COMING SOON

Planet Fitness grand opening at Crestview Commons planned for June 8

The new Planet Fitness location in Crestview is gearing up for an official grand opening event, following its initial soft opening on May 18. 

• The event, set to take place on June 8, will features promotions and chance to win prizes for those attending.

The new 18,375 square foot club, located within the Crestview Commons shopping center off Highway 85, is equipped with an expansive array of cardio and strength equipment. Additionally, the club’s Black Card Spa offers members access to HydroMassage beds and a tanning booth.

As part of the grand opening event, a ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. Alongside this, the club has planned several promotions including a raffle for a one-year membership for anyone who checks in or signs up on the day. Additionally, new members who join in-club on June 8 will be entitled to their first month free.

• The event also extends to merchandise, with a 20% discount being offered on June 8 only. Attendees can also expect to receive free day pass coupons for friends and family, alongside sporadic swag giveaways throughout the day.

This grand opening event is all part of the excitement surrounding the $24 million Crestview Commons project. In addition to Planet Fitness, Aldi and Ulta have recently opened their doors to customers. Burlington’s is expected to open later this Summer with Marshalls following in August.

• City Manager Tim Bolduc also announced in an April city council meeting that Chipotle is preparing to break ground next to Chili’s.

Planet Fitness is located at 2608 S Ferdon Blvd, Unit 101, Crestview, FL 32536.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Okaloosa County approves incremental 2.5% EMS Rate Increase: Here’s what it means

On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a plan to incrementally raise Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rates over the next three fiscal years, which has been paid for out of the general fund.

• The rate increase is in response to the rising costs associated with providing emergency medical services to the growing number of residents and visitors to the county, with the goal of ensuring the delivery of the highest quality pre-hospital care.

Okaloosa Public Safety Director, Patrick Maddox, explained during Tuesday’s meeting that the decision to increase follows a 10% adjustment made in July 2022, the first increase since 2017. 

Maddox proposed smaller, more frequent changes to avoid a repeat of such large-scale adjustments, stating, “What I promised to you at that time was that we wouldn’t have to make large-scale course corrections again, if it were within our power, and that we would make smaller, more well-planned course corrections on a routine basis to try to eliminate that gap in the future.”

This new adjustment, which will raise EMS rates by 2.5% each year for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, is projected to net the county around $500,000 with each increase. Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel made a motion to approve the adjustment while praising Maddox for his efforts in right-sizing the department.

• “There’s two things people really want when they make a 911 call; they want a police officer or sheriff at their door or they want an ambulance, if needed,” she said.

In 2022, Okaloosa County saw both a rise in visitor numbers and continued expansion, with new development both within the county and in unincorporated areas. This growth has led to an increase in emergency medical calls each year, and with it, a rising need for support services capable of handling the growth. Maddox emphasized that, alongside this plan, they aim to increase billable calls for service, maximizing revenue without burdening the residents unnecessarily.

This proposal is also a step to future-proof the county’s EMS services. As Maddox pointed out, costs such as fuel and service expenses are not likely to decrease in the near future. By implementing these rate increases, Okaloosa County is proactively responding to projected costs, ensuring that its EMS teams remain equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and can provide premier level care to residents and visitors alike.

Chairman Trey Goodwin emphasized that this increase was not a property tax or public safety assessment. “This is more akin to a charge for service and an adjustment in that rate,” he said. “Also, this will help keep this program less dependent on property taxes.” 

• He also added that there would be a difference in rate for residents versus non-residents.

As the county continues to grow and attract more visitors, officials are confident these changes will allow them to keep pace with demand and ensure the security and wellbeing of everyone in the county.

A MESSAGE FROM FLEET, SMITH & FREEMAN

Top 10 estate planning mistakes parents frequently make (and how to avoid them)

Get The Coast spoke to Fleet, Smith & Freeman’s estate planning lawyer, Whitney Smith, about the biggest mistakes parents make when it comes to Estate Planning. 

• Located in Shalimar, Florida, the attorneys at Fleet, Smith & Freeman have represented clients throughout the Florida Panhandle for more than 60 combined years. 

In this article, Smith discusses the Top 10 planning mistakes that parents easily make.

1. Failing to Know the Difference Between Will/Trust
2. Not Putting Things Into Writing
3. Leaving a Mess (Literally!)
4. Not Creating a Power of Attorney and Advanced Medical Directive
5. Failing to Think of Children’s Needs
6. Failing to Analyze Estate Plan Upon Divorce
7. Fail to Treat Marriage Like a Business (So romantic!)
8. Realizing How You Title Assets Matters
9. Thinking Kids Can Share 
10. Thinking You Don’t Have Enough Assets to Put a Plan into Place

Fleet, Smith & Freeman does everything from simple wills to sophisticated estate plans. 

“We believe in tailoring estate plans to meet the unique needs of each client,” she added. “That is why we don’t take a cookie-cutter approach to estate planning. Instead, each estate plan we draft is just as unique as you are!”

Click here to read the full article

Contact the Fort Walton Beach estate planning attorneys of Fleet, Smith & Freeman, for help with all of your estate planning needs. Call their office at 850-651-4006.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CRAB TRAP

Sip and Save! Crab Trap introduces the new ‘Blue Heron’ cocktail with a cause

Toes in the sand and a drink in hand…Crab Trap‘s NEW ‘Blue Heron’ cocktail with a cause is here!

The Blue Heron cocktail is a harmonious blend of Tito’s Handmade vodka, piña colada puree, blue curaçao, and a splash of soda, all shaken to perfection and served over ice. With each sip, you’ll be transported to the vibrant coastal havens that inspires their menu.

But here’s where it gets even better. For every ‘Blue Heron’ sold in 2023, Saltwater Restaurants Inc. will donate $1 to the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, a local non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of shorebirds.

• By enjoying this delightful libation, you’ll be contributing to the preservation and protection of our precious wildlife. We raise a glass to that!

Visit any of the Crap Trap locations today to experience the magic of the Blue Heron cocktail firsthand. It’s time to sip, save, and savor the flavors of paradise while making a positive impact on our feathered friends.

THE WEEKENDER

A few things to do around town

June 8, 2023 – STEAM Machine: June 1 – July 27 – View

June 8, 2023 – Thirsty Thursdays with BT Turner at Rick’s on the Island! – View

June 8, 2023 – Fly Guy Thursday – View

June 8, 2023 – Concerts in the Village: Adam Ezra Group – View

June 9, 2023 – Creature Features: June 1 – September 2 – View

June 9, 2023 – Johnny Ocean Photography Featured Artist Show at Maxine Orange Gallery – View

June 9, 2023 – Free Community Gospel Concert – Free – View

June 9, 2023 – Live Music with Rick Esguerra at the Twisted Grape – View

June 10, 2023 – Top Hats & Tails: The ACATemy Awards presented by SOCKS – $65.00 – View

June 11, 2023 – Cornhole – $20 – View

June 11, 2023 – International Award-Winning Magical Variety Show! – Free – View

June 11, 2023 – Scallywag Sunday – free – View

June 12, 2023 –  Pirate Show  – Free – View

June 12, 2023 – Bingo – $20 – View

June 12, 2023 – Movie Monday – View

June 13, 2023 – Boomin Tuesday – – View

June 13, 2023 –  Movies On The Beach: “JUMANJI”  – Free – View

June 14, 2023 – Flag retirement – Free – View

June 14, 2023 – C.A.R.E.ing for Turtles – $15 – View

June 14, 2023 – Okaloosa Island Fireworks Shows – Free – View

June 15, 2023 – Concerts in the Village: Journeyman: A Tribute to Eric Clapton – View

GIVING BACK

Niceville student wins $1,000 Heron Hunt Contest, using money toward STEM Leadership Forum in Atlanta

On Friday, May 26, 2023, the winner of the Heron Hunt Contest, sponsored by Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic, was announced at the Concerts at the Landing in Downtown Fort Walton Beach. With over 90 contestants visiting 20 heron statues and taking selfies with each, Amaya Mattheisen walked away with the $1,000.

After coming up on stage to collect her cash and take pictures with Dr. Scott Smith and Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic staff, the fourth-grader revealed that she has been selected to represent her school, Edge Elementary, and her community at the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM in Atlanta, GA. from June 18-23.

• This exclusive academic program, organized by Envision by WorldStrides, aims to provide exceptional elementary school students with a unique opportunity to explore their interests and expand their learning beyond the confines of the classroom.

Amaya’s nomination for the forum came from her Principal at Edge Elementary, recognizing her outstanding achievements and commitment to academics and extracurricular activities. Alongside participating in Kiwanis K-Kids and her school’s robotics team, Amaya is also deeply passionate about sports, specifically softball and soccer for local Niceville teams. With dreams of becoming a robotics engineer, she is eagerly looking forward to gaining hands-on coding experience during the forum.

However, attending the NYLF Pathways to STEM program comes at a cost, and Amaya has taken it upon herself to secure the necessary funding. She is determined to raise $3,145 through sponsorships, and she has been proactive in her efforts. 

• “My participation in the program depends on whether I can raise $3,145 in sponsorships,” Amaya explained. “I am investing every dollar I can of my own money to make sure I don’t miss out on this unique experience, and I am also taking on extra jobs to raise the funds I need. In addition, through my family, friends, and neighbors, I have already raised $950.”

Amaya’s dedication and hard work were rewarded when she won the Heron Hunt Contest. The contest was created to raise awareness about the 20 heron statues that can be found throughout southern Okaloosa County. These statues, designed by local artists selected by Okaloosa Public Arts (OPA), symbolize the community’s commitment to the arts and showcase local talent.

“This will be a powerful experience, enabling me to interact with respected professionals in various fields while building relationships with students who will be my future colleagues,” said Amaya, expressing her excitement about attending the NYLF Pathways to STEM program. “Attending this program will allow me to further my interest in robotics and reach my career goals of becoming an engineer.”

With her recent win and the support she has already received from her community, Amaya is close to reaching her fundraising goal but still needs $1,195 more to cover the tuition.

• If you would like to help her reach her financial goals, shoot me an email and I would be happy to get you in touch with her mother. Anyone who helps will get a shoutout in this newsletter.

“We are thrilled with the success of the Heron Hunt Contest and the tremendous support it received from the community. It was great to see so many individuals engaging with the local art and showcasing their creativity,” said Dr. Scott Smith. “Congratulations to Amaya for winning the $1,000 prize. We wish her the best of luck as she sets off on this extraordinary adventure, and we have no doubt that she will make her school, her community, and her parents proud.”