SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
Okaloosa County gets ready to unveil its new $1.3 million playground at Marler Park, while the tugboat captain who guided the SS United States reflects on the historic tow. Fort Walton Beach begins renovations at the Pines Course, and HCA’s trauma team offers spring break safety advice.
- TODAY: Hurlburt Field will be conducting explosive demolition training between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. today. During the training, nearby residents may hear loud noise or feel the vibrations associated with the demolition charge detonations that are planned to occur periodically throughout the day. Base officials advise if the humidity is high or if there is cloud coverage, the effects can seem louder and closer than on clear days.
COASTAL RESOURCES
Tugboat Captain Mike Vinik reflects on towing historic SS United States to Alabama
When Captain Mike Vinik was asked years ago about his favorite ship, he didn’t hesitate: “The SS United States.”
- Little did he know he would one day be responsible for towing the massive 990-foot ocean liner — affectionately known as “America’s Flagship” — from its long-time berth in Philadelphia, PA. to Mobile, Alabama, where it awaits preparation to become the world’s largest artificial reef.
“Every time you look back at the ship, it’s just more beautiful than you remember,” Vinik said in an interview following the successful completion of the journey on March 3. “I can’t believe the lines of the ship. It’s just amazing.”
Vinik, owner of Vinik Marine, captained the tugboat Vinik #6 on the 10-day journey around Florida’s coast. The Vinik #6 is a specialized 141-foot ocean-going tug with two locomotive engines generating 5,750 horsepower, built to handle challenging offshore operations.
The tow required extensive preparations, including coordinating with surveyors, the Coast Guard, and addressing the unique challenge of moving a ship that had been partially resting on silt at low tide for years in Philadelphia.
- Using approximately 1,800 feet of wire — which acts as a shock absorber — the tugboat maintained a crucial separation from the SS United States as they traveled. When winds and currents pushed against the ship’s massive profile, Vinik employed techniques to work with rather than against the forces of nature.
The voyage attracted extraordinary public attention. “For our departure in Philly, there were people lined along the banks of every public access point in the Delaware River, shoulder to shoulder,” Vinik recalled. Boats, planes, helicopters, and drones followed their progress along the Florida coast.
For Vinik, who began his maritime career after graduating from New York Maritime College in 2003 and buying his first tugboat a year later, towing the legendary vessel carried special significance.
- “It’s 10 times as long as it is wide. It’s a rocket ship,” Vinik said of the SS United States, which was capable of speeds over 38 knots with its 240,000 horsepower. “Ships don’t go 30 knots, let alone 38 or more.”
The SS United States arrived safely in Mobile on March 3, ahead of schedule, and now awaits the next phase of its journey — transformation into an artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
SPONSORED
If you live, work, worship or attend school within our field of membership, you can bank with us.
- To find out if you’re eligible to join, visit eglinfcu.org/join or apply at a branch.
Membership subject to approval. Must be 18 or older to apply online. Insured by NCUA
PUBLIC SAFETY
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital trauma team urges Spring Break safety
As thousands of visitors prepare to descend on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area for spring break, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital’s trauma team is highlighting safety concerns based on patterns they’ve observed in previous tourist seasons.
- The hospital reported 1,538 trauma cases in 2024, with a notable decrease to 944 cases during winter months when fewer visitors are in the area.
“We want you to come to Destin-Fort Walton Beach and enjoy your time here. We love tourists and we want you to have a good time,” said Dr. William Hunt, a trauma surgeon who joined the hospital last August. “But at the same time, please respect the laws. Don’t be somebody different when you come down here.”
Hunt said the mid-twenties age group accounts for most major trauma cases during spring break.
- “For natural reasons, you’re a little bit more daring. You feel invincible,” Hunt said. “You’re on spring break, and you’re forgetting about the normal rules that you would abide by elsewhere.”
Among the biggest concerns are injuries from street-legal golf carts, which have become increasingly popular in the area.
“People treat them like a golf cart and not like a vehicle,” Hunt said. “They are a vehicle. They’re not a golf cart on a golf course.”
Shallow water diving injuries represent another significant danger, particularly in popular spots like Crab Island.
- “It’s shallow here and people don’t realize that. They think, ‘I’m going to the ocean. The ocean’s deep,'” Hunt said. “If you dive head first and you’re not paying attention, unfortunately, we do see some pretty devastating spinal cord injuries.”
The rehabilitation outlook for these injuries varies widely – from wearing a cervical collar for six to eight weeks to permanent paralysis.
“Unfortunately, sometimes the injuries are so devastating that no matter what we do with all of the modern medicine that we have, we can’t fix it,” Hunt said.
Alcohol consumption significantly increases trauma risks, Hunt noted, particularly with falls from heights, motor vehicle accidents, and water-related incidents.
- “When somebody comes into our trauma bay impaired, we generally can’t rely on their neurological exam, and it also distracts from the rest of the exam on their body,” Hunt said.
Hunt emphasized that split-second decisions during spring break can have lifelong consequences, including severe sunburns.
“If you have five blistering sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20, studies show you have an 80% increase in your risk of melanoma,” Hunt said. “The decisions that you make this week can have a lifelong impact on you.”
The hospital offers a free Stop the Bleed class on Wednesday, April 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., which teaches basic bleeding control techniques using everyday items like towels or belts. Registration is required.
- Hunt also praised local first responders who work closely with the hospital’s trauma team. “Our local first responders are first class. They’re ready to take care of people expertly,” Hunt said. “Without first responders, my job is nearly obsolete as a trauma surgeon.”
For patients requiring continued care, the hospital offers support through its Trauma Survivor Network program.
“We want you to have a good time here in Destin-Fort Walton Beach and we want you to have fun,” said Hunt. “But if you do get injured, we’re here to take care of you.”
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.
PARKS+REC
Fort Walton Beach begins renovation of Pines Course greens
Work has begun on the $613,710 renovation of all 18 greens at the Pines Course of the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, with completion expected by September.
- Crews from King Villages Landscaping & Golf Construction Inc. started the project last week on the course, which was built in 1961 as the first of the club’s two 18-hole layouts.
Golf Course Maintenance Manager Richie Edwards said the renovation addresses longstanding issues with the putting surfaces.
“Over the years, the greens have accumulated five or six different species of grass, called ‘off-types,’ which all have different characteristics. This makes putting on the greens less predictable, and maintenance more challenging,” Edwards said.
The inconsistent surfaces affect play quality, according to Edwards.
- “When you putt and your ball is running nice and straight, and then all of a sudden it pulls over here and then it pulls over that way, that’s because it’s running through different types of grass,” he explained.
The renovation process involves removing all existing grass and organic material to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Workers will then add new soil and fumigate the area to eliminate any remaining plant material.
In May, crews will begin sprigging the greens with TifEagle, a Bermudagrass variety specifically developed for golf greens. Weather permitting, the new surfaces should be ready for play by September.
- During construction, the Pines Course will have temporary greens and be limited to golf club members only to reduce foot and cart traffic impact. The Oaks Course will continue normal operations without changes.
The project is primarily funded through $584,000 from Okaloosa County’s Tourist Development Tax, collected on short-term rentals and designated for tourism-related amenities. An additional $29,710 comes from the county’s voter-approved half-cent surtax fund for infrastructure projects.
PARKS+REC
Okaloosa County to unveil new $1.3 million playground at Marler Park
Okaloosa County will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new playground at Ross Marler Park on March 27. The $1.3 million facility replaces an aging structure at the Okaloosa Island location.
- The playground, entirely funded by tourism revenue, features rubberized safety surfacing, multiple slides, play structures, sail shades and benches in a coastal theme.
“This is another great example of how tourism revenue should be spent in Okaloosa County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “This investment will enhance enjoyment for both our local families and visiting guests.”
Located at 1275 Santa Rosa Boulevard, the playground includes interactive music, games and educational elements about marine life such as sea turtles and lionfish.
- “This new space will be a safe place for children of all ages to play and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Okaloosa Island,” said District 2 Commissioner and Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel. “Having magnificent parks like these is a passion for me and I am pleased we are able to make these enhancements for everyone to enjoy.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Ross Marler Park is one of more than three dozen parks maintained by Okaloosa County. More information about county parks is available at https://myokaloosa.com/parks.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Thursday. 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