TOGETHER WITH
Good morning!
I hope you had a great weekend! Here’s the news you need to know to get your week started…
NEWS
VIDEO: Firefighters battle flames at Tailfins Waterfront Grill in Destin
On Saturday, April 27, 2024, the Destin Fire Control District responded to a commercial structure fire at Tailfins Waterfront Grill, located at 172 Harbor Boulevard in Destin.
- Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames, with the third floor of the building fully engulfed.
According to an official update from the Destin Fire Control District, a second alarm was immediately called due to the severity of the fire. Firefighters worked diligently to bring the blaze under control, with assistance from surrounding departments who responded quickly to help contain the fire.
During the course of the firefighting efforts, several firefighters sustained minor injuries and were either transported for medical attention or treated at the scene. No civilian injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The Destin Fire Control District expressed gratitude to the neighboring departments for their swift response and support in bringing the fire under control.
- The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not released any further details regarding the extent of the damage to the popular waterfront restaurant.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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POLITICS
Mary Anne Windes announces bid for Okaloosa County Commissioner, District 5 seat
Mary Anne Windes, a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County, officially pre-filed to run for the Okaloosa County Commissioner, District 5 seat on Friday, April 26, 2024.
- The seat is currently held by Commissioner Mel Ponder, who announced on April 16 that he would not be seeking re-election in November.
In an interview right after pre-filing, Windes revealed that she had considered running for the position four years ago when her husband, former County Commissioner Kelly Windes, chose not to seek re-election. When Commissioner Ponder decided to run, Windes chose to support her support behind him.
“This one caught me by surprise because I thought he was going to do another term,” Windes said. “I’m proud of the job my husband did and I’m proud of the job that Mel Ponder is doing. I would like to think that I could just be a fraction as good as they were, I think it would be good for Okaloosa County.”
After careful consideration and discussions with her family, Windes felt confident in her decision to enter the race that is less than 7 months away.
- “I’m not getting younger,” she said. “ I’m looking forward to it. If I can get elected, if the people want me, I sure am there for them!”
Windes grew up in Fort Walton Beach, riding, training, and showing horses while attending school. She earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from Okaloosa-Walton Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of West Florida. Her early career in accounting began with auditing and setting up new businesses, skills she later applied to establish and manage 16 separate businesses for her family.
As an active community leader, Windes has served in various roles, including two terms as Chairman of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, President of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR), Chairman of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the Destin Fishing Rodeo.
In 2010, during her tenure as ECAR president, Windes successfully advocated for real estate agents to receive compensation for losses incurred during the BP oil spill.
When asked about her plans for Okaloosa County, Windes expressed her pride in the county’s progress and her desire to maintain the positive momentum.
- “There is nothing that comes to mind where I think that Okaloosa County is falling short on. What I want to do is take that momentum that we’ve got and keep it going,” she said.
Windes emphasized her deep roots in the community and her commitment to giving back to the place she calls home.
“My heart’s here. I’ve lived here my entire life. I grew up in Fort Walton Beach and I live in Destin now. I’m not going anywhere,” she said. “This is my home. This is about giving back to the community that I love that has given so much to me and my family. I think our future’s bright here in Okaloosa County!”
SCHOOL
Okaloosa Technical College’s Practical Nursing Program achieves 100% pass rate….again
Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) announced that all 16 students of the 2023-2024 Practical Nursing Program class have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), earning their licensed practical nurse certification (LPN).
- This achievement marks another successful year for the program, which is approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing.
The 14-month program combines 675 hours of classroom instruction with 675 hours of practical clinical experience, preparing students to become safe and competent practical nurses in various areas of the medical field. All but one of the graduating students have been hired locally, with the exception relocating out of state.
“It is encouraging to know that the nursing field is still in high demand and that the students pursuing this profession are committed to making a significant contribution to the well-being of their patients,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “The OTC staff is dedicated and has formed partnerships with healthcare providers to offer practical experience to their students. This will help them transition smoothly to the workforce.”
OTC Director Jon Williams expressed his pride in the program’s success, stating, “Our practical nursing program continues to serve our healthcare industry partners by supplying them with licensed nurses. Once again, after completing our program here at OTC, 100% of the program completers passed their NCLEX on their first attempt. I am very proud of the work of both students and staff to reach this goal and what it means for our local healthcare community.”
- Brenda Restey, Practical Nursing Program Director at OTC, commended the instructors’ efforts in preparing the students for the exam and nursing, saying, “Our team of instructors did a wonderful job preparing these students for the exam and nursing. I am proud of everyone.”
Applications for new student enrollment in the Practical Nursing Program at OTC are accepted twice a year, with registration currently open through July 8.
Interested individuals can visit https://www.otcollege.net/practical-nursing/ for more information or to register.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Okaloosa County deputies come to aid of man stranded after canoe sinks in Blackwater River
A man was rescued unharmed after his canoe capsized and sank on the Blackwater River last night, leaving him stranded in a remote area, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).
OCSO Alpha North deputies and firefighters from Munson Fire Department collaborated in the search effort, which spanned over a mile downstream from where the incident occurred.
- The joint rescue operation ultimately led to the successful location of the individual.
“Great teamwork resulting in a positive outcome!” the OCSO stated in a post on social media.
Details regarding the identity of the man and the specific circumstances leading to the canoe’s overturn and sinking have not been disclosed at this time.
TRAFFIC
Okaloosa and Walton Counties Traffic Advisory
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Okaloosa and Walton counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Okaloosa County:
- Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, April 28 through Thursday, May 2, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility work and construction activities:
- U.S. 98 alternating intermittent lane closures between Ferry Road and Pier Road.
- Santa Rosa Boulevard alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.
- Mid-Bay Bridge Rehabilitation Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on the Mid-Bay Bridge, Monday, April 29 through Thursday, May 2, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. for construction activities.
- Mary Esther Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 393) Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to Beal Parkway (S.R. 189) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Mary Esther Boulevard, for milling and paving operations at the following locations and times:
- Sunday, April 28 through Thursday, May 2 between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. from U.S. 98 to Hollywood Boulevard.
- Sunday, April 28 through Saturday, May 4 between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. from Hollywood Boulevard to Beal Parkway.
- U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 lane closures, between Josie Road in Mary Esther and Florida Place Southeast in Fort Walton Beach, Sunday, April 28 through Thursday, May 2, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for concrete work.
Walton County:
- U.S. 98 Widening from Mack Bayou Road to County Road (C.R.) 30A – Drivers may encounter intermittent, alternating lane closures, Sunday, April 28 through Thursday, May 2, from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations and signalization work at the following locations:
- U.S. 98 between Mack Bayou Road and C.R. 30A.
- Mack Bayou Road between U.S. 98 and Mack Bayou Loop.
- Goldsby Road between U.S. 98 and Commercial Parkway.
- U.S. 98 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 331 to Peach Creek – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 lane closures, Sunday, April 28 through Thursday, May 2, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for crews to place thermoplastic striping.
COASTAL RESOURCES
Kemp’s ridley sea turtle makes rare solo nesting on Destin beach
A Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, the most endangered species of sea turtle, made her way onto a beach in Destin, Florida, to nest on Sunday morning, April 28, 2024, just days before the official start of the sea turtle nesting season.
- According to Jessica Valek, Coastal Resources Coordinator at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism, the turtle was spotted around 10:30 a.m.
Valek rushed to the scene within 10 minutes of receiving the call. “When I got here, she had just finished digging her egg chamber and then she started laying her eggs.”
Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are known to spend most of their lives in the Gulf of Mexico, but they typically nest on the western side, particularly in Mexico and Texas. They also tend to nest in large groups during the day.
- “Her nesting here during the day is not rare or surprising. We would expect a Kemp’s Ridley nest to come during the day. But having it happen on our beach is what makes it rare,” Valek explained.
With only an estimated 22,000 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles remaining in the world, this event is particularly significant. The sea turtle nesting season officially begins on May 1st, but there have already been reports of leatherback nests and a loggerhead false crawl in the panhandle.
Valek advises beachgoers who come across a nesting sea turtle to first call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s wildlife hotline at 888-404-3922. She also emphasizes the importance of keeping a distance of at least 50 feet behind the turtle to avoid obstructing her vision and causing distress.
- If the encounter happens at night, it is crucial to refrain from using any lights, including flash photography and videography, as it can harm the sea turtle.
How you can help during nesting season:
Please make sure you keep our beaches safe for our nesting sea turtles by removing all of your belongings and trash at the end of the day, filling in your holes, knocking down your sandcastles, and using only red turtle-friendly flashlights on the beach at night. You can get a flashlight for FREE at the Visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach Welcome Center.
All of the work conducted by the Sea Turtle Patrol Team, including what was done today, is permitted under MTP-24-251. Members of the South Walton Turtle Watch were also involved in today’s event. It is illegal to disturb a sea turtle, her nest, and her eggs.
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