Bethany Little

The Department of Veterans Affairs has a specially adapted housing program.  An eligible veteran or servicemember may receive a VA grant of not more than 50 percent of the cost of a specially adapted house.  This amount is allowed above the standard VA loan limits.  The grant is available for servicemembers to construct an adapted home or modify an existing home to meet their adaptive needs.

Whitworth Builders, Inc. recently had the pleasure of completing a home for a servicemember who has a specific service-connected disability.  The whole process takes longer than an average build given we had to send the selected plans to the VA for review, which added about 5 months to the build time. 

During the build, Whitworth Builders were given specific guidelines to follow and were monitored at various stages by the VA.  After completion of the home, the VA sent an appraisor who specializes in adaptive housing to ensure that the completed home met adaptive home requirements. 

All in all it was a very rewarding experience for Whitworth Builders, Inc. and we look forward to building another one.

For more information on use of such grants, please contact Brian N. Bixler, Chief, Specially Adapted Housing, on (202) 461-9546 or via Email at: brian.bixler@va.gov.

Here is a video of the completed home. It is located in Navarre, FL. For more information about homes Whitworth Builders is building in the Navarre, FL and Crestview, FL area, please contact me at (850) 543-8617 or beth@whitworthbuilders.com

Surprise....It's BEEN open.

At least it has been for a little while. It has been so long since the 12-mile road through Gulf Islands National Seashore was clear that I forgot to keep up with it's status. This road connecting Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach is open for the first time since 2005 when Hurricane Dennis destroyed the recently completed repairs from Hurricane Ivan.

J. Earle Bowden Way (or Beach Road as most people call it) has a very special place in my history. It's where my husband proposed to me in 2001. I remember driving the stretch of road and marveling at the miles and miles of pristine white sandy coastline.

So we, as in my husband and I, have decided to make a commemorative bike trip along Beach Road. We drove last time, but we need the exercise this time. And if I remember correctly, there are several "rest stops". We can do it. Now, I'm off to tell my husband about our new plans. And to buy/borrow some bikes.

I have a cool new video camera, so I'll be sure to get video.

If you are looking for a special way to celebrate the holiday's this Christmas season, don't forget the ZOOLights at The Zoo of Northwest Florida.

There are more than a million lights in 85 light displays. Plus, you'll be able to view the animals in the animals in their nighttime setting. There is a petting zoo, and arts and crafts section, and a Christmas Express train ride. The event also features Christmas stories read by Mrs. Claus, and pictures with Santa. ZOOLights is open from 6-9 p.m., Nov. 28-Dec. 13 Thursday, Friday and Saturday and nightly Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26-27. Admission is $5. ($1 for members).

"Christmas in Navarre Park"

Saturday, December 6, 2008

3 - 8 p.m.

The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting "Christmas in Navarre Park" on December 6th. This event will feature free refreshments served at Mrs. Claus' Bakery, entertainment by local schools, photo's with Santa & Mrs. Claus from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. for children 12 and under ($2.00), Raffle Prizes, and we must not forget - A PARADE!

The parade will start at Winn Dixie at 4:00 pm.

This will be a fun, family oriented outing for everyone of all ages. And if the cold whether we've been experiencing holds out, the occasion will seem even more festive. I know we all own more flip flops than mittens, but we might need some cold weather gear during this event. If you would like more information about "Christmas in Navarre Park", please visit the Chamber website at link above.

I was at Navarre Park today, and I shot these pictures. I especially love the photo of the Christmas tree at Navarre Park, which is overlooking Santa Rosa Sound toward Navarre Beach. The whole park is being set-up with a holiday display that will make this Christmas season special. There are even twinkling snowflake lights hanging from the trees. I can't wait to see the whole area lit up at night. Seeing this display really put me into the holiday spirit, and I think it will for you also. So enjoy the pictures I took today, and I hope to see you at the Parade!

Patriotic Christmas Display

Children's Park

View of Santa Rosa Sound, Navarre Park

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And last, the front entrance to the Butterfly House. I took this picture because I love the flowers still blooming in November!

GOOD NEWS VETERANS!

I ran across this information today. In response to the U.S. financial crisis, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has decided to guarantee subprime loans for Veterans. For Veterans who wish to refinance they can now do so for up to 100 percent of the value of their property. Also, this 100% refinance option also applies to standard loans - which had previously been capped at 90% of the property value. They have also raised the maximum loan amount for this refinancing from $144,000 to $729,750, depending on where the property is located. For more information, contact the VA at 1-877-827-3702 or visit VA's Loan Guaranty website. Go here to learn more about the VA mortage options.