TRAFFIC

State Road 285 to close for test mission on August 15-16

The 96th Test Wing is scheduled to conduct testing on the Eglin range complex on August 15 and 16, requiring the closure of State Road 285.  

• The road will be closed during a window between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.

The road will not be closed for more than a 90-minute period. Note, the road may be closed for several periods within the time frame.  

In the event testing is cancelled, back-up missions are scheduled for August 17 and 18 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

POLICE BLOTTER

Okaloosa Deputies investigate stabbing at Destin’s Seaglass Apartments

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an aggravated battery involving a stabbing that took place at the Seaglass Apartments on Commons Drive in Destin the evening of August 12th. 

• Two cousins reportedly got into a physical disturbance at the pool, with one striking the other in the face. The second individual then went back to their apartment and armed himself with two knives. 

A short time later, the OCSO reports that multiple 911 calls came in regarding a bloody male walking around the complex carrying a knife. Deputies responded and found both men with multiple injuries, covered in blood. 

Both were taken to the Fort Walton Beach-Destin Hospital. One was treated and released and the other was admitted. 

An OCSO K9 Unit found both knives during a search of the area, according to the OCSO. The investigation is ongoing. 

MILITARY

Hurlburt Field to perform planned detonations on EOD range on August 16

The 1^st Special Operations Wing’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team will be conducting explosive demolition training between 8am and 1pm on August 16 at the Hurlburt Field Range.

• During the training, nearby residents may hear loud noise or feel the vibrations associated with the demolition charge detonations that are planned to occur periodically throughout the day.

Base officials advise if the humidity is high or if there is cloud coverage, the effects can seem louder and closer than on clear days.

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SPORTS

Vikings Volleyball Team embarks on a new journey with Coach Melanie Marchena at the helm

New Fort Walton Beach High School Head Volleyball Coach Melanie Marchena is looking to turn around the struggling program as she enters her first season at the helm. 

In an interview on August 7, 2023, Coach Melanie Marchena discussed the Fort Walton Beach Girls Volleyball team’s preparations over the summer and her outlook for the upcoming season now that it has started. 

The Vikings are coming off a disappointing 5-21 season last year. However, Coach Marchena, a recent college graduate who played volleyball at Anderson University, is aiming to reshape the culture and mindset of the team. 

• “The girls understand it comes with sacrifice and commitment to be a great team,” said Coach Marchena. “As a former athlete myself, I know how it feels to have a losing season, and we don’t want to have to feel that feeling again.”

Marchena has focused on building trust between herself and the players during summer training, many of whom are returning from last season. She also brought in Coach Sammy Nimpchaimanatham to run a clinic and boost the girls’ confidence. According to Marchena, the team has been working on discipline, recovery after mistakes, and learning to play at a fast pace. 

“It’s been neat to watch as they get physically stronger, and also mentally tougher,” she explained. “Volleyball is a game of mistakes. Someone is going to make a mistake, but it’s how we recover, and how we move on from those mistakes that we’ve really been focusing on.”

Aside from a new transfer this year, the Varsity team is all returning athletes. Four seniors and no freshmen. As for who to watch already this year, Coach Marchena pointed to sophomore Aubree Davis. 

• “She’s an amazing leader, with great character, but also on the court, she’s always looking for ways to improve. She’s very coachable and plays hard, works hard, and is a great teammate,” Marchena said. “I’m definitely excited to watch her continue to grow and fall into that leadership role.”

With a squad of experienced upperclassmen eager to improve, Coach Marchena is setting the bar high for the Vikings this fall. As a former athlete at Rocky Bayou Christian School in Niceville and at the collegiate level, she relates to exactly what the team has been going through this summer.

“I know how it feels to have a losing season, and we don’t want to have that feeling again,” she said. “In practice is when we’ll go hard and fix the things we need to. But once it comes to game time, it’s time for them to perform and for me to advocate for them to perform the best way they can.

As their first game approaches on August 21 against Pensacola Christian, Marchena is looking forward to rebranding the volleyball program.

• “Not a lot of people at my age get to head up a program, especially a sport that you’re passionate about,” she said. “I want to make people actually think twice when they see the Vikings on their schedule and not just as an easy win.”

The Vikings’ first game of the season is an away game on August 21 against Pensacola Christian in Pensacola.

TRAFFIC

Okaloosa and Walton Counties 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:                                  

• Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may experience traffic disruptions Sunday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 17, 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. 
  • Perry Avenue southbound lane closures between First Street and U.S. 98. 
  • Intermittent shoulder closures on Brooks Street, between Perry Avenue and Florida Blanca Place, and on Business Access Road.
  • Santa Rosa Boulevard east and westbound alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.

• U.S. 98 Bridge Rehabilitation over East Pass Bridge – Drivers may encounter intermittent single-lane closures on the U.S. 98 over East Pass (Marler) Bridge, eastbound structure (Fort Walton Beach to Destin) Sunday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 17, 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 U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures from Josie Road to Mary Esther Boulevard, Sunday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 17, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for roadway reconstruction.

• State Road (S.R.) 285 Resurfacing from S.R. 20 to S.R. 293 – Drivers may encounter intermittent, outside lane closures on southbound S.R. 285, from East College Boulevard to Adams Street, Sunday, Aug. 13 through Saturday, Aug. 19, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., for sidewalk work.

• S.R. 85 Improvements from S.R. 123 to Hospital Drive- Drivers will encounter intermittent, temporary outside lane closures on S.R. 85 southbound near Crestview Commons, Sunday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 17, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. These closures are required for paving the new S.R. 85 southbound right-turn lane to access Crestview Commons. Signage and traffic flaggers will be on-site to direct traffic through the work zone.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 331 to Peach Creek – Drivers may experience the following traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Aug. 13:
  • Nighttime intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, Sunday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 17, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.
  • Daytime intermittent turn lane and shoulder closures, Monday, Aug. 14 through Friday, Aug. 18, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for crews to place sod.

• U.S. 331 Routine Maintenance Between Clyde B. Wells Bridge and Chat Holley Road – Drivers will encounter intermittent southbound lane closures Monday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 17 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for sidewalk repair.

• Interstate 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, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 17 for paving operations.

THINGS TO DO

Community pep-rally to kick-off school year featuring 5 Okaloosa High Schools

On Saturday, August 19, 2023, HarborWalk Village is hosting another community pep-rally in celebration of the 2023-2024 school year and to kick-off football season. 

• The second annual Hype on the Harbor will take place on the main stage in HarborWalk Village beginning at 5:00 PM. 
• The pep rally is free and open to the public.

Schools in attendance for the event include:

• Destin High School
• Niceville High School
• Crestview High School
• Fort Walton Beach High School
• Choctawhatchee High School

New this year, each school will compete in a Spirit Stick Competition throughout the event, including a social media competition, canned food drive, spirit games, mascot performances, and more. The school with the most hype will bring home a giant spirit stick and double the donation amount for their school.

Attendees at the event will have the opportunity to cheer on the students and individual schools. Local harbor restaurants will be grilling out tailgate style.

“Last year’s Hype on the Harbor was a tremendous success, and I am excited to see our high schools share their school spirit and enthusiasm for the new school year,” stated Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Community engagement is so important to the success of our schools, and we encourage everyone to come out and cheer on their favorite school. Our football players, cheerleaders, dancers, bandmembers, and other students will all be there to hype the Harbor! We are grateful to Harborwalk Village for hosting this fun event, and I can’t wait to see who wins the spirit stick!”