BUSINESS

Community bids farewell to Eglin commander, celebrating two years of strengthened ties

Local leaders and business representatives gathered Wednesday afternoon to honor Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty, the outgoing commander of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, marking a new chapter in military-community relations for the area.

• The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted the event. 

Chamber CEO Ted Corcoran noted this was a first in his two-decade tenure. “In the twenty years that I have been here at this Chamber of Commerce, this is the first time ever that we’ve invited a departing general from Eglin to come and join our community specifically,” Corcoran said.

The gathering included representatives from local government, education, and business sectors. It highlighted the significant strides made in base-community relations under Geraghty’s leadership since he assumed command in 2022.

• Corcoran recalled the initial breakfast meeting when Geraghty first arrived. “We determined as a community that we wanted to welcome him and show him that the elected officials, the school district, and the business community are in full support of our military,” he said.

One of the key achievements during Geraghty’s tenure was progress on the “Orphan Land” concept, which aims to make some base property available for community use. This initiative, long hoped for by local leaders, gained traction under Geraghty’s command.

Okaloosa County Commissioner Mel Ponder praised Geraghty’s openness to community needs. “Your leadership has made us better,” Ponder said. “You’ve come in one way, and you go out and you leave us in a better place.” 

• Ponder also highlighted Geraghty’s role in discussions of Redneck Beach near the Destin Bridge, a move appreciated by local residents.

Jerry Williams, CEO of Eglin Federal Credit Union, spoke about the longstanding relationship between the base and the community. “Eglin Federal Credit Union was born on Eglin in 1954,” Williams said. He shared personal memories of growing up in the area and enjoying the Eglin range for various activities.

Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson commended Geraghty for strengthening communication between the base and the city. “This last two years under your leadership, it’s been absolutely rock solid,” Rynearson said. “I love the way you keep our community informed, whether it’s night flying, whether it’s something the EOD is going to do, whatever it is, you let the community know, and my community really, really appreciates that.”

• The mayor presented Geraghty with a key to the city, symbolizing the strong bond forged during his tenure.

John Spolski, Assistant Superintendent of Okaloosa County School District, expressed gratitude for Geraghty’s support of military families and their educational needs. “The Okaloosa County School District profoundly values the partnership and your leadership of what you’ve accomplished,” Spolski said. He noted Geraghty’s presence at various school events and his creative leadership in addressing issues like land acquisitions for new school facilities.

Bruce Marshall, a former Eglin commander and now a life director of the Chamber, emphasized the importance of maintaining strong base-community relations. 

• “We would love to see that relationship continue on the level that you’ve provided,” Marshall said, addressing Geraghty. “It’s really important, I think, for the community to feel part of the base because the base has a lot of the territory that all of us live in, no matter how you look at it.”

Geraghty expressed his gratitude to the community. He reflected on his initial impressions of the community’s warmth and engagement, recalling the welcoming breakfast when he first arrived. 

• “I could tell that this community was something special,” Geraghty said. He noted the contrast between the supportive environment in Fort Walton Beach and the challenges faced by military installations in other parts of the country.

“When I go to Air Force Material Command type gatherings, where people from all over the U.S. are gathering, command teams from different bases, let’s just say not every base has this kind of military-friendly community,” Geraghty explained. “A lot of them are dealing with real challenges in their community. It is just such a blessing to live among a community like this.”

The 96th Test Wing will hold a change of command ceremony on July 3 at 9:06 a.m., with Col. Mark Massaro assuming command from Geraghty. Prior to the ceremony, Massaro will be promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Massaro, a graduate from Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 165 at the Georgia Institute of Technology, brings extensive experience to his new role.

• Geraghty is set to take on a new position at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. He will serve as the Director of the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and the Director of International Affairs for Air Force Materiel Command.

As the business community bid farewell to Geraghty, there was optimism about the future. Many expressed hope that the strong ties forged during Geraghty’s tenure would continue under the new command, ensuring ongoing collaboration between Eglin Air Force Base and the Fort Walton Beach community.

SCHOOL

‘I get to’: Superintendent Chambers rallies educators at annual Okaloosa Schools leadership summit

School administrators, board members, and district leadership convened Thursday for the Okaloosa County School District’s annual Leadership Summit, focusing on motivation, reflection, collaboration, and the district’s vision.

• Amid morning thunderstorms, attendees packed into the main auditorium at Beachside Community Church for the event led by Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
• The summit served as an opportunity for administrators to align their efforts, develop a shared vision, and enhance the district’s overall school culture.

The morning began with a lighthearted video featuring Chambers, Assistant Superintendents Dr. Lee Hale, John Spolski, and Sheila Lightbourne, along with CFO Julie Perry performing their own rendition of “carpool karaoke” as they prepared for the annual event.

Throughout the day, administrators engaged in various activities to foster collaboration, share ideas, and establish new relationships, especially among new principals.

In his opening speech, Chambers emphasized the critical role of school leadership and the importance of a clear, shared focus. He addressed the challenges facing public education and called on administrators to change the narrative.

• “Public education has changed,” Chambers said. “And we have an opportunity to take back public education, and I mean this wholeheartedly.”

Chambers urged the assembled leaders to believe in their ability to make a difference. “You have to be an administrator, you have to be a leader that absolutely believes that,” he said. “We can be the ones who are going to say that we’re going to change the narrative.”

The superintendent highlighted three main themes for the summit: “I get to,” the state of Okaloosa schools, and fearless leadership. He encouraged attendees to shift their mindset from “I have to” to “I get to” when approaching their work.

• “You are in what I believe is the most profound profession and it takes every single one of us to get this done,” Chambers said. “It’s not just about the school administrators, it’s about maintenance folks. It’s about transportation. It’s about the MIS. It’s about finance. It’s about curriculum, student services. It’s everybody coming together to make this operation run.”

Chambers acknowledged the many challenges facing educators, but stressed that there “has never been a more important time for leadership in Okaloosa.”

The superintendent also addressed the evolving landscape of education, touching on historical changes from the introduction of hands-on learning to the impacts of segregation, the space race, special education laws, standardized testing, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

• “Education today is different,” Chambers said, quoting a statement displayed during his presentation. “So we must realize it for our own sake. And in the midst of today’s educational challenges, there has never been a greater need for consistent and courageous leadership.”

Chambers emphasized that current educational leadership requires fearlessness, toughness, and perseverance. “Today’s leadership is not for the faint of heart,” he said. “It takes people who are fearless. It takes people who are tough. People who can persevere, who can do the things necessary to still keep what’s most important, which is those students.”

The superintendent encouraged administrators to focus on students, take care of teachers and staff, and also look after themselves. He stressed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of challenges.

• “We get to be a part of history,” Chambers said, urging leaders to embrace the opportunity to shape the future of education. He highlighted key leadership qualities, including vision, relationships, and effective communication, as crucial elements in navigating the evolving educational landscape.

He also touched on the importance of connecting with students on their level. 

“Today, we get to have the opportunity to meet students in a different place,” he said. The superintendent highlighted how technology has changed student communication, noting, “Kids today, they have their own language.” 

• To illustrate this point, he shared lighthearted examples of current middle school slang, such as “Skibidi Ohio Rizz” vs. “Rizzly Bear,” terms unfamiliar to many adults. 

And while Chambers was not suggesting that teachers attempt to use these phrases, he stressed that understanding and adapting to students’ evolving communication styles is crucial for effective education. “Those interactions,” he noted, “have the ability to change the trajectory of the student.”

As the summit progressed, administrators were set to continue engaging in collaborative activities and discussions aimed at strengthening leadership and improving educational outcomes across the Okaloosa County School District.

BUSINESS

New federal overtime rule could impact Northwest Florida businesses, takes effect July 1

A significant change to federal labor law is set to take effect on July 1, potentially affecting thousands of workers and businesses in Northwest Florida. 

• The Department of Labor’s new rule, which increases the salary threshold for overtime eligibility, is poised to reshape employment practices and compensation structures across various industries in the region.

The rule, from the Biden-Harris administration, will raise the minimum salary for most exempt employees in two stages. Starting July 1, 2024, the threshold will increase from the current $35,568 to $43,888 annually. A further increase to $58,656 is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2025.

Erin Sarria, Director of HR and Client Engagement at SimpleHR in Destin, explains the immediate impact: “Starting July 1st, if you are currently a salaried exempt employee, you must get paid a minimum of $43,888 per year to remain exempt under the new exempt threshold. If you are not making at least that amount per year or $844 per week, then the DOL is saying this employee is no longer exempt and needs to be paid overtime for all hours worked over 40 in a work week.”

This change means that most exempt salaried employees making less than the new threshold must be reclassified as non-exempt workers and paid overtime for hours worked beyond 40 per week. The rule aims to restore and extend overtime protections, ensuring that lower-paid salaried workers receive fair compensation for long hours.

• While specific data for Northwest Florida is not available, the Department of Labor estimates that more than 3 million currently exempt employees nationwide will be impacted by the change. The rule is part of a broader effort to update the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime protections.

Sarria anticipates that tourism, hospitality, and retail industries in Northwest Florida will be most affected by the new rule. “Middle management positions typically require overtime work, and businesses that operate on thin margins will likely feel the impact most acutely,” she noted.

The concerns of local businesses are primarily financial. “Their main worries are consistently having to pay overtime or keeping employees on call,” Sarria explained. “The financial burden of either increasing wages or paying overtime is their biggest concern.”

To adapt to these changes, local businesses may need to consider various strategies:

1. Restructuring operations to reduce overtime hours
2. Hiring more part-time employees to distribute workload
3. Raising salaries to meet the new threshold for exemption
4. Redistributing responsibilities among existing staff

“It could be where they’re not hiring as much and maybe they’re shifting responsibilities to other staff members, or they are going to try and control the overtime and hire more employees,” Sarria said. “But we know the challenges of even finding staff as it is. So that’s the double-edged sword.”

Small businesses in Northwest Florida may face unique challenges in adapting to the new rules. Sarria outlined several potential hurdles:

1. Financial strain and increased labor costs
2. Cash flow management
3. Balancing higher payroll expenses with existing operation costs
4. Operational changes, such as requiring employees to track time or clock in and out
5. Compliance and administrative burdens, including updating employee contracts and records

While the changes present challenges for employers, they could lead to benefits for some workers in the area. Sarria noted, “The higher wages, but possibly it’s less burnout. If the employers can change employees to hourly and decide not to work them overtime to control costs, it could be less burnout for the employee.”

The rule change could also lead to more specialized job roles. “They could raise the salary wages to meet the new salary threshold, and that could potentially lead to more experience or specialized skills. You could expand what that position’s requirement is,” Sarria explained.

Given Northwest Florida’s reliance on tourism, the new rule could affect seasonal employment patterns. Sarria predicts, “Seasonal employment would increase as management tries to hire more temporary staff during the peak season.” However, she noted that seasonal employees are typically hourly workers already, so the impact may be limited.

As the July 1 deadline approaches, Sarria advises local businesses to take several steps:

1. Review current workforce and identify employees impacted by the change.
2. Analyze whether affected employees are currently working over 40 hours per week.
3. Calculate potential costs of different compliance strategies.
4. Develop a plan for moving forward.
5. Communicate changes clearly to employees.
6. Train staff on any new policies or procedures.

“You want to continuously monitor the impact and make adjustments if necessary,” Sarria emphasized. She also cautioned that while businesses should prepare for both the July 1 and January 1 changes, they might want to wait before implementing wage increases for the latter date. “That second increase is pretty aggressive, and so it may have some challenges in court. It’s uncertain right now.”

Employers seeking to educate themselves about these changes have several options. Sarria recommends that employees speak directly with their managers for the most accurate information about how the changes will affect them personally. 

SimpleHR offers assistance to local businesses navigating these changes. “We provide hands-on guidance to all our clients to help them stay in compliance when there are these types of changes,” Sarria explained. The company conducts full salary audits for its clients, identifying impacted employees and works directly with client businesses to decide on the best path forward.

• “For all of our clients, we do a full salary audit and we identify which employees are impacted. Then we work directly with the client to decide how they want to move forward and we go ahead and make the adjustment in payroll. We try to make it as easy as we can,” Sarria said.

As Northwest Florida businesses prepare for this significant change to federal labor law, the full impact on the local economy remains to be seen. However, with proper preparation and guidance, employers can navigate these changes while ensuring fair compensation for their workforce.

POLICE BLOTTER

Crestview man surrenders after 8-hour standoff with Okaloosa deputies

A man wanted on felony charges surrendered peacefully after an eight-hour standoff with law enforcement at his Crestview area home Wednesday.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at a residence on Barbarree Drive around 6:40 a.m. to serve a felony warrant on Michael Pechacek, 49.

• Pechacek was wanted for making written threats to kill or do bodily injury and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony.

According to investigators, Pechacek had made numerous threats towards law enforcement and government officials since January. On June 22, an email was sent to the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis with the subject line “death to law enforcement and civilian populous imminent.” In the email, Pechacek claimed to have proof of government officials tampering with evidence in a child abuse case.

The situation on Thursday was complicated by the presence of children in the home. OCSO Crisis Unit Negotiators and other specialty units were deployed to the scene to convince Pechacek to exit the residence willingly.

• After approximately eight hours of negotiations, Pechacek surrendered around 3:15 p.m.

Sheriff Eric Aden commended the OCSO’s Crisis Negotiators and other units on scene for their efforts in resolving the situation peacefully.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Crestview Police Department, and Fort Walton Beach Police Department for their assistance during the incident.

TRAFFIC

Fort Walton Beach to close turn lane at intersection of Highway 98 and Perry Avenue on weekends

The City of Fort Walton Beach announced a weekend closure of the right turn lane on Perry Avenue SE at its intersection with U.S. Highway 98, starting June 28 and lasting through Labor Day weekend.

• The closure will be in effect from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday each weekend. During these times, motorists will not be able to turn eastbound onto U.S. Highway 98 from this intersection.

City officials stated that the turn lane closure is intended to reduce vehicle congestion on residential streets north of Brooks Bridge. The measure aims to prevent motorists from using neighborhoods as a “cut through” to access U.S. Highway 98 via Brooks Street and Perry Avenue.

To alert drivers of the closure, message boards will be placed on Eglin Parkway (SR 85), Hollywood Boulevard, and at the Perry Avenue intersection. The city warns that navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze may not accurately reflect this closure.

Motorists seeking to access U.S. Highway 98 are advised to use the Eglin Parkway (SR 85) intersection as an alternative route.

The closure is scheduled to continue through the Labor Day weekend, affecting weekend traffic patterns in the area for the duration of the summer.