POLITICS

Okaloosa County Candidate Forum to be held on June 27 in Fort Walton Beach

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidate Forum on Thursday, June 27, at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. The event will begin with a “Meet the Candidates” session at 5:00 PM, followed by moderated questions and answers.

Candidates for Okaloosa County Commissioner Districts 1, 3, and 5, Okaloosa School Board District 2, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff have been invited to participate in the forum. The invited candidates include:

County Commissioner, District 1:

• Paul Mixon (Qualified)
• De’Carlo Garcia

County Commissioner, District 3:

• Keri Pitzer (Qualified)
• Andrew Rencich (Qualified)
• Sherri Cox
• Wade Merritt
• Heath Rominger

County Commissioner, District 5:

• Mary Anne Windes (Qualified)
• Drew Palmer (Qualified)

School Board, District 2:

• Dewey Parker Destin (Qualified)
• David Schmidt

Sheriff:

• Eric Aden (Qualified)
• Ronald Livingston (Qualified)

Ted Corcoran, CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of hosting these forums for the past 20 years.

“A normal municipal election/primary election may only generate interest from less than 20% of the registered voters. Thus, an open forum allows interested citizens to really get a feel for the candidates they feel are best suited for our community,” he said. “With elections sometimes separated by only a handful of votes—being informed is important for the voter—but also very much for the candidate where each vote counts.”

Corcoran also discussed the challenges of organizing such events, noting that the hardest part is getting the word out to as many Okaloosa County voters as possible. To help, the Forum will be live streamed on EmeraldCoastTV.com and available for review after the event. 

• Corcoran noted that live streaming has been a “game changer” for this style of information exchange, with more people expected to watch online than attend in person.

Attendees can expect a two-hour event with candidate introductions, closing comments, and a minimum of four questions per candidate. The Chamber aims to ensure impartiality by maintaining a strict timeline for introductions, questions, and conclusions, and encouraging candidates to focus on their own plans rather than criticizing opponents.

Corcoran, who has experience running for local office, expressed gratitude for the candidates, stating, “Local offices influence more that happens in our quality of life than State and National. Thus, I am ALWAYS grateful for those who raise their hand to say – ‘I believe I can do great things to keep moving Okaloosa County forward.'”

The event is co-sponsored by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors. The qualifying period for the 2024 Election Cycle is from noon on June 10, 2024, to noon on June 14, 2024.

BUSINESS

City of Destin prevails in property rights case against Destin Fishing Fleet

The First District Court of Appeal of the State of Florida has affirmed the circuit court’s decision in favor of the City of Destin in a long-standing legal battle against Destin Fishing Fleet, Inc. over property rights claims.

In an opinion dated June 12, 2024, the appellate court upheld the amended final judgment that denied Destin Fishing Fleet’s claims brought under the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act. 

• The case stemmed from the city’s amendments to its comprehensive plan in 2015 and 2018, which limited building heights to 75 feet.

Destin Fishing Fleet, which owns a three-acre parcel on the Destin Harbor, had initially applied to build a 160-foot-high-rise development on the property in 2009. The company invested approximately $291,457 in the development application but ultimately tabled the project due to an economic downturn before the city acted on the application.

Following the city’s comprehensive plan amendments, Destin Fishing Fleet submitted a claim in 2018 for $14,590,000, alleging a diminution in value to its property. The company asserted that the amendments would limit any building’s height on the property to 75 feet.

In February 2023, the circuit court ruled in favor of the City of Destin on all counts, finding that the city did not violate the Bert Harris Act and did not take any action that constituted an “inordinate burden” or prevented Destin Fishing Fleet from having “any reasonable, investment-backed expectation” on its property.

The city made a settlement offer of $12,000, which the trial court determined to be bona fide. However, the appellate court vacated the determination that the city is entitled to reasonable costs and attorney’s fees under section 70.001(6)(c)2. of the Harris Act and remanded the issue back to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with its opinion.

The city’s request for an award of reasonable costs and attorney’s fees, along with its motion for appellate costs and fees, will be determined by the trial court in light of the appellate court’s decision.

• “The city will be seeking attorneys fees to recoup its costs in defending the litigation brought by the Destin Fishing Fleet against the City,” said City of Destin Attorney Kim Kopp. 

This long-standing legal battle, which began nearly five years ago, has now reached a significant milestone with the appellate court’s ruling in favor of the City of Destin.

A MESSAGE FROM BIT-WIZARDS

Bit-Wizards addresses common AI misconceptions, Highlights cybersecurity risks

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into daily business functions, Bit-Wizards, a leading IT solutions provider, is raising awareness about the potential cybersecurity risks associated with AI and offering strategies to mitigate these threats.

• While AI brings numerous benefits, such as increased productivity and efficiency, it can also be exploited by malicious actors. 

Despite common misconceptions, AI like OpenAI’s ChatGPT cannot function without human input, isn’t self-aware, and doesn’t have emotions.

• “At its core, AI is an approximation of intelligence,” says Sam Blowes, Director of Solution Consulting at Bit-Wizards. “It’s autocomplete on steroids— AI’s job is to determine what the next word should be each time you ask it a question, and the feeling of having a conversation makes it seem intelligent.”

However, hackers can use AI to their advantage by crafting convincing phishing emails, writing ransomware code, and creating deepfakes.

To protect businesses from AI security risks, Bit-Wizards recommends three key strategies. First, companies should thoroughly review the privacy policies of the AI tools they use to ensure sensitive information remains protected. 

• Second, clear user guidelines should be established and communicated to employees, outlining how they are expected to interact with AI and what information should not be shared. 
• Finally, businesses must remain vigilant in following standard cybersecurity protocols, as AI-fueled attacks often resemble traditional threats.

Brian Schlechter, MITS Technical Team Manager at Bit-Wizards, explains, “By handling automated processes, AI can free up your employees to do other things. It can take on complicated tasks with a heuristic perspective to help speed up productivity.”

However, it’s important to recognize that AI can also be a valuable tool in boosting productivity and efficiency when used properly.

“By handling automated processes, AI can free up your employees to do other things,” Brian Schlechter, MITS Technical Team Manager at Bit-Wizards, explains. “It can take on complicated tasks with a heuristic perspective to help speed up productivity. The key is to balance the benefits of AI while maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture.”

Bit-Wizards emphasizes that while the benefits of AI outweigh the risks, a proactive approach to cybersecurity is essential. The company offers Managed IT Services (MITS) that take a multilayered approach to security, protecting businesses from various threats while helping to increase adaptability, efficiency, and resiliency.

As AI continues to evolve, Bit-Wizards remains committed to educating businesses about the potential risks and providing innovative solutions to safeguard their IT infrastructure.

NEWS

City aims to create new design guidelines for downtown Fort Walton Beach

The City of Fort Walton Beach and consulting firm Kimley-Horn are inviting community members to provide input on the future design of downtown at a community engagement workshop on Thursday, June 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Gulfview Center.

• The workshop is part of the Downtown Design Guideline Project, which aims to create new design guidelines for the area.

Residents, property owners, business owners, and visitors are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions on what they would like downtown Fort Walton Beach to look like in the future.

“The meeting is designed for all city residents to give input into what they want to see the future of downtown look like,” said Growth Management Director Chris Frassetti. “Whether you’re a business owner, property owner, or visitor to downtown, we want to know what you would like it to look like in the future.”

According to Frassetti, this workshop will be the first of several meetings intended to gather input for the project. Upon completion, the Downtown Design Guideline Project will include guidelines for architectural features on private and public properties, as well as sidewalks, street furniture, and landscaping.

The city hopes to present a finalized plan to the City Council for approval in the fall. For more information about the project, contact cradept@fwb.org or visit the project’s webpage.

THINGS TO DO

City of Destin to host Annual Family Independence Day Celebration & Bike Parade

The City of Destin has announced that it will be hosting its Annual Family Independence Day Celebration & Bike Parade on Tuesday, July 2. The event, which is free to the public, will take place at the track at Destin Elementary School located at 630 Kelly Street.

The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. with a variety of activities for children 14 and under, including face painting, arts & crafts, and bouncy houses. Food trucks will also be onsite from 4-7 p.m., offering a range of dining options for attendees.

The highlight of the event will be the Bike Parade, which is set to kick off at 6 p.m. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes, strollers, or wagons, as awards will be given for different categories.

• Pre-registration for the Bike Parade is required and can be completed online at www.cityofdestin.com/reconline.

The City of Destin has limited food truck vendor spaces to 6 vendors for the event. Interested vendors are advised to register early by calling 850-654-5184 to secure their spot.

MILITARY

Okaloosa County celebrates Women Veterans Day, honors Col. Allison Black and Lt. Gen. Gordon Fornell

Okaloosa County held its 2nd Annual Women Veterans Day ceremony on June 12, 2024, at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. 

• The event aimed to celebrate and recognize the service of women who have served in the U.S. military, featuring keynote speaker Col. Allison Black, USAF Ret., and a special presentation to Lt. Gen. Gordon Fornell.

Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “This event focuses on a group of veterans who may have been overlooked by others in the past. We want to recognize these women and let them know that their service has not been forgotten and in Okaloosa County, they will always have our support.”

The celebration began with an indoor ceremony at the convention center, where hundreds of people gathered to honor the service and sacrifices of women veterans. The event opened with a welcome from Commissioner Ketchel, followed by an invocation by Col. Robert Monagle, NSOC Command Chaplain, and the presentation of colors by the Okaloosa County EMS Honor Guard.

Children from the American Revolution and American Heritage Girls led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Natalie McClure performed the Star-Spangled Banner. Former Okaloosa County Commissioner Graham Fountain delivered greetings from Senator Rick Scott, who could not attend the event in person, and Commissioner Trey Goodwin then read a proclamation from Governor Ron DeSantis.

Commissioner Mel Ponder introduced the event’s keynote speaker, Col. Allison Black, praising her as a “hero,” “national treasure,” “role model,” and “friend.” Ponder highlighted Black’s leadership, resilience, and humility throughout her distinguished 32-year career in the Air Force.

• Ponder spoke about the impact of Col. Black’s service and the importance of sharing her story. “Whether we talk about it in the halls of the Okaloosa County or the halls of the Pentagon, her story, her legacy, her bravery will continue to be told,” he said.

He went on to describe the qualities that make Col. Black an exceptional leader and role model. 

“These are the words that came to me. Hero. National treasure. Leader. Role model. Wife and mother. Friend,” Ponder said. “I think today, in society and culture where we have so many ones telling us who we should celebrate. I believe our fighting men and women are true heroes today.”

Col. Black took the stage to a standing ovation, sharing stories of women who found ways to serve their nation throughout history, even before it was legally permitted. “It does not matter if you’re a man or a woman. People want to serve. People want to be part of a team,” she said.

Black recalled her own experiences, including a notable story from 2001 when she became known as “the Angel of Death” over the battlefields of Afghanistan after 9/11. “That story started in 2001, just by me being a part of a great crew and my role just happened to be on the radios,” she said. “I was just trying to do my job. But I realize the impact that’s had.”

• She emphasized the importance of representation and role models for young women considering military service, saying, “If you can see it, you can be it.” 

Black also acknowledged the progress made in recent years, with women now serving in greater numbers and in combat roles. “Women continue to make history in the military, pushing boundaries and taking on more and more prestigious roles,” she said.

During the ceremony, the Florida Daughters of the American Revolution presented their most prestigious award, the DAR Medal of Honor, to Lt. Gen. Gordon Fornell for his extraordinary leadership, service, and patriotism. Rep. Patt Maney spoke at length about Lt. Gen. Fornell’s significant contributions to Okaloosa County and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of families in the community.

“General Fornell retired in the local area in 1993, but his service to our community didn’t end there,” said Rep. Maney. “No one has been more active and effectively engaged on a continuous basis in his efforts to improve our community and the lives of families here in Northwest Florida.”

Maney highlighted Fornell’s distinguished military career, which included serving as an A-1 pilot, flying over 200 combat missions, and holding various command and operational assignments. He also praised Fornell’s work as a test pilot and his leadership roles at Edwards Air Force Base and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

• “As the commander of the armament division at Eglin Air Force Base from 1985 to 1987, General Fornell played a crucial role in shaping the future of our military’s capabilities,” Maney said.

After retiring from the Air Force, Fornell continued to serve his community in various capacities. He was an original member of the Okaloosa County Aviation Advisory Board, serving as its chairman in 2020. During his 14-year tenure, he helped the board navigate unprecedented challenges and played a key role in securing a long-term joint-use agreement with the Air Force for their runways and facilities.

“General Fornell’s efforts have had a tremendous impact on our community,” Maney said. “As a result of his work, our airports are now self-sufficient, debt-free, and have seen a $2.9 billion dollar economic impact.”

In addition to his work with the Aviation Advisory Board, Fornell served on the boards of the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and the Defense Support Initiative of the Economic Development Council. He also played a crucial role in the creation of the Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park.

• “The reason he is getting this today is because we could not have built this park without him,” said Commissioner Ketchel, praising Fornell’s contributions.

As Rep. Maney concluded his remarks, he emphasized the significance of Fornell’s impact on the community. “General Fornell’s style is not the style of a cigar-chomping, table-pounding general officer. He’s quietly worked to be effective. And we’re greatly honored today to have General Fornell here.”

The audience rose to their feet, applauding Lt. Gen. Fornell and his wife, Bobbie, as they accepted the DAR Medal of Honor. The recognition served as a testament to Fornell’s lifetime of service and his enduring commitment to his country and community.

The indoor ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Commissioner Ketchel and a benediction by Rev. Cecil Williams of Gregg Chapel AME Church. Attendees then made their way to the nearby Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park for a wreath-laying ceremony.

The park, unveiled in 2021, features life-sized bronze statues of eight women who served in combat during various U.S. military conflicts. The statues are strategically placed along a quarter-mile path, surrounded by native wildlife, including a nearby great blue heron rookery.

Commissioner Ketchel spoke about the potential for expansion of the park in the future. 

• “We have plans to bring forth additional women for consideration to represent the War of 1812, the evacuation of Afghanistan, and numerous other conflicts, as well as the Marine Corps, the Army, and the Coast Guard,” she said. “This park is not just about the past; it’s about honoring the ongoing service and sacrifice of women in our armed forces.”

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