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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
Northwest Florida braces for a cold snap as wind chills plummet, while drivers prepare for traffic changes near Brooks Bridge. In local politics, Nic Allegretto is set to become Fort Walton Beach’s next mayor, and Jimmy Patronis gains support in his congressional bid. Meanwhile, Okaloosa schools plan to honor President Carter while staying open, and the airport announces PreCheck enrollment opportunities.
Let’s get to the news you need to know this Monday morning.
SCHOOL
Okaloosa Schools to honor Carter’s legacy while remaining open for National Day of Mourning
Okaloosa County School District will use President Jimmy Carter’s National Day of Mourning as a teaching opportunity while maintaining regular operations, officials announced Sunday afternoon.
- The district will keep all schools open on Thursday, January 9, including Eglin Elementary School on Eglin Air Force Base, during the national observance of Carter’s passing.
“President Jimmy Carter was a remarkable leader and humanitarian whose life of service exemplified integrity, compassion, and dedication to others,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “On this National Day of Mourning, our students will have the opportunity to learn about the 39th President of the United States, reflecting on his contributions to our nation and his tireless humanitarian efforts.”
Transportation services will continue normal operations for students living on Eglin Air Force Base, ensuring they can access schools both on and off the installation.
Following Governor Ron DeSantis’ directive, U.S. and Florida flags at all local and state buildings will fly at half-staff until sunset on January 28, 2025, honoring Carter, who died December 29 at age 100.
President Biden designated the National Day of Mourning through an executive order issued December 30 to commemorate Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981.
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POLITICS
Councilman Nic Allegretto will be the next mayor of Fort Walton Beach
City Councilman Nic Allegretto will become the next mayor of Fort Walton Beach after running unopposed in the qualifying period that ended Friday, January 3 at noon.
- Allegretto, who has served as a city councilman for nearly eight years and as mayor pro tem for the last five years, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the city.
“I’m honored and blessed to serve as mayor of the great city of Fort Walton Beach,” Allegretto said. “After spending nearly 8 years serving as a city councilman, and the last 5 years as mayor pro tem, I plan to use that experience to help make sure that our city continues to be a great place to live and work.”
Allegretto, a local business owner who co-owns Scooter Brothers on Racetrack Road with his uncle, has been a city resident since 2010.
Looking ahead to his tenure as mayor, Allegretto acknowledged future challenges while maintaining an optimistic outlook. “We have challenges ahead that we will face as a community. I am confident that we will work together with our residents, business partners and visitors to turn those challenges into opportunities,” he said.
In other election news, seven candidates are competing for three council seats in the upcoming March 11, 2025, municipal elections.
- Brandon Jeffery Paul Bishop
- Logan Browning
- Sonya Faison-Vazquez
- Jason Harwell
- Benjamin Merrell
- Debra Riley-Broadnax
- Travis Smith
Additionally, Councilman David Schmidt ran unopposed for the two-year seat previously held by former councilman Larry Patrick, who resigned in August 2023. The seat is currently occupied by Councilman John Mead, who has served since September 2023.
Allegretto added a lighthearted note about avoiding campaign activities, saying, “I am elated to not be involved in the creation, placement or removal of any campaign signs!”
TRAVEL
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport to host TSA PreCheck Enrollment event in January
IDEMIA is holding a TSA PreCheck enrollment event at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport from January 6-17, 2025.
- The enrollment station will be located in the Ticketing Lobby of the airport at 1701 Florida 85, Eglin AFB, FL 32542. Interested travelers can make appointments by scanning the QR code provided or visiting TSAenrollmentbyIDEMIA.tsa.dhs.gov.
To enroll, applicants need to bring a U.S. passport or certified birth certificate along with another government-issued photo ID. Names must match on all documents. The enrollment process involves filling out a form, which can be done online ahead of time, and providing fingerprints on site.
Once approved, TSA PreCheck members can use expedited screening lanes at 200+ airports nationwide for five years. PreCheck lanes allow travelers to keep shoes, light jackets and belts on and leave laptops and liquids in carry-on bags. Most PreCheck passengers wait five minutes or less to be screened.
Hours vary by date:
- January 6: 1pm – 5pm
- January 7-16: 9am – noon and 1pm – 5pm
- January 17: 9am – noon
- Closed Saturdays and Sundays
Parking is available in Lots A, B, or C.
POLITICS
Patronis secures broad support from Okaloosa County leaders in congressional bid
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has gained the backing of more than 20 current and former Okaloosa County elected officials in his bid for Florida’s 1st Congressional District, his campaign announced Wednesday.
- The endorsements come as Patronis seeks to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Matt Gaetz in an upcoming special election primary set for Jan. 28 by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“I proudly endorse Jimmy Patronis for Congress because he’s the strong, reliable leader we need in Washington,” said State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden. “He is exceptionally qualified for the job, bringing with him a background in business and finance.”
The list of supporters includes current and former law enforcement leaders, such as Sheriff Eric Aden and retired Sheriff Larry Gilbert, as well as education officials like School Board Chairman Dr. Lamar White and Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
- Former Commissioner and Undersheriff Graham W. Fountain highlighted Patronis’s connection to the region. “Over the last decade, Jimmy has been an active part of the community fighting hard for our first responders, military, and working men and women of our state,” Fountain said.
Florida Representative Patt Maney pointed to his long-standing professional relationship with Patronis. “Whether it be our service on the Florida Defense Task Force or the Florida Legislature, I have worked with Jimmy Patronis for over 12 years,” Maney said. “He is one of the finest people I know and he truly loves this community and all of the military service members and families who make us so special.”
The endorsements span multiple levels of local government, including support from mayors of several municipalities such as Crestview’s JB Whitten, Shalimar’s Mark Franks, and Fort Walton Beach’s Dick Rynearson.
WEATHER
Cold weather advisory issued for western Florida Panhandle as wind chills plummet
The National Weather Service office in Mobile/Pensacola has issued a cold weather advisory for southeast Mississippi, southwest and south central Alabama, and the western Florida panhandle, effective through mid-morning Tuesday.
- The advisory, issued at 3:30 a.m. on January 6, warns of wind chill values dropping as low as 16 to 20 degrees, creating conditions where hypothermia is possible without proper precautions.
Weather officials are also warning of dangerous surf conditions. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect through Monday afternoon, accompanied by a High Risk of rip currents lasting through Monday night.
To combat the cold conditions, officials recommend avoiding outdoor activities when possible. If outdoor exposure is necessary, residents should wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing rather than a single bulky sweater. Additionally, they advise covering as much skin as possible and limiting time outdoors.
The advisory emphasizes the importance of these precautions to prevent hypothermia during this cold weather event.
TRAFFIC
One-way traffic shift coming to Florida Blanca Place near Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach
A temporary traffic reconfiguration near Brooks Bridge will affect drivers starting Jan. 6 as construction continues on the $171-million replacement project.
- Florida Blanca Place Southeast, between First Street and Brooks Street, will convert to a one-way eastbound traffic pattern through the end of January while crews conduct drainage work.
Westbound traffic will be detoured via Alconese Avenue Southeast and First Street, with signage directing drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists along the alternate route.
Additional nighttime disruptions are planned from Jan. 5 through Jan. 9, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., for utility work and construction activities. These include alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 between Ferry Road and Pier Road, and on Santa Rosa Boulevard from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.
The Brooks Bridge Replacement Project involves constructing two new parallel bridges to replace the existing four-lane structure that opened in 1966. The new bridges will expand capacity to six travel lanes, with project completion expected in summer 2027.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Monday. Help us shape the future of local news and make a meaningful impact on your community. Click here to learn how you can support us!
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