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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- Fort Walton Beach High grad James Uthmeier becomes Florida’s Attorney General while Choctaw alumnus Larry Keefe takes charge of state immigration enforcement.
- Meanwhile, Fort Walton Beach police make major drug bust, Viking soccer advances to state semifinals, and the SS United States faces another brief delay. Nathan Boyles continues his campaign trail, and law enforcement responds to an incident involving an explosive device.
COASTAL RESOURCES
Okaloosa delays SS United States Departure to Feb. 19 due to weather
Weather conditions have forced another delay in moving the SS United States from Philadelphia, with officials now planning a Feb. 19 departure due to persisting high wind conditions.
- Okaloosa County officials announced Monday the 990-foot vessel will begin its journey down the Delaware River at 12:51 p.m., timing the move with low tide. Tugboats will position the ship off Pier 80 about three hours before departure.
The delay marks the second schedule change this month. Officials previously postponed the ship’s Feb. 8 departure to address Coast Guard requirements, then set a Feb. 17 departure date.
The ocean liner will travel to Mobile, Ala., for a yearlong preparation process before becoming the world’s largest artificial reef off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast.
- Plans call for deploying the ship about 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. It will surpass the USS Oriskany, an 888-foot aircraft carrier sunk off Pensacola in 2006, as the world’s largest artificial reef.
The public can track the ship’s two-week journey to Mobile through GPS monitoring on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach website.
The historic vessel has remained in Philadelphia since 1996. It still holds the transatlantic speed record set during its 1952 maiden voyage.
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POLITICS
Boyles plans Milton fundraiser for State House campaign
Nathan Boyles will kick off fundraising for his state House campaign with an event at Andy D’s Roadhouse in Milton on February 18.
- The fundraiser, scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m., features a host committee that includes several current and former elected officials: Jay Trumbull, Don Gaetz, Alex Andrade, Javier Williamson, and Graham Fountain.
Boyles, who recently completed 12 years as an Okaloosa County Commissioner, announced his candidacy on December 9 for the House District 3 seat being vacated by Rep. Joel Rudman.
The Milton event marks Boyles’ first public campaign gathering since entering the race for the special election. The seat opened after Rudman submitted his resignation to pursue Florida’s 1st Congressional District seat.
The special election will include an April 1 primary followed by a June 10 general election, according to Executive Order 25-14 signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on January 21.
Campaign contributions are limited to $1,000 per individual or business under Florida law.
SPORTS
Fort Walton Beach High School Soccer Team heads to Final Four
The Fort Walton Beach High School boys soccer team is preparing for their biggest match in recent program history as they head to the FHSAA Class 4A State Semifinals.
- The Vikings (14-6-1) will face top-ranked Barron Collier (Naples, FL) on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale.
Under sixth-year head coach Mario Rodriguez, the Vikings have broken through to the Final Four after several heartbreaking defeats in the Elite Eight round in previous seasons. This year’s squad has dominated their postseason run, outscoring opponents 10-0 through their state tournament matches.
“It’s our first time going to the Final Four, so we’re excited. It’s a new journey,” Rodriguez said before departing for Auburndale. “I told the boys it doesn’t matter who’s number one at this point. It’s the final four teams – it comes down to who wants it.”
The Vikings’ path to the semifinals hasn’t been without challenges. After starting the season with mixed results, including early losses to Gulf Breeze and Choctawhatchee, the team found their stride. A pivotal moment came after a district final loss to West Florida on penalty kicks, which Rodriguez credits as fuel for their postseason surge.
- “What fueled us the most was that loss in PKs in the district final to West Florida,” Rodriguez explained. “The boys realized that if we play like we’re coached to play, we’re going to win. They saw that and grew from it.”
This season has also marked the first with Khalee Wilson serving as associate head coach alongside Rodriguez after moving up from the JV program. The expanded coaching staff has helped develop a deep, talented roster of 25 players who have bought into the team-first mentality.
The Vikings enter Tuesday’s match riding the momentum of three straight shutout victories in the state tournament, including a 2-0 win over Rickards in the regional final. The winner will advance to the state championship match on February 21.
- A passionate sendoff ceremony was held Monday morning at the high school, with community members, students, staff, and the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department gathering to support the team as they departed for Auburndale.
“There’s no words for how excited I am for these boys,” Rodriguez said. “At the beginning of the season, they had this goal. The goal was to make it this far and they did. I’m not saying we’re going to go there to lose – we’re going there to win it all. That’s exactly the feelings we have now and that’s the eagerness these boys have.”
PUBLIC SAFETY
VIDEO: Man arrested after allegedly throwing explosive device near Fort Walton Beach restaurant
A 41-year-old Pensacola man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly pointing a firearm at people outside Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson and throwing an explosive device that damaged a nearby Jimmy John’s restaurant and injured an employee Saturday.
- Gregory Simonds has been charged with throwing a destructive device causing bodily harm or physical damage, display of a firearm during commission of a felony, felony criminal mischief, and improper exhibit of a firearm, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Witnesses from a motorcycle club told deputies that Simonds, wearing an Outlaw Motorcycle Club jacket, drove up to them and pointed a weapon before tossing an item from his window that exploded near the restaurant at 792 Beal Parkway. The explosion broke glass at the drive-thru and caused minor cuts to an employee’s back.
Deputies spotted Simonds on Lewis Turner Boulevard and conducted a traffic stop near Highway 85 and Nomad Way. They observed a black firearm on the front passenger seat and what appeared to be an explosive device.
- The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives responded to clear the vehicle, discovering four “M-type” explosive devices – thick cardboard tubes containing explosive powder with pyrotechnic fuses. Two firearms were also recovered from the car.
Simonds is being held in the Okaloosa County Jail in Crestview.
“This type of menacing behavior won’t stand and we will use all resources of local and federal government to protect the public from this type of violence,” Sheriff Eric Aden said.
POLICE BLOTTER
Fort Walton Beach Police seize over 129 grams of fentanyl in motel bust
Fort Walton Beach Police Department officers seized more than 129 grams of fentanyl and arrested two suspects following a bust at a local motel just before midnight on February 13.
- Officers responded to 209 Miracle Strip Pkwy after receiving a tip through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers. Upon entering the motel room with the occupants’ permission, officers observed narcotics and hypodermic needles in plain view.
The Special Investigations Unit was called to obtain a search warrant. While waiting, one suspect allegedly attempted to escape by jumping from the second-story breezeway but was quickly caught.
A second suspect fled on foot and was detained after a brief struggle that left an officer with minor injuries, according to the FWBPD report.
The search revealed over 129 grams of fentanyl – equivalent to more than 6,000 potentially fatal doses – along with methamphetamine, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia.
- Naomi Cantrell, 28, and Azzie McClendon, 32, both of Fort Walton Beach, were arrested and charged with providing a false name to law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and trafficking in fentanyl.
“With the help of Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and concerned citizens, we were able to remove a deadly amount of fentanyl from our streets,” said Chief Robert Bage.
The department’s efforts include the Post Overdose Support Team (POST), which connects individuals struggling with addiction to treatment and recovery resources.
The police department encourages anyone with information about illegal drug activity to report tips anonymously through Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 863-TIPS or online at www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com.
FROM THE STATE
Okaloosa-native James Uthmeier sworn in as Florida Attorney General
In a ceremony at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum in Tallahassee, Destin native and Fort Walton Beach High School graduate James Uthmeier took the oath of office Thursday as Florida’s new attorney general.
- During the ceremony, Gov. Ron DeSantis praised his former chief of staff’s track record, particularly noting Uthmeier’s role in major policy initiatives.
“James was a bulldog in our administration,” DeSantis said. “From time to time, all throughout our administration, James was always digging in and fighting for what was right, even when it wasn’t easy.”
Uthmeier was sworn in by Justice Meredith Sasso with his wife Jean and their three children present. He placed his hand on the Bible and referenced Proverbs during his acceptance speech.
- “As I put my hand on that Bible, I was reminded of a verse from Proverbs, a verse that I turn to daily: To do what is right and just for the Lord is greater than any sacrifice,” Uthmeier said.
The Northwest Florida native pledged to focus on law enforcement support, fighting criminal organizations, and protecting constitutional rights.
“We will use the office of the Attorney General to punish criminals, to protect the innocent, and to stand boldly by our brave law enforcement,” Uthmeier said.
Uthmeier succeeds Ashley Moody, who was recently appointed to the U.S. Senate.
FROM THE STATE
Former U.S. Attorney Larry Keefe tapped to lead Florida immigration enforcement board
Larry Keefe, a former U.S. Attorney for North Florida, was appointed Monday as Executive Director of Florida’s newly created State Board of Immigration Enforcement during a cabinet meeting at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier nominated Keefe for the position, citing his experience as the state’s public safety czar and his role in coordinating law enforcement across Florida.
“He knows well the expectations of the federal government, has the relationships, the intellect, and undoubtedly the work ethic to get the job done,” Uthmeier said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis seconded the nomination, highlighting Keefe’s service as U.S. Attorney under the Trump administration and his involvement in Florida’s migrant relocation program.
- “Being the U.S. attorney for the Northern district of Florida is a huge deal, and he did that admirably under the first Trump administration,” DeSantis said.
In his acceptance remarks, the Choctawhatchee High School alumni pledged to be “relentless” in implementing new legislation.
“This is the perfect thing for me. This is a perfect job,” Keefe said. “It blends federal, state, and local, getting people to work together with a great sense of urgency, tearing down barriers.”
The appointment received unanimous approval from the cabinet members present at the meeting.
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