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Good morning!
Okaloosa America 250 will host a free appreciation event for military and first responders in Crestview. Nighttime traffic shifts begin tonight on Brooks Bridge, and Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast is expanding its general surgery program in Santa Rosa Beach. Beach Liquors has opened its sixth Northwest Florida store, and Week 3 football brought a breakthrough for Choctaw and a program record for Destin.
BUSINESS
Beach Liquors opens sixth Northwest Florida store at The Market Shops at Sandestin
Beach Liquors has opened its sixth store along Northwest Florida, joining the dining, entertainment and retail businesses at The Market Shops at Sandestin.
The 4,800-square-foot store sits on the far west side of the shopping center at 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway. It is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with delivery service from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The store features retail sales alongside a self-serve wine and whiskey bar with more than 35 fine wines and premium whiskies available by the individual pour. Customers can shop with the guidance of an in-house wine steward, explore a large walk-in craft beer “cave” and find cigars supplied by Harbor Cigars of Destin, as well as THC-infused beverages and gummies.
“We are excited to be part of The Market Shops family of businesses and look forward to serving all the residents of Sandestin and other nearby communities,” said co-owners Mike and Chuck Kelley.
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GAMES
WordroW: September 8, 2026
WordroW is brought to you by Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic – keeping your mind sharp and your spine aligned, one game at a time.
Can you guess today’s 5-letter word in six tries?
WordroW is Get The Coast’s daily word puzzle featuring local words, places, and phrases from our community. You have six guesses to find the mystery word – green letters are correct and in the right spot, yellow letters are in the word but wrong position, and gray letters aren’t in the word at all.
SPORTS
Week 3 recap: Choctaw breaks through, Destin sets program record
Week 3 delivered across the board.
Choctaw avoided an 0-3 start with a gritty 21-14 win at Pace, getting a go-ahead touchdown from Baker Giles to Amir Reese with under three minutes left. Destin put up 59 points in a win over North Bay Haven, setting a program record. Freeport pulled off a 36-35 overtime win over Gulf Breeze after blowing a 21-7 halftime lead, and Baker rallied for a 20-14 district win over Holmes County.
On the other side, Crestview scored 22 unanswered in the fourth quarter but fell to Pine Forest 38-29, Mosley beat Niceville 28-9 at Eagle Stadium for its fourth straight win in the series, Florida High handed South Walton its first loss 18-15, and West Florida Tech topped Fort Walton Beach 31-15.
SCHOOL
Leadership initiative invests in Okaloosa educators and students through immersive experiences
A local initiative founded two years ago has expanded its reach beyond educators to include students, building on a mission to develop leaders across Okaloosa County schools through immersive, hands-on experiences.
The Leadership Experience Initiative, founded in 2024 with a mission of “Nurturing Leadership Through Experiences,” has invested in eight local school leaders since its launch, providing them with immersive leadership development through the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute over the past two summers. In 2026, the initiative extended its commitment to students for the first time.
LEI’s work is designed to complement the leadership development already taking place in Okaloosa County schools by giving participants experiences that challenge perspectives, build confidence and inspire personal growth.
The initiative’s 2025 cohort of educators included Lindsey Smith, Fort Walton Beach High School; Michelle Heck, Choctawhatchee High School; Heather Graham Williams, Bruner Middle School; and Jason McClelland, Pryor Middle School.
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BUSINESS
Sacred Heart Emerald Coast expands general surgery program in Santa Rosa Beach
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has expanded its general surgery program with the addition of a second board-certified surgeon at its practice in Santa Rosa Beach.
Dr. Trevor Beckham joined the hospital’s surgical team Aug. 1 at Ascension Sacred Heart General Surgery – Mack Bayou, located at 179 Mack Bayou Loop, Suite 101. He joins Dr. Neal Holm, who has been with the team since May 2025.
“With the addition of our second general surgeon, coupled with our investments in robot-assisted surgery technologies, we are bringing the future of minimally invasive surgery to our community,” said Trey Abshier, president and CEO of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast.
Both physicians are board-certified in general surgery and use advanced surgical options when clinically appropriate, according to the hospital.
TRAFFIC
Nighttime traffic shifts begin tonight on Brooks Bridge as replacement project advances
Drivers crossing Brooks Bridge should expect nighttime traffic shifts and lane reductions on Highway 98 beginning tonight and continuing through Thursday, the Florida Department of Transportation announced.
From 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night, westbound U.S. 98 will be reduced to a single lane and shifted onto the eastbound side of the highway, from Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island to west of Perry Avenue in Fort Walton Beach. Eastbound traffic will also be reduced to a single lane during the same hours.
The temporary configuration is necessary to perform construction activities on the new bridge, according to FDOT. Law enforcement officers will be on-site to direct motorists through the work zone.
Intermittent lane closures may also occur on U.S. 98 from Ferry Road to Pier Road between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
WEATHER
Today’s weather outlook
TODAY: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 79. East wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
AMERICA 250
Okaloosa America 250 to host free appreciation event for military, first responders in Crestview
The Okaloosa County America 250 Commission and community partners will host a free appreciation event for military members, first responders and their families on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Hsu Innovation Institute North at Bob Sikes Airport.
The Heroes & Patriots Appreciation Day is open to active-duty military, retirees, veterans and local public safety personnel, including law enforcement, fire and EMS. The event runs from 2 to 9 p.m. at 5793 John Givens Road in Crestview. Pre-registration is required.
“This event not only honors our nation on its 250th Anniversary, but recognizes the sacrifices of our heroes in uniform,” said Okaloosa County America 250 Commission Chair Graham Fountain. “Their service sometimes goes unnoticed. It is our responsibility to let them know that we see them and appreciate what they do for their country and for the local community.”
The event will feature live music from multiple bands, televised college football, food trucks, a beverage truck and several dessert stations offering free ice cream, snow cones and cotton candy while supplies last. Interactive and static activities will be available for children and adults.
The first 500 people through the gates will receive a free meal.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Tuesday! Help us shape the future of local news and make a meaningful impact on your community. Click here to learn how you can support us!
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Jared
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