Volume: 5 Issue: 25 December 12, 2013 bi-weekly Edition merald Star News E The The BEST LIL’ NEWSPAPER in Walton county - from Freeport, Florida A style of it’s own — a community Based Newspaper Free offered ‘free’ …….from our business Advertisers inside this week Made possible by your local advertising businesses in this edition. Real Estate listings inside: Do you have a business? Lowest Rates in the county! We’d like to see you advertise with us! Call today: 850-585-0262 Theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com This is our new web site: Theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com New e-mail address: [email protected]Inside this Edition: Help Freeport families in need of a Christmas We have several families……..Page 2 A poverty, not education, crisis in U.S. The latest results of the Program for Inter- national Student Assessment — which measures the knowledge …..…..Page 3 FREEPORT Mayor’s Post See what the Mayor has to say….Page 5 Projects Approved For Our Area Governor Rick Scott announced the third set of Natural Resource Damage Assess- ment early restoration projects ...Page 7 Show–off Freeport right! Let us Help you! We offer the best coverage for the lowest prices you will find! New Year is here plan your budget now for your Ad. Give us a call now to reserve your space today 850-585-0262
THE EMERALD STAR NEWS, A FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER...“free”-HOW?? From the businesses advertising in this issue. Thank each one as you go to their store.
Yes it’s true. The rising demand for this newspaper our delivering needs we could not meet each week. If you live a bit further out we will get it to you.
We need advertising help too, just give us a call today! The Emerald Star News is published bi-weekly. We are locally owned and operated in Freeport, Florida in Walton County
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Transcript
Volume: 5 Issue: 25 December 12, 2013 bi-weekly Edition
merald Star News E The
The BEST LIL’ NEWSPAPER in Walton county - from Freeport, Florida
A style of it’s own — a community Based Newspaper
Free
offered ‘free’ …….from our business Advertisers inside this week
Made possible by your local
advertising businesses in this edition.
Real Estate listings inside:
Do you have a business?
Lowest Rates in the county!
We’d like to see you advertise
with us!
Call today: 850-585-0262
Theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com
This is our new web site: Theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com
crisis in U.S. The latest results of the Program for Inter-
national Student Assessment — which
measures the knowledge …..…..Page 3
FREEPORT Mayor’s Post
See what the Mayor has to say….Page 5
Projects Approved For
Our Area Governor Rick Scott announced the third
set of Natural Resource Damage Assess-
ment early restoration projects ...Page 7
Show–off Freeport right!
Let us Help you!
We offer the best
coverage for the
lowest prices you
will find!
New Year is here
plan your budget
now for your Ad.
Give us a call
now to reserve
your space today
850-585-0262
Hello….it’s that wonderful time of the year for most of you
all. But for some the times are harder than they appear to
you. You cannot assume the smile is genuine when there is
so much struggle from within a person. Economically the nation is dis-
guising the ugly truth about poverty and the welfare of your fellow citizen.
I remembered this story from some time ago but it is a touching story. I’d like to share
with you all to read now. Have a safe and Happy holidays….Merry Christmas!!
The Night of Oranges By Flavius Stan
It is Christmas Eve in 1989 in Timisoara and the ice is still dirty from the boots of the
Romanian revolution. The dictator Nicolae Ceausescu had been deposed a few days
before, and on Christmas Day he would be executed by firing squad. I am in the center
of the city with my friends, empty now of the crowds that prayed outside the cathedral
during the worst of the fighting. My friends and I still hear shots here and there. Our
cold hands are gray like the sky above us, and we want to see a movie.
There is a rumor that there will be oranges for sale tonight. Hundreds of people are al-
ready waiting in line. We were used to such lines under the former Communist Govern-
ment-lines for bread, lines for meat, lines for everything. Families would wait much of
the day for rationed items. As children, we would take turns for an hour or more, hold-
ing our family’s place in line.
But this line is different. There are children in Romania who don’t know what an orange
looks like. It is a special treat. Having the chance to eat a single orange will keep a child
happy for a week. It will also make him a hero in the eyes of his friends. For the first
time, someone is selling oranges by the kilo.
Suddenly I want to do something important: I want to give my brother a big surprise. He
is only eight years old, and I want him to celebrate Christmas with lots of oranges at the
table. I also want my parents to be proud of me.
So I call home and tell my parents that I’m going to be late. I forget about going to the
movie, leave my friends, and join the line.
People aren’t silent, upset, frustrated, as they were before the revolution; they are talk-
ing to one another about life, politics, and the new situation in the country.
The oranges are sold out of the back doorway of a food shop. The clerk has gone from
anonymity to unexpected importance. As he handles the oranges, he acts like a movie
star in front of his fans.
He moves his arms in an exaggerated manner as he tells the other workers where to go
and what to do. All I can do is stare at the stack of cardboard boxes, piled higher than
me. I have never seen so many oranges in my life.
Finally, it is my turn. It is 8 o’clock, and I have been waiting for six hours. It doesn’t
seem like a long time because my mind has been flying from the oranges in front of me
to my brother and then back to the oranges. I hand over the money I was going to spend
on the movie and watch each orange being thrown into my bag. I try to count them, but
I lose their number.
I am drunk with the idea of oranges. I put the bag inside my coat as if I want to absorb
their warmth. They aren’t heavy at all, and I feel that this is going to be the best Christ-
mas of my life. I begin thinking of how I am going to present my gift.
I get home and my father opens the door. He is amazed when he sees the oranges, and
we decide to hide them until dinner. At dessert that night, I give my brother the present.
Everyone is silent. They can’t believe it.
My brother doesn’t touch them. He is afraid even to look at them. Maybe they aren’t
real. Maybe they are an illusion, like everything else these days. We have to tell him he
can eat them before he has the courage to touch one of the oranges.
I stare at my brother eating the oranges. They are my oranges. My parents are proud of
me.
If you can afford to donate some gifts or money to needy families in the area. If you
need to know of a family in need please call 850-585-0262 and we can set you up with
the appropriate people. We know of 3 families in need of Christmas gifts/food now.
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 ensure
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.
Page 8 The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday, December 12, 2013
Ph: 850-835-4153 www.freeportwaterfront.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS - TEXT PROPERTY ID# TO 85377
NEW CUSTOM HOME IN
WINDSWEPT ESTATES!
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SUNSETS ON THE BAY 3BR/2BA home on two lots w/seawall & rip rap. Approx.1,586 sq. ft. CW &S. Single garage. Fantastic screen porch to enjoy view of the Bay! ID#T1106437 $299,900
MANUFACTURED HOMES ALLOWED! Heart of Freeport w/water & sewer already connected. Two lots together & close to schools. Call for details. $26,500
ALAQUA WATERFRONT 3BR/2BA, 2,172 sq. ft., split BR plan. High 9’ & 10’ ceilings. Granite & S/S in kitchen. Covered deck, boat launch, dock and more! ID# T1548069 $268,500
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WELCOME HOME!
2,143 sf. 3BR/2BA home on approx. a .5 acre lot near Freeport City Park. No HOA fees! Great rm w/FP & extra family rm. ID #T1548069 $229,500
1,500+ sq ft, 3BR/2BA home located on Hwy 20 East of Freeport. Bonus rm. Nice kitchen w/breakfast bar. Outdoor storage bldg. Extra lot on Hwy 20. ID# T1707586 $159,000
BRICK HOME + EXTRA LOT
ESTATE SALE - ID# T756581 Exclusive Bay Harbour! C W & S, underground utilities. Tennis court, nature trails, lakes, and more. Corner lot adjoining nature preserve. Greatly reduced price! $22,500
Impressive, all brick, custom home w/approx. 3,368 sq. ft. Built in 2003 with 3BR/3.5BA, high ceilings & many upgrades. Gourmet kitchen is a chef’s delight! Large family room w/built in entertainment center. Separate living room area & formal dining room. Summer kitchen & storage area. Barn w/2,400 sq. ft. plus double carports. Gorgeous oaks included, too! ID# T1618171 Call for appt. to view $997,500
EXECUTIVE
20 ACRE ESTATE
RARE FIND ON BAY GROVE Wooded .77 ac lot w/103’ on the Bay and a sandy beach. City W&S available. Deed restrictions prohibit mobile homes. ID# T603211 $269,500
Thursday, December 12, 2013 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc . Page 9
The 14 day Overview
Aquarius
1/20 – 2/18
Pisces
2/19 – 3/20
Aries
3/21 – 4/19
Taurus
4/20 – 5/20
Gemini
5/21 – 6/21
Cancer
6/22 – 7/22
Leo
7/23 – 8/22
Virgo
8/23 – 9/22
Libra
9/23 – 10/22
Scorpio
10/23 –11/21
Sagittarius
11/22 – 12/2
Capricorn
12/22 – 1/19
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
business in Walton county. Thank you
Advertise with us!! Guaranteed the lowest price to fit any budget. Call today: 850.585.0262
Letter to the :
Do you have a feral
pig problem?
Call me I may be able to help.
Rockey 717-201-7062
I am currently in Freeport
ready to meet with anyone.
Let’s schedule something
now, TODAY!!
Well, you're out of money. That's your first thought as you begin thinking about the rest of the week. That's
okay. Everyone else is out of money, too. (Well, not everyone. If you need to borrow some, don't feel bad
about asking.) A few days are brilliant illustrations of all that life has to offer that isn't related to money
whatsoever. You feel freer than you have in a while. Paradoxically, you feel more connected to others.
If you're not being pampered by those in your life, take the time to do so yourself. Really get into it -- or get
your engines going on a new creative project. On Tuesday, you have energy to burn. Wednesday and Thurs-
day are all over the place and confusion is imbuing your outlook with crazy shades of grey. Friday and Sat-
urday, sending cards to friends and family gives order to your thoughts.
This is a weird week for you, and Monday and Tuesday are atypical. Nevertheless, they have some typical
Monday and Tuesday traits: slow, quiet, unclear. Nothing really happens until Wednesday, which is a whirl-
ing fireball of activity and light. Expect lots of people, lots of noise, small adventures, sudden discoveries
and the like. You are more staid -- you're focused on money and how much of it you have or don't have.
Take the opportunity, on Monday and Tuesday, to consider your goals. If at all possible, the consideration of
your goals is a conversation you should have with someone else who is also re-assessing their priorities.
Wednesday and Thursday, you're plagued by indecision and a weird desire to shop (which is the last thing
you should do), but Friday and Saturday find you feeling better than you have in a while.
You spend the first part of the week feeling thrown off -- or maybe just in an abstract state of mind. What-
ever the source, it's a great time for thinking about your future and making personal decisions you might not
share right away with others; some alone time is probably in the stars. Nevertheless, your friends would love
to know what you're thinking, and talking about it might feel very good. You get a flurry of correspondence
from loved ones.
It kind of feels like your brain has turned into something resembling scrambled egg. Chances are high that
you'll say something very pedestrian and someone will wildly misunderstand it. Wednesday and Thursday
are challenging in the communication department as well. What's up? It's weird! Stick to the facts, speak
carefully and avoid the easily misunderstood issue of emotions at all costs.
Spirits -- and tensions -- are high, and someone might say something in another room that sounds to you like
something else. That could cause you to respond badly. You might even fly off the handle. It's in the stars.
Forewarned is forearmed. Tuesday is the same way. You aren't yourself when, true to form, you're able to
see everyone for their personal strengths, and you can have a good time anywhere.
The best thing you can give people on Monday and Tuesday isn't gifts or money or anything material, but
total respect. Provide them with all the space they need and all the sympathy you'd want. The urge to be
critical comes from a good place, but it inevitably comes out sounding sour and dark.
As much as the world at large wants you to focus on material wealth, the start of the week is a great time to
focus on anything not nearly as concrete. The color of the sky, the sound of birds calling, a random -- and
rare -- splash of sun. It's a beautiful thing! Then, turn your attention from the natural world to humanity and
focus on people in the middle of the week. Everything else will take care of itself.
It's no wonder that your mind is a loose collection of images and feelings at the start of the week -- the
dreamy quality of the season does that. You have a hard time separating real life and fantasy at this time,
which isn't a bad thing. It could become bad, however, in the middle of the week, when you have some seri-
ous things to get done. Going for a jog might wake you up a bit to physical reality.
You've been hitting your wallet pretty hard lately and it may mean you haven't a penny in your pocket at the
start of the week. It happens to the best of us, but that doesn't make it any less annoying. Plus, you're in a
serious looking-back-on-your-life mode, which also happens to everyone. By the middle of the week, you
are fully focused on the future: You're having fun thinking about all the stuff you want to get done in the
coming weeks.
Thinking clearly is key as the week gets under way. Figure out what makes you feel centered, grounded and
high-functioning, then do it and take on the world. From sometime Tuesday through most of Thursday, you
may be having that 'grass is greener' sensation. Take your desire for something different into serious consid-
eration, but make any major changes slowly, in increments. Then take special care with work and projects.
For your life is good, keep good friends in the fore front.
Editor,
As a recent resident to the Freeport area, I
had to say how impressed I am with you and
this little newspaper. I am surprised to see the
lack of support from all of your local busi-
nesses.
With Ads showing the lowest prices why
wouldn’t the city rally around your endless
efforts for being one of the few cities in the
US that actually has it’s own newspaper?
The local owners need to ask themselves
why? Why not spend as little as $20 to adver-
tise and support the newspaper?
I will be looking for you an advertising
sales person. I know the efforts you have
showed us. From what I hear it’s been about
5 years now?
How many other businesses have success-
fully stayed open in Freeport anyhow? It is
fact that your has, I applaud you!!
I’d like to see the Mayor post you in his
highlighted web page. He seems like some-
one who would appreciate this newspaper.
You would think the strip mall across from
City Hall would be a constant in your news-
paper. The city needs your help, I pray for
you they gather around to keep this newspa-
per alive.
Good Luck to you in the upcoming year.
Dr. William Tennor
Dear editor,
I met you the other evening at the local gas
station. We talked for several minutes. I’m
not sure if you remember but I was im-
pressed with you and how you handle your-
self.
I didn’t want to seem to pry into your life
but it let me know what a great guy you are.
I’ll never forget how you said that you hope
to see this newspaper grow and be something
that all Freeport folks know and talk about.
I truly hope your wish may come true for
you someday soon. God Bless.
Virginia Howell
Page 10 The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday, December 12, 2013
NOTICE of PUBLIC WORKSHOP
You are hereby notified of a Public Workshop to be held on Thurs-day, December 19, 2013 at 5:00 PM or soon thereafter, to discuss the proposed South Walton Sports Complex.
The meeting will be held at the Coastal Branch Library located at 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
Please be advised two or more Commissioners may attend this meeting.
Lane Rees Sentenced
State Attorney Bill Eddins con-
firms Judge Howard LaPorte sen-
tenced former Walton County
Commissioner Lane Rees to 10
years State Prison to be followed
by 10 years Sexual Offender Pro-
bation. The defendant was also
designed as a Sexual Offender
and will be required to register as
a Sexual Offender and comply
with all statutory requirements
and restrictions.
The defendant pled to one count
of Promotion of Child Pornogra-
phy and 28 counts of Possession
of Child Pornography. Rees was
charged after an investigation
revealed that he had sent elec-
tronic messages containing child
pornography. Numerous images
were found on the computer that
he admitted he had exclusive use
of.
Both the investigation and arrest
were conducted by the Walton
County Sheriff’s Office with the
assistance of the Children’s Ad-
vocacy Center. Assistant State
Attorney Christine Bosau prose-
cuted the case.
Uruguay set to become first country to legalize
marijuana trade Uruguay's Senate is expected to pass a law on Tues-
day making the small South American nation the
world's first to allow its citizens to grow, buy and
smoke marijuana.
The pioneering government-sponsored bill estab-
lishes state regulation of the cultivation, distribution
and consumption of marijuana and is aimed at
wresting the business from criminals.
Cannabis consumers would be allowed to buy a
maximum of 40 grams (1.4 ounces) each month
from state-regulated pharmacies as long as they are
over the age of 18 and registered on a government database that will monitor their monthly
purchases.
Uruguayans would also be allowed to grow up to six plants of marijuana in their homes a year,
or as much as 480 grams (about 17 ounces). They could also set up smoking clubs of 15 to 45
members that could grow up to 99 plants per year.
The bill, which opinion polls show is unpopular, passed the lower chamber of Congress in July
and is expected to easily pass the Senate on the strength of the ruling coalition's majority.
Uruguay's attempt to undo drug trafficking is being followed closely in Latin America where
the legalization of some narcotics is being increasingly seen by regional leaders as a possible
way to end the violence spawned by the cocaine trade.
"Our country can't wait for international consensus on this issue," Senator Roberto Conde of
the governing Broad Front left-wing coalition said as Senate debate opened. He said organized
crime had turned Uruguay into a transit country for drugs, such as marijuana from Paraguay
and cocaine from Bolivia.
Rich countries debating legalization of pot are also watching the bill, which philanthropist
George Soros has supported as an "experiment" that could provide an alternative to the failed
U.S.-led policies of the long "war on drugs."
The bill gives authorities 120 days to set up a drug control board that will regulate cultivation
standards, fix the price and monitor consumption.
The use of marijuana is legal in Uruguay, a country of 3.3 million that is one of the most lib-
eral in Latin America, but cultivation and sale of the drug are not.
Other countries have decriminalized marijuana possession and the Netherlands allows its sale
in coffee shops, but Uruguay will be the first nation to legalize the whole chain from growing
the plant to buying and selling its leaves.
Several countries such as Canada, the Netherlands and Israel have legal programs for growing
medical cannabis but do not allow cultivation of marijuana for recreational use.
Last year, the U.S. states of Colorado and Washington passed ballot initiatives that legalize
and regulate the recreational use of marijuana.
Uruguay's leftist president, Jose Mujica, defends his initiative as a bid to regulate and tax a
market that already exists but is run by criminals.
"We've given this market as a gift to the drug traffickers and that is more destructive socially
than the drug itself, because it rots the whole of society," the 78-year-old former guerrilla
fighter told Argentine news agency Telam.
NOT ALL CONVINCED
Uruguay is one of the safest Latin American countries with little of the drug violence or other
violence seen in countries such as Colombia and Mexico. Yet one-third of Uruguay's prison
inmates are serving time on charges related to narcotics trafficking.
Even though it is set to clear the Senate, the legislation faces fierce opposition from conserva-
tives and Mujica has yet to convince a majority of Uruguayans that it is a good idea.
According to a recent opinion poll by Equipos Consultores, 58 percent of Uruguayans oppose
legalizing pot, although that is down from 68 percent in a previous survey in June.
Critics say legalization will not only increase consumption but open the door to the use of
harder drugs than marijuana, which according to government statistics is used by 8 percent of
Uruguayans on a regular basis.
"Competing with drug traffickers by offering marijuana at a lower price will just increase the
market for a drug that has negative effects on public health," said Senator Alfredo Solari of the
conservative Colorado Party.
If it works, the legislation is expected to fuel momentum for wider legalization of marijuana
elsewhere, including the United States and in Europe. Decriminalization of all drug possession
by Portugal in 2001 is held up as a success for reducing drug violence while not increasing
drug use.
"This development in Uruguay is of historic significance,"
Thinking of a remodeling job? Kitchens, baths, etc. Let us
give you an estimate that could
save you up to a thousand dollars
or more.
Over 30yrs. Exp in building and
remodeling and repairs work.
Call 585-0262 for details
Explore nature in and around Walton
County Florida with Walton Outdoors.
For more information, go to: http://
www.waltonoutdoors.com
Waste Management 2014 Holiday
Pickup Schedule:
Christmas:
North Walton on Friday 12/27/13.
South Walton on Saturday 12/28/13.
NOTICE of MEETING
DATE CHANGE
Please be advised that the Walton
County Board of Commissioners will
hold their Regular Meeting on Thurs-
day, December 19, 2013 rather than
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 due to
Christmas Holidays and County Offices
being closed.
This meeting will begin at 9:00 AM and
will be held in the Courthouse located at
571 US Highway 90, DeFuniak Springs,
FL. Please be governed accordingly.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Please be advised that the Walton County Local Restore Act Committee will hold a special Workshop on Wednesday, Decem-ber 11, 2013 at 5:00 PM at the Bayou Arts Center located at 105 Hogtown Bayou, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the RESTORE Act.
A Helping Hand In these trying economic times it
is nice to know that there is a
local place where low income
families can get some help.
Caring and Sharing of South
Walton County located at 112
Lynn Drive Santa Rosa Beach,
FL 32459, Phone 850-267-2866
is available to lend a helping
hand. They run the only food
pantry in South Walton County.
Furniture and clothes are avail-
able for those in need. They also
offer financial assistance for
electric and water bills. The
thrift store is filled with a nice
variety of items which help to
raise funds. Donations are al-
ways welcome. It is run by Di-
rector Pennie Lucas and a staff
of 6. They also rely heavily on
volunteers. If you need a help-
ing hand they are available to
help. If you have some extra
time on your hands and would
like to give back they would love
to have your help.
“When we're incomplete, we're
always searching for somebody to
complete us. When, after a few
years or a few months of a rela-
tionship, we find that we're still
unfulfilled, we blame our partners
and take up with somebody more
promising. This can go on and on-
-series polygamy--until we admit
that while a partner can add sweet
dimensions to our lives, we, each
of us, are responsible for our own
fulfillment.
Page 12 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Thursday, December 12, 2013
Ph: 850-835-4153 www.freeportwaterfront.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS - TEXT PROPERTY ID# TO 85377
OWN FOR LESS THAN RENT!
BANK OWNED! 2.5 ACRES
Brick building with offices and covered deck on Highway 20. Metal building with 5 roll-up doors and attached awnings. Property completely fenced and mostly cleared. Near entrance to popular Hammock Bay. Call to see!
$269,900
HIGHWAY 20 IN FREEPORT
Close to Highway 331 South intersection. Metal building with 1,680 square feet. Office area plus shop area. C W & S.
Currently leased. Call for appointment to see!
$170,000
HEART OF FREEPORT! Older 3BR/1BA FL cottage with hard wood floors. C W & S. Many possibilities with this property- residential/investment/commercial. Potential! ID#T908217 $54,900
BANK OWNED 3BR/2BA, 1,631 sf. country-style home on .5 acre lot located near Eglin AFB Reservation. Additional 500 + sf. unfinished space. ID #T862014 $149,000
RIVER HIDE-A-WAY Secluded cabin on the Choctawhatchee! 1BR/1BA, 504 sq. ft. with a large screened freshly painted porch. One of a kind location! ID# T1630288 Offered At $98,800
ACREAGE NEAR GOLF COURSE Approximately 5.2 ac on paved road. Mostly wooded. City Water & Septic tank on site. Some improvements in cleared area. ID# T1032826 $41,900