Fiscal Year 2009 is now. We were able to maintain the 2008 millage rate and, if you are homesteaded, you may have even noticed a slight property tax decrease due the state’s additional $25,000 exemption.

The Town has negotiated an agreement with Shalimar Yacht Basin to allow all Shalimar residents free use of their boat ramp. If you desire this service, please check with Town Hall to receive a certificate to validate that you are a resident. Tina and Tom can also give you any special guidance on use of the boat ramp.

Rumor is the Town has approached the County to request transfer of ownership for a small waterfront parcel at end of Carl Brant Drive. This is TRUE. Rumor is the Town wants to construct a boat ramp on this property. This is NOT TRUE. The Town (with your input) does want to control whatever future development, if any, might occur on this property. If we do not own it, we have little influence over what could be built on this property. Who knows what the future will bring, but this government property is really in Shalimar and Shalimar residents should have full control over any development within Shalimar. Construction of a permanent Maintenance building on the Town Hall property is 98% complete. We are working to clean up the area around Town Hall and open up more parking.

The Town should soon have legal possession of its parcel across from Meigs Middle School. Our next step will be the legal trade of this parcel for a larger parcel down the street across from the Fairfield Inn. Eventually, the Town plans to have a secure RV and trailer storage area. Sorry, the only vehicles we will permit in this area are RVs. No trailers with exposed debris or material will be allowed. RVs and empty and/or boat-filled trailers will be welcome for a small monthly fee.

Neighborhood security and safety should be a primary concern for all. We’ve recently had a nasty case of vandalism in Cherokee Park. If you notice anything or anyone out of the ordinary, please call the Shalimar Police Department at 225-1272. For emergencies, please continue to use 9-1-1. For any non-emergency communication, please call 225-1272, 651-1115 or during the day you can call Town Hall at 651-5723.

Gary Combs

Mayor

Notes from the Police Department

Fall in upon us and the holidays are near. Please remember to adhere to all traffic laws during the holidays. I also want to remind residents that the police still have the non-emergency number (225-1272) that you can call 24/7 for any non-emergency incident or questions. Since implementing this service we have received approximately 100 calls. The Police Department is here to serve you so please do not hesitate to contact us for any problem you may encounter.

There has been a recent increase in fishermen parking near the bridge. If you pass over the bridge and see a vehicle parked in this “No Parking” area, please call the non-emergency number. The night shift officer has seen an influx of juveniles (16 or under) on streets after the town’s curfew hours of 11:00 pm-5:00 am. It’s the Police Department’s responsibility to promote the safety and well-being of juveniles and to reduce crime against or committed by minors. If you see or hear juveniles during these hours please call 225-1272. The Police Department will also be out in force Friday, October 31, 2008 for trick or treat hours of 5:30 pm-8:00 pm.

If you have any suggestions or ideas for the Police Department to better serve you, please contact me at 651-1115 or stop by Town Hall to meet with me.

John Cash

Police Chief

PLEASE NOTE...

...the mosquito control truck driver turns off the sprayers if he sees anyone outside in the area where he’s spraying.

Fall Yard of the Quarter

What a great job I have. Every day I get to drive through beautifully landscaped neighborhoods. A cruise down Palm Shores Drive with its languid oaks and weeping Spanish moss, with every home contributing to the old country experience. Or drive down Sara Drive for those with a more formal taste in landscaping. This quarter’s pick for yard of the quarter was difficult. Once again I have to say our commercial landscapes must be some of the best in the county. For great examples of what can be done with a small space I would offer the gardens of 127 and 139 Gardner or 214 and 242 Snug Harbor. Don’t forget 2561 Barron Court. My hat is off to all the residents of Sunset Bay Court, Palm Shores and Sara Drive; beautiful yards all! A drive along Shalimar Drive will reveal some real gems, such as #38 and #46, classic old Florida style home and yards. And don’t miss the wonderful window boxes on #42 Shalimar Drive.

I would like to digress before I name the yard of the quarter to mention a valuable resource that may not be familiar, the Okaloosa County extension office. They host a web site Solutions for Life (http://okaloosa.ifas.ufl.edu/links.shtml). Here you can find information regarding your home and garden problems as well as links to the latest horticulture research on the Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS) a collection of information on topics relevant to you. You may also visit the local extension office located on Hollywood across from Gulf Power at 127 W. Hollywood Blvd. or call (850) 689-5850 or (850) 729-1400 ext. 5850.

I often like to mention the efforts of the individual, however, this quarter I would like to give a nod to the efforts of the Gardner’s Cay Phase II Association. The recent placement of fresh mulch, manicured lawns and colorful roses and other ornamentals makes this an easy selection for yard of the quarter.

Kent Beck

Maintenance Supervisor

- Installation of 2 new electronic marquee signs (both sides of the town sign) should be completed by the end of October.

- Sandbags are available at town hall, free of charge.

Reminder: Shalimar Ordinances state that no person shall throw or place any debris in any drainage ditches, drainage easements, catch basins or any part of the storm water management system. It is also illegal to dispose of any pollutants that may end up in any of these areas. These include yard trash, earthen fill and all trash/litter. Please notify Town Hall if you observe any illegal dumping in our storm water drainage systems – let’s stay high and dry and help keep coastal waters clean!

Shalimar maintains a flood information library at the town hall. If you have questions about FEMA flood maps or insurance, please come by town hall or call us at 651-5723. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll get it for you.