NEWS

Family continues search for missing Okaloosa County man after Louisiana boat crash

The family of Sandy Royster, a 41-year-old man from Okaloosa County, is seeking the public’s help in locating him after he went missing following a boat crash with a rig at Ship Shoal 87, approximately 48 miles offshore of Grand Isle, Louisiana, on March 12, 2024.

Royster, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds, was aboard the boat “Lined Out” when the accident occurred. The U.S. Coast Guard received a report from the boat that they were taking on water with two people onboard and a third man who fell overboard.

Royster’s family is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his exact location or return.

In the days following Royster’s disappearance, the U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, conducted an extensive search operation.

• The search lasted more than 30 hours and covered over 926 square miles, utilizing multiple assets and resources, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Despite their efforts, the Coast Guard suspended active search efforts at around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2024, after saturating the probable search area. The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information that could assist in finding Royster is urged to contact his family at 985-876-3891 or 800-256-1533.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Texas man fatally struck by truck crossing Harbor Blvd in Destin

A 50-year-old Texas man was struck and killed by a pickup truck while attempting to cross Harbor Boulevard in Destin around midnight on Saturday, according to witness accounts.

• The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said the victim was not using a designated crosswalk at the time of the incident. Investigators believe alcohol may have been a factor in the pedestrian’s actions to run across the highway.

The sheriff’s office is currently conducting a traffic death investigation into the fatal collision. The identities of the victim and the pickup truck driver have not been released.

A MESSAGE FROM ERA AMERICAN

ERA American Real Estate shines at Annual FUEL Convention in Nashville

ERA American Real Estate made a strong showing at the recent FUEL convention in Nashville, TN, last month taking home several prestigious awards and recognitions. 

• The three-day international event, which features certification, learning, awards, celebration, and networking, saw ERA American’s VIBE Team and individual agents earn top honors.

The VIBE Team, which focuses on Visibility, Engagement, Identity, and Branding, won first place for the 2023 Company Marketing Excellence Award. This award recognizes a company that has effectively leveraged ERA’s brand tools and positioning in their marketing efforts. 

“Every day, we endeavor to be the best in our community, so receiving ERA® national recognition for our company’s performance in Marketing is an incredible honor,” said Rachelle Wyatt, VIBE Specialist. “As a company committed to a collaborative culture focused on service excellence, we are deeply proud of the collective efforts of our entire VIBE team.”

In addition to the team award, longtime ERA American agent Pat Williams was inducted into the ERA Hall of Fame- Class of 2023. Williams joins ERA American Real Estate Founder Gloria Frazier and fellow agent Kathy Wilhelm in this esteemed group. 

Over her four-decade career, Williams has sold over 1,500 properties, amassing close to a quarter-billion dollars in sales volume. She was recognized not only for her impressive sales records but also for her leadership, mentorship of younger agents, and continual embrace of industry changes in technology and best practices.

• “I am so honored to have been selected for such a prestigious award and to be recognized not only locally, but nationally and internationally for my years and accomplishments in Real Estate,” said Williams.

Another top performer, Nikki Segraves Wood, was recognized as a Top 1% Real Estate Agent in ERA. With almost 15,000 domestic agents, this award recognizes the top 150 individual producers in sales volume and unit production. 

“I am deeply grateful to be recognized as a top 1% Real Estate Agent within ERA globally,” said Wood. “It’s a testament to the dedication and trust of my clients, and I am truly honored.”

ERA American also earned finalist positions for the Unity Award for Cultivating an Inclusive Community and the Jim Jackson Memorial Award – 1st in Service Company. 

These nominations highlight the company’s commitment to creating an inclusive community and providing superior customer service.

The strong performance at the FUEL convention showcases ERA American Real Estate’s dedication to excellence and its position as a leader in the industry.

“We’ve been hard at work improving our marketing capabilities, focusing on the customer experience, and honoring our military. For ERA to recognize the company in those categories was meaningful, and to watch an industry icon like Pat being inducted into the Hall of Fame and Nikki receiving national honors capped off a special evening.” said Tony Lombardo, President & CEO of ERA American Real Estate

POLICE BLOTTER

Okaloosa Island woman arrested for kidnapping neighbor’s toddler

An Okaloosa Island woman was arrested Friday morning after allegedly kidnapping her neighbor’s two-year-old child and locking herself and the toddler inside her apartment, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. when the suspect, identified as 52-year-old Kim Keeling of Billfish Avenue, reportedly grabbed the child and refused to return the toddler to the mother. In an attempt to reach her child, the mother broke a window of Keeling’s apartment.

When an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived at the scene, Keeling allegedly ignored the deputy’s demands to turn over the child. Fearing for the toddler’s safety, the deputy climbed through the broken glass and found Keeling in her living room, holding the child and a rolling pin.

• The deputy quickly took Keeling into custody, and the child was unharmed.

Keeling claimed that she took the toddler away from the mother because she was trying to protect the child from falling down the outdoor stairs. However, she now faces charges of kidnapping and interference with custody of a child.

SCHOOL

Local teacher offers personalized tutoring and ACT test prep services in Niceville

Rebecca Beard, a K-12 licensed teacher in Special Education and Science, returned to her hometown of Niceville in 2023, and has been providing personalized tutoring and test preparation services for students in the community, with a focus on upcoming ACT prep classes.

• Rebecca, who holds a degree in Science Education with a minor in Psychology, has extensive experience teaching in middle and high school classrooms, working in a nationally recognized tutoring center, and providing private tutoring throughout her career. 

“I am really passionate about helping children grow and rise to their fullest potential,” Rebecca said. “I developed a fondness for the one-on-one interaction of tutoring and wanted to continue teaching with a focus on one-on-one tutoring.”

Rebecca offers both online and in-person tutoring services, using Google Meet for online sessions and the Niceville Library for in-person tutoring. She collaborates with the library staff and plans to continue hosting events with them in the future.

In addition to her regular tutoring services, Rebecca is offering ACT prep classes for students preparing for the upcoming ACT exam on April 13th. The classes will be held at the Community Life Center at Crosspoint (Niceville) on April 2nd, 4th, and 9th from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. 

• Each session costs $50, and there will be a one-time fee for materials, which students can keep for future studying and reference. Snacks will be provided during the sessions.

“I offer private tutoring and test prep classes that are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student and maximize their investment,” Rebecca explained. 

• For elementary school children, she conducts two 30-minute sessions per week, covering homework, intervention on tough topics, and building math skills. 
• For older students, she offers 55-minute sessions to help them stay focused and on task while addressing their weak spots.

Rebecca also provides guidance on IEP and 504 plans and integrates executive functioning skills with coursework assistance. As someone who struggled with testing herself, she offers a unique perspective in her test prep classes, providing students with tools, tips, and tricks for success while acknowledging the frustration of needing to work hard.

Parents have praised Rebecca’s tutoring services, with one parent sharing, “Rebecca has been tutoring my daughter in 4th grade math for a few months now. Her grade has gone up from a D to a B since starting with Rebecca. She enjoys their time together as it is always a pleasant experience for her!”

• Another parent commented on Rebecca’s test prep help, saying, “Rebecca was wonderful in helping my daughter prepare for the ACT. Other review courses and study methods hadn’t impacted her score much. Rebecca’s one-on-one tailored help was just what was needed, and she was a pleasure to work with. We saw a 5 point improvement in her score! I highly recommend Rebecca for her test prep help!”

Rebecca’s top three studying tips for students preparing for the ACT or SAT include taking a timed practice test a few weeks to a month before the actual test, using Khan Academy SAT math to brush up on math skills, and reviewing sections in a study book where scores are low and practicing more questions related to those topics.

To sign up for classes, parents can visit Rebecca’s website or email her directly to coordinate details and timings. Rates vary depending on the type of class and materials needed, with regular classes costing $50 per session and homework support ranging from $35 to $50 per session. 

• Families with the Step Up Scholarship can submit for reimbursement as Rebecca is licensed in Florida.

Click here to visit her website

MILITARY

Eglin Air Force Base to enforce Santa Rosa Island ‘Closed Test Area’ trespass violations

The 96th Security Forces Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base is stepping up patrols to enforce trespass violations on the Santa Rosa Island Closed Test Area.

• Trespassers caught entering the restricted area by land or water will face a $65 fine for each infraction.

The closed test area, which extends from the El Matador Condominiums in Fort Walton Beach to Navarre Beach, is an active military range with various hazards. Signs and barriers are posted to clearly identify the restricted area and keep unauthorized individuals out.

“It’s not safe for people to ignore the signs and barriers put in place to keep them out of the closed test area,” said Maj. Andrew McFee, 96th SFS commander. “People put themselves at risk every time they walk past a ‘no trespass’ sign. This area is an active test range with all the associated hazards.”

In addition to the safety risks, Eglin says trespassers also pose a threat to the diverse natural communities and endangered plant and animal species that inhabit the area.

• “Eglin’s natural resources office works hard to protect the environment in our closed test areas,” said Eric Sculthorpe, 96th Civil Engineer Group Environmental Management branch chief. “By looking for a good place to set up for a day at the beach, people not only put themselves at risk, but could end up damaging fragile habitats critical to many plant and animal species.”

The increased patrols by the 96th Security Forces Squadron aim to deter trespassers and ensure the safety of both individuals and the environment on the Santa Rosa Island Closed Test Area.