SPORTS

NWFSC announces Shannon Tucker as new cheerleading coach

On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, Northwest Florida State College announced Shannon Tucker as the new Cheerleading Coach for the Raiders.

Tucker is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Fitness, specializing in coaching and sports injuries, and has an impressive 17-year coaching background.

Her extensive experience includes owning a cheer and tumbling facility in Niceville called Destination 850, serving as Cheer Coach at Destin High School since 2021, and successfully coaching teams including the national champion cheerleaders at Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando, Florida. 

• “I am excited for this opportunity to coach at Northwest Florida State College, and I am thrilled to become a part of the Raider family,” Tucker said.

“Coach Tucker brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program,” said NWFSC President Dr. Devin Stephenson. “I believe the program will thrive under her leadership, achieving a championship-level cheer team that is commensurate with the quality and high-level performance of our other Raider athletic teams.”

CRIME

Nurse ‘blitz-attacked’ by man with tire iron in Fort Walton Beach hospital parking lot

On the morning of July 6, 2023, a nurse taking a work break near an employee parking lot at HCA Fort Walton Beach – Destin Hospital on Mar Walt Drive when she was allegedly ‘blitz-attacked’ by a man with a tire iron.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has charged 27-year old Raul Milla Jr. of Anderson Drive in Fort Walton Beach with attempted felony murder.

The nurse was able to fight off Milla, but not before being struck five or six times in the head, causing severe lacerations and swelling. The OCSO says the incident took place around 3 a.m.

The victim was able to give OCSO deputies a good description of her attacker and deputies located him riding a bicycle nearby.

• A bloody tire iron was in the bicycle basket and Milla’s shirt had a fresh blood stain on the front, according to the report from OCSO.

NEWS

City of Destin deploys ‘vacuum truck’ to clear stormwater drainage structures

The City of Destin Public Works Department has rented a large Vacuum Truck from Vermeer to assist with cleaning the major stormwater drainage structures.

Starting this week, work with structures along Highway 98 will begin, followed by the Weir on Gulf Shore Drive. After those two areas are completed, drain boxes and pipes throughout the City will be cleaned.

According to the City, disruptions to residents and tourists will be kept as minimal as possible, however, the city says there could be traffic delays at times as this project is undertaken.

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.

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, Sunday, July 9 through Thursday, July 13, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. These closures are required to allow crews to place thermoplastic striping and complete worklist items.

• Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may experience traffic disruptions Sunday, July 9 through Thursday, July 13, 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. 
  • Santa Rosa Boulevard east and westbound alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park. 
  • Intermittent shoulder closures on Brooks Street, between Perry Avenue and Florida Blanca Place, and on Business Access Road.

• 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 (Fort Walton Beach to Destin), Sunday, July 9 through Thursday, July 13, 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, Sunday, July 9 through Thursday, July 13 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, Sunday, July 9 through Thursday, July 13, to allow crews to place thermoplastic striping, sod, and perform general clean-up. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times.

• I-10/Antioch Road Interchange – The left lane of I-10 westbound will be closed between Mile Markers 55 and 52 from 8 p.m. Thursday, July 13 until 6 a.m. Friday, July 14. The lane closure will allow crews to shift both westbound travel lanes slightly to the south so work may continue to construct the new I-10/Antioch Road interchange (Future Exit 53). The speed limit on this segment of I-10 will remain 60 mph.

Walton County:

• 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, Sunday, July 9 through Thursday, July 13, between 7:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. for paving and striping operations. These closures are required to allow crews to place thermoplastic striping and complete worklist items.

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 331 to Peach Creek – Drivers may experience the following traffic impacts on U.S. 98 between U.S. 331 and Peach Creek:
  • Intermittent eastbound lane closures Sunday, July 9 through Thursday, July 13 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.
  • Intermittent east and westbound turn-lane closures Monday, July 10 through Thursday, July 13 from 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 Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 14 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for paving operations.

• U.S. 331 Routine Maintenance Between Clyde B. Wells Bridge and Chat Holley Road – Drivers will encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Monday, July 10 through Thursday, July 13 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for sidewalk repair.

• Interstate 10 (I-10) Resurfacing from East of U.S.331 to East of County Road 183 Overpass – Drivers will encounter intermittent westbound and eastbound daytime lane closures Monday, July 10 through Thursday, July 13 for paving operations.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.

ARTS+CULTURE

Emerald Coast Theatre Company unveils Season 11 shows and special events

Emerald Coast Theatre Company has unveiled an exciting Season 11 lineup of Professional Shows and Theatre for Young Audiences. The season kicks off with “Million Dollar Quartet” from September 15 to October 1, 2023. ECTC promises a fantastic lineup of performances that will entertain and enrich audiences of all ages.

Here’s a quick rundown of the shows:

• “Million Dollar Quartet” (Sept 15 – Oct 1): Experience the iconic rock ‘n’ roll jam session featuring Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
• “Junie B Jones” (Oct 13 – Oct 22): Join Junie B. on her first day of school as she navigates friendship, glasses, and a kickball tournament.
• “Comedy On The Boulevard” (Oct 14): Laugh out loud with hilarious comedians hosted by Jason Hedden.
• “Me and my Gal – A live Judy Garland and Gene Kelly Musical Tribute” (Oct 26 – 29): Enjoy the music of Judy Garland and Gene Kelly with classic hits like “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Over the Rainbow.”
• “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” (Dec 1 – Dec 9): Witness the heartwarming story that combines two narratives to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
• “A Jingle Jangle Christmas Musical Revue: White Christmas, Holiday Inn, Meet Me in St. Louis” (Dec 16, Dec 19, Dec 21): Delight in live holiday musical selections from beloved Christmas movies and sing along to Christmas carols.
• “A Christmas Carol” (Dec 8 – Dec 22): Get into the holiday spirit with the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the transformative power of Christmas.
• “The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns” (Jan 19 – Jan 24, Feb 28, Feb 29, Mar 1, Mar 2): Travel back to high school graduation and witness the Wonderettes sing hit songs from the ’50s and ’60s.
• “The Play That Goes Wrong” (Jan 26 – Feb 4): Brace yourself for hilarious mishaps in this uproarious murder mystery comedy.
• “I Only Have Eyes For You: Valentine’s Musical Revue” (Feb 13 – Feb 14): Celebrate Valentine’s Day with romantic love songs performed by talented vocalists.
• “Crimes Of The Heart” (Feb 16 – Feb 25): Follow the lives of three sisters in a Southern town as they navigate scandal, humor, and sisterhood.
• “Mother Goose on the Loose!” (Apr 4 – Apr 7): Join the search for Mother Goose in a delightful production for the very young.
• “Mary Poppins” (May 3 – May 12): Experience the enchantment and magic of Mary Poppins in a musical that’s perfect for all ages.

Field trip opportunities are available for select shows. VIP Memberships offer exclusive benefits and early access to tickets. For more information, visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org.

PARKS+REC

Crestview Rotary Club plans to invest $50,000 for more upgrades at Wilson Street Park

In an effort to enhance the recreational opportunities for local children and families, the Crestview Rotary Club has expressed interest in investing an additional $50,000 into the Wilson Street Park. City Manager Tim Bolduc shared this news during a city council meeting on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

• Wilson Street Park, formerly known as the “Pig Park,” underwent a significant transformation last year with the construction of a new splash pad. The project was made possible through a partnership between Okaloosa County, the City of Crestview, and fundraising efforts by the Crestview Rotary Club.

The initial focus of the splash pad was to provide a fun and safe place for children whose families frequent the nearby laundromat. Prior to the park’s establishment, Bolduc said that children often played in the streets. With the addition of the splash pad, they now have an opportunity to enjoy water play activities.

While the splash pad and restroom facilities were successfully completed, progress on other aspects of the park has been limited over the past year and a half. Bolduc expressed his dissatisfaction with the condition of the park’s sod, but said that steps have been taken to improve the park’s appearance by enhancing the color and treating the grass.

As part of the original agreement, the Crestview Rotary Club’s logo is displayed in the form of a ground plaque at the splash pad. However, to secure naming rights, an additional $50,000 investment was required, which would be used to make further upgrades to the park. 

• This investment would bring the club’s total contribution to $80,000, considering their previous donation of $30,000.

According to Bolduc, the city is exploring design options to maintain the park’s unique steampunk theme, seeking distinctive features that would set it apart from traditional playgrounds. A specialty company was identified that could construct a custom-built train, aligning with Crestview’s identity as the “Hub city” and complementing the steampunk aesthetic.

• Additionally, design discussions included the possibility of installing AstroTurf instead of grass and incorporating other playground elements. However, due to limited surface area, it was determined that swings would not be feasible for the park. 

To facilitate the design process, a playground company has offered to provide design work at no cost, as long as the city purchases the equipment from them. The preliminary plan includes the installation of sail shade areas, spinner-type play features, and a central focal point, potentially in the form of a train.

Bolduc expressed enthusiasm about the future of Wilson Street Park and the ongoing partnership with the Crestview Rotary Club. 

The council gave consensus to move forward on the project, and will have an opportunity to review the final designs before moving forward with the upgrades.

Click here to see examples of equipment and design layout.