WEATHER

Okaloosa County braces for severe weather, schools remain open

The Okaloosa County School District and Okaloosa Public Safety Office are closely monitoring a severe weather system expected to impact the area today, Monday, May 13.

• According to the latest weather updates, the first round of storms is set to hit the county between 9 am and 3 pm.

School District officials have decided to keep schools open on regular schedules. Decisions regarding after-school activities will be made later in the day and communicated to parents as quickly as possible.

“Safety is our top priority, and we will provide updates as we receive them,” stated the Okaloosa County School District in an official communication released Sunday night.

Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox issued a statement Sunday night, confirming that the entire area is at a slight risk of severe weather from early Monday morning into Monday night. “We are confident on multiple rounds of storms impacting the area, [but] confidence is lower on how the overall severe threat will play out,” Maddox said.

The National Weather Service out of Mobile, AL, has placed the coastal region under an enhanced risk of severe storms, with the area north of the coast up to the Highway 84 corridor at a slight risk.

• The main threats include damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of a few tornadoes, especially along and south of the stationary frontal boundary near the coast.

A Flood Watch has been issued from Monday morning through midday Tuesday, as locally heavy, flood-producing rains are expected. Residents are advised to stay tuned to the Okaloosa County School District’s official communication channels for further updates on schools and to be prepared to take quick action if warnings are issued.

NEWS

Congressman Matt Gaetz speaks out on fatal shooting of U.S. Airman Roger Fortson

On Friday afternoon, Congressman Matt Gaetz, representing Florida’s 1st congressional district, took to social media to address the tragic shooting of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson by an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy on May 3.

• In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gaetz expressed his deep sadness over the incident and offered his perspective on the ongoing investigation.

“The killing of Airman Roger Fortson in my community continues to be a source of deep sadness,” Gaetz wrote. “As the investigation continues, I think one thing is clear from the body cam and should be stated unequivocally: Roger did not deserve to die. He did nothing wrong.”

Gaetz’s statement comes amidst ongoing investigations by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office into the circumstances surrounding Fortson’s death.

Last week, attorneys representing the Fortson family held a press conference demanding justice and requesting the release of the body cam footage. They described Fortson as a humble, intelligent, and law-abiding citizen with no criminal record. Fortson’s mother, Meka Fortson, emotionally recounted her son as a “gift” and her “everything.”

In his social media post, Congressman Gaetz emphasized Fortson’s status as an American patriot, stating, “He is an American Patriot for serving in our military and should be remembered as such with no stain on his reputation whatsoever.”

• Gaetz concluded his post with a message of condolence, saying, “May God bring some peace to all who loved Roger as the important work ahead continues.”

SPORTS

Niceville Eagles soar to Regional Semifinals with 8-2 win over Winter Springs

The Niceville High School Eagles varsity softball team secured an 8-2 win over Winter Springs in the quarterfinals of the 2024 FHSAA Softball State Championships – 6A FHSAA Softball tournament on Thursday.

• The Eagles’ dominant performance on their home field earned them a spot in the regional semifinals, where they will take on Pace on May 14.

Freshman pitcher Chloe Bailey led the charge for the Eagles, allowing just two runs on three hits over 5 innings while striking out four batters. Junior Emma Sites came in for relief, pitching 1 scoreless inning and giving up three hits with no walks.

The Eagles’ offense came out strong, putting up three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Freshman Briana Noles hit a two-run home run, while freshman Molly Mayfield contributed a two-RBI double. Senior Ava Gibson also had a standout performance, going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBIs.

• The Eagles showcased their defensive prowess as well, committing only one error and turning a double play. Senior Kam Neely anchored the defense at first base with six putouts.

Several other Eagles contributed to the team’s offensive success. Sophomore Anabelle Shackelford went 2-for-3 with a run scored and a walk, while senior McKenzie Toth added two hits, an RBI, and a run in three at-bats. Freshmen Quinn Graham and Carnley Summerlin also made their presence felt, with Graham scoring a run and Summerlin driving in one and scoring another.

Following the game, Freshman Molly Mayfield was given the The Impact Player Award for pinch-hitting. In a post on social media, the team wrote:

• “I don’t think everyone understands how hard mentally & physically it is to come into a game cold and be expected to hit. Very few people can. Molly came off that bench and crushed that ball. Not only an Impact player but a TEAM player of the game!!”

With this win, the Niceville High School Eagles continue their pursuit of a state championship. The upcoming regional semifinals matchup against Pace happens on May 14 as the Eagles look to extend their postseason run.

THINGS TO DO

2024 Summer Camp Guide

Summer will be here before we know it and we just launched our 2024 Summer Camp Guide – the ultimate showcase for all the amazing summer camps in our area!

• This guide is still growing but you can already get a jumpstart on seeing what summer activities are right for your child.

Is your business putting on a camp this summer? This is for you!

By securing your spot in our guide, you’ll gain exposure to parents and guardians actively seeking the perfect summer activities for their children. It’s your chance to shine and show what makes your camp truly special!

• Don’t miss this opportunity to fill your camp with smiling faces and create a summer they’ll never forget!

Fill out the form here to explore our paid listing options and secure your spot in our “Summer Camp Guide” today!

Let’s make this the best summer ever, together!

SCHOOL

Okaloosa County School District announces 2024 Graduation Ceremonies

The Okaloosa County School District has announced the schedule of graduation ceremonies for the High School Class of 2024. All graduations will be live streamed and links are provided below.

• Baker School – Friday, May 17, Doug Griffith Stadium at 7:30 pm. – Watch
• Choctawhatchee High School – Thursday, May 23, Joe Etheridge Stadium at 7:30 pm. – Watch
• Crestview High School – Friday, May 24, Jack Foster Stadium at 7:00 pm. – Watch
• Fort Walton Beach High School – Friday, May 24, Steve Riggs Stadium at 7:30 pm. – Watch
• Laurel Hill School – Thursday, May 16, Laurel Hill Gym at 6:00 pm. – Watch
• Niceville High School – Thursday, May 23, Niceville Eagle Stadium at 7:00 pm. – Watch

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, May 12 through Thursday, May 16, 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, May 13 through Thursday, May 16, 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 concrete work and milling and paving operations at the following locations and times:
  • Sunday, May 12 through Thursday, May 16, from U.S. 98 to Hollywood Boulevard, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
  • Sunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18, from Hollywood Boulevard to Beal Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

• S.R. 85 Resurfacing from north of Commerce Drive to Bill Lundy Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent S.R. 85 single-lane closures for paving operations between:
  • Airport Road and Butler Road, Monday, May 13 through Friday, May 17, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Commerce Drive and Butler Road, Sunday, May 12 through Thursday, May 16 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
  • Butler Road and Bill Lundy Road, Sunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• S.R. 189 Intersection Improvements at Lewis Street and Pelham Road – Drivers will encounter outside lane closures at the following intersections, Sunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18, between 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., for the installation of drilled shafts:
  • S.R. 189 at Lewis Street
  • S.R. 189 at Pelham Road

• 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, May 12 through Thursday, May 16, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for concrete work.

• S.R. 4 Routine Bridge Inspection over Blackwater River – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine bridge inspection.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Widening from Mack Bayou Road to County Road (C.R.) 30A – Drivers may encounter intermittent, alternating lane closures, Sunday, May 12 through Thursday, May 16, 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, May 12 through Thursday, May 16, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for sod work.

• U.S. 98 Trune Lane Operations at the New Los Rancheros West of Hunters Road – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, May 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for turn lane operations.

NEWS

Okaloosa County adds 14 names to Women of Honor Wall

The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women (OCCSW) celebrated the achievements and contributions of 14 remarkable women during their annual Women of Honor event on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the University of West Florida (UWF) Emerald Coast Campus.

• The “Women of Honor” program, first established as “Wall of Honor” by the OCCSW in 1997, serves as a platform to recognize women whose works might otherwise go unnoticed. 

The event is traditionally held in May around Mother’s Day, providing an opportunity for individuals to honor the influential women in their lives, including their mothers.

During the ceremony, each honoree’s name was added to a plaque that will be displayed on the Wall of Honor at the UWF Emerald Coast campus library. Additionally, a letter containing the honoree’s photo, a brief nomination bio, and the names of the nominator(s) will be placed in the Book of Honor near the plaque.

The 2024 Women of Honor include:

• Audrey Adams – Assistant Director for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Communications Division
• Megan Blancho – President of Okaloosa Chapter of Florida Association of Women Lawyers, dedicated to the development of professional relationships among women lawyers
• Daquiri Champion – Retired Registered Dietician in Nephrology, Pediatric Nutrition, Counseling and Geriatric Nutrition
• Sherry Cronley – Active volunteer with Fort Walton Beach Elk’s 1795, formerly a school teacher and now homeschooling her 14 year old grandson
• Sheryl “Sherry” Jones – Community & Public Relations Director for One Hopeful Place, Sheryl is responsible for securing funds
• Pam Lee – Volunteer with Elks Lodge 1795, Mardi Gras Club, River Rats, Destin Elementary, Corvette Club, Arc of the Emerald Coast and American Business Women’s Association
• Kathy Miller – volunteer, teacher and leader for 59 years at First Baptist Church’s  International English School, longest running  in the State of Florida
• Amanda Negron – CEO of Hsu Foundation and serves on the Senior Board of the Snowden-Horne Society, Children of the American Revolution
• Elizabeth “Liz” Qualiana – Residential Stability Coordinator Supervisor who works with people to find housing at One Hopeful Place 
• June Scroggin – an activist volunteering with Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated (RWOF), Fresh Start, 100+ Women Who Care, Sleep in Heavenly Peace (building beds) and more
• Melinda Sousa – Founded Visiting You Senior Home Care dedicated to helping seniors find companionship.
• Neko Stubblefield – Vice President of Membership & Community Development for Eglin Federal Credit Union, fostering valuable partnerships
• Debbie Tate – Community Affairs Office Manager for Okaloosa County Public Schools Foundation
• Sabina Zunguze – A certified suicide prevention speaker and CEO of the Tatissa Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Social Justice Inc.

The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women, established by the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in 1995, is dedicated to eliminating barriers that prevent women from achieving their fullest potential through research, education, and communication.