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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
Okaloosa County experiences historic snowfall with accumulations up to 9 inches, leading to extended school closures and suspended services. Icy conditions keep the Brooks Bridge “treacherous” while I-10 closes from Alabama to Tallahassee. Early voting adjusts its schedule, waste collection pauses, and (ironically) “Frozen Jr.” prepares to take the stage.
- SNOWFALL: According to Governor DeSantis yesterday afternoon, not only were single-day and event snowfall records broken for many Florida Panhandle locations, but the state snowfall record was also broken with this system as 10” of snowfall was recorded in Milton. This more than doubles the 4“ state record set in 1954.
WEATHER
Historic winter storm brings 9 inches of snow to parts of Okaloosa
A winter storm brought unprecedented snowfall to Okaloosa County on Tuesday, with measurements showing accumulations ranging from 1.3 to 9 inches across the region.
According to preliminary data released Wednesday by the National Weather Service in Mobile, Crestview received the heaviest snowfall in the county, measuring 9 inches. The Crestview Airport recorded a similar total of 8.8 inches.
Here are the totals from the report:
- Crestview: 9.0 inches
- Baker: 8.5 inches
- Auburn: 8.0 inches
- Postil: 7.8 inches
- Fort Walton Beach: 7.5 inches
- Eglin AFB: 6.0 inches
- Wright: 5.0 inches
- Destin: 2.8 inches
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SCHOOL
Okaloosa County Schools closed Thursday, Friday due to lingering ice
The Okaloosa County School District will remain closed Thursday and Friday as snow and ice continue to make roads hazardous for school buses, officials announced Wednesday.
- Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox reported that snow and ice accumulation won’t melt sufficiently to ensure safe travel conditions, despite expected warmer temperatures Thursday.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented weather event,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said. “The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority.”
Officials expressed concern about freezing temperatures returning Thursday evening into Friday, which could affect Friday morning travel conditions.
- All school extracurricular activities are canceled Thursday. Decisions on Friday and Saturday activities will depend on road conditions and safety. For inquiries about specific events or activities, please get in touch with your school or the designated point of contact.
Schools and district offices will resume operations Monday, January 27.
TRAFFIC
OCSO: Icy Brooks Bridge remains open but ‘treacherous’ in Fort Walton Beach
An Okaloosa County sheriff’s deputy reported Wednesday morning that vehicles were struggling with ice on Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach.
- “Cars are getting stuck. They can’t get up the ice. The cars going down the other side are sliding,” the deputy said. “We recommend that you do not come to the Brooks Bridge unless you have to.”
Okaloosa County is under another Extreme Cold Warning until 9 am Thursday morning. Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox says that Wednesday’s snow and ice on the roadways will result in sheets of ice into Thursday morning.
“Don’t be lulled into a sense of security in seeing the sun doing its job and thinking the roads will be clear when the snow melts,” he said. “It will re-freeze tonight. Be careful. If you don’t have to be on the road, don’t.”
TRAFFIC
FDOT: I-10 closed from Alabama state line to Tallahassee ahead of hard freeze
Interstate 10 is now closed in both directions from the Alabama state line to Exit 192 (U.S. 90) in Gadsden County due to hazardous winter conditions.
- Florida Department of Transportation officials closed the highway at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday, citing dangerous conditions from remaining snow, ice, and water combined with overnight freezing temperatures.
Officials urge drivers to stay off roads and seek alternative routes until further notice, warning that conditions continue to change rapidly.
THINGS TO DO
Mosaic Theatre Company to present “Frozen Jr.” at Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium
As an Winter Storm Enzo moves through the Florida Panhandle, Mosaic Theatre Company is preparing to bring its own version of winter weather indoors with Disney’s “Frozen Jr.”
- The production, featuring a cast and crew of 60 local children ages 6-19, opens Friday, January 24, at 7 p.m. at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium.
The show, based on Disney’s animated film, tells the story of Princess Anna and Queen Elsa through musical performances. The local nonprofit theater company has scheduled multiple performances through February 2, with shows on Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Mosaic Theatre Company, a 501(c)(3) organization, focuses on youth theater education and development of young performers.
- The production features musical numbers and costumes bringing the story of love, bravery, and sisterhood to life on stage.
Tickets are available for purchase online at cur8.com/26215/project/126892.
WEATHER
Waste collection suspended Thursday due to icy roads
WM announced the suspension of Thursday’s waste collection services due to lingering icy road conditions.
- Customers with once-per-week garbage service will have their collection delayed by one day. Residents who receive twice-per-week service will need to wait until their next regularly scheduled pickup day.
The company recommends residents leave their carts at the curb until serviced, noting that recovery efforts may experience delays due to the two-day service suspension.
Regular waste collection schedules will resume next week.
POLITICS
Okaloosa extends early voting closure, adjusts weekend hours due to storm impact
Hazardous road conditions from Winter Storm Enzo have forced the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Office to extend the closure of early voting sites through Thursday, January 23.
Early voting locations will now reopen Friday, January 24, operating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. To compensate for the extended closure, officials have expanded Saturday’s hours. The final day of early voting on January 25 will now run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., instead of the previously announced standard hours.
Updated Early Voting Schedule:
- Thursday, January 23: CLOSED
- Friday, January 24: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, January 25: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
This marks the third consecutive day of closed early voting sites in Okaloosa County due to Winter Storm Enzo, following the initial shutdown on Tuesday and Wednesday.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a warm Thursday. 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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