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Destin Commons has reopened after a bomb threat forced evacuation of the shopping center. Destin Elementary’s 30-classroom addition is nearing completion with an August opening ahead, Representative Patt Maney passes five bills through the House with three heading to the governor as the legislative session concludes, and Okaloosa Schools will honor CTE seniors at its 7th Annual Signing Day.
SCHOOL
Destin Elementary’s 30-classroom addition nearing completion with August opening ahead
Construction of the 30-classroom addition at Destin Elementary School is progressing smoothly with less than six months until its scheduled completion, Assistant Superintendent Grant Meyer told the Okaloosa County School Board during a workshop Monday.
- Meyer said the building is dried in, with brick work about 85% complete and metal roofing expected to be finished in the next few weeks. Inside, framed walls are up and interior painting and casework have begun. Windows are in place and permanent power has been established on site.
“I can’t say enough about this construction project,” Meyer said. “We’ve had very few hiccups. It’s going as smooth as possible.”
The expansion is being built on a 7.6-acre parcel adjacent to the school that the district purchased in 2023. The two-story building will house grades 3-5 and includes a multipurpose building, a new administrative suite, an elevator and a redesigned car rider drop-off area featuring a high canopy leading into a large lobby space.
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WordroW: March 16, 2026
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FROM THE STATE
Maney passes five bills through House, three head to governor as legislative session concludes
State Rep. Patt Maney advanced five of his seven policy bills through the House during the 2026 legislative session, with three measures headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis for signature. Each policy bill received unanimous support in every House committee and on the House floor.
Three bills saw action during the final week. HB 227, which clarifies that individuals holding residential leases of 98 years or longer qualify for Florida’s homestead tax exemption, received a unanimous favorable vote and will be sent to the governor. HB 177, which expands flexibility for the offices of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel when handling capital cases, was also sent to the governor. HB 199, Maney’s veterans treatment court bill, was sent to DeSantis on Feb. 26.
Maney amended a piece of HB 613 into a larger transportation package that would allow disabled veterans to keep their unique alphanumeric license plate upon renewal. HB 351, which seeks to establish concurrent jurisdiction between Florida and U.S. military installations, remained in a holding pattern at session’s end awaiting an additional House vote.
HB 447, which would make court hearings for mental health and substance abuse cases confidential, advanced through all four committee references to a House floor vote. HB 139 made it through three committee stops but did not reach the House floor.
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SCHOOL
Okaloosa Schools to honor CTE seniors at 7th Annual Signing Day
The Okaloosa County School District will celebrate Career and Technical Education seniors at its 7th Annual CTE Signing Day Celebration on Wednesday, April 15, at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville.
The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon, features a Letter Signing Ceremony where CTE seniors formally commit to their next steps after graduation — whether entering the workforce, pursuing higher education or serving in the military. Northwest Florida State College President Mel Ponder will deliver the keynote address.
Unlike traditional college signing days focused on athletic or academic scholarships, CTE Signing Day recognizes students who spent their high school years developing hands-on skills in fields like healthcare, construction, information technology and culinary arts.
The signing ceremony mirrors the format of athletic signing days, with students putting pen to paper alongside representatives from their future employers, colleges or military branches.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Destin Commons reopens after bomb threat forces evacuation
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office gave the all clear Sunday for Destin Commons to reopen after a bomb threat forced the evacuation of the shopping center earlier in the day.
- Deputies responded to a threat called into the AMC movie theater, prompting a full evacuation of the immediate area. An explosives detection dog and other specialized units swept what officials described as a significantly sized area before determining it was safe.
The theater will remain closed, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The evacuation also forced the cancellation of the Mac & Cheese Festival, hosted by the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, which was underway at Destin Commons at the time. Festival organizers said attendees and staff were evacuated at the direction of the Sheriff’s Office.
Law enforcement officials said several jurisdictions across Florida received similar bomb threats Sunday. Investigations are ongoing.
The Sheriff’s Office asked the public to avoid the area during the response, noting traffic was backing up on surrounding roads. Deputies enacted protocols required for the situation throughout the incident.
“Public safety must always come first,” the agency said in one of several updates posted to social media throughout the afternoon.
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