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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- Early voting opens today for Okaloosa County municipal elections, while the SS United States prepares for its Monday (today) arrival in Mobile. Shalimar Elementary celebrates the completion of its new cafetorium and playground, and residents should prepare for possible severe weather Tuesday night. Drivers should also be aware of ongoing traffic advisories across Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
COASTAL RESOURCES
Historic SS United States to arrive in Mobile on Monday
The SS United States, once America’s fastest ocean liner and a symbol of post-World War II engineering prowess, is scheduled to arrive in Mobile Bay around 6 a.m. Monday, March 3, 2025.
- The 990-foot vessel will make its way to the docks at Modern American Recycling Services (MARS) located at 601 South Royal Street, with an expected arrival at noon, though officials note timing may vary.
The historic liner, which has been docked in Philadelphia since 1996, began its journey south after being purchased by Okaloosa County. The ship will now undergo a year-long transformation process at the MARS facility to prepare it for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s coast.
- The docks and facility will remain closed to the public during the arrival.
Okaloosa County will continue partnering with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum and visitor center in Destin-Fort Walton Beach to commemorate the ship’s legacy.
“This will preserve the SS United States’ storied history and the memories that she has created for so many people over the years,” county officials stated.
Launched in 1952, the SS United States set the transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage and still holds the Blue Riband for fastest Atlantic crossing by an ocean liner. During its service years, the ship carried four U.S. presidents and numerous celebrities before being decommissioned in 1969.
The ship, often called “America’s Flagship,” represents a pinnacle of American naval engineering. At nearly 1,000 feet in length, it’s longer than the Titanic and was designed as part of a top-secret Cold War program to be the world’s fastest and safest ship.
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SCHOOL
Shalimar Elementary unveils new cafetorium, playground
Shalimar Elementary School celebrated the opening of its new cafetorium and playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday.
- The multipurpose facility will serve as both cafeteria and auditorium, while also housing a teachers’ lounge and music classroom. The project includes a newly paved bus ramp and can accommodate physical education on inclement weather days and after-school programming.
“This new cafetorium is not just a building; it’s a symbol of our community’s unwavering commitment to providing our students with the best possible learning environment,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers during the ceremony. “It represents an investment in our children’s future and demonstrates the power of community support.”
The improvements were funded through the voter-approved Half-Cent Sales Tax, which has allowed the school to reduce its reliance on portable classrooms.
Principal Amy Klugh noted the facility’s immediate impact on daily operations. “This new space has impacted our daily operations from loading and unloading buses, eating breakfast and lunch to offering an amazing music classroom,” Klugh said. “Educating students is the best job in the world and we have the opportunity to impact them on a daily basis with the fiscal decisions we make.”
- The event featured musical performances by fifth-grade students and members of the Sinfonia Strings after-school program.
For music teacher Shalyce Kauzlarich, the new facility represents a significant upgrade after teaching in a portable classroom for 20 years. She expressed enthusiasm about having a dedicated space that provides a versatile environment for student activities without disrupting scheduling.
The ceremony drew parents, community members and dignitaries, including members of the 87th Electronic Warfare Squadron, where Klugh serves as Honorary Commander. With the new cafetorium in place, the school plans to convert its old cafeteria into classrooms, further reducing the need for portable buildings on campus.
WEATHER
Severe storms, high winds possible in Okaloosa County Tuesday night
Okaloosa County residents should prepare for possible severe weather conditions starting Tuesday, according to county officials.
- Patrick Maddox, Okaloosa County’s Public Safety Director, issued a weather advisory Sunday warning of scattered severe thunderstorms and strong non-thunderstorm winds expected to affect the entire area Tuesday evening through early Wednesday morning.
“The atmosphere will be conducive for thunderstorms,” Maddox said in the advisory. However, he noted there remains uncertainty about how strong these storms might become.
Officials have high confidence that the county will see thunderstorms, with medium confidence regarding the threat of damaging straight-line winds. The tornado threat assessment remains low, according to the advisory.
Non-thunderstorm winds are expected to be breezy on Tuesday, with sustained winds of 20-25 mph and gusts reaching 35-40 mph. A Wind Advisory may become necessary as conditions develop.
- Maddox indicated that weather conditions throughout Tuesday will influence the severity of the storms. “More cloud cover and less heating during the day would lessen the threat. Less cloud cover and more heating during the day would increase the threat,” he explained.
Authorities will also monitor the potential for isolated thunderstorms developing ahead of the main line, though this scenario remains highly uncertain.
The weather system is expected to affect the entire Okaloosa County area.
TRAFFIC
Okaloosa and Walton Counties Traffic Advisory
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Okaloosa and Walton counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Okaloosa County:
- State Road (S.R.) 285 Resurfacing from S.R. 293 to the Walton County Line – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, March 2 through Friday, March 7 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 lane closures, from Santa Rosa Boulevard to Pier Road, Monday, March 3 through Thursday, March 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for utility contractors to install power poles. Additionally, drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 5, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility work and construction activities: U.S. 98 alternating lane closures between Ferry Road and Pier Road.
- Santa Rosa Boulevard alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from west of Yellow River to east of Shoal River – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures between mile markers 53 and 57, Tuesday, March 4 through Thursday, March 6, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.
- Mid-Bay Bridge Rehabilitation Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on the Mid-Bay Bridge, Sunday, March 2 through Thursday, March 6, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. for construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 lane closures, between Josie Road in Mary Esther and Florida Place Southeast in Fort Walton Beach, Sunday, March 2 through Thursday, March 6, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for manhole adjustments, paving operations, and for crews to place thermoplastic striping.
- Mary Esther Boulevard (S.R. 393) Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to Beal Parkway (S.R. 189) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Mary Esther Boulevard, from U.S. 98 to Beal Parkway, Sunday, March 2 through Thursday, March 6, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for signalization work.
- S.R. 85 and S.R. 189 Intersection Improvements – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures, Sunday, March 2 through Thursday, March 6, between 6:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for signalization work at the following locations: S.R. 85 at Erwin Fleet Road intersection.
- S.R. 189 at Lewis Street intersection.
- S.R. 189 at Pelham Road intersection.
Walton County:
- U.S. 331 Resurfacing Project from south of I-10 to U.S. 90 – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures, Sunday, March 2 through Thursday, March 6, from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for concrete work and paving operations at the following locations: U.S. 90 eastbound from West Sloss Avenue to U.S. 331.
- U.S. 331 from south of I-10 to U.S. 90.
- U.S. 90 Routine Utility Maintenance at Kidd Road and North Norwood Road – Motorists may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for routine utility maintenance.
ELECTION
Early voting begins for Okaloosa County municipal elections
Early voting for municipal elections in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and Laurel Hill begins today, giving residents the chance to cast their ballots ahead of the March 11 Election Day.
- Voters can participate in early voting from March 3-7, with polls open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, according to the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Office.
Two locations are available for early voting:
- Shalimar Office: 1250 Eglin Pkwy, Suite 103, Shalimar
- Crestview Office: 302 N Wilson St, Suite 102, Crestview
Voters can preview their sample ballots on the Supervisor of Elections website before heading to the polls.
Fort Walton Beach
The municipal election will determine three seats on the Fort Walton Beach City Council. Seven candidates are competing for these positions:
- Brandon Bishop
- Logan Browning
- Jason Harwell
- Benjamin Merrell
- Debi “Debra” Riley
- Travis Smith (incumbent)
- Sonya Faison-Vazquez
Laurel Hill
Voters in Laurel Hill will decide between three candidates:
- Mike Blizzard
- Shawn D. Cogan
- Amanda Rosen
Niceville
Niceville voters will consider two charter referenda:
A proposal to eliminate the city residency requirement for the City Clerk. Currently, Section 6.11 of the Niceville City Charter requires the City Clerk to reside within city limits. The amendment would remove this requirement, which is described as “financially burdensome and unnecessary for the proper function of this office.”
A proposal to grant the Mayor authority to vote to break tie votes regarding City Council vacancies. The amendment to Section 3.07(c) would establish a process to resolve potential tie votes when filling council vacancies.
For voters unable to participate in early voting, Election Day is Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
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