As Tropical Storm Gordon moves farther inland, it is also weakening but the threat of heavy rains and flooding continues. In our area, the Tropical Storm Warning from the mouth of the Pearl River to Okaloosa-Walton County Line is discontinued. Okaloosa County Schools are also on a normal schedule today.
As of 4am this morning, Gordon is expected to have a decrease in forward speed over the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of Gordon will move across the lower Mississippi Valley through Wednesday. A turn toward the north-northwest and north is forecast to occur on Friday.
Gordon is likely to weaken to a tropical depression later this morning.
“No Wake Zone” in Joe’s Bayou
As of August 24, 2018, “No Wake Zone” signage is now in place at the Joe’s Bayou Boat Launch. According to the Destin Log, this signage is designating all waters within 500 feet of the facility to be “Idle Speed – No Wake Zones” with a noncriminal infraction and a $50 fine given to boaters operating at a higher speed. To read more on the new “no wake zone”, click here.
Sand study to help determine a new source of sand to help restore local beaches
The County Commission unanimously approved paying Taylor Engineering $425,571 to perform the study on Tuesday, according to the Destin Log. Taylor Engineering will investigate the “feasibility of supplemental inlet sediment excavation outside the East Pass federal navigation channel.” To read more on the required East Pass dredging and the possibility of high quality sand for beach restoration, click here.
Okaloosa County School District Investigator Arden Farley to be tried
After being postponed nine previous times, it’s looking like Okaloosa County School District Investigator Arden Farley will officially head to trial on September 11. Farley will be the first of four district officials arrested last year to face trial on child abuse-related charges, according to the Northwest Florida Daily News, and has been charged with four felony counts of failing to report child abuse. To read more on the case and upcoming trial, click here.
“Slingshot” Tours Destin set to reopen
First reported by the Northwest Florida Daily News, Slingshot Tours Destin is bringing their three-wheeled, topless Polaris Slingshot auto cycles back to the Emerald Coast. After previously moving the business in 2017, Slingshot is back and brings good news. In an interview with the paper, owner Carla Gutierrez said that “as of July 1 in Florida you no longer have to have a motorcycle license to rent it. So anyone in the general public can drive them.” (You do have to have a driver’s license). To read more on their return, click here.
Beachside Community Church Opens Additional Building
Beachside Community Church is opening over 15,000 square feet of new space geared toward middle and high school students as well as helping people from the community get connected with the church. The church is hosting a Grand Opening Event on September 6 kicking off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:00pm.
If you’ve never seen the inside of the building, the church has done an amazing job renovating the old Northwest Florida Daily News compounds. Everyone from the community is invited to enjoy a free barbecue dinner and check out their newly constructed space until 7:00pm.
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