By Lisa Weatherwax
Contributing Writer

NICEVILLE, FLORIDA - As a young boy, Lannie Corbin stood at the tip of the Niceville triangle, and waved the school buses past from his spot as a crossing guard. That was back when John Sims Parkway was a gently traveled road. Palm Plaza didn’t exist, and only a mobile home lot, a little auto parts store, and a tiny bar drew leisurely traffic through town. Most people south of Shoal River attended Choctawhatchee High School, then in Shalimar.

Corbin has witnessed dramatic change to Niceville, the sleepy town where he grew up. Because Niceville didn’t have a hospital in 1942, Corbin was born in Crestview, to Pauline and Noah Corbin. One day their son would become influential, a key player in shaping a city.

So much has transpired in Niceville within the past few decades, and more growth is anticipated. At a recent Chamber meeting, Corbin predicted that people won’t recognize the city in two years. Corbin recently reflected on his 35 years as Niceville’s city manager and the changes the city’s gone through.

Most of the changes are positive, and he’s helped bring much of that about. One of the advantages of attending Choctawhatchee High, which consolidated students from Destin, Fort Walton, Mary Esther and Niceville, was that Corbin got to know people from the greater region on a first-name basis.

Niceville residents enjoy the herons, turtles, and vistas along Turkey Creek Nature Trail; honor perished airmen at the Khobar Towers memorial at Turkey Creek; borrow books or check the stock market from the classy public library; host a butterfly show or event at the community center; wave a child through as she glides down a slide at the Children’s Park; sip soft drinks from the ball park’s nifty concession stand; party at the Mullet Festival; or launch a boat from the ramp at Lion’s Park. Corbin has had a hand in making it all happen. "It’s not a one-man act," he said, crediting his achievements to a savvy city council, city hall colleagues, and the philosophy, "we always put our best foot forward." That’s not to say it’s an easy process, however.

He once eagerly showed his mentor, Walker Spence, the new Lion’s Park he’d helped build. "We’d bulldozed the land, and put in gazebos and boat ramps. I was so proud, but he told me he wasn’t impressed." Spence told Corbin the park wouldn’t get his approval until it had passed the test of time. Would it retain its beauty and value 30 years later? What Spence taught him was, "don’t just do things for show." Lion’s Park has stood the test, and though the restroom facilities there could use a facelift, the gazebos, ramp, and stunning water view bring continued enjoyment to hundreds, especially during the July 4th celebrations when fireworks light up the sky.

To think comprehensively is an acquired habit, sometimes one that comes painfully. Corbin expresses unhappiness at the way some residents, such as those in Palm Estates, are having to deal with stormwater runoff. Years ago, "we didn’t look closely enough at the way subdivisions affect one another," said Corbin. Niceville’s topography is varied. People think Florida’s flat, but look at the difference in elevation from Okaloosa-Walton College’s site to John Sims Parkway’s location, said Corbin. The storm that threw buckets of rain in April ’05 sent over a foot of watery trouble downhill in one day. Roughly 20 homes flooded, particularly subdivisions built in the early 70’s. Since then, the city formed a stormwater utility team, and "we look long-range." There’s more sensitivity to the environment. Despite that, "we still make mistakes."

Looking back, Corbin said his biggest lessons are realizing "you’re only as good as the people around you. I’ve made some bad decisions, putting the wrong person in the wrong position." His advice is, "don’t ever be afraid to hire someone who is capable of being your boss." High quality people will be the key to your success. "You don’t accomplish anything alone."

Big changes are coming, but Niceville’s "paradise" aura has safeguards in place. That’s because Eglin Air Force Reservation borders the city on one side, and water the other, so growth can only climb so far, as there’s precious little land. Niceville will not become Panama City, said Corbin. Another reason we won’t become a city swallowed by impersonal strip malls is because the people who own major realty are locals who care about their town.

A good example is Valparaiso Realty, he said. It’s a strong possibility that Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and a Publix are going up in the area between Rocky Bayou and K-Mart. But realtor Pat Bryne is making sure it will be a class act, said Corbin. "This will have character. I can assure you, there will be nice restaurants, where people can sit on the deck and see the woodlands. It won’t be just asphalt and buildings, but a great approach utilizing all that property." Esthetics matter. An access road will be a good 100 feet away, versus the mandatory 50 feet. The nice oak trees will be saved, and islands will separate east-bound from west-bound traffic. "Pat [Byrne] doesn’t have to do that, push in back farther from the road," but he’s like many of the big players, including the Spences and Ruckels, locals who care about how the city is developed, who they lease to, and how it will impact the city’s future.

Corbin believes that the area behind Hardee’s on John Sims, plus the seven-acre site behind Anthony’s restaurant, formerly Kubee’s, will be developed. The value of going up versus spreading out becomes an issue. Personally, Corbin favors going high. "I can’t see over a 100-foot building any better than a 45-foot building," he said. That attitude draws criticism, but he maintains "it will all balance out." Why not a well-designed condo surrounded by beautiful greenery, a tennis court and amenities, versus one large flat building that serves the need of only a few? Going up can be an efficient use of land, he feels.

Meanwhile, he’s not standing still. "We [already] have a first-class police station. And a new fire station will be under construction before the end of the year." Plus, there’s a new youth building going up at the library.

Niceville’s future deserves protection. The city is unique in the Panhandle because it boasts glorious natural surroundings and an influx of military, strong educators, newcomers, and caring locals who create a productive, positive energy, said Corbin. It’s a city that will hopefully retain its small town feel.

Lannie Corbin, Niceville’s city manager, has served the city for 35 years. Among other things, Corbin’s teamwork and leadership has culminated in bringing residents Turkey Creek Nature Trail, the Niceville Public Library, Community Center, Lion’s Park, the Children’s Park at the Library, and the City’s Police and Administration Buildings. He was also the impetus behind the twelve oaks memorial at Turkey Creek, dedicated to the twelve 33d Fighter Wing airmen who perished 10 years ago during the attack on Khobar Towers. Advertiser photo by Dennis Gilson.