SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
South Walton’s dining scene evolves as the Dawson Group acquires Stinky’s Fish Camp and Red Fish Taco, while Hurlburt Field pilots demonstrate their ability to operate drones from over 1,000 miles away. In Niceville, city leaders prepare to connect with residents through town halls, and Crestview plans its MLK Day march. Meanwhile, the cold snap continues across the western Panhandle, and the Gulfarium welcomes homeschoolers for an educational week.
- HEADS UP: Residents may experience aircraft noise Jan. 13 – 16, when the 58th Fighter Squadron conducts night flying operations in the area. Fighter aircraft will conduct missions between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Night flying is required for training operations.
Let’s get to the news you need to know this Tuesday morning.
MILITARY
Hurlburt Field pilots guide MQ-9 Reaper drone from dirt strips 1,100 miles away
The 65th Special Operations Squadron has successfully conducted a major exercise testing the MQ-9 Reaper’s ability to operate from unpaved airfields, marking a shift from traditional operational requirements.
- Exercise Reaper Castillo, held from Nov. 4 to Dec. 18, 2024, demonstrated remote aircraft control from Hurlburt Field, while the aircraft operated at Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico — more than 1,100 miles apart.
The exercise focused on validating the aircraft’s capabilities in austere environments, including dirt-strip landings, refueling, rearming, and rapid relaunch, with support from the 1st Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team (SOMST).
“In the future fight, we assess we will no longer be able to rely exclusively on the main operating bases that have persisted,” said the 1st SOMST flight commander. “Operating in austere environments anytime, anyplace and anywhere is critical. It enables commanders to have options – something critically needed in special operations forces.”
While MQ-9 operations typically require paved runways and extensive support, the exercise demonstrated successful operations with minimal ground support on unpaved airfields.
- Lt. Col. Kurtis Paul, 65th SOS commander, noted the exercise’s broader significance: “On its surface, Reaper Castillo 24 is an exercise created and executed by the 65th SOS. But in reality, it’s another step in Air Force Special Operations Command’s efforts to push MQ-9 operations beyond conventional means.”
A 65th SOS MQ-9 evaluator pilot and exercise mission commander highlighted the aircraft’s strategic importance: “The MQ-9 is extremely relevant in today’s fight and will be in the future as well. It allows us to go places and do things that we cannot risk sending manned aircraft – such as high-threat environments.”
The exercise builds upon previous work by other squadrons and will provide data for future operations, supporting Air Force Special Operations Command’s strategy for more flexible and resilient force deployment.
SPONSORED
Celebrate low rates with an Eglin Federal Credit Union Mastercard; the card with no annual fee, no balance transfer fee and no cash advance fee.
- Apply for your Mastercard at eglinfcu.org/mastercard or at a branch.
Eglin Federal Credit Union. Where Members Matter Most.
Same day issue of Mastercard is available in branch only during normal business hours, subject to membership and credit approval.
WEATHER
Second-day cold weather advisory issued for western Panhandle
The National Weather Service has issued a new cold weather advisory for the western Florida Panhandle, effective from midnight tonight until 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, as the region continues to experience below-normal temperatures.
- Today’s high temperatures will only reach the middle to upper 40s, approximately 12 to 15 degrees below normal, according to the weather service’s 4:00 a.m. forecast discussion. The cold conditions are attributed to cold air moving into the area under cloudy skies.
While Wednesday is expected to bring sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures – about 2 to 5 degrees higher than Tuesday – overnight temperatures will remain cold. Forecasters predict lows in the low to mid-20s inland and upper 20s to lower 30s along the coast.
The weather service notes that lighter winds and clearer skies tonight and Wednesday night will contribute to the colder overnight temperatures.
The current cold weather advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. today.
THINGS TO DO
Crestview’s MLK Day march to honor civil rights leader’s legacy on Jan. 18
The Concerned Citizens of Crestview will host their annual Martin Luther King Jr. March and Program on Jan. 18, with participants gathering at 9 a.m. in front of Lifepoint Church.
- This year’s event, themed “Mission Possible,” will feature guest speaker Evangelist Velmandria Macey, who serves as Youth Department Leader at the First Church of God in Christ in Crestview.
The march, supported by the City of Crestview, aims to honor Dr. King’s legacy while celebrating equality and community spirit. Participants should gather at Lifepoint Church, located at 400 S Ferdon Blvd.
The event organizers view the annual march as both a commemoration and an opportunity for community members to actively work toward positive change in their community.
EDUCATION
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park hosts educational week for homeschoolers
Homeschool families can enjoy reduced admission rates and educational programming at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park during its Homeschool Week, running January 6-10, 2025.
- The marine park is offering special pricing for homeschoolers, with children’s tickets (ages 3-17) available for $13, reduced from the regular price of $22.95. One parent or chaperone per group can enter for $21, compared to the standard adult admission of $32.95. Additional adults will need to pay regular admission prices.
The week-long event includes daily story time sessions at 10:15 a.m. in the Living Sea Aquarium, where children can learn about marine life. The park is also offering a 25% discount on all animal encounters for children ages 3-17.
Families interested in attending can purchase their discounted tickets at the gate during the event week. The Gulfarium is located at 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach.
The special rates aim to make marine education more accessible to homeschool families while providing opportunities for hands-on learning through animal presentations and educational chats.
SPONSORED
Historic ‘Inn on Destin Harbor’ hotel maintains local charm while embracing modern amenities
Nestled along Destin’s waterfront since the 1960s, the Inn on Destin Harbor continues to write its story as one of the area’s oldest surviving hotels. Owner Jason Wood, who acquired the 70-room boutique property in 2018, has carefully balanced preserving its historic character while meeting contemporary travelers’ needs.
- Originally opened as Bobby Moor’s McCoy Court, the property has witnessed Destin’s evolution from a quiet fishing village to a premier tourist destination.
Today, the hotel offers modern amenities like complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, while operating its own charter fishing boat, the Innkeeper. Recent upgrades include a revamped breakfast area and outdoor balcony, along with local craft beer selections.
The property’s preservation becomes increasingly significant as Destin continues to develop, offering visitors an authentic harbor experience that newer properties can’t replicate due to current building restrictions.
POLITICS
Mayor, city manager to host January town halls in Niceville to discuss city initiatives
City of Niceville officials have scheduled two town hall meetings to update residents on city initiatives and gather community feedback.
- The sessions will be held Monday, January 27, from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. and Tuesday, January 28, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Niceville Council Chambers.
Mayor Dan Henkel and City Manager David Deitch will discuss upcoming projects and available resources during both sessions. The meetings will provide residents an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns about community developments.
The town hall meetings will take place in the tile side of the Council Chambers. No RSVP is required for either session.
For more information about the town hall meetings, residents can contact city officials.
BUSINESS
Dawson Group acquires Stinky’s Fish Camp, Red Fish Taco in South Walton expansion
The Dawson Group has acquired three established South Walton restaurants from Word of Mouth Restaurant Group owner Jim Richard, expanding their presence from Seaside to the west end of 30A.
- The acquisition includes Stinky’s Fish Camp, Stinky’s Bait Shack, and Red Fish Taco, adding to The Dawson Group’s existing portfolio of six establishments in Seaside.
“While our current restaurants are located in the heart of Seaside, we are excited to expand our brand into the West end of 30A,” said Ashley Beecher, who owns The Dawson Group with her husband Clark.
The Beechers, along with operating partners Baron and Courtney Fields, plan to maintain the establishments’ traditions while implementing new features. Popular menu items at Stinky’s Fish Camp, including beignets, biscuits, and the Oyster Log, will remain.
Plans for the properties include expanded breakfast offerings at Stinky’s Bait Shack and a new lunch and dinner concept by 2026. The Bait Shack will continue hosting events like the Swamp Writer Music Festival and will become the new venue for the Sand Up Comedy Festival.
- Red Fish Taco is undergoing renovations with Tracery Interiors and will incorporate TexMex elements to its menu. “Coming from Texas, we hope to fill the niche of TexMex cuisine along 30A,” said Courtney Fields.
Matt Dunn will oversee operations at the newly acquired locations, while Kevin Martindale will continue leading The Dawson Group’s Seaside establishments.
The Dawson Group purchased their Seaside locations from Bill and Heavenly Dawson in 2020 after 32 years of operation. The current acquisition adds three established restaurants to their portfolio.
“Many of these owners are first-generation 30A locals that built and created these establishments when the area was still developing decades ago,” Ashley Beecher said. “It is an honor that they trust The Dawson Group to carry the torch.”
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Tuesday. 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!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Published with ♥ by Get The Coast.
Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here.
124 Eglin Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548