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Good morning!
I’ve been a bit under the weather this week so I apologize for being behind on the newsletter. The upside to that is we have a packed (9 stories) morning news edition for you! All of these stories can be found on our website too.
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- Two manatees make history as the first residents of Gulfarium’s new rescue habitat, while Z96’s ‘Gilligan’ ends a 28-year radio run. Fort Walton Beach’s Mardi Gras Club marks its golden anniversary, Crestview names its first deputy city manager, and Plew Elementary unveils new facilities.
- Meanwhile, the Brooks Bridge project triggers street closures, and Fort Walton Beach reconsiders both fire services and mooring field plans.
BUSINESS
Longtime Z96 radio personality ‘Gilligan’ signs off after 28-year run
A veteran radio personality who spent nearly three decades entertaining listeners across Florida’s Emerald Coast announced his departure from Z96.
- David “Gilligan” Oregon announced on social media that his final broadcast will air Friday, capping a 28-year career in local radio that saw him become one of the area’s most recognized voices.
“I have always said that if I ever stop loving what I was doing I needed to go. That’s where I am,” Oregon wrote in his farewell message to listeners. “I have been blessed to work on one radio station for my entire radio career and in my hometown!”
Oregon’s radio journey began in 1995 at WMXZ Mix 103.1 under the name David Lee. After a brief stint there, he joined The Radio People on Hollywood Boulevard in 1997, working part-time across several stations including 99 Rock, Country 105, Luv 100 and Z96.
He landed his full-time role as night DJ at Z96 in June 1999, later moving to afternoons in 2000 and mornings in 2008. He has hosted the midday slot since 2016. During Cumulus Media’s acquisition of the station cluster in 2002, Oregon remained a steady presence on the airwaves.
- His impact on the community extended beyond radio. Oregon briefly served as the voice of the Choctawhatchee High School Style Marchers and, alongside his wife Christina, ran a mobile DJ service that participated in community events like Relay for Life.
The two-time Best of the Emerald Coast Radio Personality winner (2020, 2021) noted that broadcasting wasn’t his initial career path. “I wanted to teach music,” he said, crediting jobs at The Track and Hardee’s for helping him discover his “gift of gab” that led to radio.
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LOCAL LOVE
Fort Walton Beach Mardi Gras Club marks 50 years of spirited celebration
What started with a group of 15 women, some with husbands involved in the local Krewe of Bowlegs organization, has evolved into one of Fort Walton Beach’s most vibrant social organizations, as the Mardi Gras Club celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
- “The club traces its roots to Jewel Howard, who brought her experience from Tuscaloosa’s Mardi Gras krewes to Fort Walton Beach,” said Pam Woodall, current Queen of the Mardi Gras Club. “Howard was elected as our first president – a position now known as Queen – and helped grow initial membership to 45 women within months of the first membership coffee.”
In their search for the inaugural ball venue, club founders met with an Eglin Air Force Base colonel about using the Officers Club. When asked about their organization’s purpose, they simply stated they partied and had a good time.
The colonel’s response – “So you have no social redeeming values?” – became an unexpected source of pride. After relocating the event to the Ramada Inn on Okaloosa Island, the club embraced the colonel’s criticism, adopting “NSRV” as their motto, which members still display proudly in rhinestones today.
- To commemorate their golden anniversary, the club will return to the original venue, now known as The Island Resort.
“While our motto may be NSRV, we’ve created something much more meaningful over these 50 years,” Woodall said. “We’re a sisterhood that supports each other through life’s joys and challenges. These women aren’t just club members – they’re lifelong friends.”
Today’s organization maintains a selective membership of 90 active participants, with special designations for past Queens and long-term members. The waiting list for new members stretches three to four years, with all candidates requiring sponsorship from current members.
“Our performances have evolved beyond the early days of simple skits,” Woodall said. “Members now perform 10 choreographed dance numbers in custom-made costumes designed by the Queen and crafted by a local seamstress. Our float, which changes annually to match the Queen’s theme, has won multiple first-place awards in community parades.”
- The organization spans three generations, with members ranging from 21 to 91 years old, including grandmothers, mothers, and daughters sharing membership. “We put our crazy on display, have a great time and bring a bit of fun to all that participate and support us,” Woodall said.
The public can see the Mardi Gras Club in action during Fort Walton Beach’s annual Mardi Gras Parade and Downtown Throwdown on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The free event begins at 1 p.m., featuring a parade through downtown and live music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe.
SCHOOL
Plew Elementary School unveils new cafetorium, bus ramp & picnic area in Niceville
Plew Elementary School marked a new chapter in its history with the opening of a new cafetorium building Thursday morning, giving students their first-ever stage and a space large enough to accommodate the entire school population.
- The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 220 Pine Avenue began at 9 a.m., showcasing improvements funded by the voter-approved Half-Cent Sales Tax, including a new music classroom with state-of-the-art technology and a covered bus ramp.
“We can now meet together with our entire school in this beautiful cafetorium. We couldn’t all fit in our previous cafeteria,” said Assistant Principal Heather Phillips. “This is our very first stage and I do love a stage!”
The facility features the school’s first trophy case and a kitchen that Phillips described as “the biggest we’ve ever seen at a school.” The improvements also include bulletin boards throughout the building and a covered bus ramp for student safety during inclement weather.
Phillips emphasized the building’s role in the school community, noting upcoming events including PLA Bingo and STEM night. The class of 2025 will be the first to hold their graduation ceremony in the new space.
- School Board Member Brett Hinely supported the project by funding a picnic area for the school.
The ceremony included performances by the Plew Violin Club and remarks from Principal Tammy Matz and Superintendent Marcus Chambers, followed by refreshments and tours of the new facility.
“Thank you to everyone involved in making this project a reality,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “We are thrilled to see our schools grow and improve for the benefit of our students and staff. A special thank you to the voters of Okaloosa County for approving the Half-Cent Sales Tax, which made this project possible.”
Built in 1968, Plew Elementary School has served the Niceville community for 57 years. Construction partners Jacobs Titan and Lord and Sons managed the project’s details.
TRAFFIC
Brooks Bridge project brings temporary closure to section of Brooks Street in Fort Walton Beach
A portion of Brooks Street beneath Brooks Bridge will close for two days next week as part of ongoing construction work.
- The closure will be in effect Wednesday, Feb. 5, and Thursday, Feb. 6, to allow crews to perform drainage work and reconstruct that section of the street.
During the closure, Brooks Street and Florida Blanca Place SE will operate as two-way streets. Drivers will follow a detour route using Florida Blanca Place SE, First Street, and Perry Avenue. Officials will place signs to guide motorists through the detour path.
The work ensures access to nearby properties and businesses will remain open throughout the closure period. Once crews complete the drainage work, Brooks Street will return to its current one-way traffic pattern.
This closure is part of the broader $171 million Brooks Bridge Replacement Project. The project involves building two new parallel bridges that will expand capacity from four lanes to six. The original bridge opened in 1966.
- Construction teams expect to complete the entire project by summer 2027, though weather conditions could affect the timeline.
ART+CULTURE
Artist’s train-themed painted heron lands at Wilson Street Park in Crestview
A hand-painted, 5-foot-tall fiberglass heron will make its home at Wilson Street Park as part of the Emerald Coast Heron Project, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Feb. 4.
- The “Train Conductor” heron, one of the unique designs created by local artist Sharon LaPine, will be displayed at the park located at 375 N Wilson St., across from the Brackin Building Okaloosa County offices.
The piece is part of a larger initiative featuring pre-fabricated fiberglass herons painted with one-of-a-kind designs by Okaloosa County artists.
Okaloosa Public Arts (OPA) presented the piece to the City of Crestview. The painted heron complements the park’s existing train-themed playground.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. at Wilson Street Park.
Residents interested in learning more about the Emerald Coast Heron Project can visit the Okaloosa Public Arts’ website at okaloosapublicarts.org/emerald-coast-herons.
ICYMI
News you might have missed
- The City of Crestview appointed Administrative Director Jessica Leavins as its first deputy city manager, bringing experience in human resources and management to the role. Read Full Story
- The Fort Walton Beach City Council changed course Tuesday night on its long-running effort to study potential fire service consolidation after learning their preferred consulting firm withdrew its bid that could have cost up to $130,000. Read Full Story
- The Fort Walton Beach City Council unanimously rejected further exploration of a proposed mooring field project after residents raised concerns about environmental impact, safety, and cost. Read Full Story
NEWS
Lil Joe, Inigo arrive at Gulfarium’s new manatee rescue habitat
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park welcomed two rescued manatees to its newly renovated facility on January 29, establishing the first manatee rehabilitation center in the Florida Panhandle.
- The facility converted its 300,000-gallon dolphin habitat into Manatee Cove, featuring enhanced life support systems, a medical area, and specialized resting ledges for the manatees.
Lil Joe and Inigo, who previously resided at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Disney, are the first residents of the new facility.
“The Gulfarium is honored to welcome Lil Joe and Inigo, two extraordinary manatees who will help illuminate the urgent conservation needs of their species,” said Patrick Berry, CEO of the Gulfarium.
The project began in 2022 when Berry first discussed creating a manatee care facility with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The new facility joins the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), working alongside the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- By providing long-term care for rescued manatees, the Gulfarium aims to reduce pressure on central Florida’s critical-care facilities. The organization plans to expand its services to provide critical care for manatees in the northern Gulf Coast region.
The facility includes a new education area where visitors can attend daily educational programs about manatee conservation. The manatees can be viewed as part of general admission to the Gulfarium.
The Gulfarium maintains accreditation from the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums and the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association.
“Our vision has always been to create a caring environment where manatees can continue their healing journeys while inspiring our guests to connect more deeply with marine life,” added Berry. “By taking on the long-term care of these animals, we enable facilities in central Florida and elsewhere to devote critical resources to those manatees in acute need. We’re proud to stand with our partners in the MRP to protect these vulnerable creatures.”
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Friday. 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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