TOGETHER WITH
Good morning!
Residents may experience aircraft noise when the 43rd Fighter Squadron conducts night flying operations in the area.
Between April 18- 21, F-22 Raptors will conduct missions at various times between 4:30 p.m. and midnight. These missions are a required part of the 43rd FS training operations.
Let’s get to more news.
TRAFFIC
Turkey Creek Bridge in Niceville scheduled to be resurfaced next week
The Turkey Creek Bridge on College Boulevard in Niceville is scheduled to be resurfaced the week of April 18, according to Okaloosa County.
The bridge will be reduced to a one-lane bridge, flagging operations will be in place, and a follow me (pacer) vehicle will be used, while crews resurface the bridge.
Motorists should expect delays, or avoid that route if possible, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Back in February, the bridge was closed to allow work crews to mill and clean up the asphalt on the bridge. After that, there may be additional lane closures.
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MILITARY
Electric rotary aircraft completes first Eglin flight
The Lift Hexa, an electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, completed its first test flight at Eglin Air Force Base on April 4.
The unmanned aircraft, piloted via remote control, used 18 motors and propellers to fly for approximately 10 minutes and reach a height of about 50 feet.
The aircraft resides with Eglin’s rotary wing test squadron, the 413th Flight Test Squadron, who manages the program under its Agility Prime flight. The unit provides the coordination, logistics and support for the Lift team’s developmental ground and flight testing operations.
“This is an opportunity to leverage some of the unit’s expertise with rotary aircraft and apply it to this new field of electric propulsion aircraft,” said Maj. Riley Livermore, 413th FLTS futures flight commander.
According to Niceville.com, the rotary aircraft uses 18 battery-powered motors and propellers to fly, with a maximum cruise speed of 63 mph (55 knots) and a maximum flying time of 15 minutes.
OKALOOSA
Judge Michael Flowers resigns from Okaloosa Circuit Court, to return to private practice
On Thursday morning, Okaloosa County Circuit Court Judge Michael Flowers announced his resignation from the bench.
“It has been a high honor to serve the people of Okaloosa County as a circuit court judge for the past 12 years,” said Judge Flowers on Thursday morning. “I have always sought to administer justice as fairly and efficiently as possible.”
Judge Flowers said that whatever contribution he has made to the judicial system has been due in large part to the incredible work of the staff at the courthouse, from his administrative support staff to bailiffs to clerks and more.
“These people are the true heroes of our court system and for them I will always be grateful,” he said.
As much as Judge Flowers has enjoyed and been fulfilled by working on the bench, he says it is now time for a new challenge and a new chapter.
- “The rigors of elected office are substantial and, for some time, I’ve longed to return to private practice,” he said.
Earlier this week, Judge Flowers submitted his resignation to Gov. Ron DeSantis. He will immediately join the Anchors Smith and Grimsley law firm in Fort Walton Beach and resume the practice of law and representing clients throughout Northwest Florida
- “I want to thank all who have supported me over the past 12 years with their counsel and friendship, with special gratitude to my family,” he said. “Now, I look forward to returning to my role as an advocate in our judicial system.”
PUBLIC SAFETY
An update on the body found in Shoal River
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office investigators have examined the partially decomposed body of a man found tangled in a tree on the Shoal River.
- Investigators report that the victim suffered a single gunshot wound and a positive identification has been made.
According to an update from the OCSO, Investigators are treating the death as suspicious, based on the results of the autopsy which took place Thursday.
No additional details were released.
GOOD NEWS
Okaloosa Deputy recognized for compassion shown to 73-year-old visitor
I just love this story…
Back in February, a 73-year-old woman was visiting family in the area, but due to a verbal disagreement, she was asked to leave a day early.
Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputy Piaget responded to the disturbance and tried unsuccessfully to resolve the issues. The lady’s flight was scheduled for the next day, however, she could not afford a hotel overnight.
According to the OCSO, Deputy Piaget personally arranged and funded a hotel room for the lady to rest overnight so she could travel safely the next day. The following day, Deputy Piaget contacted her at the hotel to ensure she had a ride to the airport.
- Deputy Piaget learned that she had no transportation or other resources so she personally arranged transport to the airport (with Deputy Nick Mason) so that the woman would not miss her plane.
Sheriff Aden only learned of the situation because he happened to be at the same restaurant when she showed up to help the stranded woman, according to the OCSO.
After witnessing her compassion and service, he presented Deputy Piaget with an OCSO Certificate of Commendation!
DOOLITTLE RAIDERS
104-year-old former Eglin Crew Chief talks Doolittle Raiders
I’ve conducted a great number of interviews since starting Get The Coast. Some are simple and straightforward, while others you know will stick with you forever.
- Last Friday’s interview with Jack Helms is one of those forever interviews.
Fort Walton Beach Chamber CEO Ted Corcoran got wind that there was a former Eglin Crew Chief who worked on the Doolittle Raider B-25 Bombers still living in Niceville. He was going to meet him, and invite him to the Doolittle Ceremony this coming Monday, and asked if I would be interested in filming an interview.
It was a BIG YES from me.
At 104-years-old, Mr. Helms was full of energy from the moment we arrived. He was genuinely thrilled to have us in his home. I couldn’t get the camera setup fast enough before he and Ted started talking about the Doolittle Raiders and his role with working on their famous planes.
In the interview, Helms confirms that Field 3 (now known as Duke Field) was the area used for training. He says they painted lines on the field to mimic the runway of a ship so that the Raiders could practice their takeoffs.
- He also tells the story of a Raider “having a good time” over the Gulf when his right prop hit a wave. Mr. Helms goes into great detail on what it took to get it fixed by midnight.
(Oh, and Jack also tells us his secret to being in such good health at 104.)
I’ve never had an interview quite like this before and I’m so thankful that Mr. Helms allowed Ted and I to capture it forever.
THE WEEKENDER
Some things to do around the area
April 16, 2022 – Okaloosa Island Sea Oat Planting – Free – View
April 16, 2022 – Valparaiso 9th Annual Easter Egg Dash in Lincoln Park – Free – View
April 16, 2022 – Easter Fest – Free – View
April 16, 2022 – 4 Legs and Easter Eggs – Doggy Egg Hunt – Free – View
April 16, 2022 – Painting on Denim Fabric – $32.50 – View
April 19, 2022 – Friends of the Destin Library to Host Independent Film Series – Free – View
Planning Ahead
April 21, 2022 – Save a Generation Tour – $35 – View
April 21, 2022 – Sippin’ on the Sound – $20 – View
April 21, 2022 – MKAF’s Concerts in the Village: Michael Jackson LIVE – $30 – View
April 22, 2022 – Musical Echoes Native American Flute & Art Festival – Free – View
April 22, 2022 – Dance Facets 2022 – $10 – $15 – View
April 23, 2022 – 2022 Earth Day Cleanup – Free – View
April 23, 2022 – Northwest Florida Ballet Academie Auditions for incoming 3rd and 4th Graders – Free – View
April 23, 2022 – Kid’s One-Stroke Painting Workshop – $32.50 – View
April 23, 2022 – Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers Crawfish Boil – View
April 23, 2022 – Western Lake Painting with Estelle Grengs at J.Leon Gallery and Studio – $150 – View
April 26, 2022 – Shells in Rivulets Watercolor ongoing class – $78.14 – View
April 28, 2022 – MKAF’s Concerts in the Village: Naturally 7 – $12 – $25 – 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!
