EVENT

Cosmic Vibrations Music Festival coming to Niceville for an ‘other-worldly musical experience’

Cosmic Vibrations Music Festival will take place on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Amphitheater in Niceville, FL and promises an “other-worldly musical experience like no other.”

According to the festival producers, the name Cosmic Vibrations pays homage to both “the universe or cosmos, and the characteristic emanation, aura, or spirit that infuses or vitalizes someone or something and that can be instinctively sensed or experienced.”

Cosmic Vibrations Music Festival is bringing an eclectic lineup of Psych-rock, Indie, Freak Folk, Bluegrass, Americana, and Experimental to Northwest Florida.

• “We’re thrilled to introduce something new and totally unique to our area on Halloween weekend from 12pm-11pm,” said Jennifer Briggs, Cosmic Vibrations Music Festival organizer. “Costumes are encouraged but not required.”

The music lineup boasts talent ranging from the West Coast to the East Coast and places in between. 

• Still Corners
• Strange Weather
• Timothy Eerie
• AirPark
• Cat Janice
• John Vanderslice
• Andrew Goldring
• Twain
• JD Pinkus
• Tender Mercy
• Rodney Norman

Briggs says that beyond the larger-than-life musical performances and productions, guests can expect interactive art installations, food and beverages, and “a moment in time to connect with the community that ties us all together.“

Tickets are on sale now at Cosmic Vibrations Music Festival.

TAXES

Fort Walton Beach City Council looks at lowering the millage rate

On August 2, 2022, the Fort Walton Beach City Council held a workshop where the council discussed lowering the millage rate from the proposed 5.3293 to 4.9999 for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

• This will require cutting the General Fund & CRA Fund by $477,000 and $99,000 respectively.

While no formal action was taken at this workshop, the overall consensus was that the council was in favor of the 4.9999 rate as long as strategic priorities previously set by the council were not cut. This includes employee incentives and workforce housing funds.

“When we adopted the Fire Assessment Fee, the goal was not to adopt the fire assessment and add that onto what we already had,” said City Manager Michael Beedie. “It was to basically give us another funding source ($1.1 million yearly) and then start to lower the millage rate so we could offset some of the costs.”

Beedie says that with millage not being a reliable revenue source, it was important 4 years ago to diversify the city’s sources of revenue, much like an investment portfolio.

“We’ve done everything we said we were going to do with the Fire Assessment Fee,” added Beedie. “With economic downturns and what can happen with property values, millage is just not as reliable as a revenue source so we wanted to try to diversify from that.”

Beedie added that this year was supposed to be the year that the Fire Assessment Fee would go the max amount. But because of the other revenue sources (sales tax, gas tax, ad valorem, and TDD funds), the city doesn’t have to raise the fire assessment and can lower the millage rate for the third time in four years without reducing the level of service. 

• “We looked at inflation, but even though costs are up, so are revenues,” explained Beedie. “We saw an almost 12.5% increase in property values year over year. That is the highest number that I’ve ever seen in my 17 plus years here at the city.”

As for the city’s upcoming budget of $57 million, it is increasing by $4 million. Beedie explains that the majority of that $4 million is capital projects that have been in the works for some time such as:

• The Landing Park renovations.
• Brooks Bridge related projects.
• Water meter replacements throughout the city.

“We’re showing an 8% increase in the budget,” he said. “In reality, it’s full of capital projects, TDD funds ($1 million) and grant projects. We’re able to help our employees without raising rates and actually lower the millage for the taxpayer.”

Beedie added that the budget does include a 3% cost of living increaseacross the board. Non-public safety employees will get an additional 2% on their anniversary as a longevity increase to keep pay compression from happening. The city is also working with the Police and Fire Departments to update their pay scales to be more competitive when it comes to hiring and retention. 

TRIM notices did go out to city residents this past week with the 5.3293 millage rate. That is because the notices are sent out in August showing the max amount that city residents will be taxed this year. If the council votes to lower the millage to 4.9999, residents will only pay the amount based on the new set millage.

The FWB Council will set the tentative millage rate on September 7th at 5:30pm, and the set the final millage rate on September 21, 2022 at 5:30pm at City Hall. 

PUBLIC SAFETY

Plant thief busted in Shalimar

Remember the story last week of the plant burglar who kept stealing from the Wildwood Garden Shoppe and Nursery in Shalimar? Well now, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has charged a 37-year old woman with two counts of burglary and one count of grand theft.

Investigators say the woman broke into the Wildwood Garden Shoppe and Nursery on July 10th and again on August 7th, making off with more than $2,183 worth of pots and assorted plants, including the clippings of an expensive exotic large Monstera.

According to the OCSO, she had been captured during the break-ins on video surveillance systems and showcased on Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.

The woman took the items, ranging from ferns and palms to jasmine and hibiscus, from the business to her residence on 5th Street in Shalimar.

TRAFFIC

Okaloosa and Walton County 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:

• State Road (S.R.) 20 (John Sims Parkway) Resurfacing Project – Drivers will encounter the following traffic impacts through Thursday, Aug. 25 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.:
  • Intermittent inside east and westbound lane closures on S.R. 20, from Edge Avenue to west of the Rocky Bayou Bridge, to begin median widening construction activities.
  • Intermittent outside westbound lane closures on S.R. 20, from Edge Avenue to west of the Rocky Bayou Bridge for sidewalk construction activities.
• Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers will experience the following traffic impacts Monday, Aug. 22 through Thursday, Aug. 25 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews perform geotechnical surveys and utility work.
  • U.S. 98 east and westbound alternating and intermittent lane closures between Perry Avenue and Pier Road. 
  • Santa Rosa Boulevard east and westbound alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park. 
  • Intermittent shoulder closures on Brooks Street, between Perry Avenue and Florida Blanca Place, and on Business Access Road.
• S.R. 85 Improvements from S.R. 123 to Hospital Drive- This week, drivers will encounter the following intermittent, temporary southbound lane closures on S.R. 85, between S.R. 123 and Hospital Drive:
  • S.R. 85 southbound lane closures, from S.R. 123 to the Shoal River Bridge, no closures are expected between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. (peak travel times).  
  • S.R. 85 southbound lane closures, between the Shoal River Bridge and Hospital Drive, 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The closures are required for asphalt paving. One travel lane will remain open at all times and access to private property and driveways will be maintained. Signage and traffic flaggers will be on-site to direct traffic through the work zone.

• S.R. 85 Improvements from U.S. 90 to Commerce Drive – Crews will be constructing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps at various locations. This work will require intermittent, temporary lane closures of the S.R. 85 outside turn lanes. During the closures, drivers will be able to access the side streets from the outside travel lane.
• S.R. 85 (Government Avenue) Routine Utility Maintenance Between Wolverine Avenue and Edge Avenue in Niceville – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, Aug. 22 through Thursday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for utility maintenance.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Widening from Emerald Bay Drive to Tang-O-Mar Drive – This week, drivers will encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. These closures are required for asphalt paving, cutting traffic signal detection loops, and additional work list items. One travel lane in each direction will remain open at all times. Additional paving work on County Road 2378 (Scenic Gulf Drive) at U.S. 98 will require flagmen to direct drivers through the work zone.
• U.S. 98 Resurfacing Project from Village Road to east of U.S. 331– Drivers may encounter the following closures: 
  • Intermittent closure of the U.S. 98 westbound outside shoulder and a speed limit reduction to 35 mph for the construction of a new U.S. 98 westbound turn lane at Don Bishop Road. The turn lane construction is expected to continue through September 2022.
  • Intermittent U.S. 98 westbound outside lane closures, between the Publix Supermarket at South Walton and Veterans Road 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. to allow crews to construct a new sidewalk on the north side of the roadway.
• U.S. 331 Routine Utility Maintenance from West Orange Avenue to Burger King – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Tuesday, Aug. 23 through Thursday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree trimming operations.

All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.

BEACHES

Local volunteers needed for ‘International Coastal Cleanup’ in Okaloosa County

Saltwater Restaurants and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism will host the International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 8-10AM. 

• They are looking for volunteers to help with this cleanup. Here’s what you need to know.

For over 35 years, Ocean Conservancy has held the International Coastal Cleanup® which is a global event that prides itself in, “harnessing the power of people to fight ocean trash.” 

The goal of the cleanup is to remove as much trash and debris from local beaches and there are multiple locations where volunteers of all ages can participate. You can join the local effort at any of the below cleanup locations by registering here. 

• The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island (1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach, FL)
• The Crab Trap/James Lee Park (3500 Scenic HWY 98, Destin, FL)
• The Surf Hut (551 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL)
• Norriego Point (1 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL)
• Mattie Kelly Park & Joe’s Bayou (825 Beach Dr, Destin, FL)
• Henderson Beach State Park (17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL)

Participants will receive an event t-shirt (limited quantities, first come, first served) and a post cleanup breakfast will be available free of charge at The Boardwalk, The Crab Trap, and The Surf Hut locations. 

• Volunteers are asked to bring their own bucket, mesh bag, gloves, and grabbers to collect trash. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and sunscreen.

“When we come together as a community, we help keep our beaches pristine and allow for native wildlife to thrive,” said Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mel Ponder. “We are fortunate to have a Coastal Resource division in our Tourist Development Department dedicated to this cause.”

During the most recent event, volunteers removed over 2,000 pounds of garbage and over 1,000 cigarette butts. Marine debris is a detriment to our local ecosystem and causes problems for seabirds and coastal marine life.

“Beach cleanups not only keep our beaches beautiful for visitors, but they create a safe environment for our wildlife,” said Jessica Valek, Coastal Resource Coordinator, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism. “Certain animals, like sea turtles and shorebirds, rely on our beaches to lay their eggs and protect their young. The International Coastal Cleanup is a great way to bring the community together and do good for the environment.

After the cleanup, the conservation fun continues with the Choctawhatchee Bay Family FUN-FEST held at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island from 10AM-1PM. Hosted by the Choctawhatchee Estuary Program, the event celebrates National Estuaries week and guests will enjoy food vendors, activities for kids, local vendors, and door prizes.

Event sponsors include: The Boardwalk, The Crab Trap, Okaloosa County, Visit South Walton, City of Destin, Ocean Conservancy, Florida State Parks, Florida Sea Grant Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, The Surf Hut, The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, Emerald Coast Science Center, Step One Automotive, The Gulfarium, Divers Down Pollution Project, Destin Brewery, Waste Management, Saneka’s Legacy, Keep Florida Beautiful.

WHAT ELSE THIS MORNING

A few more things to know…

• Residents may experience aircraft noise on August 23rd when the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron and 60th Fighter Squadron conduct night flying operations in the area. The test unit aircraft will conduct missions tonight from 7-9pm.

• Matt King has been appointed chief financial officer of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, effective August 22. King has more than nine years of healthcare experience – six with HCA Healthcare. He joins HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital from Northern Virginia, where he has served as CFO of HCA’s StoneSprings and Dominion Hospitals since 2020. Prior to that, King held the role of ACFO at StoneSprings Hospital for nearly two years.

• Business Tax Receipts are required for all those who operate a business within the city limits of Destin, including home-based businesses. To verify if your business is within the city taxing district, also known as “District 10,” you can visit the Okaloosa County Property Appraisers website. For step-by-step instructions to renew or to apply for your business tax receipt please visit www.cityofdestin.com/btr. For those renewing FY 2023, submit payment no later than September 30^th to avoid any late fees.

• Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to a historic 2.7% in July as the state’s job creation skyrocketed. Florida’s July 2022 unemployment rate is the lowest since February 2020 and this level has only been reached three times since Florida began recording unemployment data in 1976. Florida’s private sector employment grew by 70,000 in July 2022, doubling the nation’s job growth rate over the same period.