BUSINESS

LiveOak Fiber launches in Okaloosa County

LiveOak Fiber, a regional broadband service provider, has announced that they will be conducting a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Okaloosa County. The ceremony is set to celebrate the launch of their new high-speed fiber optic network, which aims to bring superior internet capabilities to underserved markets.

In July 2022, LiveOak Fiber announced that the newly formed company is investing $100 million to construct and operate a next-generation high-speed fiber optic network in Okaloosa County. 

• The new network will bring alternative options to underserved regions of the county, ensuring access to affordable and reliable digital infrastructure for businesses and residents in the area.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on February 16, 2023, at 3pm, at the company’s office located at 1501 Merchants Way, Niceville, FL, 32578.

“LiveOak Fiber wants to put the power back in the hands of the residents and local businesses, allowing them to fully understand the services they are receiving and being able to tailor their services to their liking through our upcoming user-friendly application,” says Kimber McCafferty, Director of Marketing at LiveOak Fiber. “The Internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity in the digital world, today, and people in these communities have been waiting a very long time for uninterrupted connectivity.”

The company began its initial phase in November of 2022 by breaking ground in Shalimar, Florida. LiveOak Fiber’s new high-speed internet service aims to keep up with a device-packed life to the region with pristine customer service.

Residents and business owners can visit the LiveOak website to check the availability of their neighborhoods. Interested individuals can learn more about LiveOak Fiber’s services, network construction plans, and employment opportunities by visiting their website.

FOOD+DRINK

Get Ready to Eat: Holi Indian Restaurants and Fatboys celebrate customers with BOGO deals

Good news for foodies in the area! Two local restaurants, Holi Indian Restaurants and Fatboys, are celebrating their loyal customers by hosting a Customer Appreciation Day on February 22, 2023.

• The restaurants are offering a mouth-watering deal of buy one get one free entrees at Holi Indian Restaurants, and buy one get one free burgers and sandwiches at Fatboys.

The festivities are set to take place from 10AM-10PM at any Fatboys location in Destin, Miramar Beach, or Crestview. Meanwhile, Holi Indian Restaurants will be offering their buy one get one free entrees from 11 AM–2:30 PM, and 5–10 PM at any of their locations in Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, or Panama City.

Please note, this offer is valid for dine-in only on February 22, 2023, and any and all promotions are subject to change. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal and support these local businesses.

Mark your calendars for February 22, 2023, and head to Holi Indian Restaurants or Fatboys for an awesome dining experience.

GIVING BACK

Galentine’s Day Fundraiser raises more than $92,000 for young women in need in Northwest Florida

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, one of the nation’s leading fundraising organizations, has announced that the 2nd Annual Galentine’s Day Fundraiser raised a record-breaking $92,500 for young women in need in Northwest Florida. The amount raised is a $30,000 increase over the previous year’s inaugural event.

• Hosted on Saturday, February 4, 2023, the event brought influential women in the community together to support one another while raising money for programs designed to empower young girls through the Foundation’s 16 partner children’s charities.
• All individuals and businesses affiliated with the production of the event are female owned and operated.

The funds raised at this year’s Galentine’s Day Fundraiser will benefit the following charity initiatives: 

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast: A 10-week, small group program focused on health, fitness, prevention, education, and self-esteem enhancement through dynamic sessions, activities, field trips, and mentoring opportunities with adult women.

Children in Crisis: A Valentine’s Banquet for the women and girls at the Children’s Neighborhood for them to receive support through an award ceremony that focuses on self-worth and affirmation.

Habitat for Humanity of Walton County: The Women Build Initiatives in Okaloosa and Walton counties will educate, advocate, and promote awareness to over 250 women and girls in our community. They will reach these women and girls through their Hard Hats and High Heels Luncheon, power tool training, construction educational classes, and onsite construction skill training throughout the year.

Point Washington Medical Clinic: The Young Women’s Health and Hygiene Initiative will provide pathology for PAP smears, additional testing needed for positive results, and feminine hygiene products for girls under the age of 18.

Shelter House of Northwest Florida: A program to address the unique health needs of young girls ages 9 to 18 by providing feminine hygiene products and education to girls without access to these resources.

Youth Village: Eight-week performing arts theater workshops during the summer, a Sprint Theatre performance, and eight-week tennis lesson workshops for elementary and middle school-aged girls.

TRAFFIC

Pensacola Bay Bridge westbound structure opens to traffic February 14

The Florida Department of Transportation will open the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) span of the Pensacola Bay Bridge on U.S. 98 to vehicular traffic by 6 a.m. Tuesday, February 14.

• The two spans of the bridge are now temporarily accommodating two east and two westbound travel lanes, according to FDOT.
• Upon final completion of the project, each structure will support three lanes of traffic in each direction, along with inside and outside shoulders, and 10-foot-wide multiuse paths for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The multiuse path on the eastbound (Pensacola to Gulf Breeze) bridge remains open, but the westbound path will remain closed until completed.

While there is now traffic on both spans of the bridge, multiple miscellaneous tasks remain to complete the project, according to FDOT. These include work on the U.S. 98 tie-ins and median areas, the wayside park in Gulf Breeze, bridge painting, and other final items.

• Completion of the project is currently estimated for this summer. 

With a construction cost of approximately $440-million, the Pensacola Bay Bridge replacement project is the largest transportation initiative in Northwest Florida history. More than 55,000 drivers travel the bridge daily between Pensacola and Gulf Breeze. The modern, six-lane structure replaces a four-lane bridge that opened in 1960.

BUSINESS

Step One Automotive Group dealerships earn 2022 CARFAX Top-Rated LIFETIME Dealer Titles

Three automotive dealerships under the Step One Automotive Group have recently earned the coveted 2022 CARFAX Top-Rated LIFETIME Dealer title.

• Buick GMC Cadillac Fort Walton Beach, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram South Savannah, and Volkswagen Fort Walton Beach have been recognized for their exceptional customer service and the quality of their vehicles, according to CARFAX, the leading provider of vehicle history information.

CARFAX determined the winners based on verified ratings and reviews from customers on their platform. The award recognizes dealerships that have demonstrated a commitment to delivering outstanding service and maintaining high-quality vehicles.

“At Step One Automotive Group, we are proud to have earned the 2022 CARFAX Top-Rated LIFETIME Dealer titles, demonstrating our commitment to providing exceptional customer service and quality vehicles to our valued customers,” said Maureen Bierman, Director of Marketing, Step One Automotive Group.

To learn more about the Step One Automotive Group and their commitment to delivering the best customer experience, visit their website at https://www.steponeautomotive.com/.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Two former Okaloosa Corrections Officers charged with misdemeanor battery

On Monday, February 13, 2023, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced that two former Corrections Officers at the Okaloosa County Department of Corrections in Crestview have been charged in connection with a misdemeanor battery involving an inmate January 29th.

The investigation was launched after the Jail’s Professional Standards Department personnel notified the OCSO about the incident, according to the OCSO. 

• The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has charged 51-year-old James Filpi with repeatedly striking an inmate who had reportedly spit blood in the face of another Corrections Officer.

• 39-year-old Justin Jordan is charged with principal to battery. Investigators say Jordan aided Filpi in concealing Filpi’s actions as Filpi struck the victim.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Mariner fined $98,364 for operating illegal charter vessel in Destin, Florida

On February 6, 2023, the United States Coast Guard imposed a civil penalty of $98,364 on a mariner who was found to be operating a charter vessel in violation of federal laws near Destin, Florida. 

• The violation was discovered following multiple boardings of the pontoon vessel over the past year by the Coast Guard Station Destin boarding team members, Sector Mobile Marine Investigators, and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office officers. 
• The boardings were conducted after the authorities received tips from concerned members of the public.

The extensive investigation led by the Coast Guard Sector Mobile’s Investigations Division revealed that the operator of the vessel had violated 46 C.F.R. 176.100(a) and 33 C.F.R. 160.105 on multiple occasions, according to the Coast Guard. 

• The violation of 46 C.F.R. 176.100(a) was for failure to provide a Certificate of Inspection while carrying more than six passengers for hire. 
• The violation of 33 C.F.R. 160.105 was for failure to comply with a Captain-of-the-Port Order.

Capt. Ulysses Mullins, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Mobile, stated that “Operators of illegal charters directly endanger our citizens.” 

He added that it was a top priority for Sector Mobile to ensure that charter vessels operate safely and in full compliance with the law. He also emphasized that the Coast Guard, along with state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to educate the public and pursue individuals who violate the statutory and regulatory requirements of the Passenger Vessel Safety Act.

Owners and operators of illegal passenger vessels may face civil penalties of $60,000 or more for illegal passenger-for-hire operations, according to the Coast Guard. Charters that violate a Captain-of-the-Port Order may be subject to civil penalties of $95,000 per violation.

The Coast Guard has urged the public to exercise caution and consider several questions before taking a boat tour or chartering a vessel. These questions include:

• Does the vessel have a credentialed master aboard? A credentialed master will have a license in a book that looks similar to a passport. 
• If carrying more than six passengers, does the chartered vessel have a Certificate of Inspection issued by the Coast Guard? A vessel with a Certificate of Inspection will have a Coast Guard decal displayed on the outside of the vessel. If in doubt, ask the master or crew where the decal is located.
• If it is a bareboat charter rental (one without a crew provided), are you staying within the maximum of 12 passengers allowed plus the charterer? Are you given the opportunity to select a crew or provide your own crew in order to operate that vessel? 
• Are you aware that when you charter a vessel, you, the charterer, are financially responsible for damages and any liability claims?

The Coast Guard urges to public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious operations to the Coast Guard by calling (251) 441-8993 or sending an email to MobileSCC@uscg.mil.