Crestview to unveil first Safe Haven Baby Box in Florida Panhandle

Crestview is set to become the third location in Florida to install a Safe Haven Baby Box, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for October 28, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. The event will take place at Fire Station 1, located at 321 West Woodruff Ave.

• The initiative, led by Council-member Cynthia Brown, aims to protect newborns by providing a safe and anonymous surrender option for mothers in crisis. This installation marks a significant milestone for the Florida Panhandle region, joining Ocala and Newberry in offering this critical service.

The Safe Haven Baby Box is part of a broader effort to raise awareness of the Safe Haven Law. It includes a 24-hour hotline that offers free counseling and assistance to women facing difficult circumstances.

The decision to install the baby box comes after unanimous approval from the Crestview City Council in November 2023. Council-member Brown, who initially proposed the idea, cited Florida’s new abortion law and growing socioeconomic pressures as factors contributing to the need for such a resource.

Mayor JB Whitten previously expressed strong support for the project, sharing an emotional account of Ocala’s experience with their baby box. “The one time it gets used, it is worth it,” Whitten said during the council meeting that approved the installation.

The baby box will be equipped with temperature control and multiple alarm systems to ensure the safety of surrendered infants. Once a baby is placed in the box, the exterior door automatically locks, and alerts are sent to 911 dispatch. Firefighters at the station will be responsible for responding to these alerts.

• Initial costs for the project were estimated at up to $30,000, with Councilmember Brown contributing $7,500 from her discretionary funds. The community was also invited to participate in fundraising efforts to cover the remaining expenses.

The City of Crestview encourages community members to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 28. For more information about the Safe Haven Baby Box project, click here to read the previous news coverage.