TOGETHER WITH
Good morning!
There is a lot of doubt surrounding the new Brooks Bridge Project, and part of me understands why: This has been a discussion topic for the last 20 years.
Yesterday, I was having a conversation with FWB Chamber CEO Ted Corcoran and he asked me if I had seen the demolition that has started.
“No,” I said.
To which he replied, “Well, you should go take a look at it.”
Down on Florida Blanca Place (behind Props Brewery) sits the Oak Breeze Apartments. Part of that complex has now been leveled, signifying the beginning of construction for the Brooks Bridge Replacement Project.
It’s not much, but it’s a good start!
ARTS+CULTURE
‘Art Walk’ is back in Downtown Fort Walton Beach
Art Walk is proudly sponsored by Artesano Boutique in Downtown Fort Walton Beach. Artesano is an artisan shop featuring beautiful handmade work from along the Gulf Coast since 2010.
The Downtown Fort Walton Beach ‘Art Walk’ has been on a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic but is now back, and slated to be better than ever!
As part of the revamp, Art Walk will now take place on the first Saturday of the month to make it easier for families and artists to get downtown and not rush after the busy school/work week.
- “We also do not want to compete with the amazing Concerts In The Park that happen on Friday nights,” said Nikki Via, owner of Artesano Boutique in Downtown Fort Walton Beach.
Starting from Artesano, artists will be spread out to the left and right along the sidewalk in front of local businesses, facing Highway 98.
Attendees can expect an eclectic mix of artisan goods such as:
- Jewelry
- Knives
- Candles
- Mixed media
- Everything handmade
Art Walk is family-friendly and will feature face-painting and entertainment for kids.
Looking to participate? If you are an artist, jeweler or creator interested in participating, click here for the application process.
This is the first of 6 Art Walks that will take place this year.
- May – first Saturday
- June – first Saturday
- Taking a summer break
- September – first Saturday
- October – first Saturday
- November – first Saturday
To stay updated on the latest with the event, follow them on Facebook.
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ACCIDENT
OCSO investigating cause of fatal crash in Destin
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of a one car traffic crash in Destin Wednesday night that claimed the life of a 20-year old Niceville woman.
Deputies responded to the area of 1125 Highway 98 after a vehicle went through guardrails off the eastbound lanes.
- The driver was pronounced at the scene.
- The crash happened around 10:11 p.m.
WALTON COUNTY
Two juveniles charged with vandalism at Freeport Sports Complex
On Thursday, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office reported that extensive damage was done to the bathrooms and other areas of the Freeport Regional Sports Complex.
- The damage was inspired by a recent TikTok trend, according to the WCSO.
In this latest trend, kids record themselves throwing toilet paper, sticks and other debris in the toilets to clog up the system – ultimately destroying it. They rip soap dispensers off of the walls and carve graffiti on the stalls.
“Walton County Sheriff’s Office has been heavy in the area, especially since the start of spring break for Walton County Schools,” they wrote in a press release. “Yesterday, units responded in reference to the damage in the bathrooms near the arena area of the complex.”
When the Deputies went inside, two names were carved in the wall along with multiple depictions of the male anatomy. WCSO identified the two juveniles who carved their names in the wall.
During the investigation, it was later learned these two teens also made Snapchat videos showing the sports complex in the background, which confirms they were near the property around the time it was vandalized.
- Contact was made with the two juveniles and their parents.
- Both admitted to being on the property and vandalizing the restrooms.
- They were arrested and charged with criminal mischief, which is a misdemeanor.
“Walton County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the area to protect the complex, but we need parents help with monitoring your teens behavior on social media and discussing the outcomes and consequences of these challenges,” wrote the WCSO. “Teens, leaving your mark on something is not worth being arrested over. Do not destroy the place you call home for views.”
GROWTH
Eglin Federal Credit Union to add a branch in Freeport
Eglin Federal Credit Union will add a new branch location in Freeport, FL., making it the first location in Walton County.
As part of the Credit Union’s growth and expansion efforts, property was recently purchased at the intersection of Riverwalk Boulevard and US Highway 331, south of the Publix shopping center.
- Construction is expected to be completed in 2023.
- La Macchia Group is the design/build firm for the new Freeport branch.
“We are looking forward to engaging with members at this new branch location in Freeport,” said Jerry Williams, Eglin Federal Credit Union President/CEO. “This location was selected to add convenience for current members as well as to grow membership in Walton County. The members of this Credit Union are our neighbors, our communities, and we are proud to help them achieve their financial goals.”
Last year, Eglin Federal Credit Union added Walton County to its field of membership.
- Eligibility extends to persons who live, work (or regularly conducts business in), worship, or attend school in, and businesses and other legal entities located within the prescribed underserved community consisting of seven census tracts in Walton County.
HIT THE BEACH
Spring Kite Festival happening at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island
What do a 100 foot octopus, 80 foot panda, and a 50 foot gator have in common?
- They will all be flying high over The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island April 2 – Apr 3, 2022.
Kitty Hawk Kites, the Emerald Coast Kite Fliers Club, Revolutions Premier Kite Team QuadFx, and other kite fliers from around the country will hit the beach for two days of free kite flying fun.
The festival will include:
- Larger-than-life show kites
- Professional stunt kite flying demonstrations
- Free kite flying lessons
- A family fun-fly, perfect for any age
- And special activities at the Kitty Hawk Kites store at The Boardwalk
Visitors can receive a special discount coupon for use at Kitty Hawk Kites store in Fort Walton Beach.
The event is FREE and will take place from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days.
In addition to the Spring Kite Festival, Kitty Hawk Kites will host a fall kite festival at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island September 24-25, 2022.
THE WEEKENDER
A few things to do this weekend
Want your event featured? Add it to our events calendar!
March 25, 2022 – Start to Finish Acrylic – $67.50 – View
March 25, 2022 – Maxine Orange Gallery presents The Moore Family Folk Art Featured Artist Opening – Free – View
March 26, 2022 – Mike Josey Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament – $175 – View
March 26, 2022 – Second March Farmers Market at the Landing, Downtown FWB! – Free – View
March 26, 2022 – Metallic “Peacock” One Stroke Painting – $37.50 – View
March 26, 2022 – 2022 Bojamz Music and Arts Festival – – View
March 26, 2022 – Paint Your Own Pottery with MJ at J.Leon Gallery and Studio – $100 – View
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Friday!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
