BEACH

Bear spotted swimming in the Gulf of Mexico near Destin, Florida

By now I’m sure you’ve seen or heard….but

On Sunday, June 11, 2023, a black bear was spotted swimming in the Gulf of Mexico near Silver Dunes condominium in Destin, Florida.

In video compilation from several beachgoers today, you can see the small bear swimming in the Gulf of Mexico before making its way up the beach safely. As the crowd began to form, the bear quickly made its way through a line of beach chairs heading for the dunes. 

• At the time of this writing, there have been no reports of where the bear originated from or where it went after leaving the beach. 

Get The Coast has reached out to FWC for more information on the bear. We will report back any updates that we receive.

Click to watch the video

MILITARY

Okaloosa celebrates Women Veterans Day, unveils new wall monument at Veterans Park entrance

On Monday, June 12, 2023, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners held the first annual Women Veterans Day celebration at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Okaloosa Island. 

• The event aimed to honor the contributions of women veterans to the armed services and included a monument wall unveiling at Veterans Park, a 17.5-acre park next to the convention center that was officially opened in November 2021.

Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel kicked off the celebration by recognizing the Daughters of the American Revolution for their efforts in creating Veterans Park. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “These women have given selflessly over the last number of years to create beautiful gardens, benches, and historic plaques in our park, and for that, we are most grateful.” 

• Commissioner Ketchel highlighted the significance of the Women Veterans Memorial Park, stating, “When the park was created, we hoped that this would be a special place for young girls to be inspired by the stories of these brave women.”

Commissioner Trey Goodwin introduced Lieutenant Colonel Terry Izell, the keynote speaker for the event. Commissioner Goodwin spoke highly of Lieutenant Colonel Izell’s leadership and accomplishments, saying, “She is the commander of the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here at Hurlburt Field. She leads over 700 military and civilian personnel.” He further emphasized, “She’s a proud wife and mother, and I am honored to introduce our keynote speaker this morning.”

During her keynote speech, Lieutenant Colonel Terry Izell expressed her humility and gratitude for being asked to speak at the event. Reflecting on the significance of Women Veterans Day, she shared, “It wasn’t until 2021 that Florida recognized this day specifically as Women Veterans Day. It was only in 2018 that the Veterans Affairs had labeled 12 June as Women Veterans Day to commemorate the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act that was signed into law on 12 June 1948.”

She shed light on the historical context of women’s service in the military, stating, “Historically, women were not welcome in the job of keeping America free, and yet they did it.” 

Izell highlighted the stories of women like Margaret Corbin and Cathay Williams, who fought and served despite societal barriers. Lieutenant Colonel Izell’s personal connection to more recent times was evident as she stated, “For me, it is the more recent post-9/11 time period that women’s service in the military particularly stands out. A period which proved again and again the lethality of women’s courage, grit, skill, and ferocity.”

Emphasizing the importance of recognizing women veterans, Lieutenant Colonel Izell stated touched on the story of Naseema, who is featured in the park.

“My favorite memorial here is of Naseema,” she said. “Naseema’s story perfectly highlights why people, to include women, have and will always be the US military’s decisive weapon. As our country was attacked on September 11th, 2001, and we subsequently plunged headlong into war, Naseema was the sole fluent Pashto speaker in the United States Air Force.

She went on to highlight Colonel Allison Black, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field.

“Meanwhile, an AC-130J gunship circled overhead plotting routes, communicating with ground forces, and ultimately raining down retribution on mass Taliban forces,” said Izell. “It was in this moment that an Afghan General heard then-Captain Allison Black’s voice over the radios and taunted the Taliban that a woman had come to kill them.”

For Lieutenant Colonel Izell, honoring the sacrifices, challenges, and successes of the women veterans who broke barriers is incredibly important. She says that even today, female veterans often blend into the population and don’t normally stand when asked to be recognized for their service.

“We all need connection,” she told the crowd. “Female veterans need other veterans who share their unique experiences, to lean on and to embrace. Young women need to see their mothers and aunts and sisters stand to be recognized. A day like today is important. It is important that our youth see our warriors, male and female. That they find heroes in history to inspire them to take the same oath, to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, to pledge their lives to this nation.”

• “It is important for Naseema’s daughters to know what their mother did for their freedom. And for Colonel Black’s sons to know how deep the roots of service run in their DNA.” 

The celebration concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony and the unveiling of a new monument wall at the Women Veterans Memorial. The event provided an opportunity for the community to come together and show their appreciation for the women in our community who have served their nation.

Click here to see pics of the event

BEACH

Gulfarium CARE Center set to release five sea turtles at Inlet Beach on June 13

On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the Gulfarium CARE Center is set to host another sea turtle release at Inlet Beach. This event will bid farewell to 5 turtles (Aries, Tank, Canteloupe, Ethyl, and Peach) who have completed their rehabilitation journey. Here’s a look at the first two, Aries and Tank, who will be released back into the Gulf of Mexico.

Aries, a subadult loggerhead, found herself in an unfortunate situation when she was accidentally hooked at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier in October of 2022. Fortunately, she was promptly rescued and brought to the CARE Center for the necessary care and attention. 

• After an eight-month stay at the center, Aries has finally passed all her tests and received clearance for release, according to the CARE Center. 

Tank, another remarkable turtle, has a unique story of his own. Just two weeks ago, he was accidentally hooked at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. The CARE Center team swiftly intervened to remove all external hooks from Tank’s body. Additionally, nature took its course, and Tank naturally passed an internal hook.

The sea turtle release event will happen promptly at 10:00 am and is expected to last approximately 30 minutes. However, attendees are advised to plan their arrival accordingly due to the expected heavy traffic and limited parking in the area.

Here are the exact coordinates of the release location today: https://goo.gl/maps/QFzumv8ke9KfRYBC9.

TRAFFIC

Okaloosa and Walton County 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:                                  

• State Road (S.R.) 20 (John Sims Parkway) Resurfacing Project – Drivers will encounter intermittent east and westbound nighttime lane closures on S.R. 20, from Edge Avenue to west of the Rocky Bayou Bridge, Sunday, June 11 through Thursday, June 15, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. These closures are required to allow crews to place thermoplastic striping and complete worklist items.

• Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may experience traffic disruptions Sunday, June 11 through Thursday, June 15, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for the following construction activities:
  • U.S. 98 eastbound outside lane closures, between Santa Rosa Boulevard and the Brooks Bridge approach on Okaloosa Island, to allow crews to construct temporary widening at this location.
  • U.S. 98 east and westbound alternating and intermittent lane closures between Perry Avenue and Pier Road for utility work.
  • Santa Rosa Boulevard east and westbound alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park for utility work.
  • Intermittent shoulder closures on Brooks Street, between Perry Avenue and Florida Blanca Place, and on Business Access Road for utility work.

• U.S. 98 Bridge Rehabilitation over East Pass Bridge – Drivers may encounter intermittent single-lane closures on U.S. 98 over East Pass (Marler) Bridge, westbound structure (Destin to Fort Walton Beach), Sunday, June 11 through Thursday, June 15, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. The existing 35 mph speed limit will be maintained during construction.

• U.S. 98 Improvements from Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast- Drivers may encounter temporary lane closures of the outside U.S. 98 eastbound travel lane from Josie Road to Hurlburt Field, Sunday, June 11 through Thursday, June 8, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for shoulder widening construction.

• S.R. 188 (Racetrack Rd) Resurfacing from the S.R. 189 (Beal Pkwy) to S.R. 85 (Eglin Blvd) – Drivers will encounter alternating east and westbound lane closures Sunday, June 11 through Friday, June 30 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Construction crews will be removing medians to install turn lanes. At least one lane of traffic in each direction will remain open at all times.

• Interstate 10 (I-10) Routine Bridge Inspection over Yellow River Relief Bridge – Motorists may encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures west of S.R. 85, Exit 56 Monday, June 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine bridge inspection.

• I-10 Routine Bridge Inspection over Yellow River Bridge – Motorists may encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures west of S.R. 85, Exit 56 Tuesday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine bridge inspection.

• U.S. 90 Routine Maintenance from Hudson Street to Main Street – Motorists may encounter intermittent eastbound outside lane closures Thursday, June 15 and Friday, June 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree trimming operations.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Village Road to East of U.S. 331 – The week of Sunday, June 11, drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures between 7:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving operations.

• U.S. 98 Widening from Mack Bayou Road to County Road (C.R.) 30A – Drivers will encounter intermittent single-lane closures for the U.S. 98 east and westbound travel lanes, from Mack Bayou Rd to C.R. 30A, Sunday, June 11 through Thursday, June 15 between 7:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. These closures are required to finalize the slight shift ofthe U.S. 98 travel lanes to the outside of the roadway and to place low-profile barrier wall to delineate the median construction zone.

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 331 to Peach Creek – Drivers may encounter intermittent east and westbound turn lane closures on U.S. 98 from east of U.S. 331 to Peach Creek, Monday, June 12 through Thursday, June 15, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for turn lane widening.

• I-10 Resurfacing from East of U.S.331 to East of County Road 183 Overpass – Drivers will encounter intermittent westbound and eastbound daytime lane closures Monday, June 12 through Thursday, June 15 for paving operations.

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.

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARDWALK

Movies on the Beach: ‘Jumanji’ at The Boardwalk!

Head down to Al’s Beach Club at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island tonight and pick the perfect spot in front of their giant inflatable movie screen right on the beach! 

Gather the whole gang, grab one of their delicious milkshakes and make magical memories with your loved ones under the star-lit sky.

Tonight’s Feature: “Jumanji”

• “Two kids discover an old board game and when they start playing it they are greeted by a man who has spent years trapped inside the game since playing it at age 12. His only hope for freedom involves finishing the dangerous game.”

The movie starts at 8pm. Click here for more details.

SPORTS

Emerald Coast Social Sports offers fun, unique twist on adult tee-ball in Fort Walton Beach

Emerald Coast Social Sports (ECSS) is back with another unique sports offering for adults in the community. It’s time for adult tee-ball, a sport that combines the thrill of baseball with a casual and inclusive twist. 

• Founded by Jim Bay and Matt Pacheco in 2013, ECSS aims to bring out the inner child in everyone by offering various sports leagues and fostering a social environment for players to connect and have a great time.

Tee-ball, which kicks off next week, has been a part of ECSS for several years now. What sets this sport apart is the clever adaptation of using a dodgeball instead of a traditional baseball. 

• Jim Bay, one of the founders of ECSS, explains, “It’s a unique little sport where we use a dodgeball. That way you can throw people out and tag them and there are no gloves or equipment required. We supply everything from the bats to the tees to the balls.”

The idea for adult tee-ball came about as Bay sought to create a baseball-themed sport that would be enjoyable for players of all skill levels. They initially considered using a wiffle ball but found it challenging to hit the ball consistently. 

• That’s when the idea of tee-ball with a dodgeball took shape. ECSS prides itself on offering sports that don’t require exceptional athleticism but are still incredibly fun and engaging, like kickball and dodgeball.

“Tee ball is a little bit unique in that it’s probably the easier sport that everybody enjoys,” says Bay. “You don’t have to be a great baseball player to be able to hit a dodgeball off a tee. And then fielding wise, you have this big, mushy ball coming at you that you don’t have to worry about getting hit with.”

ECSS leagues are open to anyone aged 21 and above, attracting a diverse range of players. Bay notes, “We’ve had some people out there that are great-grandparents all the way down. We’ve had parents playing with their kids that have become 21, so they’re getting to play sports with their kids.” 

• Beyond the sports aspect, ECSS serves as a social platform where friends, family, neighbors, and even coworkers can come together to form teams and share memorable experiences.

One of the highlights of ECSS is their flexibility in accommodating individuals who may not have a team to join through free agents.

• “We do ‘free agents’ so you don’t have to know anybody to get on a team,” he explained. “It’s great for new people in the area that don’t know a lot of people.” 

Whether you join as an individual or with a group, ECSS will ensure you are placed on a team that suits your age and demographic. Co-ed teams are encouraged, with a minimum of four female players on the field at all times.

The Friday night league games are not only about the sport itself but also the lively social atmosphere that follows. ECSS has partnered with local bars as sponsors, providing special discounts and perks to players.

“The bars usually give each team a free pitcher of beer when they come in as a team so already you’re getting some free stuff,” he added. Additionally, ECSS provides players with a uniform, and they occasionally organize theme nights where everyone dresses up according to a particular theme. These fun-filled events extend to the bars, where themed parties and prizes for the best costumes await.

The tee-ball season, like most ECSS leagues, runs for about eight weeks, culminating in an exciting championship night. Registration for the upcoming tee-ball season is currently open until June 23, 2023, and interested individuals can sign up on the ECSS website. 

• To kick things off, a free pickup game is scheduled on June 16th at Chester Pruitt Park, allowing people to experience tee-ball firsthand.
• Season games will be at Ferry Park starting June 23, 2023. 

“It’s family-friendly fun for adults,” said Bay. “Come out and have a good time. Have some beverages of choice and relive your glory days back from high school in a more relaxed venue.”

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get $5.00 off your registration fee when you use GTC1 during signup. Click here to get started.