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Hurricane Francine has strengthened to a Category 1 storm with 90 mph winds as it approaches the central Louisiana coast, prompting local officials to closely monitor its potential impacts on Okaloosa County.
- Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox reported that Francine is moving northeast at 10 mph and is forecast to reach Category 2 status before making landfall this afternoon or evening. While the storm’s track remains unchanged, the probability of tropical storm-force winds in Okaloosa County has decreased.
Despite the reduced wind threat, Maddox warned that heavy rainfall and the possibility of brief, localized tornadoes remain concerns for the area. Dangerous marine and surf conditions are expected to begin today and last through late Thursday or early Friday morning.
The Okaloosa County School District announced that schools are expected to remain open at this time. In a statement on Tuesday, the district said it is working in coordination with Maddox to monitor the situation.
“While Okaloosa County is unlikely to experience sustained tropical storm-force winds, we may see gusts up to 30 mph, along with 2-4 inches of rain, with localized areas receiving up to 6 inches between Wednesday and Thursday,” the school district stated. They also noted a slight risk of severe weather and potential tornadoes, particularly in the southern part of the county.
County officials urge residents to stay informed about the storm’s progress and any potential changes to local conditions. The school district promised to continue working closely with the county’s emergency operations center and provide updates as needed.
GIVING BACK
Dragon Boat races raise $25,000 for Okaloosa School District’s ‘Hope Squad’ program
Bring Hope Now, Inc. has awarded a $25,000 donation to the Okaloosa School District to support the continuation of its peer support program, Hope Squad.
- The donation, presented at a school board meeting on Monday, Sept. 10, comes from proceeds of the nonprofit’s first two Bring Hope Dragon Boat races. The funds will be used for ongoing expenses, supplies, and events related to the program, which aims to prevent suicide among students.
- Bridgeway Center’s VictOars team secured 1st place.
Peggy Brockman and Kathy Houchins, representatives from Bring Hope Now, presented the check to Superintendent Marcus Chambers and the school board.
“Mental health is something that we all take very seriously,” Chambers said at the meeting. “Over the course of the last five, six years, it’s something that in this school district we’ve taken even more seriously.”
Chambers credited Brockman with approaching him about five years ago to discuss enhancing mental health initiatives in the district, leading to the creation of Hope Squad.
Houchins acknowledged Chambers’ role in implementing the program. “Without your support, it couldn’t have happened,” she said. “We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
- Brockman emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “There are lives that have been being saved and that is a wonderful thing.”
The school board initially approved the peer-to-peer program in December 2019. Since then, it has been implemented in all Okaloosa County schools.
Bring Hope Now, Inc., established as a separate nonprofit in January 2024, focuses on suicide prevention among youth and military through community engagement, education, and mental health advocacy. The organization holds an annual Dragon Boat Race in September to commemorate Suicide Prevention Month.
While continuing to support the school district’s efforts, Bring Hope Now is now shifting its focus to developing a youth treatment facility in Okaloosa County, allowing families to access treatment locally rather than traveling out of the area.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
City of Fort Walton Beach employee helps save woman from overdose at cemetery
A City of Fort Walton Beach employee, on the job for just one week, saved a woman’s life after an apparent drug overdose at Beal Memorial Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.
- Alexis Atkinson was trimming grass at the cemetery when she noticed a car pull in with a panicked driver screaming and crying on the phone. Atkinson approached to check on the situation.
“She (the driver) said she needed me to call 911 because her sister (a passenger in the car) was overdosing,” Atkinson said. “I told her I had Narcan, and I ran to my truck to get it.”
Atkinson administered two doses of the anti-overdose medication to the unconscious woman and performed sternal rubs to help stabilize her breathing. When this proved insufficient, the Fire Department arrived and administered two additional doses of Narcan before the woman regained consciousness.
- The patient was then stabilized and transported for treatment. Atkinson later learned from the patient’s sister that the woman had survived the overdose.
Atkinson, who lost a close friend to an overdose in the past year, said she always carries Narcan with her. She obtained the medication from Bridgeway Center, Inc. This incident marked the first time she had used it.
“It was super easy and self-explanatory,” Atkinson said, despite having no prior first aid experience. “I just kept telling myself that this is someone else’s baby and she’s going to make it out; I had no fear that she was going to die.”
City Manager Jeff Peters praised Atkinson’s actions. “We really appreciate our employees,” Peters said. “But to have somebody like that, especially in the short time she’s been here, do something like that is truly outstanding.”
NEWS
Developer Jay Odom files RICO lawsuit against former business partner
Prominent Northwest Florida real estate entrepreneur Jay Odom filed a lawsuit last week against Robert Smith and 10 unnamed conspirators, alleging violations of Florida’s Civil Racketeering and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and other charges.
- The lawsuit, filed in the Circuit Court for the First Judicial Circuit in Walton County, claims Smith has engaged in a nearly two-decade-long campaign to allegedly extort money from Odom through false accusations and abuse of legal and governmental processes.
According to the complaint, Smith allegedly attempted to “weaponize various government agencies,” including the FBI, IRS, and Department of Justice, against Odom through false reports and qui tam lawsuits. The lawsuit details multiple instances where Smith reportedly contacted these agencies with accusations against Odom, which the complaint characterizes as baseless.
“For the last 20 years, I have had to defend myself against a relentless, greed-driven campaign of legal harassment by Robert Smith,” Odom said in a press release accompanying the lawsuit. “It’s clear that only the court can put an overdue end to these false and unfounded accusations.”
The legal action stems from a business relationship that reportedly soured in 2007, when Odom bought out Smith’s interest in Hammock Bay, according to the complaint. The lawsuit alleges that following this buyout, Smith reportedly began a pattern of making false accusations against Odom.
Odom, described in the court filing as a respected community leader, has developed numerous projects in the Florida Panhandle, including Freedom Tech Center, Uptown Station, and Hammock Bay. The complaint states that Odom’s company, The Jay Odom Group, has developed thousands of homesites and commercial properties in the region.
The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to stop Smith from making further allegations about Odom and to recover out-of-pocket expenses Odom claims he incurred defending against Smith’s alleged actions.
- These expenses allegedly include legal fees for defending against a qui tam lawsuit and responding to government inquiries resulting from Smith’s reported accusations.
In addition to the RICO violations, the lawsuit accuses Smith of civil conspiracy, malicious prosecution, and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty. The complaint also alleges that Smith’s actions have wasted taxpayer resources by triggering unnecessary government investigations.
The lawsuit also names “John Does 1-10” as defendants, referring to yet-to-be-identified alleged conspirators who, according to the complaint, may have assisted Smith in his alleged scheme against Odom.
- The complaint emphasizes that despite Smith’s alleged actions, Odom has continued to contribute to the economic development of Northwest Florida. According to the lawsuit, Odom’s projects have created jobs and positively impacted the region’s economy.
“Through good times and bad, I have stayed true to my life’s mission of serving others by providing quality homes, commercial buildings, and recreation areas for people in communities I dearly love,” Odom said.
The case is pending in Walton County Circuit Court, and the allegations in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.
BUSINESS
Black Bear Bread Co. adds full-service bar to Grayton Beach location
Black Bear Bread Co. has expanded its offerings at its Bar Room location in Grayton Beach, now featuring a full-service bar open seven days a week.
- The popular bakery and café announced on September 9, 2024, that guests can now enjoy a complete bar experience from opening to closing time, Sunday through Saturday.
This addition complements the establishment’s existing menu of artisanal breads, pastries, and locally sourced meals.
Dave Rauschkolb, Managing Partner of Black Bear Bread Co., expressed enthusiasm for the new development.
- “We’ve always envisioned Black Bear as a place where our community and visitors can gather and enjoy exceptional food and drinks,” Rauschkolb said. “Adding a full-service bar has been a long time coming, and we’re excited to offer this new experience to our guests.”
Located in the heart of 30A, Black Bear Bread Co. has built a reputation for quality since its 2017 debut in The Shops of Grayton.
The new bar service extends this commitment, offering a selection of classic and contemporary cocktails, wines, and other beverages throughout the day.
The company’s Bar Room, which opened in spring 2019, previously featured wine-driven snacks, shareables, cheese and charcuterie, and craft beer. With the addition of the full-service bar, it now provides a more comprehensive dining and drinking experience.
Black Bear Bread Co. Grayton Beach is located at 26 Logan Lane, Unit G, while the adjacent Bar Room is in Unit H of The Shops of Grayton. The company also operates a location at 325 Grand Blvd., Suite 100 in The Hyatt Place at Sandestin.
PARKS+REC
Fort Walton Beach approves $8 million expansion of Preston Hood Athletic Complex
The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 5-1 on Tuesday to approve an $8 million expansion of the Preston Hood Athletic Complex, a move aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities for residents and boosting sports tourism in the area.
- The expansion project will significantly augment the existing complex, adding four multi-purpose synthetic turf fields, a 13-court pickleball complex with eight covered courts, a basketball court, and a playground area.
The plans also include a new parks facility building, a restroom and concession area, and over 350 parking spaces to accommodate increased visitor traffic. City Manager Jeff Peters emphasized the project’s role in centralizing the city’s sports programs.
“This would allow us to bring all of our athletics contests to the same location, so parents with children of different ages don’t have to be in different locations at once,” Peters said. He noted that while existing facilities like Ferry Park would still be used for practices, the expanded complex would serve as a hub for games and tournaments.
The decision to use synthetic turf for the multi-purpose fields was highlighted as a cost-effective choice that would reduce maintenance needs and allow for more consistent play conditions throughout the year.
Councilman David Schmidt expressed strong support for the project, citing its potential to attract sports tourism and generate economic benefits. Schmidt also noted that the complex would enhance the quality of life for local residents, potentially attracting new families and businesses to the area.
- “This type of environment that we’re building…is not only attracting the sports talent, but talent of folks both local and that come from afar to view this area, to be a part of this area,” he added.
Councilman Nic Allegretto, who had initially opposed the project years ago when the land was considered for sale, acknowledged his change of heart as he voiced his full support for the expansion.
“You live and learn…you get these experiences and you learn more about what people want in the city, what people expect to see, and what improves our quality of life,” Allegretto said. He emphasized that the complex would benefit residents, visitors, and local businesses alike.
Councilman John Mead shared an anecdote illustrating the existing complex’s positive impact on local businesses, recalling a conversation he had after the athletic complex was originally built.
- “A local hotel owner came to me and said…the rec center has brought so much revenue, so many new people to the city that would have never come here,” Mead recounted. He added that while recreation facilities might not directly generate profit, they provide invaluable amenities that enhance the city’s appeal.
The council authorized Bear General Contractors of Pensacola to construct the expansion for $7,962,107.15, plus an additional $100,000 allowance for waste disposal. The city manager was also authorized to approve change orders up to 10% of the bid amount and to pursue financing options for the project.
City officials noted that the project would be funded through a combination of half-cent sales tax revenue, Tourism Development Council funds, and financing options, rather than directly impacting property taxes. Final funding options will come back to council for final approval.
As the project moves forward, city officials anticipate that the expanded Preston Hood Athletic Complex will not only serve local sports enthusiasts but also position Fort Walton Beach as a premier destination for regional sports tournaments and events, potentially drawing visitors year-round and contributing to the local economy.
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