SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
Crestview takes on two distinct challenges – partnering with Eglin to combat unauthorized drone activity and moving toward a complete smoking ban in city parks. In education news, Seaside School raises a record-breaking $650,000 during its Race Weekend, and Choctawhatchee High School enhances its International Baccalaureate program with Film Studies.
- NIGHT FLYING: Residents may experience aircraft noise March 3 – 6, when the 40th Flight Test Squadron and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron conduct night fly operations in the area. Fighter aircraft will conduct missions between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m. Night flying is required for training operations.
SCHOOL
Choctawhatchee High School adds Film Studies to International Baccalaureate program
The Okaloosa County School Board approved a new Film Studies course for Choctawhatchee High School’s International Baccalaureate program on Monday, expanding options for students in the prestigious academic program.
- The Film Studies course will begin in the 2025-2026 school year, providing an additional elective in the arts discipline required for an IB diploma.
“We’re trying to build the program and give students more options,” said Anna Godoy, IB coordinator at Choctawhatchee High School. “We wanted to give students something different and something fun that they could do in the area of the arts if they weren’t painters or photographers.”
Choctawhatchee High School is the only IB school in Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties, drawing students from across the region, including military families who specifically seek out IB schools. The nearest IB schools are in Escambia and Bay counties.
- “We actually pull quite a few students each year from Navarre and from beyond the Walton County line because they want to come to an IB school,” Godoy said.
The international program started in Switzerland in the 1960s and now includes about 5,000 schools worldwide, with students taking identical tests regardless of their location.
“Our students are literally taking the exact same tests in their junior and senior year as students in Finland and Spain and China and Morocco,” Godoy said. “There’s this international standard that’s really strong academically.”
The IB program currently has about 270 students at Choctaw, with enrollment highest in 9th grade and tapering in later years. The school has approximately 120 ninth graders, 100 tenth graders, 39 juniors and 31 seniors in the program. Florida offers a unique “Florida Pre-IB” program for 9th and 10th graders before they enter the global diploma program as juniors and seniors.
In the new Film Studies course, students will examine various roles in filmmaking, from lighting to directing to cinematography. They will study film techniques and create their own short films as part of their assessment.
- “Students will be looking at how the lighting works, how sound effects work, what the director did, what the storyboard would have been like,” Godoy said. “They will actually fulfill those roles themselves.”
Students will create up to 12 minutes of film divided into four sections, with the longest individual film being three minutes. They will primarily use school equipment, including cell phones and available technology.
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.
GIVING BACK
Seaside School’s ‘Race Weekend’ raises record-breaking $650K for education
by Ashley Armacost
Seaside School raised a record-breaking $650K at this year’s Half Marathon and 5K Race Weekend held over Presidents’ Day weekend to support local students and education in Walton County.
- Race Weekend welcomed the highest number of participants in the event’s history with over 4,000 participants and 12,000 guests from across the globe, according to event organizers.
It also included more than 500 volunteers, including students and staff from all Seaside School grade levels, who together contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours.
“This event is more than a race, it’s a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the value of education,” shared Teresa Horton, Executive Director of Seaside School Foundation. “Watching thousands gather despite weather challenges reminds us why we do this. The funds raised will enrich the educational opportunities we provide, ensuring transformative experiences for our students both inside and outside the classroom.”
The funds raised directly benefit the academic and operational programming of both Seaside School campuses, Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School, in partnership with the Seaside School Foundation.
- This year’s proceeds will contribute to the Seacoast Collegiate High School expansion project at Northwest Florida State College, aiming to establish a dual enrollment center that will allow high school students in Walton County and surrounding communities to earn a tuition-free college degree.
“Partnering with Seaside School for Race Weekend has been profoundly rewarding,” said Matthew Lauderdale, Owner of Frankie’s Bike Shop. “This event is not just about running; it’s about running toward a brighter future for our students. Witnessing the determination of every participant and volunteer reinforced my belief that together, we can achieve something truly special.”
SPONSORED
Origin Bank opens new location in Fort Walton Beach
Origin Bank has expanded its presence with a new financial center in Fort Walton Beach.
- Operating from a temporary building at 212 Racetrack Road NW (the intersection of Denton Boulevard NW), the center offers comprehensive banking services including small business and personal banking, home loans, and financial support.
The location currently operates Monday through Friday, with the drive-thru open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and appointments available by calling (850) 904-8613. For more information, click here.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Crestview partners with Eglin AFB to combat unauthorized drone activity over military installations
The Crestview City Council voted Monday to approve a memorandum of understanding with Eglin Air Force Base aimed at combating unauthorized drone activity over military installations.
- The council unanimously passed the measure 4-0 during its Feb. 24 meeting, establishing formal cooperation between the Crestview Police Department and the 96th Test Wing in responding to drone incursions.
City Manager Tim Bolduc explained that General Massaro, Eglin’s commander, had been directed by Air Force leadership to establish these agreements with local law enforcement agencies.
“Whenever we have an opportunity to work closely with our surrounding bases, we always try to do that,” Bolduc told the council.
The memorandum creates guidelines for both parties to respond to drone activities that violate restricted airspace. Such incidents have increased in frequency globally and represent violations of both federal and Florida law, according to city officials.
When Councilman Ryan Bullard questioned the agreement’s relevance given Crestview’s distance from the base, the City Attorney clarified that Eglin’s controlled airspace extends over Crestview city limits, making the partnership necessary.
- “It makes sense that if somebody was going to do something, they would do it outside of the immediate area of the Air Force base itself and would probably do it in an adjacent jurisdiction,” Bolduc added.
Under the agreement, the 96th Test Wing will notify Crestview police when assistance is needed with drone incidents. The police department will help detain operators of unauthorized drones and investigate violations. Both parties will participate in training exercises and public education efforts about drone restrictions.
The memorandum does not involve any financial commitment from either party and can be terminated at any time. Police Chief Stephen McCosker had previously reviewed the agreement and recommended its approval.
PARKS+REC
Crestview Council moves toward complete smoking ban in city parks
The Crestview City Council reached a consensus Monday to pursue a complete smoking ban in all city parks, expanding current restrictions that only apply to certain areas of Twin Hills Park.
- During the Feb. 24 meeting, council members unanimously supported drafting an ordinance that would prohibit smoking and vapor-generating devices in all city-owned parks, with the state-mandated exception for unfiltered cigars.
“I personally am for as restricted as we can make it,” said Councilwoman Dusty Allison. “It’s a health issue, and it’s also an issue for the cleanliness of our parks because cigarette butts get dropped on the ground.”
City Manager Tim Bolduc explained that Florida statute has been amended to allow municipalities to prohibit smoking within parks, except for cigars. Crestview initially implemented designated smoking areas at Twin Hills Park in April 2024, but officials have received requests from the public and council members to revisit the policy.
Councilman Ryan Bullard expressed concern about protecting the city’s investment in park facilities, particularly the synthetic turf at newer installations like Wilson Street Park.
- “We’re investing so much money into our city parks at this point. If we’re dropping cigarette butts and then stepping on it to put it out, it’s going to start damaging that,” Bullard said.
Councilman Brandon Frost, who said he frequently visits parks with his child, emphasized the need to prioritize children’s environments.
“When I think about parks, I think about where our kids come to enjoy the outdoors,” Frost said. “I coach sports at the middle school and there’s a reason they don’t allow smoking on school grounds.”
Although Councilman Shannon Hayes initially suggested a park-by-park approach with potential designated smoking areas at larger facilities, he ultimately joined the consensus for a complete ban.
- Bolduc noted the ban would not apply to the city golf course, which operates as a public-private partnership with its own regulations. He added that smoking prohibitions could provide “one more tool” for law enforcement to address vagrancy issues near parks.
Staff will now draft an ordinance reflecting the council’s direction for formal consideration at a future meeting.
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