BUSINESS

Court rules in favor of Okaloosa County in Timberview Helicopters case at Destin airport

The Circuit Court of the 1st Judicial Circuit has ruled in favor of Okaloosa County on all claims in a lawsuit filed by Timberview Helicopters, Inc., marking a significant turn in a years-long dispute over helicopter operations at Destin Executive Airport.

• In a final judgment issued on July 29, 2024, Circuit Court Judge William F. Stone granted summary judgment for Okaloosa County, concluding a legal battle that began in 2021 when Timberview Helicopters sued the county after the termination of its operating agreement.

The court’s order, filed on July 26, 2024, stated that the county’s termination of the agreement did not breach its express terms. According to the ruling, Timberview was provided with at least 60 days’ notice of termination, “far in excess of what was required by the agreement,” which stipulated only 15 days’ notice.

“The facts of this case do not in any way implicate the implied warranty of good faith and fair dealing, as the termination of the agreement was pursuant to the clear and unambiguous terms thereof and there was no breach of the express terms of the agreement by the Defendant,” Judge Stone wrote in the order.

This decision overturns a previous ruling by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in February 2023, which had found that the county discriminated against Timberview on economic grounds. 

The dispute originated in August 2021 when Okaloosa County terminated Timberview’s operating agreement, citing concerns over the impact of helicopter operations on safety, tourism, quality of life, and military missions.

• Prior to 2014, Timberview conducted air tours over Okaloosa County beaches and waterfront areas from off-Airport locations. More recently, the company has operated from a private helipad located on Highway 98 near Kelly Plantation Drive.

It’s important to note that Timberview is still allowed to operate from this private helipad, as the County does not have jurisdiction over the airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ruled that Timberview can continue these operations. This recent court case and ruling specifically addressed the dispute over whether the County improperly terminated Timberview’s agreement at Destin Executive Airport in 2021.

The court’s decision states that Timberview Helicopters will not receive any of the relief they sought in their lawsuit. The case has been dismissed, with no further action required from Okaloosa County

Timberview will have 30 days to appeal this ruling.

NEWS

Fort Walton Beach mourns loss of former Mayor Mike Anderson, the city’s tireless ambassador

Former Fort Walton Beach Mayor Mike Anderson, remembered as a tireless advocate for the city, died Tuesday after a brief illness, according to the city. He was 82.

• Anderson served as mayor from 2005 to 2017, capping off a two-decade career in public service that began with his election to the city council in 2001. His tenure was marked by a commitment to community engagement and civic improvement.

City Manager Jeff Peters, who knew Anderson since the early 1980s, reflected on the former mayor’s dedication. “Mike Anderson always had the city’s best interest in mind,” Peters said. “He was such an advocate for being out in the community, and he really set the tone from a mayoral standpoint. You would see him at every meeting, event, whether it be on the military bases or at any kind of city function.”

Before entering politics, Anderson had a distinguished military career, retiring as a lieutenant colonel after 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. He then worked in civil service at Eglin Air Force Base until 2005. This background served him well in fostering relationships with local military installations.

Current Mayor Dick Rynearson, who served on the city council during Anderson’s mayorship, praised his predecessor’s legacy. 

• “He was a fantastic ambassador for the city. He never met a stranger and he just represented us [the city] extremely well,” Rynearson said. “Even after he was mayor, he came to multiple council meetings and would give us his thoughts or his input on budget matters. He continued to care deeply for the city, even after he was no longer an elected official.”

Anderson’s involvement in the community extended beyond his official duties. He coached city league soccer and was instrumental in securing Fort Walton Beach’s designation as a Tree City USA in the early 2000s.

Ted Corcoran, CEO of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Anderson’s unique contributions. “Mike Anderson was the only elected official that has ever served on our Chamber Board of Directors,” Corcoran said. “He was able to bring together the government side of our city and the business side of our city.”

Corcoran also noted Anderson’s participation in local traditions. “Prior to Mike Anderson, there was no communication with Captain Billy Bowlegs before the krewe stormed The Landing,” Corcoran said, referring to the annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival. “Through the years, Mike became a pretty good actor because every single Captain Billy had a different skit, a different premise of what they were using to take over the city.”

Former City Manager Michael Beedie emphasized Anderson’s impact on Fort Walton Beach’s reputation. 

• “Through his leadership as Mayor, the City of Fort Walton Beach became widely known throughout the State of Florida,” Beedie said. “Fort Walton Beach became a driving force in Tallahassee through Mike’s constant advocacy. He also built a close relationship with our military partners and made sure the City was involved in everything.”

Anderson’s legacy includes his role in initiating many of the city’s recent projects. “A lot of the great projects completed and ongoing over the last 10-15 years were started under his leadership,” Beedie noted. “He always aimed to keep the millage rate as low as possible but also wanted the City to be the best in the state.”

Even after leaving office, Anderson remained engaged in city affairs, frequently attending council meetings to offer input on budget matters. His dedication to Fort Walton Beach spanned nearly four decades, from his arrival in 1979 with his wife Linda to his continued involvement in recent years.

The city also mourns the loss of Carole Jones, a longtime city employee who passed away Wednesday. Jones worked for nearly 28 years in various city departments before retiring in 2022.

• “Carole made sure that things were done correctly, and she had a heart of gold,” said Human Resources Director Tarey Franxman. “She was diligent, she was professional, and she genuinely cared about the city.”

To honor the memory of both Anderson and Jones, the city plans to plant trees in one of its parks, commemorating their shared commitment to Fort Walton Beach’s urban forest.

GIVING BACK

FPL completes energy makeover for Fort Walton Beach homeless shelter

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) celebrated the completion of energy efficiency upgrades at One Hopeful Place, a homeless shelter in Fort Walton Beach, on Wednesday. 

• The event, held at the shelter’s 1564 N. Beal Extension location, showcased the improvements made through FPL’s Nonprofit Energy Makeover program.

The upgrades, which included replacing nearly 70 fluorescent lights with LED fixtures throughout the facility, aim to lower the shelter’s energy usage and reduce its electricity costs. These improvements will allow One Hopeful Place to redirect more funds toward its mission of supporting homeless individuals seeking self-sufficiency.

J.T. Young, vice president and general manager of the FPL Northwest region, emphasized the company’s commitment to community support. “At FPL, we are honored to support partners like One Hopeful Place who do so much for our community,” Young said. “Helping One Hopeful Place lower its energy usage also helps them lower their energy costs, allowing them to do even more to support our community and those seeking a brighter future.”

• Young also highlighted FPL’s broader community engagement efforts. “We really believe that it’s important that as we serve these communities, we make them better places for folks to live, raise a family, and really thrive,” he added.

Ted Corcoran, One Hopeful Place board president and president of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, provided historical context for the shelter’s establishment. “In 2007, the business community of Okaloosa County determined we had a need to take care of those who were down on their luck,” Corcoran explained. “It took us 10 years to establish this facility, and in 2017 the Chamber of Commerce took over the running of what became One Hopeful Place.”

Corcoran expressed gratitude for FPL’s long-standing support. “The one constant we’ve had in the 17 years that I’ve been doing this is Bernard Johnson and FPL,” he said. “What this does and what this says to the Chamber, to the business community, and the participants that are here, is that FPL cares.”

During the event, FPL surprised One Hopeful Place with an additional $1,500 donation to support their mission. “This will keep the lights on for many months, my friend,” Corcoran remarked upon receiving the check.

The energy makeover was a collaborative effort, with significant contributions from Cesco Lighting. Kristi Spohn from Cesco Lighting detailed their involvement: “Cesco did the one-for-one audit. We came in and assessed the building, selected the fixtures, came up with a lighting plan, collaborated, figured out which fixtures were going to be needed, and then made full arrangements to be on site.”

• Spohn elaborated on the improvements made: “They had completely outdated fixtures with different color temperatures and different color bulbs everywhere. By replacing everything, we get higher quality recommended lighting levels that ensure a safe environment for the residents. And overall, it just aesthetically looks 100% better.”

The collaboration between FPL, One Hopeful Place, and Cesco Lighting demonstrates a community-wide effort to support local nonprofits. FPL’s Nonprofit Energy Makeover program identifies organizations that could benefit from energy efficiency improvements, evaluates their facilities, and works with them to implement the upgrades.

Bernard Johnson, FPL’s Regional Manager for the Central District, emphasized the sustainable nature of the improvements. “It’s a great opportunity to do something for an organization [like One Hopeful Place] that will help them with their efficiencies and take a little edge off the power bill, and something that would be sustainable,” Johnson said.

FPL encourages customers to explore various programs and tools to manage their energy usage, which can be found at FPL.com/WaysToSave.

EDUCATION

Okaloosa County School District seeks 35 new bus drivers before school starts, offers bonuses

As the new school year approaches, the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) is facing a shortage of bus drivers, with 35 openings across its transportation zones. The district has a fleet of 231 buses that transport over 16,000 students daily, covering three million miles in a single school year.

• OCSD, which currently employs between 150 and 160 drivers, is actively recruiting to fill positions in its south, central, and north zones before classes resume on Aug. 12.

To attract new hires, the district is offering competitive pay and substantial sign-on bonuses. Starting pay for drivers with no experience is $16.57 per hour. New hires possessing a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can receive a total bonus of $2,400, paid in $600 installments at signing and at three, six, and nine months of employment. 

• Those without a CDL can earn a total bonus of $2,000, with $500 paid at signing and at the same intervals.

“Bus drivers are often the first and last school representatives students see each day, and they play a crucial role in shaping a positive start and end to our students’ school experiences,” said Jay McInnis, Transportation Director. “Their dedication and commitment ensure our students arrive safely, on time, and ready to learn. Their impact goes beyond transportation—they are mentors, guardians, and a reliable presence in the lives of our students.”

The school district provides comprehensive training for new drivers, including 44 hours of instruction. This consists of 20 hours in the classroom, 20 hours behind the wheel, and four additional hours with a trainer. For those hired without a CDL, the district covers the cost of obtaining the license.

Bryan Huffman, a newer driver, shared his experience: “I became a bus driver because I enjoy both working with kids and driving. I enjoy the ability to work driving around the community versus working in an office setting. I also enjoy the flexibility of the schedule versus a 9-5 job.”

The position offers several benefits, including paid medical and dental insurance for single coverage, a health reimbursement account, $25,000 in life insurance, and a vested retirement after eight years.

Leslie Bishop, a veteran driver with 24 years of experience, emphasized the rewarding nature of the job. “I started driving a bus when my children were younger, so I could enjoy summers with my children, go to more events with them, and have the schedule they were on,” Bishop said. “I enjoy driving a bus because I make an impact on children every day by showing them a safe way to school, by loving each and every student that steps on my bus, and by being someone they can talk to about anything.”

Bishop also highlighted the job’s benefits and personal fulfillment. She expressed enjoyment in watching students grow and meeting new families in the community. 

• She emphasized the value of the county-provided insurance, including dental and health care. For her, driving a bus has been life-changing, allowing her to make a positive impact on students daily while also being able to spend time with her children and grandchildren during school breaks.

Both drivers highlighted the job’s family-friendly schedule, which aligns with school holidays and summer breaks.

Those interested in applying can visit the district’s employment website at https://okaloosa.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/jobs/#!Jobs and select one of the “Transportation” options under the School/Facility option.

“Bus drivers are the unsung heroes of our school district, ensuring that our kids start and end their days safely,” said Grant Meyer, Director 1 of School Operations. “Their dedication and care provide a strong foundation for our students’ success.”

As the district works to fill these crucial positions, officials hope these incentives and the opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives will attract new drivers to join their transportation team before the school year begins.

BUSINESS

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital launches residency program with 12 new doctors

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital marked a significant milestone in medical education with its inaugural white coat ceremony for 12 residents in its new Graduate Medical Education (GME) program on July 30, 2024.

• The event celebrated the hospital’s first class of internal medicine residents, symbolizing their transition into the next phase of their medical careers. The ceremony brought together hospital board members, parents of the residents, staff, and physicians involved in teaching.

Dr. Amanda Finley, program director, emphasized the importance of the program for the community. “When you teach physicians locally, there’s studies and data that show that you’re investing into the community,” Finley said. “Physicians will come back to practice here because you train them here. You develop your community of physicians, your support system, you’re familiar with the way the community works, and its needs.”

The three-year internal medicine program aims to address the deficit of primary care providers in Florida and the greater South. Finley noted that the program is already recruiting for its next class of 12 residents for July 2025.

The white coat ceremony holds special significance in medical education. As Finley explained, “The white coat has a lot of symbolism in establishing the medicine and the progress and the transition.”

Finley explained that medical residents have completed a rigorous educational journey before entering their residency programs. This path typically includes earning a college degree, often in biology or chemistry, completing prerequisites, passing medical school entrance exams, and then completing four years of medical school. 

• Upon graduation from medical school, these doctors choose their specialty for residency training. In the case of these 12, they have chosen internal medicine.

Two of the new residents, Dr. Kheri-Ann Henry and Dr. Jessica Rambharose, expressed their enthusiasm for the program. Henry, originally from Miami with family roots in Jamaica, completed her medical degree at Windsor University in St. Kitts. 

• “It’s amazing. It’s more than I could ask for just being here, being so welcomed and supported by everyone,” Henry said. “It’s just been a dream come true. I would have never thought to pick a residency so perfectly suited for me than this one.”

Rambharose, whose family emigrated from Trinidad and Tobago to Boston in 1989, studied at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and completed her medical degree at Trinity School of Medicine in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “Not only did I get paired with the best opportunity, I feel that HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and Dr. Finley called me to this program because she saw everything that I have to offer and my passion for patient care,” she said.

Both residents emphasized their eagerness to grow and learn. “Growing each and every single day and just becoming the best physician that I possibly can be,” Henry said about her expectations. Rambharose echoed this sentiment, adding her interest in “opportunity to work with the attendings, obtain research opportunities, gain my knowledge and skill set, and get to further my application for fellowship.”

The GME program is part of a larger educational initiative at the hospital. In April 2024, the hospital partnered with the Okaloosa County School District to open the Health Academy of Northwest Florida, the first high school health academy housed on an HCA Healthcare hospital campus in the country. 

• This academy provides high school students interested in healthcare careers the opportunity to earn industry certifications and gain skills needed to enter the workforce or continue their post-graduate studies.

Finley highlighted the program’s potential impact on the hospital’s ability to attract and retain medical talent. “Just within our hospitalist ward service staff, we have people who want to come and work here just so they can be involved in teaching,” she said. “It definitely reshapes the culture of a facility.”

The program’s development is part of a larger initiative by HCA Healthcare. “HCA is very minded on looking forward to the future needs. Where is healthcare headed and how can we help fill those needs in the future state?” Finley explained. She noted that HCA has been building graduate medical education programs for about the last 10 years and is now the largest sponsoring institution for training physicians in the country, with over 5,000 residents nationwide.

Finley emphasized the unique aspects of the program, including the high quality of subspecialists in internal medicine and the level of surgical cases residents will be involved in. 

“Our ability to connect with specialists in rheumatology anywhere in the consortium of HCA or UCF,…it’s really a hybrid to the best opportunity for our learners,” she said.

• The program also focuses on producing well-rounded physicians. “You need to be a physician that can practice in a rural area and have all the skill sets in the toolbox, and not just someone who can only practice in a large building that has all the tools,” Finley stressed.

As the hospital celebrated its 50th anniversary a few weeks prior to the white coat ceremony, Finley reflected on the significance of launching the GME program. “Setting the foundation, setting the tone for education in the facility is something that’s going to carry for years to come,” she said.

The program’s success will be measured by the residents’ achievements, fellowships, and the practices they open, Finley added, emphasizing the program’s potential to change lives and impact patient care in the community. “You may have saved a life today,” she said while looking across the table at Henry and Rambharose. “To think about the impact that each one of them will make is huge. It’s immense.” 

As the new residents don their white coats and begin their journey at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of a community looking forward to a brighter, healthier future.