TRAFFIC

Eastbound lanes closed on Racetrack Road at Denton Boulevard intersection due to construction

The eastbound lanes of Racetrack Road at the Denton Boulevard intersection in Fort Walton Beach will be closed until 12 a.m. Thursday, July 20 to allow crews to install drainage structures and pipe.

• In addition, Denton Boulevard will be closed from Racetrack Road to Bob Sikes Boulevard until 12 a.m. Tuesday, July 25.

According to FDOT, eastbound traffic will be detoured to Bob Sikes Boulevardpast the intersection then returned to Racetrack Road. Local business access will still be available. 

FDOT says that westbound traffic on Racetrack Road will continue to flow as normal.

Drivers are reminded to be alert for construction workers, vehicles, and equipment. The work is weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

This is part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s $9.2 million construction project to enhance the Mar Walt Drive and Denton Boulevard Intersections on Racetrack Road. 

• These improvements, which began June 5, 2023, are aimed at improving traffic flow and safety at these key intersections in Fort Walton Beach, according to FDOT.

For the Denton Boulevard intersection, right-turn lanes will be added in all four directions, as well as adjusting the left-turn lanes to provide better sight distance for motorists turning left from Racetrack Road onto Denton Boulevard. 

The project also includes signal replacements, minor drainage enhancements, and upgrades to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

PUBLIC SAFETY

1-year-old in critical condition after being pulled from swimming pool in Niceville

A thirteen-month-old toddler from Niceville is in critical condition with a “grim prognosis” following a drowning incident at a residence near Niceville on Monday afternoon. 

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputies and other first responders swiftly arrived at a home on Calloway Drive after a 911 call was received around 1:05 p.m. The child, who had been retrieved from a swimming pool, was reportedly found unconscious and not breathing. 

• CPR was immediately administered, managing to establish a weak pulse, according to the report.

The toddler was initially rushed to Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville and later transferred to a hospital in Pensacola for further treatment. The OCSO is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.

PARKS+REC

Okaloosa County creates committee to improve Northwest Florida Fairgrounds

On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to create the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds Advisory Committee that will provide guidance to the Board on the enhancement and refurbishment of the property.

• This is all part of an effort to make needed improvements to the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds.

The County closed on the property from the City of Fort Walton Beach in June 2023, with an intended purpose to preserve the history of the Fairgrounds and improve infrastructure, while exploring future opportunities to benefit residents and visitors in the County. 

“Okaloosa County is excited about the opportunity to enhance and update the Fairgrounds so that it will be a long-lasting asset for our residents and visitors,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “There is no better way to make sure we get this right than to have a community stakeholder advisory committee and I am proud we established that today.”

The seven-person volunteer committee will be made up of five appointees nominated by individual County Commissioners, an appointee nominated by the Northwest Florida Fair Association and an appointee nominated by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.

• Additionally, the County hopes that the Fort Walton Beach City Manager will serve as an ex officio, non-voting member.

Each appointee will be approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The committee will serve in an advisory role that will make recommendations to the Board related to maximizing the existing and future use of the property, as well as any additional modifications or structures that need to be created.

According to the county, establishing an advisory committee is the next step in creating a hallmark venue that is accessible to suit the needs of a variety of clientele and event opportunities.

COMING SOON

Cox expanding ‘ultra-fast’ internet service in Okaloosa, donates $25,000 to STEMM Academy

On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, Cox Communications celebrated the expansion of its footprint in several areas of Okaloosa County. According to Cox, this is all part of the company’s commitment to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to reach underserved and rural communities nationwide.  

• This expansion will allow Cox to provide reliable symmetrical gigabit internet speeds across a fiber-powered network to residents and businesses in the city of Valparaiso and along Highway 90 east of Crestview from Deerland to the Walton County line.  

During the celebration announcement held at the Okaloosa STEMM Academy in Valparaiso, Cox also presented the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation with a gift of $25,000 to support STEMM based technology needs at the school.

Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers expressed his appreciation for Cox Communications’ longstanding partnership, emphasizing the crucial role they play in providing reliable internet service and supporting various educational initiatives.

“To have a successful school district, one of the things you need to have are strong partnerships that work alongside you, that help you grow as a school district.” he said. “Cox Communications is a strong partner for Okaloosa County Schools, and has been with us for countless, countless years.”

In addition to private investments, Cox is also seeking public-private partnerships to help accelerate broadband deployment to unserved and underserved communities.

• Earlier this month, through Florida’s Broadband Infrastructure Program, Cox was awarded funds to further extend service in areas of northwest and central Florida to households without access to reliable broadband.

“Connectivity is at the heart of everything we do, and bringing strong broadband connections to more homes and businesses in Okaloosa County will have a positive ripple effect throughout the community,” said Mark Greatrex, president of Cox Communications. “Cox is dedicated to ensuring digital equity, and it’s very important that every household in the communities we serve has access to a broadband connection, no matter what their income.”

In the last 10 years, the company has invested more than $11 billion in network upgrades to deliver some of the most powerful internet, TV, phone, smart home and mobile services and will continue making multibillion-dollar annual infrastructure investments over the next several years.

“While all Cox customers in the Gulf Coast today can access Gig speeds, we’re committed to giving customers options when it comes to the connection they need,” said David Deliman, Cox Gulf Coast market vice president. “Our customers have counted on our reliable service for nearly 50 years, and through continued investment we remain dedicated to being the internet provider customers can count on for the access they need now and in the future.” 

PARKS+REC

‘Gateway to the Harbor’: Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park now open in Destin

The Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park, a long-awaited project in Destin, was officially opened on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

• The park, located at 206 Harbor Boulevard, had faced significant delays in construction since its inception in January 2021. Originally scheduled for completion in Fall 2021, the project extended over two years, with a revised estimated completion date of mid-April 2022.

However, the City of Destin successfully opened the park as planned. This morning’s ceremony was attended by city officials, community members, and representatives from the Melvin family.

Mayor Bobby Wagner, expressing his excitement about the park, acknowledged the collaborative efforts that made the project possible. He said, “This is just another great initiative that was years in the making, but we’re finally done. We could never have done this without the partnership of the private entities, the City Council, the citizens, and the family members that this is in honor of; this is really what community is about.”

The park is situated just east of Dewey Destin’s Harborside Restaurant and offers various amenities for visitors to enjoy. These include:

• A small playground.
• Harbor and Wildlife Observation Platform with educational signage.
• Harbor Boardwalk.
• Picnic pavilion.
• Terraced walkway from Harbor Boulevard to the harbor boardwalk.
• Drinking fountain and restrooms at the resource center.
• Bike racks near the park entrance at Harbor Boulevard.

City Manager Lance Johnson reflected on the journey to complete the park, and expressed his pleasure at witnessing the opening. 

“Back in 2006, I was told when I was the Parks and Rec Director that we were purchasing a new property to have a new park in Destin, and I was ecstatic,” said Johnson. “I didn’t ever know if we were going to get here. This is one of the best days of my whole tenure with the city of Destin.”

Scott and Royal “Bo” Melvin Jr., sons of Captain Royal Melvin, expressed their gratitude to the community and city officials for their support throughout the project.

“It all goes back to our grandparents, Millard and Sarah Melvin,” said Bo Melvin. “If it wasn’t for them settling on this piece of property right here, five generations of Melvins would not have been able to live here or play here on this property, and to see what has become our father and grandparents would be humbled and honored.”

At the end of the ceremony, Mayor Wagner presented the Melvin family with Destin Challenge coins, recognizing their enduring legacy and contribution to the community. 

• He stated, “With over five generations, I believe that very much puts you guys in this category. I really appreciate you guys being a part of it and allowing us to carry on your legacy and the name with a new city park.”

Destin residents and visitors can now enjoy the new Captain Royal Melvin Park, a place that celebrates the heritage and natural beauty of the area, while honoring the Melvin family’s significant contributions throughout generations.

Click here to view pictures of the park