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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- A local auto shop delivers a life-changing surprise to a Niceville JROTC cadet with the donation of a car, while Fort Walton Beach High School celebrates being named Florida’s “Best Student Section.” The historic SS United States arrives in Mobile to begin its transformation, a Pryor Middle School incident leads to serious charges, and our area prepares for possible severe weather Tuesday.
COASTAL RESOURCES
GALLERY: SS United States arrives in Mobile to begin artificial reef conversion
After traveling 1,800 nautical miles from Philadelphia, the SS United States has reached Mobile, Alabama, where Okaloosa County will begin the process of transforming the historic vessel into the world’s largest artificial reef.
- The 990-foot ship, which holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner, will spend the next six to 12 months being prepared for its new underwater role.
“We are proud to continue the story of this historic vessel as an artificial reef along with the land-based museum,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “I applaud the Destin-Fort Walton Beach team in their efforts to succeed in this important next step.”
The preparation work includes removing all non-metal items, wiring and fuel to ensure environmental safety. Working with the Department of Environmental Protection and Environmental Protection Agency, crews will cut strategic holes around the ship to ensure it lands upright when submerged. Additional passages will be created to allow marine life to move freely through the structure.
Once deployed about 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, the artificial reef will sit in approximately 180 feet of water, with its upper deck about 55 feet below the surface. This range of depths will accommodate divers of varying experience levels, from beginners to technical divers.
- In its new role, the vessel will provide habitat for grouper, snapper, mackerel, tuna and numerous other marine species, benefiting both recreational divers and the regional fishing industry.
Okaloosa County will continue to partner with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum and visitor center in Destin-Fort Walton Beach that will preserve the ship’s legacy.
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SCHOOL
Fort Walton Beach High School named ‘Best Student Section’ in Florida
Fort Walton Beach High School claimed the title of best student section in Florida on Monday, winning the 2025 Sunshine State Spirit Showdown.
- “Our student section is unmatched and has been for decades,” said Principal Lindsey Smith following the announcement.
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced Fort Walton Beach as the champion after evaluating submissions from three finalist schools, including local rival Choctawhatchee High School and Bishop Kenny High School of Jacksonville.
This marks the second time Fort Walton Beach has won the competition, having previously claimed the title in 2022.
“The pride in the Vikings is felt throughout our building all day everyday, so of course that bleeds into the student sections not only at football games, but at basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and countless other venues,” Smith said.
The FHSAA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee evaluated the entries based on sportsmanship, participation, organization of students and spirit conveyed through video submissions. Fan votes via social media also contributed to the final scores.
- “Every school captured the creativity and passion of their students in their respective videos,” said Craig Damon, Executive Director of the FHSAA. “Congratulations to Fort Walton Beach High School on winning the 2025 Sunshine State Spirit Showdown.”
Smith emphasized the community aspect of the school’s spirit: “One thing I am most proud of is how our faculty, staff, and students lift each other up and support one another in all their activities, academics, and athletics.”
The competition, established in 2014, aims to promote positive sportsmanship and celebrate school spirit among FHSAA member schools.
“We are a family at the Fort and our spirit and unwavering commitment to the red and blue is the heartbeat of that family. Go Vikings!” Smith added.
- Fort Walton Beach will receive a commemorative plaque and personalized banner from the FHSAA to honor their achievement.
SCHOOL
Okaloosa student faces felony charge after Pryor Middle School fireworks incident
A Pryor Middle School student now faces felony charges after falsely claiming to have a gun while setting off fireworks in a school hallway, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced today.
- The student is charged with felony false reporting of a firearm and disturbing a school function. Several other students involved in the Feb. 27 incident face misdemeanor charges of disturbing a school function.
According to deputies, the male student interrupted school activities by reportedly detonating a firework while stating, “I have a gun,” and reaching into his backpack. The actions caused fear among nearby students. Deputies discovered additional fireworks inside the student’s backpack.
Sheriff Eric Aden and School Superintendent Marcus Chambers emphasized the importance of parents and guardians understanding the serious consequences students will face for any threat involving school safety.
- “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority,” Chambers said in a statement. “I commend the quick and decisive actions of Principal McClelland, the Pryor Middle School staff, and our Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office partners in addressing today’s incident.”
Chambers noted that while there was no actual threat, behavior that disrupts learning and causes fear “will be taken seriously and met with swift action.”
The superintendent urged parents to help reinforce the importance of responsible choices and encouraged students to report concerning behavior to school resource officers, administrators or staff.
“Together, we will continue working to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for every student in Okaloosa County,” Chambers stated.
WEATHER
Okaloosa County placed under ‘Slight’ risk as Tuesday storm approaches
Okaloosa County emergency officials have updated their severe weather outlook, placing most of the county under a “Slight” risk category for the approaching storm system.
- According to a Monday briefing from Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox, the “Enhanced” risk area now extends to the county line and possibly into the northwest portion of the county.
The latest forecast indicates a line of storms will develop and move west to east Tuesday evening through approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday. Maddox said the greatest threats are winds reaching up to 60 mph and the possibility of a few tornadoes.
“Non-thunderstorm winds ahead of the main line of storms in the 35-40 mph range are likely for a long duration, making limb-fall from weekend trees a possibility,” Maddox warned.
Additional concerns include elevated rip currents and surf heights up to 10 feet beginning Monday night. Rainfall is expected to remain under 1.5 inches as the system is forecast to move quickly through the region.
Okaloosa County is likely to experience the greatest impacts between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 3 a.m. Wednesday, with the eastern parts of the county affected later in that timeframe. Officials noted that some discrete storm cells ahead of the main line are possible.
- “Confidence on storms forming is high, confidence on overall severity is less-certain, but always prepare as if they were to occur,” Maddox said.
County officials urged residents to have multiple ways to receive emergency information and to remain weather-aware as they continue to monitor the situation.
GIVING BACK
VIDEO: Local auto shop surprises Niceville JROTC cadet with life-changing car donation
What seemed like a routine morning formation for JROTC cadets at Niceville High School turned into a life-changing moment for senior Zikeara Flowers.
- On Monday, Mullins Auto Body donated a 2013 Chevy Malibu to Flowers during a surprise presentation that left the hardworking student speechless. Her brother Antonio, also a JROTC cadet who stood in formation with his sister, had kept the secret for two weeks.
“I was surprised…really surprised. I’ve never had an opportunity like this before,” said Flowers, who was called out during what she believed was a regular inspection with her fellow cadets.
Amber Carter, CEO of Mullins Auto Body, explained that the business acquires damaged vehicles, repairs them, and occasionally donates them to deserving recipients.
- “I try to do a different organization every time,” Carter said. “There’s no words to describe it. It’s an amazing feeling to be at a point in my life that I’m able to do this.”
Carter, who attended Niceville High School herself, runs the business with her husband Mike. She purchased the company from her father about three and a half years ago after he started it 35 years ago.
“I didn’t want the legacy that he created to go to corporate,” Carter said.
Principal Charlie Marello worked with guidance counselors and District staff to identify a student who would benefit from having a vehicle.
- “I’m finishing up my ninth year here and I’ve never had someone reach out in this type of way,” Marello said. “We’re beyond appreciative that they would think to do this for one of our students.”
For Flowers’ mother, Iris Vaughn, who attended the surprise with Flowers’ older sister Alexandria, the donation means more than just transportation.
“It’s been a long, rough journey and it means a lot. These kids have been through enough,” Vaughn said. “They work three different schedules right now. They are all using the same vehicle.”
Okaloosa County School Superintendent Marcus Chambers attended the surprise presentation.
- “Today is a shining example of our community partners’ incredible impact on our students,” Chambers said. “Thanks to the generosity of Mullins Auto Body, Zikeara Flowers now has a reliable vehicle that will help pave the way for her future.”
Flowers, who plans to join the Army after graduation and eventually study marine biology, expressed gratitude to everyone involved, unaware that her brother Antonio had been keeping the surprise a secret for two weeks while participating in the same JROTC program.
“I want to thank everyone so much. Thanks to my teachers, my mentors, my parents…my parents are amazing,” she said. “And to Mullins.”
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