PUBLIC SAFETY

Police make arrest in Fort Walton Beach bank robbery

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department has arrested Anthony J. Griffin, 38, of Fort Walton Beach, for the bank robbery that occurred on May 11th at the Regions Bank located at 25 Beal Parkway NE in Fort Walton Beach. 

During the investigation, Griffin was positively identified as the suspect within 24 hours of the initial crime being reported through help from the public who viewed the surveillance photographs from the bank and provided leads to detectives. 

• Detectives developed probable cause for the arrest of Anthony Griffin and officers began actively searching for the suspect. 

On May 12th at approximately 11:14 p.m., Fort Walton Beach Police Officers responded to the Quality Inn, 322 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, for a report of a suspicious person. 

Upon arrival, Officers located the described male who refused to identify himself. The responding officers recognized him as Anthony Griffin and positively identified him through tattoos located on his person. 

Griffin was placed under arrest for the charge of Robbery. He also had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest for failing to appear for a previous court date unrelated to this current crime. 

This is still an active investigation, and the FWBPD is asking anyone withinformation regarding this bank robbery or the suspect’s location and actions between the time of the robbery and his apprehension to please contact Detective Terence James at tjames@fwb.org or 850-833-9546

FROM THE STATE

DeSantis appoints NWFSC President to education board

On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Northwest Florida State College President Dr. Devin Stephenson to the Board of Control for Southern Regional Education.

• The Southern Regional Education Board works with states to improve public education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education.

“We help policymakers make informed decisions by providing independent, accurate data and recommendations,” said SREB. “We help educators strengthen student learning with professional development, proven practices and curricula. And we help policymakers, institutions and educators share scarce resources to accomplish more together than they could alone.”

SREB is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Atlanta with a presence in 16 states, including Florida. The work is funded by appropriations from those states, as well as by contracts and grants from foundations and from local, state and federal agencies.

Stephenson, of Niceville, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Florida State College. With over 30 years of experience, he is a current member of the Florida Delegation for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Stephenson earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Birmingham Southern College, and his master’s and doctorate degrees in higher education administration from the University of Alabama.

OKALOOSA GAS

Be storm ready this hurricane season with natural gas

The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with an average season having 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale). 

• With the season approaching, it’s important to be prepared ahead of time.

When it comes to hurricanes, there are different steps for before, during, and after the disaster that can go a long way in helping you and your family.

“Hurricane season is here and the top priority at Okaloosa Gas is the safety of the residents of Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, South Walton and Escambia counties,” said Eddie Springle, VP of Marketing for Okaloosa Gas District. “Being a natural gas provider, it is our job to make sure everyone is aware of the steps to take in case they encounter any problems involving natural gas.”

There are a few things you can do to prepare for a hurricane. 

Before the Storm

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Visit ready.gov/hurricanes for methods on how to secure your home.
• Know your surroundings and learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone.
• Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
• Learn community storm or hurricane evacuation routes. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you need to evacuate.

During the Storm

• Turn the thermostat to the ‘off’ position before evacuating.
• Turn the shut-off valve to the ‘off’ position for any outdoor appliances.
• Do not attempt to disconnect your gas service or work on or around your gas meter.
• Do not relight any of your gas appliances.
• Do not clear flood debris from your gas meter or any other gas appliance, including your water heater.
• If it does flood inside the home or comes in contact with natural gas appliances, call Okaloosa Gas at 850-729-4700 so they can inspect your meter and your natural gas appliances for possible flood damage.

After the Storm

• Check natural gas appliances first and check the smell for a possible natural gas leak.
• Do not attempt to make repairs yourself or use unauthorized, unlicensed individuals to work on your natural gas appliances. That can be unsafe and may void your warranty.
• Call 811 or visit sunshine811.com at least two full business days before digging or disturbing the ground in any way to avoid potential natural gas or other utility interruptions.

Unlike other energy utilities, natural gas is located in an underground network to avoid any disruptions. Power outages can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. 

Springle says, “for the most part, all of your natural gas utilities should still work properly, even if the electricity is out.”  That means:

• Hot showers – Natural gas tank water heater
• Hot meals – Natural gas range or natural gas outdoor gas grill 
• Outdoor lighting – Natural gas lamps
• No Power, No Worries  – Natural gas whole or partial house generator

“The most important takeaway is NEVER be afraid to call Okaloosa Gas if anything seems wrong,” added Springle. 

Turn to the natural gas experts at Okaloosa Gas District and find out more about the utility you can count on. Visit okaloosagas.com today.

MILITARY

’The Sound Of Freedom’

Residents may experience aircraft noise May 17 – 18th when the 43rd Fighter Squadron conducts night flying operations in the area.

• Each day, F-22 fighter aircraft will conduct training missions between 7:30 and 9 p.m.

These missions are a required part of the 43rd FS training operations. For more information, call Team Eglin public affairs office at (850) 882-3931.

TRAFFIC

Okaloosa and Walton County traffic advisory for this week

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Okaloosa and Walton counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Okaloosa County:

• State Road (S.R.)  85 Improvements from S.R. 123 to Hospital Drive- Drivers will encounter intermittent southbound single-lane closures between S.R. 123 and Shoal River Bridge as crews place sod along the inside and outside shoulders. The closures will not occur during the peak travel time of 5 a.m. through 10 a.m. One travel lane will always remain open and access to private property and driveways will be maintained. 

• S.R. 20 (John Sims Parkway) Resurfacing Project- Drivers may encounter intermittent outside westbound lane closures from Edge Avenue to west of the Rocky Bayou Bridge, Sunday, May 15 through Thursday, May 19, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The lane closures are required to repair and construct sidewalk along the north side of the roadway.

• S.R. 4 Bridge Replacement at Blackwater River – Motorist will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures Monday, May 16 through Friday, May 20. Drivers are reminded the speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH through the work zone.

• Roger J. Clary Highway (S.R. 123) Routine Bridge Maintenance over the Turkey Creek Bridge – Motorists can expect lane closures four miles north of S.R. 85, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine bridge inspection.

• Eglin Parkway (S.R. 85) Annual Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade from First Avenue to Hughes Street – Motorist will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, May 16 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the Annual Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Widening from Emerald Bay Drive to Tang-O-Mar Drive – Drivers will encounter intermittent turn lane closures at U.S. 98 signalized intersections, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.The temporary closures are required to place traffic signal detection loops and striping.

• U.S. 90 Routine Utility Maintenance 2nd Street to 7th Street – Motorist will encounter intermittent outside eastbound lane closures Monday, May 16 through Thursday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for utility operations.

• U.S. 331 Routine Bridge Maintenance over the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge – Motorists can expect lane closures two miles north of U.S. 98, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine bridge inspection.

All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.

THINGS TO DO

Eglin’s 35th Annual Gate to Gate Memorial Day Run/Walk is back after two-year hiatus

After a two-year hiatus, the tradition returns with Eglin’s 35th Annual Gate to Gate Memorial Day Run/Walk! 

• This year’s 4.4-mile event will take place on Monday, May 30 at 7 a.m. and is one of Northwest Florida’s greatest traditions.

Registration is open to the public now through Tuesday, May 24 for those who wish to participate as runners, walkers or wheelchair participants. All registered participants can enjoy a post-race party at Unity Park and a FREE kids’ race at 8:30 a.m. 

Early registration is $35 and will be open through Monday, May 2. Late registration is $45 and will be open through Tuesday, May 24. Registration will be available on the day of the race for $55 from 5 to 6 a.m. for those with base access. Cash will not be accepted for registration at any point.

• For more information on race-day details and registration, go to www.eglinlife.com/gatetogate.