NEWS

Congressman Gaetz tours One Hopeful Place in Fort Walton Beach, praises progress and success rate

Congressman Matt Gaetz toured One Hopeful Place on Thursday, June 20, 2024, marking his first visit to the homeless shelter facility in Fort Walton Beach in several years. 

• Gaetz, who helped secure initial funding for the project when he served in the Florida House of Representatives, spent the morning speaking with residents and observing the facility’s operations.

During the lengthy tour, Gaetz engaged with every resident he came across, inquiring about their backgrounds and the circumstances that led them to One Hopeful Place. The congressman expressed amazement at the facility’s growth and impact since his last visit.

“When Ted had this vision, my first thought was that almost anything would have made the blighted property better,” Gaetz said, recalling his initial impression of the project. “And thanks to our former Fort Walton Beach Mayor Mike Anderson and Ted Corcoran, we’ve used this as a platform for hope now. And it’s a remarkable thing.”

Ted Corcoran, CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, emphasized Gaetz’s crucial role in the facility’s establishment. “One Hopeful Place would not be there if Congressman Matt Gaetz had not got the vision and had not got that first appropriation for $300,000,” Corcoran said.

The project’s origins date back to the early 2000s when panhandling became a significant issue in Fort Walton Beach. With other aspects of homelessness being addressed by organizations like Opportunity Place and Fresh Start, the community identified a need for a men’s shelter. Securing funding proved challenging until then-House Representative Gaetz stepped in.

• “We took him on a tour and he saw the vision. And that’s the key: Some people like helping the homeless and some don’t, and Congressman Gaetz, in this case, saw it,” Corcoran recalled.

The facility has expanded significantly since its inception. Originally a men’s shelter, it now accommodates 50 single men and 17 single women. One Hopeful Place offers programs and services for those seeking self-sufficiency, with a focus on changing lives to better the community.

Recent developments include the demolition of old concrete clarifiers on the property, funded by a $200,000 state appropriation secured by Rep. Patt Maney. This project aims to remove environmental hazards and create space for potential expansion of services.

Corcoran detailed the progress, “In 2020, Bridgeway came in, that was the same date that we opened the men’s shelter. So the men’s shelter opens with 50 men, and what was the pole barn and the original men’s shelter is now for 17 women.”

The demolition project, which began on April 3, 2024, removed concrete structures that have been dormant for 25 years. Those remnants of a previous water treatment plant had been collecting rainwater and serving as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Corcoran outlined future plans for the facility, including the possibility of affordable housing on the newly cleared land. “There’ll be some type of affordable housing on that property. Perhaps apartments that can go two or three stories high as part of the village transition,” he said.

• In the short term, the organization is considering using the cleared land for fundraising purposes, such as boat parking. Corcoran also expressed a desire to add amenities for residents, including an exercise facility and a building for meals and church services.

Gaetz praised the facility’s success rate and its approach to addressing homelessness. “A 70% success rate of the people who’ve been through here would blow just about any program the federal government runs out of the water,” he said. “Here we’ve got the right mix of services, counseling, mentorship and the meeting of basic needs. When you do that, people move through the process and go on to more stability and more productivity.”

The congressman emphasized the importance of One Hopeful Place in the context of broader challenges with homelessness across the country. 

• “I’ve been to so many places in America where they fail at addressing the homelessness problem,” Gaetz said, contrasting the situation in Fort Walton Beach with issues faced in California and New York.

“In California, they’ve surrendered to the homeless and the homeless are in every green space and they have blighted the major urban centers of that state. In New York, they have a guaranteed right to housing that has filled 20 percent of all hotel rooms in the city with the homeless,” Gaetz explained.

Since its opening in October 2016, One Hopeful Place has served 375 participants, with 55% assisted in finding housing and 20% being U.S. military veterans. The organization also serves as the cold night shelter for Southern Okaloosa County and offers a day program for those seeking housing.

Corcoran highlighted the diverse backgrounds of those served by One Hopeful Place, sharing an encounter with a resident who was formerly a practicing chiropractor. “I just met a guy who used to be a practicing chiropractor and something happened in his life that now he’s having to stay in a communal homeless shelter,” he said. 

As of February 2024, eligible participants are required to pay $100 per week. Veterans and Okaloosa County residents have priority on admission to One Hopeful Place through an established verification process.

The facility is also working on expanding its services. Corcoran mentioned plans to relocate some services currently provided on First Street in downtown Fort Walton Beach to One Hopeful Place. “We have talked with all of the entities on First Street, and we’re looking at moving the church services up here in addition to the sidewalk sleeping,” he said.

• A 30ft by 60ft tent is expected to be set up in the coming weeks to provide a space for meals, showers, and laundry services. This expansion aims to centralize services and provide more comprehensive support to those in need.

Gaetz encouraged local businesses and community members to support One Hopeful Place. “There’s a lot of need here as well. And the folks who run One Hopeful Place will be brilliant in pairing whatever you can do or give to the needs of someone who’s trying to make their life better,” he said.

As One Hopeful Place continues to grow and evolve, it continues its mission to remain a source of pride for Okaloosa County, offering hope and assistance to those in need while working towards long-term solutions for homelessness in the community.

“One Hopeful Place is something for Okaloosa County to be incredibly proud of,” added Congressman Gaetz. “There is God’s work happening here every day.”

Click here to see pictures of his tour or share this story

NEWS

Destin ranked No. 2 ‘Best Harbor in America’

Destin, Florida has been recognized as the number 2 harbor in the United States for 2024, marking its debut on the prestigious “Best Harbor” list.

• The harbor also claimed the title of Gulf Coast regional winner in the annual contest organized by US Harbors.

“We’re honored to make the list! For a City under 14,000 residents to show so well, it speaks volumes about its natural beauty and love of all who visit,” said Tamara Young, Public Information Manager for the City of Destin.

Destin Harbor’s high ranking places it among notable harbors nationwide, second only to Block Island, Rhode Island, which took the grand prize as the “Best Harbor in the U.S.” for 2024.

Young expressed enthusiasm about Destin’s participation in the contest. “When we first heard about the contest, I couldn’t enter us fast enough and share it with folks who love it. If you have ever visited the Destin Harbor area, you know it’s amongst the best in America,” she said.

• The annual competition sees communities across the country competing for the “Best Harbor” title. Winners receive plaques commemorating their achievement.

Destin’s recognition comes as part of a diverse list of top 10 harbors, which includes both first-time winners and previous champions. Other notable winners include Padanaram, Massachusetts, the 2019 grand winner, and Charlevoix, Michigan, which was crowned the grand winner in 2021 and secured the Great Lakes regional win for 2024.

THE WEEKENDER

A few things to do around town

June 22, 2024 – Downtown FWB Saturday Market – Free – View

June 22, 2024 – Clay With a Purpose with Marcy Eady -bird house – $30 – $35 – View

June 23, 2024 – Niceville Ruck ‘n’ Brunch – Free – View

June 23, 2024 – Scallywag Sunday – Free – View

June 24, 2024 – Movie Monday – Free – View

June 25, 2024 – Boomin Tuesday – Free – View

June 25, 2024 – Movies On The Beach  “Lilo & Stitch”  – Free – View

June 26, 2024 – Wednesday Night Concert Series at the Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

June 26, 2024 – Okaloosa Island Fireworks Show! – Free – View

June 27, 2024 – Conservation Conversations – Tiger Sharks – Free – View

June 27, 2024 – Fly Guy Thursday – Free – View

June 27, 2024 – Sip and Paint with Pat Roberts – $35 – $40 – View

June 28, 2024 – ADSO Gallery Show – Still Life – Free – View

ICYMI

Top news you might have missed

• CRESTVIEW TRAFFIC: Okaloosa County approved the allocation of $2 million or the SR 85 Crestview Evening Relief Project on Tuesday, April 4, 2024. The project aims to add a third northbound lane between Live Oak Church Road and the Crestview Bypass to increase vehicle capacity on SR 85 into Crestview. Read story

• 6,000 BABIES: Dr. Michael Hennessey, a beloved OBGYN in Fort Walton Beach, has delivered over 6,000 babies in his 22-year career. His collaboration with Diana Health brings a revolutionary, holistic approach to women’s healthcare in the community. Read story

• BUSINESS: 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. Read story

• MORE STATUES: On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the addition of four new bronze statues and plaques to Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island. Read more about the 4 new honorees

SPONSORED

Attorney Whitney Smith explains common Guardianship misconceptions, and how it works in Florida

Guardianship is a legal process that removes an individual’s constitutional rights to manage their own personal, medical, or financial affairs due to incapacity from disability or age. It is often misunderstood or pursued for the wrong reasons according to local attorney Whitney Smith.

• “Just because someone is making bad decisions doesn’t mean they need a guardianship,” said Smith, partner at Fleet, Smith and Freeman Law Firm in Shalimar, Florida. “There are pretty high standards to take away their rights. It’s not just because they’re making irrational decisions.”

Guardianship cases require extensive evaluation and court approval. The court appoints three independent medical professionals to examine the alleged incapacitated person and provide written opinions on functional capacity. An attorney is also appointed to represent the individual’s rights and advocate their wishes. The court reviews these filings and makes a determination.

“Ultimately it’s up to the judge to decide what this person can and can’t do,” Smith explained. 

Read more on the misconceptions

COASTAL RESOURCES

80ft and 75ft former scuba dive boats to become artificial reefs off Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast

The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $138,000 contract with Coleen Marine, Inc. on Tuesday for the clean-up, preparation, towing, and deployment of two donated vessels as artificial reefs. 

• The project aims to enhance the county’s status as a premier fishing and diving destination in Florida.

According to Okaloosa County Natural Resources Chief Alex Fogg, the county was approached in early April 2024 with the donation of two former scuba dive liveaboards, measuring 80ft and 75ft. The vessels, known as NEKTON PILOT and NEKTON RORQUAL, were built in 1992 and 2001 respectively.

“Partnerships like this cannot be recognized enough,” explained Fogg. “This is what makes our destination so special and is continuing to make waves in the fishing and diving community.”

John Dixon, the designer and builder of the vessels, provided extensive insight into their history and significance. 

“The NEKTON PILOT was built in Palatka, Florida, and delivered in 1992. The NEKTON RORQUAL was built in Port St. Joe, Florida, in 2001,” Dixon said. “The vessels had 16 cabins with private baths and showers able to accommodate 32 passengers with 12 crew.”

• He explained that the vessels were purpose-built for week-long scuba diving cruises and featured a unique “no sea-sick” technology called SWATH (small-waterplane-area-twin-hull) for enhanced stability.

The vessels operated successfully until April 2010, when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster forced the cessation of scuba cruises. Dixon described the decision to repurpose the vessels as “bittersweet,” stating, “Sorry to see the vessels not get back into operation after the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe but happy they can find new life helping the ocean environment.”

Dixon explained the process that led to the donation: “Being based in Port St. Joe, Florida, we first communicated with Bob and Carol Cox of the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA) who, because of the size and scale of the Nekton vessels, connected us to Alex Fogg and the Okaloosa County Artificial Reef Program.”

The vessels were mostly gutted, cleaned, and in the process of being scrapped when the option for reefing became available. After a site visit and discussions with Dixon, the county decided to receive the vessels and issue an invitation to bid for the remaining tasks. 

The Invitation to Bid, which opened on April 29, 2024, received three responses. Coleen Marine, Inc. was selected after a review by the Purchasing and the Tourist and Development Department.

Dixon believes these vessels are uniquely suited for artificial reefs. “Three unique attributes make this a wonderful artificial reef installation,” he stated. “First, the unique properties of the steel lower hulls make them ideal for reef building. Second, the large open upper aluminum superstructures are ideal for visits by scuba divers. Third and finally, the unique history of both ships serving scuba divers on week-long cruises for decades will create a pilgrimage for thousands of past Nekton cruise guests.”

• The artificial reef project is expected to significantly positively impact the local marine ecosystem. According to Dixon, “The structures of these two vessels will provide homes and habitat to a huge population of fish and marine organisms.”

Fogg emphasized that artificial reef deployments like this contribute to the improvement of Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s reputation as a top fishing and diving destination in Florida. 

“Seeing these Nekton vessels become artificial reefs really is fitting,” added Fogg. “From once being the platform that allowed so many divers to be able to explore our oceans to now being the site for these explorations is amazing.”

The project represents a new chapter for the NEKTON vessels, transforming them from scuba liveaboards to vital components of Okaloosa County’s marine habitat enhancement efforts. 

“Every single diver who ever went out on one of these Nekton vessels experienced special moments with fish and turtles and dolphins and coral reefs under the sea,” Dixon reminisced. “These divers are Americans who understand how precious our oceans are and appreciate protection efforts like the Okaloosa County artificial reef program.”