EDUCATION

Okaloosa Superintendent looks ahead to new school year with optimism, excitement

Join us as we celebrate Education Month, sponsored by Youth Village Inc. We will explore local school district updates, back-to-school preparations, and innovative educational initiatives. Discover how our community is shaping the future of learning.

As the countdown to the new school year begins, Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers is brimming with enthusiasm for what lies ahead.

• With students and teachers set to return to classrooms on Aug. 12, Chambers recently sat down to discuss the district’s preparations, achievements, and vision for the 2024-25 academic year.

The excitement in Chambers’ voice is palpable as he reflects on the summer’s slate of activity. “The school district is not the same when teachers and students aren’t here,” Chambers said. “But there’s so much that happens and there’s so much planning that takes place.”

That planning has been extensive and multifaceted. Principals and teachers have been hard at work throughout the summer, fine-tuning their school performance plans and strategizing ways to build upon their existing successes. “It’s about how we get even better academically for our students,” Chambers explained.

• But academics are just one piece of the puzzle. As the new school year approaches, there’s a distinct sense of anticipation for the return of athletics, music, arts, and the overall school atmosphere that makes the district thrive across Okaloosa.

Leadership and Continuous Improvement

The district held its annual leadership summit at the end of June, a gathering that Chambers sees as crucial for setting the tone for the upcoming year. This year’s summit focused on adapting to the changing landscape of public education and fostering a mindset of excellence among administrators.

“Public education has changed. And with that, there’s new demands and there’s higher expectations,” Chambers noted. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of these challenges. “We talk a lot about ‘how do you do hard even better‘. It’s a mindset of excellence and persevering each day.”

Building for the Future

One of the most tangible signs of progress in the district is the ongoing construction and renovation projects, made possible by the half-cent sales tax approved by voters. Chambers couldn’t hide his pride when discussing the transformative impact these funds have had on the district’s facilities.

• “Before the half-cent sales tax, we had about three to four task orders. Now we’re over 40,” Chambers said, explaining that each task order might comprise several projects. These improvements range from classroom additions and cafeteria expansions to roof replacements and air conditioning upgrades.

Among the most significant projects is the upcoming construction of a new K-8 school in Crestview, set to open in August 2026. This strategic addition is designed not only to provide a new facility but also to alleviate capacity issues at existing schools in the area.

Academic Excellence Continues

The district’s focus on facilities hasn’t come at the expense of academic achievement. Okaloosa County Schools recently celebrated its ninth consecutive year of earning an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education.

• This consistent high performance is a source of immense pride for Chambers, something he says is a testament to the hard work of students, teachers, and staff.

“We have amazing students and behind amazing students, we have what I believe are the most fantastic teaching staff there is,” Chambers said. He noted that today’s educational standards are more rigorous than ever, with material once taught in high school now being introduced in middle school, and middle school content shifting to elementary grades.

Looking Ahead

As the new school year approaches, Chambers acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in managing the numerous ongoing construction and renovation projects. Despite these challenges, Chambers sees immense opportunities for the district to make a positive impact on students’ lives.

• “We’re going to have approximately 32,000 students who are going to enter the schools here in a couple weeks. That’s 32,000 lives that we have the ability to impact,” he said.

Read More: Click here to learn about exciting new programs and initiatives in Okaloosa County Schools

In the full interview, Superintendent Chambers delves deeper into several developments for the upcoming school year, including:

• The expansion of Career and Technical Education programs.
• The introduction of eSports at all high schools.
• Enhanced mental health support services.
• Long-term plans for district growth and new facilities.
• Strategies for continuous academic improvement.
• Words of encouragement for students, parents, and teachers.

Click the link to read the full story and learn how the district is preparing for another year of growth, learning, and achievement.

TRAVEL

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport to add 622 parking spaces in $3.5M expansion

The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners approved a $3.5 million contract Tuesday to expand parking at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, aiming to accommodate growing passenger numbers and ease congestion during peak travel periods.

• The board awarded the construction contract to Gum Creek Farms, Inc. for $3,545,582.25 to build a new east side parking lot. 

The project will add 622 parking spots for airport employees and commuters, freeing up 540 spaces in the current employee parking area for public use.

“All in all, it plays well into the overall flow specifically for the passenger,” said Tracy Stage, Airports Director, during the board meeting. “But for the employees, we’re providing shuttle transportation, golf cart transportation. There’ll be covered walkways and lighted walkways back to the terminal.”

The expansion comes in response to the airport’s continued growth and increased demand for parking, especially during holiday periods. The project aims to be substantially completed within 150 days, with officials hoping to relocate employees to the new lot before Thanksgiving 2024.

In addition to the new parking spaces, the project includes:

• Approximately one acre of paved staging area for transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft.
• Lot lighting and security cameras.
• A shuttle stop shelter for up to 20 employees.
• A lighted walkway path to the main terminal.
• A multi-use restroom for transportation network companies and rental car employee use.
• Additional paved vehicle storage for rental car agencies.
• Required stormwater pond modifications.

The project will be funded through a 50-50 split between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and local match funds, which have been previously budgeted using airport funds.

Stage noted that the winning bid from Gum Creek Farms was about 4.5% lower than the next closest bid and within one percentage point of the engineer’s estimate.

A MESSAGE FROM PEADEN

Peaden shares tips on how to keep drain lines clean and avoid HVAC breakdowns in Summer heat

As temperatures soar in Florida during the summer months, homeowners often face common and avoidable breakdowns in their HVAC systems, with drain clogs topping the list.

• To shed light on the issue, we spoke with HVAC experts at Peaden in Fort Walton Beach to understand the best ways to keep those drain lines flowing smoothly.

“With hot days here in Florida and into the night, your HVAC system is just running all day long with water constantly flowing through there,” Peaden’s experts explain. “The best way for upkeep is pouring white vinegar down the drain line once per month. That’s the standard.”

They explained that the heat and humidity in Florida make it easy for algae and mold to thrive in the drain lines, leading to clogs and potential system breakdowns.

To keep the drain lines in good shape, Peaden’s HVAC professionals advise homeowners to make it a habit to pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain line every time they change the filter. This simple routine maintenance can go a long way in preventing clogs and maintaining a smoothly operating HVAC system.

Additionally, keeping the filters clean is crucial. The dirtier the filter, the dirtier the evaporator coil becomes, which can contribute to clogging issues in the drain lines. They emphasize that households with more occupants or pets might need to change their filters more frequently to prevent excess debris from entering the drain.

• For those who prefer leaving the maintenance to the professionals, Peaden offers a maintenance program that includes clearing the drain lines.

At Peaden, they utilize pressurized nitrogen to shoot out any obstructions in the drain lines during their maintenance visits. It’s recommended to have this deep cleaning done at least once or twice a year, coupled with the homeowner’s monthly white vinegar routine.

In certain cases, where the HVAC unit is located in hard-to-reach places like the attic, Peaden’s experts suggest installing UV lights that shine on the coil continuously. These lights help to keep the coil clean and indirectly aid in maintaining a clear drain line.

For those homeowners facing persistent drain line issues, another effective solution is installing a condensate pump.

• “The pump fills up and forces water out through a condensate tube, alleviating drain line problems,” Peaden’s HVAC specialists explain. “Although regular maintenance is still necessary, this solution reduces the need for monthly worries about clogs.”

For more information on HVAC services from Peaden, and how their maintenance program can provide you with peace of mind, visit their website today.

MILITARY

USO to host Commanders Cup gaming tournament at Eglin Air Force Base

The USO is set to host its annual Commanders Cup gaming tournament, bringing together teams from all six U.S. military branches for a competitive Rocket League showdown.

• The event, scheduled for August 10-11, 2024, will take place at the USO Gaming Center on Eglin Air Force Base. Gaming teams from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force will vie for the prestigious Commanders Cup title.

Tournament play begins on August 10 at 2:00 p.m. EDT and continues on August 11 at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Fans can catch the action live on the USO’s Twitch channel.

Barry Morris, Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist for the USO in the Southeast U.S., emphasized the event’s significance beyond mere competition.

“The Commanders Cup stands out not only for its competitive nature but also for fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and a sense of community among service members,” Morris said. “USO Gaming offers a valuable respite from the stresses of military life, promoting mental health and operational readiness through the power of gaming.”

The tournament is part of the broader USO Gaming Program, which aims to support service members’ well-being through recreational activities.

• “The USO Gaming Program and events like the Commander’s Cup Gaming Tournament play an essential role in supporting the well-being of our military service members,” Morris added. “By providing a space for relaxation, socialization, and friendly competition, the program helps boost morale and fosters a sense of belonging among service members.”

The Commanders Cup tournament will be held at the USO Gaming Center, located at 404 Wicker Rd, Eglin AFB, FL 32542. USO Global Gaming Program staff will be on hand to facilitate the event.

PUBLIC SAFETY

4 teens survive late-night crash involving low-speed vehicle on Highway 98 in Walton County

Four teens visiting from Missouri survived a collision between a low-speed vehicle (LSV) and a car on Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach late Tuesday night, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

• The crash occurred just before midnight in an area locals call “the stretch” between County Highway 395 and Inlet Beach.

The four occupants of the LSV, all under 16 years old, were heading to Walmart near Dune Lakes Elementary when their vehicle, which had no headlights on, was struck by a car traveling east on Highway 98.

Deputy Benjamin Jacobs, who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, expressed disbelief at the outcome. “I don’t know how everyone lived,” he said. “How did these kids survive with just bumps and bruises?”

Three of the juveniles were treated on scene by South Walton Fire District, while parents took the fourth to the emergency room for a possible sprained ankle.

• The driver of the car, described as a gentleman from Texas, reportedly couldn’t see the LSV crossing his path due to the darkness. The speed limit in the area is 65 mph.

The incident highlights an ongoing safety concern for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. “Low-Speed Vehicles driving on Highway 98 is something, unfortunately, that is familiar to our agency. It’s dangerous. It’s illegal. LSVs are not golf carts,” the sheriff’s office stated.

In response to the persistent issue, the sheriff’s office has implemented several measures, including proactive stops of LSVs, creating informational stickers for rental businesses and property management companies, holding yearly meetings, and developing a website addressing rules of the road.

• “We are fortunate that in this crash no one lost their lives,” the sheriff’s office said. “But, eventually, that luck will run out if something doesn’t change.”

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents, workers, and visitors to help spread awareness about LSV laws and safety. They encourage the public to visit waltonso.org/lsv for more information on LSV regulations in the area.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.