Crestview, Florida

Crestview, Florida
City
City of Crestview
Okaloosa County's Courthouse (built 2018-2019)
Location inOkaloosa Countyand the state ofFlorida
Coordinates:30°45′15″N86°34′22″W
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Okaloosa
Incorporated	1916
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
•Mayor	JB Whitten
•Mayor Pro Tem	Douglas Capps
•Council Members	Joe Blocker, Andrew Rencich, Cynthia Brown, and Ryan Bullard
•City Manager	Tim Bolduc
•City Clerk	Maryanne Girard
Area
• Total	17.27 sq mi (44.74 km2)
• Land	17.03 sq mi (44.11 km2)
• Water	0.24 sq mi (0.63 km2)
Elevation	236 ft (72 m)
Population (2020)
• Total	27,134
• Density	1,593.12/sq mi (615.12/km2)
Time zone	UTC−6(Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5(CDT)
ZIP codes	32536, 32539
Area code	850
FIPS code	12-15475
GNISfeature ID	0281044
Website	www.cityofcrestview.org

Crestviewis the largest city inOkaloosa County, Florida,United States. The population was 27,134 at the2020 census,up from 20,978 at the2010 census.It is thecounty seatof Okaloosa County.With an elevation of 235 feet (72 m) above sea level, it is one of the highest points in the state.

Crestview is a principal city of the Crestview—Fort Walton Beach—Destin, FloridaMetropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Former Okaloosa County courthouse in March 2008 (replaced in 2018)

Crestview was largely an outgrowth of the coming of railroad service to the west Panhandle of Florida.

ThePensacola and Atlantic Railroad Company,chartered in 1881, opened its line betweenPensacolaandChattahoocheein January 1883. Soon two express passenger trains, theAtlantic Expressand theGulf Express,and a local accommodation train that stopped everywhere, were in daily operation. The expresses took about six hours to make the run, the local, thirteen hours. When the railroad company was unable to cover the interest owed bondholders, theLouisville and Nashville Railroadcovered the shortfalls until 1885, and then foreclosed, merging the route into their system as the L & N's Pensacola and Atlantic Division.

In 1894, sawmill operator W. B. Wright opened the 26-mile (42 km)Yellow River Railroadbetween Crestview andFlorala, Alabamavia Auburn, Campton, andLaurel Hill.TheL & Nsupplied the line with freight cars, and in 1906, purchased the operation,as the Yellow River Branch. This line, without any major shippers on it to make it profitable, was used for freight car storage for a time in the early 1980s and then was abandoned with 25.3 miles of the route lifted after May 1985,although the right of way still exists, with some portions paved as local streets.

Crestview was officially incorporated as a city in 1916.The 1920 US Census for the City of Crestview showed that the population consisted of 500 residents.

On July 23, 1920, Crestview hosted the first public hanging for Okaloosa County. Robert Blackwell was convicted of killing Nancy and Bud Davis in 1917, and received the death penalty. One week prior to the date of his hanging, Blackwell confessed, and his confession was printed in area newspapers on his hanging day.The second and last Okaloosa County hangings took place in Crestview, Florida on September 23, 1921. Thousands of curious onlookers came from surrounding states. Putnam Ponsell and Jacob Benjamin Marin were publicly hanged for killing John F. Tuggle. This double hanging in 1921 was the last public hanging in Florida.

Smith-Johnson Company, Inc. opened a garment factory in Crestview in 1937 that utilized 250 machines and employed "around 300 persons".

A modern bus terminal served by theGreyhound Lines'Jacksonville-Los Angelesroute, as well as connections north toAtlanta,MemphisandNew York,featuring waiting rooms, lounge, smoking rooms, restaurant, and loading concourse, opened on the corner of Ferdon and Pearl Streets on Friday 9 May 1941. As per the standards of the era, it was segregated.

As nearbyEglin Fieldwas expanded into a major testing base, theLouisville and Nashville Railroadlaid a long sidetrack in Crestview in the spring of 1941 to handle the number of oil tank cars required to supply the Asphault Products Company with material for the vast paving job of the ten new airfields. A fleet of trucks were operated round the clock to offload an estimated 180 car loads of petroleum product for the task.

A recreation center for enlisted men at the expandingEglin Fieldwas opened in Crestview on Saturday, June 21, 1941, through the efforts of the Community Recreation Council, theWorks Progress Administration,and the Okaloosa Progressive Association.

In late January 1943, a "misunderstanding" by the constabulary of Crestview put the community off limits to military personnel fromEglin Field.ThePensacola News Journalreported on 31 January that the town was off the "black list." According to the front-page report, "The out-of-town bounds restrictions that had been imposed on Crestview by Eglin field [sic] authorities were lifted at noon today [30 January], after a conference of town officials and Eglin authorities, and it was stated that soldiers from the field may visit the town. Billy Powell, town marshal, whose arrest of a soldier for reckless driving and an Eglin officer for interference, precipitated the trouble during the week, has been suspended by the town council. Powell was himself put in the county jail by anMPdetachment from Eglin field and stayed there until his attorney, John M. Coe, Pensacola, released him through circuit court action. "The servicemen involved had taken a convoy of newly trained Aviation Engineering Battalion personnel to load on a train at Crestview when the over-zealous marshal tried to arrest a black jeep driver for a U-turn, thus leading to the unpleasantness. After Eglin Commanding Officer Brigadier GeneralGrandison Gardnerexplained the economics of wartime to the city fathers, they chose a more reasonable replacement for town marshal.

On July 31, 1949, the L&N inaugurated theGulf Windstreamliner through Crestview between New Orleans and Jacksonville, in conjunction with theSeaboard Air Line Railroad,replacing the heavyweightNew Orleans-Florida Limited.It operated until April 30, 1971, whenAmtraktook over most U.S. rail passenger service and discontinued this route.

In the 1960s, Crestview was the location for the studio of theApache Recordslabel.

As part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure round, Crestview experienced further population growth as the U.S. Army's7th Special Forces Grouprelocated fromFort Bragg, North Carolinato a newly built cantonment facility on the northern end of theEglin Air Force Basereservation, approximately six miles south of the city.

In 2007, George Whitehurst, who had been mayor for nearly 20 years, resigned, leading to the election of David Cadle. Cadle had retired in 2006 as the long-time director of theCrestview High Schoolband, The Big Red Machine.Cadle was replaced in 2019 by a retired member of the US Air Force, former high school teacher and city council member, JB Whitten, as the city switched to acouncil-managerform of government.

In September 2022, two planes owned by Vertol, aDestin, Floridacorporation with ties to congressmanMatt Gaetzand GovernorRon DeSantistransported 50 Venezuelan asylum seekers fromSan Antonio, Texasto Crestview airport, en route toMartha's Vineyard,Massachusetts. The passengers did not disembark from the planes. DeSantis had received an appropriation of $12 million to transport migrants out of the state, funding under the purview of attorney Larry Keefe, DeSantis' public safety czar, who was in charge of immigrant affairs. Vertol was paid $615,000 on September 8 for the transport, and received another $980,000 less than two weeks later. The immigrants had been solicited by a recent U.S. Army retiree, Perla Huerta, to travel to Massachusetts where those so recruited had been misled to believe they would receive English lessons, funds, legal services, jobs and housing at their destination. Notification had not been given to the destination community regarding their impending arrival and needs.

Geography

Topography

According to theUnited States Census Bureau,the city has a total area of 12.8 square miles (33 km²), of which 12.8 square miles (33 km²) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km²) (0.23%) is water.

Climate

Crestview's climate is officially described ashumid subtropical(KöppenCfa). In summer, Crestview has some of the hottest temperatures in the state, with an average summer high of 92 °F (33 °C). Lows in summer average in the high 60s to low 70s, with each year seeing a handful of 100 °F+ days. The all-time record high is 105 °F (41 °C), recorded on July 14, 1980.On average, the city receives 63.6 inches (1,620 mm) of rainfall annually.

Winters compare to those of interior Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. Highs average in the lower to mid 60s (16°-19 °C), and lows average upper 30s (almost 4 °C). The all-time record low is 8 °F (−13 °C), on January 13, 1981; however, nearby areas such asDeFuniak SpringsandTallahasseehit 0 °F (−17.8 °C) and −2 °F (−18.9 °C) respectively before the airport records for Crestview began. The city lies within theUSDA Hardiness Zone8, the coldest temperature of the season is typically between 10 °F (−12 °C) and 20 °F (−7 °C). On average there are 38.5 nights where the temperature falls below freezing, with the average window for freezes being November 10 through March 23. Snowfall occurs every three years on average, however, significant amounts only happen once every 10 years.

Vegetation here consists of typical Floridian vegetation as well as several deciduous species from further north. Somepalm treesare found here, although only cold-hardy varieties like the state tree, theSabal palmetto,as well as types of dogwood, maple, hickory, and sweet gum. Blueberries are a native crop raised for sale locally, in addition to Strawberries. In 1919, M.A. Sapp reported shipping his blueberries from May 10 until the end of August, netting $605.85 for his crop, in addition to that which he shared with friends and family.Fall foliage can be seen in November and December, and Spring blossoms occur from early March through May. Summer typically lasts from late April to early October, and winter lasts from mid-December through mid-February.

Climate data for Crestview, Florida (Bob Sikes Airport), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1948–present
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	85 (29)	85 (29)	90 (32)	95 (35)	101 (38)	104 (40)	105 (41)	103 (39)	102 (39)	101 (38)	90 (32)	84 (29)	105 (41)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	76.8 (24.9)	78.8 (26.0)	84.9 (29.4)	88.5 (31.4)	95.2 (35.1)	97.6 (36.4)	98.6 (37.0)	97.7 (36.5)	95.5 (35.3)	90.9 (32.7)	83.8 (28.8)	78.7 (25.9)	99.6 (37.6)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	62.7 (17.1)	66.8 (19.3)	73.3 (22.9)	79.4 (26.3)	86.9 (30.5)	91.1 (32.8)	92.4 (33.6)	91.7 (33.2)	88.6 (31.4)	81.1 (27.3)	71.6 (22.0)	64.6 (18.1)	79.2 (26.2)
Daily mean °F (°C)	50.6 (10.3)	54.1 (12.3)	60.0 (15.6)	66.0 (18.9)	73.7 (23.2)	79.8 (26.6)	81.8 (27.7)	81.4 (27.4)	77.7 (25.4)	68.3 (20.2)	58.1 (14.5)	52.6 (11.4)	67.0 (19.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	38.5 (3.6)	41.4 (5.2)	46.7 (8.2)	52.6 (11.4)	60.6 (15.9)	68.5 (20.3)	71.1 (21.7)	71.1 (21.7)	66.9 (19.4)	55.5 (13.1)	44.6 (7.0)	40.6 (4.8)	54.8 (12.7)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	20.3 (−6.5)	22.6 (−5.2)	27.5 (−2.5)	34.9 (1.6)	45.2 (7.3)	59.7 (15.4)	65.6 (18.7)	63.6 (17.6)	53.5 (11.9)	36.1 (2.3)	26.3 (−3.2)	23.4 (−4.8)	18.1 (−7.7)
Record low °F (°C)	8 (−13)	10 (−12)	17 (−8)	29 (−2)	38 (3)	52 (11)	57 (14)	56 (13)	40 (4)	28 (−2)	17 (−8)	9 (−13)	8 (−13)
Averageprecipitationinches (mm)	5.66 (144)	4.58 (116)	5.66 (144)	4.92 (125)	4.13 (105)	5.96 (151)	7.92 (201)	6.42 (163)	5.06 (129)	4.09 (104)	4.27 (108)	4.93 (125)	63.60 (1,615)
Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in)	10.1	9.0	8.2	7.7	8.4	12.7	15.9	14.9	10.2	7.3	7.5	9.9	121.8
Source: NOAA

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1920	500		—
1930	930		86.0%
1940	2,252		142.2%
1950	5,003		122.2%
1960	7,467		49.3%
1970	7,952		6.5%
1980	7,617		−4.2%
1990	9,886		29.8%
2000	14,766		49.4%
2010	20,978		42.1%
2020	27,134		29.3%
U.S. Decennial Census

2010 and 2020 census

Crestview racial composition
(Hispanics excluded from racial categories)
(NH = Non-Hispanic)

Race	Pop 2010	Pop 2020	% 2010	% 2020
White(NH)	14,208	15,964	67.73%	58.83%
Black or African American(NH)	3,793	4,905	18.08%	18.08%
Native AmericanorAlaska Native(NH)	85	118	0.41%	0.43%
Asian(NH)	636	763	3.03%	2.81%
Pacific IslanderorNative Hawaiian(NH)	55	76	0.26%	0.28%
Some other race(NH)	65	173	0.31%	0.64%
Two or more races/Multiracial(NH)	746	2,146	3.56%	7.91%
Hispanic or Latino(any race)	1,390	2,989	6.63%	11.02%
Total	20,978	27,134

As of the2020 United States census,there were 27,134 people, 8,984 households, and 5,971 families residing in the city.

As of the2010 United States census,there were 20,978 people, 7,319 households, and 5,150 families residing in the city.

2000 census

As of thecensusof 2000, there were 14,766 people, 5,297 households, and 3,893 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,153.7 inhabitants per square mile (445.4/km²). There were 5,918 housing units at an average density of 462.4 per square mile (178.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 74.71%White,18.41%African American,0.60%Native American,2.28%Asian,0.15%Pacific Islander,1.22% fromother races,and 2.62% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoof any race were 3.26% of the population. The population estimate for 2005 was17,707people.

In 2000, there were 5,297 households, out of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.5% weremarried couplesliving together, 16.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.09.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $23,122, and the median income for a family was $31,824. Males had a median income of $27,829 versus $19,261 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $14,479. About 45.2% of families and 59.7% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 56.2% of those under age 18 and 30.4% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Library

The city's first library was founded in the 1940s. In 2002, the Crestview Robert L. F. Sikes Public Library opened. The library is part of the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative.

Education

The public schools in Crestview are served byOkaloosa County School District.

Public high school

• Crestview School, the first school for African-Americans in Crestview, was built in 1926. In 1944, a city block was purchased for a new high school for black students. In 1945, Crestview Colored High School was built on School Avenue. Later, it was renamed afterGeorge Washington Carver,and eventually was renamedCarver-Hill Schoolin honor of the efforts of Ed Hill.

• After integration in 1966, high school students were transferred to the previously all-whiteCrestview High Schooland Carver-Hill was utilized for younger students until 1982, when it was converted to administrative use.

Public middle schools

• Davidson Middle School and Shoal River Middle School are located at the north and south ends of the city, respectively.

Public elementary schools

• Northwood Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School are located at the north south ends of the city.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Bob Sikes Airportis a public-use airport located 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of the central business district. It was established in 1941.

Major highways through Crestview are:

• U.S. Route 90
• Florida State Road 85
• I-10
• FL-85

From early 1994 through August 2005, Crestview was served by the tri-weeklyAmtrakSunset Limited,but service east ofNew OrleanstoJacksonvilleandOrlandowas suspended due to damage to the rail line ofCSXbyHurricane Katrinain 2005. This was previously the route of theGulf Windstreamlined passenger train, operated by theLouisville and Nashville Railroad.

Sister cities

• Noirmoutier-en-l'Île,France

External links

• Official website