Tidbits for the Summer of 2002

Hot off Press - Shalimar Commission has voted to lower taxes in FY2003. Yes, the Commission plans to lower the town millage rate from the present 3.0 mills to 2.8 mills. Some may say this is not a big change, but it is definitely a change in the right direction. All this is possible because we have really frugal town employees who have done their jobs, often with minimum salary and equipment. The Commission has also addressed this issue with a salary increase for all employees and we are purchasing a couple new vehicles rather than working with county and other hand-me-downs. Please take the time to thank our employees for saving you money by keeping their expenses low.

On a side note, our own Commissioner Tucker is making a run for the County Commission. Even though I do not want to lose her hard work and dedication, I wholeheartedly endorse her endeavor. Wouldn't it be nice to have a Shalimar resident on the County Commission - and especially Elaine Tucker.

As a Commissioner, I want to let you all know how much I have appreciated your support over the last 3 1/2 years here in Shalimar. I worked hard as the Finance Commissioner to lower expenses, increase services and still managed to lower the tax rate. As Police Commissioner I am proud of the fine group of officers that we have (now in blue instead of brown). Please try to get to know these gentlemen as they walk your streets during the day and do not hesitate to call if you need anything - they are here to serve YOU!

As a candidate for County Commissioner I am required to submit a letter of resignation effective the day I would be sworn in as County Commissioner. It is my hope that I can do for Okaloosa County what has been done in Shalimar, and I will work as hard as I can to make it happen!

Thank you again, Shalimar, for the opportunity to serve you and I will see you at the polls on September 10^th!

Shalimar Yacht Basin has agreed to serve as one of the stops for The Tenth Annual Emerald Coast Poker Run. Virtually all funding comes from volunteers and donations. The money raised is returned to charitable organizations in our own community. If you would like to participate in the run, or if you or your business would like to help sponsor refreshments / snacks for the Shalimar stop, please contact Town Commissioner John Henderson at shalimarflorida@earthlink.net or Shalimar Yacht Basin Owners, Steve & Paulette Peterson, at www.shalimaryachtbasin.com or by phone at 651-0510. This is a very worthwhile cause and your support and/or participation is very much appreciated.

Police Chief Charles Self administers the oath to new part-time Police Officer Steve Shadwell. Other recent changes to the Police Department include John Cash (previously part-time) becoming a full-time member of the Department, and Officers David Westrup and Robert Nelson leaving the department for other employment.

All Shalimar Commission Positions, including the Mayor, are up for election in the Spring of 2003. We will post more information in the next issue of the Tidbits.

Voter Registration Applications are available at the Town Hall. Don’t miss your

opportunity to vote in the September primaries.

Mayor Gary Combs administers the oath of office to new Commissioner, Jerry McCallister, of Brande Court. Mr. McCallister will fill the Finance/Administration Commission position vacated by Commissioner Ricardo Garcia. Commissioner Garcia accepted an opportunity for employment in a position that requires his full time attention. Commissioner Garcia served as the Road and Grounds Commissioner and Finance/Administration Commissioner. Commissioner McCallister joins Commissioner Reeves as an appointed interim commissioner.

Please contact town hall for building permit requirements/information for all construction projects other than routine maintenance. ALL contractors must also be licensed in Shalimar. PLEASE SUPPORT INSURED AND LICENSED CONTRACTORS ONLY.

Flood and Hurricane Info

A hurricane watch is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. A hurricane warning is when hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.

FEMA suggests keeping the following supplies on hand: flashlight, portable radio, first aid kit, food and water, hand held can opener, plenty of medicines, extra sets of clothing, cash/credit cards and plenty of batteries for radios and flashlights.

Handicapped and elderly persons seeking shelters and who are 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.

If you decide to evacuate, make prior arrangements with friends that are not in the storm area. It is best to leave up to 24 hours before the hurricane.

Listen to your local radio for the latest information. The Official Emergency Alert Stations in our area are 1260 AM, 99.5 FM and 105.5 FM.

If you have Internet access, you can track the storm by visiting the Okaloosa County web site (www.co.okaloosa.fl.us) and then click on “Learn More” under “Public Safety”.

Please check your property insurance coverage for flood and wind damages. Flood and wind coverage often requires a separate policy or are subject to different deductibles