TRAFFIC

Nighttime lane closure planned for Interstate 10 Westbound in Crestview

The left lane of Interstate 10 (I-10) westbound will be closed between Mile Markers 55 and 52 from 8 p.m. Sunday, July 16 until 6 a.m. Monday, July 17.

• 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). 

Law enforcement personnel and directional signage will be positioned to safely assist drivers through the work zone, according to FDOT. The speed limit on this section of I-10 will continue at 60 mph.

The $73 million I-10/Antioch Road construction project is adding a new I-10 interchange approximately 2.6 miles west of State Road (S.R.) 85 and east of the County Road (C.R.) 4 overpass (Antioch Road). Also included in the effort is widening P.J. Adams Parkway to four lanes from Crab Apple Avenue to Arena Road.  

The new I-10 interchange will be signed “Exit 53” and provide an alternative route for the heavily-traveled S.R. 85 corridor, says FDOT. In addition to relieving traffic congestion, the new interchange will improve Okaloosa County evacuation and emergency access routes and enhance regional economic development opportunities. 

The interchange construction is tentatively estimated for completion in summer 2026.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation hosting rip current safety class in Destin

With the summer heat blazing, locals and visitors alike flock to the beaches of Destin to beat the heat and enjoy the Gulf waters. However, recent headlines have been dominated by drownings and water rescues, making it crucial for beachgoers to prioritize safety.

• In an effort to save lives and educate the public, the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation (ECFF) and Destin Beach Safety have joined forces to offer a series of beach safety sessions, starting with a rip current safety briefing.

This Saturday, July 15, locals and vacationers are invited to attend a free Beach Briefing session at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center from 1-2 p.m. Not only will attendees receive valuable information about current beach conditions, but they will also gain crucial knowledge about handling rip currents.

What sets this Beach Briefing apart is the inclusion of an innovative rip current simulator. Thanks to a grant from Florida Power & Light, the ECFF was able to procure two portable simulators for safety presentations, with an additional two units earmarked for the Emerald Coast Science Center.

• These simulators offer a unique opportunity for participants to experience the intensity of being caught in a rip current without actually being at risk.
• By seeing and feeling firsthand what it’s like, attendees can better understand how to navigate these dangerous situations.

The session will not only be educational but also rewarding. Each participant will receive a free pass for Family Swim at the Taj, which can be used if beach conditions prevent them from safely entering the Gulf.

The Beach Briefing session will mark the beginning of ECFF’s efforts to promote water safety in the area. According to the National Weather Service, dangerous rip currents and high surf have claimed the lives of 57 swimmers at beaches in 2023.

• Many of the deaths were in the Gulf of Mexico, including 15 along the Florida Panhandle, according to ECFF.

Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor enjoying the scenic beauty of Destin, taking part in this informative session could mean the difference between a fun-filled day at the beach and a potential water-related incident.

The Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center is located at 4345 Commons Dr W Destin, FL 32541.

TRAFFIC

Utility relocation work continues for the $171 million Brooks Bridge replacement project

Crews have cleared the Business Access Road near the Brooks Bridge Marina on Okaloosa Island and are relocating waterlines to make space for crews to construct the new westbound Brooks Bridge structure.

The Business Access Road, located beneath Brooks Bridge on Okaloosa Island, was temporarily closed beginning on Monday, April 24. The road will be closed for the duration of the project between the Adventure Marina and the Brooks Bridge Marina. 

According to FDOT, the road will reopen upon completion of the new Brooks Bridge. Detour signage is in place to help direct drivers.

• U.S. 98 eastbound drivers will be detoured for access to the Brooks Bridge Marina and Alvin’s Island, located on the Business Access Road (north side of U.S. 98).
• These drivers will continue through the Santa Rosa Boulevard intersection, turn left onto the Convention Center Access Road (located to the west of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center), proceed to the roundabout to exit onto Santa Rosa Boulevard, then to the Business Access Road.

The $171-million Brooks Bridge replacement project includes constructing two new, parallel bridges that will increase capacity to six travel lanes from the current four-lane bridge that opened in 1966. Preliminary construction activities are now underway with project completion estimated for mid-2027.

NEWS

Fort Walton Beach man found deceased on anchored vessel, investigation underway

On July 12, 2023, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department was called to assist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Commission (FWC) for a male on a vessel anchored behind Mariner Plaza, 202 Eglin Pkwy NE, that had an active warrant for his arrest.

• FWC located a male, later identified as 43-year-old Andrew Hollister, deceased on board the vessel.

There are no signs of foul play, according to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. The FWBPD has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation.

BUSINESS

Okaloosa County lands new Manufacturing Facility, 350 new high-wage jobs

In a major economic development win for Okaloosa County, leading transformer manufacturer Central Moloney, Inc. (CMI) announced Thursday that they have selected the county for construction of a new $50 million manufacturing facility. 

• The 302,000 square foot facility will be located in the Shoal River Ranch business park in Crestview and is expected to create 350 new high-wage jobs as production scales up, according to CMI and local officials.

“We couldn’t be happier with Central Moloney’s decision to construct their new transformer manufacturing facility at Shoal River Ranch and become the property’s first tenant,” said Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Trey Goodwin. “When we started developing Shoal River Ranch, advanced manufacturing was at the top of our list for the site. CMI’s facility really sets the standard for the type of opportunity we hoped to attract.”

Arkansas-based CMI, which produces electrical distribution transformers, has agreed to purchase a 48-acre parcel from the county for the new plant. They also secured an option to buy an additional 10 acres nearby to accommodate future expansion. 

• The total investment is projected at around $50 million.

CMI President/CEO Chris Hart expressed enthusiasm about locating in Okaloosa County. “This announcement is continued proof that no one at CMI has plans to coast,” Hart said. “We will be moving toward our commitment to become the premier manufacturer of electrical distribution transformers in the world.”

• Hart added, “We will now begin the process of bringing power in many forms to the people of Okaloosa County!”

According to Nathan Sparks, Executive Director of the county’s economic development organization One Okaloosa, CMI will be an ideal corporate citizen. 

“From that first initial meeting with Chris Hart and his team – and a subsequent visit to their headquarters in Arkansas – it was obvious that this is a company who values its people and the communities they call home,” Sparks said. “As they have already proven with their initial investment in Bay County last year, CMI is committed to becoming part of the fabric of northwest Florida. We enthusiastically welcome them to Okaloosa County.”

In addition to the 350 direct manufacturing jobs, the project is expected to create another 118 indirect and induced jobs in the region. Jennifer Conoley, President & CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest, said the total economic impact will be over $27 million in new salaries.

• “Adding a second location in Northwest Florida offers numerous advantages for CMI,” Conoley said. “The decision to build here will have an enormous ripple effect on other businesses, workers, and partners.”

CMI said they plan to hold a groundbreaking ceremony in late 2023 or early 2024, with construction expected to take 2-3 years. In coordination with the county, they will also build infrastructure improvements at Shoal River Ranch to support the new factory.