NOW OPEN

Fluent opens new Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Crestview, grand opening July 15

Fluent, a leading medical cannabis dispensary, announced the opening of its 32nd location in Florida and 35th nationwide. FLUENT Crestview is now open for medical cannabis patients in Florida and will host a grand opening event on July 15th. 

• Situated at 2385 S Ferdon Blvd, this new dispensary is the northernmost location in the panhandle and aims to provide convenient access to the residents of Crestview and the surrounding communities. 

Operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., the grand opening event will feature local vendors, food trucks, a live DJ, and physicians on-site to educate the public about cannabis products and Florida’s medical cannabis program. During the grand opening weekend, all products will be discounted by 50%.

“Expanding patient access in Florida is one of FLUENT’s missions, and we’re always looking for ways to make cannabis more convenient for consumers,” said FLUENT Director of Sales Victor Bindi. “Sitting halfway between Pensacola and Destin, we saw an opportunity in the underserved community of Crestview.”

According to Bindi, the company recognized the growth potential in the panhandle region after successfully growing out of South Florida.

“The company started in South Florida and we expanded up the peninsula into central Florida and eventually into Jacksonville,” Bindi explained. “For a long time, the panhandle was basically neglected. About two years ago, leadership felt like there was a lot of opportunity here and we started to grow. We went to Tallahassee, Panama City, Miramar Beach, Mary Esther, then we opened two in Pensacola.”

Bindi says that with each new location, the communities rallied around them. FLUENT is just one of two dispensaries in the Crestview area, and the northernmost dispensary in the Florida panhandle. 

• “As we look to continue expanding patient access in the state, we look forward to offering an easy and enjoyable dispensary experience for patients and being an excellent business and community partner in each of our operating markets,” he said.

The new Crestview dispensary aims to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers with its convenient features, and proximity to the interstate. They accommodate walk-ins, express orders, pick-ups and more. Additionally, the new Crestview dispensary will feature a prototype of FLUENT’s self-serve kiosk to make the shopping experience as quick as ever.

The grand opening of FLUENT Crestview is not only a celebration of the new dispensary but also a way to show appreciation for the community. Bindi highlighted the community’s support already, saying that on the first day it was open, FLUENT Crestview was their third largest store in sales. 

“It has impressed in every way so I’m considering our grand opening to be a gift back,” he said. “We’re going to do 50% off everything in the store on Saturday and Sunday.”

In terms of educational opportunities for those interested in cannabis, but who have not yet obtained their medical cannabis card, Bindi says they have medicinal prescribers who will be on-hand during the grand opening. 

• “They’re going to be there providing free education, information, and guidance to anybody who doesn’t currently have a card,” he explained. “To educate them and to allow them to make a good decision. We want to help anybody who’s interested and we will help you gain the skills, knowledge, and information necessary for you to make the right decision for yourself.”

BUSINESS

Is public Wi-Fi secure? BitWizards shares top tips for data protection on-the-go

In the digital age, where the internet has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, accessing Wi-Fi on the go has become increasingly common. Whether we’re checking emails, scrolling through social media, or getting work done remotely, public Wi-Fi networks have become a go-to solution. 

• But the question remains: Is it safe to use these networks? We spoke with industry experts at BitWizards to shed light on this topic and provide valuable insights.

Jenni Taylor, the MITS Service Manager at BitWizards, says that using public Wi-Fi is absolutely safe as long as certain precautions are taken, especially when dealing with sensitive information. Taylor emphasizes, “We would recommend not to access critical accounts such as bank accounts, credit cards, personal information, or even work information.”

To enhance security while using public Wi-Fi, one of the key precautions Taylor suggests is using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN works by encrypting all of your information and ensuring that everything remains secure while connected to a public Wi-Fi network. By utilizing a VPN, users can add an extra layer of protection to their online activities.

Sam Blowes, Director of IT at BitWizards, further explains the role VPNs play in security while on-the-go.

• “It’s a way of making sure that even though you’re on the public network, you create a small little pocket network within that called a virtual private network,” he said. “What it does is create a secure tunnel from your computer back to wherever the VPN endpoint is on the other end.”

For Bit Wizards’ Managed IT Services clients, they ensure that their clients always have a firewall that has VPN software already built in. That means, if you’re out-and-about, you can always install that VPN software on your laptop, and can connect back to the home base with this VPN tunnel. 

“The tunnel that we’ve created is encrypted,” explained Jason Monroe, Director of Solution Consulting. “The data that’s going from your laptop through the public network, back to either your work or home location, it’s all encrypted to that point. Even if somebody can see you online, see the traffic and ‘grab’ it out of the cloud, it’s going to look like gibberish to them.”

Monroe says that without IT protections in place, you’re also susceptible to ransomware attacks, malware, and viruses when using any public wi-fi. 

While utilizing a VPN adds a significant layer of security, BitWizards stresses the importance of exercising caution and not solely relying on it. Monroe advises to be aware of your surroundings when accessing critical, secure information even while connected to a VPN. He warns, “Just because you’re on a VPN doesn’t mean that there’s someone not right behind you, paying attention to what you’re doing.”

• Additionally, it’s important to be aware that not all public Wi-Fi networks are created equal. Some networks may have weak security measures or could even be operated by malicious actors aiming to steal users’ information. 
• Exercising caution and following best practices is essential to ensure online safety.

While public Wi-Fi networks offer convenience, BitWizards says it’s important to prioritize data protection. By following their advice, such as refraining from accessing critical accounts, utilizing a VPN, and being mindful of network security, you can navigate public Wi-Fi networks more safely. 

• “If you have any questions, please give us a call here at BitWizards,” added Taylor. “We will be happy to help.”

POLITICS

Fort Walton Beach UPS workers hold ‘practice picket’ as potential strike looms

As the August 1 deadline looms for UPS workers’ contract negotiations, local employees in Fort Walton Beach are making preparations for a potential strike. In an effort to demonstrate solidarity and support for their national negotiating committee, dozens of workers held a “practice picket” outside the UPS center on Wednesday morning.

• UPS Teamsters have voted by an overwhelming 97% to authorize a strike.

Lavon Lindsey, treasurer and business manager for Teamsters Local Union 991, explained the purpose of the practice picket, stating, “This is a friendly picket. We’re showing our support and solidarity to our international committee that’s negotiating this contract.” 

• He highlighted the importance of reaching a deal before the existing contract expires on July 31, emphasizing that “nobody wants a strike.”

The negotiations between the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and UPS began back in April. Teamsters is wanting a new five-year agreement that “guarantees higher wages for all workers, more full-time jobs, an end to forced overtime and harassment from management, elimination of a two-tier wage system, and protection from heat and other workplace hazards.”

However, an offer presented by UPS was deemed subpar and subsequently rejected by the union. With the looming possibility of a strike, Lindsey says the “practice picket” serves as a way to exercise their legal right to picket while informing workers of the potential outcomes.

When asked about the implications of a strike, Lindsey acknowledged that there would be significant disruptions to logistics and delivery services. He noted, “There would not be any delivery service unless supervisors or management was doing it.” 

The Teamsters Local Union 991’s hope is that UPS management receives the message of unity and that the parties can reach an agreement before the July 31 deadline. 

• According to NPR, a nationwide walkout by 340,000 UPS workers would be the largest strike against a single employer in U.S. history, and the first strike at UPS since 1997. 

As negotiations continue on a new 5-year contract, workers remain hopeful that a strike can be averted. However, if a new contract deal is not reached by the end of the month, we could see Fort Walton Beach UPS workers participating in the nationwide strike.

THE WEEKENDER

A few things to do around town

July 13, 2023 – Thirsty Thursdays with BT Turner at Rick’s on the Island! – View

July 13, 2023 – Fly Guy Thursday – View

July 14, 2023 – Chemistry Corner: June 2 – September 1 – View

July 14, 2023 – Creature Features: June 1 – September 2 – View

July 14, 2023 – Teachers and School Administrators Soundscape Show – View

July 14, 2023 – Live Music @Twisted Grape: Rick Esguerra – View

July 15, 2023 – Open House and Mural Reveal! at ATN – Free – View

July 15, 2023 – “Somewhere in Time” Art Show Turn-in – $5. – $35 – View

July 16, 2023 – International Award-Winning Magical Variety Show! – Free – View

July 16, 2023 – Scallywag Sunday – free – View

July 17, 2023 – “Somewhere in Time” Art Show Turn-in – $5. – $35 – View

July 17, 2023 – Movie Monday – View

July 18, 2023 – Learn to Talk Dog with Debbie Revell – Free – $15 – View

July 18, 2023 – Live Music @Twisted Grape – View

July 18, 2023 – Boomin Tuesday – View

July 19, 2023 – C.A.R.E.ing for Turtles – $15 – View

July 19, 2023 – Nik Flagstar Wednesdays at Rick’s on the Island! – View

July 19, 2023 – Okaloosa Island Fireworks Shows – Free – View

TRAFFIC

‘BUMP’: New metal plate on the Destin bridge causes traffic delays as bridge work continues

On Wednesday morning, eastbound commuters on Okaloosa Island were met with traffic delays due to a new beveled plate on the Marler (Destin) Bridge. Drivers took to social media to report being stuck in a slow crawl of 15mph or less.

• Rehabilitation work on the bridge began earlier this year that includes intermittent eastbound single-lane closures between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. 

According to FDOT, the traffic associated with the eastbound lanes of the Destin Bridge was due to a car that had pulled to the shoulder of the bridge and was unrelated to the maintenance work being conducted. Law enforcement was on scene to provide assistance.

Officials say the ‘plate’ is there to protect a section of a joint that was repaired. This is actually one of two joints that extends across all four lanes. Workers can only repair one lane at a time so the plate will be in eight different locations over the coming weeks.

As of Wednesday morning, a new “BUMP” sign has been posted on the bridge approach to advise drivers of the abrupt (1.5”) grade change.  Officials say that while the plate is beveled, it might catch drivers by surprise.  

The plate is currently covering the first of eight repairs. The entire project is scheduled for completion this fall.