Volume: 6 Issue: 11 June 5, 2014 bi-weekly Edition merald Star News E The 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]Promoting the growth of Freeport in every edition Since ‘2008 For every copy picked up, a business gathers a new customer base of readership. Wel- come to all you visiting our little slice of heaven... Thanks for reading……..enjoy :) Top News of the WEEK: Walton Jail Housing Other Inmates, Sees Potential Income Source New guests are staying in Walton, but not at the beach. Walton County is now housing other in- mates, including some from ……….….Page 3 The 2015 South Walton Artist of the Year Applications are NOW Available- The Walton County TDC is now taking applica- tions for 2015 South Walton Artist of the Year! This will mark the thirteenth ……..…..Page 5 FREE FBI Child ID App The WCSO wants to inform the public of a FREE App, launched by the FBI to store vital informa- tion about your child. Physical …..…..Page 7 Casting Call: Alaqua Animal Refuge is calling all "male mod- els" to come to a casting call for our 2015 calendar – Hunks and Hounds. Be on Grayton Beach be- tween 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. on June 21, 2014 Page 11
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!
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Transcript
Volume: 6 Issue: 11 June 5, 2014 bi-weekly Edition
merald Star News E The
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:
Promoting the growth of Freeport in every edition Since ‘2008
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Top News of the WEEK:
Walton Jail Housing Other Inmates,
Sees Potential Income Source New guests are staying in Walton, but not at the
beach. Walton County is now housing other in-
mates, including some from ……….….Page 3
The 2015 South Walton Artist of the
Year Applications are NOW Available-The Walton County TDC is now taking applica-
tions for 2015 South Walton Artist of the Year!
This will mark the thirteenth ……..…..Page 5
FREE FBI Child ID App The WCSO wants to inform the public of a FREE
App, launched by the FBI to store vital informa-
tion about your child. Physical …..…..Page 7
Casting Call:
Alaqua Animal Refuge is calling all "male mod-
els" to come to a casting call for our 2015 calendar
– Hunks and Hounds. Be on Grayton Beach be-
tween 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. on June 21, 2014
Page 11
Hello once again to each of you. Is it just me or is the time
going by so fast that right around the corner comes big
changes? The amount of work going on along Hwy. 331 to
the bridge seems to going right along as scheduled. I wonder if they were
able to see the amount of rainfalls we had recently that there is a lot of roads under wa-
ter. Even parts of the new Hwy. 331, had water sometimes a foot deep or more.
I know it’s a lesson we must live to learn but trust me going in through water even 6”
deep could cause your engine to stall out or worse. Then your another victim and who
knows how long before it will start up again. It’s not worth the safety risks either. You
definitely don’t know what the water may have swept up on the roadway. So, please
think twice before jumping that puddle, it may be a hole 4’ deep!
As always I get lots of news and even more on the gossip side too. You people need to
realize that a small town has lots of ears listening to your schemes and plans. I say be
careful how you say what and to whom you say it to, you may find yourself in court for
slanderous comments. Just because you’re the one that doesn’t like something, doesn’t
mean that they might be standing up for just cause. You don’t know cause you haven’t
lived it. Maybe you have. But either way messing around with people’s livelihoods at
stake is not cool at all. But when zoning violations are being broken why does it take so
long to get results? Due process? A 10-15 yr. plan/ scheme that everyone around knows
of, doesn’t make it right for it to continue one more day. No matter how many people
they know. Treat the 1 as if it were 100. It’s called breaking the law, laws are to be gov-
erned and people shall be punished accordingly. That was stated as such at a recent
commissioners meeting. Big changes are happening and take notice.
I did want to make sure you all were aware of this notification that came to me as I
was writing this editorial. Have a great week!
The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) has confirmed a
case of pertussis, or whooping cough. The person’s family and immediate friends have
been contacted and are being treated. DOH-Walton advises parents, childcare workers
and healthcare providers to verify that the children they care for are properly immunized
against whooping cough (pertussis). It is advisable for new parents, grandparents and
relatives to be fully immunized before being around a baby.
Whooping cough—known medically as pertussis—is a highly contagious respiratory
tract infection that can be a serious health threat, especially for infants. Family members
are most often the transmission source of pertussis to infants. A typical case of pertussis
in children and adults starts with a cough and runny nose that can last for one to two
weeks, followed by weeks-to-months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a
whooping sound. Pertussis is contagious before severe coughing starts.
“The best defense against pertussis continues to be vaccination,” said Dr. Diane Hud-
son, DOH-Walton Medical Director. “We recommend all Walton residents check their
vaccination status and schedule a visit to their healthcare providers if they have not yet
been immunized against pertussis. Immunizations not only help prevent the disease in
the immunized individual, but help protect those who cannot receive vaccine or may be
too young to be fully immunized.”
To schedule an immunization appointment at the DOH-Walton in DeFuniak Springs or
at the Coastal Branch in Santa Rosa Beach, call(850) 892-8015. Some fees may apply.
The best way to prevent whooping cough is through immunizations. Infants and chil-
dren receive a series of 4 to 5 doses of DTaP, a diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus containing
vaccine, with a booster at 10 to 11 years of age. However, protection provided by the
childhood series fades over time. All persons age 11 to 64 can get a booster called Tdap,
which protects against whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria. Adults 65 and older
who expect to have close contact with a baby younger than 12 months of age should get
a dose of Tdap to help protect the baby from pertussis.
Additional information about immunizations and whooping cough (pertussis) can be
found at:
http://www.immunizeFlorida.com/ or http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Pertussis/
I hope you all stay safe and healthy. If your sick please get medication and stay in-
doors away from other people. A lot of the elderly folk are far more at risk of catching
whatever virus you may have. You can be healthy and be a carrier of a virus that can
make people ill. So, on that I suppose just keep your distance from illnesses because
each person reacts differently to the same thing and not realize it.
Keep your eyes open for signs along right of ways. It was an ordinance of many that
has been changed. Violators will be penalized as written. Code Enforcement has vowed
to become less tolerant of rule violations by hiring a few more individuals. They asked
citizens to contact them if they see signs and, or business in zoning where it is not per-
mitted at any level. The system will be more efficient with the help of the public, but
reminds us all to think safety and curb appeal along Hwy 331 to 30A, and others.
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.
The Walton County TDC is now taking applications for 2015
South Walton Artist of the Year! This will mark the thirteenth
year of this outstanding community program showcasing a col-
lection of local artists offering a wide range of media. Through
this program, the TDC promotes the destination’s thriving arts
community while placing the spotlight on one talented artist.
To learn more about the South Walton Artist of the Year pro-
gram, contact Angela Vaughn.
The application period for The 2015 South Walton Artist of
the Year Award starts Tuesday May 20, 2014 and the dead-
line to enter is Monday July 28, 2014 by 4:00 pm CST.
The application can be downloaded from Visit South
Walton’s partner website.
“The Artist of the Year program has many benefits to the win-
ning artist. One of the outstanding benefits is that you have a
great team that promotes the art and artist way beyond the
boundaries of Walton County. Opportunities are created
throughout the year that promotes your art in a much, much
broader spectrum than one would normally be exposed to. It’s
a win-win situation.” —Michael McCarty, 2009 Artist of the
Year.
2014 Hurricane Prepared-ness Sales Tax Holiday
(May 31 – June 8, 2014)
Recently Governor Rick Scott signed House
Bill 5601 that creates a nine-day sales tax
holiday for hurricane supplies, beginning at
12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2014, and
ending at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 8,
2014. During this time frame, qualifying
items related to hurricane preparedness are
exempt from sales tax. Floridians will be able
to purchase items such as flashlights, batter-
ies, weather radios, and other essential items
as they prepare for hurricane season.
For additional information on qualifying items view the fact sheet here: http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/newsroom/2014/05/2014-Hurricane-Preparedness-Sales-Tax-Holiday-FLYER-Qualifying-Items.pdf
Russ Barley- Freeport Mayor
Greetings from the Mayor’s Office, the city council
voted to purchase two new 35 foot flag poles for “Marse
Landing” at four mile creek to display the City Working
Waterfront Flag and the American Flag and I will be
joining the North Bay TDC Board committee along with
the Mayors from DeFuniak Springs and Paxton, we will
be responsible for making recommendations for events
north of the bay.. The Freeport “Bayfest” committee has
been meeting and everything is on track we will be
sending out Save the Date Cards soon, so mark your
calendars for September 20, 2014. We will soon be
launching the new website for the festival and will give
you the information to log on in the coming weeks and
will list all of the happenings with the festival. In our
recent search for a new city clerk we had 14 applications
submitted and the city council is in the processing of
narrowing them down to the top 5 and we will interview
within the next few weeks. Woodmen of the World will
be donating a new American Flag and Pole to the Heri-
tage Museum and a ceremony will take place on June
14th which is on Flag Day, the time of the ceremony is
scheduled for 10:00 am, please plan to attend and come
and visit the museum and join us for refreshments. The
Mayor’s Charity Ball Committee will be meeting on
June 9th and everything is well underway with this pro-
ject as well. Another reminder that the City Pool is now
open for all to enjoy but remember we are closed at the
pool on Wednesday’s and for further information con-
tact city hall. The next city council meeting is Tuesday,
June 10, 2014, beginning at 7:00 PM- I will be giving
the State of the City Address prior to the actual meeting
and you are all invited. As usual if you have any ques-
tions or comments please contact me at city hall and we
will address the issues, please call- 835-2822. Looking
forward to seeing you all at the next meeting.
The Walton County Athletic League will hold foot-ball and cheerleading signups this Saturday, June 7th from 9 am-2 pm at Harbeson Field. Registra-tion is $75. A small photo and a copy of your child’s birth certificate is required. Please bring your child so that they may be fitted for their uni-form and equipment. For more information, call
Maria Whitehurst at 850-830-9259.
Wiz was born at Alaqua and originally adopted
as a young pup and thought that he had found his
forever home. One day his owner had to move
and decided that he couldn't bring him along for
the move. Wiz's whole world was turned upside
down when he was brought back to Alaqua. Wiz
is such a great dog and is looking for his forever
Thursday, June 5, 2014 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 6
New 30A Trolley
The holiday town of
SEASIDE®
www.seasidefl.com, along
with a group of 30A business
owners, are making it easy for
guests to visit SEASIDE® and
additional stops, by offering
new Trolley service along a
section of 30A.
The new Sunshine Shuttle Tur-
tle Express began Memorial
Day weekend and will con-
tinue through Labor Day weekend (September 1, 2014). The Trolley operates from
11 a.m. to Midnight each day and is FREE to all riders.
A live map can be accessed through the Sunshine Shuttle website, http://
sunshineshuttle.com/turtleexpress which shows all stops and the Turtle Express
vehicle’s current location at any given time. The map in real time is viewable on a
desktop, tablet or smartphone.
One Arrested for
Growing Marijuana in
Residential Basement
As reported by WZEP
AM1460
May 29, 2014, the
Walton County
Sheriff’s Office
Criminal Investiga-
tors and Vice/
Narcotics Unit exe-
cuted a probable cause search warrant
at 1673 Crowder Chapel Road in
Mossy Head, Florida. Upon the exe-
cution of the search warrant, (279) two
hundred seventy nine marijuana plants
were discovered growing in the base-
ment of the residence.
The basement had been converted into
a hydroponic growing area for the
cultivation of marijuana with artificial
lighting sources, an elaborate watering
system and ventilation system. Also
recovered was approximately (2) two
pounds of premium marijuana that had
already been harvested, ready for sale
and (2) handguns. There were numer-
ous items of paraphernalia recovered
used in the cultivation of marijuana
and inges-
tion of the
drug; along
with sev-
eral books
of instruc-
tion regard-
ing culti-
vating marijuana and the procurement
of the necessary supplies.
John William Lasso, 55, of 1673
Crowder Chapel Road, was arrested at
the time the warrant was executed and
charged with Cultivation of Mari-
juana, Possession of Marijuana in ex-
cess of 20 grams and Possession of
Narcotics Equipment. Lasso was
transported to the Walton County Jail
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners will hold special meetings on Tuesday, June 10, 2014; July 8, 2014; and August 7, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as may be heard at the South Walton County Courthouse Annex, at 31 Coastal Centre Blvd, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida to hear presentations from AVCON Engineers and Planners to dis-cuss the Parking Needs Assessment in south Walton County as follows:
June 10, 2014 Scenic Gulf Drive
July 8, 2014 Western CR 30A/US 98 intersection to CR 395
August 12, 2014 From CR 395 East to the Bay County line
Thursday, June 5, 2014 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 7
Eden Gardens State Park wins
the Southern Living Magazine
"Prettiest Porch of the South"
Congratulations to Eden Gardens State Park - the
winner of Southern Living's May issue poll for
the Prettiest Porch of the South. Of the 10 pretty
porches of the South, Eden was the only one
nominated from the state of Florida and won by
over 100 votes to the closest competitor. Thank
you to all who voted and the support of the com-
munity - now everyone knows the "Prettiest
Porch of the South" is right here in Northwest
Florida!
FREE FBI Child ID App
The WCSO wants to inform the public of a FREE App, launched by the FBI to store vital information about your child. Physical identifi-ers such as height, weight and photographs are readily available at your fingertips in the event your child goes
missing and can be given to law enforcement officers on the spot. The app is available through the Apple iTunes Store for iPhones and Google Play Store for Android de-vices. The app includes tips on keeping chil-dren safe as well guidance on what to do in those first crucial hours after a child goes missing. No information about you or your child will be collected or stored by the FBI or iTunes.
For more information please visit: http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/august/child_080511/child-id-app-content and http://www.thv11.com/story/news/nation/2014/05/21/fbi-child-summer-safety-tips/9373241/
Obituary for Karen Kolenberg
Karen Kolenberg, 67, beloved
mother, grandmother, and dear
friend to many, passed away
peacefully on May 23, 2014, in
Destin, Florida. She was born
August 28, 1946 in Niles, Michi-
gan to Robert and Phyllis Stevens
and is survived by her brother,
Robert Stevens, her children, An-
nie, Amy, and Becki and her
grandchildren, Ella, Austin, Zach-
ary and Isabel. She spent most of
her life in Maryland pursuing her
passion for art, music and spend-
ing time on the water before mak-
ing a home for herself in Freeport,
FL over the past seven years. A
memorial celebration will be held
June 27, 2014 at around 5:30pm
at Ed Walline Park followed by a
gathering of family and friends at
Karen’s house in Freeport.
In lieu of flowers, the family re-
quests that donations be made to
the Karen Kolenberg Scholarship
Fund. Cultural Arts Alliance,
Attn: Lee, 105 Hogtown Bayou
Lane
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Clary-Glenn Freeport Chapel
Funeral Home is entrusted with
the arrangements
Revealed: Bowe Bergdahl left letter telling comrades at Af-
ghan base he was 'leaving to start new life and didn't want to fight for Amer-
ica' as Army announces he DOES face desertion charges
Bowe Bergdahl left a note saying he had gone to start a 'new life' and a
former comrade broke his military gagging order today to tell
MailOnline of the jaw-dropping moment he discovered the Taliban
POW had walked off from their Afghanistan base.
The soldier, who requested anonymity as he is still in the military, said:
‘Everyone looked at me like I was crazy but I was right, he had walked
off.’
The New York Times reported Bergdahl also left behind a note in
which he said he did not want to fight for America any more, did not
believe in the war - and was leaving to start a new life.
The revelation came as it emerged the Army may still pursue charges
against Sgt Bergdahl for desertion.
It will pile further pressure on Obama over his judgement in releasing
five top Taliban terror leaders from Guantanamo Bay in exchange for a
soldier who now faces charges for abandoning his unit and his oath to the U.S. Army.
The soldier who spoke to MailOnline made his feelings and those of his comrades
Page 8 The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday, June 5, 2014
Ph: 850-835-4153 www.freeportwaterfront.com
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Thursday, June 5, 2014 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
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You practically have to mine old military manuals to figure out how to deal with a standoff at the start of the
week (either something you're involved in or something you've witnessed). The solution may, in fact, be in a
book, and you can expect to make an extraordinary discovery Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday are chill by
comparison -- you're fine, you're working well, the usual sorts of challenges arise.
Whatever's bugging you at the start of the week, look at your diet -- it might have something to do with it. Bring
on the blueberries and broccoli, foods rich in vitamins and nutrients. Meanwhile, if someone is trying to rope
you into his or her weird dramas, don't let yourself be recruited. Midweek, the politics reach quite a distracting
pitch. Just maintain outsider status: Don't weigh in, even when it's hard not to.
Everything you make in your kitchen turns out delicious. Every book you buy is a page-turner. The special
someone in your life is impressed by the way you move through the world. Romance figures very strongly.
Wednesday and Thursday present more challenges, especially in the work realm, but if you can take any time out
of your workday to get some exercise, you'll be able to keep your head screwed on.
Think of yourself as a balloon on Monday and Tuesday -- light, happy, floating high above it all. You don't have
the energy for anything other than absolute tolerance of the people around you. Sit back and enjoy the interac-
tions nearby as if you're watching a movie. It's a romantic comedy on Wednesday and Thursday -- full of screw-
ball gags involving flowers, games and art.
Even if you say something in jest -- and it's clearly in jest -- someone might read something into it that simply
has no grounding in reality. So watch what you say on Monday and Tuesday, or at least qualify it. On Wednes-
day and Thursday, communication problems persist in your interactions with family. Your relationship with the
outside world is frustrating
The world is a rummage sale on Monday and Tuesday, but you're not interested in bargain-basement stuff. You
want the top of the line. If you're assembling some friends or coworkers for a group project, call together your
'most valuable players.' If you're treating someone to lunch, splurge on something great. Wednesday and Thurs-
day are Utopian vis-a-vis your communications with others -- your powers of articulation are award-worthy.
You're a seven-layer cake at the start of the week. Sweet, magnificent, deep, rich -- all of these adjectives apply.
At a party, all eyes are on you. The trouble this week comes on Wednesday, when you have the odd feeling that,
well, someone wants a piece of you. You wisely disengage. You turn introverted and spend a portion of Thurs-
day reassessing your life plan while sitting in the most comfortable chair in your home.
There's so much happening on Monday and Tuesday that you're liable to flip out -- but try to avoid that. Instead,
pour your adrenaline back into what you're doing. Don't let your desire to organize impede your ability to go
with the flow. Wednesday and Thursday, the flow is of the fun, rushing variety, so you're content to let someone
else drive for a while. This frees you up to -- what else? -- plan a bunch of new projects that are sure to stress
you out in the future.
It's in your nature to strive for leadership positions, but it's even better when leadership positions are handed to
you, which is what happens on Monday or Tuesday. You have a way that brings out the best in others, and you
take pride in it. Toward the middle of the week, let some of your other excellent virtues come to the fore, like
your tolerance (apply Teflon to whatever grudges you might be holding).
work is less than ideal -- there's nothing hugely wrong, but any problems grow in your mind until they become
enormous. Just remember that they're only in your mind. Are you having a career crisis? Possibly. Your best
policy is not to do anything to call attention to yourself. Wednesday and Thursday, stay in this 'not making
waves' mode, except around good friends, in which case you can let loose. These are clarifying, happier days.
If you could bottle and sell the good cheer that surrounds you on Monday and Tuesday, you'd be a millionaire.
But you're hardly thinking about ways to make more money, what with all the free things people are giving you.
Perhaps you even get a bonus! Wednesday and Thursday, an authority figure is a thorn in your side, but Friday is
so bright that you're scarcely able to recall what was bugging you just a day earlier.
Someone close to you feels they are owed something, and they're going to speak up about it on Monday or Tues-
day. Your sympathy is provoked, but really, he or she may not have a case. A lot of people are owed a lot of
things they never get. Don't let your empathy drain your last resources. Wednesday and Thursday, by contrast,
are productive and inspiring. A phone call to an old friend reminds you of whom you used to be, in a great way.
Dear Editor,
I wish you had a larger newspaper for
there is so much going on lately. From
county ordinance changes all the way our
president making deals with terrorists, all
in the name of Allah? The so called POW
walked away from his troops and wanted
to join the enemy.
People everywhere better take a good
long look at those around you because this
is the beginning of the end for America.
I am 84 yrs. old and I know America
might make a couple mistakes but in the
end we prevailed and kept everyone in line
so to say. It appears that Obama and his
people have broken down the core of what
America is based upon. For those of us
who fought for America, how does it feel
to come home and see the same people
you once captured, now planning to blow
things up to destroy America?
Mark Hilburn
Editor,
I really enjoy this little yet informative
newspaper. Especially for a small town as
Freeport is, everyone should be kind to
you. The work you do people don’t under-
stand.
A lot of your articles are funny, some are
spot-on with a recent headline from the big
world. Keep up what you do. You’ll see
more rewards as we grow into the future.
Page 10 The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday, June 5, 2014
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~2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1st~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – National Hurricane Preparedness Week began Sunday, May 25 and
the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) urges all Floridians to use this week
to prepare for hurricane season, which begins June 1. All Floridians should review family and
business emergency plans and restock disaster supply kits.
“Each year, National Hurricane Preparedness Week reminds Floridians that it only takes one
storm to change the landscape of a community,” said FDEM Director Bryan W. Koon. “This
year, on the 10th anniversary of the 2004 hurricane season, I urge all Floridians to take steps to
prepare themselves and their families for the upcoming hurricane season.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) released its annual outlook for
the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season on May 22. Forecasters predict between 8 and 13 named
storms, of which 3 to 6 could become hurricanes including 1 to 2 major hurricanes.
Although predictions call for a below average to average season, Floridians are reminded that
it only takes one storm to impact a community. If you already have a family and business dis-
aster plan and supply kit, now is the time to review, recycle and restock for the 2014 hurricane
season. If you are creating your first disaster plan and supply kit, use the information and tips
at floridadisaster.org for help.
The Division’s education program Kids Get a Plan provides information and activities for kids
at kidsgetaplan.com.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30. For the latest information on
the 2014 Hurricane Season and to Get A Plan!, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org, follow FDEM
on social media on Twitter at @FLGetaPlan, Instagram @FLGetaPlan, Vine @FLGetaPlan,
and Facebook Facebook.com/FloridaDivisionofEmergencyManagement and Facebook.com/
KidsGetAPlan.
TDC New Beach Operations As reported by WZEP AM1460
Someone we talked about on past First News stories is now an employee
of Walton County. On March 31, Brian Kellenberger began his tenure
with the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) as Director
of Beach Operations. His role involves overseeing the organization’s
maintenance duties, waste disposal and code enforcement along Walton
County’s 26-mile stretch of beaches.
The TDC says this is a new position formed in efforts to address the grow-
ing need to manage beach efforts as well as destination improvements,
especially as the TDC continues to take on more responsibilities within
this process.
Jim Bagby, executive director of the Walton County TDC says that within
his first week, Brian participated in the strategic planning session held last
month and has already begun to take an active role in the organization.
Bagby says he brings a strong background of management experience to
the position, which is imperative to maintain and keep our beautiful
beaches pristine and safe.
Kellenberger’ s professional career prior to his role as Director of Beach
Operations, includes 20 years as a construction and development manager
for general contracting and development firms in NW Florida and SE Ala-
bama. Born and raised in Dothan, Ala., Kellenberger graduated from Au-
burn University and now resides in Freeport with his wife and daughter.
Kellenberger says we have a wonderful product here and it is the organiza-
tion’s responsibility to make sure the quality of the beaches continues to
offer a superior experience for both visitors and locals.
Bergdahl was serving with the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment in Paktika
province near the Pakistani border with Afghanistan when he went missing in
the early hours of 30 June 2009.
He had been at part of an Observation Post with 28 colleagues men and a few
trucks set up in a defensive position to protect themselves.
Some of the men were sleeping in the trucks they had driven in on and others
were camped out with their sleeping bags in the open. It was not until the 9am
roll call that they realized he was gone.
Up until this point Bergdahl had been seen as a strange loner who wouldn't so-
cialize with the other men. Instead, he would stick to his bunk, learning Pashto
and Arabic with Rosetta Stone.
A week earlier he had sent his belongings and computer home to his parents
after setting out in an email to his father that he was 'ashamed to be an Ameri-
can' after what he had seen in Afghanistan - including soldiers laughing at run-
ning over an Afghan boy with an armored vehicle.
Specialist Gerald Sutton, 31, Sutton remembered Bergdahl talking with him and
a third soldier just a few days before he walked away.
'He was asking us what it would be like to get lost in the mountains ... and he
asked me personally if I thought he could make it to China or India on foot. At
the time we thought he was joking.
'About a week or two before he left he mailed some of his stuff home,' he said.
'including his Apple laptop. He sent that home to his parents. That didn't seem
suspicious to us at the time, but it made sense after the fact.'
'He left his weapon that day. The only thing he had with him was his diary –
that none of us actually saw, so I have no idea what was in there – 2 MREs
['Meals Ready to Eat' rations], his knife, a bottle of water and his compass.'
The soldier who discovered him missing, said: ‘The first I heard was when one
of the guards said he could not find Bergdahl.
‘I asked him: "What do you mean you can’t find him?’ He said he couldn’t find
him anywhere. We sent two guys to the top of the observation post in case he
was sleeping between two trucks, I thought maybe he’s sleeping down there.
‘We also sent one of the men to see if he was drinking tea with the Afghans.
We looked at his sleeping bag and it was nicely folded.
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Please be advised that the Walton County Local Restore Act Application Sub-Committee will hold a meeting on June 11, 2014 at 9:00 AM 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.
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