SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- Sandestin prepares for its beloved Gumbo and Bloody Mary Festival, while Northwest Florida State College welcomes its first on-campus residents. Rep. Maney heads to Tallahassee for immigration talks, Judge Schlechter earns a circuit court appointment, and new scholarship opportunities open for local students. Meanwhile, Eglin announces a road closure.
SCHOOL
Northwest Florida State College opens first on-campus housing
by Ashley Armacost
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) will celebrate the grand opening of its first-ever on-campus student housing facility, Raider Village, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 18.
- The new residential complex offers students private bedrooms and bathrooms in two and four-bedroom units, complete with kitchen and laundry facilities. Each floor includes lobby and lounge areas designed to foster student community.
NWFSC alumnus Jay Odom, who led the project’s development, drew inspiration from his own experience as a student at the college in 1976.
“I arrived on campus in 1976 with a beat-up Volkswagen that couldn’t even go in reverse, but NWFSC provided me the opportunity to build my future,” said Odom, developer and CEO of The Jay Odom Group. “Now, it’s an honor to help create a space where today’s students can thrive.”
The project, which broke ground in August 2023, aims to enhance the overall student experience through modern residential facilities, collaborative study areas, and recreational spaces.
- “This is a transformative moment for both our college and our students,” said NWFSC President Mel Ponder. “Raider Village embodies our commitment to providing a dynamic, engaging campus experience, ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.”
The grand opening celebration will include guided tours of the facilities, remarks from college leadership, and a community reception. The public is invited to attend the event at 102 E. College Blvd, Niceville.
For more information about Raider Village, visit raidervillage.com.
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.
FROM THE STATE
Rep. Patt Maney returns to Tallahassee for new immigration session
Okaloosa County’s State Representative Patt Maney headed to Tallahassee Tuesday for a special legislative session on immigration enforcement, as Gov. Ron DeSantis called the proposed measures “the strongest legislation to enhance interior enforcement” among all states.
- “I’ve read every piece of constituent feedback, every bill line,” Rep. Patt Maney said in a social media post Tuesday morning.
The three-day special session will consider establishing a State Board of Immigration Enforcement comprising Florida’s governor, commissioner of agriculture, attorney general and chief financial officer.
DeSantis said the legislation requires “full participation of state and local law enforcement with the Federal government” and prevents “catch and release” of undocumented immigrants.
The proposed legislation allocates $250 million for grants to support local law enforcement in federal immigration law enforcement, including $1,000 bonuses for officers involved in Homeland Security task force operations.
- “We all have a seat at this table to keep our citizens safe. I am immensely proud to report to Tallahassee today to get things done for my Okaloosa community and the Sunshine State,” Maney said.
Key provisions include mandatory pretrial detention for undocumented immigrants accused of forcible felonies and funding for a new interdiction station in North Florida along the I-10 corridor.
Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez filed a joint proclamation outlining 11 areas of focus, including creating criminal penalties for voting by noncitizens and strengthening identification requirements for interactions with the state.
The proposal would also revise the state’s immigrant transport program to operate only under federal direction with full cost reimbursement to state taxpayers.
SCHOOL
Superintendent announces Florida Prepaid scholarship opportunities for Okaloosa students
Superintendent Marcus Chambers announced a new scholarship opportunity for Okaloosa County School District seniors pursuing education careers. The district will award two Florida Prepaid 2-Year College Scholarships to qualified students.
- To be eligible, applicants must be seniors at an Okaloosa County public high school and meet Florida Prepaid College Plan requirements.
The application process requires students to submit academic records, including transcripts and standardized test scores, along with documented community service hours.
Candidates must also submit a two-minute video essay explaining their motivation to pursue an education career. The video must be submitted in specific digital formats as part of the complete application package.
- Applications are open now and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on March 21, 2025. Students must complete their applications in a single session, as the system does not allow saving progress.
The district will notify scholarship recipients by March 28, 2025. Students with questions about the application process can contact Catherine Card via email. Full details here.
NEWS
Okaloosa Judge Jack Schlechter tapped for First Judicial Circuit seat
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Okaloosa County Court Judge Jack Schlechter to serve as a judge on the First Judicial Circuit Court on Monday, with his new role beginning next Monday.
- Schlechter, a Niceville resident who has served as county court judge since January 2022, will transition to Walton County following a reorganization of judicial seats within the circuit.
“I’m excited for the new challenges,” Schlechter said. “I love working in county court, but I’m also excited about the different work that I’ll be doing in circuit.”
The appointment follows Judge Bergosh’s retirement in Pensacola, after which Chief Judge Miller reassigned the position to Walton County based on case numbers. The First Judicial Circuit encompasses Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.
Rep. Patt Maney, a former longtime Okaloosa County judge, praised the appointment.
- “I am extremely proud of Judge Schlechter’s service to our community as an assistant state attorney and as judge of the Okaloosa County Court and am grateful to Governor DeSantis for appointing Judge Schlechter as a circuit court judge,” Maney said. “While his appointment is a recognition of his knowledge, integrity, work ethic and fairness it is also an affirmation of his potential for further service.”
In his county court role, Schlechter has overseen a diverse docket including criminal cases, civil disputes, landlord-tenant issues, traffic infractions, Baker Acts, and mental health court. His new circuit court position will handle cases involving felonies, civil disputes exceeding $50,000, family law, and probate matters.
Before his judicial career, Schlechter spent 10 years as an Assistant State Attorney in the First Judicial Circuit, followed by work as an attorney at AnchorsGordon, P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law.
“I think we’re lucky to live in a great area and I’ve really enjoyed serving the people of this area through different roles,” Schlechter said. “I’m looking forward to continue to serve the people of this area as a circuit judge.”
MILITARY
Eglin Air Force Base closes portion of Range Road 213 to public
A portion of Range Road 213 on the Eglin Test and Training Range is now designated as a Closed Area, restricting access to official use only.
- The closure affects the section between Range Road 747 and Range Road 257, also known as Ranger Camp Road. The road will no longer be open for recreational use or public through traffic.
Base officials implemented the change to protect range testing and training from national security threats while improving safety in areas where military operations take place.
Authorized users include personnel conducting business with the 6th Ranger Training Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Duke Field and Alabama Army National Guard. Government and personal vehicles directly supporting range operations are also permitted access.
- Utility and communication company vehicles may use the road for commercial purposes. However, no access will be granted when the gates are closed, regardless of destination or purpose, according to Eglin.
The 96th Security Forces Squadron will increase patrols in the area. New signage, barriers and gates will be installed through early March. Unauthorized use of the range road can result in fines and revocation of recreation passes.
THINGS TO DO
Sandestin’s Gumbo and Bloody Mary Festival returns Feb. 22
by Ashley Armacost
The Sandestin Gumbo and Bloody Mary Festival returns to The Village of Baytowne Wharf on February 22, 2025, marking its 36th year of celebrating Gulf Coast cuisine.
- The weekend event begins with a kick-off party on Friday, February 21, followed by the main festival on Saturday.
Area restaurants will compete for the title of “Best Gumbo on the Emerald Coast,” offering variations featuring seafood, chicken, and sausage in both dark and light roux preparations.
Festival attendees can sample unlimited gumbo while voting for the People’s Choice award as celebrity judges determine the overall winner. The event also includes a “Best Bloody Mary at the Beach” competition, where local bars and restaurants showcase their signature cocktails for guest voting.
- The family-friendly festival will feature live music and children’s activities throughout the afternoon.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is offering a festival package for visitors, featuring 30% off accommodations and one festival ticket for stays of two nights or more. Regular festival tickets are currently on sale for $45. Guests can book the resort package online or by calling 866-259-3585. Full details here.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Wednesday. 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