yard is aneyesore for the community. Ibelieve there are better optionsout there such as Rocky BayouState Park or along the bypassroad. Apparently in southFlorida, state parks are contactingtower companies because it willgenerate revenue for the stateparks.”

According to information


Ground was broken Tuesdayfor Superior Residences atBluewater Bay, a planned five-story, $18.5 million living cen-ter for residents 55 and older.

The center will be construct-ed near Bluewater Fitness,southeast of the intersection ofWhite Point Road and StateRoad 20, Niceville. It is expect-ed to be completed by the endof 2014.

The facility is being devel-oped through a partnershipbetween Superior Residences,which will provide manage-ment services for the center,and developer RaimundHerden.

Herden, one of the originaldevelopers of Bluewater Bay,said the center is unique

because it will be the only liv-ing center in Northwest Floridathat caters to seniors who liveindependently.

"Most places will havemaybe 15 percent independentliving, and the rest will be onmemory care or some othersuch service," Herden said."This center is designed forpeople who are fit and takingcare of themselves."

Herden said SuperiorResidences, which operates amemory-care facility inNiceville, is putting up approxi-mately one-third of the projectfunding.

The facility will contain 94either one- or two-bedroomrental apartments (545 and 937square feet, respectively), eachwith kitchen, washer and dryer.




Thurs., 7 a.m.-6 p.m.The Twin Cities

Hospital Auxiliary willsponsor a $5 Jewelry andAccessories Sale at theTwin Cities HospitalWellness Center. Cashand cred-it/debitcardsaccepted.All pro-ceeds ben-efit health-care relatedscholar-ships. Sale will extend toFriday, see calendar fordetails.

Fri., 7 -11 p.m.Please feel free to

come in and enjoy a funevening of karaoke withBill and Rhonda at

American LegionPost #221, 444 E.

John SimsPkwy.,Niceville.

Sat. 8:30 a.m-2 p.m.The Friends of the

Niceville Public Libraryare having their annualbook and bake sale in theNiceville CommunityCenter. A members-onlypresale will be Fridayevening for Friends of anyOkaloosa County PublicLibrary, see calendar for

details. Allbookshalfprice

duringpre-sale.Non-mem-

bers mayjoin at the door. For moreinfo, please call 279-4863 x1504 .

Tues., 6:30-7:30 p.m.The Niceville

Community Center willbe open for an eveningof family fun with games,stories, songs and treatsto be shared around thecamp “fire.” Sponsored bythe library and areascouts, all families areinvited. To sign up call279-4863 x1514.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP


To arms

BWB panel opposes cell phone tower

2 jailedas drugdealers

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserDeveloper Raimund Herdenanalyzes site plans while stand-ing on the land for a plannedfive-story independent livingsenior center, for which groundwas broken yesterday.

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserMembers of the local Civil War reenactor group Walton Guard fix bayonets during a drill Sunday in preparation for a reenactmentSept. 19-22 of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War battle of Chickamauga. The national event, to be held in northwest Georgia onpart of the battlefield, is expected to draw thousands of Civil War buffs. From left: George Royal, John Mertins, Ethan Rogers andDavid Cocanaugher. Eight Walton Guard members will attend the reenactment, representing the Confederacy.

Niceville set to OK $12.7 million budget

Please see TOWER, page A-6

Please see DRUG, page A-5


Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserOkaloosa County garbage collected by Waste Management isdumped at a transfer station in Fort Walton Beach before beingloaded into trucks to be dumped in the company's landfill inMarianna. Rates for the use of the landfill are increasing this year.


Two Niceville men werearrested bytheOkaloosaCountyMulti-AgencyDrug TaskForce afterofficersfound over apound ofmetham-phetaminein theirhouse,according topolicereports.

OkaloosaCountySheriff'sOfficereports gavethe follow-ing account:

Christopher Michael Bagent,a construction worker, 26, of 817Spencer Place, and Arden LeeStanley, a boat captain, 38, sameaddress, were charged with traf-ficking in methamphetamine.

Task force officers discoveredthat Bagent had bought a box ofallergy medication containing

Christopher M.Bagent

Arden L. Stanley

Please see COMPLEX, page A-3



Raised for the fallenA North Bay Fire District ladder truck raises an American flag at a ceremony Sept. 11 in BluewaterBay in remembrance of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Firefighters from Niceville and EastNiceville, as well as law-enforcement officers, also attended the event, along with about 25observers.

Ground broken for senior complex95 apartments planned


The East Niceville FireCommission gave final approvalto a budget for the 2013-14 fiscalyear, allotting $21,334 more thanlast year, after district tax rollsincreased.

The board unanimously votedfor approval at its final budgethearing Sept. 18.

The budget provides for$817,473 in expenditures, upfrom $796,139 for the fiscal yearthat will end Sept. 30.

Tax revenues for the districtshould increase as well, as thetaxable value of property in theEast Niceville district is projectedto rise 2.6 percent over last year,to over $238 million.

On July 8, the fire commission

unanimously voted to set themaximum millage rate for thenext fiscal year at 2.37 mills, thesame rate as this year. The budgetgiven final approval Sept. 18assumes this millage figure.

The millage is the tax per$1,000 of taxable property in thedistrict. On property with a tax-able value of $100,000, after allexemptions, a 2.37 millage ratewould garner a fire tax of $237.The county and school districtlevy addtional taxes.


City of Niceville water andsewer mains will be extended toaccommodate future develop-ment in the Rocky Bayou area.

The city will add 1,000 feetof 12-inch water line and 1,600feet of 12-inch sewer line alongRocky Bayou Drive, under a citybudget approved Sept. 19.

The mains will cost $56,000for water and $88,000 for sewer.

The water lines were a stipu-lation of a lease PublixSupermarkets signed withValparaiso Realty, ensuring thatthe grocery store, now underconstruction at Rocky BayouDrive and John Sims Parkway,would be connected to themunicipal water system.

Glenn Stephens, a consultingengineer to the city of Niceville,said the new sewer lines likelywould have been added later inany case.

Stephens said water andsewer lines in the area follow thesame general path, but sewerlines run about 10 feet deeperthan water lines.

Therefore, the new water

lines needed this coming fiscalyear would have had to be dis-placed for the addition of newsewer lines, which will eventual-ly be needed in the same area tosupply future users on the 1,100-acre tract east of Forest Roadowned and yet undeveloped byRuckel Properties.

Because of this, the citydecided to add both line exten-

sions simultaneously.Six-inch-wide sewer pipes

along Rocky Bayou Road willbe replaced with 12-inch pipesas part of the extension.

The new water lines will alsoeventually connect to the 1,100-acre Ruckel tract east of ForestRoad. The vacant property isexpected to be developed for res-idential and commercial use.


The Mid-Bay Bridge saw aslight increase in summer tollrevenue this year, with collec-tions in the months of Junethrough August, traditionallythe busiest of the year, jumping1.5 percent from the same peri-od last year.

In the three summer monthsof 2013, when tourist traffic is

heaviest, the 3.5-mile bridgebetween Niceville and Destincollected over $4.8 million intolls, slightly higher than the$4.7 million in the year-earlierperiod.

August saw largest revenueincrease of the three months,up 3.3 percent, to $1.48 mil-lion.

Mid-Bay Bridge Authority





Thurs., 6-8 p.m.Women of all ages are

invited to “What’s in YourBag?” anevening of fel-lowship, horsd’oeuvres and abag exchange atNiceville United MethodistChurch, 214 Partin Drive S.Niceville, in the Sanctuaryand Gathering Area. Bring agently loved purse toexchange and hear mission-aries Kim Orellana andCarolyn Knight talk abouttheir experiences. For moreinfo visit niceville.org-women or call 865-4769.Fri., 5 -10 p.m. and Sat.,11 a.m.-10 p.m.

The 19th AnnualOktoberfest and Arts andCrafts Festival will be in theWinn Dixie parking lot,

Route 20,BluewaterBay. Therewill bevendors

and entertainment. Freeadmission. See story on B-1.Sat. 9 a.m-12 p.m.

Fred Gannon RockyBayou State Park invites allfor a fence clearing projectcelebrating National PublicLands Day. Volunteersshould meet at the north-east area of the park onRange Road near BluewaterElementary School pre-pared to work outdoors.Water andsnacks willbe provided.Park feeswaived forvolunteers. For more infocall 833-9144.Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The “Lead, Influenceand Take Action” confer-ence will be open to stu-dents from Okaloosa andsurrounding districts. $10to attend, scholarships avail-able. To be held at theCosta Leadership Institute inthe Northwest FloridaState College, Niceville. Formore info call 368-3505 [email protected].

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP


Water colors

City to extend utility mains to Ruckel tract

Unchangedtax rateOK’d byNorth BayA commissionersays it should be lower

Beacon photo by Daniel ElsesserRebecca Perrott paints a sailboat and its reflection at the Oak Marina on Bayshore Drive, Niceville. She participated in a"plein air" (or open air) painting class that meets at a different location every Wednesday and is instructed by CherieMulhearn. "Anyone is welcome to come out and paint with us," Mulhearn said.


The North Bay FireCommission gave finalapproval to a $2 million budgetthat will levy a millage rate of2.35 mills next year, the samerate as this year.

One commissioner dissent-ed, sayingthe rateshould belower.

This ratewill bringin over$56,000more in taxrevenuesthan wasbrought inthis fiscal year, as taxable val-ues in the independent fire dis-trict increased over the currentfiscal year to $891.6 million,the first meaningful increase insix years.

The elected commissionvoted 4-1 Sept. 18 to approvethe budget and millage rate,with Commissioner DavidScholl dissenting.

Scholl said he felt the dis-trict should adopt the "rolled-back" millage rate for 2014, orthe millage rate that wouldraise the same amount of taxrevenues as in 2013. The


Vehicles approach tollboothsof the Mid-Bay Bridge Sept.19. The bridge saw a 1.5 per-cent increase in toll revenuesthis summer over the summerof 2012.


David Scholl


Summer revenue gains posted by toll bridgeBut traffic remains flat

E. Niceville district votes to spend $817,000No change in tax rate

$301,954,725

$325,677,741

$283,808,834 $282,434,016 $274,918,047 $274,529,612 $275,806,449$283,248,255

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014*

Fiscal year ending Sept. 30

$0

$50,000,000

$100,000,000

$150,000,000

$200,000,000

$250,000,000

$300,000,000

$350,000,000

Source: Ok. Co. Prop. App.*2014 prelim.

East Niceville Fire District tax rollsTaxable value of property in district after exemptions

Beacon Staff WriterThe city of Niceville has

updated its official seal to reflectan earlier established date.

The seal, which previouslybore no date, now features a tinystatement at the bottom thatreads "Established July 21,1868."

Current seals, such as one inthe Niceville City Council

chambers, will remain as theyare, but the city will start usingthe updated seal on official doc-uments, merchandise and otheritems, according to CityManager Lannie Corbin.

Corbin proposed the updat-ing of the seal on a suggestionfrom area "freelance historian"Elisa Mitchiner, who said the1868 marks the year mail serv-

ice began in the community,then called Boggy.

That development occurred60 years before 333 of about1,500 area residents voted, 329-4, to incorporate as a city. Thedecision, made in July 1938,was followed by the naming ofJ.M. Reynolds as mayor, and thecreation of a city council thatincluded Claude Meigs and

Wallace Spence. A bill establishing the city of

Niceville as a municipality waspassed by the Florida SenateMay 25, 1939.

Mitchiner said she wanted toadd the "established" date to thecity seal partially to emphasizethat the community of Niceville,

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, October 2, 2013



Please see SEAL, page A-3

Please see HONORS, page A-3

Please see REZONING, page A-6

Signs of fall Blue Ribbonhonors awardedCollegiate High

Beacon photo by Angela Yuriko SmithA youngster is part of the human chain Thursday that unloaded the semi-trailer crammed with pumpkins des-tined for the Niceville United Methodist Church s month-long Pumpkin Patch sale. The patch will be open atthe southwest corner of John Sims Parkway and Partin Drive until Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven daysa week. Pumpkins will be available for donations. Saturdays will feature music, face painting, a bouncy houseand petting zoo.

Beacon Staff WriterCollegiate High School at Northwest Florida

State College, Niceville, was recognized as aNational Blue Ribbon Schoolby the U.S. Department ofEducation.

Collegiate wasamong 286 schoolsnationwide earning thehonor this year based on"overall academic excel-lence or their progress inimproving student academicachievement," according to the department.

Anthony Boyer, director of the charter schoolfor advanced high school students, attributed thehonor to “the hard work of the students, teachers,and staff.

"It is also the support that CHS studentsreceive from parents," Boyer added.

Established in 2000, the school, one of thetop-ranked public schools in Florida, was recog-nized once before as a National Blue RibbonSchool, in 2006.

In Collegiate's three-year program, most

Niceville eyesannexation,rezoningBeacon Staff Writer

The Niceville City Council is scheduled tohear requests for an annexation and a rezoningat its meeting Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. in the NicevilleCity Council chambers.

The city planning board last month recom-mended the changes.

Larry Wright is asking that two of hisparcels at 1420 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, inan unincorporated area, be annexed by the city.Wright submitted a companion request for athird parcel at the address, which is already inthe city, asking that it be rezoned from PUD(planned urban development) to R-1 (residen-tial single family).

The two lots requested for annexation are


Beacon Staff WriterThe Valparaiso City Commission has

approved a municipal budget that maintainsa millage rate at the highest level in memo-ry. Rates for city utilities will not increase.

By keeping thecurrent millage rate of4.524 mills,Valparaiso will levyan additional $23,407in ad valorem proper-ty tax, due to the city'sproperty values hav-ing increased about 3percent from last year.

There has been nohigher millage rate inValparaiso since atleast 1985.

The millage rate isthe amount per $1,000charged on ad val-orem taxes, or taxeson real estate andbusiness property. Onproperty carried onthe tax rolls at$100,000 after all

exemptions, a millage rate of 4.524 wouldresult in a annual municipal tax payment of$452.40, before county and schools taxes.

Valparaiso keepsrecord tax rate

Inside ...

Thurs., 1:30 p.m.The Valparaiso

CommunityLibraryinvites fami-lies and chil-

dren to Early Release MovieDay to watch a free showingof “The Croods.” Popcornand refreshments will beserved.

Sat.,8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.An IT Pro Camp will be

held at the NorthwestFlorida State College,Niceville Campus, StudentServices Center (SSC), 100College Blvd. The one-daylearning event is free ofcharge. Advance registrationis requested. To register, visititprocamp.com/northwest-florida. See calendar on B2for more details.

Sat. 8:30 a.mThe Third Annual Grand

Staff 5KRun/Walk is atNiceville HighSchool on Hwy20. The coursestarts and finishes at theschool. Registration is $25up to, and including, raceday. Online registration atActive.com. For details or tosponsor the Niceville HighSchool Chorus, contact Kirkor Suzanne Herzog at 897-5174, or Janet Simpson 803-2593.

Mon., 6:30 p.m.The

Octobermeeting ofthe Mac

Users Group will be held atthe Northwest Florida StateCollege Student Servicesbuilding, room 132. For moreinformation, visitFWBMug.com or contactJean Dutton at [email protected] or 862-3327.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP

NicevilleroyaltyAlayna Nixon and BrockSchaefer were crownedNiceville High School s 2013Homecoming king and queenduring halftime at the Eaglesvs. Greene County, Miss.,football game Friday. Bothare seniors. Game story,page A-4. HomecomingCourt, page, B-4.


note data ranges

2.8754

3.754.193

3.933 4.0644

4.524 4.524

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Fiscal year ended Sept. 30

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Mill

age

Source: City of Valparaiso

Valparaiso millage ratesMunicipal tax rate, by year (does not include county or other levies)


Niceville claims seniority with new seal

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Browse our selection of Hardwood & Laminate

HappyNew Year!


THE BAY BEACONPage A-6 Wednesday, January 1, 2014


The Okaloosa CountyCommission has agreed to delaya decision about a proposed com-munications tower in BluewaterBay.

Commissioners unanimouslyagreed Oct. 1 to grant a 90-daycontinuance on a public hearingto discuss whether to approve aproposal to erect a 317-foot com-munications tower near the Bay


The Okaloosa CountyCommission has approved a planby the county TouristDevelopment Department tospend $203,725 of bed-tax rev-enue for an advertising campaignto encourage more tourism alongthe Emerald Coast during theThanksgiving through NewYear’s holiday season.

Meantime, the head of thetourism department is quittingafter little more than a year onthe job.

According to county touristdevelopment director Dan

O’Byrne and representatives ofthe Peter Mayer advertisingagency, the campaign will placeads and other information inmagazines, radio broadcasts, andonline sites, promoting OkaloosaCounty beaches as a desirablevacation spot for the holidays.

During a meeting inCrestview Oct. 1, county com-mission Chairman Don Amundsasked whether the advertisingcampaign's proposed slogan, “AVery Emerald Christmas,” mightbe perceived as offensive to peo-ple who do not celebrate theChristian holiday. Other

Defense Secretary ChuckHagel announced Saturday hewas recalling most of the DefenseDepartment civilians who wereplaced on furlough as a result ofthe partial government shutdownwhich began Oct. 1.

Most of the 350,000 DefenseDepartment civilians placed on

emergency furlough were askedto return to work beginning thisweek, Hagel said.

The furloughs had hit theOkaloosa County economy, asthousands of employees at EglinAir Force Base and HurlburtField were told to stay homebeginning Oct. 1 because a

Congressional budget impassehad resulted in sharp funding cut-backs governmentwide. Active-duty military members were notdirectly affected by the partialshutdown.

Late last week, Congresspassed a stopgap bill to restoremuch of the money to the

Defense Department.“Immediately after President

Obama signed the Pay OurMilitary Act into law, I directedDOD’s acting general counsel todetermine whether we couldreduce the number of civilian per-sonnel furloughed due to theshutdown,” Hagel said.

The Defense Department, hesaid, consulted closely with theDepartment of Justice, whichexpressed its view that the lawdoes not permit a blanket recallof all civilians.

However, he said, governmentlawyers "concluded that the lawdoes allow the Department ofDefense to eliminate furloughsfor employees whose responsibil-ities contribute to the morale,

well-being, capabilities and readi-ness of service members,” Hagelsaid.

“Consequently, I am nowdirecting the military departmentsand other DOD components tomove expeditiously to identify allemployees whose activities fallunder these categories,” he said.

Hagel noted he expects the mil-

More tourists sought duringChristmas holidays


Eying a multimillon-dollarbonanza in oil-spill compensa-tion, the Okaloosa CountyRestore Act Committee metThursday in Niceville to discuss amission statement and goals.

The ORAC is an 11-membergroup of volunteer communityleaders from governmental and

private organizations throughoutOkaloosa County, selected by theOkaloosa County Commission toadvise the commission on how touse expected millions of dollarsallocated to the county to mitigateeffects of the 2010 BP oil spill,which was blamed for big lossesby the tourist industry.

Much of the discussion duringlast Thursday’s meeting was led

by Sal Nodjomian of the MatrixDesign Group, an engineeringcompany working for the county.

Nodjomian said that themoney expected from an ongoinglawsuit against BP will be dividedinto several “pots,” of which “Pot1” will be funds placed under thedirect control of county govern-ments in counties affected by thespill, according to the Restore

Act, a federal law enacted to gov-ern the allocation of such funds.

Other “pots,” said Nodjomian,include:

—Pot 2: Money to be con-trolled by the Gulf CoastEcosystem Restoration Council.

—Pot 3: Money controlled bythe Gulf Coast Consortium – anorganization of representativesfrom the 23 Gulf Coast Florida

counties affected by the spill.—Pots 4 and 5: Money set

aside for research and monitoringprograms.

Nodjomian said the totalamount of money expected fromthe BP civil trial under way infederal court in New Orleanscould range anywhere between




Please see BP MONEY, page A-6

Please see DOD, page A-4

Rallying Ruckel BWB celltowerdecisionon hold


The Ruckel Middle School cheerleaders raise spirits during the Ruckel vs. Davidson game Thursday, Oct. 3, played in the Eaglesstadium. Ruckel lost to Davidson, 28-21. This Thursday, Oct. 10, the Rams will face Pryor in a pivotal game that will decide whichteam makes the playoffs. Game will be at the Niceville High School stadium and starts at 6:30 p.m. See Sports on page A-5.

Thurs., 9:30 a.m.The Bluewater Bay

Garden Clubwill meet at theClubhouse onBluewater BayBoulevard. Thespeaker will be KarenWilliams, a master gardenerwho will give a program on“Plants for Fall and WinterColor” All welcome. 897-5560.

Sat.,12 p.m.The 2013 Public Square

Rosary Crusade will bepraying for the nation infront of Twin Cities Pavilion,1053 E. John Sims Pkwy.,Niceville, and in front ofChrist Our Redeemer

Church, WhitePoint Road,Niceville. Theevent will last

about 45 minutes.Participants welcome tobring lawn chairs.

Sat. 7:30 a.m.There will be an

Audubon field trip to LittleCreek Woods in NorthernWalton County hosted byowner Bob Reid. See manyupland and migratoryspecies on this beautiful,well-managed tract whichReid has been restoring toits original state. Bringwater, insect repellent, out-door attire, sacklunch and alawn chair, asthere will be anevening bonfire for thosewho can stay. Meet at theformer Niceville Food Worldon John Sims Pkwy. 678-1926.

Tues., 6:30 p.m.Jonathan Gunger

shares his new novel, “34/4,”at the NicevilleCommunity Center, 204Partin Drive N. Books will beavailable for purchase andsigning at this event. Forfurther information or toreserve a seat call theNiceville Public Library at279-4863 x 1504. This pro-gram is hosted by theFriends of the NicevillePublic Library.

Calendar, B2, B3.

COMINGUP Okaloosa eyes millions in BP money

StormKaren vs.beaversForeman John Schiefelbin ofthe Okaloosa County RoadDepartment surveys waterflow along a tributary thatcrosses beneath NutmegAvenue, Niceville. His crewwas on hand Oct. 2 toremove a beaver dam thatwas blocking a culvert toprevent possible floodingahead of Tropical StormKaren s expected landfallover the weekend. Thestorm fizzled, but the areareceived about two inches ofrain nevertheless.

Beacon photo by Angela Yuriko SmithPlease see TOURISTS, page A-3


Most DoD employees go back to workFurloughs end after Congress restores paychecks

Prepping forMullet FestThe 37th annual BoggyBayou Mullet Festival, to beheld in Niceville Oct. 18-20,is shaping up to be one ofthe best ever, according toorganizers. “The site is inreally good shape and weexpect a large crowd,” saidLavon Mason.



The Niceville City Councilhas tentatively approved anordinance that would reduce thefrequency of garbage pickupsfrom twice a week to once aweek citywide.

The measure, which would

also reduce a typical residentialcustomer's garbage and recy-cling pickup fees by $1 amonth, is intended to steermore of the city’s waste towardrecycling rather than landfills.

The proposed ordinance,adopted 4-1 on first readingOct. 8, would also do away

with the 18-gallon recyclingcrates, replacing them withlarge, yellow-top 64- or 96-gal-lon carts resembling thegarbage carts currently in use.The new bins will allow thecollection company to pick up

Thurs., 10 a.m.An insurance

advisor will beat the NicevilleLibrary, 206Partin Dr. N. to explainMedicare benefits to cur-rent and future recipientswith emphasis on the pre-scription benefits. This is toprovide information only.The program is free butseating is limited so pleasecall the library at 279-4863x 1504 to reserve a seat.

Fri.,11 a.m.A charity golf tourna-

ment will benefitGreyhound Pets of

AmericaEmeraldCoast at theEglin Golf

Course, 1527 Fairway Dr.,Niceville. $55 includesgreens fees, cart andlunch. Proceeds will helpoffset the costs of grey-hound adoptions. Seecalendar for registrationinfo.

Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.Learn to make a corner

basket at the HeritageMuseum of NorthwestFlorida, 115 WestviewAvenue, Valparaiso. Thecost is $30 or,$25 for muse-um members.Materialsincluded. Space is limited,please call to pre-register at678-2615.

Mon., 5-7 p.m.The Valparaiso

Community Library, 459Valparaiso Parkway, wouldlike to invite tweens andteens ages 10 and up totheir second annual mur-der mystery. Participantsare urged to wear theirfavorite sci-fi costume andcome sleuth the "Murderat Area 51." Fun and prizeswill be had. Sign up by call-ing 729-5406 or [email protected].

Calendar, B2, B3


Former Okaloosa CountyCommissioner James Campbellon Monday pleaded “no con-test” to eight misdemeanorcharges against him, in returnfor which the state of Floridadropped more-serious felonycharges of official misconductlodged against him last fall.

In a hearing in Fort WaltonBeach, Circuit Judge WilliamStone sentenced Campbell, ofNiceville, to four years' proba-tion, 400 hours of communityservice and a $4,000 fine, aswell as payment of some addi-

tional court costs.The dismissal of the felony

charges apparently means thatCampbell may keep his statepension, which would havebeen cut off had he been con-victed on any of the felonycharges, against which hesteadfastly maintained his inno-cence.

Campbell was arrested inSeptember 2012 on multiplecounts of falsifying public doc-uments after allegedly failing todisclose $12,750 he receivedfor recruiting sponsors of theannual Boggy Bayou MulletFestival. At the time of his

arrest, Campbell was serving asa county commissioner and asthe recreation director for theCity of Niceville. As a countycommissioner, he also wasresponsible for overseeing atleast two of the entities listedas buying sponsorships: thecounty-operated NorthwestFlorida Regional Airport andthe county TouristDevelopment Council.

State records show that hedid not list the payments on theannual financial-disclosureforms he was required to file asa public official.





Please see CAMPBELL, page A-4

Mullet Festival to open Friday

The 37th Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival will begin its three-day run Friday at the festival grounds, corner of Highway 85 Northand College Boulevard, Niceville.

COMINGUP Niceville halves garbage pickups

Switch to once a week seen boosting recycling


Music, foodcrafts, rides

In a bid to increaserecycling, Nicevilleresidents willreceive yellow-topped recyclingcarts like this one,and garbage collec-tion will be cut toonce a week.

‘Christmas Lady’ to resume displayDebbie Lewis, “TheChristmas Lady,” willuse the former FoodWorld building inNiceville to house hermassive annualChristmas show. Lastyear s display had tobe canceled due to thedifficulties of finding alocation in time. Thisyear she plans toopen Nov. 29.

Beacon photo byAngela Yuriko Smith

By Angela Yuriko SmithBeacon Staff Writer

Debbie Lewis, better knownto many as "The ChristmasLady," will come back toNiceville this year with herlong-running Christmas show,“Animation in Motion.”

It will be held in the formerFood World store, Oak CreekPlaza, E. John Sims Parkway.

The show is scheduled tostart Nov. 29, the day afterThanksgiving, earlier than ever.

“It’s so exciting to be on themain drag,” said Lewis. “Thistime, because we open early,

it’s a little scary. I hope webring a lot of traffic to the sur-rounding business.”

The free-admission displaywill run nightly, through Dec.27, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Until last year, the displayhad been an annual event since1994. It includes a gigantic col-lection of lighted and animateddolls, nutcrackers and a 1,000-piece Christmas village. Modeltrain sets round out the holidaycollection.

Many of the pieces Lewissaid she hasn’t been able to usein the last few years because

they are designed to be in ayard. This year, she plans ontrying to bring the “outdoorsin” with the new location.

With her husband, KevinPayne, Lewis, a Niceville realestate agent, has been settingup the show nearly every yearsince they moved to the area.Originally the shows were setup inside and outside theirhouse, but the presentationdrew so many spectators that in2006 neighbors complainedabout the extra traffic, and city

Please see DISPLAY, page A-4

Former Okaloosa CountyCommissioner JamesCampbell gives information to acourt bailiff after being sen-tenced to probation, communi-ty service and fines in OkaloosaCounty Circuit Court Mondayafter pleading no contest toeight charges of making falsestatements on official financial-disclosure forms.


Campbell to serve probation, keep pension

Beacon Staff WriterThe 37th annual Boggy

Bayou Mullet Festival willbegin Friday at the MulletSite, Niceville. The three-dayfestival will feature music,food, kiddie rides, games,crafts and four tons of friedand smoked fish.

Tens ofthousandsof peoplefrom allover theSoutheastare expect-ed.

The fes-tival, atHighway85 Northand College Boulevard, willopen Friday at noon. Countryheadliners Vince Gill, JustinMoore and Thompson Squarewill perform, as well as manyother acts.

Parking is free and admis-sion at the gate is $10, or $15between 5 p.m. and closingtime on Saturday. Children 11or under are free.

The festival began in 1976,brainchild of chamber of com-merce president FrancisSpence, as a way to promote the Niceville-Valparaiso area.

Vince Gill

More on A-2 & A-3.

Please see MULLET, page A-3

By Virginia SchreitmuellerBeacon Correspondent

The North Bay FireCommission has been consid-ering allowing the firefighters'union to appeal labor griev-ances to an arbitrator in theevent of an unfavorable deci-sion by the commission.

A split vote by the commis-sion earlier this month wasinconclusive, and the mattermay come up again at a com-mission meeting scheduled forNov. 12.

Opposing views on the pro-posed change in the firefight-ers’ union contract highlighteda meeting of the North BayFire Control District governingboard in Bluewater Bay Oct. 9.

After reviewing the financialreport for September, FireChief Jim Miller introducedNorth Bay FirefightersAssociation President TravisZaal, who asked to address thefire commission on the union'sproposal to amend article 52 ofits contract with the district.

The proposed change to thearticle, which covers arbitration


Litigation over rights to water-front property in Valparaiso maycontinue for the foreseeablefuture, after the city commissionagreed to file a countersuitagainst a property owner who hadsued the city, claiming ownershipof some waterfront land on TomsBayou.

Also, Valparaiso voters maysoon vote in a referendum on

whether to change the city’s char-ter.

At a Valparaiso CityCommission meeting Oct. 14,City Attorney Hayward Dykessuggested a countersuit againstresidents Jason and AngelleRosenbleeth, who have sued thecity over the land ownershipissue.

For years, the city has facedlawsuits from property ownerswho live along the city’s water-

front streets, and who seek toestablish ownership to the water’sedge. The city maintains that ithas rights to land seaward of citystreets in front of such homeown-ers’ property, even if such streetsare only platted as streets butnever actually paved.

During the meeting, Dykesasked the city commission todecide whether the city should“aggressively pursue” its claim tothe right of way along a portion

of Bayshore Drive that runs alongToms Bayou west of John SimsParkway. Unlike Bayshore Driveto the east, the portion to the westof John Sims Parkway is anunpaved track.

Dykes recommended that thecity’s countersuit be handled byBruce Bowman, a member ofDykes’ firm of Connerly,Bowman and Dykes.

During the discussion that fol-lowed, City Commissioner Kay

Hamilton initially expresseddoubt about filing such a counter-suit. “I ran on a campaign forcooperation, not litigation,” shesaid. She said the city has rarelyif ever prevailed in such suits, and

that she would prefer to discusssome sort of settlement with thelandowners.

Dykes, however, said that the

Thurs., 6 p.m.The Sand Dunes

Chapter ofEmbroiderers'Guild ofAmerica cele-brates variousforms of hand embroiderywith a meeting in Room400, Niceville UnitedMethodist Church, 214Partin Drive S. Visitors arewelcome, call 496-3466.

Fri.,9-11 a.m.Bring unwanted person-

al documents for shreddingto the Cintas mobile docu-ment shredding truck,which will shred them freeof charge. The truck will be

in the backparking lot ofthe Niceville

Public Library, 206 PartinDrive N. Materials to shredinclude invoices, x-rays,bank statements, medicalrecords and more. Staples,rubber bands, folders,paper clips, etc. do notneed to be removed beforeshredding occurs.

Fri., 6:30-7:30 p.m.The Mattie Kelly Arts

Center Galleries begins itsfinal show of 2013,“Sideshow!” an exhibitionof sideshow, freak showand circus posters from thegolden age oftraveling enter-tainment. Thepublic is invitedto an opening reception inthe McIlroy and HolzhauerGalleries. “Sideshow!” willbe on view Oct. 25 to Dec.4. The Mattie Kelly ArtsCenter Galleries are openMonday through Friday, 10a.m.-4 p.m., and 90 minutesprior to most mainstagetheater and NWFSC pro-ductions. Free.

Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.The Viva

Florida 500 fes-tival will be heldin Perrine Park,

next to the HeritageMuseum of NorthwestFlorida, 115 Westview Ave.,Valparaiso. Vendors, a plantsale offering shrubs andperennials, activities forchildren, food and fun.There will also be aninformative talk given bySheila Dunning on garden-ing in sand at 10:30 a.m.,and a floral design activityat 2 p.m. for children ages8-12. For more info, [email protected],[email protected], orvisit mariesgardenandde-sign.com.

Calendar, B2, B3





COMINGUP Valp. ratchets up shoreline litigation



Members of the Mid-BayBridge Authority Board ofDirectors learned things aboutthe Mid-Bay Bridge and otherspans that they may have neverknown before, as they receivedan informal briefing by an 8-year-old Oct. 17.

Michael James Panarisi, astudent at BluewaterElementary School, briefedMBBA board members duringa meeting in Destin about hisconstruction of model bridges,and his recent visit to the Mid-Bay Bridge connector routeconstruction project. He wasaccompanied by his father,Michael Troy Panarisi.

Young Michael showed

board members one of themodel bridges he has recentlybuilt with the help of his father,a former Air Force test pilotwho works at the Air ForceResearch Lab at Eglin AirForce Base as a civilian.

Michael said that he hasbeen fascinated by bridges eversince his family arrived in theNiceville area, and that he isworking on building models ofeach of the major types ofbridge design.

Michael told the boardmembers that the model hebrought to the meeting, forexample, illustrated a “truss sus-pension double-decker bridge,”but that the Mid-Bay bridge is a

Beacon photo by Mike GriffithThe Greyhound Pets of America Emerald Coast chapter held its first Pup Cup golf tournament Friday at the Eglin Air Force Base pub-lic golf course to raise funds for adoptions of greyhounds that have retired or been rejected from dog racing. Among the 46 partici-pants were, from left: G.R.R. Hardinger, Will Tobin, Jodi Lowery, Chuck Wucherpfennig, and Rich Ware, with four-legged acquaintanc-es which are up for adoption (1-800-366-1472). The event raised $1,974.

Michael J.Panarisi, 8,showed Mid-BayBridge officials hismodel of a “trusssuspension dou-ble-decker bridge”during a meetinglast week in Destin.


Helping houndsNorth Baydebatesgrievanceprocedures

County suspendscatering contractBy Mike GriffithBeacon Correspondent

The Okaloosa CountyCommission has suspended itscontract with Aramark, the com-pany thathas beenprovidingcateringservices tothe county-ownedEmeraldCoastConventionCenter onOkaloosaIsland.

During a commission meetingOct. 15 in Fort Walton Beach, thecontract was suspended on

motion of Commissioner NathanBoyles, who said he had recentlyobserved Aramark employeesusing county vehicles and person-nel to perform catering duties forsome of the company's commer-cial, rather than county clients.

In a written statement follow-ing the meeting, Boyles wrote:“The Convention Center has thepotential to spur future economicdevelopment for our county.However, the center is a publicasset and must be operatedaccordingly, meaning it can'talways operate like a private busi-ness. In August, conference cen-ter staff was advised that it wasinappropriate for the center to aid

Mullet madnessThe 37th annual Boggy BayouMullet Festival took place over theweekend in Niceville, drawing visi-tors from throughout the regionfor music, food and fun. Amongthem was Sophia Baez, 9 months,who enjoyed petting a pony solong as her mother, Loren Baez,held her close.

Beacon photos by Mike Griffith

Please see ENGINEER, page A-3


Please see DEBATES, page A-8

Nathan Boyles

Budding engineer, 8, briefs bridge officials

Beacon StaffThe Niceville Planning Commission is

scheduled to conduct a public hearing Mondayat 7 p.m. to consider a request by Publix SuperMarkets for a special exception to the city signordinance to allow for bigger signs on thePublix grocery store under construction at JohnSims Parkway and Rocky Bayou Drive.

The request was submitted by Thomas Signand Awning.

The Niceville City Council will also con-duct a public hearing Nov. 12, at 7 p.m., toconsider the same request.

Both meetings will be in the city councilchambers in the municipal building, 208 NorthPartin Drive.

Publix wantsbigger signs


The governing board of theBluewater Bay MunicipalServices Benefit Unit (MSBU) isseeking two volunteers to fillvacancies on the panel.

The MSBU is an autonomouspart of Okaloosa County govern-ment, responsible for care andmaintenance of landscaping,street lights, street signs, andother general upkeep of commonareas along the main streets of theunincorporated Bluewater Baycommunity. It is governed by afive-member board of directors,who are usually elected to four-

year termsby voterswho ownpropertywithinBluewaterBay.

In sepa-rateannounce-ments earli-er thismonth, members Joan McCarthyand Doug Burgess said they wereresigning from their positions.McCarthy said she would leavethe panel Jan. 1. Burgessresigned Oct. 10.

McCarthy, who was elected in2012 to a two-year term sched-uled to end Nov. 1, 2014, saidthat she would be leaving earlybecause herschedule ofout-of-towntravel willno longerpermit herthe time toserve effec-tively.

In anOct. 12phone con-versationwith the Beacon, Burgess, 74,said, “I have enjoyed my service


Only three of the membersof Valparaiso’s “VisioningCommittee” attended a recentmeeting. As a result, said com-mittee member Jill White, novotes could be taken nor deci-sions made.

“We are making progress,but we need a quorum in orderto decide anything,” Whitesaid. She added that member-ship in the committee has grad-ually dwindled to about eightofficial members, as some haveresigned from the visioningcommittee and others have notregularly attended committeemeetings since being appointedearlier this year by Valparaiso’smayor and city commission.

Of the remaining eightmembers, she said, at least fourmust be present at a meeting toform a quorum, so that anycommittee business can be putto a vote. For the past twomonthly meetings, only threemembers have attended.

Currently, said White, theremaining active members ofthe committee continue towork toward drafting a “visionstatement” for the city, andpreparing a questionnaire to be

By Steve AndrewsBeacon Correspondent

Officials of the OkaloosaGas District last weekexplained a recent rate increasewhich they said averages 2.8percent.

During a meeting at itsValparaiso headquarters Oct.23, the gas district also wel-comed a new board member.

District chief executive Jose

Lozano explained the district’srecent increase in gas prices,which took effect Sept. 1. Therise in the cost-of-gas portionof customer bills, from 38.5cents to 42.5 cents per therm,was the first hike in 14 months.The typical residential customercan expect an average increaseof 96 cents a month.

An Okaloosa Gas bill isdivided into four components:

customer charge, cost-of-gas,compliance charge and distribu-tion charge. The only part ofthe bill that saw an increase isthe cost-of-gas, which had beenunchanged since July 1, 2012.

The district was able to holdthe rate steady for over a yearby offsetting supplier priceincreases with funds from itsreserve Purchased GasAdjustment fund. The majority

of those funds came from a set-tlement two years ago, whenOkaloosa Gas collected reim-bursement from Florida GasTransmission for being over-charged by the interstatepipeline company.

The increase in the typicalresidential bill will be about 2.8percent, based on an averageuse of 24 therms a month, saidOkaloosa Gas Marketing

Director Eddie Springle. “Theincrease may be greater orless—depending upon the num-ber and type of appliances acustomer has in the home," hesaid.

The cost-of-gas portion ofthe bill reflects the actualamount Okaloosa Gas pays forthe fuel. The utility passes that

Thurs., 5:30-7:30 p.m.Everyone is invited for

some freeHalloween funat the NicevilleAssembly ofGod, 108 Hwy. 85 N.,Niceville, in the north park-ing lot, facing the schoolboard building. There willbe plenty of treats, inflata-bles, carnival games andmore. More Halloweenhappenings on B-1.

Fri-Sun., 9 a.m.The 26th Annual

Thunderbird IntertribalPowow will be celebratingits silver anniversary at theMullet Festival Groundson the corner of Hwy. 85 N.

and CollegeBlvd., Niceville.Tickets will be$5, $3 for chil-dren under 12.

Admission is $3 for every-one Friday. For scheduleand info visit thunderbird-powwow.org. Story on B-1.

Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Twin Cities Pavilion will

be holding its annual craftand bake sale at thePavilion, 1053 E John SimsPkwy., Niceville.All proceedsfrom thefundraiser willgo to residentsfor special events and sup-plies. For more, 833-9212.

Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Visit the Biophilia

Center, Freeport, to enjoyanother chance to wearHalloween costumes at theFall Festival. Activities willinclude hay rides, hauntedtrails, animals and exhibits.Admission is $8 adults, $5children and 2 and underfree. For more info, call 835-1824.

Calendar, B2, B3




Please see GAS HIKE, page A-2

Please see DWINDLING, page A-3



COMINGUP Okaloosa Gas explains 2.8% rate hike

Bce onfi e nl h fi eoftte, b tyeMakeG bar aTv NatpaGafun ufTi e wddV

beai nT pcnkn sr 1 f9e 2 GfllfkcThe Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in Valparaiso Saturday hosted a “Viva Florida 500” celebration, which featured a varietyof food and craft booths and other activities. Viva Florida 500 is a statewide initiative led by the Florida Department of State markingthe 500th anniversary of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon's landing in the region, which he named La Florida, "Land of theFlowers." Among the activities during Saturday's event were lessons for children in how to make dried flower arrangements, hereled by museum volunteer June Jones.

beai nT pcnknPublix is seeking permission from Niceville city offi-cials to put bigger signs on its planned supermarketthan allowed by city law. Pictured, the buildingunder construction last week at John Sims Parkwayand Rocky Bayou Drive.

500th birthday for 'Land of Flowers'‘Visioning’panel’sdwindlingranks

Joan McCarthy

Starting ona high noteFifty people took part in thethird Annual Niceville HighSchool 5K Grand StaffRun/Walk, a fund-raiser for theaward-winning school chorus,held Saturday. The event raised$2,000. Story, A-6.

beai nT pcnkn sr 1 f9e 2 Gfllfkc

Doug Burgess

MSBU seeks volunteers2 leaving BWB board

Beacon staffThe YMCA of Florida’s

Emerald Coast will close itsmoney-losing Niceville branchDec. 31, the organizationannounced this week.

The building lease in the PalmPlaza shopping center will expireon that date, and "months ofongoing efforts to secure anacceptable alternative locationhave proven fruitless at this time,"according to a YMCA statement.

The YMCA had said it was

looking for another home afterbeing informed by RuckelProperties, owner of Palm Plaza,that its tradition of renting to theorganization at below-marketrates could not continue in thecurrent real estate market.

"While the Y remains gratefulto Ruckel Properties for gener-ously providing reduced leaserates with short-duration exten-sions, the Niceville branch con-sistently operated at a fiscaldeficit every year since the doors

opened in 2006," according to theYMCA statement.

The storefront Niceville Yconsists chiefly of a gym, a roomfor exercise classes, and anindoor swimming pool, whichclosed last summer.

Rudy Wright, president of theFort Walton Beach-based YMCAof Florida’s Emerald Coast,which operates four branches,including Niceville, said Tuesdaythat membership in the NicevilleY is about 465 households, repre-

senting some 1,100 persons. Thehigh-water mark in membershipwas achieved in January 2012, hesaid, with about 670 households.

The organization closed theNiceville Y's pool in July of thisyear, contributing to the member-ship decline, which is also due toa normal seasonal fluctuation,Wright said.

Member reaction to the clo-sure news was one of disappoint-ment.


During its next meeting, scheduled for 6p.m. Nov. 12, the Valparaiso CityCommission is expected to vote on the sec-ond and final reading of a proposed ordi-nance to place a referendum before voters tochange the city charter.

If the ordinance passes following a publichearing Tuesday, Valparaiso voters woulddecide March 11 whetherto approve severalamendments to thecurrent charter,which was origi-nally enacted in1921. The newcharter, the basicdocument outlin-ing the structure ofmunicipal govern-ment, would includethe following changes,according to a city summary:

—Change the city administrator from aregular city employee to a “charter officer”of the city, and give him more operatingauthority at the expense of elected commis-sioners.

—Eliminate the offices of city tax asses-sor, tax collector, treasurer, and municipaljudge—posts which were provided for in theoriginal charter, but which have not beenfilled for many years.

—Amend the qualifications for city com-missioners.

—Amend the powers and responsibilitiesof city officers and commissioners.

—Amend the process of city budgetadoption.

—Amend how vacancies on the city com-mission are filled.


In an effort to place videocameras in all Okaloosa CountySchool District buses, the schoolboard has approved a donation of$17,000 from the Young LawyersAssociation be spent toward thatgoal.

At its regularly scheduledmeeting Oct. 28, board memberCindy Frakes asked for the

board’s approval for the donationto be added to the $25,000 shehas put forth as part of her$75,000 discretionary fund,which is allotted to each memberat the beginning of the schoolyear.

With an estimated 200 busesthat transport children toOkaloosa County public schoolseach day, 84 are without internalcameras. At an estimated cost of

$1,800 to equip each bus, thetotal funding needed is just over$150,000.

“I just think this is importantand the parents think this isimportant,” Frakes said. “It’s asafety issue, and I want the par-ents to know that their childrenare in a safe place when they rideour school buses. We don’t want

Thurs., 1:30 p.m.The Valparaiso

Community Library wouldlike to invite families andchildren to theEarly ReleaseMovie,“MonstersUniversity,”rated G. Seating is firstcome, first served, with an80 person maximum.

Sat., 8 a.m.All are invited to partici-

pate in the inaugural “Milesof Memories” 5K Run/Walkand 1-Mile Walk, hosted bySuperior Residences ofNiceville. Early registrationis $20 for the 5K Run/Walkor $10 for the 1 Mile Walk.Participants can sign up at

milesofmemo-ries.niceville.kin-tera.org or pick-up a registration

packet at SuperiorResidences, 2300 NorthPartin Dr. N., Niceville.

Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.There will be a

Audubon Society birdwalk at Ft. Pickens, GulfIslands National Seashore,led by well-known birder,Leonard Fenimore. Seelate migrants, such as loons,grebes and hawks. Bringwater, insect repellent, longpants and closed-toe shoesand be prepared to walk.Meet at Uptown Station inFort Walton Beach at 7:30a.m. Call 863-2039.

Mon., 11 a.m.The Twin Cities Veterans

Council will sponsor theannual Veterans DayCeremony in DoolittleMemorial Park inValparaiso.This com-munityevent fea-tures patriotic speakers,raising of the colors byNiceville High School ROTCcadets and presentation ofwreaths by the cities ofNiceville and Valparaiso,local organizations, Scoutgroups and students.

Calendar, B-2

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, November 6, 2013



Please see CAMERA, page A-6

Please see DECISION, page A-4

COMINGUP Schools seek cameras on more buses


Friday through Sunday, the 26th annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow was held at the Mullet Festival site in Niceville.This year s event included such activities as Native American dance competitions, storytelling, traditional drums andsingers, and exhibitions by crafters from all over the U.S.

Powwow held in Niceville Decision on charternears forValparaiso

Panel sees littlechange in schoolcalendar for 2014-15By Steve AndrewsBeacon Correspondent

A committee of parents andteachers, charged with task ofexploring options with the devel-opment of the Okaloosa CountySchool District student calendar,has decided to recommend to theschool board that the currentyear’s calendar be rolled forwardand kept in place for the 2014-15school year.

Final approval could be madeby the school board at its upcom-ing Nov. 12 regular meeting. If it

is approved, classes would beginon Monday, Aug. 18, 2014. Forthe current academic year, classesbegan Aug. 19. Both dates aretwo weeks before Labor Day.

Under the proposed calendarfor the 2014-15 academic year,classes would end June 4, 2015.For the 2013-14 year, classes willend June 5, 2014.

“Ultimately, the school boardhas the final say,” said RyanGore, who oversees the eight-member calendar committee for

Please see PANEL, page A-6


Niceville YMCA to shut its doors Dec. 31

Video camera onOkaloosa Countyschool bus inNiceville Monday.

Beacon photo byAngela Yuriko Smith

Eagles windistrict titleThe Niceville High SchoolEagles won the District 1Class 7A football title againstTate Monday. A loss toCrestview Friday put thethree district rivals all at 1-1records in district play, andsent them to Monday'sshootout at Niceville. NHSwill host Leon High SchoolNov. 15 in regional quarterfi-nals. Pictured, team mem-bers kneel in prayer on thefield after Monday's win.Story on B-4.


The Niceville YMCA has "awonderful atmosphere . . . andit's too bad it's closing," saidLes Smith, working out in theY's gym Monday.

Beacon photo by Angela Yuriko Smith

Please see YMCA, page A-6


Local Veterans Day obser-vances got off to an early startMonday as the NicevilleExchange Club held its 15thannual "One Nation UnderGod" Veterans Day PrayerBreakfast at 8 a.m., at theValparaiso AMVETS Post 78,910 Valastics Ave., Valparaiso.

The speaker was Maj. Gen.

Scott W. Jansson, the topweapons-development officer atEglin Air Force Base.

In his address, Janssonstressed the importance of hon-oring America’s veterans andassisting them as necessarywith their transitions back tocivilian life.

“We must not celebrate thegreat joys of our freedom,” saidthe general, “without remem-

bering its price.” He saidAmericans should rememberand honor veterans as “thosewho have sacrificed many oftheir own hopes and dreams forthe sake of others.”

He quoted GeorgeWashington, who in hisfarewell to his troops at the endof the American Revolution hadtold the veterans of that war,“You may expect considerable

assistance” from fellowAmericans “to resume civilianlife.”

Jansson praised what hecalled the “remarkable persist-ence” of the Revolutionary Warsoldiers who endured and pre-vailed in that eight-year con-flict. He also said that the cur-rent war in Afghanistan hasnow gone on for 12 years, and


The board of directors of theNorthwest Florida State CollegeFoundation approved a slate ofofficers and a slate of directorsfor 2014-15. The NWFSCFoundation is the college’sfundraising organization.

The slate of officers approvedduring a meeting Nov. 5 inNiceville are: president,Dewayne Youngblood, a banker;vice president, Scott Jackson, aGulf Power executive; treasurer,Robin Wilson, a Chelco execu-tive; secretary, Cristie Kedroski,who also serves as executivedirector.

The board also approved the2014-15 NWFSC Foundationslate of directors: Bart Fleet, alawyer; Lois Lunderman, a den-tist; Mitch Mongell, a hospitalexecutive; Dale Peterson, a resortrental operator; Melissa Pilcher, autilities manager; Tom Rice, arestaurateur; Fred Thomas, abusinessman; Robin Wilson; andDewayne Youngblood.

The board-approved slates ofofficers and directors will be pre-sented to the general foundationmembership at its February 2014annual meeting in Niceville.

In other business, foundationdirectors heard a short briefingfrom Greg Dvorsick, a managerfrom the Blackrock investmentmanagement firm, who briefedfoundation members on current


The East Niceville FireCommission has decided that itlikes the health insurance thedistrict has now, and it intendsto keep it, swallowing a priceincrease of perhaps $10,000.

During a meeting Nov. 4, thecommissioners decided to staywith the fire district’s current

StarMark/TrustMark health careplan for firefighters and otheremployees. Commissionersreached their decision afterconsidering quotes fromStarMark, Blue Cross/BlueShield, United Healthcare, andAetna.

Of the plans considered, thecurrent StarMark plan wasoffered at the lowest price, said

Fire Commission ChairmanMike Marcolongo.Nevertheless, health insurancecosts for the current year willstill be significantly larger thanin the past.

Last year, said FireCommissioner Ed Dunbar,health insurance cost the EastNiceville fire district about$62,000. This year, he said, the

district expects to pay about$72,000 more or less, with theexact amount depending largelyon how many claims are filedduring the year.

Dunbar and Marcolongosaid this year’s increase was notunexpected, as health care costsfor the fire district have beengoing up steadily for the lastseveral years. Dunbar said that

the district had already budget-ed about $79,000 to cover thisyear’s health insurance costs,based on earlier estimates ofwhat the actual costs wouldturn out to be when final bidswere received from insurancecompanies. He added that ifthere are few or no actual

Thurs., 6:30 p.m.The Friends of the

NicevilleLibrary issponsoringa free pro-gram,“History of Niceville’s CCCCamps,” presented by ElisaMitchiner at the NicevilleCommunity Center, 204Partin Drive N. To reserve aseat call 279-4863 x1504 toreserve a seat.

Fri., 2:15 p.m.The Valparaiso

Community Library wouldlike to invite tweens andteens to a special, interac-tive showing of “TheHunger Games,” rated PG-13, with live trivia

and gamesthroughoutthe movie.

Popcorn will beserved and

prizes will be awarded,including a chance to win amovie ticket to a showing of“Catching Fire.” Tweensunder 13 must have a par-ent or guardian call in orattend. Sign up by calling729-5406 or emailing .

Sat. 1-3 p.m.Philip Kent, author of

“Yeshua Ha Masiah” (Jesusthe Messiah),will sign hisbook at BayouBook, 1118 E.John SimsParkway,Niceville.

Sat., 7:30 p.m.The “American

Impressions” NFSO concertfeatures sounds of bothAmerican and Europeancomposers with guest artistJeff Midkiff of Virginia. TheNFSO will also performCharles Ives’ “Central Park inthe Dark,” and AntoninDvo ák’s famous “NewWorld Symphony.” Ticketsare $22.50 each for adultsand $16 each for active dutymilitary and youth age 18and younger and are avail-able by phone or onlinefrom the Box Office at 729-6000 or mattiekellyartscen-ter.org.

Calendar, B2, B-3

TThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, November 13, 2013



Please see MEDICAL, page A-5

Please see NOMINATES, page A-2


COMINGUP Medical costs jump for fire district


The day was bright, but the mood subdued as residents of the Twin Cities gathered at Doolittle Park, Valparaiso, to honor the nationsveterans Monday, Nov. 11. Pictured, Webelos from Boy Scout Pack 52 place their wreath during the Presentation of Wreaths.

Honoring those who servedFoundationnominatesofficers,hearsinvestmentreport

Ad boo-boo costsschool district $700By Virginia SchreitmuellerBeacon Correspondent

An error in the OkaloosaCounty School District’s adver-tised notice of proposed taxincrease won't affect the bottomline on property taxes for realestate owners, but it did cost tax-payers $700 to correct the mis-take.

During the Okaloosa CountySchool Board organization meet-ing held Nov. 7 in Fort WaltonBeach, the board approved arequest for authorization to re-advertise the fiscal year 2013-14Final Budget and Millage Rate.

Reading the agenda item,board chairman Rodney Walkercommented that the request forre-advertising was a result of a

“technical error.” The item wasapproved, without discussion.

When asked after the meetingfor clarification on the reason forthe re-advertisement of thenotice, the school district’s chieffinancial officer, Rita Scallan,explained it was a result of anincorrect dollar amount listedunder the line item posting forlast year’s proposed tax levy.Despite the mistake, Scallan saidit does not change or alter theamount of this year’s proposedtax levy included in the notice.

“The original ad contained thewrong dollar amount for lastyear’s tax levy,” she said, “but itis not used in calculating the pro-posed increase for this year.” In

Holding onto memoriesNew memories were forged at theinaugural "Miles of Memories" 5KRun/Walk and 1-Mile Walk, hostedby Superior Residences ofNiceville, Sat., Nov. 9. Pictured,there was a special “MemoryWalk” for less mobile residents toparticipate in. The event was heldto benefit Alzheimer s FamilyServices, an affiliate of CovenantHospice.

Beacon photo

General: Welcome vets back to civilian life

Please see VETS, page A-5

Maj. Gen. ScottJansson, addressing aVeterans Day audiencein Valparaiso Monday,spoke about the need tohonor veterans andhelp them with theirtransitions back to civil-ian life.


Please see $700, page A-2


. . . . Continued on page B

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Weddings Engagements

In the Service

Niceville High All-State chorus selectedThe following students were selected from Niceville High School for participation in All-State Honor Chorus for the 2013-2014 schoolyear; Matthew Beale, Lyndon Clifton, Taylor Evans, Jared Herzog, Kirsten Herzog, Ben Huston, Maggie LaFratta, Jacob LyteHaven,Angela Marco, Taylor Nelson, Tia Patel, Seth Pecore, Daniel Schlegel, Gabrielle Schrack, Isabelle Schrack, Zac Schwantz, RandySterling, Arin Walker and Lance Worthy.

Ursula Williams hasYard of the MonthNiceville Garden Club chose Ursula Williamsʼs yard, at 1501Royal Palm Dr., as Yard of the Month for January. The NicevilleGarden Club meets at 6 p.m. every fourth Tuesday of themonth at the Niceville Public Library, 206 Partin Dr.

Therapy dog promotesliteracy at libraryBaci, a trained therapy dog, was at thelibrary Dec. 4 to sing Christmas carolswith young readers. Baci has a regularprogram at the Niceville Public Librarycalled “Read with Baci” designed topromote literacy among young readerswho can select a book to read with himand his trainer Valerie Cahill. For moreinformation call 279-4863 ext. 1514.


Holloway-HigdonAlbert and Vicky Holloway

of Fort Walton Beach and Ronand Margo Higdon of Nicevillewould like to announce themarriage of their children,Kathleen Holloway andWilliam Higdon. The marriageceremony was held atHurlburt’s Soundside Club onSeptember 21.

Kathleen is a 2005 graduateof the Choctawhatchee HighSchool IB Program. Shereceived a B.S. Degree in Bio

Burks-WardApril Dawn Burks and Brian

Patrick Ward are happy toannounce their engagement andforthcoming marriage.

April is the daughter ofEmory and Clarice Burks ofCairo, Ga. She graduated fromValdosta State University with aMaster of Education in 2003.She is employed at ValdostaHigh School as a math teacher.

Brian is the son of Al andWanda Ward of Niceville. Hegraduated from Florida State

Michael G. Christakos, a2009 graduate of Niceville HighSchool, earned his Bachelor’sdegree in Computer Engineeringfrom the University of Florida inGainesville on Dec. 14.Christakosis a memberof theKappa PhiEpsilonsocial frater-nity. Hewill entergraduateschool incomputerengineeringat theUniversity of Central Florida inOrlando beginning in January2014.

***Matthew Weeks of Niceville,

realtor and lead listing agent, has

2nd Lt. Lance M. Murraygraduated from the University ofSouthern Mississippi with aBachelors in Nursing (RN-BSN)on Dec. 12.

Hereceived hiscommissionas an officerin the U.S.Army,selected foractive dutyin the ArmyNurse Corpsand willnext attendBasicOfficer Leadership Course(BOLC) at Fort Sam Houston,Texas.

Murray was also recognizedwith the Spirit of Nursing Awardfor exemplary nursing practicesand is a 2009 Niceville HighSchool graduate.

Please see WEDDING, page B-3

April Dawn Burks and BrianPatrick WardKathleen and William Higdon

Michael G.Christakos

Please see WHOʼS, page B-3

Lance M.Murray

Please see ENGAGEMENT, page B-3

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Please see SERVICE, page B-3

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Page B-2 Wednesday, January 1, 2014 THE BAY BEACON

Niceville boyreceivesChristmas wishJoel Strickland got an early Christmaspresent from CCB Bank, UpbeatMusic in Crestview and BaZingrecently when his mom, DawnStrickland, put his Christmas wish upon the BaZing Facebook page inresponse to a query. Joel Stricklandhad wished for a full set of drums,which were presented to him Dec. 23.Pictured, Joel shakes hands with thepresident of CCB Community Bank,Alan Wood.

Edge gets giftfor scienceThe Emerald Coast Post ofThe Society of AmericanMilitary Engineers (SAME)has presented EdgeElementary School with a$500 donation for theadvancement of science,technology, engineering andmathematics (STEM). EdgeElementary School intendsto use the funds to purchasescience supplies for theirkindergarten through thirdgrade classrooms for dailyscience instruction.

678-1298 • WWW.STPAULNICEVILLE.COM1407 E. JOHN SIMS PKWY., NICEVILLE

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ST. PAUL PRESCHOOLLimited openingsVPK Provider

First Baptis t Church of Valparaiso

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SundaysBible Study • 9:30amCelebration Service • 11:00amDiscipleship • 5:00pm

WednesdaysAdults, Youth, & Children • 6:00pm

“POINTING THE WAY TO JESUS”www.iacdestin.org • 250 Indian Bayou Trail, Destin • 850-837-6324

Immanuel Anglican ChurchSunday Morning Services9:00am ~ Traditional Spirit-filled Worship with Holy Communion11:01am ~ Walk In…Worship (Contemporary Worship with Holy Communion)Nursery, ages 6 wks-2 yrs; Sunday School, ages 3-7, both services

Youth OutreachHang out ~ Engage ~ Worship ~ Grow!Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm ~ The Shed

KidzNetWednesday Nights starting Jan 15Ages 3 years-5th grade

“Not to eat so much.” “Get to know my familybetter.”

“To finally retire.”

What are your New Yearʼs resolutions for 2014?

“To be nicer to myfamily – I have a bit of a

temper.”

“I just hope things gobetter for my family.Theyʼve had a hard

time this year.”

“Quit smoking.”

Location: Oak Creek shopping center

THE INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER —by Mike Griffith

Shirley Kessinger, 72, Niceville, housewife

Ronald Nunley, 52,Niceville,

dairy associate

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First Day HikeThe first hike at Fred Gannon

Rocky Bayou State Park for the newyear will be Wednesday Jan. 1 from10-11:00 a.m.

The hike will be held on the RedCedar Trail. The trail is one half milelong and the degree ofdifficulty is “easy.”Participants shouldmeet at the Red Cedarpavilion at 10 a.m. where Parkrangers will give a brief introduction.

Please dress for the weather andwear closed toe shoes. Suggesteditems to bring include water, camera,sunscreen and insect repellent.

Park entrance fees are waived toparticipants. Call for information833-9144.

Audubon meetsThe first Audubon meeting of the

year will be Jan. 2 with “The SharkTank” by Charidy “Sharkie” Krouse,

shark biologist and con-servationist who willpresent an overview oftenmisunderstood shark.

The meeting will be held in room130 on the ground floor of theStudent Services Center at theNiceville campus of NorthwestFlorida State College, and will beginat 6:30 p.m. with socializing andlight refreshments. The meeting isfree and open to the interested pub-lic. For more information, call WaltSpence at 582-7064.

Republican women meetThe Republican Women of

Okaloosa Federated will be having

their annual business meeting withnew officers being installed on Jan. 8at the Wyndham Garden Hotel onOkaloosa Island.

Socializing will begin at 11:30a.m. with lunch at noon. To accom-modate working women, there willbe a “Dine and Dash” table.

To reserve, contact DonnaPattison at 651-5416 or [email protected] by noon on Friday, Jan.3.

Cost of the lunch is $16 for mem-bers and $18 for guests. For moreinformation about RWOF, visitrwof.org.

History weekendMake history part of your future

with “Home School Fridays” and“Hands-On History Saturdays,” amonthly program based on theFlorida core standards for educationfor children ages 5-12 at theHeritage Museum of NorthwestFlorida, Valparaiso. Each month,until June a different program will bepresented related to NorthwestFlorida history for children and fam-ilies.

January’s program will be“Native American Legends” on Jan.3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

$7 per child or $5 for museum

family members. Special deal fornew family members. Groups wel-come, space is limited so pleasepre-register at 678-2615.

Mid-Bay Connector opensThe Mid-Bay Bridge Connector

in Niceville is opening Jan. 4 with a5K/half marathon run over portionsof this new, scenic roadway.

Festivities begin witha half marathon startingat 8 a.m. followed short-ly by a 5K run/walk.Music, food, and bever-

ages will be provided, awards anddoor prizes following.

Run proceeds will benefit theSpecial Operations WarriorFoundation and promote local areaathletics through the NorthwestFlorida Track Club.

Register online at NWFTC.comor Mid-Bay.com.

Bird walkJoin local ornithologist, Alan

Knothe on Jan. 4 for a bird walk atBig Sabine Point on Santa RosaIsland. See shorebirds and wadingbirds at this unique location.

Be prepared for a long walk andwear closed-toe shoes. Meet atUptown Station in Ft. Walton at

7:30 a.m. Call Alan at 850-862-3498 for more info.

Mac users meetThe January meeting of the Mac

Users Group will be held onMonday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at theNorthwest Florida State Collegestudent services building, room132.

Eddie Branch will be presentingthe program entitled “iPad MailDe-mystified plus MacMail,Calendar and Contacts continued!”

For more information, visitFWBMug.com or contact JeanDutton at 862-3327 or [email protected].

Citizens AcademyThe Okaloosa County Sheriff’s

Office presents Sheriff LarryAshley’s Citizens Academy Jan. 7through April 1 Tuesday nightsfrom 6-9 p.m. at the OkaloosaCounty Sheriff’s administrativebuilding in the training room.

Ride along with a deputy, tourthe courthouse and go to a firingrange and more. For more informa-tion contact Ashley Bailey, CrimePrevention Manager [email protected] orvisit sheriff-okaloosa.org.

Wanda GailBailey Sasser

1953-2013Mrs. Wanda Gail Bailey

Sasser, 60, of Blackshear, Ga.,passed away Saturday, Dec. 21, atthe Golden Living Center inJesup, Ga.

Born in Washington, D.C. onMay 23, 1953, she had lived inPierce County, Ga. since 1986.Mrs. Sasser was a retired bankteller with Bank of America,Waycross branch, and was amember of West Carswell BaptistChurch. She will be rememberedfor many things but mostly for herlove for her family. She was adaughter of the late Willard EmilBailey.

Survivors include her husband,

John Sasser, a daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and ChesterClements, two sons and daugh-ters-in-law, Billy and Katie Flynnand Bobby and Michelle Flynn,all of which are of Blackshear,Ga.; her mother, Georgia KeislerBailey, and her sister, MarleneBailey, both of Niceville; sixgrandchildren: Julianna Flynn,Joseph Flynn, Colton Flynn, RileyClements, Regan Clements andTate Clements, and several nieces,nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs.Sasser were held Mondayevening, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. fromthe Pearson-Dial Chapel inBlackshear, Ga. Memorializationwas by cremation.

Memorials may be made toWest Carswell Baptist Church,2236 W. Carswell Ave., Waycross,Ga. 31503 or to a charity of one’schoosing.

Sympathy may be expressedby signing the online register atpearsondial.com. Pearson-DialFuneral Home of Blackshear is incharge of the arrangements.


Wednesday, January 1, 2014 Page B-3THE BAY BEACON

Obituary

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E-mail items [email protected]

CALENDAR

Eagle Pride bandreceives checkfor playoff travelChick-fil-A of Niceville hosted a Spirit Day forthe Eagle Pride Band on Dec. 11 that raisedover $1,500. Lara Cochran, MarketingCoordinator, presented Dan Wooten,Director of Bands, a check to help theband travel to Orlando for the state playoffgame held in Orlando Dec. 13.

Run, walk the Mid-Bay ConnectorThe Mid-Bay Bridge Connector in Niceville is opening Jan.4 with a 5K/half marathon run over portions of this new,scenic roadway. Festivities begin with a half marathonstarting at 8 a.m. followed shortly by a 5K run/walk. Music,food, and beverages will be provided, awards and doorprizes following. Register online at NWFTC.com or Mid-Bay.com.

Murray is the son of Peggy andBarry Murray of Niceville.

***Air Force Airman Christopher

D. Farmer graduated from basicmilitary training at Joint Base SanAntonio-Lackland, San Antonio,Texas.

Airmen who complete basictraining earn four credits toward anassociate in applied science degreethrough the Community College ofthe Air Force. Farmer is the son ofCharles and Dawn Farmer ofNiceville.

He is a 2004 graduate of RockyBayou Christian School, Niceville.

SERVICEFrom page B-1

joined the Powerhouse RealEstate Group at Keller WilliamsRealty Emerald Coast. Matthewis a member of the National

Associationof Realtors,FloridaRealtors andEmeraldCoastAssociationof Realtorsand is cur-rentlyenrolled withthe Bold

Real Estate Training program atKeller Williams Realty EmeraldCoast.

WHOʼSFrom page B-1

Matthew Weeks

Medical Sciences from theUniversity of South Florida in2009 and graduated in 2012from the University of WestFlorida’s School of AlliedHealth and Life Sciences. Sheworks at the North OkaloosaMedical Center in Crestview asa medical technologist.

William is a 2006 NicevilleHigh School graduate andreceived his AA fromNorthwest Florida StateCollege in 2008. He graduatedin 2011 from AuburnUniversity with a Bachelor’sdegree in AerospaceEngineering. In 2013 he gradu-ated with a Master’s Degree inAerospace Engineering andreceived a Graduate Certificatein Technical and ProfessionalCommunication. He works atEglin Air Force Base.

They reside in Niceville.

WEDDINGFrom page B-1

University with a Master of Arts in2001. He is employed at ValdostaState University as a lecturer in theEnglish department.

The wedding was held atCrossroads Baptist Church onDec. 28. The couple plans toreside in Valdosta, Ga.

ENGAGEMENTFrom page B-1

Newspaper ReporterThe Bay Beacon has anopening for a full-timereporter. The jobrequires a hard-working,self-starting, organizedjournalist with high stan-dards for accuracy, theability to meet deadlines,a nose for news, andconcern for readers.Paid vacation, IRA plan.Applicants should havereporting experience.Apply at the Beaconʼsoffice 1181 E. John SimsPkwy, Niceville. Submitcopies of samples ofyour written work.

Advertising SalesThe BeaconNewspapers (The BayBeacon, The Eglin Flyer,The Hurlburt Patriot)have an opening for acareer-minded, full-timeperson to sell customersthe benefits of newspa-per advertising.Candidates should beupbeat, energetic, organ-ized, self-starting anddetail-oriented. Salaryplus incentive. Mileageallowance. Benefitsinclude IRA plan andpaid vacation and holi-days. Candidates mustbe available 8 a.m. to 5p.m. weekdays and havea reliable vehicle. Wewill train the right person.Apply in person at theBeacon, 1181 E. JohnSims Parkway, Niceville.

Newspaper DeliveryEarn extra cash of $45to $140 or more eachweek in your spare time!The Bay Beacon seeksa reliable independentcontractor to insert, bag,and deliver newspapersTuesday night. Youmust be over 21 andhave a reliable vehicle, agood driving record, aFlorida driverʼs license,and proof of currentliability insurance. Nocollecting duties.Earnings vary accordingto route and work load.Stop by the Bay Beaconfor an information sheetand to fill out anapplication. The Beacon1181 E. John SimsParkway, Niceville •678-1080 (Parkway EastShopping Center acrossfrom PoFolks)

Freelance NewspaperCorrespondent

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Page B-4 Wednesday, January 1, 2014


The Valparaiso City Commission hasgiven final approval to a measure seekingvoter approval of an amended city charter.

The Nov. 12 city commission meetingincluded the final of two public hearings onwhether to put the proposed charter to areferendum. A motion to do so wasapproved by a 3-2 vote, with Mayor BruceArnold and commissioners Kay Hamiltonand Diane Kelley voting in favor, whilecommissioners H.H. Strong and JoeMorgan voted against.

Valparaiso voters will decide March 11whether to approve the measure, whichcontains a number of changes to the currentcharter, which was originally enacted uponthe city's founding in 1921.

The new charter would, among otherthings:

—Change the city administrator from a city employee to a “charter officer” of


According to a real-estaterelocation firm that analyzescrime and other data from the358 residential communitiesstatewide, Niceville is one ofFlorida’s safest cities in whichto live and raise a family.

Niceville Police Chief DavidPopwell presented a letter tothe City Council Nov. 12 out-

lining the statistical findingsover the past six years.

The letter quoted Gov. RickScott’s desire to reduce crimethroughout the state, and com-mended Niceville for leadingthat battle.

“The safety of Florida fami-lies is a top priority for our

administration,” Scottsaid, according to the let-ter. “The great news is weare winning the fightagainst crime. I am com-mitted to making Floridathe safest place in theworld to pursue a careerand raise a family."

The relocation firm, Real-State.info, said that based on itscomprehensive analysis of six-

year crime data, Niceville’spolice department should becommended for its “above-aver-age contributions to this resultand goal.”

The crime data showedthe following:

—In 2012 (the latestyear available) residents ofNiceville had less of achance of being a victim ofa serious crime than theaverage for residents of all

358 Florida locations surveyed.—Based on projections for

2013, residents of Niceville will




Please see NICEVILLE, page A-3


Please see FACES, page A-3


Trash pact advances, A-3.

By Virginia SchreitmuellerBeacon Correspondent

The North Bay Fire DistrictBoard of Commissioners voteddown a proposed change to anarticle in the firefighters’ con-tract during its Nov. 12 meet-ing. The vote to maintain thearticle as written came nearlythree months it was introducedto the board.

The union had requested amodification to an article thatdeals with arbitration of laborgrievances. The article statesthat when a grievance cannotbe resolved through negotia-tion, the union can bring thematter to the commission orsubmit the grievance for profes-sional arbitration.

The article, as written, statesif the issue is presented to the

board the union loses its rightto proceed to arbitration. Theproposed change would haveallowed grievances to bebrought to the board, withoutlosing the right to take the mat-ter to arbitration if the uniondidn't like the outcome.

The union sent the requestto modify Article 52 of its con-tract to the board in September.With no union representative inattendance at that time, theboard voted down the request.The issue was re-addressed atthe board’s October meeting,with North Bay ProfessionalFirefighters AssociationPresident Travis Zaal present-ing a prepared statementexplaining the union’s stanceon the proposed change. With

Beacon photo by Virginia Schreitmueller

Over 1,300 people came to Pioneer Day Saturday at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville. The annualevent, sponsored by Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks and the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, is a free,family-oriented program that offers an opportunity to learn about local history and nature. This year s event featuredmore than 30 demonstrations, exhibits and hands-on craft projects at the park. More than 112 volunteers and re-enactors brought history to life at the event. Pictured: Lila, 4, and Alissa Sharpston, 8, of Freeport, get a music lessonin a traditional setting.

Bringing history to life Valp. votersto decidecharter issue


The BluewaterBay MunicipalServices Benefit Unitwill soon get twonew voices, as theboard of directorsappointed volunteerreplacements for apair of outgoingmembers.

Bluewater Bayresidents Steven Halland FelixBeukenkamp toppedthree other candidateswho each presentedthemselves before theboard at its monthlymeeting on Nov. 12.

The MSBU is anautonomous panel ofOkaloosa County’sgovernment, respon-sible for maintaining

2 new facesfor Bluewaterupkeep board

Fire panel nixesunion pact change

Eagles smashLeon; regionalsemifinal set for FridayNiceville High School rolled over LeonNov. 15, 62-14, at home in the regionalquarterfinal football contest. TheEagles will face Tallahassee Lincolnthis Friday, in Niceville, in the Region 17A semifinal. Story, B-4.


Thurs., 6-8 p.m.Northwest Florida

State College will hold aninformation session fornew andprospectivestudents atthe Nicevillecampus which will offerinformation about theadmissions process, finan-cial aid, career assessmentsand NWFSC programs ofstudy. For more informa-tion contact MaddieOstrowski at [email protected]. 729-6467.

Sat., 9 a.m.-12 p.m.There will be a nail trim-

ming clinic for pets atParkway VeterinaryHospital, 1101 E. John SimsParkway, Niceville. Thefunds raised will gotowards Relay for Life.

Cost is $8 per pet,$6 foradditionalpets in the

same family.Cats must be

in carriers and dogs on ashort leash. Proof of rabiesvaccine required. 678-9733.

Sat., 7:30 p.m.The Northwest Florida

Symphony Chorale, aselect choral group of tal-ented local vocalists, willhold a free performance ofHandel’s “Messiah” at St.Paul Lutheran Church, 1407E. John Sims Parkway,Niceville. 729-6009.

Sun., 6 p.m.The annual Community

Thanksgiving worshipservice will be atRosemont Baptist Church,Niceville.Multiplelocalchurcheswill be participating in theservice. A nursery up toage 4 will be provided.678-4854.

Calendar, B2

COMINGUP


FelixBeukenkamp

Steven Hall


Inside ... Niceville wins high marks as a safe city


The Okaloosa CountyCommissioners agreed on a two-year extension of the county’smonopoly on all ambulancetransportation, including non-emergency trips which privatecompanies handle elsewhere.

The commission also grantedpermission for a Raintree Estatesproperty owner to build a drive-way on his property, approvedinitial steps toward creating aVeterans Park on OkaloosaIsland, and established a“restricted aircraft zone” to pre-vent tourist helicopters fromlanding or taking off in or nearthe East Pass betweenChoctawhatchee Bay and theGulf of Mexico near DestinHarbor.

The ambulance agreementwas part of the “consent agenda”presented during the Nov. 19county commission meeting inFort Walton Beach. The consentagenda consists of those items onthe meeting agenda which areusually routinely approved bycommissioners with little or nodiscussion during the meeting.

Okaloosa County Ordinance93-45 governs ambulance stan-dards within the county, andrequires that any ambulance


The Valparaiso PlanningCommission voted unanimouslyNov. 19 to recommend to thecity commission that the munici-pal historical district surroundingthe Heritage Museum ofNorthwest Florida and PerrinePark be abolished in order toencourage private development.

The planners also discussed,

but tabled, a recommendation torezone properties on both sidesof John Sims Parkway from theEglin Air Force Base East Gateto Toms Bayou, from Residential(R-1) to Light Commercial (C-1). Many but not all propertiesalong the east side of John SimsParkway are already zoned C-1,while most property along theother side of the city’s main thor-oughfare is zoned R-1.

During the meeting, planningcommission Chairman TomBrowning explained his reasonfor recommending that the his-torical district designation beabolished. The district, he said,contains nothing of actual histor-ical significance to the city.

Browning said the area wasoriginally established becausethat neighborhood had a view ofthe old Valparaiso Inn, which

burned down years ago and hasbeen replaced by townhomes, sothat whatever historical value theinn may have had is now gone.The remaining properties in thearea, he said, are mostly olderhouses, which have no actualhistorical value other than theirage.

The historical district is cen-tered on a block-long strip inValparaiso's former downtown,

an area that includes theHeritage Museum on WestviewAvenue, and some other com-mercial type buildings, some ofwhich are still in use, whilesome are empty.

Abolishing the district desig-nation, he said, would allow theowners of properties in the areamore leeway to improve their







Beacon Staff WriterThe Heritage Museum of

Northwest Floiida has startedan effort to commemorate theCivilian Conservation Corps(CCC) camp established inNiceville in 1933.

Niceville was home to atemporary CCC camp, locatedat the current site of EdgeElementary School, and later apermanent camp across StateRoad 85 near the current site ofthe Jackson Guard.

The CCC was a federal gov-ernment program operated from1933 to 1942 under PresidentFranklin Roosevelt's "New

Deal," during the GreatDepression, to hire unem-ployed, unmarried men ages18-25 as labor in projects toconserve America's naturalresources.

Workers began arriving inNiceville May 19, 1933, andestablished the temporary campon what was then the NicevilleHigh School grounds, nowEdge Elementary. A total of212 men, including 40 locals,enrolled at the camp.

Many of the men almostimmediately began working onprojects to conserve the


The students at Wellspring Performing Arts Christian School in Niceville celebrated Thanksgiving early on Nov. 20. Students, theirfamilies and guests were invited to the meal at the school on Redwood Avenue. Pictured, students Genesis Cook and Kirstin Fordenjoy the festivities and feast. Winn-Dixie of Bluewater Bay donated the majority of the meal.

Giving thanksCountyextendsmedicaltransportmonopoly

Depression-era workcamp remembered

Eaglessoar closerto stateNiceville High School cheer-leaders had plenty to cheerabout Friday as the Eaglestook another step closer tostate by beating TallahasseeLincoln, 38-17, at home, inthe District 1-7A footballsemifinals. Nicevilleadvances to the regionalfinals with a home gameagainst Neptune BeachFletcher this Friday. Story,B-4.


Fri., 6-9 p.m.The ‘Christmas

Lady’s’ 18th annualholidaydisplayopens intheformerFoodWorld

building, 1104 E. JohnSims Parkway in theOak CreekShopping Center,Niceville. The freeshow runs nightlyuntil through Dec. 27.

Sun., 2 p.m.The Twin Cities

Elks Lodge, with theCrestview Elks, willpay respects todeparted members ina memorial service.The service will beheld in the TwinCities Lodge, 224Seminole Avenue,Valparaiso. 729-3557.

Mon. 6:30 p.m.

The Decembermeeting of the MacUsers Group will beheld at theNorthwest FloridaState College StudentServices Building,room 132. A speakerwill describe how Apple programs worktogether. 862-3327.

Mon.,6 p.m.

The computerized‘Geek Lights’ holidaydisplay begins atBluewater Boulevardand Antiqua Way inBluewater Bay andruns nightly throughJan. 5. Shows start onthe hour and halfhour.

Calendar, B2

COMINGUP Panel would end historic-district rules

Beacon photo

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, Valparaiso, is seeking to boost its public profile fol-lowing a decline in county funding.

Battling funding woes, museum eyes moveBy Angela Yuriko SmithBeacon Staff Writer

The Heritage Museum ofNorthwest Florida in Valparaisohas had a rough fiscal year ascounty funding has fallen from$50,000 in past years to $8,800this year.

During the 42-year-old insti-tution's annual membershipmeeting Nov. 21 at the museumin Valparaiso, finances and apossible move to Nicevillewere topics.

While new memberships andrenewals are up, the board oftrustees is taking a proactive

approach to assure the future ofthe privately operated, nonprof-it history museum.

“Our assets are diminish-ing,” said Vice Chair of FinanceSteve Czonstka. “We are ingood financial shape presently .. . thanks to total support of thecommunity. Bottom line is weneed more participation, moredonations.”

To reduce the financialimpact from loss of countyfunding, the museum has takenmeasures to manage assets in away that maximizes benefits

Please see MUSEUM, page A-3

Please see CAMP, page A-3


Beacon Staff Alongside its relics of the past, the

Heritage Museum of NorthwestFlorida will soon house some currentitems being saved for the future.

The Okaloosa Viva Florida 500Time Capsule Committee next weekwill seal a time capsule intended foropening in 100 years at the HeritageMuseum in Valparaiso.

The capsule is part of FloridaDepartment of State's Division ofLibrary and Information Services'Viva Florida 500 project, launched tocommemorate the 500th anniversaryof Spanish explorer Juan Ponce deLeon's arrival in Florida.

The department issued stainlesssteel time capsules measuring 6 inch-es by 24 inches, to every countylibrary in the state and tasked thelibrary's leadership with leading theassembly of pertinent capsule items.

The committee decided to seal thecapsule at the Heritage Museum'sYule of Yesteryear celebration Dec.14. Items tentatively selected for stor-age in the capsule, which includebeach sand, military patches andrestaurant menus, are on display atthe museum until the metal capsule issealed. Included will also be a


The company that was seek-ing to place a 370-foot communi-cations tower in the heart ofBluewater Bay has withdrawn itsapplication from further consider-ation by the Okaloosa CountyCommission.

Instead, the applicant, CrownCastle GT Co., will replace its370-foot tower at its current siteoff Nelson Point Road, just westof Bluewater Bay.

In October the commissiondelayed a decision on the contro-versial request for a zoning vari-ance that would have allowed the

company to relocate the tower tothe Bluewater Bay site.

Officials said the delay wouldafford the company anotherchance to renegotiate with thelandowner of the current site andto meet with residents in the area

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, December 4, 2013




Please see CAPSULE, page A-3


Beacon StaffAn ordinance enacted by the

Niceville City Council Oct. 8,and which took effect in earlyNovember, requires the city toconsider making changes in itsrules governing development andreal estate sales and rentals tomake them morecompatible withmilitary opera-tions.

The MIPA (Military InfluencePlanning Area) overlay men-tioned in the ordinance is depict-ed on the map accompanying thisarticle (page A-8).

The area includes much ofwestern Niceville, the area closestto Eglin Air Force Base, home ofthe 33rd Fighter Wing, whichwill eventually operate 59 of thepowerful warplanes for trainingpurposes.

The MIPA is subject tochange after the Air Force pub-lishes a final version of an envi-ronmental study of the effects ofEglin military aircraft operations,particularly the F-35, accordingto city officials.

The JLUS (Joint Land UseStudy) men-tioned in theordinance is a2010 report on

a study commissioned by EglinAir Force Base, in which civiliangovernments surrounding thebase participated, that laid outrecommendations concerning off-base land use. The recommenda-tions are aimed at reducing civil-ian encroachment on base activi-ties.

Text of land-use policy7.A.12.2 enacted Oct. 8 by the

MakingmemoriesThere were almost as manysmiles as there were lights duringopening night of “Animation inMotion” Friday. The extravagantannual display was set up by “theChristmas Lady,” Debbie Lewis ofNiceville, this year in the formerFood World building in Oak CreekShopping Center, Niceville. Thefree-admission display is opennightly, 6-9 p.m., until Dec. 27.


Niceville eyes ruleson land use to conformto Eglin operations Eagles

advance tofinal four The crowd that came to see theNiceville High School footballgame Friday had plenty toshout about as the Eaglesrolled over Neptune BeachFletcher 38-17, earning a placein the state 7A final four.Niceville will host KissimmeeOsceola Friday. The winner ofthat game will go to the statechampionship matchup Dec. 13in Orlando. Story, B-4.


Thurs., 6:30 p.m.

The AudubonSociety program will be“Pictorial Survey of Birdsthat are Rare or Difficultto Identify during theChristmas Bird Count,”in Room 130 of the newStudent ServicesBuilding at NorthwestFlorida State College,Niceville. 582-7461.

Fri., 3 p.m.Northwest Florida

State College PerformingArts Division will give afree Honors Recital inthe Tyler Recital Hall ofthe music wing at theMattie Kelly ArtsCenter, 100 CollegeBoulevard, Niceville. 729-5382.

Sat. 1-4:30 p.m.Rocky Bayou Christian

Academy’sMu AlphaThetaClub willofferfree mathtutoring at RockyBayou Christian School,room 802. Tutoring inbasic math through APcalculus will be available.Students from anyschool welcome. 279-3755.

Sun., 2 p.m.There will be a book

signing party withauthor Wayne Goodson

as hesignscopiesof hislatestbook,“Maze,”at the

Niceville CommunityCenter. Entertainment,recitals by WaltRichardson, music andfinger foods.

Calendar, B-2

COMINGUP


Members of the time capsule committee hold up items that may be included in the capsulewhen it is ceremonially sealed Dec. 14. A final decision as to what will be included is likelythis week.

A communicationstower off Nelson PointRoad that is steadiedwith guy wires will bereplaced with one with-out guy wires on thesame site. A plan toreplace it with one inBluewater Bay wasdropped in the face ofcommunity opposition.

Beacon photo

100-year time capsule to be sealed Dec. 14Beach sanT anT menus on listov interest to vuture generations

Please see LAND, page A-8

Area affected, A-8.

Firm drops bid to build tower in Bluewater Bay

f he Noice ov wiceNille, Blued ater Bay anT Valparaiso since 1992


A speedboat crash took thelives of three Niceville resi-dents last week, according toauthorities.

The Florida Fish andWildlife Commission and theOkaloosa County Sheriff'sOffice identified the three vic-tims of the crash, which appar-ently occurred betweenThursday night and Fridaymorning last week inChoctawhatchee Bay at theMid-Bay Bridge.

The victims were identifiedas Robert Williams, 47, JamiliaDenise Beltz, 21, and TaylorM. Evanoff, 18.

According to FWCspokesman Stan Kirkland, hisagency became aware of thecrash, to which apparentlythere were no witnesses, aftersomeone made a 911 call atabout 2 p.m. Friday, reportingthat they had spotted the bodyof a woman floating near theentrance to Boggy Bayou.


It is costing taxpayers$1,000 per student this year tobus 39 schoolchildren to DestinMiddle School from theBluewater Bay-Seminole area,outside the school's regularattendence zone, according toOkaloosa County School Boardmember Melissa Thrush.

Thrush says that moneycould be better spent elsewhere.

A proposal by by Thrush, ofBluewater Bay, to abolish theshared student attendance zonebetween Ruckel and Destinmiddle schools, and to includethat zone into the Ruckel atten-dance zone only, failed for lackof a second at a school boardmeeting Monday in Fort Walton

Beach.Earlier, during a non-voting,

discussion-only workshop heldDec. 5 in Fort Walton Beach,members of the school boarddiscussed aproposal byThrush toabolish theshared stu-dent atten-dance zonebetweenRuckel andDestin mid-dle schools,and toinclude that zone exclusively inthe Ruckel attendance zone, asit was for many years.

In a written statement andoral remarks to fellow board

members, Thrush noted that thedual transportation zone, appar-ently unique in the county, isprovided to students living eastof the Rocky Bayou bridge inthe Bluewater Bay-Seminolearea.

Using two bus routes, thedistrict is providing free trans-portation to Destin Middle for39 students who live in the dualzone north of ChoctawhatcheeeBay, according to Thrush.

She said the duplicative bus-ing costs about $1,000 per stu-dent.

"The removal of this zone ofchoice will impact 20 of these39 students as the other 19 willbe attending high school in the

TTThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, December 11, 2013



Please see $1000, page A-6


The Niceville Eagles football teamwill travel to Orlando Thursday toplay Palm Beach Gardens-Dwyerin the 7-A state championshipgame at Florida Citrus BowlStadium Friday. Many parents,students and community mem-bers are planning to travel andsupport the team. Game time is7:07 p.m. Eastern Time (6:07 p.m.Niceville time.) The contest will bewebcast live at www.thenew-fishradio.com. Pictured: scenesfrom the Eagles' cliffhanger tri-umph over Kissimmee-Osceola athome Dec. 6 in the state semifinalplayoff, which Niceville won in thefinal seconds with a 22-yard fieldgoal. Story, B-4.

Beacon photos by Sarah Clauson

Niceville Eagles will play for state title Friday

Parade kicksoff holidayseasonMusical notes soared along withspectators' spirits during theNiceville-Valparaiso Rotary Club sannual Christmas paradeSaturday. Pictured, playing sea-sonal tunes, the Ruckel MiddleSchool band was among those inthe line of march. See photos, A-4and A-5.


Wed., 6:30 p.m.The LewisSchoolChorus willhold its freeWinterConcert atthe school.833-4130.

Fri., 6-7:30 p.m.Ruckel Middle School’sFamily Night FUNdraiserwill be in the RuckelCafeteria. Bring yourfamily and work togetherto create a burlap

snowmancraft for theholidays.$35 formaterials.Doors willopen at 5:30

p.m. for dinner. Allwelcome. 585-281-0405.

Fri.-Sat. 6:30-8:30 p.m.Take a free ride throughthe story of Christ at theValparaiso Assembly ofGod, 571 ValparaisoParkway. There will becookies and hot cocoa aswill as an interactivehayrideandlivingNativitythatchroniclesthe life of Jesus. 678-4040.

Sat., 5-8 p.m.The Holiday Boggy BoatParade will be at theNorthlight Marina,Niceville from 5-8 p.m. Theevent is free, and there willbe a V.I.P viewing area withfood and drinks for $10.259-4956.

Calendar, B-3

COMINGUP


It costs a total of about $39,000 a year to bus 39 students from the Bluewater Bay-Seminole areaof Niceville to classes at Destin Middle School, according to a school board member who pro-posed, unsuccessfully, to end the practice in an economy move.

Schools official: Destin busing costs $1,000 per student


Go Eagles!

Please see CRASH, page A-3

Three killedin boat crash

Melissa Thrush


The Bluewater Bay MunicipalServices Benefit Unit (MSBU)board of directors selected theValley Crest landscaping compa-ny as its primary landscapingcontractor for the coming year.

Valley Crest, based inCalifornia, was one of three com-panies that submitted proposalsfor the contract. It replaces theMSBU's current, long-time land-scaping contractor, Bayou LawnServices, Valparaiso, which alsobid on the annual job.

Valley Crest issued a base bidof $139,806. Bayou Lawnissued base bids ranging from$163,413 to $166,282. Figureswere not immediately availablefor the third bidder.

During the discussion of theproposals during an MSBUmeeting Dec. 10, new boardmember Steve Hall said thatValley Crest had submitted theonly proposal that was fully com-pliant with the specifications inthe request for proposals theMSBU had previously issued.Therefore, said Hall, the boardcould either choose Valley Crestor begin again with a new bid-ding process. In addition toValley Crest and Bayou Lawn,Grass Roots Landscape,Niceville, sought the contract aswell.

Landscaping of BluewaterBay's common areas accounts forthe bulk of the MSBU's expendi-tures.


The Niceville City Councilapproved the third and finalreading of an ordinance thatwill change the way wastematerial is collected inNiceville.

Under the plan, approved ona 4-1 vote Dec. 10, residentialcurbside garbage pickups willbe halved, to once a week.Customers will see a $1 drop inthe monthly bills, according toWaste Management, to whichthe council, without seeking

competive bids, awarded theexclusive right to collectgarbage in the city.

Also under the new plan,recycling pickups will remainat once a week, but existing 18-


The Mid-Bay BridgeAuthority is preparing for thegrand opening of the newest seg-ment of toll connector road link-ing the north end of the bridgewith State Road 85 north ofNiceville.

Meantime, inspections andrepairs are underway on the Mid-Bay Bridge itself.

Regarding the inspection andrepair of the bridge, FloridaDepartment of TransportationPublic Information Specialist

Tanya Branton told the Beaconlast week that bridges on the statesystem are inspected at regularintervals not to exceed 24months. The condition of abridge’s components, major fea-tures and bridge posting ratingestablishes the frequency ofinspection.

Gibson & Associates Inc.began work the week of Oct. 14on a $1 million bridge repair andrehabilitation project to replacebearing pads on the 3.5-mile toll

By Danielle TavanoBeacon Correspondent

The North Bay FireCommission last week was toldthat a key fire hose needs replace-ment.

The commission also dis-cussed and voted in a newRetirement Board member, PaulMoore.

Moore was chosen to replaceJames Lindsay, who recentlystepped down after serving on the

retirement board for eight years.Moore’s resume was reviewed bythe fire commission at a meetingDec. 10, and a unanimous voteconfirmed the appointment.

After the meeting was calledto order by Chairman JimBoswell, and the Pledge ofAllegiance and Invocation given,a motion was made by the chair-man to approve the minutes forNovember’s meeting. The motionwas seconded, and approved. Amotion was then made by treasur-

er StevenStrait toapprove theStatement ofAssets,Liabilities,and CapitalforNovember.

Thestatementwasreviewed and approved byChristy Woissol. The Check

Detail and Revenue andOperating Expenses Report forNovember were then reviewed,and approved. At this point FireChief Joe Miller deemed itunnecessary to review theDeposit Detail and ReconciliationSummary. He asserted that theimportant thing was to review theCheck Record. Jim Boswell thenmade a motion to defer that dis-cussion until the next meeting,which was seconded andapproved.

Miller then took the floor todiscuss the state of the station’sequipment, including repairs andreplacements that need to bemade. He insisted that the dis-trict’s 800-foot supply line needsto be replaced, as it has been inuse for 15 years. The supply linefeeds water from a hydrant to afire engine, which in turn pumpsit onto the flames.

Miller also updated the com-mission on arrangements thathave been made to replace

Engine 8, which was recentlysold to a fire agency in northernOkaloosa County. He stated thatthe check for the purchase of anew fire truck has been cleared,and the company is ready to startbuilding it.

The fire commission gaveMiller permission to sign off onthe contract for the truck.

Dispatches for the month ofNovember were reviewed,

TThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, December 18, 2013





Please see HOSE, page A-7



Wed., 10 p.m.

The segment of RockyBayou Drive betweenRoscommon Boulevardand Rocky Shores Drive willbe closed for installation ofstorm pipe. There will beroad closure signs postedin this area; all traffic will bedetoured through RockyShores Drive and routesspecified by workers andsigns. 729-4064.

Sat., 5:30 p.m.

Bluewater Bay Marina,290 Yacht Club Drive,Niceville, will have its sec-ond annual ChristmasBoat Parade andDecorating Contest.Awards and festivities willfollow at LJ Schooner’sDockside Restaurant withlive entertainment and avisit by Santa Claus. 897-2821.

Tues., 4 p.m.

Holy Name of JesusCatholic Church, 1200Valparaiso Blvd, Niceville,will hold its Children’sChristmas Eve Mass. 678-7813.

Tues. 7 p.m.First Presbyterian Church,1800 East John SimsParkway, Niceville, will holdits 23rd annual ChristmasEve service, “A Festival ofNine Lessons and Carols.”There will be congregation-al carols as well as anthemsby the choir and soloists.678-2521.

Calendar, B-3

COMINGUP


Bridge preparesfor opening oftoll connector

N. Bay fire chief: New fire hose is needed

MSBUawardslandscapecontract


Santa Claus was on hand Saturday at the Yule of Yesteryear festivities held at the Northwest Florida Heritage Museum,Valparaiso, to hear last-minute Christmas wishes. In addition to the jolly old gent, live music, face painting, food and vendorskept everyone entertained.

Christmas wishes

Eaglesare staterunner-upThe Niceville High Schoolfootball team came homefrom Orlando Saturday asrunner-up for the 7A statetitle, having beaten everypostseason opponent butone. The Eagles fell, 55-39,to Palm Beach GardensDwyer in the title match-upFriday. Pictured, head coachJohn Hicks speaks to hisplayers after the clock ranout at the Citrus Bowl. Story,B-4.


Final OK for cut in garbage pickupsNiceville orders recycling revamped Niceville garbage

customers will beoffered 35- 64- or 96-gallon carts for curb-side recycling pick-ups, replacing the 18-gallon bins in usenow.


Chief Joe Miller

city commissioner’s duties arenot clearly defined.” At present,he said, individual commis-sioners can interpret theirduties in different ways.

For example, Arnold said,one former city commissioner,who was once in charge ofoverseeing the city’s publicworks department, would showup each day to personallysupervise the day-to-day opera-

tions of the department, to include mov-

ing people from one job to another arbi-trarily. This, said the mayor, tends tocreate confusion within city depart-ments.

Another reason for a new charter,said Arnold, is to help the city “catch upwith the 21st century.” When the origi-nal city charter was adopted in 1921, hesaid, “Most of the streets in Valparaisowere made of clay, or were sand trails.”In such times, he said, it made sense for

By Danielle TavanoBeacon Correspondent

The City of ValparaisoPlanning Commission approved amotion to submit plans to rezonethe city’s historical district. Theseplans have been initiated in hopesof creating opportunity forgrowth and economic develop-ment in the city.

The commission also recom-mended approval of a zoning

change for the Tom Thumb storeon John Sims Parkway, and dis-cussed the coordination of land-use planning with Eglin Air ForceBase.

Commissioner Tom Browningcalled the meeting of the plan-ning commission to order Dec.17, at 7:15 p.m. Eight peoplewere in attendance, including twofrom the public.


The Okaloosa CountyCommission held a lengthymeeting Dec. 17 in Fort WaltonBeach, during which officialsdiscussed proposed new restric-tions on taxicab operations atthe Northwest Florida RegionalAirport, a proposal to renamethe airport, sale of some countyland, alternative conceptualplans for a new county govern-ment building at the Shalimarannex site, establishment of acompliance officer within coun-ty government, and countyresponses to the findings in areport from the Florida AuditorGeneral’s Office.

Commissioners held a publichearing to discuss a proposedcounty ordinance tighteningexisting regulations of taxicaband van shuttle operations atthe airport.

Provisions of the ordinancewould include requiring taxioperators to carry at least$500,000 of insurance ratherthan the $300,000 currentlyrequired, pay assorted fees inorder to operate at the airport,undergo background checksand drug screenings, and wouldinclude penalties for suchthings as unkempt personal or


In an interview with the Beacon,Valparaiso Mayor Bruce Arnoldanswered questions about proposed revi-sions to the city charter which he haslong championed, and which are slatedto be put before Valparaiso voters in areferendum on March 11, 2014.

Arnold said that he drafted most ofthe proposed revisions to the city charterhimself, but added that he did so afterreading a previous study by the Institute

of Senior Professionals atNorthwest Florida StateCollege, and that he draftedthe proposed revisions at therequest of other members ofthe city commission, and coor-dinated his work with themthroughout the process.

Asked why a new charter isnecessary, and what problemsit is intended to solve, themayor replied, “The biggestproblem is that under the current charter,


Progress continues in a $6.5million upgrade of theNiceville-Valparaiso regionalsewer plant to meet state andfederal requirements, accordingto the engineer for the project.

PolyEngineering representa-tive Glenn Stephens said theproject involves modifying eachof the three waste-processing"trains," one after the other,while keeping the other two in

operation.“We are now working on

Train 2,” said Stephens. Stephens also said that as part

of the modification process, andaerator platform and stabilizerare removed, and an aluminumbaffle wall is installed. He saidhe hoped the modifications toTrain 2 would be completed bytoday, clearing the way for workto begin on the next one.

Early in 2014, Stephens said,the plan is for Train 1 to be taken

offline and fixed. “We may fin-ish the whole project by some-time next spring,” he said.

Sewer plant manager RickHelms said the regional sewerplant processed about 16.9 mil-lion gallons of sewage during themonth of November, as the mod-ification work was in progress.He said the sewer plant alsoprocessed about 17,750 gallonsof septic-tank waste pumpedfrom cleanout trucks.

Niceville City Councilman

Heath Rominger had told theBeacon that the entire cost of therenovation project will be closeto $6.5 million.

Rominger said earlier thisyear that despite the requiredupgrades, the regional sewerplant is still something of a bar-gain for Niceville andValparaiso.

He said the sewer plant hadoriginally been used by the twocities, as well as by OkaloosaCounty, but that the cities were

in the process of buying out andtaking over the county’s portionof the treatment plant, since thecounty’s wastewater is nowbeing treated at a county ownedplant elsewhere, allowing theentire capacity of the older plantto be shared by the two cities.

Rominger said that thismeans that Niceville, for exam-ple, has enough waste watertreatment capacity to handlewastewater from expected resi-dential and commercial develop-

ments within Niceville into theforeseeable future. He said thecost of upgrading the plant tomeet current FDEP standards ismuch less than it would havecost if the city had been forcedto either build an entire newplant or build a significantexpansion of the existing plant inorder to meet expected futurewastewater treatment needs.

Stephens also said that thereroofing of some buildings atthe sewer plant was in progress.

TThhee BBaayy BBeeaaccoonn50¢Wednesday, December 25, 2013




Please see CAB, page A-2

Please see PARKING, page A-7


Wed., 11 a.m.St. Jude’s Episcopal

Church,200PartinDrive N.,Niceville,will holda Christmas Day serv-ice. 678-7013.

Fri., 6 a.m.-2 p.m.Last day to sign up

for Adult OutdoorSoccer League for ages17 and up. Cost forNiceville residents is $60per player, non-resi-dents, $80 per player.

Register andpay in per-son withcash or

check atthe

Community Life Centerat Niceville UnitedMethodist Church, 214Partin Drive S., Niceville,or online with creditcard. 678-4411.

Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Final day for The

Friends of the NicevilleLibrary book store’shalf pricesale. Booksand audiowill be halfprice.Proceedsfrom salesbenefit the NicevillePublic Library. 279-4863ext. 1500.

Tues., 11 p.m.Rocky Bayou

Baptist Church, 2401Partin Drive N., Niceville,will hold a New Year’sEve prayer service inthe Genesis Hall. 678-6062.

Calendar, B-3

COMINGUP


Tom Thumb storeseeks residentiallot for parking

$6.5 million sewer-plant upgrade proceeds

Countyeyesairportcabrules


The scene was peaceful as visitors peered at Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus during a hayride event at Valparaiso Assembly ofGod. Church members reenacted scenes from the life of Jesus, including the Nativity, and were treated to hot drinks andcookies afterwards. A little angel completed the scene as she offered her blessing over the newborn Savior.

Gift of a king

The Valparaiso PlanningCommission recommendedapproval of a zoning changefor the land behind this TomThumb store on John SimsParkway that would allowconstruction of a parking loton a residential lot behind thestore so the establishmentcan be expanded.


Valp. mayor backs new city charter

Bruce Arnold

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