WEATHER

Okaloosa County Schools announce 3 hour delay Friday due to severe weather threat

The Okaloosa County School District has announced a three-hour delay in school start times for Friday, May 10, 2024, in response to a severe weather forecast. The decision comes after consultation with Patrick Maddox, the Okaloosa County Director of Public Safety.

The National Weather Service has placed the area under an enhanced risk for severe weather, with the potential for straight-line winds up to 80 mph.

These dangerous conditions are expected to enter Okaloosa County around 3:00 a.m. and last until approximately 8:00 a.m., making it unsafe for buses and students to travel to school during regular hours.

To ensure the safety of students and employees, all Okaloosa County schools will start three hours later than their regular start times but will maintain their normal dismissal times.

• Bus riders should be at their designated bus stops three hours later than usual, while other students should arrive at school three hours later than their normal arrival time.

The school district acknowledges that this time of year is crucial for end-of-year state testing. However, due to the schedule changes, all such testing will be rescheduled, and schools will provide updated information to students and families.

As a result of the delay, schools will not serve breakfast, but lunch will be provided as usual.

SPORTS

FWB Vikings advance in softball playoffs with 3-1 victory over Fleming Island

The Fort Walton Beach High School varsity softball team secured a 3-1 home regional playoff win against Fleming Island (Orange Park, FL) on Wednesday as part of the 2024 FHSAA Softball State Championships – 5A FHSAA Softball tournament.

Fleming Island took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning, but the Vikings responded with two runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 2-1 lead. Fort Walton Beach added an insurance run in the fifth inning to seal the victory.

Fort Walton Beach’s offense was led by junior Alyx Hall, who went 3-for-3 with a double, a home run, and two RBIs. Sophomore Hannah Isham also had a strong performance, going 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored.

• On the mound, senior Ava Smith pitched a complete game for the Vikings, allowing just one run on one hit while striking out nine batters and walking five over seven innings.

Sophomore Aubree Davis contributed to the Vikings’ offense, going 1-for-4 with a stolen base. Davis also played well defensively, recording nine putouts.

• Sophomore Rilyn Douglas had a productive day at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI. Douglas also helped turn a double play on defense, showcasing her fielding skills.

With the win, the Vikings advance to the next round of the playoffs and will face-off against the winner of Thursday’s game between Gulf Breeze and Matanzas. Their next game is slated for May 15.

SCHOOL

Florosa Elementary Music Teacher named CMA Foundation 2024 Music Teacher of Excellence

Florosa Elementary Music Teacher Sarah Theres has been selected as a 2024 Music Teacher of Excellence (MToE) by the Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation.

• The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 7, during Teacher Appreciation Week, when Theres was surprised by a congratulatory video from Country artist Caitlyn Smith in the presence of her co-workers.

The CMA Foundation partnered with 30 Country Music stars to honor music teachers nationwide who demonstrate excellence in bringing high-quality music programming to their students and local communities.

As one of the 30 honorees, Theres will receive a $5,000 award, with half going towards her music classroom and the other half for personal use. She is also invited to attend a celebratory event at the historic Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville on Tuesday, September 17.

Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers expressed his gratitude to the CMA Foundation for recognizing the significant impact music teachers have on their students and communities. “Ms. Theres goes above and beyond to create a wonderful learning environment for her students, and I am thrilled that she has received this well-deserved honor,” Chambers said.

CMA Foundation Executive Director Tiffany Kerns emphasized the importance of celebrating these remarkable music educators.

• “These teachers consistently go above and beyond to build inclusive environments in their classrooms and communities, often removing barriers that prevent even just one student from participating in music education,” Kerns stated.

A MESSAGE FROM COX

Cox recognizes inspirational students in Okaloosa County

Cox Communications hosted the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards in Okaloosa County earlier this week.

• This year, 37 students were celebrated for overcoming extreme hardships in their lives, while maintaining a positive attitude. The Heroes were announced at a ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.

The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school to honor their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome the loss of a family member, medical issue, difficult family situation, or other hardship, they did so with optimism while continuing to encourage and inspire those around them. 

“It’s always an honor for us at Cox to applaud these students and celebrate what an inspiration they are to their peers and school staff,” said Cox Gulf Coast market vice president David Deliman.  “They’ve overcome so many hardships in their young lives and still maintain a positive attitude. They’re true heroes and deserve their time in the spotlight.”

During the event, Cox presented the students with a personalized engraved medallion and a certificate of honor. The students also received certificates of accomplishment from United States Senator Rick Scott, United States Representative Matt Gaetz, Florida State Senator Doug Broxson and Florida State Representatives Michelle Salzman, Dr. Joel Rudman and Patt Maney.

In addition, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a proclamation at their meeting on May 7, proclaiming May 2024 as Cox Inspirational Student Hero Month in Okaloosa County.

Okaloosa County’s Cox Inspirational Student Heroes for 2024 are:

• Aubree Bourgeois – Richbourg School
• Brian Caceres – Choctawhatchee High School
• Brien Carter – Davidson Middle School
• Bryan Grice – Bob Sikes Elementary School
• Caleb Henderson – Laurel Hill School
• Calvin Wilks, III – Baker School
• Daniela Montero Flores – Longwood Elementary School
• Deshawn Simmons – Bruner Middle School
• Dominic Loomis – Walker Elementary School
• Elva Alfrey – Southside Primary School
• Erick Sanchez – Elliott Point Elementary School
• Erik Scott – Fort Walton Beach High School
• Ethan Ibi – Crestview High School
• Ezekiel “Zeke” Kerns – Destin Middle School
• Isabel Johnson – Antioch Elementary School
• Jace McDonald – Kenwood Elementary School
• Ja’lyric McCaskill – Shoal River Middle School
• Ja’Mariah Knox – Florosa Elementary School
• Jameson Ledford – Edge Elementary School
• Johann Lee Mosley – Lewis School
• Jordan Johnson – Eglin Elementary School
• Jorey Hamilton – Pryor Middle School
• Judah Pierce – Okaloosa STEMM Academy
• Kamryn Maiden – Riverside Elementary School
• Lake Montoya – Northwood Elementary School
• Lane Mitchell – Edwins Elementary School
• Layne Willis – Mary Esther Elementary School
• Levi Godwin – Wright Elementary School
• Marcos Lee – Meigs Middle School
• Naomi Gam – Shalimar Elementary School
• Nathaniel Taylor – Plew Elementary School
• Noah Leonard – Ruckel Middle School
• Patty Raybon – Northwest Florida Ballet Academie
• Raymond Honrada – Silver Sands School
• Samuel “S.J.” Trube – Niceville High School
• Sophia Ledford – Edge Elementary School
• Taylon Lahay – Bluewater Elementary School

The Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards program began 31 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. The program has expanded to other Cox markets across the southeast.  To date, Cox has recognized nearly 5,000 students from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Gainesville, Florida. 

A MESSAGE FROM PEADEN

Tips to keep your pipes flowing smoothly

Stay Hydrated: Just like us, pipes need water to function correctly. Make sure to run water regularly in unused drains to prevent buildup and keep things moving smoothly.

Watch What Goes Down: Avoid pouring grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the drain. These can solidify and cause clogs. Use filters to catch food scraps in the kitchen sink and hair in the bathroom.

Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine inspections and maintenance for your plumbing system. Catching minor issues early can prevent costly repairs and keep your pipes in tip-top shape.

• Remember, a little prevention goes a long way! And if you ever encounter a plumbing problem, don’t hesitate to contact Peaden!

NEWS

Family seeks transparency in fatal shooting of U.S. Airman Roger Fortson by Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputy 

Attorneys representing the family of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson, who was fatally shot by an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy on Friday, May 3, held a press conference on Thursday, demanding transparency and justice in the investigation of the incident.

• The press conference, held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fort Walton Beach, was led by civil rights attorney Ben Crump and attorney Brian Barr of the Levin Papantonio Rafferty Law Firm. They were accompanied by Fortson’s mother, Meka Fortson, who spoke about her son while holding his framed picture.

According to the attorneys, Fortson, 23, was alone in his apartment when he heard an aggressive knock at the door. He reportedly asked who was there but received no response. Fortson then went to the door to look through the peephole but couldn’t see anyone, as if someone was covering it, according to Attorney Crump. 

Concerned, Fortson retrieved his legally-owned gun and was walking back to the living room when police allegedly burst through the door. Upon seeing the gun, Attorney Crump says deputies shot Fortson six times. 

• Fortson’s girlfriend was on a FaceTime call with him during the incident and reported seeing him on the ground, stating, “I can’t breathe,” after being shot. Crump released the FaceTime footage on social media later yesterday afternoon.

Crump emphasized that Fortson, who had no criminal record and was described as a stellar member of the Air Force, had every right to protect himself in his own home. “Roger Fortson was the best America had to offer. He was a patriot. He was a U.S. Airman, Special Ops. He was fighting for our way of life,” Crump said.

Attorney Brian Barr added, “Mistakes happen. We know that humans aren’t perfect. Good people make mistakes, but good people also own their mistakes.”

The attorneys argued that the deputies entered the wrong apartment, as there was no disturbance in Fortson’s residence. They called on the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office to provide transparency and correct what they feel is a narrative to portray the incident as a justified shooting in self-defense.

Meka Fortson, visibly emotional, described her son as a kind, humble, and intelligent young man who was deeply loved by his family and community. “Roger was given to me as a gift,” she said. “He was my everything.”

• “Please clean his reputation,” she pleaded, addressing the Sheriff’s Office.

The attorneys announced their intention to view the body camera footage of the incident and expected it to be released to the public thereafter. They also called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing that Fortson was a law-abiding citizen and a “good guy” who did not deserve to be killed in this manner.

Fortson, who entered active duty in November 2019, was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field. Fortson’s mother says she and her family have been in touch with Hurlburt Field who has been offering them support.

Funeral services for Senior Airman Roger Fortson will be held in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, once his body is returned to the family.

NEWS

Okaloosa Sheriff addresses fatal shooting of U.S. Airman, releases bodycam footage

In a press conference held on Thursday afternoon, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden addressed the fatal shooting of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson.

• Aden extended his condolences to the Fortson family and assured the community that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the facts of the case.

Sheriff Aden disputed some of the claims made by the attorneys, stating that their statements about the deputy entering the wrong apartment and bursting through the door were inaccurate.

• Aden emphasized that the bodycam footage, which was released during the press conference, shows the deputy knocking on the correct door and announcing himself twice.

According to Aden, Fortson’s comments on the footage indicate that he acknowledged the presence of law enforcement at the door and arrived with a firearm in his hand. The sheriff also clarified that the deputy did not cover the peephole or obscure its view in any way.

Aden stressed that while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident, no determination has been made yet as to whether the deputy’s actions were justified.

• He assured the public that the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency and accountability and that they are not attempting to hide or cover up any facts.

During the press conference, Sheriff Aden also mentioned that he had personally met with Meka Fortson, Roger Fortson’s mother, and extended his deepest condolences to the family. He acknowledged the tragic nature of the event and its impact on both the Fortson family and the deputy involved.

Sheriff Aden concluded by giving his word to the Fortson family that if the shooting is found to be unjustified, their son’s name will be fully vindicated, and justice will be served.

The investigation by the FDLE and the State Attorney’s Office is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.

Click here to see the bodycam footage – be advised.

MILITARY

Hurlburt Field Commander releases statement on death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson

Following both press conferences yesterday, Hurlburt Field has issued a press release addressing the incident and its impact on the military community.

Senior Airman Fortson, 23, from Atlanta, Georgia, entered active duty on November 19, 2019, and arrived at Hurlburt Field in March 2020. During his time at the base, Fortson was assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron and 4th Special Operations Squadron as a special missions aviator.

Fortson’s decorations include an Air Force Achievement Medal and an Air Medal with a ‘C’ Device, indicating service or achievement performed under combat conditions. He was deployed to Southwest Asia in mid-2023, where he earned the Air Medal.

In a statement, U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Dierig, the 1st Special Operations Wing Commander, expressed the wing’s focus on supporting Senior Airman Fortson’s family, providing necessary resources to the squadron and all members impacted, and maintaining professionalism and respect at Hurlburt Field.

Col. Dierig acknowledged the legal process and the family’s right to secure representation while emphasizing the impact of Fortson’s loss on his squadrons and the entire wing.

• “SrA Fortson was a proven combat veteran and an incredible teammate. His loss is felt throughout the 4th Special Operations Squadron, the 73d Special Operations Squadron, and the entirety of our wing,” he stated.

The wing commander also announced plans to honor Fortson’s service at a date to be determined by his family and squadron.

As the investigations continue, Hurlburt Field has emphasized its commitment to supporting those impacted by the incident and has advised individuals in need of support to reach out to their nearest available helping agency.