SCHOOLS

5th graders from Edwins Elementary School tour of Fort Walton Machining

Back in January, Fort Walton Machining kicked-off their new partnership with Edwins Elementary School by designing and creating a sign for the new entryway. 

• Fort Walton Machining assembles and manufactures custom-designed, precision machined parts.

According to the Okaloosa County School District, Fort Walton Machining is currently involved in the District’s Middle and High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. This is the first Elementary program they are involved in with the Okaloosa County School District.

The program began in February with 5th graders, providing hands-on experience in activities related to machining, such as 3D printing, to help spark inspiration and grow passions in the industry. This is the first of its kind in the Okaloosa County School District.  

Last Friday, 5th graders from Edwins Elementary School got the VIP tour of Fort Walton Machining. During their tour, students learned the difference between a milling machine and a lathe. They also got to see Fort Walton Machining’s new multi-million dollar Mazak CNC machine.

• Students asked thought provoking questions and learned a great deal about the manufacturing processes, according to the school district.

“Creating the supply to fill the need is important,” said Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Jeff Palmer. “One of the goals of our CTE programs is to meet the need of local employers by giving students the skills they need to enter the workforce immediately after high school graduation with industry certifications allowing them to apply for and fill positions above entry-level. We look forward to seeing great things come from this partnership!”

MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day Ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery

The City of Fort Walton Beach and the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery on Monday, May 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

The guest speaker for the ceremony is 96^th Test Wing Commander Brigadier General Scott Cain. General Cain will be joined at the ceremony by:

• 7^th Special Forces Group Commander Colonel Kevin Trujillo
• 505^th Command and Control Wing Commander Colonel Frederick Coleman
• Florida State Representative Brigadier General (Retired) Patt Maney
• Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Member Dr. Dave Goetsch
• West Point Society of Northwest Florida Dr. Chuck Merkel
• Commander of American Legion Post 235 Terry James Jenrich
• Gregg Chapel AME Reverend Cecil Williams.

During the traditional salute to our veterans and fallen comrades, guests and organizations are invited to place a fresh flower in the Community Wreath and render appropriate honors. 

The event starts at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 11:00 a.m. Please note this time change from previous years—it is an attempt to avoid the extreme heat of midday.

• The inclement weather fallback site will be the American Legion Post 235 located at 105 Hollywood Boulevard NW in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Effie recognized as the Top 1% by Tripadvisor

On Wednesday, Hotel Effie Sandestin announced that it has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award winner for hotels.

Based on a full year of Tripadvisor reviews, the Travelers’ Choice Awards is awarded to the top 1% of all hotels worldwide in guest comments and reviews, honoring the best in travel and recognizing the places that delivered the most exceptional experiences.

• The hotel was listed as one of the hottest new hotels, as the property opened just last year.

“Being one of the premier luxury offerings in Miramar Beach, we are thrilled to be recognized as one of Best of the Best Hotels by Tripadvisor,” said Brad Busby, general manager of Hotel Effie. “Just after our first year opening, we have received strong praise for bringing genuine southern hospitality to the Emerald Coast – the essence on which our hotel was built. None of this would be possible without our loyal customers having recognized we strive to put them first, welcoming each and every guest with open arms. ”

As guests check in, they’re greeted with a warm or cold towel to refresh themselves after traveling. This is followed by a welcome cocktail for them to enjoy as they make their way to their scenic guest room.

Hotel Effie is home to four culinary concepts by celebrity, 2x James Beard award-winning chef, Hugh Acheson, and is constantly surprising guests with innovative design, attention to detail and special treats.

(The treats include homemade chocolate chip cookies that are quietly placed at the elevator banks each evening.)

“Congratulations to the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Winners,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travelers’ Choice Awards recognize the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: your guests.” 

EVENT

Town of Shalimar to host free 75th Anniversary Celebration this Saturday

The Town of Shalimar (consisting of 830 people) will host their FREE 75th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 21st from 2pm-5 pm at Combs Park. 

Guests can enjoy beverages, a popcorn machine, hamburgers and hotdogs (while supplies last), a face painting booth, bouncy house, and treasure hunt, along with the Choctaw Jazz Band perform from 3–3:30 pm.

• Additionally, they will have historical exhibits and guest speakers. 

“We’re trying to make it a laid back, enjoyable day,” said Mayor Mark Franks. “Bring a lawn chair and just enjoy each other’s company.”

Franks, who grew up in the area, says that he’s always loved the quaintness of Shalimar along with the rich history of the town.

“The more I learn about the town, the more interesting it is,” he added. “This town was incorporated so that residents could gamble on the Lord’s day. That’s an actual fact. They wanted to gamble past midnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning, and that’s why they incorporated.”

Not being able to gamble would negatively impact the gambling operations at the casino of the Shalimar Club. With just 3 landholders in Shalimar at the time, it was easy to get done.

• “That all fell apart anyway and there’s a story to that, but it’s just an exciting time for a town,”

Additionally, there is the early-1900s gravesite of Augustus “Gus” Tart near the Shalimar Library. Tart, a former slave, was said to have been one of the first African American land owners in the area.

The Mayor says they will have a bunch of historical documents on display during the event for residents to learn more on the fascinating history.

Guest speakers for the event include:

• Tom Rice
• Sheriff Eric Aden
• Gareth Stearns (history)
• Dr. Lamar White (School Board Member)
• Rep. Patt Maney

“Let’s come together and celebrate the Town of Shalimar’s 75th Anniversary,” added Franks. “Mark your calendar and join us on Saturday, May 21st – gathering from 2:00 pm– 5 pm.”

Let’s talk parking: If you can’t find parking at City Hall, you can park at the Post Office across Eglin Parkway. The town will have golf carts shuttling people.

REAL ESTATE

New 928-square-foot rentals planned near Hurlburt Field

On Tuesday, May 17, 2022, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioner unanimously approved a Planned Unit Development (PUD) on 10 acres on the south-side of Highway 98, west of Hurlburt Field. 

The proposed Forest Shore Villas development will consist of 53 single-story, multi-family residential units (for rent). Each unit will be a separate building and configured on the site similar to a traditional single-family subdivision. Each unit will be 16 feet wide by 58 feet deep.

The units will be accessed from an internal roadway which is connected to US Highway 98, according to county documents.  Each unit will have two dedicated parking spaces and there will be 22 additional parking spaces located throughout the development for visitors and guests.  

• There are approximately 2.93 acres of wetlands on the site, of which, 2.25 acres are located within a conservation easement.  
• Approximately 0.49 acres of the wetlands are proposed to be filled to construct the proposed development, according to the county.

What’s unique about this project is that the entire neighborhood is to be owned by a single entity. The homes won’t be sold, but will be rented out. This unified-ownership also prolonged the process of getting in front of the Board of County Commissioners because of the definition of “multi-family.” 

• For Okaloosa County, multi-family is defined as structures that have 4 dwelling units or more.

According to Commissioner Nathan Boyles, the engineer who developed the project expressed frustration that it took the project over a year to make it to the commission for approval. He says it was driven entirely by the requirement for the creation of a PUD which would not have been required if the lots were being sold individually. 

“After approving the project, the Commission unanimously directed staff to start the process of reviewing the current definition of “multi-family” within the code,” said Boyles. “With the goal of clarifying that a subdivision meeting all normal provisions of the land development code not be treated as a multi-family project (like apartments) just because the lots will initially be under unified ownership.”

Go deeper: If this project sounds familiar, that’s because the exact same type of subdivision and homes are being built in Niceville, near the new Aldi. This block of 35 homes will be rented out by the builder as a long-term investment. 

THE WEEKENDER

A few things to do around town

May 20, 2022 – Billy Bowlegs Pirate Poker Run 2022 – View

May 21, 2022 – Emerald Coast MudRun for Orphans 2022 – View

May 21, 2022 – Billy Bowlegs Pirate Poker Run 2022 – – View

May 21, 2022 – Journal Making at Artful Things Niceville – $47.50 – View

May 21, 2022 – BOTE Hangout at Crab Island – View

May 21, 2022 – Town of Shalimar 75th Anniversary Celebration – View

May 22, 2022 – Island Pier Dive Cleanup – Free – View

May 22, 2022 – Koch Custom Paint Bike Event Fundraiser for Sunshine State Animal Rescue – Free – View

May 25, 2022 – C.A.R.E.ing for Turtles – $10 – View