SCHOOL

Niceville High School Students demo award-winning ‘Coastal’ safety app in Washington, D.C.

On November 19, 2022, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) announced Niceville High School students Gabriel Jacobs and Hannah Castor as winners of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge in Florida’s First District. 

The annual competition aims to encourage students to pursue careers in cybersecurity, computer science, and related fields by creating and programming applications using any coding language. 

• Winners from each district present their work in Washington, D.C., the following year at the House of Code showcase.

The Niceville High School students, accompanied by their Web Programming Instructor Carrie Foxhall, attended the House of Code reception on April 17-18, 2023. Their winning app, “Coastal,” educates locals and tourists about the potential dangers of the Emerald Coast waters. 

”Since I grew up here, I’ve constantly been scuba diving, surfing, and fishing on the coast,” said Hannah. “And like other locals, I’m well aware of the risk that beaches hold, such as strong currents in areas, or large waves.”

• As Hannah notes, tourists, however, are generally unfamiliar with the beach and its safety measures, and have poor knowledge of beach hazards like rip currents and breaking waves. 

According to the duo, their app connects to the NOAA website, providing real-time updates on rip currents, water conditions, flags, and tides along the Florida coast via an application programming interface (API). 

• The app also offers information on escaping rip currents and features a map of lifeguard location points, allowing users to report weather conditions affecting their local area.

Representative Matt Gaetz expressed his support for the app and encouraged Gabe and Hannah to present it to the Okaloosa Tourist Development Council. 

And while the app is not yet available for download, the students hope to meet with the TDC soon and possible get it implemented locally first.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers commended the students and their instructor, stating, “Our talent in our school district never ceases to amaze me. We are incredibly proud of Ms. Foxhall, Gabe, and Hannah for their accomplishments and for representing our District and Career Technical Education (CTE) at the national level.” 

• This marks the third time Niceville High School students have won the Congressional App Challenge in their district.

The 2022 Congressional App Challenge broke previous participation records, with 9,011 students registering and creating 2,707 fully-functioning apps for 335 Members of Congress across 50 states and U.S. territories.

BUSINESS

Pickle’s celebrates 30 years of business in Seaside

Local eatery Pickle’s is celebrating 30 years of business at their Seaside Central Square location. Founded by Bill and Heavenly Dawson in 1993, Pickle’s started with only 48 square feet and a limited menu consisting of hotdogs, beer, and pickles.

• However, it quickly gained popularity for its burgers and hand-spun milkshakes.

Over the years, Pickle’s has become an unofficial historical landmark in the Seaside community, remaining in the same location along Seaside Square. In recognition of its outstanding burgers, Pickle’s was named the Hottest Spot for Burgers in 2023 by the 30A’s Hot Spot Awards.

After 32 years of running the business, Bill and Heavenly Dawson sold their company consisting of five notable Seaside restaurants, including Pickle’s, to Clark and Ashley Beecher of Houston, Texas. The Beechers and their local operating partners, Baron and Courtney Fields, have remained true to the roots of The Dawson Group while incorporating innovative systems, additional menu items, modern concepts, and merchandise to each of the restaurants, including Pickle’s.

One of the main changes they implemented was streamlining the menu while adding value through fresh produce and high-quality meats. The new owners also added new menu items like Kolaches and breakfast tacos that have become popular among customers. They also introduced online ordering to Pickle’s for the convenience of their guests, which has increased productivity within the restaurant.

The Beechers have made community support a priority, and as such, they have gotten involved in local events and organizations like the Seaside School Foundation and South Walton Academy.

• Pickle’s now has 30 regular employees and up to 50 seasonal employees, occupying over 4,000 square feet, including the new addition, The Sandbar, a beachside bar located along the sand dunes that opened on February 15, 2023.

“People from all over the world visit Seaside with their families,” Beecher said. “We are lucky to be a part of their stay and it is such a privilege to be a small part of their family memories at the beach.”

BUSINESS

Local flight school approved at Destin Executive Airport to train veterans with VA benefits

Destin Flight Works has recently been approved by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to train veterans who want to use their VA benefits for flight training.

• The training will take place out of the Destin Executive Airport. 

The approval comes under Title 14 CFR, Part 141, which approves the following courses/programs for veteran training: Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airplane Instrument Rating, and a Red Bird FMX full-motion simulator. 

• The training aircraft available for these programs include Cessna, C150, C172, and C182, as well as a Piper Seminole twin.

Okaloosa County Commissioner and Aviation Board liaison Carolyn Ketchelexpressed her excitement and said, “The aviation industry needs more pilots and we are pleased that the VA is allowing Okaloosa County Airports to help meet that need. Many of our residents are veterans and now they will have the opportunity to use their VA benefits toward a future in aviation.”

VA education benefits can help veterans and their qualified family members in a variety of ways, such as paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. Veterans interested in learning more about these benefits can visit the official government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Trey Goodwin, Chairman of the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners, said, “It’s an honor to be able to train our local veterans after all they have sacrificed for the country. This opportunity will allow the aviation industry to tap into the skills and experience that already exists with our veterans in Okaloosa County.”

The approval of Destin Flight Works to train veterans with VA benefits is a great opportunity for local veterans to pursue a career in aviation and contribute to the growth of the industry. 

For more information on the training programs offered by Destin Flight Works, visit www.destinflightworks.com.

GIVING BACK

Cox Communications encourages local non-profits to apply for Event Sponsorship

Cox Communications, a leading broadband communications and entertainment company, is encouraging local nonprofits in the Gulf Coast market to apply for an event sponsorship to support their fundraising and awareness events.

• The company is currently accepting applications for events taking place between July 1 and December 31, 2023.

If your nonprofit is planning an event during this period and is in need of support, apply for cash and/or in-kind sponsorships at Cox’s Charitable Giving Site before the deadline of Friday, June 2, 2023. Organizations will be notified in mid-June if their requests have been approved.

Cox Communications has a history of supporting nonprofits in the Gulf Coast Market, which includes portions of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. In 2022 alone, the company provided over $1.6 million in cash and in-kind services to nonprofit organizations in the region.

• It is worth noting that these sponsorships are specifically intended for nonprofit fundraising events, and not general donations. Additionally, the organization must be a registered 501(c)3 to be eligible for sponsorship.

If you are looking for more information on the event sponsorship program offered by Cox Communications, visit https://ccigiving.com.

THE WEEKENDER

A few things to do around town

April 27, 2023 – Taylor Haugen Foundation Wine Tasting & Food Pairing – $150 – View

April 27, 2023 – Concerts in the Village: Roman Street Party Band – – View

April 27, 2023 – Madagascar The Musical – – View

April 29, 2023 – 2023 Earth Day Cleanup – Free – View

April 29, 2023 – Earth Day Beach Clean Up With Step One Automotive Group – Free – View

April 29, 2023 – Military Appreciation Day – View

April 29, 2023 – Saturday in the Park – Free – View

April 29, 2023 – Niceville Spring Soiree – – View

April 29, 2023 – Beethoven V. Coldplay: A Merging of Musical Giants – – View

April 30, 2023 – The Destin Commons Market – – View

May 1, 2023 –  Pirate Show  – Free – View

Looking ahead

May 2, 2023 –  Movies On The Beach: “ENCANTO”  – Free – View

May 3, 2023 – MEET & GREET: Adam Sandoval’s Great American Convoy – Free – View

May 3, 2023 – Wednesday Night Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

May 4, 2023 – Emerald Coast Bike Fest – Spring 2023 – Free – View

May 4, 2023 – Kickoff Party & Crawfish Boil – Free – View

May 4, 2023 –  Movies on the Beach – May The Fourth Be With You – Free – View

May 4, 2023 – Concerts in the Village: Ozomatli – – View

May 4, 2023 – Concerts In The Village: Ozomatli – – View

May 5, 2023 – Performance Custom Bike Show – Free – View

May 5, 2023 – Singo Music Bingo at The Island Resort Lounge – – View

COASTAL RESOURCES

Red Tide and Sargassum not a major issue in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, continuing to monitor

During the Okaloosa Tourist Development Council meeting on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, Okaloosa Coastal Resource Manager Alex Fogg provided an update on the state of Red Tide and Sargassum in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

• The good news is that the “big blob” of sargassum that’s been making headlines is still thousands of miles away from the area, according to Fogg. 

Fogg told the council that He and the Coastal Resource team have been collecting weekly water samples in coordination with Florida Fish and Wildlife, and says they’ve yet to detect any red tide. 

Red tide, which occurs when algae overgrows and produces toxins, can cause fish kills and pose health risks to humans and animals. Fogg said that the team will continue to monitor for any potential fish kills and other issues that may arise. However, the good news is that the area is currently in the clear.

• “Fortunately, Red Tide and Sargassum are not something that significantly impacts our area compared to other parts of Florida,” says Fogg. “We’ll continue to monitor for any potential issues, but right now, neither are a major concern.”

Sargassum is a type of seaweed that’s naturally occurring in the marine environment worldwide. It’s an important ecosystem for marine life like sea turtles and small fish. According to Fogg, the seaweed provides a habitat for these species and acts as a nursery for them. 

He explained that the seaweed forms the “big blob” pretty much every year, and typically impacts the Caribbean Islands and south Florida.  While the “big blob” of sargassum may be heading into the Gulf of Mexico, via currents, Fogg says it’s unlikely to significantly impact the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area. “While our area will certainly see sargassum on our beaches, like every year, we do not expect the quantities to be overwhelming,” he said.

• “Fortunately, the loop current that comes up into the Gulf of Mexico takes a hard right turn right in the middle and heads to the west coast of Florida, and then down around the Florida Keys and up the east coast,” he said. “This means that while the “big blob” may be heading towards Florida, it is unlikely to significantly impact the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.”

The Coastal Resource Team is in communication with the US Coast Guard, who does periodic missions out to areas off of Apalachicola. He told the TDC that they will be sure to let his team know if they see large patches of sargassum that our local fishing fleet misses.

“The fishermen are loving it,” says Fogg, referring to the small amount of sargassum that’s currently in the area. “We’ll continue to monitor for any potential impacts, but it’s certainly not enough to cause any worry here in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.”