TOGETHER WITH
Good morning!
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to speak to the Crestview Rotary Club at the Eagle’s Nest at Blackwater Golf Course. I don’t always get a chance to make it up to Crestview so I was honored to be asked to come and speak about the things I’m doing with Get The Coast.
- If you are part of an organization here locally and are ever looking for guest speakers, I would be happy to chat about Get The Coast and how we are reimagining local news.
Thanks again to the Crestview Rotarians! Let’s get to the news this morning…
SCHOOL
Cinco Christian School holds annual ‘Royal Valentine Ball’ for VPK students
Cinco Christian School in Fort Walton Beach held its third annual Royal Valentine Ball on Monday for VPK students and their families.
- The students dressed up in their finest royal attire and rode in a limousine to the Kidd Street Center, where they were formally introduced one-by-one to the crowd by a DJ as they entered the ballroom.
- After the introductions, a princess and prince joined the children on the dance floor.
“It’s so fun because the kids get to ride in a limo and they are announced by the DJ when they walk into the ball,” said Daphaney Braswell, Cinco Christian preschool director. “This is their last year before they move up to elementary. So it’s just something fun for them.”
The children and families enjoyed dancing, music by a live DJ, ornate decorations, and refreshments like a chocolate fountain and popcorn bar. A highlight for the kids was getting to dance with the princess and prince.
Braswell said the annual event has become a beloved tradition that VPK students look forward to each year. She said it’s also a memorable milestone event for both the students and parents as the VPK year draws to a close.
- “When they’re sitting off to the side and the kids walk in, they’re announced by the DJ and the look in the kids’ eyes when they find their parents is just magical,” Braswell said.
The ball is one of several family engagement events held each year so parents can see what their kids have learned and worked on at school. Braswell said the events help build the home-to-school connection vital to Cinco Christian’s educational mission.
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SCHOOL
Okaloosa Superintendent spotlights District achievements in first half of school year
Superintendent Marcus Chambers highlighted major first semester achievements for Okaloosa County schools yesterday, including an A-rating from the state, renovated facilities, expanded career programs, community support initiatives and more.
Here are the highlights:
- The Okaloosa County School District earned top marks from the Florida Department of Education for a ninth straight year. The district saw increased points earned over last year, even with a more rigorous statewide assessment.
- Student athletes also found success in the first half of the year, winning district and state championships in football, volleyball, cross country and other sports. Music and visual arts students earned accolades at statewide competitions.
- Thanks to the half-cent sales tax program approved in 2020, aging infrastructure across the district’s schools is being modernized with critical upgrades. So far this school year, improved amenities like air conditioning, roofing and technology have been completed at several elementary schools and middle schools. Including new construction.
- The district has also launched design and construction plans for a new K-8 facility to handle growing enrollment, set to open in fall 2026. Upgrades are coming to Okaloosa Technical College as well, with $7.85 million in funding to establish a new northern campus near the Crestview area.
- Career and technical education programs are expanding to align with workforce needs in manufacturing, technology, healthcare and skilled trades. New grants received this year will enrich automotive and building trades course offerings.
- Superintendent Chambers said he was heartened by community support this past semester through new assistance programs. More than 100 families received donated Thanksgiving meals, while over 70 children in need were provided holiday gifts through an Angel Tree initiative.
As the second semester starts, Chambers encouraged families to actively monitor grades and academic progress through the district’s online FOCUS portal. He said providing students a pathway to success remains the top priority.
“I hope you are as proud and excited as I am by the achievements, upgrades and new programming we have showcased from first semester,” said Chambers. “And I am forever thankful for the community support that makes it possible.”
Read the Superintendent’s full first semester highlights here.
POLICE BLOTTER
16-year old Crestview student charged with making school threat
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has charged a Crestview area teen with making an electronic threat of a mass shooting/terrorist act.
- The 16-year old was taken into custody Wednesday night at his home.
The student allegedly created a video threatening to use explosives to blow up Crestview High School. According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the video was placed on Snapchat.
The OCSO received information on the threatening social media post from the FBI.
The teen told deputies he made the video as a joke and was just being sarcastic. According to the arrest report, he stated that he wanted to continue a social media trend in which juveniles posted sarcastic videos made in a similar format to the one he posted.
Please note: Making a written or electronic threat of a mass shooting or terrorist act is a second degree felony, according to the sheriff’s office.
THINGS TO DO
‘Valentine’s Dinner for Two’ after-hours at the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island
Couples can celebrate Valentine’s Day with an exclusive dinner event at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island.
- The marine park is hosting the Valentine’s Dinner for Two on Feb. 14, 16 and 17 at 5:30 p.m.
The $360 per couple event includes after-hours admission to the park, an up-close penguin encounter, a three-course dinner and drinks for two.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet and interact with one of the park’s penguins while enjoying exclusive access to the exhibits. The evening will then move indoors for a romantic, tropical-themed meal next to the Living Sea aquarium.
- Alcoholic beverage options are available for an additional fee. Tickets are $360 plus tax per couple and can be purchased here.
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is home to a variety of marine animals and hosts conservation, research and educational programs year-round.
THE WEEKENDER
A few things to do around town
February 9, 2024 – Folk School Classes at Traditions Workshop – Forge a copper rose – $97 – View
February 9, 2024 – Trivia Night: Rom-Com Edition – $10 – $12 – View
February 10, 2024 – Alaqua Animal Refuge’s Lovebirds Nature Walk 2024 – $5 – View
February 11, 2024 – Toast n’ Jam feat: Brubeck Brothers Quartet – – View
February 11, 2024 – Baytowne Wharf Mardi Gras Parade – Free – View
February 11, 2024 – 64th Annual Beaux Arts Exhibition Opening Reception and Awards – Free – View
February 11, 2024 – Fatboys Game Day Watch Party – View
February 13, 2024 – Baytowne Mardi Gras Street Party – Free – View
February 15, 2024 – Bubbly Baytowne – Free – View
February 15, 2024 – February Business After Hours sponsored by Conexion – – View
February 15, 2024 – Sip & Paint with Pat Roberts – $35 – $40 – View
February 17, 2024 – Mixed Media Class with Golden Fluid Acrylics – $25 – View
February 17, 2024 – Bee Portrait in Acrylic – $60 – $65 – View
February 18, 2024 – When Everything’s [Not] Fine – Free – View
February 19, 2024 – Zen Illustration by Loren Boyer – $30 – $35 – View
February 23, 2024 – 35th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival Kick-Off Party – $35 – View
February 23, 2024 – Flipped Cup Pour with Lexy Adams – $100 – $120 – View
ICYMI
News you might have missed
- Wood Foot Beer Company’s final soft opening day is today (Friday) from 3pm-9pm. Downtown Fort Walton Beach’s newest establishment has held limited hours this week as they prepare for their grand opening on February 17. Remember, this is a soft opening and kinks are still being worked out. Read our story on Wood Foot.
- TBS Comics in Fort Walton Beach announced on Wednesday night that founder Rosita Nehring-Webb (71) passed away. Nehring-Webb started TBS Comics 38 years ago with a single comic rack, a folding table, and a love for helping customers. Details here.
- DISTRICT CHAMPS!!! A huge congratulations goes out to the Bruner Middle School Boys and Girls Basketball Teams. Last night, both teams won the District Championships. Go Spartans!
- The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners has approved the purchase of approximately 412 acres of undeveloped land along the Shoal River in Crestview, with plans to develop the area into an ecotourism destination that will benefit both residents and visitors. Read the story
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport welcomes Avelo Airlines to its roster, introducing an ultra-low-cost travel option for passengers. This new addition will connect the Destin-Fort Walton Beach destination to New Haven, Connecticut (HVN). Avelo is the first and only airline offering nonstop service between Florida’s Emerald Coast and Southern Connecticut. Read full story
PARKS+REC
Destin Council moves forward with 4 new pickleball courts off Indian Bayou Trail
The Destin City Council voted unanimously Monday to move forward with plans to build four pickleball courts and a bathroom on Indian Bayou Trail between the City Hall Annexation Building and the Public Works Buildings.
City Engineer Ryan Scott updated the council on options to construct the courts within the council’s initial $400,000 budget that was approved in August 2023. Since engineering fees cut into the budget, there was only about $350,000 left for construction.
- Building codes also subsequently required adding restrooms which further reduced funds for courts.
Three design options were presented:
- Option 1 included restrooms and two courts with one covered for $350,000;
- Option 2 had restrooms, four covered courts for $614,000;
- Option 3 provided restrooms, four courts with one covered for $434,000.
The council’s original direction called for four courts with one covered. While Option 3 aligned with that goal, it required $86,000 more than budgeted.
The city Parks and Recreation Committee met Jan. 23 and recommended Option 1 to construct two courts, keep within the initial budget. Discussion also suggested shelving the project until the city’s layout study for municipal properties finishes this spring.
- Scott advised against delaying the pickleball plans since the sports complex area is leased and destined to remain recreational space. Also the study will conclude before pickleball permitting finishes, allowing time to alter plans if needed.
Councilman Jim Bagby motioned to proceed with ‘Option 4’ — building four courts and a bathroom without any covers for now. Additional funding could provide covers later if desired. (Each cover costs $60,000)
- “I was one of the people that strongly supported the covered court,” said Bagby. “But I am not in favor of kicking this can, we’ve kicked it. Let’s build some dang courts.”
Councilman Kevin Schmidt agreed, saying local pickleball players told him the priority is to simply establish courts as soon as possible.
The city estimates construction could begin within five months.
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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