It’s Friday! Let’s get to it!
Yesterday morning tragedy struck Eglin Air Force Base as a small, twin-engine civilian propeller plane crashed killing 4 passengers onboard. The plane was due to land at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport from Toledo, Ohio at 10:14 a.m., according to WEAR TV. The pilot was identified as Henry Nowakowski, his wife Pasty, sister Carolyn and her husband Tom Seine. The investigation is on-going. To read more, click here.
Texas man has had enough…and destroyed “private property” beach signs
The Battle at the Beach continues…this time with a Texas man who allegedly destroyed a beachfront property owner’s “private beach” signs. According to the Walton Sun, it all went down on Eastern Lake Drive on August 25 after the property owners reported their no trespassing signs had been removed and destroyed.
A 52-year-old Texas man was identified and was said to have admitted to destroying the signs, saying they were “trash on the beach,” according to the Walton Sun. The man was booked and on a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge. To read more on the drama that day, click here.
Heads up! Henderson Beach Drive to be temporarily closed
Henderson Beach Road, from the north side of the U.S. 98 intersection to the entrance of the Walmart shopping center in Okaloosa County, will be temporarily closed beginning Tuesday, Sept. 4. The entrance to Henderson Beach State Park on the south side of U.S. 98 will remain open.
This temporary road closure will be in place for several months while crews adjust the elevation of the Henderson Beach Road-U.S. 98 intersection. U.S. 98 westbound drivers destined for Henderson Beach Road will be detoured to Commons Drive via Triumph Drive and U.S. 98 eastbound traffic will be detoured via Indian Bayou Trail.
Detour signs and variable message boards will be in place to help direct traffic.
Second phase of Morriego restoration project
Pearce Barrett from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection presented the 30% plans for Phase II of the Norriego Point Stabilization Project on Tuesday, Aug. 28 to the city’s Parks & Recreation Committee at City Hall.
Phase II includes recreation amenities such as the addition of paved parking, public restrooms, an ADA shelter, a boardwalk around the point with three dune walkovers and a bird habitat.
According to The Destin Log, the second phase began this week with crews beginning to install fencing around the side slopes with about 28,000 square feet of sea oats being planted next week. To read more on the Phase 2 plans, click here.
South Walton’s underwater museum makes TIME’s World’s Greatest Places
TIME revealed its first annual list of the World’s Greatest Places, which highlights 100 destinations that are breaking new ground, leading industry trends and offering visitors an extraordinary experience.
To create the list, TIME solicited nominations across a variety of categories—including museums, parks, restaurants and hotels—from TIME editors and correspondents around the world, as well as dozens of industry experts. TIME evaluated each one based on several key factors, including quality, originality, innovation, sustainability and influence. The result is a list as diverse as the world it reflects, with entries spanning six continents and 48 countries.
The Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) was included in the list of World’s Greatest Places in the Visit category.
The UMA opened in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park in South Walton, Fla. on June 25, 2018. Seven sculptures became part of the inaugural UMA installation: “Propeller in Motion” by Marek Anthony, “Self-Portrait” by Justin Gaffrey, “The Grayt Pineapple” by Rachel Herring, “JYC’s Dream” by Kevin Reilly, “SWARA Skull” by Vince Tatum, “Concrete Rope Reef Spheres” by Evelyn Tickle and “Anamorphous Octopus” by Allison Wickey.
To read more on the Underwater Museum of Art, click here.
Some events for the weekend that we covered on the “Everything Show”
Thanks to Eglin Federal Credit Union for being our sponsor and making this happen!
The Baytowne Art Walk is Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5pm-10pm. You can browse fabulous artwork from more than 30 local and regional artists with art of all mediums and listen to live music from some of your fave local bands. This event is free to the public and good for the art and soul.
Labor day weekend on Okaloosa Island will be filled with fun during the 27th Annual Greek Festival. This event takes place at the Emerald Coast Convention Center from August 31st-September 2nd and is definitely kid friendly. Admission is only $2 per person.
On Sunday, September 2nd it’s off to the races with the the 7th Annual Alys Beach 5K & 1 mile fun run. The race course winds through the community and even a nature trail and ends with a lot of fun! Proceeds benefit the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.
The Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam is back from August 31st-September 2nd and tickets are still available for purchase on Eventbrite with prices starting at $50.
That’s all we’ve got for this week. Make sure you follow us on Facebook and the ‘gram over the weekend for other awesome shareable content! See ya Monday!