Summer 2013
NOTES FROM THE MAYOR
On 9 April, two new Commissioners and I volunteered for another term as Town of Shalimar Commission members. I welcome the new
Commissioners, and I pray that the Town Commission dynamics will change. I hope our two new Commissioners can foster
Commission teamwork on solving important issues and not waste time and money on constant bickering. During the past two years,
the Town Commission has initiated more code enforcement actions, held more and longer meetings, added more rules and regulations,
paid increasing legal fees, and endured many controversial discussions. Hopefully, we can move forward without the constant effort to
get the smallest items done - like getting the meeting minutes approved!
If you know me, then you know that I am passionate about the Town of Shalimar. I truly believe we live in the very best municipality
in America – and I hope none of the past Town Commission’s difficulties have adversely impacted your daily lives. My goal is to
maintain a responsive local government, the friendly small town atmosphere, and the best oversight of your tax money in the county or
state.
So, do I have any positive comments? Yes! We did manage to get Erwin Fleet, Barron Ct., and Dana Ct. repaved and the Erwin Fleet
right-of-way will soon have new grass and irrigation. I hope to continue the beautification of our town and support development that
makes sense. The Eglin Parkway construction is almost finished. We recently renewed our Waste Management contract and
maintained a low residential service fee. Thanks to much work and cooperation from the Planning & Zoning Board and administrative
staff, we have an approved and updated Future Land Use Map that is the road map to resolving many past Town zoning discrepancies.
Looking forward, I would love to get the Town’s Development Code updated in the next two years. The code needs lots of tweaking
with only minor updates in over 20 years. The county development of the courthouse annex is also coming together soon.
Thank you to long time Commissioner Ursel Behnken and former police Commissioner Ray Morgan. Concerned citizen involvement is
the key element in making Shalimar government successful.
In closing, I want to thank all residents who report suspicious neighborhood activity to our on duty police officer. Town residents
continue to be subjected to theft of property. I remain available for any concerns or comments, you are welcome to call me at (850)
217-5181 or email me at mayor@shalimarflorida.org
NOTES FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
I would like to touch on tips for internet safety. In today’s society, the access to the internet is readily available through smart phones
and tablets. First, be aware of your child’s social media accounts by learning how to navigate the sites. Have their user name and
password. Keep track of their texts messages, friends, and pictures that are posted. The most used social media sites are Facebook,
instagram, and Snap chat. Be involved and randomly check those social media sites. If you see inappropriate messages or pictures
from unknown friends, it could be a tactic from a predator called “grooming”. Grooming is when an adult goes online to meet young
people with the intent to establish an inappropriate relationship. Print any suspicious messages and pictures and give them to law
enforcement. Prosecuting the predator is a necessity. Tell your child to never meet online ‘friends” in person until permission is given
by you.
Here are some sites that can help you and your child understand internet safety.
www.ikeepsafe.org, www.netsmartz.org
www.getnetwise.org, www.webwisekids.org,
www.k12.wa.us/safetycenter/internetsafety/pubdocs/aparentsguidetofacebook.pdf.
Please remember to abide by the ”No Parking on Right-of-Way” ordinance. If you have guests and need to utilize the right-of-way
please contact Town Hall or the Police Department. The Police Department needs to approve this and, if we are not notified, a citation
may be written.
You have any questions or concerns about the Police Department; please do not hesitate to call Town Hall (651-5723) or the Police
Department (651-1115). Refer to 225-1272 to speak to an officer directly.
FLOOD AND HURRICANE INFORMATION
FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM
Okaloosa County Public Safety has an automated flood warning system. In the event of a flood hazard, this system will call to warn you
of an impending flood danger in your area. The National Weather Service issues flood advisories six (6) hours prior to expected heavy
rainfall that can potentially cause flooding conditions. In the event of flood hazards, tune into local Radio (AM 1260, FM 105.5 and FM
99.5) and TV Stations for information. In addition, a NOAA weather radio will provide this information. In large or severe events,
Emergency Officials sometimes go into the potentially affected areas to inform the residents of any danger.
Severe Weather Center
Emergency 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.
The Emergency Broadcast System stations in Okaloosa County are: AM 1260, AM 1050, FM 105.5, FM 104.7, and FM
99.5. Listen to one of these stations during a hurricane alert for important information.
Familiarize yourself with evacuation directions at www.co.okaloosa.fl.us any time there is a tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico or off
the Atlantic coast of Florida. Compare the directions to a road map, and trace your route to shelters or to a point outside this area.
Keep your vehicle's fuel tank topped off, and get some extra cash from the bank. Make sure you have enough prescription medications
to last at least a week without refill. Hotels in Alabama fill up fast during an evacuation. Leave early to beat the traffic jams and to
increase your chance of finding a hotel. Shelters do not allow pets, but many hotels will allow small pets in the room.
Shelter Locations: (Please note that this is just a convenient name for Evacuation Centers. Okaloosa County cannot guarantee any
particular level of safety at a shelter. They are selected because they are outside of hurricane surge zones and are of generally sturdy
construction.)
The public should listen for public announcements as to shelter openings and times.
Antioch Elementary
School
Antioch Road
Crestview, FL
Riverside Elementary 2415 spaces
3400 Redstone Avenue
Crestview, FL 32536
Davidson Middle School
6261 Old Bethel Road
Crestview, FL
Kenwood Elementary School
15 NE Eagle ST
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Baker School
1369 14th Street
Baker, FL
Shoal River Middle School
- 1980 spaces
3200 Redstone Avenue
Crestview, FL 32536
(Access off 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.)
Print out the Okaloosa County Disaster Evacuation Map and store copies in your vehicle and your Disaster Supply Kit
*** Visit www.shalimarflorida.org for upcoming meeting agendas ***