MILITARY

Hurlburt Field to conduct hurricane readiness exercise

The 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field will be conducting a hurricane readiness exercise from June 3 to June 6, 2024, to maintain contingency preparedness. The exercise is expected to result in an increase in emergency response activity and flight operations throughout its duration.

The hurricane readiness exercise coincides with the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially started on June 1 and will continue until November 30. The season encompasses the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurlburt Field encourages community members to stay informed and prepared during the hurricane season. Updates and information will be available on the Hurlburt Field Facebook pages.

• Furthermore, comprehensive hurricane preparation tips, evacuation routes, and shelter information for each county can be found on the official Hurlburt Field website.

NEWS

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office terminates deputy involved in fatal shooting of Airman Roger Fortson

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) has terminated Deputy Eddie Duran following an administrative internal affairs investigation into the fatal shooting of Roger Fortson on May 3.

• The investigation determined that the deputy’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable and violated agency policy.

According to OCSO’s General Order 04.01 – Response to Resistance, deputies are authorized to use only the amount of force that is objectively reasonable to perform their duties. The policy states that deadly force shall only be used when the officer reasonably believes it is necessary to defend human life or prevent imminent danger of serious physical injury.

The investigation found that the former deputy was dispatched to an in-progress physical disturbance at an apartment complex located at 319 Racetrack Road NW, specifically Unit 1401.

• Upon arrival, the former deputy met with an apartment complex employee who confirmed the location of the disturbance.

The former deputy’s body-worn camera recorded his actions as he knocked on the door of Unit 1401 three times and announced “Sheriff’s Office” twice within approximately 40 seconds. When Mr. Fortson opened the door, the former deputy stated he saw Mr. Fortson holding a firearm in his right hand, pointed at the ground.

• The investigation concluded that Mr. Fortson did not make any hostile, attacking movements, and therefore, the former deputy’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable under OSCO’s policy.

“This tragic incident should have never occurred,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. “The objective facts do not support the use of deadly force as an appropriate response to Mr. Fortson’s actions. Mr. Fortson did not commit any crime. By all accounts, he was an exceptional airman and individual.”

The administrative investigation is separate from the ongoing criminal investigation being conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Both investigations are required under Florida law after a fatal deputy-involved shooting.

Sheriff Aden emphasized the OCSO’s commitment to ensuring fair and equal administration of the law, safeguarding civil liberties, and preserving public safety. He thanked the dedicated team for their thorough review of the facts and expressed condolences to Mr. Fortson’s family.

Click here to view the full report

HOME AND GARDEN

Cultivate your dream landscape with Wildwood Garden Shoppe & Nursery’s diverse selection

Nestled in the heart of Shalimar, Florida, Wildwood Garden Shoppe & Nursery has blossomed into a captivating botanical destination under the nurturing care of owners Aaron and Amanda Rippert. 

• The husband-and-wife team acquired the once run-down property in 2021, transforming it into a thriving family-owned boutique nursery, gift shop, and event venue.

The couple’s roots in the landscaping industry trace back to 2016 when they established Aranda Lawn & Garden. According to Aaron, they started the business by chance when he was transitioning out of his previous career field and Amanda was in college. “I was looking for something new to do, and landscaping had the lowest barrier to entry,” he explained.

Despite their modest beginnings, the duo had a vision to branch out beyond lawn maintenance. They aspired to have a landscape crew, obtain their chemical license, and become a one-stop shop with a nursery. 

• However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, their plans were temporarily derailed. “We went from a hundred applicants a month down to zero for two years,” Aaron recalled. “So we just switched gears and built this.”

Amanda’s love for plants blossomed alongside the business. She found inspiration in Aaron’s work and began taking pictures of spaces, creating diagrams of potential landscaping designs using a small iPad app. “We realized there was way more interest and passion behind the landscaping side,” she said.

At Wildwood Garden, customers can explore a diverse selection of Florida-friendly plants tailored for the region’s climate. The knowledgeable staff, including a horticulturist, guides customers in choosing the right plants for their landscapes. From native species to annuals, tropicals, succulents, and collector specimens, the nursery offers a wide variety suited for different preferences and environments.

• Amanda emphasizes the importance of using plants that are well-suited for their intended location. “We want to use plants that are going to be the right place for them,” she said. “It’s important that we have natives, but we also have plants that work well for this planting zone.”

In addition to offering an extensive plant selection, Wildwood Garden specializes in creating custom seasonal planters for homes and businesses. These eye-catching arrangements add a touch of natural beauty to any space and can be tailored to suit various styles and occasions. 

Beyond the nursery, Wildwood Garden offers a unique boutique gift shop filled with charming and whimsical gardening-themed items, indoor plants, and collector specimens. There is also a scavenger hunt for kids to embarq on throughout the property while parents are shopping. 

For those looking to host a special event, Wildwood Garden provides an intimate and exclusive venue. The space is ideal for hosting private gatherings such as bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties, and even weddings. The Ripperts also offer private workshops for team-building experiences or leisurely activities.

One of the standout features of Wildwood Garden is their Inspiration Station, which includes a terrarium bar and paint-a-pot activities. At the terrarium bar, customers can craft their own miniature living gardens, selecting from a variety of plants, substrates, and decorative elements. 

• The paint-a-pot activity allows visitors to express their creativity by designing and painting their own pottery, which they can then fill with a plant of their choice.

For those seeking landscape design services, Wildwood Garden offers in-store guidance for small projects and DIY enthusiasts. Amanda is happy to provide assistance and recommendations, creating hand-sketched designs and offering plant suggestions. However, for larger, more complex projects, she recommends turning to Aranda Lawn & Garden, their sister company.

Aranda Lawn & Garden, led by Aaron, provides a full spectrum of landscaping services, from plant installation and irrigation to outdoor living spaces. “Aranda does a variety of landscaping, from plants, grass, irrigation, outdoor living spaces, the full spectrum,” Aaron said. “Anything you can dream up, we can make it happen with our team of contractors.”

The Ripperts’ commitment to education and customer service sets Wildwood Garden apart. They strive to be a valuable resource for both DIY enthusiasts and those who prefer to hire professionals for their landscaping needs. “Our goal is to hire and work with the most knowledgeable and professional people in our area,” Aaron explained.

• This dedication to education extends across all aspects of their business. Whether customers are browsing the nursery, attending a workshop, or consulting with the Ripperts about their landscaping needs, they can expect to receive expert guidance and support throughout their gardening journey.

Amanda believes in the power of asking questions and engaging with customers to better understand their needs and desires. “If you start asking customers questions, they’re going to start giving you more information about their project so that you can better guide them.”

As Wildwood Garden continues to flourish, the couple remains focused on staying consistent and adapting to challenges. And despite typical growing pains, they have experienced their most significant growth to date. Looking ahead, Aaron shared their ambitious plans for expansion. “Our big goal this year is to get the greenhouse built across the street.”

Through their unwavering commitment to quality, education, and nurturing a love for gardening, Aaron and Amanda Rippert have firmly planted Wildwood Garden Shoppe & Nursery as a blossoming gem in the Emerald Coast community. 

With their passion for plants, dedication to customer service, and innovative approach to landscaping and boutique experiences, the Ripperts have cultivated a truly unique and inspiring destination that continues to grow and thrive.

Wildwood Garden Shoppe & Nursery is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and is conveniently located at 6 10th Ave, Shalimar, FL 32579. Click here for more details.

NEWS

Okaloosa County to host Revive Awareness Day event, announce new opioid epidemic efforts

Okaloosa County, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County, will host a press conference for Revive Awareness Day on Thursday, June 6, at 9:30 a.m.

• The event will take place in the Board Chambers at the Okaloosa County Administration Building in Shalimar, Florida.

During the press conference, the County, Department of Health, and several community partners will recognize the importance of Revive Awareness Day and announce plans to take additional action in the opioid epidemic in Okaloosa County.

“The opioid epidemic continues to impact too many lives in Okaloosa County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “I am thankful we have come together across multiple agencies with community leaders in a focused partnership that will confront the disease of opioid addiction in our community.”

Okaloosa County recently executed plans to use Opioid Settlement funding to establish the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network in the County. CORE is a comprehensive addiction care initiative in Florida that disrupts the cycle of addiction and provides patients with tools for recovery.

• “Drug overdose deaths due to opioids continue to rise each year in Okaloosa County,” said Elizabeth Smith, Health Officer of the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County. “It is amazing to see so many of our community partners working together to develop new programs to create better outcomes and access to services for individuals affected by substance use.”

Funds have been allocated in Okaloosa County to support various prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery programs.

• Bridgeway Center, Inc. will provide critical, life-saving services by expanding the current 12-hour availability of outpatient detoxification to 24/7.
• Okaloosa County will establish a Community Paramedicine program, in which specially trained Community Paramedics will visit at-risk patients to treat and screen for the effects of opioid use disorder and associated comorbidities.
• The Okaloosa County Health Improvement Partnership (OCHIP) has developed a post-overdose response team initiative, which will pilot with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department in mid-June before expanding county-wide.

All Floridians are encouraged to learn the signs of an overdose, which include pinpoint pupils, loss of consciousness, slow or no breathing, gurgling sounds, cold or clammy skin, discolored skin, and a limp body.

If an overdose is suspected, call 911 immediately, administer naloxone (Narcan) if available, and keep the person awake and breathing until emergency assistance arrives.

POLITICS

Gaetz to kick off re-election campaign with Luna in Fort Walton Beach

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) will launch his re-election campaign for Congress with a kickoff rally in Fort Walton Beach on Thursday, June 6th.

• The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at “The Venue at Beach Weekend” at 5:30 p.m. CT.

Gaetz, who represents Florida’s 1st Congressional District, will be joined by special guest Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), who represents the state’s 13th Congressional District. The rally is expected to draw supporters from across the region as Gaetz officially begins his bid for another term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The campaign kickoff event is open to both the public and the press, including regional and national news media outlets.

• As Gaetz embarks on his re-election journey, the rally will likely set the tone for his campaign and provide insight into his priorities and goals for the upcoming term.

“The Venue at Beach Weekend” is located at 109 Brooks Street Southeast in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Those interested in attending can find more information and RSVP through the provided Eventbrite link.

MILITARY

Eglin Air Force Base announces increased fines for ‘Closed Test Area’ beach trespassers

Following the recent announcement of increased patrols to enforce trespass violations on the Santa Rosa Island Closed Test Area, Eglin Air Force Base has now raised the fines for unauthorized entry into the restricted area.

• As of May 31, 2024, the minimum fine for a first-time trespassing offense has been increased from $65 to $250.

The decision to modify the fines was made by the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida Pensacola Division, which oversees violations of laws and regulations enforced by the U.S. within the boundaries of Eglin AFB.

The 96th Security Forces Squadron will continue to issue citations to trespassers at the site, and individuals caught trespassing must either appear before a U.S. magistrate judge or, if eligible, pay the $250 fine.

In the previous announcement, Maj. Andrew McFee, 96th SFS commander, emphasized the safety risks associated with entering the closed test area, stating, “It’s not safe for people to ignore the signs and barriers put in place to keep them out of the closed test area. People put themselves at risk every time they walk past a ‘no trespass’ sign. This area is an active test range with all the associated hazards.”

The Santa Rosa Island Closed Test Area, which extends from the El Matador Condominiums in Fort Walton Beach to Navarre Beach, is clearly marked with “NO ADMITTANCE” signage and barriers.

• Trespassers not only put themselves in danger but also risk damaging the fragile habitats that are home to various endangered plant and animal species, according to Eglin officials.

Eric Sculthorpe, 96th Civil Engineer Group Environmental Management branch chief, previously highlighted the efforts of Eglin’s natural resources office to protect the environment in the closed test areas. The increased fines serve as a further deterrent to unauthorized entry and aim to preserve the sensitive ecosystems found on Santa Rosa Island.

For more information about the trespassing fines and enforcement, the public is encouraged to contact Eglin public affairs at 882-3931.