Autumn 2010

NOTES FROM THE MAYOR

The Town topic for 2010 is RV/trailer storage.  For the past couple of years, many residents have enjoyed free RV and trailer storage next to Town hall or on the vacant lot on Richbourg.  At least three years ago, the Town staff was approached by several residents to explore offering such a facility.  The Commission and Planning & Zoning board have discussed the project in many of their past meetings.  In the April 2010 meeting, the Commission heard public input both for and against the lot on Richbourg.  Even the local media has an opinion.  Bottom line, I sincerely want to thank everyone for the participation.  The storage lot issue is still being discussed as well as what we will do with the Richbourg property if a storage lot is not approved.  Personally, I am for the facility but against boat storage on any Town property.  In my opinion, this facility will benefit EVERYONE in the Town.  Those who do not have an RV or trailer may benefit from not having their neighbor’s RV or trailer blocking their view while they’re trying to back out of their driveway.  Those neighborhoods who prohibit such parking may also notice an increase in property value if someone who has a trailer or RV wishes to live in their subdivision.  Obviously, those residents with these items will benefit directly.  It would not surprise me to still be discussing this issue in 2011. 

As always, I remind you to maintain your security consciousness.  If you see anyone just hanging around (like in our parks), please call 225-1272 any time.  Parking in the streets continues to be a safety issue.  You or your visitors may receive a Parking Ticket for parking on Town rights-of-way.  You can report illegal or suspicious activity, as well as request special event overflow parking to 225-1272, 651-1115 or 651-5723.

Have a safe summer

Gary Combs, Mayor

NOTES FROM THE TOWN MANAGER

The verbal agreement between the Town and Shalimar Yacht Basin for free use of their boat launch is in effect at this time but residents are encouraged to contact Town Hall to check on the status of this agreement before expecting this free service.

CONTRACTORS – Please make sure that all of the contractors you hire have a license from the Town of Shalimar. We keep records of each licensed contractor’s Liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurance, along with a copy of the contractor’s Okaloosa County Occupational License. A contractor’s unwillingness to secure a very inexpensive Town license may very well be the first RED FLAG indicating possible unscrupulous business practices. It happens in Shalimar more often than many realize.  Sometimes, contractors are only unaware of Shalimar’s licensing requirements and once informed of this requirement will readily complete the very easy process to help keep those who are not correctly insured or don’t have correct licenses out of Shalimar.  Please feel free to call Town Hall before entering into any contractor agreement and avoid being a victim of illegal contractors.

NOTES FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Residents are often the first in line in deterring, observing, and reporting criminal activity.  Recently we had a burglary in town that occurred in the middle of the afternoon.  While we do have leads, I am surprised that no one noticed any out of the ordinary people or vehicles. I suggest that when residents are away, they tell a neighbor, continue to lock their doors and always report suspicious activity.  If you are on a walk and see a suspicious vehicle or person, write down a description (ie. tag number, hair color, clothing, etc.)  Taking a quick photo with your cell phone is also a good investigative tool for the police.  When on vacation please inform the police department as we will conduct increased security checks of your property.

Scam Alert: A recent scam has been reported within the Town. A person calls pretending to be in law enforcement and indicates that one of your relatives has been in a car accident. The caller usually knows what state you have relatives in. They request a certain amount of money about 10,000 to be sent via western union to a specific number.  If you receive a call like this, just hang up, do not send money, and report it to the police department.

As always, if you think of any way(s) the police department can better serve you, stop by or call 651-1115 or 651-5723.  We want to provide the most professional and efficient law enforcement services.

John E. Cash, Chief

FLOOD AND HURRICANE INFORMATION

Familiarize yourself with the Okaloosa County web site (www.co.okaloosa.fl.us) before a hurricane threatens.  There is a lot of helpful information about shelters, evacuation routes, Emergency phone numbers and radio stations, etc.  Below is just some of the information available:

Handicapped and elderly persons seeking shelters and who are in need of transportation should call Okaloosa Coordinated Transport at 833-9168 as soon as it has been announced that shelters have opened.  Please remember to take your medications with you.

The Emergency Broadcast System stations in Okaloosa County are: AM1260, AM1050, FM105.5, FM104.7 and FM99.5.  Listen to one of these stations during a hurricane alert for important information.

SHELTER INFORMATION:  Okaloosa County does not automatically open all emergency shelters during an evacuation. Several factors determine which shelters will be open. Listen to local radio stations for updates.

Antioch Elementary School - Antioch Road; Crestview, FL

Baker School - 1369 14th Street; Baker, FL (Access off of Rte. 4 in Baker - look for signs on right side of road when you get into Baker. If you miss the sign, turn right at the caution light in Baker, then right again.)

Davidson Middle School - 6261 Old Bethel Road; Crestview, FL

Kenwood Elementary School - 15 NE Eagle St; Fort Walton Beach, FL

Riverside Elementary (2415 spaces) - 3400 Redstone Avenue; Crestview, FL 32536

Shoal River Middle School (1980 spaces) - 3200 Redstone Avenue; Crestview, FL 32536