The

Emerald Star News

Volume: 11 Issue 27 December 27 - January 9 Complimentary Edition

Freeport’s Only Newspaper Covering All Of Walton County

The World’s Most Anticipated Celebration

Inside This Edition
The Wolf’s Den............................Page 2

Man Use Cast To Save Senior

Citizen............................................Page 3

Spotlight On Local Business......Page 6

FBI Scam Warning.....................Page 8

A Note From A Naturalized

Citizen...........................................Page 11

A Politically Correct Holiday

Greeting.......................................Page 13

A Warning About Fireworks.. Page 14

Word Search, Classifieds......... Page 15

Come on in weary traveler. Hang your

cloak on a peg, grab a stool and gather
around the fire. There are stories to be told
and you are among friends.

There’s something about the feel of a newspaper. It’s comfortable. It’s tangible. The way you remember getting your news.
Page 2 The Emerald Star News December 27 - January 09

The Editor’s 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 guaran-
tee 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

H appy New Year! As of this writing I am

on the road, touring select areas of this
be assumed. 2500 copies printed bi-weekly.

The Emerald Star News

great country! Visiting old friends, family
and discovering new places all the time and
enjoying it. Believe me, take the time to enjoy the life you have. It’s all what you
make it and it’s a short one.
COX DIRECT MARKETING
PO Box 1823
There is beauty everywhere you look. Get to know nature. The seasons are
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
fantastic to experience. If you can, don’t miss the snow falling even through the
Ph. 850-684-0320
temperatures may be freezing cold. For those of you in the south, you are most
likely at the beach and loving the warm sunshine. Don’t forget those selfie’s for www.TheEmeraldStarNews.com
friends and family up north.
Publisher: Lee Cox Rights Reserved. The Emerald Star
Some people have struggled with the true meaning of the holidays but a few News is a free newspaper distributed lo-
have nailed it. VOLUNTEER! Inside we’ve included the contact information to Managing Editor: Frank Wolfe cally and supported by our advertisers.
the Matrix in DeFuniak Springs but there is no shortage of places that could use 850-585-0262 Please contact us to find a location near
your help. For instance, Caring & Sharing or Alaqua. If you really want to give you or if you would like to provide cop-
your time you can find some place that needs you. Don’t forget, the homeless do Advertising Department: ies at your business. The Emerald Star
not only need a person to serve them food at special times, they need clothes, 850-684-0320 News assumes no financial liability for
toiletries, and non-perishable or canned foods (with a can opener)! errors or omissions in printed advertis-
info@theemeraldstarnews.com ing and reserves the right to reject / edit
advertising or editorial submissions.
Turmeric's • Osteoarthritis — A 2016 animal Social Media Manager:
study showed that curcumin may help James Patrick PRINT IS MADE AVAILABLE BY
Health Benefits slow down the rate of osteoarthri- THOSE ADVERTISERS IN THIS
tis progression and address related Healthmark’s Post: Ron Kelley NEWSPAPER! PLEASE SPREAD
The health benefits turmeric offers can pain.13 Another study from the same THE WORD!
be attributed to curcumin, a well-stud- year also revealed that curcumin Distribution: James Patrick
ied bioactive compound that may: assisted in improving quality of life Advertising with The Emerald Star
and addressing pain and other osteoar- Issues mailed upon request at $4.00 News is as easy as it gets. No Contracts,
• Help maintain a healthy digestive thritis symptoms, by improving your each, anywhere in the United States No Commitments, No Hassles, No Kid-
system by facilitating proper diges- body's physiological pathways. only. ding! Find us on Facebook & Twitter
tion6
• Cancer — Numerous studies have ©2018 by The Emerald Star News. All
• Modulate some of your genes been conducted regarding curcum-
in's potential anticancer capabilities.
• Positively control various physiolog- According to Dr. William LaValley, Award Shows And Diversity
ical pathways whose clinical work mostly focuses
Submitted by a former music industry insider (now retired)
on the treatment of cancer, curcumin
• Make your cells' membranes more appears to be useful for just about
orderly I remember back some years ago, tians, Jews, Minorities and females be
every type of cancer, because it can
when I was in the record business, the included?
affect multiple molecular targets via
• Affect signaling molecules, because country Music Awards show was com-
many pathways. Curcumin is also
curcumin can directly interact with ing up and somebody asked me who I The last couple of years hailed the
nontoxic, and does not target healthy
inflammatory molecules, cell survival thought would win in a category. My coming of female directors but I
cells — instead, it selectively targets
proteins, DNA and RHA, carrier pro- answer was, “Tell me which artist is thought some of the nominated female
cancer cells.
teins and metal ions on Arista Records and I'll tell you who directed films were nominated accord-
will win.” The reason I said that was ing to the sex of their director and not
The antibacterial properties of cur-
As mentioned earlier, turmeric is because Arista had a whole publicity because of the strength of the films
cumin are nothing short of extraor-
known as the "Spice of Life," and wing dedicated to promoting their art- themselves.
dinary as well, as it may be effective
ists and that almost always guaranteed
curcumin has a role to play in making against gastritis, peptic ulcer and
they'd win. When Kathryn Bigelow won for "The
this spice earn this moniker. Curcumin gastric cancer, which are all caused by
Hurt Locker" I thought it was de-
was proven by studies to help combat Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) bacte-
Yesterday the Golden Globes award served. That was a very good film.
diseases such as: ria.
nominees were announced and are be- It was in a year when there was no
ing hailed as the most "diverse" group "push" for female directors. I thought
• Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease This was proven in a 2009 study, of nominees ever presented. she won on merit.
— Curcumin is a known antioxidant, wherein curcumin effectively inhibit-
anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective ed the growth of H. pylori in vitro in Now comes the question. Do these Awards shows have always been
agent, and is said to promote lipophilic mice, regardless of the genetic makeup nominees represent the 10 best films "suspicious" and more than a few have
action and improved cognitive func- of the bacteria strains H. pylori is a and performances or do they represent been "rigged" but I think this year
tion, potentially helping people with group 1 carcinogen that affects more the 10 best performances according might be more suspicious and more
these conditions. than half the global population. to a formula that requires that Chris- rigged than most.
[mercola.com]
Walton County, Florida 850-684-0320 Page 3

Man Uses Cast On His Broken Arm to Shatter Window

and Rescue Senior From Burning Home
By McKinley Corbley - Dec 14, 2018
A resourceful Florida man is being And she said, ‘I’m right here,’” Powell
hailed as a hero after his broken arm told WSVN. “She was right here like
helped him to save an elderly woman standing on the wall, so I just grabbed
from her burning home. her with one arm. She looked up at me,
she just said, ‘Thank you.’”
Earlier this week, 93-year-old Maria
Cabral lit a candle in the window of Powell and Cabral were both taken
her Miami Gardens home as she often to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder
does – except this Trauma Center
time, the candle lit for smoke inha-
the walls on fire. lation.
Within minutes, the
home was ablaze. Though Cabral
is still recover- New brain scanner to ‘reveal the human soul’
Luckily, her ing, Powell was
27-year-old mostly unharmed
Scientists working on the world’s most powerful MRI scanner are
neighbor, Altavious form the incident.
Powell, saw the aiming to fully explore the human brain.
smoke coming out When Powell was
of the house and rushed to the rescue. told that he is being hailed as a hero, he The ambitious project, which is expected to cost somewhere in the region
simply said: “I’m just glad I was able to of $126 million, aims to unravel the mysteries of the human brain by
With Cabral still trapped inside the do it and I got it over with, and every- observing the structure and activity of every neuron.
home, Powell started trying to break the body is safe now.”
window so he could get her to safety. Tipped to ‘revolutionize brain studies’, the
He eventually managed to succeed after Cabral’s son, however, told WSVN: new MRI could help scientists to better
he used the cast on his broken arm to “She wouldn’t [have gotten] out of the
understand the nature of consciousness
help shatter the glass. house alive if that man didn’t come
here.”
while also offering the potential for
“I said, ‘[Maria, Maria], where you at?’ some major medical breakthroughs
including new treatments for de-gener-
The Matrix C.O.C is a volunteer based organization. We rely heavily on ative brain diseases such as dementia and
volunteers to help keep operational cost to a bare minimum. There are no minimum Alzheimer’s.
hourly requirements, you are free to volunteer at your convenience. Our programs
allow for volunteers of all ages, physical ability and skill level. If you are interested in Once complete, the scanner, which will be built at the Shenzhen Institutes
volunteering with the Matrix please click on the link below. of Advanced Technology, will be capable of visualizing objects 1,000
times smaller than current MRI scanners.
Pay it forward is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repay-
ing it to others instead of to the original benefactor. The Matrix C.O.C operates all of “We may for the first time capture a full picture of human consciousness
its assistance programs based on this model. Clients receiving assistance are encour- or even the essence of life itself,” said one of the scientists involved in the
aged to Pay It Forward by volunteering x amount of hours based on the monetary
project.
value of the assistance they received.
“Then we can define them and explain how they work in precise physical
The Matrix Community Outreach Center
terms - just like Newton and Einstein defined and explained the uni-
37 North 9th Street verse.”
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
Phone: (850) 892-1090
Email: officeassist@matrixcoc.org
Page 4
Walton County Coastal Branch Library - Winter Programs
Wednesdays 10:00 am
*January 2nd - February 27th, 2019*
Walton County Coastal Branch Library
Santa Rosa Beach, FL - Walton County Coastal
Branch Library presents “Winter Community
Programs” Wednesdays, Jan 2nd – Feb 27th 2019
at 10:00 am. Winter Community Programs are
designed to have educational and entertaining
value for our adult and families to learn about our
community and neighbors. These programs are
sponsored by Friends of Coastal Library. For more
information please call Linda Thompson (850)
267-2809, Coastal Library, 437 Greenway Trail,
Santa Rosa Beach. We are located behind the
South Walton Government/Education Complex on
HWY 331 South. Free for the public with limited
seating. For more information please call Linda
Thompson (850) 267-2809 or visit our Coastal
Branch Library’s Calendar at www.youseemore.
com/walton/coastal
January 2, 2019
History of Walton County Sheriff’s Posse - Chick
Huettel This presentation covers the early 1800’s
up to today’s modern Posse history. It is a story
of dedicated lawmen, coupled with violence and
quick justice. The era of cattle rustling, lynching,
thieves, killers and bootleggers comes to life in
this slide presentation presented by members of
I read recipes the same way I read science fiction. I
get to the end and say to myself , “Well, that’s not
going to happen.” - Rita Rudner
The Emerald Star News December 27 - January 09
the Walton County Sheriff’s Posse. This presenta-
tion contains some adult graphic material.
Freeport Middle School
January 9, 2019
To accommodate our growing population, we
“The Story behind Handel’s Messiah” -Maestro will be altering our morning drop-off route/
Dr. David
routine.
Dr. Ott will present a live musical presentation,
“The Story behind Handel’s Messiah”. Dr. Ott is Currently, we
an internationally recognized American composer have two lanes to
and conductor of classical music whose impres- drop-off students.
sive works have been performed and recorded by
some of the most notable orchestras in the United
States and Europe. Ranking at the top of post- Beginning Janu-
World War II born American composers, Dr. Ott’s ary 7th, we will
works are among the most frequently performed operate with three
of any American of the era. He has been cited as lanes. Please be
“one of the greats of American symphony music
composers of the last quarter of the twentieth
sure to pull to the front of the line to alleviate
century.” Once nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in congestion on Kylea Laird Drive and Highway
music by renowned cellist and conductor Mstislav 20.
Rostropovich, he has composed a large portfolio
of compositions in musical genres ranging from And as always, please be vigilant and watch for
large-scale orchestra works to short overtures.
His works have been performed by the National
students crossing the parking lot.
Symphony and by orchestras in over a dozen
major American cities. Visit http://www.panamac-
itypops.org/conductor/ for more information about
Dr. David Ott.
Work is moving right along at the new splash pad at the Freeport
Regional Sports Complex!! I know some boys and girls that will be
happy to see warm weather return!! Everyone have a safe and hap-
py holiday!!! Mayor Russ Barley-City of Freeport, Florida
Walton County, Florida 850-684-0320
The FREEPORT POST
“Eighty percent of
life is showing up.”
-- Richard Rodgers
Happy Holidays to you all as
we come to the end of
another eventful year for the
City of Freeport.
O ur Christmas Tree Lighting and
Parade was a great success again
this year (even though we had to post-
pone it from the first weekend of the
month) and the crowd for both events
were phenomenal. Many thanks to Tom
and Barbara Tillman for all their efforts
in coordinating the parade and tree
lighting ceremony, and many thanks to
all the volunteers who assisted in both
events it was truly a community effort.
FREEPORT.... The City Hall will be
this is your Mayor behind that buggy piled high with Christmas gifts closed on December 24th
and 25th for the Christ-
for 22 needy families in our Community!!! We spent over 5 hours mas Holiday and closed
thoughtfully selecting gifts for these Children. He is such a fine exam- on January 1 for the New
ple of someone that gives to their Community and makes a difference! Years Holiday.
#mymayorisbetterthanyours!!! The Freeport
Parks Department is hosting a Bonn-
Fire Event on December 31st at
the Freeport Regional Sports Com-
plex-Hammock Bay beginning at 5:00,
mark your calendars and bring the entire
family for a fun event closing out 2018.
The new Splash Pad located at
the sports complex has been poured and
will open in the early spring for all the
kids to enjoy and Congratulations to
Mr. Charlie Simmons (Parks Director)
for being selected as the recipient of
Page 5
the “Apple of our Eye” Award 2018
presented by The Town Planters Society
of Freeport.
The Mayor’s Ball Project held
each year to help with the less fortunate
families in Freeport at the holiday time
was also a great success and with the
funds from the Ball, donations from
Tom and Barbara Tillman, Barbara
Moore, Woodmen of the World, Phyllis
Young, John Knowles of the Dollar
General, Scott Brown and Lisa Lindsey
of Zaxby’s and myself we were able to
provide Christmas for the families- we
had 22 Families and 64 Kids that we
provided gifts and meals for and make
their Christmas brighter. Many thanks
to the volunteers who came and
wrapped gifts and to Edwina
Cosson-Bludworth and her
husband Chris for helping
with the shopping of the
Clothes for the kids.
As we begin our new
year, we will see many
new developments for our city and look
forward to the new additions.
Dates have been set for some
of the early spring events with the Miss
Freeport Pageants being held on March
9th and the Spring Arts and Crafts Fes-
tival being held on April 20th.
Wishing each of you a great holiday
season and a Happy New Year !
Page 6
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL BUSINESS
Right Choice Lending Corp.
Freeport welcomes Right Choice Lending Corp.
located at 16735 US Highway 331 S., Freeport,
Florida, just south of the Highway 20.
Owners, Guadalupe Saenz and Josie Billington,
established the lending service earlier this year
in an effort to provide a new lending resource
in Walton County. Right Choice specializes in
all of your mortgaging needs including FHA,
conventional, new construction, commercial,
refinances, and VA or military loans.
Josie Billington is a long-standing member of the
community. She grew up in Defuniak Springs and
later located to Nevada. With twenty-five years
The Emerald Star News December 27 - January 09
of mortgage brokerage experience and business
locations in five states, Josie chose to return home
to Walton County. Her goals for Florida are to
serve her community and build a business based
upon quality and high standards of care. She will
personally assist you to make “The Right Choice
in Mortgage Lending”.
Right Choice office manager and local business
owner, Jamey Goddin, is also available to meet,
greet, and speak with you to answer questions
regarding how to begin the lending process. Feel
free to contact either Jamey or Josie at 850-547-
6304 or 702.294.3001 and visit them online at
www.rightchoicelending.net
Walton County, Florida
“Happenings” in DeFuniak
Main Street Defuniak Springs
“Main Street Defuniak Springs” believes
everyone deserves a beautiful, vibrant
downtown – a place that has a thriving
local economy, is rich in character, and
features inviting public spaces that make
residents and visitors feel they belong. We
want to celebrate the rich history of our
community, while helping breath new life
into our downtown economy.
The Mission of
Main Street DeFu-
niak Springs is to
spark community
revitalization and
economic growth
with an emphasis of
historic preservation.
We strive to promote
quality design of pub-
lic and private spaces,
champion economic vitality, and sponsor
activities that solidify community pride.
Main Street Defuniak Springs is a member
of Main Street America and Florida Main
Street.
The National Main Street Center was
established as a program of the National
Until December 31st
850-684-0320 Page 7
Springs”
Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980 as
a way to address the myriad issues facing
older and historic downtowns during that
time. Working with a nationwide network
of coordinating programs and local com-
munities, Main Street America has helped
over 2,000 communities across the country
bring economic vitality back downtown,
while celebrating their historic character,
and bringing communities together.
Florida Main
Street is a
technical
assistance
program ad-
ministered by
the Bureau
of Historic
Preservation,
Division of
Historical Resources, Florida Department
of State, for traditional historic commercial
corridors. The Bureau conducts statewide
programs aimed at identifying, evaluating,
and preserving Florida’s historic resourc-
es. Florida Main Street, with its emphasis
on preservation, is an effective strategy in
achieving these goals in Florida’s historic
retail districts.
[mainstreetdfs.org]
Page 8
From the FBI.gov website
Criminals don’t take the holidays off, they are busy
gearing up for an active season of their own. With
seasonal shopping in full swing, the FBI reminds
shoppers to look out for scams designed to steal
money and personal information, especially while
shopping online.
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Scammers may offer too-good-to-be-true deals
through phishing e-mails or advertisements. Some
may offer brand name merchandise at extremely
low discounts or promise gift cards as an incentive
to purchase a product. Others may offer products
at a great price, but the products being sold are not
the same as the products advertised.
Do not open any unsolicited e-mails and do not
click on any links attached. Steer clear of suspi-
cious sites, phishing e-mails, or ads offering items
at unrealistic discounts. You may end up paying
for an item, giving away personal information and
credit card details, and receive nothing in return
except a compromised identity.
When shopping online, do your research. Make
sure a site is secure and reputable before provid-
ing your credit card number. Don’t trust a site
just because it claims to be secure, and beware of
purchases or services that require you to pay with
a gift card.
SUNDAY PAPER INSERT SCHEDULE
Don’t miss any of the Sunday Paper Coupon In-
serts. Use this 2018/2019 Sunday coupons inserts
schedule to plan ahead your weekly grocery shop-
ping trip.
2018 December
30 - P&G (New Year)
2019 January
6th – (3) RetailMeNot, (3) SmartSource
13th – SmartSource
20th – RetailMeNot, SmartSource
27th – (2) RetailMeNot, SmartSource, P&G
My friend handed me a photo. He said,
‘Here’s a picture of me when I was young-
er.’ I said, “Every picture of you is when
you were younger!”
The Emerald Star News December 27 - January 09
Beware of social media posts that appear to offer
special vouchers or gift cards. Some may pose as
holiday promotions or contests. It may even appear
that a friend shared the link. Often, these scams
lead you to participate in an online survey that is
actually designed to steal personal information.
Protect yourself. Secure your banking and credit
accounts with strong and different passwords, as
well as all other accounts that contain anything of
value – such as rewards accounts, online accounts
that save your payment information, or accounts
containing private, personal information.
Check your credit card and bank statements regu-
larly to make sure no fraudulent charges have been
made to your account.
If you suspect you’ve been victimized:
Contact your financial institution immediately
upon suspecting or discovering a fraudulent trans-
fer.
Request that your bank reach out to the financial
institution where the fraudulent transfer was sent.
Contact local law enforcement.
File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime
Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov, regardless of
dollar loss.
The Emerald Star News
More Full Color Pix On Our
Website and Facebook Page
Around Town
As we were cruising around Hammock Bay, enjoy-
ing some Christmas decorations we happened to
see this family taking some photos of a cute little
girl.
We were introduced to one year old Isabella
Sullivan at a Patriotic themed Christmas Tree. We
just had to feature her in this issue, even if it meant
creating a special section.
Walton County, Florida 850-684-0320 Page 9
Page 10 The Emerald Star News December 27 - January 09

Health Post
Florida confirms state’s first case of AFM, a rare, polio-like illness

State and federal health officials confirmed Flor- or county of residence.

ida’s first case of Acute Flaccid Myelitis in 2018
on Saturday, adding to what has become a record
year of cases for the rare but serious polio-like
illness that affects the nervous system, causing
sudden onset of arm or leg weakness and loss of
muscle tone
and reflexes.
Florida health
AFM is not a new condition. But it is a disease
without a known cause that has spiked in cases
reported since 2014, when the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention first started surveillance of
the illness. The CDC has seen increases in AFM
cases every two years since 2014 and mostly in
young children.
W hat if, when we die, the light at the end of the
tunnel is the light to another hospital room.

officials did There, we are born and the only reason you come out
not give any As of Dec. 14, the CDC had reported 165 con- crying is because you remember everything from your
additional firmed cases of AFM in 36 states in 2018. All but past life and the fact that you died and lost everything.
information five cases have been in children younger than 18.
about the case, Florida’s first case of the year reported on Satur- As you grow you start to forget your past life and focus
such as a de- day adds to the nationwide count. on the life you have now, but patches of memory stay
scription of the affected individual, their condition behind and that memory causes deja vu.

Jazz guitarist Musa Manzini plays through brain surgery

A South African jazz musician who played his 2006. Dr Enicker told the IOL news site that in
guitar during brain surgery is making a successful this instance an “awake” operation was prefera-
recovery.Musa Manzini was kept awake during ble to the use of general anesthetic.
the six-hour operation partly to preserve and
restore his finger movements. That decision was “In this way, we can test regions of the brain
made “taking into consideration my career as a before [the tumor is] removed. This allows for
musician”, the multi-instrumentalist and univer-
sity lecturer said. The procedure took place at the
Chief Albert Luthuli hospital in the coastal city of
Durban.

Wide awake

A video of Manzini’s procedure shows him gently

plucking the instrument on top of the operating
table as medical staff tend to him.

The operation was performed last week by a team

of specialist neurosurgeons led by Dr Basil Enick-
er and Dr Rohen Harrichandparsad.

Manzini said the recurring tumor on his brain is increased removal of the tumor, while minimizing
linked to a neurological condition he has had since damage to the brain,” he said.
Walton County, Florida 850-684-0320 Page 11

We Interrupt Your Regularly A Note From A Naturalized Citizen.

Scheduled Programming... (A naturalized citizen is a person who was born an alien,
but has lawfully become a citizen of the United States

N
ow with the
Freeport
Christmas Pa-
rade behind us
the Grand Finally, New Year’s Eve Fireworks,
is creeping up quickly. I’m sure the DeFuniak
Lake Yard will be the place to be that night. As a
side note on the Freeport Christmas parade; I’m
surprised, with the crowd that was there, we
didn’t see any vendors walking up and down the
street selling balloons, glow sticks and cotton
candy.
This was quite a year for Freeport. With the
opening of several restaurants & service busi-
nesses and Highway 331 becoming a 4-lane
highway our town has certainly been put on
the map. It was already becoming a residential
mecca with Hammock Bay. And now Lafayette
Creek Landing is hot and heavy with the growth
of their neighborhood behind PUBLIX. So
much for the Panhandle’s best kept secret.
There is that rare occasion where you need to
get gasoline but you see the nearest station is
priced like we’re going through an oil embargo.
Well, I just wait until my LOW FUEL WARN-
ING goes off like I just entered the Cash Cab.
Then hope to have enough to get back to normal
prices.
Painting rocks and leaving them all over. Where
did that go? I was just going to have my daugh-
ter make some up for The Emerald Star News,
like granite business cards, and she tells me
she’s moved on to other hobbies. I just don’t
think leaving embossed wine glasses all over the
place are quite the same.
So how have the 2019 resolutions been coming
along? Better yet, does anyone have any Predic-
tions for 2019? This should be a thing. Predic-
tions for 2019 and this time next year we’ll see
how everyone did.
Happy New Year
under the U.S. Constitution and laws. A naturalized citizen
has all the rights of a natural born citizen, except is not
eligible as president or vice-president of the United States.)
Know that I am an Immigrant, what you may not know is
that I had to wait two years for my visa. In the mid fifties
not only we had to wait but we had to have a sponsor. I
was one of the lucky ones to come to America, most of my
friends had to go to Canada or Australia.
We had to pass a health exam not to bring any diseases in
to the country. Personally I had to pledge allegiance to the
United States of America and agree to serve in the Arm
Forces if I was called upon, which I did.
After serving in the Army, I had to wait five years and pass
a test in front of a Judge to receive my Citizenship papers. I
am amazed at what the politicians have done to our country
and the Immigration Law for votes and self enrichment. I
don’t know about you but as for me, Mr Trump is the best
thing that happened to this country. I’m in full support
of his agenda and especially his policy and his stand on
Immigration.

Someone sent me a postcard picture of

the earth. On the back it said, “Wish
you were here.” -- Steven Wright
New Year’s Eve Events
Monday, December 31, 2018

• 10:00 am New Year’s Eve Just For Kids at LuLu’s Destin

• 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Salute 2018 at Alys Beach
• 5:00 am - 9:00 pm - Christmas Reflections - Lake DeFuniak
• 5:00 pm New Year’s Bash at Pescado
• 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Salute 2018 at NEAT
• 5:30 pm New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park
• 6:00 pm Baytowne Countdown
• 7:00 pm Cocktails & Confetti NYE Party at Rum Runners in Baytowne
Wharf
• 7:00 pm Countdown Seaside: A New Year’s Eve Celebration
• 7:00 pm HarborWalk Village New Years Eve Street Party
• 9:30 pm Bud & Alley’s New Year’s Eve Bash
Page 12 The Emerald Star News December 27 - January 09
Walton County, Florida
WHAT TO BUY IN
JANUARY!
With a fresh page on the calendar
comes a fresh start for sales. These
products are discounted in January:
Bedding and linens. Department
stores hold bedding and linen “white
sales” in January with deep discounts
on sheets and towels.
Fitness equipment. Retailers know
you want to get in shape. Expect
fitness equipment and apparel sales to
abound at sporting goods stores.
A Politically Correct Holiday Greeting
Please accept with no obligation,
implied or implicit, my best wishes for
an environmentally conscious, socially
responsible, low stress, non-addictive,
gender neutral celebration of the winter
solstice holiday, practiced within
the most enjoyable traditions of the
religious persuasion of your choice, or
secular practices of your choice, with
respect for the religious/secular per-
suasions and/or traditions of others, or
their choice not to practice religious or
secular traditions at all... And a fiscally
successful, personally fulfilling, and
medically uncomplicated recognition
of the onset of the generally accepted
calendar year 2019, but not without
due respect for the calendars of choice
of other cultures whose contributions
to society have helped make America
great (not to imply that America is nec-
essarily greater than any other country
or is the only “America” in the Western
hemisphere), and without regard to the
race, creed, color, age, physical ability,
religious faith, or sexual orientation of
the wishee.
This wish is limited to the customary
and usual good tidings for a period of
DID YOU KNOW
1. You shoes are the first thing people subconsciously notice about you.
2. People who laugh a lot are healthier than those who don’t.
3. There are at least 6 people in the world who look exactly like you.
There’s a 9% chance that you’ll meet one of them in your lifetime.
4. You can advertise here and watch you business grow. Call 850-684-0320
850-684-0320 Page 13
TVs and electronics. Just before the
Super Bowl, retailers normally dis-
count their selections of HDTVs and
other home-theater essentials.
FOODS: Citris Fruits, Broccoli,
Leeks, Frozen Turkeys
FLOWERS: Alstromeria, Calla
Assorted, Dahlias, Delphimium, Snap
Dragon
VACATION SPOT: New York
Other Items: Gift Cards, Holiday
Decorations, Wedding Items, Clothing,
Excercise Equipment, Calendars &
Planners, Childer’s Toys
one year, or until the issuance of a sub-
sequent holiday greeting, whichever
comes first. “Holiday” is not intended
to, nor shall it be considered, limited to
the usual Judea-Christian celebrations
or observances, or to such activities
of any organized or ad hoc religious
community, group, individual or belief
(or lack thereof).
DISCLAIMER: By accepting this
greeting, you are accepting the fol-
lowing terms: This greeting is subject
to clarification or withdrawal, and is
revocable at the sole discretion of the
wisher at any time, for any reason or
for no reason at all. This greeting is
freely transferable with no alteration
to the original greeting. This greeting
implies no promise by the wisher to
actually implement any of the wishes
for the wishee, him/herself or others,
or responsibility for the consequences
which may arise from the implementa-
tion or non-implementation of same.
This greeting is void where prohibited
by law.
(Source: Unknown)
Page 14
Fireworks: What’s Legal and What’s Not
New Year’s Eve is right around the
corner, a time many Americans observe
the start of a new year by sending bottle
rockets into the sky, exploding minia-
ture bombs and unfortunately, breaking
a state law.
Most fireworks are illegal for consumer
use in Florida, even if they’re available
for purchase. That can make stocking
up for celebrations confusing for resi-
dents, tourists and guests alike.
To help clear up some of that confu-
sion, our South Walton Fire District
has shared answers to some of
their most frequently asked
questions.
What kinds of fireworks
can I use legally?
The short answer is
not many. Fireworks
generally approved for
use by consumers include
sparklers; small fireworks
that emit colored smoke
only; and “glow worms,” which
burn in bright colors without exploding.
The state fire marshal has a full list,
including brand names.
So everything else is off limits?
If it explodes flies or lifts off, the law
prohibits you from lighting it. That
includes the popular Roman candles.
Florida Statute 791 is explicit about
these fireworks. Consumer purchase
and use of these materials is unsafe, a
threat and, most importantly, illegal in
this state.
If most fireworks are illegal, why are
The Emerald Star News
they so widely available?
A loophole in the law allows consumers
to buy them if they say they’re in-
tending to use the fireworks for lawful
purposes, including certain uses in
agriculture and mining. In stores, this
can be as simple as filling out a form.
How can I tell which fireworks are
legal?
Just ask. Sellers know the difference,
and in many stores, consumer-approved
items are clearly marked. Sparklers,
party poppers and snappers are not
banned under the law and can be
used with care.
What about sky lan-
terns?
Florida law bans
fireworks includ-
ing “balloons
which require
fire underneath
to propel them,”
also known as sky
lanterns.
“These lanterns will blow wherever
the wind takes them and can cause fires
if they land on combustible material
like dry grass, sea oats or a house,” said
Sammy Sanchez, South Walton’s fire
marshal.
What’s the penalty for setting off illegal
fireworks?
Florida law classifies it as a first-degree
misdemeanor, which means those con-
victed could face up to a year in prison,
a $1,000 fine and court costs.
Every year in my neighborhood, there’s
a person with enough firepower to
entertain a small country. Why aren’t
they arrested?
Fire and public-safety officials say the
law can be difficult to enforce. Typical-
ly by the time law enforcement arrives,
whoever shot off the illegal fireworks
is gone. This is even more difficult to
determine when they are shot off the
beach.
Speaking of the beach, I’ve heard it is
ok to shoot fireworks as long as they
are shot off the beach?
Shooting off the beach is still illegal
and it causes a huge trash issue since
most people do not clean up the debris
that is left over.
Is Florida more restrictive than most
states when it comes to fireworks?
Although Florida makes most fireworks
illegal, some states go even further.
Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey
and New York have banned consumer
use of all fireworks.
I’ve always heard that fireworks are
dangerous, but what’s the real risk?
According to a study conducted by the
National Fire Protection Association in
2010, 8,600 fireworks-related injuries
were treated in U.S. hospital emergency
rooms.
There were also three deaths directly
related to fireworks. In addition, the
association says more fires are reported
on July 4 in the U.S. than on any other
day.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
December 27 - January 09
If I use legal fire-
works, how can I
stay safe?
Here are five basic safety tips:
1. Always have an adult supervise
fireworks activities. Parents don’t al-
ways realize that young children can
be injured by sparklers, which burn
at extremely high temperatures
2. Back up to a safe distance imme-
diately after lighting fireworks.
3. Never try to relight or pick up
fireworks that have not ignited fully.
4. Keep a bucket of water or a
garden hose handy in case of fire or
other mishap.
5. After fireworks have burned,
douse them with water before dis-
carding them.
South Walton Fire Chief Rick Tal-
bert said that even legal items burn
at high temperatures and can lead to
injury.
For more fireworks information
please contact Fire Marshal Sammy
Sanchez at ssanchez@swfd.org or
850-267-1298. Read Florida’s full
fireworks law here.
Follow South Walton Fire District on
Facebook for more info and safety
updates.
Walton County, Florida 850-684-0320 Page 15

WORD SEARCH - OUR ADVERTISERS

CLASSIFIEDS
To advertise, please contact us at 850-684-0320 or email us at
info@theemeraldstarnews.com - CLASSIFIED Submissions: To submit a classified
please do so online at www.theemeraldstarnews.com using our contact form. Pricing
is $10.00 for 10 words, $1.00 per word thereafter. Payment accepted on-line via
Paypal or Major Credit Cards.

Are you up in DeFuniak Are you in FREEPORT? looking

Springs? Looking for a great
BBQ dinner/date place? Adult
Beverages, Beer, Wine. Stop in @
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Big screen TV& several other
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$10 for 10 words, $1 per word
thereafter. Call 850-684-0320
for local conversation and an
ICE Cold BEER? Stop on IN!
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I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go
into the other room and read a book. - Groucho Marx

For Cold Weather Shelter Information in Okaloosa

& Walton Counties CALL 211
Page 16 The Emerald Star News December 27 - January 09