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Mary Esther residents don’t want to widen Highway 98 🚘

To: Daily Rundown Readers

Good morning!

It’s been a while since we’ve heard of the potential widening of Highway 98 in the City of Mary Esther. There was some initial talk of making it 6 lanes but now the residents of Mary Esther are making it clear that they do not want to widen Highway 98. The City Council unanimously approved a resolution that opposes the possible state-led widening.

Here’s why the residents oppose the widening:

  • More lanes of traffic to deal with next to their driveways
  • The removal of huge old oaks along the road
  • An increase in speeders

Full transparency: I grew up in this exact area of Mary Esther. My grandparents originally built their home here and my parents lived here.

On the issue of “more lanes of traffic to deal with next to their driveways”…I get it. Those homes in Mary Esther Heights drop onto Highway 98. I’ve always said that I didn’t think it was a great idea to have your home sit directly on Highway 98, especially on that stretch of 98. Mary Esther Heights is the last subdivision before you hit Hurlburt Field. Before the overpass, if traffic backed up, it typically created a standstill in front of your house.

On the issue of removing the “huge old oaks along the road”, I understand that too. They are pretty. But the added reasoning for not wanting them gone doesn’t make sense. According to the Northwest Florida Daily News,  City Clerk Dana Williams said Thursday,

“They want traffic to slow down in Mary Esther for safety reasons, and so people will stop in Mary Esther and take in what it has to offer.”

Take in what it has to offer?

No disrespect, but I don’t think anyone is just going to stop and look at the trees on Highway 98. That’s like saying we should deal with the traffic problem in Downtown Fort Walton Beach because we want drivers to “take in what it has to offer” rather than allow vehicles to get to where they need to go.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to see the trees go…but “taking it in” is a bit of a stretch.

And lastly, on the issue of increase in speeders…who knows. It’s “Bloody 98” after-all. And with so many people trying to go West in afternoon, speeders could always be an issue.

Over to you! What are your thoughts on widening Highway 98 in that stretch of Mary Esther?


Affordable things to do with your kids 🙌

This is a brand new original article from Get The Coast’s new contributor, Jessie Montes.

Do you ever find yourself searching Google for things to do with your kids, only to find answers like “take them to the beach!” or suggestions for activities that cost an arm and a leg?

And let’s be real, you can only walk around Target with your kids so many times before the workers start to recognize you. I know how hard it can be to find things to keep you busy and out of the house with your little ones, so I put together a list of six affordable and fun things to do from Sandestin to Pensacola!

While it’s great to have fun and exciting activities to do, remember that magic can be created in the most simple circumstances. Those might be the very memories your kids hold onto the most!

Click here to get some quick ideas!

How ’bout some headlines?

Two new subdivisions planned for Navarre

Two new subdivisions planned for Navarre

A local developer is moving forward with plans to construct a 49-home subdivision off Whispering Pines Boulevard and 11 homes on vacant property at the north end of Pawnee Drive.

Creetwood Development officials told South Santa Rosa News on Thursday that they have received approval for the two projects.

Click here to read more on the details.

Art Wave Exhibition to Benefit SWARA held January 10

Art Wave Exhibition to Benefit SWARA held January 10

The Henderson Resort and Spa will host Art Wave, an art exhibition dedicated to celebrating local artists seen at the resort and throughout South Walton.

The event will be held Thursday, January 10 from 6-9 PM. All of the money raised through ticket sales and auction proceeds will benefit the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA).

For more details, click here.

FWB assistant wrestling coach dies in Nashville

The Fort Walton Beach wrestling program lost a family member late Tuesday night.

According to the Northwest Florida Daily News, Jorge Hernandez, an assistant coach with the program for five years, was killed in downtown Nashville when he was struck by a van. He was 26 years old.

To read more on his involvement with the program, click here.


Ok, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great weekend and I’ll see ya next week!