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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- Destin makes progress on two significant projects – working with the county on parking designs for Crystal Beach while securing $200,000 for Crosstown Connector trail design. Meanwhile, Niceville High seeks a new football coach as Grant Thompson steps down after an impressive run, Edwins Elementary celebrates facility improvements, and local students advance to state competition. The weekend brings the return of the Emerald Coast Quilt Show to Fort Walton Beach.
SCHOOL
Edwins Elementary celebrates new cafetorium, playground with ribbon-cutting
by Ashley Armacost
Edwins Elementary School celebrated the opening of its new cafetorium and playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday morning, marking the completion of a project that began as a vision in the same school over 5 years ago.
- The multipurpose facility will serve as both a cafeteria and auditorium, featuring an updated kitchen and modern music classroom. The improvements also included a newly paved car rider line, a new track and two playground sets designed to serve all students, including those with special needs.
“These changes have made daily life for students better and increased our ability to serve our community,” said Principal Kathleen Armstrong during the ceremony.
The event drew community members, dignitaries, former teachers and support staff of Edwins Elementary, as well as faculty and leadership students from Fort Walton Beach High School. Students from the Edwins Drum Team and Edwins Chorus performed musical numbers for the audience.
Former Principal Gwen Morris, who was instrumental in highlighting the school’s renovation needs, also attended. Morris has deep connections to Edwins — she attended the school in third and fourth grade and later served the school for 22 years in various roles including teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal and principal.
- “We are so thankful for this building,” Morris said. “I’m so glad for the students and the parents of this community.”
The project holds special significance as Edwins Elementary was where the half-cent sales tax initiative was first announced on January 14, 2020. During that initial announcement, Morris took attendees on a tour of the old cafeteria.
“We are hoping for a multipurpose building one day,” Morris said then, in a moment captured on video. Five years later, that hope has become reality.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers reflected on the full-circle moment of returning to where the initiative began.
- “It was a surreal moment,” Chambers said. “When the citizens came together and wanted to do the half-cent sales tax, it started in the old cafeteria here at Edwins. To fast forward 5 years later and this project is now done, it’s just something that makes me proud because the community did this. To come back where it all started is absolutely precious.”
The improvements at Edwins represent one of many projects being implemented across the Okaloosa County School District through the half-cent sales tax.
Armstrong announced that planning is underway for the next phase of renovations, which will include a modern media center, a STEM lab, a teacher workroom, itinerant offices, a conference room and three new classrooms.
The half-cent sales tax initiative is now in its fifth year, with five more years to go.
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PARKS+REC
Destin secures $200,000 grant for Crosstown Connector SUN Trail design
The Destin City Council approved a $200,000 grant agreement Monday that will fund design improvements to the Crosstown Connector multiuse pathway, expanding it to meet state trail requirements.
- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) grant will support design changes to ensure the pathway meets requirements for inclusion in the SUN Trail network, which aligns with the Florida Greenways and Trails System Plan’s Land Trail Priority Network.
Mayor Bobby Wagner explained that the improvements will primarily involve widening the pathway. “I think they were at eight feet already because that’s our new standard. The Sun Trail is a little bit more expansive at 10 to 12 feet,” Wagner said.
According to city documents, much of the existing SUN Trail route through Destin does not meet current requirements. The grant will allow the city to update the pathway design along the new Crosstown Connector roadway.
- The council approved the agreement during their March 3 meeting. The grant, which was not anticipated or included in the fiscal year 2025 budget, required a budget amendment to increase both grant revenue and expenditures by $200,000.
Wagner highlighted that this project fits into a broader regional vision. “At the end of the day, Sun Trail’s a regional network. What I feel we can get done in the next 10 years for our region is from Pier Park to Okaloosa Island Pier,” he said. “Destin’s just caught in between and we had a lot of gaps and a lot of pedestrian incidents.”
Wagner stressed that the Crosstown Connector is more than just a road project. “It’s a place where people can genuinely pleasantly walk, bike, and go to these parks. We’re making sure that it’s pedestrian forward and pedestrian safe,” he said.
- The SUN Trail design work complements existing trail segments. “Azalea Drive is already 10 feet wide, and then we’re working on the Stallman area and Calhoun, under the bridge,” Wagner noted. “Outside of doing the under-the-bridge project for the pathway, we almost have a complete network from where our new parcel is at the foot of the bridge to Crosstown Connector.”
City staff assured council members that the design work will not delay construction of the Crosstown Connector, a key component of the city’s strategic goals and objectives.
“Crosstown Connector is so much more than just a project about cars and vehicles,” Wagner added. “We’re going to have nearly a football field-and-a-half size of parks, and we’re going to have safe pedestrian pathways for people to enjoy.”
SPORTS
Grant Thompson steps down as Niceville High head football coach after 60+ wins
Niceville High School’s Head Football Coach Grant Thompson announced his resignation today after six years leading the Eagles football program.
- Thompson, who described the position as more than a dream job, shared his decision in a post on X, expressing gratitude toward the school administration, coaching staff, players and his family.
“These past six years have been some of the best of my life. Having the opportunity to lead this program—the same one I grew up cheering for—has been an absolute honor,” Thompson wrote.
During his tenure, Thompson led the Eagles to more than 60 wins. He specifically acknowledged Superintendent Marcus Chambers and Principal Charlie Marello for their mentorship.
Thompson also expressed appreciation for his coaching staff, calling them “the heart of this program” and praising their dedication to the student-athletes.
- “To my players: Thank you for this wonderful experience. Your dedication, hard work, and passion for the game have made every moment worth it,” Thompson stated. “Watching you grow as athletes and as young men has been the greatest privilege of my career.”
In his announcement, Thompson also thanked his family and his parents for their support throughout his coaching career.
Thompson concluded his message with “Go Eagles!” and affirmed that although his time as head coach is ending, “the Flyin’ N will always be a part of me.”
SCHOOL
Okaloosa STEMM Academy students showcase historical research, advance to state competition
Nineteen students from Okaloosa STEMM Academy will advance to the state’s Florida History Day competition following their school’s National History Day Showcase on Feb. 27.
- Students presented projects highlighting research and historical analysis connected to this year’s theme, “Rights & Responsibilities in History.” The theme prompted students to examine historical moments through perspectives of time, place, cause, effect and long-term impact.
“National History Day is more than just a competition—it’s a transformative experience that empowers students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Through research, collaboration, and critical analysis, these students prepared themselves for future challenges while deepening their understanding of history’s impact on our world.”
For several weeks, students researched and developed projects in five categories: documentaries, exhibits, historical papers, performances and websites. Classroom presentations occurred over two weeks, culminating in the showcase event.
STEMM Academy Principal Kimberly Nihill Taylor emphasized the showcase’s significance, saying it “not only honors the stories that have shaped our nation and others but also empowers the next generation to articulate their understanding of history.”
School Board Member Parker Destin, who attended the showcase, praised the students’ work.
- “It was just incredible because these are the unsung parts of where Okaloosa County School district really shines, which is in our academics,” Destin said. “To be able to see some of these students performing at the state level and then again further on the national level is incredible.”
Destin, who serves on the Florida Historical Commission, expressed enthusiasm about the district’s focus on history education.
“We’ve been backsliding as a country with history and civics education. But to see that’s not the case in Okaloosa County is really heartwarming and exciting,” he said.
By participating in National History Day, students took on roles including writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights and exhibit developers. These activities strengthened skills essential for college and career readiness.
Results of the state competition, which determines qualifiers for the National History Day contest in Washington, D.C., will be announced in May.
PROMOTED
Emerald Coast Quilt Show returns to Fort Walton Beach this weekend
The Flying Needles Quilt Guild of Niceville is hosting its annual Emerald Coast Quilt Show this weekend at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds.
- The two-day event, themed “Gulf of Dreams,” runs Friday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitors can view a variety of quilts showcased by guild members, including the featured “Gulf of Dreams” design that depicts sea turtles swimming through ocean waves in shades of blue, teal, and gold.
The Northwest Florida Fairgrounds is located at 1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach. Admission is $10 for a single day or $15 for both days of the event.
The Flying Needles Quilt Guild, based in Niceville, has organized the show. More information is available on their website at www.flyingneedlesquiltguild.org or by mail at P.O. Box 1652, Niceville, Florida 32588.
PARKS+REC
Destin, county discuss parking designs for ‘Shore at Crystal Beach’ project
The Destin City Council on Monday reviewed design options for “The Shore at Crystal Beach,” a joint project with Okaloosa County that will provide additional public beach access on property purchased four years ago.
- The council discussed two potential parking configurations for the beachfront property.
The first option would eliminate two parking spaces to create a one-way circular traffic pattern, allowing vehicles to flow through the lot without backing onto Highway 98. The second design would remove four parking spaces at the southern end of the lot to create a more spacious turnaround area with additional safety features.
“We’re trying to get this off center and finally build something,” said Craig Coffey, Okaloosa Deputy County Administrator, who attended the meeting to collaborate with council members on finding a solution that works for both entities.
The designs aim to address safety concerns while maximizing the number of parking spaces for beachgoers. City staff presented diagrams showing how each configuration would affect traffic flow, with particular attention to the southern portion of the lot where vehicles would need to navigate in and out.
- “I think this is the compromise,” Coffey explained, noting that the circular pattern would prevent vehicles from having to back out directly onto the highway. “It provides a pattern… and I think it’s a good compromise.”
The project, which began with property purchases in 2021, reflects the city’s strategic goals to improve beach access for residents and visitors. Councilman Jim Bagby, who has been working with staff on the project, emphasized its importance.
“We purchased the land to meet our goals in our strategic plan of providing beach access to our citizens and our visitors,” Bagby said.
City staff explained that certain aspects of the designs would require variances from the city’s development code, which prompted discussion about finding the right compromise.
- Councilman Dewey Destin noted the importance of the project, saying, “The amount of property we can acquire on the beach to put parks in is very limited and very precious.”
After nearly an hour of discussion, the council directed staff to continue working with the county on refining the proposed designs and return with options at the first meeting in April.
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