COASTAL RESOURCES

‘Conservation Conversations’: A free event on the latest sea turtle research off Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism and The Island Resort are set to launch a new seminar series called “Conservation Conversations” on Thursday, April 25, 2024. 

• The monthly event will focus on various conservation topics and feature presentations by special guests, including researchers and experts in the field, specifically those conducting research in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

The inaugural event will center on sea turtles and will be led by Jessica Valek, Coastal Resources Coordinator at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism, along with a team of researchers from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Valek has been working with the USGS team for several years, actively participating in their efforts to catch and tag sea turtles in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

“Conservation Conversations is going to be a series of presentations on the tagging research happening right here in Destin-Fort Walton Beach,” Valek explained in an interview. “After our highly successful event on Devil Rays last October, we wanted to make this a regular series and feature more of our research partners and showcase their ongoing work.”

Back in February, the Okaloosa Coastal Resources Team held a marine biology tagging workshop at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center focused on gathering information on the migratory patterns of various species found in the region.

• The three-hour workshop included 15-20 minute presentations from about a dozen national experts on current research initiatives involving acoustic telemetry and satellite tracking technology to study the seasonal movements of sea turtles, sharks, game fish and other marine life.

The workshop provided a unique opportunity for researchers to share findings, leverage existing infrastructure and strengthen collaborative efforts moving forward. One of the takeaways was that the public has a strong interest in this work and would benefit from specific presentations on each of the projects. The Coastal Resources Team now plans to bring some of those same experts back for more public presentations.

The event will be held at The Island Resort, located at 1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE on Okaloosa Island. From 4:00 to 6:00 PM, attendees can enjoy happy hour specials on food and cocktails. 

• A social half-hour will follow from 5:30 to 6:00 PM, providing an opportunity for guests to mingle and view display items such as tag examples and informational signage. The main presentation will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

During the presentation, Valek will briefly discuss sea turtle nesting, as the event coincides with the start of the nesting season on May 1. The USGS team will then take the floor to share their research, including videos showcasing the process of catching and tagging sea turtles.

While the entire schedule for the “Conservation Conversations” series has not been finalized, future topics may include whale sharks, tiger sharks, tuna, tarpon, and artificial reefs. The series is expected to continue through November, with specific dates and topics to be announced closer to each event.

“The work that USGS is doing is really impressive and they work with the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center as well by providing them with tags,” added Valek. “When the Gulfarium releases rehabilitated sea turtles, they all get tagged and it helps with the ongoing research. We can’t wait for this first event to learn all about sea turtle conservation and research efforts in Destin- Fort Walton Beach.”

Attendance is free, and no registration is required. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the food and drink specials offered by The Island Resort.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Okaloosa Island Fire Department celebrates new engine with ‘push-in’ ceremony

The Okaloosa Island Fire Department celebrated the arrival of their new fire engine with a traditional “push-in” ceremony on Friday morning.

• Fire Chief Michael Strawn led the event, which was attended by community members, fire commission members, and local leaders.

Chief Strawn emphasized the unique challenges faced by the department, serving a community on an island primarily focused on the beach. He highlighted the department’s commitment to having all firefighters licensed as paramedics and certified as USLA rescue swimmers to provide the highest level of service to residents and visitors.

“In order to stay employed here, you must be a licensed paramedic. We’ll hire you without having your EMT or paramedic, but you have a set amount of time to get those licenses,” Strawn said, underlining the department’s dedication to maintaining a highly skilled and specialized workforce.

Strawn also addressed the challenges posed by the limited north-south transportation infrastructure in the county, which can impact ambulance response times.

• “If you have an issue at your residence, you’re gonna have three to five paramedics on you like flies to honey,” he said, stressing the importance of quick response times in the congested area.

The new engine, which took two years and five months to arrive, will replace a 15-year-old apparatus purchased under challenging economic conditions in 2009. The department saved approximately $340,000 by signing the contract before prices were set to be raised.

The older engine will move to a backup role, while a 21-year-old engine will be sold.

In 2009, Former Fire Chief Biehl had to navigate the housing market crash, the BP oil spill, and Hurricane Ivan, which resulted in a 40% budget reduction for the department, according to Strawn. Despite these obstacles, including purchasing the existing engine, the department avoided layoffs by offering early retirement to senior staff members.

Chief Strawn expressed gratitude to the taxpayers for their support, emphasizing the transparency of the department. “You get to see every piece of equipment that you pay for,” he said, inviting the community to visit the fire station and speak with him directly.

He also thanked Adventure Marine for providing a rescue boat at cost and a slip for the department, demonstrating the importance of spending money locally when possible.

• Assistant Chief Sean Mast was credited with the idea of acquiring a more affordable rescue boat instead of a traditional fireboat, which can cost around half a million dollars.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional “push-in” of the new engine into the firehouse, a practice dating back to the 1800s when firefighters had to manually push their equipment into the building after unhitching it from horses.

Chief Strawn thanked the fire commissioners for their unwavering support on behalf of the community, emphasizing the importance of transparency and honesty in communication.

Click here to see more pictures of the engine

PUBLIC SAFETY

Okaloosa County to host ‘Florida’s Greatest Hurricane Preparedness Party’ and Expo

In an effort to raise awareness about disaster preparedness, particularly for hurricanes, Okaloosa County will be hosting “Florida’s Greatest Hurricane Preparedness Party” and Expo on Saturday, May 11, 2024.

• The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Okaloosa County Administration Building in Shalimar.

The event aims to encourage residents to make necessary preparations ahead of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which begins on June 1.

“This event is a reminder that we all need to remain vigilant as hurricane season approaches and make preparations now, instead of panicking when it is too late,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “I encourage all families to attend this fantastic opportunity, make a plan for their households, and learn about how our local agencies make preparations for responding to weather events of this magnitude.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to receive free custom tote bags (for the first 100) sponsored by Keep Okaloosa Beautiful, 2024 Hurricane Guides, giveaways, and access to food trucks. Local agency first responders, utilities, businesses, and County/municipal departments will also be present.

• The event will feature presentations on various topics, including preparing homes, families, and boats for storms, identifying appropriate storm information sources, and treating every storm with respect regardless of its category or status.

Featured speakers include Patrick Maddox, Okaloosa County Director of Public Safety, who has held Incident Command positions in numerous hurricanes and civil unrest events during his 30-year career; and Laura Hussey, WEARTV Channel 3 Morning News Anchor, who brings more than 25 years of broadcasting experience and has covered various Gulf Coast storms and hurricanes in Okaloosa County.

Those interested in attending can RSVP at https://fb.me/e/6DKTniCkB. More storm resources, including this year’s Hurricane Guide, can be found at https://myokaloosa.com/ps/emergency-management.

BUSINESS

Tijuana Flats Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola locations to remain open despite corporate bankruptcy filing

Despite the recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Tijuana Flats, the Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola locations will remain open, according to franchisee owners Jenna and Brian Burger.

• The two locations are independently owned and operated by the Burgers and will not be affected by the corporate bankruptcy filing.

The Central Florida-based restaurant chain Tijuana Flats announced on April 19, 2024, that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and would be closing 11 of its restaurants.

However, the Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola locations, which have been serving the local communities for 20 years, will continue to operate as usual.

“We’ve been here 20 years. I do this every day and we’re going to be here for a lot longer. We’re here for this community and we’re here to serve tacos and burritos,” said Brian Burger, emphasizing the couple’s commitment to their customers and the local community.

The Burgers have been actively involved in various community organizations, including the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, all of the schools, and local sports teams.

• They want to assure their customers that the recent news about Tijuana Flats’ bankruptcy filing will not impact their locations.

“OUR Tijuana Flats isn’t going anywhere- and we could not be happier. Brian and Jenna have been involved in the Fort Walton Beach Community for 20 years,” said Ted Corcoran, President/CEO Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. “Everyone in our Chamber loves their restaurant and we are so pleased to hear that they will continue offering their incredible services for years to come.”

The corporate press release from Tijuana Flats stated that the company had been acquired by a new ownership group, Flatheads, LLC, which plans to revitalize the restaurants and reinvigorate the customer experience. The bankruptcy filing and closure of 11 restaurants were part of a strategic review that began in November 2023.

While the news of Tijuana Flats’ bankruptcy filing may raise concerns among customers, the Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola locations will continue to serve their communities.

For Brian, it’s business as usual.

“We’ve been here 20 years. I do this every day and we’re going to be here for a lot longer,” added Brian. “We’re here for this community and we’re here to serve tacos and burritos.”

TRAFFIC

Motorcyclist killed in collision with SUV in Fort Walton Beach

A motorcyclist died after colliding with an SUV at the intersection of Beal Parkway and Hollywood Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach on April 20th, 2024, according to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.

Justin Harcum, a resident of Niceville, was riding his grey Honda motorcycle northbound on Beal Parkway when he collided with an orange Hyundai SUV driven by Brandon Wigfall of Fort Walton Beach, according to the report.

• The incident occurred at approximately 4:53 p.m. as Wigfall was completing a turn from Beal Parkway onto Hollywood Boulevard to travel East.

Despite lifesaving efforts by civilians at the scene and first responders from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Fire Department, and EMS, Harcum was pronounced deceased by medical staff at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital.

Wigfall was transported to the same hospital, where he was treated for injuries sustained in the crash and later released.

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit is actively investigating the case. Authorities urge anyone with information pertaining to the incident to contact MPO M. Montgomery at 850-833-9546.

MILITARY

Hurlburt Field reopens Memorial Air Park to the public after 20 years

The Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park reopened its gates to the public on April 11, 2024, after more than two decades, allowing visitors to experience the history and legacy of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) firsthand.

• On Monday, April 23, Air Commandos gathered with members of the public to celebrate with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by tours to see the 20+ aircraft and 30+ memorials.

The reopening ceremony celebrated the park’s significance as both a place of reflection and an educational venue for future generations. Col. Patrick Dierig, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, emphasized the importance of sharing the Air Commandos’ story with the community.

“Today’s grand opening is really a celebration of what Air Commandos are all about, this park and the people who flew these aircraft … they have a story to tell,” said Dierig. “We want to take the opportunity to open the gates and open that history up to the public, so that we can plant the seeds for future Air Commandos.”

The vision for the air park’s reopening came from Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC Commander, who wanted to share the story of the Air Commando with the local community and visitors. 

• “The Hurlburt Field Air Park is not just a reminder of our heritage; It is a living symbol … a living story of our Air Commandos, bravery, valor and unending spirit of innovation that has and continues to answer our nation’s toughest challenges and bring the advantages our joint force teammates need,” said Bauernfeind.

Preparing the air park for public access required extensive work from the civil engineering squadron, including ground preparation, utility installation, and the careful relocation of fragile aircraft, according to Col. Dierig.

Among the notable aircraft on display are the AC-130H Spectre gunship, the MC-130H Combat Talon II, and the AC-47 from the Vietnam era, which holds special significance due to its connection to Medal of Honor recipient Airman John Levitow.

• “Airman Levitow was a loadmaster on the AC-47 and a flare exploded inside that aircraft,” explained Col. Dierig. “While that flare was burning, he grabbed it with his hands and threw it out of the aircraft, burning his arms and hands significantly. If he did not do that, that flare would have burned through the airplane and the airplane would have crashed.”

During the ceremony, retired and active-duty members stood by each aircraft, sharing their experiences and the stories behind these legendary aircraft. The event also featured an enlistment ceremony presided over by Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind, symbolizing the air park’s goal of inspiring future generations to serve in the Air Force and become Air Commandos.

Col. Dierig, who has a deep reverence for Hurlburt Field and the surrounding community, expressed his hope that the air park will plant the seeds of inspiration for young visitors. 

• “I hope they come to the Air Park and they fall in love with the Air Force. That they fall in love with airplanes. And that senior in high school on spring break goes back to Tennessee and raises his right hand and says, I want to join the Air Force, and more importantly, I want to be an Air Commando,” said Dierig.

The Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park now stands as a testament to the dedication, sacrifice, and valor of the men and women who have called Hurlburt Field their home, offering visitors a chance to connect with the enduring spirit of aviation and its profound impact on AFSOC. 

Visitors will find a dedicated parking lot open to the public on the right-hand side as you pull into the main entrance at Hurlburt Field.

Click here to see pics of the Air Park