PARKS+REC

Okaloosa County breaks ground on 4-mile photoluminescent multi-use path

Okaloosa County officials and community leaders gathered Monday morning to break ground on a new multi-use path that will feature photoluminescent technology, marking a first for the state of Florida.

• The ceremony, held at 7 a.m. on July 8, 2024, at Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island, celebrated the start of construction on the four-mile path connecting Brooks Bridge and Marler Bridge.

Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, who has championed the project for five years, revealed an exciting feature of the new path. “We will be the first in the great state of Florida to have four-and-a-half miles of photoluminescent rock,” Ketchel announced. “At night, it’s going to glow a nice blue.”

Public Works Director Jason Autrey explained the innovative technology: “It’s really a glow-in-the-dark rock. They’ll put the asphalt down, throw this rock on top, spread it out, and when they roll it, it embeds in the top.” Autrey added that the blueish-teal color was chosen to mimic the local waters.

The project, aimed at improving safety and recreation, has been a collaborative effort. Ketchel acknowledged key contributors, including Dale Marks, Executive Director of the 96th Test Wing, Air Force Materiel Command, for his crucial role in moving the project forward.

• Other leaders responsible for making this project a reality included Rep. Patt Maney, Commissioners Mel Ponder, Nathan Boyles, and Paul Mixon, and developer Jay Odom, who made a private donation to support the project many years ago.

The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $3.7 million contract with C.W. Roberts Contracting Inc. in May 2024 for the path’s construction.

• The 12-foot wide path will offer cyclists and pedestrians a protected route along U.S. Highway 98, with plans including shoulder and parking area stabilization.

“We’re making this stretch of Highway 98 safe, and it will make a difference in the lives of those who need to travel to work or for their recreation,” Ketchel stated, emphasizing the path’s importance for residents, military personnel, and visitors.

The project, funded through multiple sources including tourism revenue and an FDOT grant, is expected to be completed and open to the public in early 2025.

NEWS

Sewer main break spills 9,000 gallons of wastewater into Bass Lake in Fort Walton Beach

A ruptured sewer main in Fort Walton Beach spilled an estimated 10,600 gallons of untreated wastewater on Saturday evening, with approximately 9,000 gallons entering Bass Lake, city officials reported.

• The City of Fort Walton Beach received a call at approximately 6:10 p.m. on July 6, 2024, regarding what was later determined to be a broken 12-inch cast-iron forcemain on Lakeview Road NW. Crews stopped the flow to the forcemain at 10:00 p.m. and completed repairs by midnight on July 7.

In response to the spill, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) issued a health advisory for Bass Lake and Dons Bayou. The advisory warns that waters contaminated with wastewater may contain untreated human sewage with microbes that could cause gastrointestinal and other diseases.

“Children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to disease,” the DOH-Okaloosa stated. The department advises anyone who comes into contact with the affected waterway to wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking.

The City of Fort Walton Beach reported that cleanup operations lasted until 1:30 a.m. on July 7 and are ongoing. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, cleanup actions included vacuuming, applying disinfectant and lime, and washing down the area.

City officials noted that Bass Lake has a control structure connecting to Dons Bayou and Choctawhatchee Bay. The city is performing water quality monitoring and testing. The health advisory will remain in effect until satisfactory results are achieved.

Residents and visitors seeking more information about the potential health effects of the wastewater overflow can contact DOH-Okaloosa at (850) 833-9247 or visit www.HealthyOkaloosa.com.

The drinking water supply is not affected by this advisory, according to health officials.

GIVING BACK

Destin rescue dog becomes therapy star at local rehab center

A once-homeless puppy has found her calling as a therapy dog, bringing joy and comfort to patients and staff at HCA Florida Healthcare’s Northwest Florida Rehabilitation Center in Destin.

Chloe, a 65-pound reddish-brown dog with likely pit bull heritage, was rescued from the streets of northwest Florida and spent more than six months in shelters before being adopted.

• Now, at age six, she has become an integral part of the rehabilitation center’s therapy program.

Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA of Dog-Harmony and an evaluator for Intermountain Therapy Animals, recognized Chloe’s potential and encouraged her and her owner to become a certified therapy dog team. In 2023, they achieved this goal through Dog-Harmony.

At the rehab center, Chloe assists with physical therapy sessions, helping patients with repetitive arm movements through commands like sit, stay, or fetch. Her presence has been noted to have a calming effect on patients, with one instance showing a visible drop in a patient’s blood pressure during an interaction with Chloe.

• “The staff have to give Chloe a hug, pet, or scratch and they tell us which patients in specific rooms would love a visit from Chloe each week,” said Sue Marks, a fellow volunteer at the rehab center. “A smile after a visit from Chloe goes a long way. She is so well-behaved.”

Chloe’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In February 2024, the rehab center staff awarded her the title of Employee of the Month in recognition of her contributions.

Dog-Harmony, the non-profit organization that certified Chloe, reports an increasing demand for qualified therapy dog teams in healthcare settings across northwest Florida. The organization provides training and coordinates placements of therapy dogs in healthcare facilities.

A 2023 survey by Dog-Harmony found that 31% of 895 respondents in the region consider animal-assisted therapy “very important.” The organization is seeking support to expand its therapy dog program to additional healthcare institutions in the area.

Those interested in supporting Dog-Harmony’s therapy dog program can visit www.dog-harmony.org/donate or vote for Chloe in the ‘Bark in Style’ photo contest running through August 1, 2024. Information about becoming a therapy dog team is available at www.dog-harmony.org/therapy.

SCHOOL

Northwest Florida State College partners with Territorium to advance skills-based education

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) announced a partnership with education technology company Territorium to implement a new skills-based education and hiring initiative.

• The collaboration will utilize Territorium’s LifeJourney solution, which includes a Learning and Employment Record, a digital skills wallet, AI-powered career pathways with job-matching technology, and a Comprehensive Learner Record of achievement.

“NWFSC’s investment in Territorium’s LifeJourney solution marks a pivotal step in transforming how our students are educated, trained, and hired,” said Dr. Cristie Kedroski, Interim President of Northwest Florida State College. “This cutting-edge initiative is crucial to enhancing students’ preparation for the future workforce.”

The partnership aims to empower students to document, verify, and transmit their acquired skills throughout their educational experience at NWFSC. This approach is designed to better prepare students for real-world demands by integrating career planning with skills mapping.

Dr. Henry Mack, Vice President for Academic Affairs at NWFSC, emphasized the benefits for both industry and students. “This partnership underscores our commitment to both industry by guaranteeing a work-ready employee and our students by way of an unprecedented return on their investment,” Mack said.

• The initiative also promotes a shift towards skills-based hiring, addressing workforce gaps and the growing demand for job-ready talent.

“We are excited to partner with Northwest Florida State College to connect their learners to careers using verified skills,” said Guillermo Elizondo, CEO of Territorium. “Our secure, interoperable CLR and digital credential wallet empower students to document and manage their skills and overall competencies, making them more attractive to potential employers. This partnership is a game-changer for education and workforce development.”

PUBLIC SAFETY

19 arrested in suspected fentanyl trafficking operation in Fort Walton Beach

A multi-agency investigation led by the Fort Walton Beach Police Department has resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals allegedly involved in a major drug trafficking network, authorities announced last week.

• According to police, the operation began in March 2022, targeting the alleged distribution of fentanyl and other narcotics by Christopher Manuel Davis, 37, of Fort Walton Beach.

An initial six-month investigation led to a search warrant executed at Davis’s residence on September 8, 2022. Police say they found 48 grams of fentanyl packaged for sale, methamphetamine, and firearms. Davis was arrested on multiple narcotics and firearms-related charges but was released on bond the following day, according to authorities.

Investigators say the probe intensified in June 2023 when they suspected Davis had resumed drug distribution activities. The Fort Walton Beach Police Department partnered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Pensacola Regional office through the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) Program, which was established by Governor Ron DeSantis to combat illegal fentanyl across the state.

• From September to December 2023, Fort Walton Beach Police Department and FDLE investigators conducted extensive surveillance on Davis and his suspected co-conspirators, reportedly identifying what they claim to be an illegal drug network. The investigation continued through April 2024, according to police.

On April 18, 2024, officers responded to a cardiac arrest call on Ferry Rd. and found Mitchell Kingsbury, 36, dead from an apparent overdose. Investigators allege that Amy Majeau and Andrew McLovich were involved in selling cocaine to Kingsbury. Police claim the substance contained fentanyl, which they believe led to Kingsbury’s death.

The following day, authorities report arresting Christopher Davis, Amy Majeau, and Shandra Beard with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol’s Criminal Interdiction Unit.

• Davis faces four counts of fentanyl distribution, while Majeau and Beard are charged with conspiracy to sell, manufacture, or deliver fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Authorities say they executed search warrants at residences on Deluna Rd. and Meggs Dr., allegedly collecting additional evidence.

On April 25, a multi-agency operation led to the arrest of Cecelia Hill in Navarre and the alleged seizure of narcotics and a firearm. Andrew McLovich was reportedly arrested later that day, facing additional charges related to an April 15 overdose incident where he allegedly distributed a substance that police claim caused a man to overdose, requiring revival with Naloxone.

Between May 8 and May 20, 2024, law enforcement agencies report arresting the remaining suspected members of the alleged drug network. The 19 individuals arrested face charges ranging from racketeering and conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and methamphetamine to unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

• On June 14, Amy Majeau and Andrew McLovich were charged with murder (overdose) in connection with Kingsbury’s death while already in custody at the Okaloosa County Jail.

Authorities state the investigation is ongoing, with more charges expected. They emphasize the impact of fentanyl distribution on the community, noting that Okaloosa and Escambia Counties have some of the highest rates of opioid overdose fatalities per capita in Florida, according to their data.

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department credits the success of the operation to resources provided by the SAFE Program and partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, including the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and DEA. They state their approach aims to combat the opioid epidemic by targeting suspected suppliers and dealers while offering support to those affected in the community.

Anyone with additional information on this alleged drug trafficking network is encouraged to contact the Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit, the FDLE’s Pensacola Regional Operations Center, or the Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.