SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
The Emerald Coast Science Center opens its new ‘Galaxy Gateway’ planetarium building, while Crestview’s Edward Mitchell receives recognition for community service. The All Sports Association prepares to honor local athletes and coaches, Fort Walton Beach hosts a candidate forum, and Hurlburt Field alerts residents about explosive demolition training. Meanwhile, ERA American Real Estate announces new leadership.
- HURLBURT FIELD: Hurlburt Field will be conducting explosive demolition training between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., Feb. 6. During the training, nearby residents may hear loud noise or feel the vibrations associated with the demolition charge detonations that are planned to occur periodically throughout the day. Base officials advise if the humidity is high or if there is cloud coverage, the effects can seem louder and closer than on clear days.
- EGLIN AFB: Residents may experience aircraft noise Feb. 10 – 13, when the 60th Fighter Squadron conducts night flying operations in the area. Fighter aircraft will conduct missions between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Night flying is required for training operations.
POLITICS
Candidate Forum tonight for upcoming Fort Walton Beach City Council election
Seven candidates vying for 3 seats on the Fort Walton Beach City Council will participate in a public forum featuring a meet-and-greet session followed by a question-and-answer period.
- Travis Smith (incumbent)
- Brandon Bishop
- Logan Browning
- Debi “Debra” Riley
- Benjamin Merrell
- Jason Harwell
In a separate race, Councilman David Schmidt ran unopposed for the two-year seat previously held by former councilman Larry Patrick, who resigned in August 2023. Councilman John Mead currently holds the seat, having served since September 2023.
Additionally, Councilman Nic Allegretto will become the next mayor of Fort Walton Beach after running unopposed in the qualifying period that ended on January 3 at noon.
- The event is jointly hosted by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and Beach Weekend.
Residents unable to attend in person can watch the forum via live stream at EmeraldCoastTV.com, where the recording will also be available for viewing after the event.
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.
BUSINESS
ERA American Real Estate names Keith Wood to new business development position
Keith Wood’s journey in Northwest Florida real estate began as an 18-year-old high school student, managing properties for his first mentor, Diane Keller.
- Now, after 24 years in the industry and two decades with ERA American Real Estate, Wood is stepping into a newly created role as Vice President, Head of Business Development.
The position marks an evolution in Wood’s leadership at ERA American, where he previously served as VP of Property Management & Commercial. Under his guidance, the company’s property management portfolio grew from 600 to 1,500 units, with Wood focusing particularly on helping homeowners explore rental options during market downturns.
His path to ERA American came through an unexpected meeting with company founder Gloria Frazier during the challenging hurricane season of 2004. What started as a conversation about market trends during a neighborhood power outage led to a 20-year partnership that Wood describes as transcending business – “Gloria has become family. I consider her a mom,” he says.
In his expanded role, Wood will focus on driving growth through managed properties expansion, identifying merger and acquisition opportunities, and developing strategic partnerships.
- The timing aligns with his recent tenure as President of the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®, where he led 5,500 agents through significant industry changes.
A Northwest Florida native and Choctawhatchee High School graduate, Wood brings deep local market knowledge to his new position. He credits his wife, Nikki Segraves Wood, herself a successful real estate professional, for helping maintain his drive and work-life balance.
Looking ahead, Wood sees stability in both sales and rental markets, with particular growth potential in the rental sector. “I think it’s going to continue to grow,” he says, noting that many property owners are discovering the benefits of long-term real estate investment.
GIVING BACK
Crestview’s Edward Mitchell receives Charlie Hill Community Service Award
Edward Mitchell, Crestview’s 2024 Citizen of the Year, received the Charlie Hill Community Service Award on Jan. 16 at the 39th Annual MLK Observance in Fort Walton Beach.
- The award honors individuals in Okaloosa County who carry forward the legacy of Dr. Charlie Hill through community service.
Hill was an African American educator, basketball coach, civic activist, and real estate investor who became the first Black person to hold political office in Fort Walton Beach. He served the Okaloosa County School District as a teacher, principal, and attendance coordinator.
Mitchell earned recognition for his work with the Mobile Optometry program and Remote Area Medical program. He also leads the local Lions Club and helped establish “Dinner with Dad” at the Church of the Nazarene.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2025 Celebration Committee presented the award.
SPORTS
All Sports Association to honor athletes, coaches at annual awards event
The All Sports Association will celebrate athletic excellence across Northwest Florida at its annual awards ceremony on February 21, 2025, at Northwest Florida State College.
- Former University of Florida and Ohio State University head coach Urban Meyer will serve as keynote speaker for the event, which recognizes outstanding achievements at every level of competition.
Penn State University’s Nick Dawkins will receive the prestigious Wuerffel Trophy. The collegiate ranks will be represented by South Alabama Jaguars football player Jaden Voisin and Kennesaw State University pole vaulter Lilly Chouinard as male and female winners respectively.
Niceville High School students Maxwell Diehl and Sophie Broutin will be honored as male and female scholastic winners, while Paxton High School’s Emery Hagan will receive the Taylor Haugen Award.
Professional baseball player Rece Hinds of the Cincinnati Reds and amateur sailor Cam Farrah highlight the professional and amateur categories. Michael Embry will be recognized with the Special Olympics Award, while Tony Anderson from Fort Walton Beach High School will be honored as Assistant Coach of the Year.
The evening includes a VIP reception at 4:00 p.m. followed by a banquet at 5:30 p.m. For more information about the All Sports Association and the awards ceremony, visit allsportsassociation.org.
THINGS TO DO
Emerald Coast Science Center opens new ‘Galaxy Gateway’ planetarium building
The Emerald Coast Science Center unveiled its new planetarium building Thursday, bringing advanced space exploration technology to the local community.
- Former NASA astronaut Don Thomas attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “Galaxy Gateway” facility, where attendees viewed constellations inside the new planetarium.
The project was funded through support from Impact100 of Northwest Florida and the NDIA Gulf Coast Chapter, with Florida Power & Light sponsoring the planetarium operations.
“We are excited to offer more planetarium programming than ever before, including new shows and expanded opportunities for field trips and museum patrons,” said Kate Fox, the Science Center’s Development Coordinator. “Our enhanced offerings aim to inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of space among guests of all ages.”
- Located at 31 Memorial Pkwy SW, the new facility will provide visitors with immersive experiences to explore the universe through visual technology and educational programming.
The event included guided tours of the new facility and refreshments for attendees.
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