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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- Destin’s mayor delivers his State of the City address focusing on resident priorities, while the SS United States finally departs Philadelphia. Fort Walton Beach seeks artists for a new downtown sign, a local teen competes for a major scholarship, and the police chief joins the state immigration council. Meanwhile, the Science Center adds a twist to its programming with creative cocktails.
COASTAL RESOURCES
SS United States leaves Philly, begins journey to become artificial reef
The SS United States left Philadelphia Wednesday after nearly 30 years, beginning a two-week journey to Mobile, Ala., where it will be prepared for deployment as an artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
- Contractors in Mobile will spend about 12 months removing hazardous materials and making modifications to ensure the 990-foot vessel will rest upright on the seafloor when deployed.
Officials plan to place the ship about 20 nautical miles south of Okaloosa, though the exact location has not been determined.
The project aims to create new marine habitats that will attract various species, from red snapper to wahoo, while providing opportunities for fishing and diving operations.
- Okaloosa County will partner with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach to commemorate the historic vessel.
The public can track the ship’s journey to Mobile through GPS monitoring on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach website.
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ART+CULTURE
City invites artists to create new ‘entrance sign’ in Downtown Fort Walton Beach
by Ashley Armacost
The Fort Walton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is launching a design competition for a “Gateway Entrance Sign” at the intersection of Eglin Parkway SE and Miracle Strip Parkway SE, next to The Gulfview.
- This project is part of the CRA’s goal to promote reinvestment and revitalization in the community, aiming to enhance the downtown area’s visual identity by creating a memorable entry point.
The contest will open on March 3, 2025, and the deadline to submit the application is 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2025. The designs will be reviewed by a committee who will not know the identity of the artist.
Key competition rules are as follows:
- Artwork must be original and not violate any intellectual property rights.
- Artists are responsible for all costs and risks associated with submissions.
- The City of FWB will retain full ownership and rights to the submitted work.
- The City may reproduce the image as it sees fit.
- The City may choose to engage the artist to reproduce the image on its behalf.
- Artists may only use the image for marketing or promotional purposes with the City’s written consent.
The winning designer will have their talent displayed in the downtown area, as well as receive an award of $5,000.
Additional contest details, design requirements and award information can be found here.
GIVING BACK
Fort Walton Beach teen’s phone case design could win $25,000 scholarship from Cox Mobile
Cox Mobile announced Jadyn M. from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast as one of 22 finalists in its nationwide phone case design competition, moving her closer to winning a $25,000 scholarship.
- “My artwork symbolizes how world peace and unity is in our reach,” Jadyn said of her design.
The competition, which builds on Cox’s existing partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, invited teen club members across Cox markets to submit phone case designs.
“The art and stories produced by all participants are truly inspiring, and we are so excited to cheer on Jadyn as she advances in this competition,” said David Deliman, market vice president for Cox Gulf Coast on Wednesday.
As a finalist, Jayden received a tech package that included an iPad, iPad pencil, Sony headphones, and an Otterbox for the iPad.. The grand prize winner, to be announced this spring, will secure the scholarship and their local Boys & Girls Club will receive a $25,000 Cox Innovation Lab grant.
- “The Cox mobile phone case arts design contest is the perfect example of young people getting unique opportunities to shine and reach their full potential,” said Shervin Rassa, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast. “We are incredibly proud that Jadyn’s creativity has earned her recognition as the Gulf Coast market winner.”
OtterBox, Cox Mobile’s exclusive phone case partner, will manufacture and sell the winning design online and in Cox retail stores, with proceeds benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
“Partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in this way reflects our ongoing commitment to utilizing technology to create meaningful opportunities, support community growth and inspire the next generation of leaders,” said Colleen Langner, Chief Residential Officer of Cox Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Southeast Trustee.
THINGS TO DO
Science meets mixology in ‘My Chemical Cocktail’ at the Emerald Coast Science Center
by Ashley Armacost
The Emerald Coast Science Center is combining chemistry education with cocktail crafting, inviting local bars and mixologists to demonstrate the science behind their creations.
- The ‘My Chemical Cocktail’ event will take place on March 1, 2025 from 6-9 p.m. at the Emerald Coast Science Center (31 Memorial Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach).
Participants will sample cocktails and vote for their favorite winners in categories such as “Best Presentation”, “Most Scientific”, and more.
Early bird tickets are being sold for $50 each, with ticket prices increasing to $60 the week of the event. The evening will also include light refreshments, live music, and chances to win prizes. This event is for ages 21 and up.
“This event is a fun way to experience the magic of chemistry in a setting that’s as engaging as it is informative,” said Kate Fox, Development Coordinator at the Emerald Coast Science Center. “It’s a great opportunity to mix, sip, and learn in a relaxed, social environment while supporting the museum.”
Bars and restaurants interested in participating can contact Jacie Chandler (jacie@ecscience.org) to receive more information about sample cocktails and event specifications.
- The Science Center is also looking for event sponsors. Businesses interested in supporting this event can contact Kate Fox (kate@ecscience.org).
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Science Center to further its mission to inspire a scientifically engaged community through STEAM education and public outreach.Tickets are available at bit.ly/mychemicalcocktail2025.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage appointed to immigration enforcement council
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis appointed Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage to the State Immigration Enforcement Council on Wednesday.
- The council serves as an advisory body to the State Board of Immigration Enforcement, which was established by the Florida Legislature in February 2025. The board is led by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet, including CFO Patronis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
“Before serving nearly 30 years in Florida law enforcement, Chief Bage served two years in the United States Navy and has great experience protecting America’s borders from his time with the United States Border Patrol,” Patronis said.
Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden praised the appointment, citing Bage’s law enforcement experience. “I have every confidence that Chief Bage’s contributions to the Council will help keep our borders secure and Floridians safe from criminal illegal aliens,” Aden said.
Bage, a Miami native, joined the Fort Walton Beach Police Department as chief in 2019 following a nationwide search. During his tenure, the department regained its accreditation status and established a Traffic Safety and Community Policing unit.
- His career includes 20 years with the North Miami Police Department, beginning in 1999. He currently serves as the 1st Vice President of the Florida Police Chief’s Association and is involved with the Okaloosa Health Department, Advanced Sacred Hope Academy, and Fort Walton Beach Rotary.
“I am honored to be appointed to the State Immigration Enforcement Council and grateful to CFO Patronis for his confidence in me,” said Chief Bage. “Throughout my career in law enforcement, I have prioritized community safety and the rule of law, and I look forward to contributing my experience to help ensure Florida remains safe.”
NEWS
Destin mayor spotlights residents’ priorities in ‘State of the City’, from road repairs to beach access
Mayor Bobby Wagner presented an expansive vision for Destin’s future during his State of the City address Tuesday, outlining infrastructure improvements, park renovations and solutions for persistent traffic issues while emphasizing the city’s commitment to both residents and visitors.
- “Whether you’re here for a day, a month, or a lifetime, if you love Destin, this is your home,” Wagner said in his opening remarks before the regular city council meeting.
Wagner, now midway through his four-year term, announced a $3.6 million annual commitment over the next five years to repave every road in the city. “Seventy percent of our roads are over 20 years past their shelf life,” Wagner said. “We’ve been kicking the can down the road when it comes to infrastructure and roadways in Destin.”
The mayor highlighted several major park renovation projects, including a $1.7 million upgrade to Clement Taylor Park funded primarily through federal Restore Act and BP oil spill money, with the city contributing $700,000. The project will include new playgrounds and pavilions, with construction expected to begin this year.
A $12 million renovation of Joe’s Bayou boat ramp facility, funded through BP oil spill settlement money, will improve boat access and create new park space. Wagner said the project will also address stormwater management issues for First Street and surrounding communities.
- Addressing persistent concerns about beach access and vendor management, Wagner announced the city has successfully levied its first court-upheld fine against a beach chair company. “We actually have some teeth and we can at least toe the line,” Wagner said, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining community relationships.
Two new public beach access points are in development: Crystal Beach and Tarpon Beach, with the latter featuring over 300 feet of beachfront access. Wagner indicated Tarpon Beach construction could begin as early as spring.
Traffic concerns along Highway 98 received significant attention, with Wagner revealing that plans to expand to six lanes on the western portion of Destin in the Harbor District were shelved after a state feasibility study found land acquisition costs would exceed those of the new Pensacola bridge. Instead, the city is pursuing alternative solutions including median closures and signal optimization.
“Eighty-nine collisions happened in the past four years due to stop-and-go traffic,” Wagner said, highlighting safety concerns at Stahlman Ave and 98. Plans include potential pedestrian overpasses or underpasses at key intersections, which studies indicate could significantly improve traffic flow.
Wagner also unveiled plans for a new bridge to replace the current Destin bridge once the Brooks Bridge project is completed.
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