COASTAL RESOURCES

Destin High School expands artificial reef project, honoring community members

For the second consecutive year, Destin High School’s Fishing Program ventured into the Gulf of Mexico to witness the deployment of artificial reefs, expanding their commitment to marine conservation and improving fisheries for years to come.

• On Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, students and community members aboard the Destination, captained by Stan Philips, watched as 14 new reefs were lowered into the waters of Fish Haven 20, just a couple of miles off the beach.

The site, now known as Destin High School Reef 2024, sits in about 65 feet of water, making it accessible for smaller boats and the students themselves.

Each artificial reef, standing 8 feet tall with a 9-foot triangular base, represents more than just an environmental initiative. They serve as underwater memorials and tributes, personalizing the school’s contribution to the local marine ecosystem.

• “Our deepest thanks to all who donated, to each person who supports our Fishing Program and to the Destin community, who ALWAYS shows up for our Shark family,” the school wrote on Facebook.

The project, a collaboration between the school’s thriving Fishing Education Program — which boasts 138 students this year — and Okaloosa County, was funded through a spring fundraiser that raised $10,000, matched by the county.

Captain Brandy Miles, who helps lead the Fishing Program with Capt. Mike Parker, emphasized the hands-on approach students take in creating these reefs. Weeks before traveling to Reefmaker in Orange Beach, Alabama, the class studies artificial reefs and various underwater structures. Then, they make the trip to physically build and personalize the reefs themselves.

• “When we go over to Reefmaker, my students are the ones pouring the concrete and laying all the limestone in it,” Miles explained. “They also incorporate any memorabilia that families want to include.”

This active participation, Miles noted, gives students a deeper connection to the project and a greater understanding of marine conservation efforts.

This personalization was particularly poignant for two memorial reefs. One honored Tucker Reese, a 9-year-old local baseball player whose loss deeply affected the Destin community. Tucker passed away on March 18, 2024, following a tragic ATV accident. Known for his extraordinary talent on the baseball field and infectious spirit, Tucker’s memory continues to inspire.

The Reese family, including Tucker’s parents Travis Reese and Edyta Jaworska, were actively involved in the reef’s creation. “It was so beautiful to watch that family lay the memorabilia in there,” Captain Miles reflected. “His mom, his dad, his extended family, his brother, everybody was there building the reef. It was really awesome.”

Another reef memorialized Jonathan Hughes, a “Shark Dad”, whose child attends Destin High School. Both families were present to witness the tribute and participate in the reef creation.

• A local sign company in Fort Walton Beach creates metal signs with names for each reef, which students then set into the concrete.

“For my students to be able to participate hands-on and to see that they’re actually the ones building these reefs, it just brings a whole new respect for conservation to them,” Miles added.

Alex Fogg, Okaloosa County Natural Resources Chief, played a crucial role in the project, matching the school’s fundraising efforts and collaborating on the reef deployment. Fogg’s involvement extends beyond financial support, as he also speaks to Miles’ classes, offering students insights into potential career paths in coastal resource management.

“This initiative first started as a few lectures in the classroom and quickly snowballed into a full blown artificial reef project,” said Fogg.  “There are no other initiatives like it and we look forward to seeing how this project grows in 2025.”

The 11 of the 14 reefs were named in honor of various individuals and entities:

1. Tucker Reese
2. Fred Tolbert Jr
3. Johnathan Hughes
4. Margaret Finkel
5. Jackie Gibson
6. Dick and Peggy
7. Wild Willy’s (not memorial)
8. Hayden, Connolly, Bennett, Gannon (not memorial)
9. Jett Tolbert (not memorial)
10. Timothy Meserve
11. Louis Thomas

The impact of this project extends beyond the classroom. Miles, one of the few female charter boat captains in the Destin charter fleet, sees the program as addressing multiple needs in the community. 

“There’s a dire need for the next generation in the fishing industry,” she explained. “Our program allows us to work alongside the Coastal Resource Team on artificial reef projects, promoting conservation in our area and sustaining the fishery. A big part of it is getting these kids outdoors, encouraging them to spend time on the water with their families. This program brings so many benefits to our area.”

As Destin High School continues to expand its artificial reef project, it aims to create a designated area known for its educational and environmental contributions. The school welcomes community support through donations to the fishing program and participation in future fundraising events, ensuring that this unique blend of education, conservation, and community remembrance continues to grow.

Coordinates here:https://www.destinfwb.com/explore/ecotourism-hotspots/artificial-reefs/

THINGS TO DO

Emerald Coast Science Center to host 8th Annual Women in Science Conference

The Emerald Coast Science Center will hold its Eighth Annual Women in Science Conference on September 17, 2024, at The Place on Beal in Fort Walton Beach.

• The event aims to inspire the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and doctors by providing an opportunity for young women to hear from professional women in STEM fields from Okaloosa County.

The conference, presented by Emerald Coast Science Center and BAE Systems, will feature inspirational presentations from women in various STEM professions. Speakers include Stacia Hurt, Senior Principal Systems Engineer II at BAE Systems; Kristen Shell, Deputy City Manager for the City of Niceville; and Dr. Amanda Davis, Owner and Family Nurse Practitioner at SANE.Medical LLC.

Additional speakers are Natalie Sullivan, Technical Director and Microbiologist at Analytical Services Corp; Allison Beauregard Schwartz, Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at the University of West Florida; and Cheylin Woodruff, a Marine Biology student at the University of West Florida.

The event, scheduled from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, will allow guests to mingle with speakers and other guest professionals. An open panel Q&A session will provide audience members the opportunity to ask questions. Light refreshments will be served.

• While the conference focuses on women in STEM, organizers emphasize that everyone is welcome to attend, particularly middle and high school students interested in STEM careers.

Tickets for the event are available online, with free admission for students and a $10 fee for adults. Click here

SPORTS

Friday Night Lights

Fort Walton Beach Vikings (home) vs South Walton High School (away)
@ Fort Walton Beach High School
7:00 PM

Choctaw Indians (away) vs Navarre High School (home)
@ Bennett C. Russell Stadium (Navarre, FL)
7:30 PM

Niceville Eagles (home) vs Escambia High School (away)
@ Niceville High School
7:00 PM

Crestview Bulldogs (home) vs Walton High School (away)
@ Crestview High School
7:00 PM

Destin Sharks (away) vs Baker Gators (home)
@ Baker High School
7:00 PM

POLITICS

Fort Walton Beach Councilman seeks to fill own vacancy after required resignation

Fort Walton Beach City Councilman David Schmidt expressed his desire to continue serving on the council during a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

• Schmidt had previously submitted his resignation from the City Council, effective November 19, 2024, as required by law to run for the Okaloosa County School Board District 2 seat. 

Although he did not win the August 20 election, which went to Parker Destin, Schmidt’s resignation remains in effect due to legal requirements.

At the end of the council meeting, Schmidt addressed his colleagues about his intentions. 

• “I had to resign to run for school board. It’s going to be effective in November,” Schmidt explained. “But I want to share with you all that I have all intentions to apply to fill that vacancy…to finish out my term.”

Schmidt’s current term on the City Council was originally set to conclude in March 2025. Having served two consecutive terms, he would reach his term limit at that time. However, Schmidt expressed his hope to complete the term for which Fort Walton Beach residents elected him.

There is no word yet on when appointments for the vacancy would take place.

THINGS TO DO

‘Concerts at the Landing’ kicks off Sept. 6 in Downtown Fort Walton Beach

The Landing in Fort Walton Beach is set to host its Fall Series 2024 Concerts, bringing a diverse lineup of musical acts to the popular waterfront venue every Friday evening from September through October.

• The eight-week series kicks off Sept. 6 and concludes Oct. 25. Concerts will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Friday at 139 Brooks St. SE.

The lineup features a mix of genres, including country, rock, pop, and Americana. The full schedule is as follows:

• Sept. 6 – JoJo Bee – Country/Rock
• Sept. 13 – Below Alabama – Country
• Sept. 20 – One False Move – Classic Rock/80s
• Sept. 27 – Zack Miller Band – Country/Rock
• Oct. 4 – Modern Eldorados – Americana/Classics
• Oct. 11 – The Story of Us (Taylor Swift Tribute featuring Emily Bass) – Pop
• Oct. 18 – Identity Crisis – Classic Rock
• Oct. 25 – Still Standing (Elton John Tribute) – Pop/Rock

The concert series is presented in association with the City of Fort Walton Beach, 102.1 The Wave and Dan Collins Entertainment.

COASTAL RESOURCES

Okaloosa County to acquire SS United States for world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Okaloosa County has signed an agreement to purchase the SS United States, the historic ocean liner that holds the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing, with plans to create the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. 

• The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, September 3 at 3 p.m. to ratify the executed contract.

According to county documents, the Tourist Development Department is requesting approval for a budget allocation of up to $9 million for the acquisition, remediation, transport, and deployment of the SS United States. This project also includes plans for a land-based museum dedicated to the ship.

The SS United States, a 990-foot vessel launched in 1952, still holds the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner. Currently docked in Philadelphia, the ship faced legal challenges when a federal judge ruled on June 14, 2024, that it must vacate its location within 90 days. 

This ruling has necessitated quick action to preserve the historic vessel.

Economic and Ecological Impact

The project is expected to have significant economic benefits. County documents cite the USS Oriskany, an 888-foot vessel sunk off Pensacola in 2006, as a comparison. The Oriskany attracts over 10,000 divers annually, generating approximately $3.6 million per year in direct spending as of 2015.

A University of Florida study estimates that every dollar spent on artificial reefs generates $7 in economic benefits for the local economy, with larger projects potentially yielding greater returns. 

• The county anticipates this project will attract higher-spending, lower-impact visitors beyond the traditional 100-day summer season.

Ecologically, the artificial reef will create new habitats for marine life, potentially increasing fish populations and biodiversity. This is expected to benefit both commercial and recreational fishing in the area. 

The increased fish populations and improved catches are anticipated to attract more recreational anglers, who contribute to the local economy through spending on equipment, boat rentals, fuel, and charters.

Project Details

The county has identified three active permitted areas (Large Area Artificial Reef Sites A, B and C) that can accommodate the SS United States, all less than 25 miles from shore. These sites offer depths and clearance requirements suitable for divers of various skill levels, from beginners to technical divers.

Of the $9 million budget, $1 million is allocated for the ship’s purchase. The county has until September 12 to complete due diligence, which began in early August. Closing is set to occur on or before October 4, 2024. 

• An agreement with the pier operator must be entered into by October 4, with the goal of completing this sooner.

The SS United States Conservancy, the current owner, has committed to developing a land-based museum in conjunction with the artificial reef, which would serve to continue the iconic vessel’s legacy and provide non-divers the opportunity to learn about “America’s Flagship” and its rich history. 

Okaloosa County will provide up to $1 million for museum-related costs, including property purchase, construction, or renovation of an existing building/property for the museum and its exhibits. 

• The details of the museum project and terms of an agreement are to be separately developed and negotiated within twelve months of the SS United States purchase. 

Timeline and Next Steps

If approved on September 3, the county will proceed with finalizing agreements for remediation, transport, deployment, and museum development. Environmental due diligence is ongoing, with initial test results described as favorable. 

County staff have identified potential funding partners and expect significant cost-sharing to reduce the overall expense. To date, they believe they have secured $5 million in partnership contributions. 

• All future contracts and funding agreements will be presented to the Board for consideration and approval in accordance with established thresholds.

Comparison to USS Oriskany

At 990 feet, the SS United States would surpass the USS Oriskany (888 feet) as the world’s largest intentional artificial reef. The Oriskany, sunk in 2006, continues to attract divers and generate economic benefits nearly two decades later. 

• Okaloosa County aims to build on this success, positioning Destin-Fort Walton Beach as a premier destination for diving and marine tourism. 

The presence of two of the world’s largest artificial reefs in northwest Florida is expected to solidify the region’s status as a top destination for scuba diving and fishing activities.

Historical Significance

The SS United States, known as “America’s Flagship,” represents a pinnacle of American naval engineering. It was designed to be convertible to a troop ship if needed, capable of transporting 14,000 troops for 10,000 miles without refueling. The ship set speed records on its maiden voyage in 1952, using only two-thirds of its power.

Built as part of a top-secret Cold War program, the SS United States was designed to be the world’s fastest and safest ship. Its true performance figures were kept secret for many years, but it’s known that on sea trials, it achieved a speed of over 38 knots (about 44 miles per hour). 

• The ship carried four U.S. presidents and numerous celebrities during its service life.

With the acquisition of the SS United States, Okaloosa County aims to preserve a piece of maritime history while creating a unique attraction that could significantly boost the local economy and marine ecosystem. 

When deployed, this project would cement Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s status as home to the world’s largest artificial reef, continuing its reputation as a premier fishing destination and further establishing it as the dive capital of Florida and the artificial reef capital of the United States.

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