TRAFFIC

Fort Walton Beach Police Department issues warning to motorists blocking intersections

As summer kicks into high gear, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department is reminding drivers to be mindful of blocking intersections, particularly during rush hour traffic when many are eager to make their way to Okaloosa Island. 

According to Florida Statute F.S.S. 316.2061, drivers are prohibited from entering an intersection unless there is enough space on the other side to accommodate their vehicle. Blocking intersections not only poses a safety hazard to fellow motorists but also impedes the smooth flow of traffic and can hinder the movement of emergency vehicles, according to the FWBPD.

In a recent social media post, the police department highlighted a common intersection that creates problems among motorists. The intersection at Perry Ave SE and First Street SE, near the Publix supermarket, has been a hotspot for traffic congestion.

Drivers heading south toward the Brooks Bridge often find themselves stuck along Perry Ave due to the traffic lights at both First Street and Highway 98. In an attempt to bypass the queue, some drivers will enter the intersection, hoping to make it through the light before traffic backs up further.

• Unfortunately, this maneuver frequently results in the intersection becoming blocked for vehicles traveling in other directions. 
• Fort Walton Beach Police Officers have also issued warnings to drivers who block the left turn lane into the Publix shopping complex.

“If you see one of our officers pulling someone over for blocking the intersection, please do not take their spot in line,” wrote the FWBPD. “Let’s all work together to keep our roadways safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

COASTAL RESOURCES

Okaloosa County to remove 3 derelict vessels from Boggy Bayou, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Cinco Bayou

On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners approved a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) grant of $42,875. This grant, fully executed on June 12, will cover 100% of the costs associated with the removal and disposal of three derelict vessels from the public waters within Okaloosa County. 

• The removal of these vessels aims to enhance boating safety, eliminate navigation hazards, and contribute to the restoration of marine resources and water quality.

The three derelict vessels scheduled for removal are located in Boggy Bayou, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Cinco Bayou. According to Alex Fogg, the Okaloosa County Coastal Resource Manager, derelict vessels are a recurring issue around the county, often resulting from neglect or severe weather conditions. 

“Derelict vessels are a tricky issue present in our waterways. We work closely with law enforcement agencies and regulatory agencies including Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office to address the problem and initiate the cleanup process,” explained Fogg. “At the end of the day, Okaloosa County is responsible for managing the removal projects.”

The $42,875 grant from FWC will fully fund the removal of the following three derelict vessels:

• Boat 1: A white 27′ Cal-Sal Sailboat located in Boggy Bayou. 
• Boat 2: A white 36′ Cascade Yacht Sailboat situated in Choctawhatchee Bay, north of Crab Island. 
• Boat 3: A white 31′ Chris Craft Cabin Motorboat located in Cinco Bayou.

Fogg emphasized the importance of following the proper procedure when dealing with derelict vessels. The owner(s) of a derelict vessel are provided ample opportunities to address the derelict vessel and remove it before triggering the formal removal process. To ensure a safe and effective removal, third party individuals and entities are urged not to attempt to remove the vessels themselves, without proper permission. 

Instead, the County must be informed, which triggers a coordinated effort between Okaloosa County and the FWC with the eventual authorizations given to the County to coordinate removal with licensed contractors. 

• “You have to go through a long process and it takes a minimum of 45 days after FWC has been informed of the issue,” said Fogg. “Then, FWC will give us the authority to go ahead and remove that vessel.”

Once authorized, the County hires licensed contractors to extract the vessel(s) from the water, ensuring precautions are taken to prevent any fuel leaks or damage to the vessel structure. The vessel(s) are then transported to an authorized landfill facility for disposal. 

“It’s really important to make sure that you don’t puncture  the fuel tanks or cause any of the hull to break off because we don’t want to pollute the waterways any more than what these derelict vessels may have already ,” he added. 

The community’s assistance in identifying and reporting derelict vessels is crucial. 

“The only way that vessels can be removed is if the County is notified and then we work closely with FWC to make it happen,” explained Fogg. “So if you see a derelict vessel, please let us know and we can take care of it. If we don’t know about the vessel, we can’t do anything about it.” This includes vessels that may have sunk and are causing significant navigation hazards in our waterways.

Since the Coastal Resources Team took over derelict vessel management in late 2021, more than $110,000 (including this grant) has been awarded to remove 31 derelict vessels from our local waterways. 

In derelict vessel removal projects, if the County/State needs to step in and remove the vessel (and the owner can be identified), a lien is placed on the owner’s registration. The owner will not be able to renew their license or registration until the entire sum of removal is repaid.

According to Fogg, if a vessel looks “old and worn down,” that doesn’t mean it’s a derelict vessel. Law enforcement monitors these “at risk vessels” and issues citations to bring these vessels into compliance before they become derelict.

• If someone owns a vessel that is currently floating and NOT a derelict vessel but is at risk, they can turn it over to the state at no cost to the owner: https://myfwc.com/boating/waterway/vtip/

As for these vessels, Fogg anticipates that all 3 will be removed from the waterways within the next few weeks, weather permitting.

THINGS TO DO

Hammock Bay gears up for 9th Annual Flag Planting Extravaganza

The Hammock Bay neighborhood in Freeport, Florida is buzzing with excitement as the Marcella Stefani Team, in partnership with ERA American Real Estate, prepares to plant their one-millionth American flag this year. 

• The event, scheduled for June 24th, 2023, at 10:00am in the Hammock Bay pool parking lot, promises a festive atmosphere, complete with free ice cream and an opportunity for community members to pick up their very own flags for the upcoming 4th of July celebrations.

Marcella Stefani, a resident and real estate expert in Hammock Bay, has been a driving force behind numerous community events over the past nine years. As a creator and major sponsor, she has made it her mission to promote neighborhood unity and patriotism. “My team has personally handed out over 25,000 flags over the past nine years at events, flag plantings, and more,” Marcella shared. “We’ve done Memorial Day events, given out flags at our Fallen Heroes grave sites, and we hand them out on parade routes in Freeport.”

ERA American Real Estate, headquartered in Shalimar, Florida, has been instrumental in spreading a patriotic wave of red, white, and blue across communities from 30A to Pensacola. The company’s tradition of planting American flags began with a modest 5,000 flags in Fort Walton Beach and has now grown to an impressive 30,000 flags distributed annually. 

As part of their commitment to community outreach, ERA American Real Estate’s staff and agents, including Marcella’s team, will dedicate their time and energy to planting flags throughout various neighborhoods, turning their offices into American flag hubs, and distributing flags at intersections. Each ERA office will feature flag bouquets, encouraging locals to collect a flag to proudly display at home.

Hammock Bay, with its world-class amenities such as resort-style swimming pools and a fitness complex, has earned a reputation as a community within a community. Stefani emphasized the neighborhood’s appeal, stating, “We have a lot of events, neighbors helping other neighbors. It’s a great place to live. There’s really something for everyone, with different clubs for people of all ages and interests.”

The upcoming event on June 24th marks the 9th year that The Marcella Stefani Team has provided each Hammock Bay home with a flag for the 4th of July. In addition to community members’ support, volunteers from Hammock Bay will lend a hand in placing flags, earning valuable volunteer hours for school or work. 

• The event will serve as a platform for residents, both old and new, to connect and celebrate their shared love for their country. “I am looking forward to meeting some of the new neighbors that have moved in and just spreading patriotism this time of year as we celebrate our nation’s birthday,” Stefani expressed.

The Flag Planting event not only fosters a sense of unity and patriotism but also highlights the remarkable growth Freeport has experienced in recent years. According to Stefani, the average home is on the market for 45 days, covering a range of home prices from just under $400,000 up to $1 million+.

“Freeport, as a whole, has grown immensely in the time that I’ve been doing real estate, over the past nine years,” said Stefani. “It’s gone from a sleepy little town to a growing area. We have more things that are being built, especially with the 331 bridge becoming a four-lane bridge, which has helped a lot with just the accessibility to our town. It’s one of the places in our area that has more affordable options for newer homes.”

As the event draws near, the Marcella Stefani Team and ERA American Real Estate invite everyone to join them at the Hammock Bay pool parking lot on June 24th at 10:00am to celebrate Independence Day, embrace community spirit, and honor the nation’s flag.

“I am looking forward to meeting some of the new neighbors that have moved in and just spreading patriotism this time of year as we celebrate our nation’s birthday,” she added.

REAL ESTATE

Victory Village receives $2 million from the state for retired military living community in Okaloosa

Victory Village will receive $2 million from Florida’s Framework for Freedom Budget for fiscal year 2023-24 signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 15, 2023.

• The funding will be used to purchase 80 acres of land from the U.S. Air Force which will be used to develop a military senior living community with resources and services for wounded warriors and their caregivers.

“I am grateful to Speaker Paul Renner and Governor DeSantis for their support of Victory Village,” said Rep. Patt Maney. “The Panhandle Delegation led by Senators Doug Broxson and Jay Trumbull understand what an important resource this will be to Okaloosa County and our military widows and aging veterans.”

Victory Village will be located adjacent to Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) in Shalimar, Florida. Plans for the community include multiple neighborhoods for 800 people to reside, a community center, a multidenominational chapel, a fitness center and pool, walking paths, retail services, and a fire and EMS substation to also serve AFEV and the Poquito Bayou neighborhood.

“We’re honored to receive this funding, and we’re grateful to our legislative representatives for working in support of our vision for Victory Village,” AFEV and Victory Village President/CEO Brooke McLean said. 

• “Our research for Victory Village has shown that the aging process for wounded warriors with physical and mental injuries of war will not be typical. Victory Village will honor aging injured service members with an expert understanding of their unique requirements that will be needed so they may live their best lives with others who have shared similar experiences.”                                                                                           

Victory Village plans to offer a continuum of care complete with on-site skilled nursing and will also be home to surviving spouses of retired enlisted service members and retired enlisted couples of all military branches of service.

“It will be a senior living community like no other,” McLean said.

According to the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA), Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation after California and Texas with more than 1.5 million veterans.

WEATHER

NWS confirms 105 mph tornado touched down at Sandestin in Miramar Beach, no fatalities

A tornado touched down on Choctawhatchee Bay just west of the Sandestin Resort on Monday, June 19, causing damage along its 1.65 mile path. The National Weather Service has assessed the tornado as an EF1 with an estimated peak wind speed of 105 mph. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries have been reported.

The tornado began its journey at approximately 11:16 AM on Monday near Sandestin. Initial reports indicate that a storm shutter on a bay-facing condo in the area suffered damage, while scattered snapped and toppled trees were observed between the Bay and Baytowne Avenue West. These damages align with the lower-end EF0 rating.

As the tornado moved eastward, the intensity increased. Turnberry Court, located east of Baytowne Avenue, experienced the full force of the storm. Several hardwood trees were uprooted, pointing in various directions, indicative of the EF1 rating, according to the NWS. The tornado then proceeded across a golf course and an unpopulated area, causing minimal impact.

• However, the most significant concentration of damage occurred along Laurel Way and Ravens Run. NWS reports that multiple trees were snapped and uprooted, with minor roof damage reported in a few homes. 

The tornado’s path continued east, causing additional minor roof damage to a home on Olde Towne Avenue and uprooting a few more hardwood trees. The storm eventually moved beyond the resort area, snapping and uprooting trees along Mack Bayou Road and east Mack Bayou Drive. Several fences sustained damage, and a small business’s roof suffered minor harm.

According to the National Weather Service’s survey summary, the tornado’s maximum wind speed reached 105 mph, consistent with its EF1 rating. The destructive winds finally dissipated east of Mack Bayou Drive.

In total, the tornado lasted approximately 5 minutes.