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“free”-HOW??From the businesses advertising in this issue.Thank each one as you go to their storeYes 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 me a call today!The Emerald Star News is published bi-weeklyWe are locally owned and operated in Freeport
Citation preview
Volume: 4 Issue: 26 December 27, 2012 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:
Walton Talks School Security
Walton Superintendent of Schools, a long-
time educator and elementary principal, Car-
lene Anderson said when she was told of the
school shooting tragedy she cried and it af-
fected her very personally…...….Page 3
Armed Assault
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office
(WCSO) responded to County Hwy 1883 in
the early morning hours Sunday in reference
to armed individuals shooting into the dwell-
ing, kicking in the door to the home, point-
ing guns at the two victims and hitting the
female victim in the mouth with one of the
firearms. The suspects …….…...Page 5
Synthetic Drugs
Deputies with the Okaloosa County Sher-
iff’s Office have been delivering letters from
Sheriff Larry Ashley to area businesses
which sell compounds known as synthetic
drugs. The message is that ... ….Page 9
Happy Holidays! This season has been one of mixed emo-
tions, from shootings and storms there has been plenty to
find yourself being thankful for. Our hearts and prayers go
out to all the victims and their families.
As you may have noticed the world did not end on the 21st as had been predicted for
numerous decades. Doesn’t that give you a reason to celebrate? I’ve got the same feel-
ings as most of you do about the upcoming year. Keyword will be ‘prepared’. Learn
about the massive amount of changes coming. From the top to the bottom we will all
feel some part of these changes. The president’s decisions are coming at an alarming
pace.
It has always been a trial and error time of our lives. So many of us living from pay-
check to paycheck. For the stress levels of living in today’s world are ever rising. It will
be an interesting 2013 to say the least.
When the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter Adam Lanza may have tried to
sabotage his own computer before going on a murderous rampage that claimed the lives
of 20 children, but experienced investigators said today that law enforcement forensic
experts could still recover critical evidence from the damaged drives.
Connecticut State Police Lt. Paul Vance revealed Monday that a computer crimes
unit was working in conjunction with a forensics laboratory to "dissect" any evidence
relevant to the case, but he declined to comment further on what type of evidence was
involved and in what condition it was in. Later that day, law enforcement officials told
ABC News that police recovered a badly damaged computer from Lanza's home that
appeared to have been attacked by a hammer or screwdriver.
Sources said if they can still read the computer's hard drive, they hope to find critical
clues that may help explain Lanza's motives in the killing. of course they are not certain
what they may find on his computer. There can be habitual emotions on the computer
that can lead up to someone doing something like this. Maybe a sign somewhere.
Here in Walton county, parents got a phone call from the school board superintendent
stating of the safety factors that are being considered for our schools. I do like the idea I
heard of veteran’s volunteering to be a school resource officer for entrance into schools.
Provided substantial background checks are in place I think it will have a safer role for
the students. It’s a dam shame when society has to readjust it’s habits for school chil-
dren. In this case it was an Elementary school.
I feel that a lot of the insensitivity of killing comes from the amount of time people
are playing video games. With 3D effects and lifelike features of being in war, some
people are maybe having trouble with separating fact from fiction. They probably think
they would be able to hit the reset button and try it all again but with bigger ammo and
destruction. Isn’t that what most of the games are designed today are like? I am not a
‘gamer’ but I have witnessed for a long time the commercials even looking so realistic.
Back when I was a kid they tried to say that music was making people act a certain way,
cop killer songs and defiance was almost stopped in recordings. At least for the com-
mon radio stations, they will not air such nonsense.
It’s time for parents to become more in tune with their children. What are they play-
ing? How long have they been playing it? Moderation to keep them grounded into real-
ity. What are your kids ’into’? For the time it takes to connect to your children every
second is worth it’s weight in gold. Get to know their friends and maybe you can help
prevent dangerous situations for us all.
Dent & Bent Groceries
Lunch meats-Frozen Foods near date groceries & more!
Accepting -Food Stamps, EBT, Debit & Credit cards (850) 880-6175 located on Blueberry Rd.- FREEPORT in 331Plaza
Stop in and see what we have, great prices!
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. 3000 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 Editor - Dr. Summers
Guest columnist– Erica Beck River Stewart
Page 2 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Thursday, December 27, 2012
Look online: theemeraldstarnews.bolgspot.com
Mail invoices and other information to:
P.O. Box 1133 Freeport, Florida 32439
Quote of
the week :
The Wolfe’s Den
“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 me a call today!
The Emerald Star News is published bi-weekly
We are locally owned and operated in Freeport
Reach out a
helping hand …..
You may find
yourself needing
one too someday
Help those less
fortunate..
Happy New Year
Do you have an Ad that would look nice here?
Call to reserve your spot today!
850-585-0262
WC BCC Meeting As reported by WZEP AM1460 In a special session so they would not have to meet at
Christmas, the Walton Commissioners held their second
December meeting Tuesday morning. Commissioners
were asked to short list the seven they want to interview
for county administrator. Clerk of Courts Martha Ingle
tallied the commissioner’s selection. The top seven were
extended to the top eight after a tie. The list includes:
George Barwick, Lyndon Bonner, Gerry Demers, Cory
Godwin, Robert Halfhill, Steve Howard, Larry Jones,
Ted Lackey. The interviews will take place in both north
Walton and at commissioner Meadows office. This after
a request by Meadows where she said she wants the can-
didates to also see south Walton.
The Public Information Manager for the County gave a
presentation on the County website. He said there are
already changes and the launch is to be February 4th.
Commissioners were told there will be more video capa-
bilities and they will be keeping some of the older fea-
tures. Commissioners were told the hope is the public
will find it more of a valuable resource.
With the county lobbyist contract coming up, commis-
sioners Meadows and Imfeld asked to have a review of
the accomplishments before extending the contract. The
lobbyist firm, Heffley and Associates, said they will
extend at the same rate. Cindy Meadows will chair the
TDC Board.
Apparently several lots in Eagle’s Landing are in a situa-
tion through code enforcement. The original developer
had legal issues. Commissioners agreed to a release of
lien but anyone buying lot 6 will have to pay a $1500
fine and bring the property into compliance. The lot is
valued at $21,000. The $1500 fine is much less than the
original fine which was more than the lot’s value. Com-
missioner Meadows said they want to stand behind the
Code Enforcement Board, but by doing this they can
help the property become productive. Commissioner
Meadows said this is one of many such incidents where
money was lost in the economy fall. She said the fines
should never have been able to get as high as they did
and moved to release the lien.
Meadows renewed the call to secure the Courthouse
Annex in south Walton. Comander said it is not only the
commissioners, but the staff also has security needs.
Major Joe Preston with the sheriff’s office said there
will be a cost with a new metal detector and they are
working on total costs for securing the building.
Sara Comander asked to put her name in as secretary/
treasurer of the Gulf Consortium. She said the eight dis-
portionate counties met recently and they have come up
with a formula for spending the 80% coming to them.
Walton, Okaloosa and Bay agreed to take a little less to
help some of the smaller counties. She used the oyster
beds and giving up 1% for additional help as an exam-
ple. Meadows said she feels this was a good compro-
mise and showed the panhandle counties are willing to
work together. Commissioners adopted a resolution.
Commissioner Imfeld said they were in DC at an Army
Corps of Engineers meeting on beach nourishing. He
said Dawn Moliterno and the TDC gave a good presen-
tation. Comander agreed and gave recognition to beach
scientist Brad Pickle. She also said they are very close
after 13 years of trying for the nourishment approval.
Page 3 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Thursday, December 27, 2012
Walton Talks School Security As reported by WZEP AM1460 Walton Superintendent of Schools, a longtime educator and elemen-
tary principal, Carlene Anderson said when she was told of the school
shooting tragedy she cried and it affected her very personally. She said
the children were expecting Santa Clause, not a bullet.
At the end of the Walton County School Board meeting, Board mem-
ber Mark Davis asked to review other district’s policies about uniforms.
He said, in light of the recent tragedy, he feels uniforms might lend to
security, especially in open campus schools like Paxton. He also sug-
gested the possibility of approaching the union about uniforms for
teachers. He said if someone is on the campus, they would know they
are not staff. Davis also asked to have a private entity become a third set
of eyes to look for safety holes they might miss.
Anderson said they did convene advisors from the safety committee
Monday to come up with ideas of what they need to do different. She
said they work on school safety each year. Anderson asked the advisors
for a timeline for the week, by the end of the year then for long range
improvements for school safety and security. She also wants a line item
for security in the next budget.
Anderson said schools are required to have monthly drills for fire,
chemical spills, intruders and other emergencies. Anderson showed a
draft document they have already put together and told the Board she
wants to make sure it becomes a living document, not just something
that gets put into a drawer. Each School has a safety committee as well
as the district’s safety team. Anderson says they have been planning for
safe schools and will continue to plan.
She will be meeting with the Sheriff Adkinson and City Marshal
Weeks after the holidays. She also talked about School Resource Depu-
ties in the elementary schools. She said it is time to re-address not hav-
ing them.
With tears, Board member Faye Leddon said she was watching the
young students at Paxton and realized how easy it would be for someone
to come to them. Board member Sharon Roberts asked that Anderson
ask the Sheriff where he could help with additional costs for security.
She said you can not put a cost on human life.
Anderson confirmed that after the shooting the sheriff put SRD’s in
the elementary schools and they will stay until the break. Anderson said
law enforcement has been good to work with. She also said the school
where the shooting happened, had a secure system. Anderson said she
can not guarantee nothing will happen.
High School Grades
Much later than other grade lev-
els, the state has released the high
school grades. The number of
Florida high schools and combi-
nation high schools getting an A
grade for 2012 rose to 231, up
from 148 last year, in preliminary
results released today by the Flor-
ida Department of Education. The
DOE says that while the results
are encouraging given the move
to more rigorous standards, they
include measures approved by the
State Board of Education to ease
the transition for the 2011-12
school year.
In addition to higher achievement
levels this year, the state moved
to a more rigorous graduation rate
formula for high schools and ex-
panded the basis for college readi-
ness measures, focusing on all on-
time graduates. Next year, high
school grades will include biol-
ogy and geometry end-of-course
assessments.
An increase in the number of A
high schools and combination
high schools is good news for dis-
tricts. High school grades deter-
mine school recognition funds,
which reward schools that have
sustained high student perform-
ance or have shown substantial
student performance improve-
ment. The Legislature approved
$134,582,877 for that purpose for
2012-2013.
In Okaloosa, Crestview took it
up a notch from a B to an A,
Laurel Hill went down from a B
to a C, Ft. Walton Beach High,
Niceville and the Collegiate
High all stayed at an A.
In Walton County, Paxton
School stayed at an A, Freeport
and Walton Senior Highs both
stayed at a B, South Walton
moved it up from a B to a A and
Seaside stayed an an A.
Thursday, December 27, 2012 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.
Call for AJ’s -’tip of the week’
A.J.Dubuisson State Certified-Master Plumber License # CF-C057978
Inspect your water heater for
signs of leaking fittings and
corrosion or rust.
Health Post George Roll P.A.-C
Seagrove Medical Clinic
Call # 850-231-6200
Walk-ins and Appt.s
Send health questions or
comments to: P.O.Box 1133
Freeport, Florida 32439
Freeport Mayor’s Post
Freeport Mayor Mickey Marse To post a comment or
question for the Mayor,
E-mail : Frank@
Emeraldstarnews.com
We reserve the right to refuse publications of any
comments or questions for the Mayor. Thank You.
The
850-835-2028
998 Bay Dr. Santa Rosa-Beach, Fl.32459
850-231-1473
Page 4
JoAn’s Perfect PAws Pet Salon
901 Hwy. 20E unit #1 CALL: 850-880-6707 (l.c.’s PizzA /vet PlAzA)
Freeport, Florida
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Pick-up and delivery available
No post this week.
WCSO Reports Arrest After Battery
Walton County Sheriff’s Office
(WCSO) deputies responded to Kim-
berly Ann Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, in
the late night hours Thursday in refer-
ence to a 911 call for assis-
tance. Upon arrival, deputies made
contact with a male subject who re-
ported he was attacked with a baseball
bat by his roommate. EMS was called
to the scene, treated the victim’s inju-
ries and transported him to Sacred
Heart hospital for further treatment
and observation.
The suspect, 38-year-old Jason Robert
Nichols, of Santa Rosa Beach, was
still inside the residence when depu-
ties arrived and he cooperated with
law enforcement without inci-
dent. According to statements gath-
ered, an argument ensued between the
two roommates over rent and house-
hold bills. The victim went to his bed-
room and shut the door. Nichols en-
tered the victim’s bedroom with an
aluminum baseball bat and struck him
several times.
Nichols was charged with Aggravated
Battery, a second degree felony. Nich-
ols was transported and booked into
the Walton County Department of
Corrections.
The U.S. flu season is here -- the earliest
start since the "moderately severe" sea-
son of 2003.
Just as in 2003, the nasty H3N2 flu bug
is causing most cases so far.
Flu Vaccine Supply
Vaccination remains the best way to
avoid the flu. So far this year, the
CDC estimates that 112 million
Americans already got their flu shots
(or sniffs of the nose-spray vaccine).
That would be about 37% of the vac-
cine-eligible U.S. population over
age 6 months.
Manufacturers have shipped 123
million of this year's expected 135
million doses of flu vaccine.
So far, the CDC says nobody who
wants flu vaccine is having trouble
finding it.
"We are similar in vaccine [supply and demand] to last year," Frieden said. "We did not have a shortage last year, and expect no shortage this year."Drink plenty of fluids or use a
cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer to soothe an irritated throat and loosen mucus. Prop your head up on extra pil-lows at night and have a little honey be-fore bed. Studies show honey can help ease a cough. Don’t give honey to chil-dren under 12 months.
You may get a dry cough with a cold or the flu or if you breathe in something irritating like dust or smoke. A cough "suppressant" helps stop your urge to cough. Plus, it can help you sleep better. Cough drops -- or even hard candy -- can stop that tickle in the back of your throat. Don’t give cough drops to chil-dren younger than 4.
Never give cough medicine to children younger than 4 because it can have seri-ous side effects. For children 4 to 6 years old, ask your doctor before giving any cough and cold medicines. They're safe after age 6. For children 1 and up, try 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey to help them cough up mucus.
Is that pile of used tissues on your col-
league's desk making you uneasy
about cold and flu germs? Or are you
feeling a cold coming on, so you're
worried about spreading it to your fam-
ily? Either way, it's time to take some
simple precautions to stop the spread
of germs -- as well as a lot of sneezing,
coughing, and all-around misery.
Wash your hands. It's the single most
effective way to stop the spread of
germs. Once cold and flu germs are on
your hands, it's very easy for them to
get into your body when you touch your
eyes or mouth.
Washing knocks germs off your hands
and down the drain. Do it thoroughly:
Page 5
The FREEPORT POST
Thursday, December 27, 2012 The Emerald Star News, Inc.
You can view us online at:
Theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com
Check out past editions too!
All Ad’s are online- along with full
description of copies. Check it out.
Firewood Buying
As reported by WZEP AM1460 If you don’t want to see your money go up in smoke, then you might
need to use a little knowledge when buying firewood. A local resident
tells First News he feels he was taken advantage of when he recently
purchased firewood. A few tips and you can save yourself money by
knowing what you are getting.
Some states in colder climates require firewood to be sold by standard
units such as a cord. A full cord is 8 feet, by 4 feet by four feet high.
This is basically a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood stacked four feet up. there are
other units such as half cords, ricks and face cords. A face cord is one
third of a regular cord, or a stack at least 16 inches wide, eight feet long
and four feet high. Florida does not have a law dictating what measure-
ment unit firewood should be sold. Sometimes someone selling wood
around here will simply sell a truck or trailer load.
Steven Holloway lives in Oakwood Hills and says he heats his home on
colder days with wood. He says he recently found a company in Laurel
Hill and called them for a load of firewood. Holloway says he usually
buys local, but his normal supplier was booked up for deliveries. Hollo-
way says he asked for 2 cords of red or white oak seasoned and ready to
use. He says the owner of the business called, discussed the price of
$150 per cord, a total of $300 for two cords. He says the owner agreed
to stack the wood on delivery. Holloway says two men arrived and be-
gan throwing firewood on the the ground not stacking it and he says it
was not good quality.
Holloway says the two men made him uncomfortable after they finished
and confronted him for the money. He says he told them it was not the
two cords he had ordered and was not the hardwood he asked for. He
says they told him it was good wood and continued to ask for the
money. He agreed to pay half, the $150. Eventually the two men left.
Holloway says the two returned and asked for the rest of their money.
Fearing for his safety, Holloway says he gave them the other $150.
He called the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and a Deputy came and
contacted the Laurel Hill tree service, eventually getting through to the
owner. He says the person on the phone did not tell the truth. The Dep-
uty advised him to stack wood and take measurements. He says the
wood measures to half a cord, though he paid for two full cords. Hollo-
way says he is out $300 for wood that is 90% unusable and only a quar-
ter of the amount he agreed to. He feels the company from Laurel Hill
has scammed him out of the money by pressuring him for payment,
even when he protested the quality and amount.
When buying wood, make sure you understand the quality you are buy-
ing. Wood can be a hardwood such as oak or can be other trees that are
softer, leave more ash and burn quicker. Also check to see how sea-
soned your wood is. Some like a more green wood, but usually you
want wood that is dried to a low moisture content. You should also
check on how the wood is stacked and measured. Wood tossed into a
truck bed is not packed as dense at stacked wood. There should be mini-
mal air gaps. You also want to make sure you know if the price you are
paying is for pick up or for delivery and if it includes stacking or load-
ing.
Armed Assault As reported by WZEP AM1460
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) responded to County Hwy 1883 in the early morn-
ing hours Sunday in reference to armed individuals shooting into the dwelling, kicking in the
door to the home, pointing guns at the two victims and hitting the female victim in the mouth
with one of the firearms. The suspects left the home after assaulting and battering the victims.
The female victim stated that she knew the suspects, William Curry and Shawn Holloway. Hol-
loway is the father of the child they have in common.
WCSO worked in conjunction with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County
Sheriff’s Office in attempting to locate the suspects. At approximately 11 a.m., deputies were
able to locate the suspects in Holmes County. HCSO arrested both individuals on Walton County
charges.
William Howard Curry, 25, of Ponce De Leon has been charged with Armed Burglary of an Oc-
cupied Dwelling, Burglary with Assault or Battery, and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a
Deadly Weapon.
Shawn Bradley Holloway, 26, of Westville has been charged with Firing a Missile into a Dwell-
ing, Burglary with Assault or Battery, Battery Touch or Strike, Armed Burglary of an Occupied
Dwelling, and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
Both individuals will be extradited to Walton County to face the charges.
Man Sentenced After DNA Evidence Links Him To Molestation
William Eddins, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit, says Kevin William Phillips was
convicted on Thursday by a Walton County jury in DeFuniak Springs on the charges of Sexual
Battery on a Child under the Age of 12.
The charges arose from an incident which occurred in May of 2010 where the defendant placed
himself in a sexual position and left physical evidence. DNA evidence matching the defendant
was found on the victim’s clothing. The child reported the crime in Thomasville, GA. The defen-
dant was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Alabama in 2011.
Circuit Judge Howard LaPorte presided over the trial and upon the jury’s verdict, classified the
defendant as a Sexual Predator and imposed a mandatory life prison sentence.
The case was investigated by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the
Thomas County, GA Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case
was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Jennifer Lieb.
Walton Might Buy Property As reported by WZEP AM 1460 If you need to buy property, now can be
a good time. But when you are a govern-
ment, the word need is for many a must.
The Walton Commissioners considered
five parcels being offered. They looked
at each one to determine if it was some-
thing they not only wanted, but also if it
was something they could use.
Real property acquisitions, five of them,
were presented. Resident Mary Nelson
asked if the commissioners have knowl-
edge of the land they already have and
the uses. She also asked them to do any
needed homework. Commissioners said
they do have lists and will review the
needs.
Some of the properties were said to not
be of immediate use to the county, one
was already sold. One parcell could be
used for land mitigation. That is where
the state requires the county to place
land in permanent conservation when
they disturb other land. Staff said there is
a change to use land banks and the miti-
gation land might not be as needed as
before.
Another possible purchase was what is
known as the Triangle Chevrolet prop-
erty, the lots near Thriftway and on 7th
Street in DeFuniak Springs. The com-
pany said they want to give the County
first choice of purchasing. This property
is on Highway 90 and joins other county
property. Commissioner Comander said
there is a possible use as climate con-
trolled storage. Commissioners agreed to
look at the Triangle property.
Triangle's Taylor Lathinghouse said
when GM was making changes through
bankruptcy and chose dealers to be in-
vited back, they had to agree to undergo a facility evaluation. This gave GM the
right to come in and point out opportunities to upgrade to the new image. GM
wants a new image for dealerships. Triangle was one of the last on the list and
GM is now getting to them. Lathinghouse says the automaker came here and did
an evaluation of the current building and says nothing looks like what they have
in mind. He says after looking at a remodel or a new build on the 13 acres they
own on 331, the numbers were not far apart. The current location also has a prob-
lem with the lot being split inventory across street and the service can not grow.
He says as they plan for the future they have to find the ability to grow the ser-
vice department, taking it to the next step. Lathinghouse said the County had
contacted them in the past about a need for space and parking. He says the prop-
erty is near the courthouse and a purchase will work for Triangle and the County.
Lathinghouse confirmed the business is growing and there is need for more
space. He says a new facility will likely mean more jobs.
Another parcel they will look at is near Morrison Springs. Clerk of Court Martha
Ingle suggested they also check with the other constitutional officers about their
property needs.
Thursday, December 27, 2012 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 6
Book Review
By:
River Stewart
Place your Ad here!!!
Check us out……...
Go to;
theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com
Write it down; this our new web site
Check out past editions complete with
our advertising customers
PENELOPE
By M. Vreeland
If you’re looking for a dog that’s not too big and not too small, we’re sure you’ll find that Penelope is “just right.” A Rat Terrier/Italian Greyhound mix, Penelope seems a bit shy at first, but once she’s been properly introduced she is a real sweetheart. Penelope is very thankful to be at Alaqua Animal Refuge, especially when it’s her turn to romp around in the play area. That’s when she gets to chase her favorite playtime pal, a larger Boxer mix, around the yard. Watching them, you’re sure to think they’re training to go for the gold in the next Olympics. This energetic little girl also enjoys less strenuous activities like going for a walk, and is proud to show off her excellent skills on a leash. Sweet, petite and hop-ing for a loving forever home for the holidays, Penelope is looking forward to making your acquaintance.
"Northwest Florida's Premier Animal Sanctuary and Adoption Center" Alaqua Animal Refuge is a non-profit, no-kill shelter, located at 914 Whitfield Road, Freeport. We welcome you to visit all the adoptable animals at our beautiful ten acre sanctuary any Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. For more informa-tion you can call us at 850-880-6399 or check out our website at www.alaquaanimalrefulge.org.
Tax Collector Employee As reported by WZEP AM1460
James Hallford was honored Saturday
night as the Employee of the Year for
the Walton County Tax Collector’s Of-
fice during their annual Christmas party.
Hallford was selected for this distin-
guished honor by his peers. The honor
was especially telling to the contribu-
tions of Hallford as he has only been
employed with the Tax Collector’s Of-
fice since June.
Hallford serves as the Driver License
Administrator in the Tax Collector’s
Office. He joined the office in June after
26 years employment with the Florida
Department of Highway Safety and Mo-
tor Vehicles. In his position, Hallford
provides training to staff on driver li-
cense and identity card transactions as
well as serves as the point of knowledge
for any unusual or difficult situations
involving the issuance of a driver license
or identity card.
\The Employee of the Year Award is an
honor selected by all of the employees of
the Tax Collector’s Office. Employees
nominate co-workers based on their
overall performance, demonstration of
the organization’s commitment to ser-
vice, and efforts to exemplify the core
values of the organization.
“Our entire team is thankful to have
James and the knowledge and experience
he brings to our office,“ said Tax Collec-
tor Rhonda Skipper. After 26 years with
an agency, many individuals would be
apprehensive about starting over with
new bosses, new co-workers, a new en-
vironment and new expectations, but
James has embraced the change. He
works very hard and is dedicated to help-
ing both his co-workers as well as our
citizens to the best of his ability.”
Use soap and water.
Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
Get in the habit of washing your
hands before eating or preparing food
and after using the bathroom or changing
a diaper.
If you're taking care of a sick person,
wash your hands before and after being
with him.
Use hand sanitizer. If you can't get to a
sink, the next best thing is an alcohol-
based hand sanitizer. Buy one with at
least 60% alcohol. Rub it all over your
hands and keep rubbing until it evapo-
rates and your hands are dry. Keep small
bottles of hand sanitizer with you -- at
work, in your car, and in your purse.
Cover your nose and mouth. It's one of
the most effective ways to keep from
spreading germs. If you can, cough or
sneeze into a tissue, then throw it out
promptly. If you're empty-handed, don't
cough into your hand. You'll just smear
germs on the next thing you touch. In-
stead, cough into the crook of your elbow.
Disinfectyour space. You don't need to
spend all day spraying disinfectant on
every surface of your house. Still, if
someone in your family is sick, use a
household disinfectant to wipe down high-
traffic areas -- computers, phones, door-
knobs, and remotes.
Use disposables. Cold and flu germs
can cling to fabric. So when someone in
your house is sick, replace hand towels
and dishrags with paper towels. Remove
water glasses and add cardboard cups in
the bathroom, too.
Get a flu vaccine. It is safe for anyone
over the age of 6 months. If you or some-
one in your family is in any of the follow-
ing high-risk groups, your doctor will en-
courage every family member to get one:
Children
Adults older than 50
Women who'll be pregnant during flu
season
Nursing home residents
People with asthma or another
chronic heart or lung condition
People with diabetes or another con-
dition that weakens the immune system
Health care workers
Aunt Ruby wishes you all the very best
of the holiday season and will see you
all next year.
‘Happenings’ in DeFuniak Springs
Thursday, December 27, 2012 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 7
Theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com
This is our new web site
Theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com
New e-mail address too
Will 2013 Be the Year You Quit Tobacco for Good?
- Services Offered by the Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida Double Your Chances of Quitting -
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida is encouraging to-bacco users to create a comprehensive quit plan with the help of the Florida Quitline, Web Coach or Area Health Edu-cation Centers’ in-person services. A quit plan is the first step for a successful quit attempt. For those who use to-bacco, the most important step you can take for a healthier and longer life is to quit. Tobacco users who quit can double their chances at success by using the state’s free and con-venient quit services.
“If you are resolving to quit tobacco for the New Year, there are resources available to help you,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “Counseling and medication are very effective and greatly increase your chances of quitting and staying tobacco free for good.”
Tobacco Free Florida’s evidence-based resources include consultation from a certified and trained Quit Coach as well as FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), when appropriate. This combined approach of counseling and NRT can double or triple a tobacco user’s chance of quitting.
Seven out of 10 adult smokers report that they want to quit completely. Those who have tried to quit but relapsed in the past should try again because most former smokers made several attempts before quitting permanently. Quitting to-bacco is hard, but it is not impossible. In fact, there are more former smokers than current smokers in the state. However, not having a plan can make quitting more difficult.
Tobacco Free Florida offers three ways to quit:
ABOUT TOBACCO FREE FLORIDA
DOH’s Tobacco Free Florida campaign is a statewide ces-sation and prevention campaign funded by Florida’s to-bacco settlement fund.
Tobacco users interested in quitting are encouraged to use one of the state’s three ways to quit. To learn about To-bacco Free Florida and the state’s free quit resources, visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TobaccoFreeFlorida or Twitter at www.twitter.com/tobaccofreefla.
DOH works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Sara Laird Finds Christmas
Memories in the Attic
As the kids move on and life grows older, many
find they will simply leave the Christmas decora-
tions in the attic. For one DeFuniak Springs
woman, a young helper brought down more than
just sparkling decorations, Christmas memories
were unpacked. In this case simple candy canes
she and her husband Howard bought for their first
Christmas together in 1946 began the search for
Christmas memories.
Octogenarian Sara Laird still works part time at
The Prescription Place Pharmacy. She lost her
husband several years ago and lives alone, east of
the Historic Lakeyard. Needing some raking
done, she hired a local youth and asked him to
pull a few boxes out of the attic and look for a set
of candy canes she and her husband bought for
their first Christmas after being married in June of
1946. While she thought she would not get out
many decorations this year, once the boxes started
coming down, so did the memories.
Mrs. Laird also talked about other Christmas
memories in DeFuniak Springs. She worked at
the former Lakeside Hospital and in pharmacies.
She says the days there with Dr. Spires and Dr.
Meyers were very good and she learned to love
many people. She says they had their Christmas
parties there. She also remembers the houses
around the lake being decorated and has enjoyed
the Hometown Christmas in recent years.
While she knows there are sad events, she says it
is the joy from people that she looks to. Today
she says Christmas songs at church still bring a
tear to her eyes. Mrs. Laird talked about a Christ-
mas card from her paperboy who offered to help
her if needed. She says people helping each other
is important in these times.
While her husband’s name was Howard Laird,
she called him Butch. He was Smokey Bear and
says many children knew him as Smokey. After
the loss of her husband, she got a small dog and
named him Smokey. the little dog is still her com-
panion.
Sara Laird says the love of Christ all around is
what keeps her going. The thought of family get-
ting together and friends dropping by are good
memories for today. Working at the pharmacy
is another way she still makes new memories.
Mrs. Lard says meeting and helping all the
good people helps to keep her going.
Photos of Sara Laird and her Candy Canes as
well as the full audio interview are on our web-
site news page: http://www.wzep1460.com.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
You are hereby notified of a Public Hearing to be
held January 8, 2013 at 4:00 PM, or soon thereafter,
to consider:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA,
AMENDING THE CURRENT CHAPTER
22, ARTICLE I, II, III, AND IV; COR-
RECTING INTERNAL INCONSISTEN-
CIES, INCLUDING DEFINITIONS;
CLARIFYING LANGUAGE OF PROVI-
SIONS REGARDING THE CONDUCT
AND PERMITTING OF ACTIVITIES,
VENDORS AND VEHICLES ON THE
BEACH; REPEALING SECTION 5-34,
DOGS ON THE BEACH, WALTON
CUONTY CODE, AND INCORPORAT-
ING THOSE PROVISIONS
HEREIN;AND PROVIDING FOR SEV-
ERABILITY, CONFLICTS AND RE-
PEAL OF CERTAIN ORDINANCE;
AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The Meeting will be held at the Walton County
Courthouse Annex located at 31 Coastal Centre
Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach, FL
If anyone decides to appeal a decision of the Board
with respect to this meeting that person must ensure
that a verbatim record of the meeting is made.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act, persons needing a special accommodation to
participate in this proceeding should contact the
Board of County Commissioners of Walton County
no later than seven days prior to the proceeding at
the address given in this notice or phone (850) 892-
8155.
Page 8 The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday, December 27, 2012
Ph: 850-835-4153 www.freeportwaterfront.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS - TEXT PROPERTY ID# TO 85377
OWNER FINANCED PROPERTIES
FREEPORT - Hwy 331 S, commercial/
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FREEPORT - White Pines Estates. 4-5 acre
tracts, paved road, CW available. TERMS:
1% down, 1% per month.
HOLT - 4.2 acres on Hwy 90, near Okaloosa -
Walton County line, CW available
BRUCE - 1.68 acres, manufactured homes
(under 4 yrs of age) allowed, well & septic
needed. TERMS NEGOTIABLE
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MAGNOLIA BAYE - CORNER LOT Partially cleared .29 ac lot in great location for get-a-way or permanent home. Minimal restrictions. Mobile & manufactured homes allowed. CW available. Close to boat launches-great fishing! Addtl lots available. $24,900
Thursday, December 27, 2012 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 :
You might get a call or letter from someone you haven't heard from in ages as the week begins -- it's a
good time to reflect on your past. It's easier than ever for you to make connections on Tuesday and
Wednesday, and if you're looking for love, this is the time to go for it! You may meet someone in a rather
unorthodox fashion.
For the most part, this is a pretty sweet week, filled with good, creative energy. Take time out to make a nice
dinner on Monday, if you can -- it should be a big hit with family or housemates. You might feel a little
edgy midweek, but can certainly take away some great ideas from your peering into the void. Enjoy the
surge of great emotional power on Thursday and Friday,
Try to think big on Tuesday and Wednesday -- tiny details just get confusing and distract you from the big
picture, which is more important than anything else. The home front is the scene of all the drama later in the
week, some of it good, some of it not so much. Try to sort it all out with a big smile on your face. Your
amazing energy this weekend demands a physical outlet of some sort,
You are feeling great on Monday, and are much more likely to let folks get away with little infractions or
even indulge your own impulses. Why not? Stick to the present during the middle of the week, as big plans
may have fatal flaws. Once you get more information, you should be able to set it all out.
You are quite busy midweek, and most of your activities are fun and engaging, so it's good to have busy-
work behind you. After that, it's easier to become disappointed on Thursday and Friday, especially if things
don't go exactly the way you want them to. Try to keep an open mind.
You may not always dazzle folks with your crazy ideas, but something you say on Monday gets a lot of
them thinking about how they might make changes. They may start to pester you with their own ideas and
challenges -- so much so that you start to get pretty irritable later in the week
The legal system has a role in your day on Monday, though most likely it's not like something out of a cop
drama. You may just need to deal with City Hall, which is considerably easier to handle. Throw around big
ideas in the middle of the week, especially around the workplace but anywhere you get to interact with
peers. Once you've got a good-sized list of options
You feel cool and smart and detached on Monday, and ought to be able to get to the bottom of any questions
that are still unresolved in your life -- those with hard and fast answers, anyway! The middle part of the
week is still up in the air and could work out quite well for you, as long as you do everything that you know
you need to do.
take a second look at how your friends or coworkers are behaving. There may be some clues to feelings
moving under the surface. You've got to make sure that you're not just dealing with people who are single-
minded midweek -- your good energy helps you see all sides of every question. You might start to get a little
overwhelmed
You may want more than you can realistically get on Monday, but that never stopped you from trying be-
fore! It's a good time for you to try to get more folks on your side. During the middle of the week, you may
feel like a detective, snooping out clues in unusual places. Take time to build a thorough case
Whether you're at work or dealing with chores at home, the details really matter early this week! Make sure
you focus on one small thing at a time if you want to get anything done. Life gets pretty interesting on Tues-
day and Wednesday, though you may not be doing what you had hoped to be doing. Let someone else take
the lead.
Your good energy helps you bring projects to completion on Monday with your usual diligence and atten-
tion to detail. Show off a little! The middle part of the week is great for clearing out closets, attics or any-
thing else that you use to store things you don't really need any more. Something small may blow up into
something really huge on Thursday or Friday when a friend or family member overreacts to something you
say.
Synthetic Drugs
Deputies with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office have been delivering let-ters from Sheriff Larry Ashley to area businesses which sell compounds known as synthetic drugs. The message is that the Florida Attorney General’s Office has adopted an emergency rule outlawing yet another lengthy list of psychoactive sub-stances that are potentially harmful.
Sheriff Ashley is asking business owners and operators to immediately cease and desist the possession, manufacture, dis-tribution, and sale of these compounds and surrender forthwith any such com-pounds to the Deputy who presented the letter.
At a news conference attended by Rep-resentative Matt Gaetz, Sheriff Ashley said after the businesses are notified, individuals found to be violating the emergency rule will face arrest and crimi-nal prosecution as well as civil forfeiture actions.
Representative Gaetz said that enacting the emergency rule as law will be one of the Florida Legislature’s top priorities when the general session begins in March.
Sheriff Ashley said the public needs to be aware of the ongoing potentially deadly effects of these synthetic drugs, most of which are being manufactured overseas.
Many of the packages now feature brightly colored cartoon figures and carry names like “Scooby Snax” which the Sheriff called a blatant and alarming ef-fort to market these dangerous sub-stances directly to young people.
Beginning in January of 2011, the Oka-loosa County Sheriff’s Office launched what has become an ongoing campaign to educate the public to the dangers of synthetic drugs, which led to an esti-mated 11,000 emergency room visits in Florida last year alone.
Law enforcement officers say the sub-stances can cause violence, delirium, paranoia, hallucinations, and other dan-gerous psychotic effects. Medical profes-sionals say it can also produce extreme sweating, rapid heart rates, unexplained strength and endurance, severe agita-tion, suicidal thoughts and cardiovascular collapse.
Page 10 The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday, December 27, 2012
NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION
Take notice that the Walton County Board of County Commission-ers will hold a closed EXECUTIVE SESSION on January 8, 2013, be-ginning at 3:00 p.m., or as soon as possible to that time, at the South Walton Courthouse Annex located at 36 Coastal Centre Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach, Florida to discuss the following case:
Kebby Hall vs. Walton County Board of County Commis-sioners
Case No. 3:12-cv-00338-MCR-EMT
The Board of County Commissioners, Kenneth Pridgen, Sara Comander, William Chapman, William Imfeld, and Cindy Meadows; Interim County Administrator, Gerry Demers; County Attorney, Toni L. Craig; and Special Counsel for the County in this case, Timothy Warner and William Warner will attend this meeting and it will be recorded by a certified court reporter.
Any person who decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any
matter considered at a meeting of the Board will need a record of the pro-
ceedings, and for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record
of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon
which an appeal may be based.
Walton County adheres to the American with Disabilities Act and
will make reasonable modifications for access to the meetings upon re-
quest. Please call (850) 892-8115 to make a request. For hearing impaired,
please call 1-800-955-8771 (TDD), 1-800-955-8770 (VOICE). Requests
must be received at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to allow time
to provide the requested services.
Charter School Audit Report
At the recent Walton School Board meeting,
the Financial Audit of the Chautauqua Learn
and Serve at The ARC of Walton County, Inc.
was presented. Several Board members com-
mented on the report, saying it was not good.
The Charter school was opened just last year to
help students with mental disabilities between
18 and 22 with getting a special diploma.
The Walton School Board oversees the Charter
Schools, though the setup of a charter school
allows for a vast difference from the regular
public schools and they have very little over-
sight other than a monitoring type role by the
District School Board.
The Management Letter from the accounting
firm Carr, Riggs & Ingram cites a number of
findings.
The school failed to pay payroll taxes and file
related payroll tax returns with the Florida De-
partment of Revenue and Internal Revenue
Service. The amount of unreported taxes with-
held and related matching contributions totaled
$5,872. There are also penalties and interest
totalling $2,615. The accountant recommends
filing and paying immediately and implement-
ing policies and procedures for the future re-
porting.
The school failed to adopt a budget as required
by state statutes. The auditor also recommends
policies and procedures to ensure timeliness of
the completion and adoption of an annual
budget and amendments.
The school’s executive director is responsible
for all accounting functions. The auditor would
recommend segregation of these functions, but
they say they understand the small size of the
organization. They recommend a Board mem-
ber monitor ongoing operations including sys-
tematic reviews of monthly financial activities
and reporting. They also recommend a strong
accounting system be put into place. They re-
port an accounting system was not maintained.
Other problems include not having a written
fixed asset management policy, the school has
yet to obtain a letter or file a return of organiza-
tion exempt from Income Tax Form 990, and
the school lacks personnel with government
accounting knowledge.
Superintendent Carlene Anderson said they will
be working with the new charter school as an
oversight and to offer help in correcting the
items. It was also noted that the deficiencies
have to be addressed. If the school does not
make the corrections, the Walton School Board
could pull the charter. With both the auditor
and Superintendent recognizing the small
school just starting and the unique service they
provide, the feeling was the matters would be
addressed.
Scammers may be looking to cash in on
the public's generosity following the Sandy
Hook massacre, the Better Business Bu-
reau warned.
"It is a challenge to be on guard because
public sympathy and emotions are running
high," said Bennett Weiner, chief operating
officer of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a
group that helps charitable donors make
informed decisions.
Weiner said it's difficult for scams to be
detected in the first week following every
national tragedy, however he suspects un-
scrupulous people are already out there,
eager to cash in on the massacre.
How to Help Newtown Families
False websites or phone calls soliciting
help for the victims' families are two of the
easiest and most common scams Weiner
said he sees.
"They're hard to identify because people
don't know they've been taken and they're
not going to know until down the road," he
said
.After the Sandy Hook massacre, countless
Facebook pages for the victims, listings on
crowdfunding sites and community drives
have been established to solicit donations.
Timeline: Tragedy At Sandy Hook
While many of them may be legitimate,
Weiner warns people to do their research.
"You really have to be watching out for
newly created things. There may be some
well-intended effort, but you have no way
to look at their track record," he said. "I
can tell you from experience there are
some cautions associated with it."
Any fundraising effort that makes vague
statements, such as "we're going to help the
victims and families," is another red flag to
watch out for, Weiner said.
Whether it's fundraising for the Aurora
theater victims or a local terminally ill
child, Weiner said the BBB sees these
kinds of scams "time and time again" and
actively investigates them.
"It is a challenge to be on guard after a
tragedy," he said. "But you shouldn't give
to any organization without checking them
out first."
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The Emerald Star News
office # is: 850-585-0262
Located in Freeport Florida
SERVICES
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The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 11 Thursday, December 27, 2012
HELP WANTED
An office messenger and cleaner is
urgently needed with a good salary, he/
she must have a good qualities to work.
Interested applicant should please
contact : [email protected]
Call today!!
Advertising sales positions excellent opportunity-call now!!
Positions available with little to no exp.
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Volunteers Needed
In Walton county, only 44% of the children in the court
system have a volunteer Guardian Ad
Litem, Freeport has lots of cases that
need volunteers. Please consider
volunteering, it only takes a few hours a
month after you are trained, and makes
a big difference in the life of a local
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For Sale
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We have a new E-mail address, contact us at:
Web site……...theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com
Winter tops and slacks for
winter in sizes 18W, 18P, and
18.
Call 850-496-3908.
Lake House For Rent 16 W. Renoir Rd., DeFuniak Springs, FL.
Like new lakefront 1600 sq. ft. double-wide
mobile home on Lake Topaz. 3 lg bedrooms
with walk-in closets, 2 baths, range, refrig-
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dryer. Large eat-in kitchen with lots of cabi-
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Bay View House For Rent 3 bedrooms, 2 baths located on first street
north of 331 bridge at 2445 Bay Grove Rd.
This clean 1260 sq. ft. house provides an
additional 200 sq. ft. screened porch for
viewing the brilliant sunsets over the bay.
House features a large kitchen with many
cabinets, newer refrigerator and glass top
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house has a wooded lot with a shed and open
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850-267-8448
December 28-31st is the Christmas Basketball Tour-nament at Freeport. Both
boys and girls will play.
Murder Case Concludes
And in another case, Daryl Mayatte was
convicted on Thursday in DeFuniak
Springs after a 4 day jury trial on the
charges of 2nd Degree Murder with a Fire-
arm and Attempted First Degree Murder
with a Firearm.
The charges arose from an incident that
occurred on March 12, 2011 on Country
Club Road in South Walton County. After
meeting at PF Chang’s, the defendant fol-
lowed Mr. Rojas and Mr. Pacheco back to
Mr. Rojas’ home. Throughout the day, the
defendant had sent threatening text mes-
sages to Mr. Rojas and sent text messages
to others that he had a gun and planned to
“jack these Mexicans”. At Mr. Rojas’
home, there was a brief argument and the
defendant opened fire shooting each victim
4 times. Mr. Pacheco died at the scene
from his injuries which included 3 gunshot
wounds in the back. Mr. Rojas was able to
get to safety in his home after being shot in
the leg, abdomen, arm and mouth. 911 was
called and officers responded within min-
utes.
Testimony from the doctor who treated Mr.
Rojas indicated he would have died
“within an hour” if not for the swift re-
sponse of the South Walton Fire District
and Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
The defendant fled to a friend’s home in
Mississippi and disposed of the weapon
along the way. The defendant ultimately
turned himself in 2 days later. The case
was investigated by the Walton County
Sheriff’s Office led by lead investigator
Rome Garrett and prosecuted by Assistant
State Attorney Angela Mason.
Page 12 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Thursday, December 27, 2012
Ph: 850-835-4153 www.freeportwaterfront.com
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ESTATE SALE - ID# T756581 Exclusive Bay Harbour! City W&S, under-ground utilities. Corner lot adjoining nature preserve. Greatly reduced price! $22,500
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Buying?
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NEW LISTING! Magnolia Baye S/D in Black Creek! 0.31 ac wooded lot w/minimal restrictions. CW available. Close to boat launch. $24,900