NEWS

More than $23 million in state funding approved across Okaloosa County

On Thursday, June 15, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Framework for Freedom Budget for Fiscal Year 2023–24. 

• Among the budget’s provisions, there were a significant number of appropriations projects approved across Okaloosa County, with a total funding of over $23 million. 

“All of Okaloosa County must appreciate the incredible gesture of support that the state and Governor Ron DeSantis have given and continue to give to our residents,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “These appropriations would never have received funding without the tireless work of Representatives Patt Maney and Joel Rudman and Senators Doug Broxson and Jay Trumbull, who make up our Legislative Delegation and who always fight hard for Northwest Florida’s needs.”

Organizations across Okaloosa County secured funding for various projects, including education, social services, recreational facilities, and infrastructure. Notable projects include the expansion of Civil Engineering programs at the University of West Florida, the development of Health Sciences and Public Safety programs at Northwest Florida State College, and the provision of technology and virtual reality simulations to Career and Technical Education programs in Okaloosa County Schools.

• Funding was also allocated for homelessness support at One Hopeful Place, mental health and substance abuse programs, a special needs ball field and park, and natural gas service expansion.

Representative Patt Maney expressed his appreciation to Governor DeSantis for signing the Framework for Freedom Budget and what it means for Okaloosa County.

“When I asked for your vote, I didn’t mince words,” said State Representative Patt Maney. “I will fight tooth and nail for families in Okaloosa County to invest our state resources in mental health services, education, veteran and military family services, workforce development, attainable housing, and our local infrastructure and environment. I am immensely thankful to Florida House and Senate leadership, and Governor DeSantis, for their dedication to meeting the needs of Florida’s communities.”

Click here to read the full list of funding

GIVING BACK

Local band Mulligans raises $8,000 to support Shalimar Pointe Golf Club’s Renovation

Shalimar Pointe Golf Club reopened its doors on June 16, 2023 to our local golfers after a year-long, $1.7 million renovation project. The club, featuring an 18-hole, 6,765-yard, par 72 course designed by Finger-Dye, now boasts TifEagle Bermuda greens, upgraded irrigation systems, revamped bunkers with fresh sand, restored cart paths, and added tee boxes catering to golfers of all skill levels.

In a show of community support, the Mulligans, a popular local band known for their fantastic renditions of rock and roll classics, recently contributed to the renovation efforts.

• On May 27th, the Mulligans held their 3rd Annual Concert On The Green on the driving range of the Shalimar Pointe Golf Club. This event was a celebration of the club’s reopening and successfully raised a substantial amount of funds.

At the concert, Lincoln Cox, the manager of the Mulligans, presented a check of $8,000 to Jill Newell and members of the Shalimar Pointe Golf Club Ladies Golf Association. These funds will be used to build storage facilities that will serve both the golf club and The First Tee organization in their efforts to introduce young people to the game of golf.

The Mulligans have a long-standing tradition of giving back to the community through their entertaining musical events. Over the past 11 years, they have raised more than one million dollars for local charities, supporting various organizations and causes.

Speaking about their philanthropic endeavors, Cox expressed his pride in their community contributions and their dedication to continuing their support for local organizations in the future.

• Cox stated, “The Mulligans are very proud of what we have been able to give back to the community through our fun and entertaining musical events, and we intend to continue supporting local organizations in this way far into the future. We sincerely appreciate all the community support of the band and the charities.”

The Mulligans, comprised of talented musicians Edwin Watts, Steve Spayde, Ray Angerman, Dan Mossman, Harry Eckel, Brad Sanko, and Dave Hope, specialize in performing rock and roll hits from legendary artists such as The Beatles, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Elvis, the Eagles, Bee Gees, and many more.

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 18 through Thursday, June 22, 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 18 through Thursday, June 22, 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 18 through Thursday, June 22, 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 18 through Thursday, June 22, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for shoulder widening construction.

• S.R. 85 resurfacing from John Sims Parkway to College Boulevard – Drivers can expect nighttime intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 85 north and southbound, Sunday, June 18 through Thursday, June 22, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. to allow crews to place thermoplastic striping. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Village Road to East of U.S. 331 – The week of Sunday, June 18, 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 Road to C.R. 30A, Sunday, June 18 through Thursday, June 22 between 7:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. These closures are required to finalize the slight shift of the 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 18 through Thursday, June 22, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for turn lane widening.

• Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from East of U.S.331 to East of C.R. 183 Overpass – Drivers will encounter intermittent westbound and eastbound daytime lane closures Monday, June 19 through Thursday, June 22 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.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Okaloosa Deputies rescue stranded boaters at Crab Island, vessels washed ashore during severe storm

On Sunday, June 18, 2023, a severe thunderstorm warning and tornado warning was issued across much of Northwest Florida, including Okaloosa County. 

According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, their Marine Units responded to several stranded boaters at Crab Island in Destin. 

Additionally, numerous vessels and occupants washed ashore near the seawall on Okaloosa Island due to high winds and currents. The OCSO reports that deputies are working with other area agencies to transport the stranded individuals to The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island to be picked up.

The OCSO reports no injuries reported at this time.

COMING SOON

Italian Street Food makes its debut at Destin Commons with ORO’s grand opening

ORO Italian Street Food, a new dining concept offering authentic Italian street food, recently held an exclusive Friends & Family Night on June 15th, serving as a successful preview of what’s to come for this week’s grand opening.

• The restaurant has announced its official opening on Thursday, June 22nd, at City Food Hall in Destin Commons. The grand opening celebration will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4pm followed by a two-hour public event until 6pm.

During the invite-only Friends & Family Night, guests were treated to a culinary experience. The event showcased a range of signature menu items meticulously crafted by the husband and wife duo, chefs Massimo and Elisabetta Tundo.

“We were thrilled to share the ORO experience with our friends, family, and esteemed guests during the Friends & Family Night,” said Elisabetta Tundo, Chef and Owner of ORO Italian Street Food. “Their overwhelming positive feedback and support have further fueled our passion for bringing the best of Italian street food to the Destin community.”

The pizza selection includes options like the spicy Calabrese and the rich Roma with fried artichokes. The Bianca features creamy Gorgonzola and potatoes, and the Rossa is packed with anchovies and capers. (There are more too!)

• Beyond pizza, the restaurant features sandwiches like the Cuoppo with crispy calamari and shrimp, and the Panuozzo, a mouthwatering Neapolitan sandwich.

During the grand opening event on June 22nd, guests will have the opportunity to sample signature menu items and enjoy a limited-time specialty craft cocktail exclusively crafted by the City Food Hall Bar. Additionally, the chef-owners will also be present to greet and interact with guests.

“The food is authentic, fresh, and delicious, the service is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is elegant and open,” said Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner. “I highly recommend ORO Italian Street Food to anyone who loves Italian food. They are a gem in our city, and I can’t wait to go back.”

To check out the menu at ORO Italian Street Food, you can visit cityfoodhall.com/oro.