Hello, once again to all our favorite readers,

YOU! As summer tries to fade away, the cool

crisp air is coming sooner than we think. The

Farmers Almanac says, the USA will endure its longest and coldest winter season in decades. Lets hope it doesnt kill off all of our tropical weather plants. Try to cover the smaller

plants for they are most closely to be the ones that suffer, bring them inside if you can

when you hear of a deep freeze coming.

My E-mails have been flooded from citizens on both sides of the Bay. Asking if I

know how, or who to call with certain grievances that folks have regarding their environ-

ment of living. Many have lived here a very long time. I get phone calls from little Old

Ladies crying about things that the county has caused them a great deal of stress and

grief. Deal with them as your husband goes thru stage 4 cancer? Wheres the RESPECT I give them numbers to call or who may be of help. But, even myself, I have found that

to be NOT an EASY request to be fulfilled. It saddens me deeply to know what I have

seen, not being handled properly. I think its time that WALTON COUNTY EMPLOYEES realize they are the ones in position to HELP US CITIZENS. Or change your slogan to...WALTON, Great place to visit, but dont buy a home here. Many of the citizens are up in age, especially the ones I hear crying for their neighbor done this to them, or as usual typical complaints about boundaries and property

lines. In my case, I gave the Joness the exact amount of money they wanted for my home, I believed the old man and his wife. We even had a dinner or two together. Only

after a crap neighbor moved in, did I ever think I would need a PRIVACY FENCE? No

way. However, the Joness lied to me about what I owned. Survey showed that the drive-way I drove up in to view the house, was NOT part of the house? Neither was the Garage

they listed. Sue them? I did, still have no driveway to what I now consider to be just a

pole barn. If it doesnt have a driveway to it, how can you list a barn as a garage? No thanks to Adkinson Law firm, I wasted money, on top of the fact I paid what they

asked to buy, to begin with. Only to know youve been lied to, deceitful tactics. Please ensure your pins and locators are correct. We have people that remove stakes for

our road, for our water, even our own property lines. Guess what? Take them to court!

Then you pay more money and you still arent ensured, what you bought is on your prop-erty. When people go beyond their line of property, why isnt that enforced? If it isnt on your property, isnt it on someone elses? Like the county right of way? YES! Who enforces that? You would think the sheriff dept. But due to the fact that Public

Works is NOT making our road to the surveyed specifications, (us residents on this road

have the same designed roadway), the deputies cannot do their job for the Right of Way

encroachment is a ticketable violation, but because they (who dont live near here) de-cides what they want to do, and obviously what they DO NOT DO.

I understand everyones budget may be tight, but to see so many complaints from citi-zens in my E-mail alone. Its a slap in our face for the County. Not to uphold what we purchased. If it says 30, make it that way. If it says, easement on both sides of the road, make it so it is. Isnt that why we have those positions in the first place? Make it right! I do predict this, that due to the negligence of peoples request thru Code and County. I bet the Commissioners and as well as the County Administrator will be having to answer

to someone in the near future. Your positions do NOT include, you altering our roadways

and property lines. They only address the south side with an aggressive manner. So,

when the south incorporates itself from the rest of this county, what kind of treatment do

us citizens expect to get, when its this shabby already? Guess, we all will see about this

Editorial Views expressed in The EMERALD STAR NEWS do not necessarily reflect those of the

publisher. The staff of The EMERALD STAR NEWS pride ourselves in our efforts to en-sure accuracy of the publication contents. However, there is no guarantee of the accuracy of all

the Information nor the absence of errors and omissions (especially when sent through a third party); therefore, no responsibility can or will be assumed. 2500 copies printed bi-weekly.

Publisher/Editor

Frank Wolfe Jr.

(850) 585-0262 Check us out on FACEBOOK!

E-mail info. to: [email protected]

Main Office/Sales - 850-585-0262

Web Designer Lee Cox Contributing Writer/reporter - Rian Lyday

Special Thanks to our advertisers, show support.

Page 2 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Thursday, September 24, 2015

Look online: theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com Mail invoices and other information to:

P.O. Box 1133 Freeport, Florida 32439

Quote of

the week :

The Wolfes Den

To do a great job,

you must possess the

ability to empathize.

Then place yourself

in what they are

dealing with, from

their view.

We want to be

proud of our

County, not see them

all busted for their

Lack of skills and

abilities and LIES.

Pat Blackshear was

one, whos next?

This newspaper is your voice to the county and all city or state employees, or

whomever it may concern. Have something to say? Good or bad? Lets hear it!! Dont hesitate to make suggestions or send in your comments to us anytime on any subject. Did you ever want to be a writer? Have an investigative mind?

Heres your chance to be recognized. Or you can help anonymously, like most. Send any and all inquiries to the address listed below. Like the beaches?

**Looking for a few good women, (for Ad Sales)

L.C.S Pizza & Sub Freeport Plaza, suite 6 (Next to Hardees)

Freeport, Florida

(850) 835-2122 Check out Daily specials on Facebook Pizza-Wings-Burgers & Specialties * LIKE us on FaceBook = Good times go with L.C.s

Thank them for Advertising here. Lester/Cindy Owners

g d y Mobile Detailing & Pressure Washing

Odd job services too

850-419-6959 Just leave me a message

Now is the time to get in with us. All of us who live here Full time would like to

see your city newspaper grow and be supported by local businesses. It doesnt take much to keep your name in each Edition. You know its a tax write Off any-way? Why not chip in about $50/mo or so..we will be able to promote more pages and places to frequent. I will be able to expand to south enough to help us.

Why not, let the visitors and new residents to the area, know that we have stuff

here in Freeport to go eat, or offer your daily services, so they know where you

are?. BEFORE the expansions of new business make you less visible. Take

advantage of the time now, we are one of the fastest growing cities in Florida.

Yes, thats you Freeport. I am happy to serve you as best we can, through this newspaper, its your avenue to new clients right here. Just give me a call.

DEPUTY SHOT TO DEATH;

SWAT TEAM KILL GUNMAN A longtime veteran of the Okaloosa County Sher-

iffs Office who rejoined the agency to serve part-time after retiring in 2013 has died at Fort Walton

Beach Medical Center following a Tuesday morn-

ing shooting in Shalimar.

64-year old Deputy Bill Meyers retired from the

OCSO in November 2013 after nearly 25 years

with the agency. He was re-hired on a part-time

basis in January of this year to assist with Civil

Process.

Investigators say Myers had just finished serving

a domestic violence injunction to 33- year old

Joel Dixon Smith of Navarre at Cotton and Gates

Law Firm on Plew Avenue around 8:20 a.m.

Deputy Myers was walking outside when he was shot multiple times in the back,

including a gunshot wound to the rear of his head.

The suspect in the shooting, 33-year old Joel Dixon Smith of 9807 Navarre

Parkway in Santa Rosa County, then drove to the Comfort Inn and Suites, 148 John

Sims Parkway, in Niceville, where he barricaded himself inside a room. According

to Sheriff Ashley, Smith called his wife and told her he had just shot a deputy.

The OCSO Special Response Team responded and evacuated the building, setting

up a perimeter. After an hour and a half of negotiations, the suspect came out of his

room with a weapon at 11:13 a.m. Deputies responded and the suspect was struck

and taken to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center where he later died. No members

of the SRT Unit were injured.

Deputy Myers has been a treasured part of this agencys family since 1989, said Sheriff Larry Ashley. He served this community with distinction for decades. He was loved, admired, and respected for his dedication to the law enforcement

profession. He loved photography and he had an ability to make those around him

smile, especially his young granddaughter who he adored and took to Disney

World as often as he could. We pray for his soul and for his family and we ask that

the community pray for them as well, and for all the men and women who have the

courage in these troubled times to put their lives on the line for others. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to all of you who have reached out to our

agency at this time with words and gestures of support, and to all the agencies

which assisted us today at the scene of the shooting and in Niceville.

Deputy Myers is survived by his wife, Jan, three sons and a granddaughter. Funeral

arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Page 3 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Thursday, September 24, 2015

free-HOW?? From the businesses advertising in this issue. Please Thank each one as you go to their store We have numerous locations all throughout Freeport, south Walton and DeFuniak

Springs to pick up a copy today. Online exposure is rising to the top!

The Emerald Star News is published every other week!

Donations of all kinds appreciated. ($$ to help for print)

We are locally owned and operated in Freeport

P.O. Box 1133 Freeport, Florida 32439

You ARE APPROVED

on your AUTO LOAN!

-proof of Income -10-15% down payment min. (wac)

(850) 259-6422 * SELF EMPLOYED * Construction/Trades

* Restaurant / Service

* 1st TIME BUYERS

* Government Fixed Income

Office Issues Order Establishing Citizens Commercial

Lines Rates TALLAHASSEE, Fla. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has issued an Order establishing the 2016 commercial lines rates for Citizens Property

Insurance Corporation (Citizens). The overall estimated statewide average rate changes

are shown in the chart below. The effective date for both new and renewal rates within

the Commercial Lines and Coastal Accounts is February 1, 2016.

*This is an estimate of the rate effect on earned premiums determined using selected changes from the in-force policy distributions and the rates in the Order.

Rate filings can be accessed via the I-File Forms & Rate Filing Search system using the following search criteria in either the Quick Search or Advanced Search op-tions: file log numbers or by entering Citizens Property Insurance Corporation as the company name. When the selection appears, scroll to the bottom of the results page for the most recent filing information.

Visit the Citizens Public Rate Hearing webpage on the Offices website for additional information.

(Incl. FHCF Cash Buildup Factor Changes)

Account Original Rate

Requested

Estimated Rate

Established*

Commercial Property Residential

Multi-Peril (Ex. Condo Assn.)

Commercial Lines Account

#15-17008

5.2% increase 3.0% increase


Multi-Peril (Condo Assn.) Com-

mercial Lines Account

#15-17009


Commercial Property Non-

Residential Multi-Peril

Commercial Lines Account

#15-17471



Wind Only (Ex. Condo Assn.)

Coastal Account

#15-18444



Wind Only (Condo Assn.)

Coastal Account

#15-18446


Commercial Property Non-

Residential Wind Only

Coastal Account

#15-18900


Thursday, September 24, 2015 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.

Health Post George Roll P.A.-C

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Call # 850-231-6200

Walk-ins and Appt.s

Send health questions or

comments to: P.O.Box 1133

Freeport, Florida 32439

850-835-2028

Page 4

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Have you got something to say?

Lets hear it! Time to VOTE! Say? Dont hold back, you see a way to improve something? Tell us. Say?

Got ideas? Think of something that

would be beneficial to Walton

county? SPEAK UP & LOUD! We

have a large FB following& online

E-mail anytime..check page 2

Freeports Best Lil Pharmacy

Update on 30A Detour for Replacement

of Draper Lake Bridge

Walton County Public Works road crews completed

and put in a modified detour route for the bridge re-

placement project over Draper Lake on CR 30A

early yesterday evening.

The new detour route will extended to begin at Hwy

283 Westbound on CR 30A and will direct traffic

north on Hwy 283 to US Highway 98. This will close

CR 30A for 3.5 miles to Draper Lake. The road will

be open to local traffic.

Public works has also placed digital signage on US

Hwy 98 both to the east and west of the Hwy 83

warning motorists to be cautious as they approach

the intersection.

There have also been several questions about the

contract for the construction of the project. In regard

to the contract, the County will have a bid opening at

10:00am on Monday morning. The award of the bid

will be placed on the BCC agenda for their meeting

on Tuesday, September 22nd in DeFuniak Springs.

The closure was put in place in order to begin work

on pre-construction items that required the road to be

closed. Currently, utilities in the area are being relo-

cated.

County Public Works will continue to monitor the

detour route throughout the weekend.

The bridge construction project and the associated

road closure will restrict thru traffic for the duration

of the project. The bridge construction project is

scheduled to be complete by March 1, 2016.

Road Improvement Projects

Scheduled for Betty Street, Buddy

Street, and Vicki Street

Road Improvement Projects Scheduled for Betty

Street, Buddy Street, and Vicki Street

Walton County Public Works is scheduled to be-

gin road improvement projects on Betty Street,

Buddy Street, and Vicki Street beginning Septem-

ber 8, 2015.

These roads are located in the Gulfview Heights

Subdivision south of CR30A and east of Gulfview

Heights Street. These road improvement projects

will include drainage improvements, utility reloca-

tions, and paving of the existing unimproved

roads.

The roads to be improved are scheduled to remain

open to traffic during construction; however, some

minor delays may be expected. Weather permitted,

these projects are scheduled for completion by late

December or early January. The public is encour-

aged to use caution while traveling in this area.

If there are any questions regarding these projects

please call Walton County Public Works at 892-

8108.

96% of NFL Players Who Were

Scanned Had CTE

The latest data from a brain bank that focuses on traumatic head injury

shows that 87 of 91 former NFL players tested positive for a brain dis-

ease associated with repetitive head injuries.

The degenerative disease, known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy

(CTE), was identified in 96 percent of NFL players and in 79 percent of

all football players studied, researchers from the U.S. Department of

Veterans Affairs and Boston University told the public in an exclusive

report Friday.

CTE can cause memory loss, depression and dementia. In total, brain

tissue from 165 people who played football in high school, college, semi

-pro leagues or in the NFL was examined after their deaths. Offensive

and defensive linemen bore the brunt of the disease, with 40 percent of

players at those positions suffering from CTE, according to the brain

bank.

Past research has shown that constant minor head traumas may pose the

greatest neurological danger, rather than the less common violent

collisions that cause concussions,

But since CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously, many of the play-

ers who have donated their brains for testing suspected that they had the

disease while still alive, so researchers were working with a skewed

sample, to examine properly.

We are dedicated to making football safer and continue to take steps to

protect players, including rule changes, advanced sideline technology

and expanded medical resources. We continue to make significant

investments in independent research through our gifts to Boston Univer-

sity and beyond. The sport is dangerous, period.

In April, the NFL agreed to a $1 billion concussion settlement with

former professional players, but appeals filed in August by some former

NFL players who oppose the terms of the settlement will likely delay

payments to thousands of other retired players until next year.

Parents: you do realize the long term affects of this sport may in-crease the inability to do normal tasks in their later years. Remember

only 8% make it to A college team as a player, In that, Only 6% of all

high school students ever make it to become a Pro.

After seeing the evidence what is more important? Being the High

School champ or being able to remember events in their life after the

age of 40, 50 and beyond. Whats it really worth overall?

The FREEPORT POST

Thursday, September 24, 2015 The Emerald Star News, Inc.

The Mayors Post Russ Barley Freeport Mayor Please send any and all comments

to The [email protected]

850.502.0881

FREEPORT Presbyterian CHURCH, located on Hwy 20. Next to Franks Cash & Carry. We are extending an open invitation to come to our quaint little church to give

thanks and praise to God. Small town feel and childrens services available too. Sundays at 9am Bible study.10am church service. Come meet Pastor Gene.

Emerald Coast Flowers & Gifts

NOW across from City Hall, Freeport, Florida 32439

850-835-5200 or 850-267-2616

Full Service Florist- Worldwide Delivery

STOP IN AT THE PRISSY HEN AND SEE WHATS NEW

We appreciate our readers.

Dont forget to let them know you saw their Ad here in The

Emerald Star News. Thats all we ask in return for your time. Its been 7years of FREEPORT

news. WE Thank you.

Stop and smell the Roses they say, a calming odor to the senses..buy flowers!

Freeport -the public pool is back open -

Public swim Fri Sat & Sun 9-6 - we will keep the pool open until the water temperature drops so it will NOT close after labor

day. pool phone 850-835-3029

Please be reminded that

Picking on the Porch is Sunday, Oct. 18th, 2015 from 2-4 pm on the front porch of Freeport City Hall.

Bring your accoustic instruments.

Bluegrass, country, folk and gospel.

Greetings from the Mayors Office

Seems as though summer is still very much in season and that was especially true on Saturday, September 19th,, as we held our second

annual Bayfest Festival at the Freeport Regional Sports Complex at Hammock Bay, we had around 700 people paying to attend and an-

other 100-150 that did not pay so for the days attendance was a good turnout. Arts, Crafts and Food Vendors lined the soccer fields along

with a car show, Kids Zone and Mullet Toss and Gumbo as well as 5

incredible entertainers singing and playing to us with Gospel, Soul,

Jazz, Country, Blues and even some of todays top 40 songs. The event began at 10:00 am and went until 9:00 pm, such a great event

for the community and we hope for more participation for next years event as plans are already in the making for that to take place. Many

thanks to all of the volunteers and committee people who worked so

hard on this years event for without you this could not had been suc-cessful. The Mayors Charity Ball is next on the agenda for October 24th at the Hammock Bay Lake Club, tickets are now available at Em-

erald Coast Flowers & Gifts/The Prissy Hen and at the City Hall. The

cost is $30ea., $50 Couple and $300 for a corporate table of 8, this

years ball is a masquerade ball and tickets include a meal, silent auc-tion table and 2 bars available for the night. For further information

please call city hall at 850-835-2822 or 850-835-5611, this event is

sponsored by The Town Planters Society of Freeport and the proceeds

help with those less fortunate families in Freeport for the holiday sea-

son providing dinners and gifts for the children. The Council on Ag-

ing now has a program available in Freeport and currently they are

meeting at the Blount House on Kylea Laird Drive, for further infor-

mation please contact city hall. The Freeport Community Center is

currently going under renovation inside and out and will be available

to the public beginning in October. A light re-Grand Opening will be

held on October 1, 2015 beginning at 6:00 pm and the public is in-

vited to come and take a look at the new changes. Congratulations to

the Freeport Football team on a job well done this season so far,

please come out and support the team. The final budget hearing for

the city of Freeport will be held at the next city council meeting on

September 24th beginning at 7:00 pm. Please mark your calendars and

join us as we discuss the future of Freeport. As always please stop by

or give me a call with suggestions, complaints and compliments, you

can call at 835-2822.

Sec. 16-2. - All-terrain vehicles.

Another Proven Fact: sent in by Thomas K. Learner Mr. Wolfe, I have read your editorials for several years now.

I wanted to see if you would print this info. on your behalf.

Im sure most of all of your faithful readers will see how the Power of Fact ad Truth & by what is written as Law, not just an

opinion from those officers regarding the golf cart and Trac-tors being driven on your county maintained road almost daily.

I have sent you several other Ordinances that are, have been or

still is, A break of the Laws, (set by Walton county). Print each

one, each issue and see if they, get the point? Id like to see if any officer will write you and explain, why no action (against

said person/s), even Code violations listed? Demand a response!

Ive heard how disrespectful some officials have been with you.

Definitions.

All terrain vehicles means any motorized off-highway vehicle 50 inches or less in width, having a

dry weight of 600 pounds or less, traveling on three or more low-pressure tires, designed for operator

use only with no passengers, having a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator, and

having handlebars for steering control.

County roadway means that portion of a county highway improved, designed or ordinarily used for

vehicular travel, including right-of-way.

County street or highway means the entire width between the boundary lines of every county right-of

-way of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purpose of vehicu-

lar traffic. This includes the right-of-way.

(b) Operation prohibited on county roadways. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate an all

terrain vehicle on any county roadway, county street or county highway.

Seating capacity. It shall be unlawful for any person to ride upon an all terrain vehicle in excess of

the manufacturer's seating capacity.

(d) Official use. An all terrain vehicle having four wheels may be used by police officers and county

employees or county approved contracts on

public beaches for the purpose of enforcing

state laws and county ordinances and may be

used by police officers and county employees

or county approved contracts in the

performance of their duties.

(e) Penalty. Any person violating any pro vision of this ordinance shall be guilty of a

misdemeanor of the second degree.

(County Ord. No. 98-19, 8-25-98)

How about someone in Code,

write in a response? Many readers

want to know. Why, has there yet

to be civility upon these tax pay-

ers? Rights are being ignored. Or is

it the few (like yourself). Id like 2 know too. Stay in touch!

We will allow 30 days for some

response (County) better than we

have gotten over several other

cases, as well as other folks ask-

ing the same types of issues.

This will be helpful to your read-

ers to know of your truth and

honesty and telling it, as it is.

Bold, yet affirmative from my

view. Power to the Press!

Police and Code Enforcement, explain yourselves! TKL

The live, work business, building is right in the center of busy Highway 331 coming right into

South Walton. 1.064 acres on the property. zoned commercial with a minor development

order. Retail business downstairs with apartment upstairs. Apartment is 576 Sq. ft., Main level

for business is 1380 sq. ft. It is zoned VMU.

Description: Plumbing Consultants Inc

Thursday, September 24, 2015 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 6

"Serving all of Walton County Since 1985"

30A Realty, Inc. - 850-231-5030

Other Properties - North Walton County

MLS # 607005 - .21 acres - Black Creek Lodge Rd - $25,000

MLS - 524271 - 1.2 acres - Stanley Dr. $25,000

MLS - 607740 - 1.28 - Campground Pt. Defuniak Springs - $11,900

MLS 599565 - 2.1 acres - Dvorak Drive, Waterfront on Juniper Lake $45,000

MLS - 612885 - Lot on Juniper Lake - Wilderness Trace - $29,500

MLS # 724417 - Swanee Rd, $9,900 - .37 acre

Commercial Property on 331, MLS # 538545,

#MLS 726816. AWESOME BAY VIEWS IN CHOCTAW BEACH!! Florida Cottage with BAY VIEWS only minutes to Niceville and the Mid-Bay Bridge and everything Destin has to offer. Complete remodel and a 1100+ square foot addition completed

in 2008. The lot this home is on has large oak trees and sits at a high elevation overlooking Choctaw Bay. Loads of custom built-ins

throughout the house. The stainless appliances include a flat top Kitchen Aid stove with convection oven, custom cooking vent, TWO

refrigerators, dishwasher, and built in front loading washer and dryer. The three bedroom home has two bedrooms, den, kitchen, din-

ing room, and Florida room down and a huge master bedroom suite upstairs with two walk in closets.

***REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE

Listing MLS 481585 - 3.86 acres on Lake Holley and

King Lake (Bell Dr/Holland Dr.) $58,000, parcel can

be split, will sell for $30,000 for half.

Listing MLS 512970 - Waterfront Lots on Lake Rosemary, each lot $11,000 or buy both for $20,000. Owner motivated.

Alice J. Forrester,GRI, SFR

30A Realty, Inc.

www.30Arealty.com

850-231-5030

850-974-2676 cell 850-231-2530 fax.

[email protected]

New '30A Weddings' Website Connects

Brides and Grooms with Local Companies

The 30A Company announced the launch of 30Awed-

dings.com, a new website devoted entirely to helping cou-

ples and families plan a wedding at the beach.

"Every year, this area hosts countless weddings, rehearsal

dinners and bridesmaids parties," said 30A's Editor, Lauren

Sage Reinlie. "There are so many decisions that go into any

wedding, but especially a destination wedding. The new

30A Weddings website is designed to help brides and

grooms quickly find local partners who can help plan their

special day."

The new 30A Weddings website features local wedding

venues, wedding planner profiles, catering companies,

wedding photographers and videographers, beauty salons,

florists, transportation companies, accommodations and

more.

"Weddings are such a huge part of our local economy," said

Jackie Ward of Jacqueline Ward Photography. "Now

there's a single go-to resource to help brides and grooms

connect with local companies like mine."

The website's launch partners include: Many name

brands that promote 30A.

Everything you will ever need or want for your Beach

wedding is available. Check our web-site for details.

Hwy. 331 Bridge LANE CLOSURES

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Walton County as crews per-

form construction activities. U.S. 331 across the Clyde B. Wells Bridge. Alternating lane closures

Wednesday, Sept. 23 and Thursday, Sept. 24 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews place concrete for the new

bridge State Road 83 from Sullivan Street north to the Alabama State line. Alternating lane restric-

tions beginning Monday, Sept. 21 and continuing Monday through Thursday for approximately two

weeks. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as crews make repairs to the shoulders of

the road.

Motorists are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling in a work zone and to watch

for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway. All activities are weather

dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather.

One of my earliest memories is of seeing my mother in her beach chair, reading a book under an umbrella

by the water's edge while my sisters and I played beside her. Of all the life lessons she taught me, that is one

of my favorites: to take time at a place I love, restore my spirit with books and the beach.

Luanne Rice

Happenings in DeFuniak Springs


MLS# 717442 FOR SALE SHOAL RIVER PLANTATION 318+- ACRES WITH 19 FOUR+- ACRE RIVER FRONT LOTS DIRECTLY ON THE PRISTINE SHOAL RIVER 229 ACRES OF VACANT WOODLAND DIRECTLY NORTH OF RIVERFRONT LOTS

PRICE: $650,000 LOCATED OFF HWY 1087 3.6 MILES NORTH OF HWY 90 IN MOSSY HEAD, FLORIDA.

CONTACT : GALEWIND PROPERTIES AT 850-276-3867 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Walton County Economic Development

Alliance (WCEDA) will hold its monthly board

meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 12:00

PM at the Walton County Administration Con-

ference Room located at 76 North 6th Street,

DeFuniak Springs, FL.

Two or more County Commissioners may at-

tend this meeting. These meetings are open to

the public.

GAO faults CMS over $$$ By Charles Buck, RAC Monitor

Less than $10 million in improper payments out of a potential $1.9 billion has been collected by the Centers for

Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Medicare Part D program, according to a report made public yesterday by

the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

In its report, the GAO said that CMS not only collected less than $10 million as of May 2015, but also that the agency

had not used the necessary audit methodologies, further faulting CMS for only approving one of the 15 audit proposals

from the Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC), ACLR Strategic Business Solutions, since the beginning of the contract in

2011. Both CMS and the RAC are responsible are reducing for overpayments via the program that began in January

2011.

According to the GAO, $58 billion has been spent by the federal government on the voluntary, outpatient prescription

drug coverage program. The GAO estimated that $1.9 billon of this total consisted of improper payments both un-

derpayments and overpayments, including the possibility of duplicate claim submittals for the same services.

Having been asked to review CMSs Part D RAC program, the GAO examined how CMS implemented the program, including the challenges it faced during implementation, but also how CMS had overseen the RAC audit activities and

the results of the work being done by the RACs to collect improper payments.

As a result of CMS's and the RACs challenges in determining audit work to conduct and the RACs challenges in developing audit methodologies, CMS has approved 1 of the 15 audit proposals from the RAC since the beginning of

the contract in 2011 and has collected a limited amount of improper payments relative to the estimated $1.9 billion in

improper payments in Part D in 2014, the GAOs report read. With a more effective and efficient process for identi-fying, reviewing, and approving appropriate new audit work, more audit work would likely have been approved each

year of the RAC contract, resulting in more improper payments being identified and collected.

An annual performance evaluation would provide CMS with a clear basis for assessing RAC performance in identify-ing improper payments and provide the RAC with targets against which (they) could compare its performance, the

GAO added in its report.

The GAO noted that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concurred with the agencys recom-mendations. CMS contracted ACLR Strategic Business Solutions to perform the Part D RAC auditing as part of the

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) legislation enacted in March 2010. Legislation also required

CMS to expand the RAC program to the Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) program.

The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday, September 24, 2015

Ph: 850-835-4153 www.freeportwaterfront.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS - TEXT PROPERTY ID# TO 85377

3BR/2BA approx. 1,656 sq. ft. Newly Remodeled Home! New tile & carpet throughout. New Kitchen with a $2,000 allowance for appliances (for qualified Buyer & acceptable contract). Updated Bathrooms. Fresh paint inside and out. READY FOR NEW OWNERS! $149,900

LIFE IN THE COUNTRY! BAYFRONT TOWNHOME!

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PHENOMENAL LOT ON MALLET BAYOU! 122 on the water w/90 on the road! City W & S available. Protected water for boating & great water for fishing. Located just off of Hwy 331 S and @ 15 minutes or less to the Beautiful Beaches of South Walton. Unique lot for your New Home! $215,000

MALLET BAYOU WATERFRONT LOT! Complete Ready to build level lot 100 in width w/C & W Tap Paid and Boat Dock! Boat dock has covered slip w/metal roof and is built w/Pi-Locks. Enjoy the Bayou Life!! ID# P714953 $200,000

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Nationally recognized speakers announced for the third Emerald Coast Transportation Symposium, November 12 & 13 at Sandestin Golf

& Beach Resort

The Third Emerald Coast Transportation Symposium will be held November 12

and 13 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The Transportation Symposium pro-

vides a forum for leadership in transportation by enhancing cross-organization

collaboration, developing lasting local and regional partnerships, sharing best

practices, and giving innovators a platform to inspire others. This year's event

will bring together professionals and policy-makers to openly discuss ways in

which our transportation system can be updated to meet the 21st century

economic and environmental realities. Keynote speakers and panelists for the

event include:

FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold, delivering the symposium kick-off address Dr. Jim Johnson, profiled by Fast Company Magazine as "a geographer with a

PhD, a professor with an endowed chair at a leading business school, an expert

on poverty, and a tireless activist for social justice"

Dan Burden, director of innovation and inspiration at Blue Zones

Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, executive director of Florida's Turnpike Enterprise a representative from the Make It Right Foundation in New Orleans.

A draft program of all panel topics and keynote speakers on the event web site.

The two-day event is hosted by the West Florida Regional Planning Council,

Northwest Florida Regional Transportation Planning Organization and the Bay,

Gulf, Holmes, Washington Regional Transportation Partnership. Sponsors in-

clude Atkins, 850 Magazine, Turning Technologies, Gulf Power, Bay Bridge

Constructors, Port of Panama City and Legendary Inc. at the silver level. Break

and bronze sponsors include Carpe Diem, First Transit, HNTB,Transdev,

the Port of Pensacola, HDR, Navy Federal, Volkert, Pensacola En-

ergy, DRMP, Howard Group, Renaissance Planning, RideShare by Enter-

prise and VHB.

Registration is available online. For more information or details on sponsorship

opportunities, visit www.transportationsymposium.org or call 800-226-8914,

extension 204.


Help..Spread the word about this newspaper to everyone you know!

Advertising specials going on NOW!! Please thank those advertisers in this issue,

because of them -we can continue to promote

TAX WRITE_OFFs ??COME Advertise with us!! Guaranteed the lowest price .. Call us today:

Letter to the :

We Thank you Lord for giving us this day. For all our friends, family and community. Please help us guide FREEPORT in the best direction so that we all, can grow& prosper to become all we can become, for

the near future and of the futures of our children. Amen! 850.585.0262

Just as you noticed this, someone could see your Advertisement OK,

lets say a trial for only $50...well give you 3 print dates!

U

cant Beat

That?

Call

now !!

Dear Editor,

I wanted to let you know how many of us

seniors love your newspaper. We have also

investigated some of the claims that people

have wrote in to you about.

It appears that wed say 90% are fact and some still currently in violation.

We took the time to read through the Walton

County ordinances. There are so many that

people are clearly in violation of. Such as

youve written about. From property line infractions, to blatant dis-

respect towards Code Enforcement. What we

dont understand is that once a person is cited, they get 30 days to clean it up, per say. Only to

have them place more debris and junk right

where Code said NOT to?

It seems that you are right about the system.

If the people go back and then we have to call

in to code again, how is this NOT going to turn

a corrected situation from turning people

against each other?

We have complained it seems every other

month, so if the same person is doing the same

repeated violations when will they know to

STOP it ALL together? Maybe if a hefty fine or

even jail would detour this never ending game

of cat & mouse.

It is either the dept. is a waste of our citizens

tax money...or.they must make changes to the way they handle reoccurring circumstances,

especially from the same people.

It makes sense to our group of Elders, why do

we have to continue to call, be harassed for

calling, stalked upon as if we are in the wrong?

We are gathering evidence that obviously Code

doesnt notice. With the addition and expansions coming in

our area. Why not clean this up once and for

good.

The way you got it now, the wrong doers think they can get a way with whatever they

want, yet we cant ask you to do your job and put an end to this?

As we say, once a rat, always a rat. Some of

these nuisance individuals have been wrote up

over 10 yrs, and we still see them pulling the

same as they did back then.

Only difference is new people in Code are

unaware of the continual problem people,taking

advantage of your lack of enforcement. Sylvia

Yes, I feel a need to vent, I am asking

you to print this. There are numerous

issues I have dealt with over the past 5

years or so.

I once lived in Hammock Bay, but had

to sell for my family was getting sick,

physically vomiting, from the foul odor

from these Landfills nearby. I saw Ms. Brannon was appearing to

be the ONLY person wanting this situa-

tion corrected, for it has declined our

area. Just as it would be living next to a

chicken farm, odors carries toxins that

we breathe. Funny how many people

run and jog around Hammock bay inhal-

ing things that will only show up later in

their life and health.

But just as the few who have died

mysteriously, no one thinks they can

prove it is related to the unkept Landfill.

So, now I moved on a quiet street. A

street that my survey shows specs that

the county refuses to amend. I am refer-

ring to the width of our road. It has a

tree 12 in the road, they grade around it. Why have survey if they dont line it. Guy now parks vehicles and heavy

equipment in what the police say is the

right of way. He is way over his prop-

erty line. This is ridiculous.

As much as Id like to invite more folks to come and find a home. The

word is out about the Lack of support

for us residential F/T living citizens.

After numerous calls, requests, beg

and pleaded on case for our road. Even

the County Administrator says they will

NOT widen our road to surveyed speci-

fications. So, folks, who really is here to

help you? You pay taxes for people in

these positions, but just like Obama,

they make they own set of rules?

Ordinances go without enforcement.

People have been arrested over en-

croaching upon another mans land. Is Walton county wanting us to handle

our own situations like they did in the

wild, wild west?

I am 87 yrs. old lived here over

60yrs. This county has to be the utmost

irresponsible bunch of folks around. If

its your job to assist the citizens, why are we dictated to about what I bought?

No room for emergency vehicles? Id recommend no one live here for the

visitors are the top priority to them.

Joe Brunswick ret. USAF col.

Planet Earth has five great oceans and 113 seas. They represent

72% of the surface of the globe, and together they've been an

endless source of inspiration for humankind.

The oceans and seas have changed lives forever. Saline water is part of who we

are, even when it claims souls and dreams. Humans have always showed and

intense relationship with the oceans. Pouring feelings into the seas is an ancient

practice. We've done it through philosophical thoughts, inspiring speeches.

Healthmark Health

Matters Under the Florida sun Skin cancer, which is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often develops on skin exposed to

the sun. In Florida, which attracts suns-worshipper

by the millions, skin cancer is a real problem. How-

ever, according to researchers at Mayo Clinic, this

common form of cancer can also occur on areas of

skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.

The best way to reduce the risk of skin cancer is

by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV)

radiation caused by the sun. Skin cancer usually develops primarily

on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears,

neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. Checking the

skin for suspicious changes can often lead to detection of skin cancer

at its earliest stages. Early detection provides the greatest chance for

successful skin cancer treatment.

There are three major types of skin cancer basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma usually

occurs in sun-exposed areas, such as the neck or face and may appear

as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like

lesion.

Squamous cell carcinoma also occurs on sun-exposed areas of the

body. People with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous

cell carcinoma on areas that aren't often exposed to the sun.

Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a firm, red nodule or a flat

lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.

Melanoma can develop anywhere on your body, in otherwise nor-

mal skin or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. Melanoma

most often appears on the face or the trunk of affected men. In

women, this type of cancer usually develops on the lower legs. In both

men and women, melanoma can occur on skin that hasn't been ex-

posed to the sun and can affect people of any skin tone. Melanoma

signs include a large brownish spot with darker speckles, a mole that

changes in color, size or feel or that bleeds, a small lesion with an

irregular border and portions that appear red, white, blue or blue-black

or dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous

membranes lining the mouth, nose or other body cavities.

Anyone, regardless of skin color, can get skin cancer. However,

those with blond or red hair and light-colored eyes, and who freckle

or sunburn easily, are much more likely to develop skin cancer than is

a person with darker skin. Having had one or more blistering sunburns

as a child or teenager increases the risk of developing skin cancer as

an adult. Anyone who spends considerable time in the sun may de-

velop skin cancer, especially if the skin isn't protected by sunscreen or

clothing.

Make an appointment with a physician if you notice any changes to

your skin. Remember that not all skin changes are caused by skin can-

cer. A physician can investigate skin changes to determine a cause.

For more information about

the early detection and treat-

ment of skin cancer, contact

Dr. Emma Stoll at Health-

mark Walk-In Clinic in

DeFuniak Springs,

(850) 951-4556.

Page 10 The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday , September 24, 2015

PROUDLY Helping Alaqua Animal Refuge

located in FREEPORT, for over 7yrs. adoptable

pets of all kinds. Go visit them today!

Lets all work together to make this city, FREEPORT a place to proudly call home. We have systems moving in right directions for growth already in place.

Join ALL the people with your comments, compliments and any concerns about

Walton county. We seem to have much disarray going on, lately.

Help support your city of FREEPORT Newspaper by advertising with us. We

will grow, too! Help us, help you. We are here to stay, been 7yrs thus far :)

Alaqua Animal Refuge Pet of the Week

Tangoes adoption fee is $150 which includes his neuter, microchip and current vaccines. If you are

interested in him, please fill out an application

online at http://www.alaquaanimalrefuge.org/

ApplyforAdoption.

Big dog lovers, Tangoe is the

guy for you! He is approx. 3

years old, weighs about 70lbs

and is a Mastiff/Boxer Mix.

He is always smiling, incredi-

bly friendly and gets along

with just about everyone! He

could use a little extra leash

training, but he is very smart

& eager to please which

should make training easy.

Tangoe would be the ideal companion for some-

one who is active and can keep up with his ener-

getic spirit. If he sounds like the best friend you

have been looking for, fill out an application to-

day!

Check out the WEB site for more pictures of all

the animals available for adoption. There are lots

of cute photos to view.tell them you saw it in The Emerald Star News of FREEPORT

Healthmark Health Matters When Arthur comes to visit Southerners are known for their gracious hospi-

tality, but when Arthur Itess comes calling, it is

always an unwelcome intrusion. Rheumatoid

arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that

typically affects the small joints in your hands

and feet. Although rheumatoid arthritis can occur

at any age, it usually begins after age 40. The

disorder is much more common in women.

An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis

occurs when your immune system mistakenly

attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to

causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis

sometimes can affect other organs of the body such as the skin, eyes, lungs and blood vessels.

There is no cure, so treatment focuses on con-

trolling symptoms and preventing joint damage.

Medications can reduce inflammation in your

joints in order to relieve pain and prevent or slow

joint damage. Make an appointment with a physi-

cian if there is persistent discomfort and swelling

in the joints.

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

may include tender, warm, swollen joints, morn-

ing stiffness that may last for hours, firm bumps

of tissue under the skin on the arms and fatigue,

fever and weight loss. Early rheumatoid arthritis

tends to affect the smaller joints first particu-larly the joints that attach fingers to hands and

toes to the feet.

As the disease progresses, symptoms often

spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips

and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in

the same joints on both sides of your body.

Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms may

vary in severity and may even come and go. Peri-

ods of increased disease activity, called flares,

alternate with periods of relative remission when the swelling and pain fade or disappear.

Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joints to

deform and shift out of place.

Many drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis

have potentially serious side effects. Nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve

pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter

NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB)

and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Side effects may

include ringing in your ears, stomach irritation.

Middle School Mentality

By Rian Lyday

In places where this beauty has already disappeared, we will reconstruct it.

-Fritz Todt

This past Friday was Coastal Clean-up in our area

and I had the opportunity to watch some 8th graders

in action. I dont know about you, but when I was in 8th grade, I know I was not thinking about the

environment and what I could do to help. I was

more concerned about big hair and parachute pants

(I know I am aging myself). Watching these stu-

dents, work together to make their school a better

place to be, made me reflect on how different life

was when I was in middle school. I often hear

people talk about this up-coming generation and

how they need immediate gratification and want

material things all the time. To the people that say

this and do not have the opportunity to spend time

with the kids in our county, I say, you are wrong.

This may be true in big cities and very wealthy

towns. But the children in our community are more

aware of what life can throw at them and how to

handle it than many adults I know.

These kids know how to pull together, protect each

other, and work hard for goals they set. These are

the children that have to create their own

opportunities in lifestudents that have to work hard to earn scholarships. Our rural community of

students are compared to the big cities but did you

know that only about 13% of the people in our

county have a bachelors degree? Watching these 8th graders work together made me realize how strong

the future of this county is. If you have time, find a

student in our county to mentor. Ask them how they

are doing in school. Ask them if they need help

finding college information or financial aid for

college. Ask them what their plans are for the next 5

years. We, as the adults of this rural area, are

responsible for the future of this great generation.

Before you judge these kids, go volunteer at a local

schooltalk to a teacher, who works tirelessly to make sure these kids succeed, mentor a child in our

community. Your 30 minutes a week could make all

the difference in the life of just one child. Thank

you to every single student and parent/guardian who

works hard to overcome the stereotype of living in

our small community and strives to make Walton

County a force to be reckoned with.

SERVICES

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The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 11 Thursday, September 24, 2015

Classifieds

Only $10 per issue Mail or E-mail

TODAY! For Sale

I want you! The reader to

become a part of

this newspaper as

we grow with

FREEPORT and the

surrounding

areas. Send in your comments

anytime! E-mail to:

[email protected]

*FREEDOM OF SPEECH LIVES

HERE....IN FREEPORT FLA.

SPEAK UP!!!

The only versatile newspaper that

offers both sides of discussion. Let the

people in charge =read your opinion.

They work with your tax dollars.

Explore nature in and around Walton County Florida with

Walton Outdoors. For more

information, go to: http://

www.waltonoutdoors.com

(850) 835-4191

NEED AVON? Call Dottie

HELP WANTED:

Plumber Helper. Requires valid

Drivers License, Job is to assist

Plumbing technician on completing

Plumbing Jobs. Looking for a

TEAM player and be responsible

applicant whos willing to learn.

NO PHONE CALLS! Please stop in and apply in person at 998

Bay Drive, Santa Rosa Beach,

Florida 32439

PineStraw / Hay delivered

Pinestraw per bale. Call today, 850-333-0877 Dee Watson for more details

Support FREEPORTs ONLY NEWSPAPER Let us get your name out

Got $20.??? Advertise here

If you may know of someone who is a self starter, go getter, one that

gets along nicely with new faces

and business owners. We could use

an Advertising Sales rep. Maybe a team? comm. + You make your

days / hours. 585-0262

I am looking for a couple of hard

working Day Laborers to help with

miscellaneous chores around my house

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you need to have reliable transporta-

tion. If interested, please call

850-778-3252.

Hwy 331 S, next to Cypress Cattle & Produce

850-583-4BBQ (4227) Trailermade Gulf Coast Q / Home of the Slab Wrap

Open Tuesday thru Saturday, 11am to 6 pm

Like us on Facebook We also Cater!

Along Hwy. 331 S. just past Hwy20 on RH side..

FREEPORTs Best Pork Sandwich, take some to the beach!

FOR SALE: by owner 2013 14x70 , 2Br, 2 Ba. Also a 12x32 screened porch.

On 2 lots, on canal, next to Lg. Lake.

Black Creek area, Stillwater Rd.

Only $145K

Phone 334-360-5762 or 334-723-5108

I still love things that you don't even need to pay for. Going to the beach and

being around five of your friends and

having a good time, means so much

more than going out and spending

hundreds of dollars.

Maria Sharapova

The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient.

One should lie empty, open, choiceless as

a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

The Emerald Star News, Inc. September 24, 2015

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