Town of Shalimar

Tidbits -- June 2004

 

Notes from the Mayor -

The Town Staff and Commission are working diligently on the Fiscal Year 2005 Budget. We plan to once again lower the Town's property tax millage rate (from 2.8 mils to 2.7 mils) but you may not notice a decrease in your taxes due to increasing property values. We continue to be able to upgrade some of the Town's vehicles. Just this month, we replaced the donated 1980s John Deer tractor with a 2004 Kubota tractor.

On a commercial note, the SunQuest boat “Solaris” is now docked at The Shalimar Yacht Basin. Their Dinner Cruising venture began operating on June 18. They have a few minor problems with dockside power yet to be resolved, but the ship seems to be operating on schedule. Another big commercial newcomer, the Hotel, is revising their construction plans; however, the developers still hope to have ground-breaking ceremonies within the next couple of months. Finally, the local Waffle House is currently closed for renovation.

Planned development of Cherokee Park is nearing completion. Using our new tractor, we will soon be spreading gravel to stabilize the front parking area. Once the "Cherokee Park" sign is installed, we will be planning a local Grand Opening Ceremony. If you have any festive opening ceremony ideas, please call Town Hall. Also, we are always soliciting donated nautical items for the park.

If you have not heard, there is an Atlanta-based sign company suing the Town to permit construction of two large Billboard signs along Eglin Parkway. Two of our local gas stations have entered lease agreements with this company. Even though our ordinances prohibit these sign types, the sign company contends our ordinance violates their constitutional right to freedom of speech. If you’d like more information on this subject, please stop by Town Hall (or call 651-5723) and talk to Tom or Tina.

Have a safe and fun summer!

Gary Combs

Mayor

 

 

Notes from the Shalimar Police Department-

I just want to talk a little bit about fireworks and the laws in the State of Florida. Things such as the snake pellets, smoke spheres and sparklers are basically the only legal flammable fireworks in Florida. Anything that propels into the air or explodes is illegal. Many home and vehicle fires are a direct result of using these illegal fireworks. Children are injured each year due to the improper use of fireworks, and the injuries can be severe. If you use fireworks, please keep children clear of the area, and if a law enforcement officer asks you not to fire anymore, please comply.

Remember this is also a time of the year that many law enforcement officers are out looking for people who are driving after they have been drinking. Don’t drink and drive! The risks outweigh the benefits.

Have a fun and safe Independence Day weekend!

Charles R. Self

Chief of Police

 

 

In observance of Independence Day,

the Shalimar Town Hall will be closed all day Monday, July 5, 2004.

 

 

Notes from the Town Staff-

Thanks to everyone for your patience during the recent change in our franchised waste service provider. We have met twice with the Waste Management (WM) staff to express our service concerns, and will continue to do so. WM is committed to providing the level of service we all expect. Please continue to notify town hall of irregularities in household, yard, and recyclable services.

We expect a petition for a Zoning change for the Shalimar Yacht Basin (SYB) property to be filed very soon. The town Planning and Zoning Board will consider changing the SYB zoning from an “industrial” classification to one of “Mixed use” as outlined in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Please watch the marquee for information on future public hearings concerning this petition.

Please help us combat mosquitoes in Shalimar! Canvass your property for any containers holding standing water and eliminate this requirement for mosquito breeding. We will be applying “over the counter” control sprays to vegetation in Cherokee Park and The Shalimar Drive Pond, but the main control spray is administered county-wide by Okaloosa County. Please stay inside if you see the fogging truck as they will shut it off when passing people in the open.

 

 

Upcoming Events

July 8, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. - Special P & Z Meeting (hotel plans)

July 13, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. - Town Commission Meeting

July 28, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. - Planning and Zoning Meeting

 

FEMA FLOOD INSURANCE INFORMATION

Residents can stop by the Town Hall and check out the flood maps for specific flood zone determinations

Copies of elevation certificates for structures located in flood zones are on file at Town Hall. Applications and instructions for elevation certification are also available. Also, if you experience any flooding problems, please contact town hall for on-site assistance.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides Standard Flood Insurance Policies (SFIPs) which are designed for properties lying within special flood zones (usually zones AE and VE on the Flood Rate Map). Those of you who may have one of these policies on property that is outside the special flood zones (in areas designated zone X - the old zone C) may well be eligible for what FEMA calls a Preferred Risk Policy (PRP). Premiums for a PRP policy are less than for the Standard Policy, and policies may now be changed anytime during a policy's term. In addition, there is a new V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form that may provide maximum insurance discounts for properties that are built (or modified) according to best construction practices as outlined in the updated Coastal Construction Manual. Contact your flood insurance provider or Town Hall for additional details.

 

 

Waste Management will be picking up household and recycled garbage on Monday, July 5, 2004.

 

 

Flood and Hurricane Info

 

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.

 

Listen to your local radio for the latest information. The Official Emergency Alert Stations in our area are 1260 AM, 99.5 FM, 96.5 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”.

 

ONLY TWO EMERGENCY SHELTERS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF OKALOOSA COUNTY!! County Emergency Management directors are in the process of securing more shelter space that meets new storm damage construction criteria. Until then, we only have space for approximately 1700 people in the approved shelters. The shelters are:

 

PLEASE BE SURE TO PLAN ACCORDINGLY.