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Good morning!
Here’s what we are covering today:
- The landscape at Destin’s western exit changes as the longstanding billboard comes down (no, not the iconic welcome sign). Meanwhile, Choctaw High School’s aerospace program celebrates a $50,000 grant from FPL, Destin High School opens its new home baseball field, and Okaloosa School District completes renovations at Laurel Hill’s historic building. Looking ahead to the weekend, Fort Walton Beach Police prepare for their family-friendly “Construction Junction” event.
GIVING BACK
Choctaw High School’s aerospace program receives $50,000 classroom makeover grant from FPL
Florida Power and Light (FPL) awarded Choctawhatchee High School with a $50,000 classroom makeover grant Wednesday, aimed at enhancing the school’s aviation and aerospace education programs.
- The grant was presented to Lt. Col. Eric Lazenby, a second-year teacher who leads the school’s Air Force ROTC program and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University classes. FPL representatives, local elected officials, and Okaloosa County School District staff gathered during Lazenby’s third-period class for the surprise announcement.
“This is a pivotal day for our cadets,” said Principal Michelle Heck, who kicked off the morning event. “This is an opportunity to take aviation aerospace education, not only at Choctawhatchee High School but in Okaloosa County, to the next level.”
Bernard Johnson, Regional External Affairs Manager for FPL, explained that the grant is part of the company’s 100th anniversary celebration. While FPL typically awards five classroom makeover grants, this year they expanded to 20 grants, with Choctawhatchee being the only recipient in Okaloosa County.
“We value our partnership with Okaloosa County Schools,” Johnson said. “Anytime we have an opportunity to invest in students and teachers, we definitely want to do that. We believe that quality education fuels Florida’s growth and economic opportunities.”
Lazenby, who joined the teaching profession after a long Air Force career, has quickly made an impact at Choctaw. Principal Heck noted that it’s extremely rare for a second-year teacher to secure such a substantial grant.
- “No one is awarded this kind of money in the second year of a teaching career,” Heck said. “I needed him to know how special this was.”
Lazenby expressed his vision for using the funds to address critical shortages in the aerospace industry.
“Our nation is in an aerospace crisis right now,” Lazenby told the audience. “We don’t have enough pilots, maintainers, air traffic controllers, or support personnel. These funds are going to help solve that problem because the activities and experiences that I’ll be able to provide our cadets will be part of a bigger solution.”
The grant will support four main upgrades to the AFJROTC program:
- Transforming the classroom into a university-style lecture hall.
- Purchasing an FAA-certified Basic Aircrew Training Device with future VR capability.
- Installing a 10-by-6-foot LED display for academics and simulator operations.
- Aesthetic updates including murals and aviation-themed wall art.
Lazenby aims to transform what he calls a “first-class facility” into a “world-class facility” with the grant money. The advanced simulator will particularly benefit Choctawhatchee High School’s diverse student population, where 43% are minorities and 52% are classified as economically disadvantaged.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the funds,” Lazenby said. “These funds, and the cadets they support, will play a crucial role in addressing our nation’s current aerospace crisis. The academics and experiences we’re able to provide will ignite the spark that fuels the future of our nation’s aerospace industry.”
Click here to read the full story and see pictures
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SPORTS
Destin High School celebrates new home baseball field opening at Morgan’s Sport Center
by Ashley Armacost
Destin High School celebrated the opening of its first home baseball field Wednesday evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together local officials, school administrators, and community members.
- The $58,000 field at Morgan’s Sports Center fulfills a long-held dream for the school, according to Heidi LoCicero, President of Destin High School’s board.
“When we first started thinking about Destin High School, the founders made a wishlist of things we would like to one day have. One of the things that always landed at the top of our wishlist was a baseball field,” LoCicero said during the ceremony.
The project was made possible through a partnership between the charter school and the City of Destin, with the city council voting to support the initiative.
The City Council unanimously approved an agreement back in October allowing Destin High School to use and modify a city softball field for its baseball team, ending a three-year period without a home field for the school’s baseball program.
- That agreement helped solidify a home field for the Sharks after losing access to the Destin Elementary School baseball field on April 1, 2024.
Donald Williams, Executive Director of Destin High School, thanked Lisa Firth, Director of Parks and Recreation, for her role in making the field a reality.
“Lisa, your dedication, your responsiveness, and your genuine belief in our students helped us to make this field a possibility,” Williams said.
Dr. Diane Kelley, Principal of Destin High School, emphasized the importance of extracurricular activities in providing a well-rounded education.
- “I believe in a well-rounded student, and I know wholeheartedly that things like baseball, other sports…things like teams and extracurricular activities outside of school, make for a well-rounded and exciting high school experience, and that is exactly what Destin High School stands for,” Kelley said.
Following the ribbon-cutting, Destin Little League members formed a tunnel for the Destin High School baseball team to run through as they were announced before their game.
SCHOOL
Okaloosa School District unveils renovated historic multi-purpose building at Laurel Hill
Okaloosa County School District celebrated the reopening of Laurel Hill School’s renovated Multipurpose Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday.
- The historic structure, which survived two devastating fires including the most recent in the early 1970s, has been preserved while receiving modern updates.
“It was an honor to attend the ribbon cutting at Laurel Hill School’s renovated Multipurpose Building—a space rich in history and now renewed for both students and the community,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said at the event.
The building features a spacious multipurpose room designed to host school activities and community events, new restrooms, and a modern classroom currently used for Foreign Language instruction. School officials plan to host Art classes in the space next year.
- The renovation was completed by Jacobs/Titan and Lord and Son construction companies, who worked to maintain the building’s historical character while modernizing its facilities.
Wednesday’s ribbon cutting marks the completion of multipurpose buildings at all high schools and K-12 schools in the district. Last year, Laurel Hill also unveiled a four-classroom addition to its campus. Funding for the project came from the Half Cent Sales Tax approved by voters.
The ceremony was attended by Superintendent Chambers, district officials Tim Bryant, Brett Hinely, and Parker Destin, along with Laurel Hill School staff and students. Community representatives included Mayor JB Whitten, construction company representatives, and members of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce.
THINGS TO DO
Fort Walton Beach Police to host ‘Construction Junction’ family event Saturday
by Ashley Armacost
The Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s largest community event, Construction Junction, is back on April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering families free access to construction equipment, safety demonstrations and activities at the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds.
- This event, now in its 23rd year, is a joint effort between law enforcement, civilian, and military organizations and has become a community tradition that continues to grow year after year.
The event started with the idea of showcasing large, heavy equipment or trucks from policing, SWAT vehicles, fire trucks, and vehicles from public works, to engage the children in the community. The event also provides an opportunity for the community to engage with various law enforcement agencies and other nonprofits.
The event showcases:
- Military vehicles
- Police vehicles
- Tow trucks
- Dump tucks
- Helicopters
- Fire trucks
- K-9 demonstrations
- Construction equipment displays
There will also be a live DJ, bounce houses, and free food and beverages served all day for all guests. Construction Junction is a completely free event, and all are invited to attend.
This year’s event will also feature Home Depot’s “kids crew” providing hands-on building kits and a sand mountain for digging. The Police Department has designated the first hour as sensory-friendly to accommodate children with special needs.
Organizers have implemented a new hourly raffle system to improve the visitor experience. Families will receive one raffle ticket upon entering, which will be eligible for two prize drawings held at 50 minutes past each hour, beginning at 10:50 a.m.
- “This way of doing it removes the old way of things where some guests would wait all four hours hoping to win something,” according to event rules provided by the department.
The raffle system allows families to know within an hour whether they’ve won, eliminating the need to stay for the entire event just for prize announcements.
So mark your calendars for April 12 and head to the NWF Fairgrounds located at 1954 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.
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Impact100’s goal is to have at least 500 members so that they are able to give away one $100,000 grant in each of the 5 categories: Arts and Culture; Education; Environment, Recreation & Preservation; Family; and Health & Wellness.
The organization is also very grateful for their business sponsors who assist with events as well as sponsoring memberships. If you are not a woman in the local area but want to help, please reach out as well!
Upcoming membership enrollment events:
- April 17th: Join Impact100 at The Pavilion at Eagles Nest, Blackwater Golf Course, Crestview from 5:30- 7:30 pm
- April 22nd: Join Impact100 for our final membership event of the 2025 enrollment period at The Beach House in Miramar Beach from 5:30- 7:30
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NEWS
Billboard at the foot of the Destin Bridge comes down
A billboard at the foot of the Destin Bridge was being removed Wednesday morning, following the city’s enforcement of its billboard prohibition policy.
- According to city officials, this removal is part of Destin’s existing sign regulations that prohibit “off-premises” signs and prevent structural repairs to non-conforming billboards.
“When billboards age out, they will not be allowed to be repaired or replaced,” Mayor Bobby Wagner said.
The removal comes six months after the Destin City Council voted 5-2 to deny an ordinance that would have allowed agreements between the city and billboard companies to replace static billboards with digital versions in exchange for removing others.
- The proposed Ordinance 24-09-LC would have amended Article 16, Section 16.03.02 of the Land Development Code, permitting agreements if companies removed at least 45% of their existing signs.
During October’s council meeting, Councilman Jim Bagby, who moved to deny the ordinance, emphasized preserving Destin’s aesthetics.
“When you’re at the top of the Destin bridge… you don’t want to see billboards that make you think you’re in Vegas. You want to see the world’s luckiest fishing village,” Bagby said.
Lamar Advertising had offered to remove six billboards as part of a potential agreement and argued that state statute already authorized such agreements without requiring a code amendment. The billboard at the Marler (Destin) Bridge is Lamar’s and the lease ended December 2024.
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!
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