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Okaloosa County is investigating “abnormal discoloration and odor” in Cinco Bayou, with the source and scope still under review. Deputies arrested a Mary Esther man following an alleged 120 mph chase in Destin, and the City of Fort Walton Beach will resurface Memorial Parkway this week. Liza Jackson Park’s renovation project has been pushed back to mid-September, and Ascension Sacred Heart added a cardiologist to its Miramar Beach heart care team.
PARKS+REC
Liza Jackson Park renovation project pushed back to mid-September
A $3.1 million renovation project at Liza Jackson Park that was originally expected to begin Monday has been rescheduled to start the week of Sept. 14, the city announced. The new timeline puts the project’s start after the Labor Day holiday weekend.
- When the project begins, the west side of the park at 338 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW and its west entrance will be closed entirely to allow the contractor to stage equipment, deliver materials and load construction debris for removal.
The renovation will include a new 832-square-foot restroom building, new parking for vehicles and boat trailers, a redesigned boat launch traffic area, new sidewalks and stormwater improvements. The project is expected to take approximately six months to complete.
Funding for the project will come from the Fort Walton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, the Infrastructure Surtax fund and a $1 million contribution from Okaloosa County through its Tourist Development Tax fund.
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GAMES
WordroW: August 4, 2026
WordroW is brought to you by Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic – keeping your mind sharp and your spine aligned, one game at a time.
Can you guess today’s 5-letter word in six tries?
WordroW is Get The Coast’s daily word puzzle featuring local words, places, and phrases from our community. You have six guesses to find the mystery word – green letters are correct and in the right spot, yellow letters are in the word but wrong position, and gray letters aren’t in the word at all.
BUSINESS
Ascension Sacred Heart adds cardiologist to Miramar Beach heart care team
Dr. Darin Busby has joined Ascension Sacred Heart Cardiology in Miramar Beach, the health system announced.
- He joins a heart care team of four doctors, including a cardiac electrophysiologist and two interventional cardiologists, along with four mid-level providers specializing in cardiology. The health system describes it as the largest heart care team in Walton County.
“12% of adults in Walton County have been told they have heart disease, heart attack or stroke,” said Dr. Claudia Emami, Chief Medical Officer for Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. “Increasing access to cardiology care will help more people manage chronic conditions to reduce their risks and improve their quality of life.”
Busby is board-certified in cardiology. He completed a fellowship in cardiovascular diseases and his residency in internal medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he also earned his medical degree.
He specializes in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine, providing care for patients with heart and vascular conditions as well as general adult medical needs.
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TRAFFIC
City of Fort Walton Beach to resurface Memorial Parkway this week
A contractor working for the City of Fort Walton Beach began resurfacing work on Memorial Parkway this week.
The work covers Memorial Parkway from Hollywood Boulevard north to Beal Parkway. The city said the project is weather-dependent and is expected to last about one to two days.
The city asked that all vehicles and other obstructions be removed from the right-of-way and immediate work area between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., unless otherwise notified.
The City of Fort Walton Beach said it appreciates residents’ patience and apologized for any inconvenience the work may cause.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Deputies arrest Mary Esther man after alleged 120 mph chase in Destin
A 24-year-old Mary Esther man was arrested early Sunday after deputies say he led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit through Destin, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
- Shortly after 1:25 a.m. Sunday, the Sheriff’s Office received reports of a white BMW being driven recklessly eastbound on U.S. Highway 98, the agency said. Witnesses reported the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and crossing over a raised median.
Deputies located the vehicle near Harbor Boulevard and attempted a traffic stop after observing additional reckless driving, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Instead of stopping, the driver accelerated away, allegedly reaching speeds of up to 120 mph in posted 55 mph zones while weaving through traffic, tailgating other vehicles, making aggressive lane changes and forcing multiple drivers to brake suddenly or take evasive action to avoid a crash.
The pursuit continued for approximately 3.7 miles before the driver came to a stop in the median near 1334 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, the agency said. He was taken into custody without further incident.
The driver, Rojai Anthoneil Lawrence, was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer with wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, and reckless driving.
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WEATHER
Today’s weather outlook
TODAY: Sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
TONIGHT: Mostly clear, with a low around 80. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Okaloosa County investigating ‘abnormal discoloration and odor’ in Cinco Bayou
Okaloosa County staff, the City of Fort Walton Beach and the Department of Health launched an immediate on-site investigation Sunday into an abnormal discoloration and odor in Cinco Bayou, also known as Five Mile Bayou, county officials said.
- The investigation began on Aug. 2 in response to reports from residents and focuses on the section of the bayou between Beal Parkway and Eglin Parkway.
Multiple water samples have been collected and are being tested, according to the county. Several agencies are working to rule out various causes until the source of the problem is identified. Officials said they are aware the situation has raised concerns among nearby residents and are working to find solutions.
Okaloosa County Commissioner and Board Chairman Trey Goodwin, who has lived on the bayou his entire life, is focused on addressing the issue, the county said.
“The health and safety of our residents is our primary concern,” Goodwin said. “I encourage residents in the area to exercise caution before swimming, fishing or coming into physical contact with the water in this part of the bayou until we determine what is causing this issue.”
The county said it will provide updates as they become available.
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