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The 58th Fighter Squadron will conduct night flying operations on Sept. 9 – 12. Residents may experience aircraft noise.
Fighter aircraft will conduct missions between 9:30 and 11 p.m. Night flying is required for 58th FS training operations.
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PARKS+REC
Fort Walton Beach rejects lease for downtown community space over strict terms
The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted last Tuesday to reject a proposed lease agreement with Gibson Properties, Inc. for a 0.25-acre parcel at 208 Ferry Road SE, ending a year-long negotiation process.
- The decision marks a reversal from the council’s unanimous approval in August 2023 to move forward with a lease agreement, which aimed to transform the space into a community event area.
The property, currently used for public parking, is located behind Parlor Donuts and adjacent to the city’s public library. The adjacent property at 212 Ferry Road has also been leased by the city as a parking lot.
City Manager Jeff Peters explained that negotiations stalled due to disagreements over insurance coverage and usage restrictions. The proposed restrictions reportedly included prohibitions on concerts, movies, flea markets, and farmers markets on the property without written approval from the owners.
- The proposed lease terms included a five-year agreement with an option to cancel after 42 months with 120 days’ notice. The lease rate was set at $1,000 per month with 4% annual increases.
Growth Management Director Christopher Frassetti said last year that the goal was to create a flexible community space to support the many festivals and events held along Ferry Road, which has become a hub for activities like the Mardi Gras parade and Ciclovia in recent years.
Concept plans were developed with JDF Architecture showing how the space could include areas for food trucks, outdoor seating, shade structures, an event platform, and open lawn.
Councilman Nic Allegretto expressed concerns about the restrictive nature of the proposed agreement and commented on the current condition of the property:
- “Those lease terms are absolutely incredible…and incredibly bad,” Allegretto said. He then addressed the property’s current state: “That property is not in a great state. There’s often trash and debris and things of that nature. It is derelict as far as I’m concerned.”
He expressed disappointment that the project wouldn’t move forward as initially planned: “I was really looking forward to this idea of making this a little area where everybody could hang out and bring more business to our downtown community. But something, one way or the other, has got to be done with that property, whether the city gets to lease it or not.”
The city had planned to invest up to $100,000 in improvements, including synthetic turf, trees, irrigation, benches, and picnic tables. Funding for the lease and improvements was to come from the Community Redevelopment Agency budget.
Councilman Travis Smith supported the decision to reject the lease, stating, “Sometimes you’ve got to walk away from a deal.”
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PUBLIC SAFETY
40-year-old father drowns in rip current at Destin’s James Lee Park, son rescued
A 40-year-old visitor drowned Saturday after being swept out into the Gulf of Mexico by a rip current at James Lee Park in Destin, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
- Deputies reported that the man’s juvenile son was also pulled out by the current. The child was recovered from the water and was in stable condition at last report.
Both the father and son were taken to the Destin Emergency Room. The father did not survive, authorities said.
No further details about the victims or the circumstances surrounding the incident were provided by the Sheriff’s Office in their press release.
BUSINESS
Florida Realtors® endorses 4 local realtors for professional excellence
Four Emerald Coast Realtors have been named among the 15 Florida Realtors endorsed as Board Certified Professionals for 2024, recognizing their high level of professionalism and distinction in the field.
The endorsements, announced on Aug. 27, were awarded to:
- Cathy Alley of Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices in Niceville.
- Michele Bailey of Compass 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.
- Tula Tucker of Beachy Beach Real Estate on 30A.
- Mary Anne Windes of Real Estate Professionals of Destin.
Florida Realtors President Gia Arvin described the certification as a mark of “high competence and professionalism through ongoing work in sales, volunteerism, advocacy and ethical treatment of the public, consumers and other Realtors.”
The Board Certified Professional program was developed in response to the influx of new licensees entering the profession. It aims to honor those at the peak of their careers while establishing a benchmark for new Realtors to aspire to.
- “Taking the time and effort to increase professionalism is not only the right thing to do, it strengthens the value of being a Realtor and a member of our local, state and national organizations,” Arvin said.
The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, which covers Okaloosa and Walton Counties, boasts more than 5,400 Realtor members across the Florida Panhandle.
Florida Realtors, serving as the voice for real estate in the state, represents 238,000 members across 51 boards and associations. The organization provides various services, including continuing education, research, and legislative representation.
BUSINESS
Eglin Federal Credit Union names Neko Stubblefield new Senior VP of Membership
Eglin Federal Credit Union has promoted Neko Stubblefield to the position of Senior Vice President of Membership and Community Development, the credit union announced Tuesday.
Stubblefield, a resident of Baker, has been with the credit union since 2017. In her new role, she will oversee membership growth, community development, and financial education across the credit union’s expanding footprint.
- “We are thrilled to recognize Neko’s hard work, dedication and outstanding leadership with this well-deserved promotion,” said Jerry Williams, President and CEO of Eglin Federal Credit Union. “Neko’s passion for our mission and vision, combined with her in depth knowledge of our industry, will be instrumental as we continue to provide exceptional value and service to our members.”
Stubblefield serves on several local boards and committees, including the One Okaloosa Economic Development Council as Vice Chair, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, and Northwest Florida State College Foundation. She is also involved with military affairs committees for the Crestview, Fort Walton, and Niceville Chambers of Commerce.
Her community involvement extends to roles as an AFMC Civic Leader representing the 96TW at Eglin Air Force Base and as an Honorary Commander at the 7th Special Forces Group at Camp Bull Simons. Previously, she served as an Honorary Commander at the 919th Special Operations Wing at Duke Field and the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field.
Stubblefield has received several recent accolades, including the Emerald Coast Board of Realtist Associate of the Year and the Okaloosa County Commission of the Status of Women Woman of Honor, both in 2024.
“I am honored to embrace this new role at Eglin FCU and look forward to collaborating with our talented team to drive growth and continued focus on member success,” Stubblefield said. “Together, we will build upon our strong foundation and create an even brighter future for our Credit Union and the communities we serve.”
TRAFFIC
Emergency storm drain repair to close lane on Memorial Parkway in FWB
A northbound lane closure on Memorial Parkway NW is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, due to an emergency storm drain repair, city officials announced.
- The closure will affect the northbound lane of Memorial Parkway NW from Cecelia Dr NW to Hemlock Dr NW. The repair work will take place at the intersection of Memorial Parkway NW and Shumpert Street NW.
Motorists traveling northbound on Memorial Parkway in the affected area will be required to follow a detour route using Cecelia Dr. NW and Hemlock Dr. NW. While the southbound lane is not expected to be affected, drivers heading south are urged to exercise extreme caution in the area.
The repair work, to be conducted by a city contractor, is anticipated to last approximately 8 hours. However, officials noted that the schedule is weather-dependent and may be subject to change.
- “The City of Fort Walton Beach would like to thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” the city stated in a press release.
For questions or concerns regarding the repair work, residents are encouraged to contact Kyle Oler, Stormwater and Streets Supervisor, at 850-833-9613 or koler@fwb.org. The city will provide updates if rescheduling becomes necessary due to weather conditions.
GIVING BACK
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation donates over $3 million to local children’s charities
The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) has donated more than $3 million to 17 children’s charities in Northwest Florida, bringing its total contributions to over $35 million since its inception in 2005.
- The funds were distributed during a private check presentation ceremony held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa on August 29, 2024.
DCWAF President Karah Fridley-Young reflected on the foundation’s impact as it approaches its 20th year of operation. “More than 60 Habitat for Humanity houses, a Level II NICU unit, two dental buses, support services for the homeless, abused, and neglected, and countless other lifesaving programs,” Fridley-Young said. “I am eternally grateful for the support of our donors and look forward to continuing our work to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
The 17 recipient organizations will use the funds for various programs and services benefiting children in need. These include:
- AMIkids Emerald Coast: $75,000 for a GED program for at-risk students.
- Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast: $250,000 for new equipment in their Level II NICU.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast: $200,000 for mental health counseling and youth development programming.
- Caring & Sharing of South Walton: $150,000 to expand community resources, including their pantry program.
- Children in Crisis: $175,000 for housing abused, neglected, and abandoned children.
- Children’s Volunteer Health Network: $200,000 for dental care services via their Mobile Dental Clinic.
- Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation: $200,000 for scholarships.
- Emerald Coast Autism Center: $250,000 for their Phase II Learning Center Capital Campaign.
- Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center: $275,000 for mental health therapy and child abuse prevention programs.
- Habitat for Humanity of Walton County: $225,000 to fund two new homes for families.
- Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties: $125,000 for their Brain Health Program.
- Opportunity Place, Inc.: $150,000 for immediate housing and services for homeless children and families.
- Point Washington Medical Clinic: $150,000 for pediatric and family nutrition programming.
- Shelter House of Northwest Florida: $175,000 for mental health services and shelter renovations.
- The Arc of the Emerald Coast: $100,000 for renovating their children’s daycare facility.
- Westonwood Ranch: $200,000 for scholarships and a residential expansion project.
- Youth Village: $150,000 for program operations, scholarships, and play area renovations.
The DCWAF announced that next year’s Destin Charity Wine Auction Weekend, the foundation’s signature fundraising event, is scheduled for April 25-26, 2025. This will mark the 20th Anniversary Auction, with tickets and details to be released in January 2025.
For more information about the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and its initiatives, visit their website at http://www.DCWAF.org.
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