THINGS TO DO

Temple Beth Shalom celebrates 38 Years as Local Synagogue and House of Worship

Temple Beth Shalom, the synagogue and Jewish House of Worship in Greater FWB and Okaloosa County, is set to celebrate a significant milestone this week. On Wednesday, July 19, at 4 PM, the temple will mark its 38th anniversary since its founding in 1985. 

• The event will be held at Temple Beth Shalom, with doors opening at 3:30pm and festivities expected to continue until 5pm or later.

This celebration holds particular significance as it not only commemorates the temple’s longstanding presence but also pays tribute to the remaining founding and charter members who played instrumental roles in its establishment. 

Among the esteemed individuals attending the event are:

• Judge Erwin and Jo Fleet
• Dr. Arthur and Linda Lester
• David and Marsha Kaplan
• Mrs. Cheryl Elul, with the late Rafi Elul being remembered.

The idea to organize this celebration came from Gerry Gross, a temple member and leader who is also an ambassador to the FWB Chamber of Commerce. Gross saw an opportunity to honor Temple Beth Shalom’s accomplishments and involve the wider community. 

“Being an ambassador to the Chamber, I thought it’d be a great idea to have Temple Beth Shalom celebrated in a ribbon cutting,” he said. “Normally you would think to celebrate 40 years, but some of our charter members and founding members are getting up in age.”

One particularly notable figure among the founding members is Judge Erwin Fleet, who is 96-years-old. Not only is he a founder of Temple Beth Shalom, but served on the bench for more than 40 years in Okaloosa County, and served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Fort Walton Beach Chamber back in the 1960s. 

• His deep connection to the community is further exemplified by the fact that a street in Shalimar, near the Okaloosa County Administration Building, bears his name.

Prior to establishing Temple Beth Shalom, Jewish children had to attend religious school in Pensacola. For many local families, the addition of Temple Beth Shalom allowed their children to spend time with other Jewish children in their community.

“As a working mom, rather than having to drive them to Pensacola, which was what my husband Bart Fleet had to do, having a local temple made it more convenient for my children to attend weekly religious school,” said Tisha Fleet, daughter-in-law to Judge Fleet. 

The celebration will commence with people gathering at Temple Beth Shalom at around 3:30pm this Wednesday. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 4pm. 

• Following the ceremony, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy food, drinks, and music inside the temple. 

Temple Beth Shalom’s 38th anniversary celebration promises to be a joyous occasion, uniting the community to honor the Temple’s rich history and pay homage to the dedicated individuals who played pivotal roles in its establishment. 

Temple Beth Shalom is located at 227 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach, Fl 32548

TRAFFIC

Temporary work trestles taking shape for Brooks Bridge Construction

Construction crews are currently hard at work constructing temporary work trestles for the new Brooks Bridge. This significant infrastructure project aims to replace the existing bridge over the Santa Rosa Sound and increase capacity to accommodate the growing traffic demands in the area.

According to FDOT, the construction of these temporary work trestles requires a strong foundation, necessitating deep drilling into the ground. Recently, pile driving operations commenced near the base of the bridge in Fort Walton Beach, and the process has been captured in a series of compelling photos.

• In the first image, crews are seen assembling a large auger, which will drill an impressive 10 feet into the soil. This initial step creates a substantial “pilot hole” to provide stability for the pipe pile as it is driven into the ground.

• The second photo showcases the careful placement of a pipe pile into a sturdy steel framework, acting as a template to ensure precise alignment as the piles, measuring 30 inches in diameter and 80 feet tall, are driven into the drilled hole.

• The third image reveals the diligent efforts of the construction crews as they assemble the hammer and carefully position it in the steel lead system. This system is instrumental in maintaining alignment between the pile and the hammer throughout the driving process.

• Finally, the last photo captures the moment when the crane-mounted hammer and lead are placed over the pipe pile. With all preparations in order, the diesel-powered hammer initiates the driving operation, gradually forcing the pipe pile into the ground.

The completion of these temporary trestles will provide crucial access for cranes and heavy equipment required for the forthcoming reconstruction of the Brooks Bridge. Notably, the $171-million project includes the construction of two new parallel bridges, effectively expanding the capacity to six travel lanes from the current four-lane bridge that has served the community since its opening in 1966.

FDOT estimates that the Brooks Bridge replacement project will reach completion by the summer of 2027. Once finished, the new bridge will enhance transportation efficiency and safety, ensuring a smoother and more accessible journey for residents and visitors alike.

JOB BOARD

Fleet, Smith & Freeman is looking for an Estate Planning Paralegal

Fleet, Smith & Freeman is looking for a Florida Registered Paralegal with experiencing handling estate planning matters. The paralegal in this specialty needs to work well with the lawyers in the firm who focus on estate planning matters. Some of the tasks this position includes are:

• Talking with clients
• Examining client’s financial situations
• Preparing drafts of trusts, wills and related documents
• Preparing amendments of wills, trusts and related documents

You will also communicate with clients on the progress of their file and assist with other documents or paperwork. Writing and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to handle estate planning matters. You should also be proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word and have the ability to learn new systems involved with your daily tasks.

This is a full-time job with a salary range between $36,000.00 – $44,000.00 per year. Click here to see full job details and apply.

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 16 through Thursday, July 20, 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 16 through Thursday, July 20, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility relocation work in the following locations:
  • 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 16 through Thursday, July 20, 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 east and westbound travel lanes from Josie Road to Hurlburt Field, Sunday, July 16 through Thursday, July 20, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for shoulder widening construction.

• Interstate 10 (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. Sunday, July 16 until 6 a.m. Monday, July 17. The lane closure will allow crews to shift both I-10 westbound travel lanes 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.

• S.R. 123 Bridge Inspection on Toms Creek and Turkey Creek Bridge – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures north of S.R. 85, Tuesday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine bridge inspection.

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 16 through Thursday, July 20, between 7:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. These closures are required for 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 disruptions the week of Sunday, July 16:
  • Nighttime intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, between U.S. 331 and Peach Creek, Sunday, July 16 through Thursday, July 20, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
  • Daytime intermittent turn lane and shoulder closures Monday, July 17 through Thursday, July 20, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., to construct a new right-turn lane to access Blakely Drew Boulevard and widen existing turn lanes between U.S. 331 and Peach Creek.

• U.S. 331 Routine Maintenance Between Clyde B. Wells Bridge and Chat Holley Road – Drivers will encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Monday, July 17 through Thursday, July 20 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for sidewalk repair.

• 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 17 through Thursday, July 20 for paving operations.

LIFESTYLE

90-year-old Chuck Domanick celebrates birthday with CrossFit workout in Fort Walton Beach

Chuck Domanick celebrated his 90th birthday in style at CrossFit Epically Awesome in Fort Walton Beach on Friday morning. 

• Despite his age, Chuck stays active and attends the “Legends and Learners” class three times a week, which focuses on mobility, balance, and getting back into a fitness routine.

Led by Coach Janet James, the class provides a supportive environment for individuals over 55 who are looking to improve their physical well-being. Chuck, who has been attending the gym for almost 2 years now, has seen remarkable results in terms of his endurance and stamina.

The Friday morning class kicked off with a special birthday surprise for Chuck, who was wearing a “90 years of strength” t-shirt. As they sang “Happy Birthday,” the athletes began their warm-up with burpees, followed by a bit of dancing. Once everyone was ready, they jumped into the day’s workout.

The workout of the day consisted of two four-minute rounds of exercises, including box pushes and kettlebell Farmer’s carries, with a one-minute break in between. This was followed by two additional four-minute rounds of Slam Ball “bowling,” dumbbell deadlifts, dumbbell hang power cleans, and shoulder to overheads.

• After the workout, Chuck’s family arrived at the gym to join in the celebration, which culminated in snacks and cookie cake to mark the milestone.

Chuck spoke about the significance of staying active at 90 years old. He shared, “This gym has become a very important part of my life because I retired…again! It has helped me quite a lot in my physical stamina and endurance. It feels like an extended family, with everyone having the same goals and needs.”

• He further highlighted the Parkinson’s awareness group that meets monthly at the gym. “We have three people who have Parkinson’s who work out with us and we learn and get together once a month for awareness training,” he said.

As for what’s next, Chuck said “I’m gonna keep doing what I’m doing, and I’ll keep getting what I’m getting!” His dedication to fitness and maintaining an active lifestyle is an inspiration to all.

If you’re interested in joining the Legends and Learners class at CrossFit Epically Awesome, it meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 am to 9 am. It’s never too late to start your fitness journey and reap the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Click here to watch Chuck in action.

POLITICS

Group files elections fraud complaint against FWB City Council Member

Residency concerns have emerged surrounding newly elected Fort Walton Beach City Council member, Larry Patrick, following allegations that he may not have been living within the city limits during his campaign. 

The complaint, submitted by former City Councilwoman Amy Jamieson on behalf of the Voices of Fort Walton Beach group, accuses Patrick of falsifying residency documents. 

• The complaint was sent to various state agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Elections Commission.

Leading up to the 2023 Municipal Elections for the City of Fort Walton Beach, questions regarding Larry Patrick’s eligibility as a candidate surfaced. Allegations suggested that Patrick resided in Niceville rather than at his property at 221 Yacht Club Drive within the city limits. Concerns were voiced on social media and in a circulating letter, challenging Patrick’s claim of residence.

The first time it was publicly mentioned was during a Candidate Forum leading up to the election.

• “As I was researching for tonight’s event, I came across a social media post that said, ‘How can Larry Patrick be running for Fort Walton Beach City Council if he doesn’t live in the city?’” said host Mike Minich in March.

In response to the question posed during the forum, Larry Patrick clarified, “I have two homes: one in Fort Walton Beach, which has been my home since 1984. It is my homestead. The Okaloosa Supervisor of Elections office has confirmed that qualifies me as a candidate for city council. The house in Niceville will be sold this year.”

• According to the city’s charter, council members must have resided in the city for at least six months prior to qualifying for an elected office.

Patrick says the house in Niceville was purchased as an investment property and a temporary place to live while he and his wife tore down the house on Yacht Club Drive and built their dream home. However, demolition never occurred and they ultimately decided to renovate the home on Yacht Club. 

Former Mayor Mike Anderson addressed the matter during a June City Council meeting, stating that after much research and discussion with Okaloosa Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux, it turns out that “you don’t have to live in the City of Fort Walton Beach to be on city council.” 

• According to Anderson, “if you have a homesteaded property, and you have had it for a while, and you spend some time at that residence…you can still be on city council.”

However, the complaint submitted by the Voices of Fort Walton Beach group alleged that Patrick had not lived at his Fort Walton Beach property for many years, despite maintaining his homestead exemption on the property. 

According to a “Statement of Fact” included in the complaint, Patrick’s residency was questioned by citizens and fellow candidates, but their efforts to rectify the situation with Okaloosa Supervisor of Elections did not yield any action due to a lack of conclusive evidence.

“The group that worked on this election complaint is Voices of Fort Walton Beach,” disclosed Amy Jamieson, who filed the complaint. “Some of us tried even before election day because we knew Larry was not a resident and went to Okaloosa Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux. Unfortunately, Paul said he had no proof and there was nothing that he could do.”

The Voices of Fort Walton Beach group hired a private investigator to gather evidence and substantiate their claims. However, Patrick maintains that he meets the legal requirements for both the homestead exemption and the election rules, and that this is “all political.”

Click here to read the full story including the complaint package.