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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- Destin approves a $1.2 million investment to resurface 11 city streets, while Morgan Sports Center prepares for new LED lighting upgrades. The Fort Walton Beach Chamber celebrates community excellence at its annual breakfast, police welcome their first wellness K-9 named Milo, and Niceville secures nearly $400,000 for emergency facilities design.
MILITARY
Eglin: No injuries after F-16 drops fuel tank in Niceville residential area, under investigation
An F-16 fighter jet from Eglin Air Force Base’s 96th Test Wing dropped a 300-gallon fuel tank Tuesday morning in a Niceville residential area.
- The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on January 7 near the intersection of Nathey Avenue and Monette Street. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and initial assessments showed no property damage, according to Eglin officials.
Base authorities are conducting cleanup operations and coordinating the safe removal of the fuel tank. As part of their investigation, officials plan to use a small drone Wednesday to survey the impact zone.
The Air Force has not released additional details about what caused the tank to separate from the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
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BUSINESS
FWB Chamber installs new leadership, honors community excellence at annual breakfast
The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce welcomed its 2025 leadership and celebrated community achievements at its Annual Installation and Awards Breakfast on Jan. 3.
- Gordon King stepped into the role of 2025 Chairman of the Board, following Stephen Perkins of Warren Averett, who served as the 2024 chairman.
King emphasized Okaloosa Gas’s long-standing commitment to Northwest Florida and noted he is only the second chair from his company to lead the board since Fred Pryor in 1984.
“Okaloosa Gas believes the vitality of our business depends on the health and well-being of our communities where we live and work,” King said. “My goal will be to do all we can to promote the quality of life in Okaloosa County.”
The chamber presented its annual awards to several local businesses and individuals.
- FASTSIGNS: Small Business of the Year.
- Florida Power & Light: Corporate Business of the Year.
- Kari Painter of Quality Roofing Solutions was named Jim Glenn Ambassador of the Year
- Holly Karr of Creative Web Solutions received the Mert Wagner Volunteer of the Year Award.
Eight community leaders received Teddy Awards for their contributions:
- Dayna Stinebiser, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Marrissa Lowe, Warren Averett
- Johnny C. Alexander, ACE50 Media
- Jerry Williams, Eglin Federal Credit Union (Retired)
- Maureen Bierman, Step One Automotive Group
- Brandon Bishop, Cross Environmental Services
- Mel Ponder, Northwest Florida State College
- Nathan Boyles, Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners
Chamber President Ted Corcoran outlined the organization’s achievements from 2024 and shared plans focused on partnership, advocacy, and service within Okaloosa County for the coming year.
In his farewell address, outgoing Chairman Perkins reflected on the chamber’s program growth and thanked staff, board members, and his family for their support throughout his tenure.
PARKS+REC
New LED lighting coming to Morgan Sports Center fields, parking areas
The Destin City Council voted unanimously Monday to modernize lighting at Morgan Sports Center, awarding an $847,239 contract to M. Gay Constructors for comprehensive upgrades scheduled for completion by April 30, 2025.
- The project, part of the city’s recreational asset renewal program, will replace existing lighting with new LED systems across six baseball fields, three soccer fields and two parking areas. An additional $127,950 control system installation is also under consideration.
“The new LED lighting system will provide benefits with increased safety and energy efficiency,” Parks & Recreation Director Lisa Firth said in the project proposal.
The council’s approval came after a contractual reset when the initially selected company, Techline Sports Lighting, withdrew its proposal upon discovery it lacked required state general contractor licensing.
- “This is a situation we’re not proud to present to you because we didn’t do a good job,” City Manager Larry Jones told the council, explaining that staff is implementing new verification procedures for future bid processes.
M. Gay Constructors, which scored second-highest among seven bidders, was the only company verified to hold both required state general contractor and electrical licenses.
The project’s $975,189 total potential cost, including optional controls, falls well within the city’s $1.38 million budget allocation for the sports complex lighting improvements in fiscal year 2025.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Meet Milo: Fort Walton Beach police welcomes first wellness K-9 to support trauma victims
The Fort Walton Beach Police Department has added a new member to its ranks: Milo, a 2-month-old labradoodle who will serve as the department’s first Community Wellness K-9.
- Donated by Sunrise Australian Labradoodles, Milo will provide comfort to witnesses and victims involved in traumatic events after scenes are secured. The breed was selected for its intelligence, hypoallergenic coat, and gentle temperament.
“Mental health is a vital but often overlooked topic,” said Chief Robert Bage. “By introducing K-9 Milo, we are taking another step toward prioritizing the well-being of our community, our officers, and our staff.”
Community Wellness K-9s have been shown to enhance moods, lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and foster feelings of support and confidence. They also help improve communication skills and reduce stigma around seeking mental health support, according to the police department.
The program received support from several local businesses. Pet Supermarket provided dog crates, while Noah’s Barks and Purrs will handle Milo’s grooming needs. BTS K-9 Dog Training donated training services, and Tractor Supply Co. contributed items including dog beds, toys, bowls, and food.
For more information about the Community Wellness K-9 program, contact Sgt. Wohlin at (850)-833-9546 or mwohlin@fwbpd.com.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Niceville receives $397K state grant for emergency facilities design in Deer Moss Creek®
The city of Niceville will receive $396,800 in state funding to design two new emergency facilities that will serve both the community and nearby military installations.
- The grant, announced by FloridaCommerce on Monday, will support architectural and engineering plans for a Category 5-rated Range Fire Station and a Fire Rescue Emergency Equipment Storage Facility. The proposed facilities will be located in the Deer Moss Creek® neighborhood.
Plans for the main fire station include three truck bays, eight bunk rooms for firefighters, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a fitness room, and a dining area with kitchen. The facility will also feature a day room for on-duty personnel.
The funding comes through Florida’s Defense Infrastructure Grant Program, which supports projects that enhance the military value of installations throughout the state.
“Governor DeSantis’ focus on military infrastructure continues to secure Florida’s position as the most military friendly state in the nation,” Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said.
- The Niceville grant is part of a larger $7 million funding package awarded to military communities across Florida. Since 2019, the state has invested more than $21.2 million in such grants.
Other Northwest Florida recipients include Escambia County, which received $495,000 for property acquisition near Naval Air Station Pensacola and Corry Station, and Santa Rosa County, which was awarded $500,000 for security improvements at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.
TRAFFIC
Destin approves $1.2M project to resurface 11 city streets
- John Ave (Crystal Beach to Dolphin) – $107,787.50
- Pompano Street (All) – $101,407.50
- 1st Avenue (All) – $127,617.50
- 2nd Avenue (All) – $134,077.50
- 2nd Street (All) – $69,192.50
- 3rd Avenue (All) – $164,042.50
- 3rd Street (All) – $56,277.50
- 4th Street (All) – $155,432.50
- 5th Street (All) – $131,465.00
- Mimosa Ave (All) – $67,317.50
- Bayview Street (All) – $75,420.00
“These were budgeted in accordance with the Renewal and Replacement Resolution that we passed last summer,” Finance Director Krystal Strickland told the council. The funding comes from Okaloosa half-penny money, gas tax revenue, and general fund allocations.
Two of the streets – John Avenue and Pompano Street – will receive additional striping work totaling $15,656. The project is part of the city’s broader $3.5 million FY25 allocation to address streets that have gone more than 20 years without resurfacing.
The council unanimously approved the measure after brief discussion about funding sources. The approved work is expected to improve driving conditions and enhance both daytime and nighttime lane visibility.
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