PARKS+REC

Progress being made on $3 million waterfront park next to Shalimar Bridge

Following a successful community cleanup, Okaloosa County Facilities and Parks Maintenance crews continued the progress of the future waterfront park at the foot of the Shalimar Bridge on Thursday.

• Crews began clearing out vegetation, additional trash, along with some of the old concrete slabs on the property.

The approximately three-quarter acre property has been an eyesore for years, attracting trash, homeless individuals, and illicit activities due to its vacant, unkempt state.

The new park could provide parking, bathrooms, a fishing pier, elevated observation platform, temporary boat slips, picnic pavilions, a small store/bait shop, and other amenities accessible by land and water.

This is just the first of many steps toward making the waterfront park a reality. According to the county, as the preparation continues, the property will be fenced off as construction begins.

Click here to read the original story on this new park

MILITARY

Eglin night flying operations

Residents may experience aircraft noise on Feb. 12 – 14, when the 58th Fighter Squadron conducts night flying operations in the area.

F-35 fighter aircraft will conduct missions between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Night flying is required for 58th FS training operations.

For more information, please contact the Team Eglin public affairs office at 882-3931

A MESSAGE FROM STEP ONE

Step One Automotive Group announces exciting community events  

Step One Automotive Group has announced a series of community-centric events scheduled for early 2024. These events reflect Step One’s commitment to engaging with and giving back to the local community.

Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade (February 10, 2024)

Step One Automotive Group is proud to present the 2024 Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade, set to take place on February 10, 2024, at 2:00 PM in downtown Pensacola. The event promises to be a dazzling spectacle featuring a procession of the latest vehicles and the distribution of over 10,000 Mardi Gras beads and gifts.

Navarre Beach Chamber of Commerce Changes In Latitude Grand Gala Weekend (February 16-17, 2024)

Step One is thrilled to be the Sand Pit Sponsor for the “Changes in Latitude” Grand Gala Weekend, hosted by the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. This event celebrates the successes and future vision of the business community, including an Annual Awards & Installation Breakfast and a Saturday beach party.

Volkswagen Fort Walton Beach Blood Drive (February 17, 2024)

Join Volkswagen Fort Walton Beach for a blood drive in collaboration with One Blood and the Big Red Bus. This life-saving event is scheduled for February 17, 2024, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Donors will receive a $20 E-gift card and a stylish long sleeve shirt.

Subaru Fort Walton Beach Pet Adoption with PAWS (February 17, 2024)

Subaru Fort Walton Beach partners with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society for a pet adoption event. Join us on February 17, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM, to meet and adopt dogs and cats in need of loving homes.

All Sports Awards Banquet (February 22-23, 2024)

Step One Automotive Group sponsors the 55th Annual All Sports Awards Banquet, a celebration of youth athletics featuring speaker Warrick Dunn. The event honors outstanding athletes and contributors to sports in the region.

Driving Opportunity Launch (March 1, 2024)

Step One Automotive Group, in partnership with the United Way, will announce the winner of the 2023 Driving Opportunity vehicle giveaway on March 1, 2024, via Facebook Live. This initiative provides a family in need with a vehicle to improve their mobility and opportunities.

Subaru Fort Walton Beach Pet Adoption with Saving with Soul (March 2, 2024)

Another heartwarming pet adoption event takes place at Subaru Fort Walton Beach, this time in partnership with Saving with Soul. Scheduled for March 2, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the event offers a chance to adopt dogs and cats.

Florida Power and Light Economic Symposium (March 5-6, 2024)

Step One Automotive Group is the EV Sponsor for this impactful symposium, focusing on economic development and sustainable energy solutions.

Trailblazer Awards (March 6, 2024)

Step One Automotive Group and Cadillac Pensacola present the 8th Annual Trailblazer Awards, celebrating community leaders and achievers. The event is scheduled for March 6, 2024, at the Bayview Community Center.

Pensacola Opera Voices for Change Program (March 13, 2024)

Alfa Romeo Maserati Pensacola sponsors 4 young women in the Pensacola Opera’s Voices For Change program, offering them a VIP opera experience on March 13, 2024.

One Blood and the Big Red Bus at Step One Automotive Group Headquarters (March 15, 2024)

Step One hosts a blood drive with One Blood and the Big Red Bus at its headquarters on March 15, 2024. Details are forthcoming.

Jeep Jackpot Party at Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat Fort Walton Beach (March 23, 2024)

Join Step One for the Jeep Jackpot Party on March 23, 2024, from 9 AM to 1 PM. More details will be shared closer to the event date.

TRAFFIC

Okaloosa and Walton Counties Traffic Advisory

Okaloosa County:

• Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may experience traffic disruptions Sunday, Feb. 4 through Thursday, Feb. 8, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility work and construction activities in the following locations:
  • U.S. 98 east and westbound alternating and intermittent lane closures between Ferry Road and Pier Road.
  • Santa Rosa Boulevard east and westbound alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.

• Mid-Bay Bridge Rehabilitation Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent southbound lane closures on the Mid-Bay Bridge, Sunday, Feb. 4 through Thursday, Feb. 8, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. for construction activities.

• Mary Esther Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 393) Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to Beal Parkway (S.R. 189) – Drivers may encounter intermittent north and southbound lane closures on Mary Esther Boulevard for paving operations, median construction, and to lower manholes at the following locations and times:
  • Sunday, Feb. 4 through Thursday, Feb. 8, from U.S. 98 to Hollywood Boulevard, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 4 through Saturday, Feb. 10, from Hollywood Boulevard to Beal Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

• S.R. 85 Resurfacing from north of Commerce Drive to Bill Lundy Road – Drivers may experience intermittent north and southbound S.R. 85 single-lane closures for milling and paving operations. Lane closures may occur:
  • Between Airport Road and Butler Road, Monday, Feb. 5 through Friday, Feb. 9 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Between Commerce Drive and Butler Road, Sunday, Feb. 4 through Thursday, Feb. 8, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
  • Between Butler Road and Bill Lundy Road, Sunday, Feb. 4 through Saturday, Feb. 10 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• S.R. 285 Resurfacing from S.R. 20 to S.R. 293 – Drivers may experience intermittent S.R. 285 north and southbound lane closures, between John Sims Parkway (S.R. 20) and S.R. 293, Sunday, Feb. 4 through Thursday, Feb. 8, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, Sunday, Feb. 4 through Thursday, Feb. 8, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations.

• S.R. 189 Intersection Improvements at Lewis Street and Pelham Road -Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures near the following intersections, Sunday, Feb. 4 through Saturday, Feb. 10, between 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., for signalization work:
  • S.R. 189 at Lewis Street
  • S.R. 189 at Pelham Road

• U.S. 98 Routine Utility Maintenance West of East Casa Loma in Mary Esther – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Feb. 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.

• S.R. 397 Routine Utility Maintenance from Edge Avenue to North Bayshore Drive in Niceville – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Thursday, Feb. 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Widening from Mack Bayou Road to County Road (C.R.) 30A – Drivers may encounter intermittent, alternating U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, between Mack Bayou Road and C.R. 30A, Sunday, Feb. 4 through Thursday, Feb. 8, from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations.

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 331 to Peach Creek – Drivers may encounter nighttime intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, Sunday, Feb. 4 through Thursday, Feb. 8, from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.

• Western Lake Bridge Replacement – This week, drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts:
  • Intermittent C.R. 30A east and westbound single-lane closures over Western Lake Bridge from Sunday, Feb. 4 through Thursday, Feb. 8, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for striping operations and barrier wall installation. In this configuration, east and westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane with temporary signals directing traffic through the work zone.
  • The C.R. 30A east and westbound travel lanes across Western Lake Bridge will be shifted north the week of Sunday, Feb. 4. The new configuration will have reduced lane widths and is expected to be in place for several months as crews construct the southern portion of the new bridge.

• U.S. 331 Turn Lane Operations at C.R. 282 (Segrest Road) – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures Monday, Feb. 4 through Friday, Feb. 9 from turn lane operations.

THINGS TO DO

5th annual Shrimp & Grits Festival returns to Destin on Feb. 24

The 5th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast will return to Destin on Saturday, Feb. 24.

• The popular event features shrimp and grits dishes from local restaurants and chefs competing for best on the Emerald Coast. It will be held from 12-4 p.m. at Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, located at 210 Harbor Blvd. on the Destin Harbor.

In addition to food, the festival will offer alcoholic drinks, live music from a DJ and a VIP lounge. General admission is $65 and includes unlimited food samples and drink tickets.

• Limited $100 VIP tickets feature early 11 a.m. admission, access to the VIP lounge with a private bar, free drinks and food, a T-shirt and swag bag.

People under 21 or those wanting just food can buy $40 tickets for unlimited samples.

The competition serves as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. The nonprofit has clubs in Pensacola, Crestview, South Walton, DeFuniak Springs, Destin and Fort Walton Beach serving local children.

Those interested in sponsoring, competing or buying tickets can visit Eventbrite.com. Tickets bought by Feb. 10 will be cheaper, as prices increase closer to the event.

The event will go on rain or shine. All ticket sales are final.

Click here to grab your tickets today!