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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- Destin’s waterfront transformation takes shape with timelines set for both Joe’s Bayou and Norriego Point projects, while HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital welcomes a new CEO. The SS United States faces additional delays in Philadelphia, Fort Walton Beach High names its new football coach, and Cinco Christian School creates a royal experience for its youngest students.
COASTAL RESOURCES
SS United States Philadelphia departure delayed due to Coast Guard requirements
Okaloosa County officials announced today that the planned relocation of the SS United States from Philadelphia has been delayed due to additional requirements from the U.S. Coast Guard.
- The delay affects both the ship’s planned pier transition and its subsequent departure from Philadelphia, which was originally scheduled for February 8. Officials have not announced a new departure date.
The Coast Guard has requested follow-up details to ensure a proper tow between Philadelphia’s Pier 82 and Pier 80, according to county officials.
Despite the setback, Okaloosa County confirmed its commitment to the project, which aims to create the world’s largest artificial reef. The county continues to work with the SS United States Conservancy on plans for a land-based museum to preserve the vessel’s history.
The 990-foot former ocean liner has been docked in Philadelphia since 1996. When deployed as an artificial reef, it will surpass the 888-foot USS Oriskany off Pensacola as the world’s largest.
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PARKS+REC
Joe’s Bayou project timeline unveiled, construction expected to start September
The Joe’s Bayou/Mattie Kelly Improvement Project is moving forward with construction expected to begin in September 2025, according to a timeline presented at Monday’s Destin City Council meeting.
- Public Information Director Tamara Young delivered an update from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) outlining the project‘s progress and upcoming milestones.
Funded through the NRDA Final Restoration Plan RP-1, the $12.2 million project will transform the waterfront site with improved boat ramp access, expanded parking areas, enhanced nature trails, and new recreational facilities. Plans include a new boat trailer parking lot, mooring dock, restrooms, picnic pavilions, and improved fishing pier.
The project has completed several key phases including field investigations, public outreach, and conceptual design work. The DEP permit has been secured, though the project still awaits approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE).
- According to the timeline, once the COE permit is received, likely in February or March, the project will advance to 90% design completion. The plans will then be submitted to the city’s Development Department for a Development Order.
Construction bidding is scheduled for May through July 2025, with substantial completion anticipated by February 2027. The total construction period is estimated at 18 months.
Young noted that several factors could affect this schedule, including the timing of the COE permit, feedback from the Parks and Recreation committee and City Council, Development Order conditions, and bid amounts staying within budget constraints.
PARKS+REC
Destin’s Norriego Point project update reveals summer completion timeline
Construction at Norriego Point continues with shoreline stabilization, boardwalk pilings, and dune crossovers nearing various stages of completion, according to a Department of Environmental Protection project update shared at Monday’s Destin City Council meeting.
- Public Information Director Tamara Young reported that shoreline stabilization work at the harbor entrance, including site grading and placement mats, is 90% complete and scheduled for completion this week.
The project’s boardwalk infrastructure is taking shape, with 50% of pilings now installed, including all piles for the terminal curve at the north end. Dune crossover pilings are 80% complete, while all pilings for the restroom and pavilion have been installed.
Young noted that framing on the boardwalk terminal curve has reached 60% completion, and work on the northernmost dune crossover, number 3, is 20% complete.
The next 30 days will see several major components move forward. Construction of the restroom facility will begin, with completion targeted for mid-May. The remaining boardwalk pilings are scheduled for completion by mid-February.
- Framing and decking work for all three dune crossovers is set to begin, with completion expected by mid-March. The harbor boardwalk framing and decking will follow, scheduled for completion in mid-April.
Staff and council members will review color boards for the interior and exterior of the restroom, as well as pavilion and restroom roofing options, for final approval.
The project is on track for substantial completion in late May, with final completion expected by late June 2025.
BUSINESS
New CEO takes helm at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital
HCA Florida Healthcare has appointed Kenneth ‘KC’ Donahey as chief executive officer of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, effective Feb. 1, bringing leadership experience from building a hospital from the ground up to a facility marking over 50 years of community service.
- “I’m inspired by people who are passionate about taking care of people,” Donahey said. “We have the privilege of taking care of and being there for our patients during some of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Donahey most recently served as the inaugural CEO of Oviedo Medical Center near Orlando, where he oversaw the hospital’s construction from an empty lot in 2015. His role began with extensive community engagement, including establishing partnerships with local business leaders, healthcare providers and government officials.
- “It was a lot of homework initially on just what that community needed,” Donahey said. “They had been asking for a hospital for a long time. A lot of interviews, dinners with doctors, community members, the mayor – and establishing the first hospital board was important.”
Under his leadership, Oviedo Medical Center developed six robotic surgery programs, achieved Leapfrog A ratings and a 4-star CMS rating. The facility recently completed an $80 million expansion doubling operating room capacity and adding new emergency services.
The return to Northwest Florida fulfills a long-held goal for Donahey, who previously served as chief operating officer at HCA Florida West Hospital in Pensacola. “Ever since my family came to Pensacola, the Panhandle has been like the perfect mix of Southern hospitality but also the better weather and beautiful beaches,” Donahey said.
At Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Donahey plans to focus on expanding graduate medical education programs to address physician workforce challenges. The hospital currently offers internal medicine residencies and partners with local educational institutions.
“Healthcare’s biggest issues include physician recruitment,” Donahey said. “Not as many people are going into these careers, so HCA has focused on teaching and developing our own staff.”
SPORTS
Fort Walton Beach High School names Josh Pulliam as new head football coach
Fort Walton Beach High School announced Pulliam as its new head football coach during a team meeting at Steve Riggs Stadium.
- Since 2018, he has served as the school’s head weightlifting coach (boys and girls) and assistant football coach, building strong connections with students and staff.
“I am fully confident that Coach Josh Pulliam is the man for the job,” Principal Lindsey Smith said. “His unwavering enthusiasm, commitment, and strong relationships with our Vikings will serve him well as he leads the ship. Coach Pulliam’s extensive knowledge in the weight room and diverse coaching experiences have prepared him for this moment.”
For Pulliam, the position represents an opportunity to deepen his impact at a school that has become home. “It’s one of the best places I’ve ever been,” he said. “The kids are so nice. I know that sounds silly, but I tell people that all the time. The kids here are great, and I just love working with them and being in this area.”
Athletic Director Holly McDaniel highlighted Pulliam’s strong connection with student-athletes. “Coach Pulliam has always made it a priority to connect with his athletes on a personal level,” McDaniel said. “He is passionate about this community and understands the power of building strong relationships. He will create an environment where trust and respect fuel hard work, discipline, and success.”
Pulliam’s path to the Vikings’ top job carries an interesting twist – he graduated from crosstown rival Choctawhatchee High School in 2003 and later coached there before joining Fort Walton Beach.
- “When I first moved over, all of my coaching buddies and my former teammates probably never thought they would see it happen,” he said laughing. “But it’s pretty cool. I’m honored to even be able to say that I could be a coach at either one of these schools. I’m thankful and proud to be a Viking.”
Looking ahead, Pulliam emphasizes character development as his primary focus. “It’s about establishing the culture of what we want at Fort Walton Beach High School,” he said. “Understanding the importance of how awesome it is just to be a really good high school athlete and showing up every day representing yourself, your name, your school, and your coaches.”
“That’s the ultimate goal…to help create great young men to move on into this world,” Pulliam said. “It’s about passing on the program better than it was handed to them. It’s the little things, even if they’re in the weight room, they’re holding each other accountable because they know that they need each other.”
Smith expressed confidence in the program’s future under Pulliam’s leadership. “There isn’t a more loyal Viking, and I am excited to see what this transition has in store for our student athletes, families, and community.”
SCHOOL
Cinco Christian School turns VPK students into princes and princesses for a day
Cinco Christian School held its fourth annual Royal Valentine Ball on Tuesday, continuing a cherished tradition for its VPK students and their families.
- The event transformed the Kidd Street Center into a royal ballroom where 42 VPK students, ages four and five, arrived in style via limousine before being formally introduced by the DJ.
“Their smiles, they always say this is the best day ever,” said Debbie Palmer, who has organized similar events for 18 years, including four at Cinco Christian. “They have a memory that lasts forever, and they’ll always remember ‘when I rode the limo.’”
The celebration featured dancing, refreshments, and appearances by princesses who joined the children on the dance floor. Students practiced their dance moves beforehand, learning lessons about respect and decision-making in the process.
- Local business Fire Thai Fusion donated food for the event, while 654 Limo provided transportation.
The event’s success relied on a team of dedicated teachers including Rebecca Quinnlisk, Jeimy Baker, Emily Steece, Val Brockman, and Daphaney Braswell. Parents also pitched in, helping with setup and cleanup.
“In this world today, there’s so many hard things going around, that at least we give them something to make them smile and feel special,” Palmer said.
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