POLITICS

Okaloosa calls emergency meeting today on endangered whales

On Monday (today), July 3, 2023, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners will hold an Emergency Meeting to discuss a petition to establish a mandatory 10-knot speed limit and other vessel-related mitigation measures to protect endangered Rice’s whales in Gulf of Mexico.

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has requested public comments on the petition that was submitted by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Healthy Gulf, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, and New England Aquarium.

Rice’s whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The petitioners are requesting that the county utilize their authorities under the ESA and MMPA to establish a “Vessel Slowdown Zone” to protect Rice’s whales from collisions with vessels and noise pollution.

The proposed measures include a year-round 10-knot speed restriction within waters ranging from approximately Pensacola, FL, to just south of Tampa, FL, covering an area from 87.5° W longitude to 27.5° N latitude. 

• Additionally, a 10-kilometer radius around the designated area, referred to as the “Vessel Slowdown Zone,” would also be subject to the speed limit.

Additional restrictions within this “Vessel Slowdown Zone” include:

• No vessel transits at night;
• Vessels transiting through the zone must report their plans to NOAA Fisheries, utilize visual observers, and maintain a separation distance of 500 m from Rice’s whales;
• Use and operate an Automatic Identification System, or notify NOAA Fisheries of transits through the zone; and
• Report deviations from these requirements to NOAA Fisheries.

NOAA Fisheries is seeking public input on the petitioner’s request and will consider all comments and available information before making a decision on whether to proceed with rulemaking. Members of the public can submit their comments here. The comment period will close on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

However, local concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact these regulations may have on commercial vessel traffic in-and-out of the ports of Pensacola and Panama City, as well as the commercial and recreational fishing fleets here in Okaloosa County. 

• The prohibition on night travel could significantly disrupt commercial fishing trips and transit operations at the two local ports, according to the county. At present, the economic implications of these potential restrictions have not been quantified but could be substantial.

The commissioners will convene an emergency meeting on Monday, July 3, 2023, at 8:30am in the Okaloosa County Administration Building in Shalimar, Florida to discuss the potential implications of the proposed regulations. The Board will send a formal response to NOAA prior to the comment deadline period of July 6, 2023.

• Local stakeholders, including fishermen, boat operators, and environmental advocates, are encouraged to voice their opinions and participate in the ongoing dialogue surrounding this issue.

TRAFFIC

TRAFFIC: State Road 285 Resurfacing Project set to begin in Niceville

The Florida Department of Transportation will begin work in July on a $4.3 million construction project to mill and resurface a 2.2-mile segment of S.R. 285 from S.R. 20 (John Sims Parkway) to south of S.R. 293 (Mid-Bay Bridge Connector) in Okaloosa County. 

The project also includes: 

• New sidewalks on the west side of S.R. 285 from Adams Street to College Boulevard.
• Signalization upgrades.
• Sidewalk enhancements including American with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades.

Drivers may experience intermittent, temporary lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to FDOT. Lane closures and traffic impacts will not be permitted during holidays, special events, or home football games at C.W. Ruckel Middle School and Niceville High School. Pedestrians may be temporarily detoured while sidewalk work is performed. 

• The project is estimated for completion in spring 2024. 

SCHOOL

Okaloosa County School District’s “Huddle” summit sparks motivation and new ideas for upcoming school year

On Thursday, June 29, 2023, administrators from schools across the Okaloosa County School District gathered at Beachside Community Church for the district’s annual summit, this year known as “Huddle.” 

• Led by Superintendent Marcus Chambers, the event focused on motivation, reflection, collaboration, and the vision of the Okaloosa County School District.
• The morning started with a mini pep-rally featuring dancers from one of the schools, along with a roll call from Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lee Hale.

Superintendent Chambers kicked off the summit by emphasizing the importance of mindset and core values in educational leadership. Throughout the day, he discussed various topics, including the power of one, the concept of a ‘Playbook’ for instructional leaders, and the next generation of Okaloosa schools.

In a collaborative and engaging atmosphere, administrators had the opportunity for “table talks” where they discussed specific topics presented by Chambers. These discussions included reflecting on situations that made them stronger administrators, defining leadership in one word, and exploring how the ‘Playbook’ applies to their roles as instructional leaders.

• “We do not want to be a school district that merely gets through each day,” said Chambers. “Rather, we want to be a school district that thrives in the face of chaos. It takes ALL of us to be the Okaloosa County School District.”

One of the focal points of the morning session was the discussion of the ‘Playbook’ and its role in building a strong school culture, inspiring academic excellence, and encouraging difficult conversations. 

Superintendent Chambers highlighted several “essentials” for administrators to implement from the ‘Playbook and he also stressed the importance of self-care for administrators.

• “In order to take proper care of our students and schools, we must endeavor to take care of ourselves,” said Chambers. “Establishing healthy habits such as getting enough quality sleep, and setting aside time to reflect and focus leads to enhanced prioritization and decision-making skills necessary to lead in today’s fast-paced world.”

The annual summit served as an opportunity for administrators to align their efforts, develop a shared vision, and enhance the district’s overall school culture. 

Click here to read more about this year’s summit.

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.

In preparation for the Independence Day holiday, there will be no lane closures on major state roads through Wednesday, July 5.

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, Wednesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 6, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. These closures are required to allow crews to place thermoplastic striping and complete additional work items.

• Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may experience traffic disruptions Wednesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 6, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for the following construction activities:
  • 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, eastbound structure (Destin to Fort Walton Beach), Wednesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 6, 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, Wednesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 6, 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 intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 85 north and southbound, Wednesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 6, to allow crews to place thermoplastic striping, maintenance of shoulder drop-offs and to place sod. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times.

• S.R. 85 Improvements from S.R. 123 to Hospital Drive – Drivers will experience intermittent single-lane closures on S.R. 85 north and southbound near the Shoal River Bridge, Wednesday, July 5 through Friday, July 7, for maintenance and debris removal on the bridge.

• U.S. 331 Routine Maintenance Between Clyde B. Wells Bridge and Chat Holley Road – Drivers will encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Wednesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 6 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for sidewalk repair.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Pedestrian Underpass – Drivers can anticipate a new traffic pattern on U.S. 98 at County Road 30A.  The U.S. 98 eastbound travel lanes and U.S. 98 westbound left turn lane will shift to the south. The U.S. 98 westbound travel lanes will remain in the current location.

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Village Road to East of U.S. 331 – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, Wednesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 6, between 7:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving and striping operations.

• 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, Wednesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 6, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for turn lane widening.

• S.R. 20 Turn Lane Construction at Okaloosa/Walton County Line – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, July 5 through Friday, July 7 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for paving operations.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

COASTAL RESOURCES

ATLANTIS: Okaloosa successfully deploys 125-foot vessel as new artificial reef

On Thursday, June 29, 2023, the Okaloosa Coastal Resource Team successfully deployed a 125-foot vessel as an artificial reef off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast. The RMS ATLANTIS was built in 1979 and is a decommissioned offshore supply vessel that was used in the oil industry. 

Okaloosa County contracted with Marine Environmental Services LLC last year for the preparation, transportation and deployment of the RMS CYCLOPS and RMS ATLANTIS. RMS CYCLOPS was deployed this April approximately 4.24nm southeast of Destin East Pass in the newly permitted Okaloosa County Fish Haven 22. (State waters)

As of Thursday afternoon, RMS ATLANTIS was deployed approximately 8.14nm south of Destin Pass in the newly permitted Okaloosa County Fish Haven 21.

• The new artificial reef was deployed in 78ft of water, which allowed for the vessel to maintain the permitted clearance of ½ the water depth.

The main reason for deploying these vessels in state waters is that the county hasn’t had a state water vessel deployment since 2000 (Eglin Landing Craft), prior to the CYCLOPS deployment in April.

“A lot of the vessels out there in state waters are getting pretty old and breaking down,” said Coastal Resource Manager Alex Fogg. “The shallow water dive and fishing folks have been asking for some high-profile, large artificial reefs. They want spots that even the novice divers and folks with smaller boats can easily reach without going too far from the shore.  Plus, dive and fishing sites like this align with our destination’s mission to get kids and families introduced to the water culture.”

• “Novice divers will find the highest point of the vessel easily accessible, making it a great diving experience,” added Fogg. “However, once the artificial reef matures, it will transform into an exceptional fishing destination. Its expansive structure makes it highly appealing to a wide range of reef fish species.”

As with the CYCLOPS, the ATLANTIS does not have a ton of vertical relief (37ft tall, and 26ft wide), compared to its overall size. Fogg says that because of this, it will remain relatively stable in storms and in other rough weather that have demonstrated the ability to move vessels. 

The addition of RMS ATLANTIS continues Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s 5-year artificial reef plan that actually started with the purchase of the RV DOLPHINand RV MANTA that were deployed earlier this year. 

“Initially, we had budgeted approximately $2 million for the RV DOLPHIN and RV MANTA. However, since we managed to stay well below budget, it provided us with the opportunity to acquire a couple of additional vessels,” added Fogg. “Our 5-year artificial reef plan included expanding the deployment of these vessels in our state waters, but we were able to fast-track that part of the plan to get them deployed sooner.”

If you’re looking to explore the new RMS ATLANTIS, here are the coordinates:

• RMS ATLANTIS: 30° 14.561’ N, 86° 30.517’ W

Full list of reefs are here: https://www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/artificial-reefs/

THINGS TO DO

Where to watch 2023 Fourth of July fireworks in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville and Crestview

Fourth of July fireworks celebrations are happening tomorrow. Here’s a look at the different events around Okaloosa County.

FWB

The City of Fort Walton Beach will host a 4th of July event at the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. 

There will be live music by the Scratch 2020 band with the firework show following at 8:45 p.m. Food and drink vendors will be on-site. Even though The Landing is under construction, the firework show is in full swing!

Destin

The City of Destin will host the 37th Annual Independence Day Fireworks Show. The fireworks show can be seen over the East Pass and will begin at 9 p.m., Tuesday, July 4th. 

• Tune in to Z96 (96.5 FM) for the simulcast music. 

Niceville

The Boggy Bayou Fireworks Show will begin at approximately 8:45 pm on July 4th. Fireworks are launched from a custom-made platform in the middle of Boggy Bayou and are visible from the shores of Niceville and Valparaiso. 

• According to the city of Niceville, the best vantage points are Kiwanis Park, Lions Park, Lincoln Park, Niceville Landing, and Shipyard Point Park.

The boat ramps at Lions Park will close on July 3, 2023 at 11:59 PM and remain closed until the conclusion of the fireworks on July 4. No boats will be able to launch or be trailered at Lions Park during the time of the closure.

Crestview

The City of Crestview and the Main Street Crestview Association will host their 4th of July Celebration event at Twin Hills Park on July 4th from 5pm-9pm. You won’t want to miss the food trucks, music, games, bicycle parade, and fireworks!

You may bring your own sparklers, however, bringing your own fireworks is prohibited and will be subject to confiscation, according to the city. The bicycle parade begins at 6pm with fireworks starting at 9pm.