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Let’s get to the news you need to know to start your weekend…
SHOPPING
Silver Sands Premium Outlets to host Hometown Heroes Event
Silver Sands Premium Outlets is set to host a Hometown Heroes Event on September 14, aimed at connecting local first responders and military personnel with the community.
The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will take place in the parking lot near the Old Navy Outlet at 10562 Emerald Coast Parkway. Families are invited to participate in a range of activities, including exploring first responder and military vehicles such as firetrucks, sheriff cars, and ambulances.
Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy family-friendly entertainment, including a DJ, face painting, and balloon twisting. The event will also feature giveaways, with visitors receiving tote bags upon arrival and the chance to enter a drawing for a $500 shopping spree.
- DJ Casey will be on hand to host family-fun games throughout the event, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The Hometown Heroes Event is designed to provide community members with an opportunity to interact with local heroes while enjoying a day of family entertainment.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
FWC reports zero fatal boating accidents in Northwest Florida over Labor Day
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced Thursday that its Northwest Region experienced no serious boating accidents or fatalities during the Labor Day weekend.
- FWC officers patrolled the region’s waterways from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, focusing on keeping water enthusiasts safe during the holiday weekend. The Northwest Region covers 16 counties, stretching from Escambia County to Jefferson County.
“Traditionally, Labor Day signifies the end of summer, and we see increased boating activity,” said Maj. Robby Creech, FWC Northwest Regional Commander. “Our officers were patrolling the area and were pleased to report that most people who came out to celebrate were doing so safely. That’s what we like to see.”
The FWC is responsible for patrolling and investigating more than 8,400 miles of coastline, 13,200 square miles of offshore waters, and over 34 million acres of land across Florida.
The FWC reminds all boaters to familiarize themselves with and follow Florida’s boating safety regulations. More information about boating safety can be found on the FWC website at MyFWC.com/Boating under the “Boater Education” and “Boating Safety” sections.
The public can report dangerous boating activity by texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information about the violation, or by calling 888-404-FWCC (3922).
THINGS TO DO
Fort Walton Beach Police to host community bike ride and walking event in September
The Fort Walton Beach Police Department is organizing two community events in September aimed at promoting safety and fostering community relationships.
On Tuesday, September 17, the department will host its next Community Bike Ride starting at the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park. The event will begin with a free helmet fitting and giveaway at 5:30 p.m., followed by the ride at 6 p.m.
- The bike route, which is approximately 3.5 miles long, will start and end at the FWB Landing.
Later in the month, on Wednesday, September 25, the police department will hold its “Walking Wednesday” event. This 0.9-mile community walk will start at 6 p.m. from the Bruner Middle School parking lot.
The Walking Wednesday event is designed to give residents an opportunity to meet with police officers, discuss community concerns, and address safety issues. The department views this as a chance to work together with the community to enhance neighborhood safety.
Both events reflect the police department’s efforts to engage with local residents in informal, active settings. By organizing these activities, the department aims to strengthen community bonds and promote open communication between law enforcement and the public.
MILITARY
Brig. Gen. Massaro holds first all-call as Eglin Test Wing Commander
Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro, the new 96th Test Wing commander, held his first all-call Aug. 29, focusing on his leadership philosophy and potential changes for the unit.
- Massaro, a Florida native returning to Eglin after previously serving with the 40th Flight Test Squadron, emphasized three key aspects of his leadership approach: executing the mission, taking care of people, and partnering for success.
“We have to maximize the value of each person we have available to us to execute the mission,” said Massaro, who is in his 26th year of Air Force service.
The commander discussed Eglin’s role in supporting the national defense strategy, highlighting areas such as electromagnetic spectrum operations and munitions development.
“We need to develop new capabilities,” Massaro said. “These areas are the programs and operational capabilities we need to get after. They will come from program offices and developmental test organizations to move them to a point where they are combat capabilities.”
Addressing potential organizational changes, Massaro mentioned ongoing discussions at the Air Force Chief of Staff and Air Force Materiel Command levels regarding the structure of institutional wings like the 96th Test Wing. Currently, the 96th Test Wing is considered an institutional wing, which means the unit’s test mission isn’t seen as deployable from a traditional combat perspective. Although, the wing’s Airmen are still subject to deployments individually.
He noted the possibility of splitting operations and support functions into separate wings, similar to the base’s pre-2012 structure.
- “We will communicate more information as we get it when it’s clearer what an institutional wing and a base command will look like and how it affects unit of action,” he said.
Massaro concluded by posing three questions for Airmen to consider: Why we serve, how we make it happen, and what we do.
“Think about how these apply to you and your wingman,” he said. “Each one of us, active-duty, civilian, contractor, are all critical to this mission. You all have value to this organization throughout whatever changes that may occur in the next few years.”
BUSINESS
7 business organizations endorse Okaloosa tax exemption renewal ahead of November vote
Seven prominent business organizations in Okaloosa County have joined forces to support the renewal of an economic development incentive program set to appear on the November 5 general election ballot.
- The Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE) program, which provides temporary property tax exemptions to eligible businesses, will be up for reauthorization by county voters. The program, initially adopted in 1981, requires voter approval every 10 years under Florida law.
The coalition backing the initiative includes the:Building Industry Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, chambers of commerce from Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville Valparaiso, as well as One Okaloosa Economic Development Council.
Nathan Sparks, Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC, emphasized the importance of the program for the county’s competitiveness.
“Quality jobs are foundational to a healthy economy, and with our neighboring counties offering an EDATE incentive to facilitate new employment opportunities, we have to do everything we can to ensure that we remain competitive,” Sparks said.
The EDATE program offers tax exemptions to new and existing businesses that invest in facility improvements or equipment while creating jobs with wages at least 110% of the county’s average.
- According to a University of West Florida Haas Center report, the program has generated 317 jobs and $19.1 million in local payroll over the past decade, with a 663% return on investment for the county.
Local businesses have attested to the program’s impact. Simona Faroni, Co-Founder of GS Gelato, credited the EDATE incentive for the company’s recent $5.5 million investment in a new warehouse facility.
Similarly, Michael Kee and Nathan Vannatter, Co-Owners of Props Craft Brewery, stated that the program was “integral to our success” when they opened their distribution brewery in 2016.
However, the program has faced some scrutiny. In an August 2024 county commission meeting, Commissioner Nathan Boyles voted against placing the referendum on the ballot, questioning the program’s effectiveness and suggesting alternative economic development approaches.
- Despite this, the commission voted 4-1 to let voters decide on the program’s fate. Commission Chairman Paul Mixon acknowledged the concerns but supported putting the decision to voters, noting the program’s importance in keeping Okaloosa County competitive with neighboring areas.
The seven organizations plan to educate voters about the EDATE program through social media and community events leading up to the November 5 referendum. More information about the initiative is available at www.jobsforokaloosa.com.
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