SCHOOL

Hope Squad Conference empowers Okaloosa Students to help peers in need, suicide prevention

Schools from across Okaloosa County gathered at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 for the first ever county-wide Hope Squad Conference. 

The event brought together over 180 students (along with advisors) from 13 schools who are part of the peer-to-peer suicide prevention program at their respective schools.

• The conference featured a lineup of speakers and activities aimed at equipping students with the tools needed to provide hope and prevent suicide amongst their peers.

Peggy Brockman, head of the local Hope Squad program, welcomed students bright and early, noting that the conference has been years in the making. “We have kids here today that have been doing this for four years now. We’re gonna learn some stuff,” Brockman enthused.

A major highlight of the event was a $115,000 donation by program sponsor Simply Healthcare to support Hope Squad’s work across schools in the county. “Our company wants to fully support Hope Squad,” said Simply Healthcare’s Brent Couch, explaining the company’s excitement around Hope Squad’s impact.

The conference agenda featured talks by Hope Squad leaders, a team bonding exercise, and QPR suicide prevention training.

Tracy Lamb, Director of Student Services for the Okaloosa County School District, spoke about the power students have to provide hope for their struggling peers. She shared a personal story of her own daughter who had harmed herself, but was prompted to get help after a simple act of kindness from a fellow student. 

Lamb told the students that a Hope Squad member saved her life that day. A day that she says her daughter felt “invisible.”

• “Just being seen, just being recognized, gave her the peace that she needed,” said Lamb. “Remember, every word you speak, every hello you give, matters. It matters.”

Seventh grader Elizabeth Rodriguez of Ruckel Middle School is a first-year member who joined because she wanted to be part of a group that helps students who may not feel comfortable opening up to adults. 

“It lets students know that their peers are there for them, even if they don’t feel like anyone else is,” she explained. “Even if you don’t feel like there is anyone to talk to, just know there always is. “

Cole Tabb, a second-year member from Choctawhatchee High School, joined Hope Squad after his own mental health challenges growing up. 

• “I found out there was a group coming into high school that really sought to help those in need and it was students doing it, which made my peers feel a lot more comfortable,” he shared. I knew I wanted to be a part of that community coming into Choctaw.

Tabb, who just last week broke the school’s all-time football rushing record, says that the program has been an asset at Choctaw. “I think you see so many kids being somewhat open about depression and anxiety because there’s students to talk to about it with, and not just adults who they can sometimes be scared to talk to.”

As for his peers who are currently struggling, Tabb had a very clear message that “it is okay.”

• “It’s okay. It’s normal. Everyone goes through struggles. Everyone goes through really hard times,” he said. “The best thing is to find those people that you’re close with that you can express your feelings to.”

Hope Squad members were presented with gratitude journals to write down things they are thankful for as a self-care practice. Brockman encouraged students to take time to record their thoughts and feelings. “If I were writing in mine right now, I’d be writing that I am so grateful for every one of you in this room,” she told the crowd.

Brockman publicly thanked Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers for his continued support. Chambers has been an advocate for mental health across the school district, and Tuesday morning was no different.

• “I am incredibly proud to have Hope Squad in all of our schools because we know the training works,” he said. “It empowers students to help their peers find support at a time when they need it most.”

POLICE BLOTTER

FWB Police arrest Circle K employee allegedly dealing fentanyl, meth from inside the store

On September 9, 2023, detectives with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at the Circle K Gas Station located at 65 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE. 

An extensive ongoing investigation led detectives to suspect a store employee, Joanne Faulkner, (48) of Fort Walton Beach was distributing fentanyl from inside the store. 

During the investigation, several non-fatal drug overdoses occurred in the area surrounding the store, according to the report. The investigation eventually led detectives to seek a search warrant. 

• During the search, detectives located sixteen individual bags, eight containing fentanyl, and eight containing methamphetamines.

Joanne Faulker was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a church.
• Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a church.
• Sale, manufacture, or delivery of fentanyl within 1000 feet of a church.

Anyone with additional information on this case or any other narcotic related case is encouraged to contact the Fort Walton Beach Police Department at 850-833-9546 or the Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-8477

A MESSAGE FROM PEADEN

Changing HVAC filters regularly is vital for home comfort and efficiency 

Remembering to change out your home’s HVAC filters on a regular basis is a simple way to maintain system efficiency and indoor air quality, according to Tony Hicks, Assistant GM & HVAC Service Manager at Peaden.

• “It may seem obvious, but for a lot of people, it’s out of sight, out of mind,” said Hicks. You may get away with it without really noticing through the lighter part of the summer season, but when it gets into the 90s and up, that filter makes a big difference.” 

Hicks explains that Peaden frequently gets calls from homeowners puzzled as to why their system is no longer maintaining the set temperature. “We go over there and it is a dirty filter,” he said. 

A clogged filter forces the HVAC system to “run way harder than it needs to,” Hicks emphasized. The reduced airflow causes a ripple effect of problems. With air restricted, the evaporator coil runs colder than designed, sometimes freezing into a solid block of ice. This not only stops cooling altogether, but as it melts it can lead to water damage in the home.

• Excess moisture introduced into the ductwork also promotes bacteria growth. And in Florida’s humid climate, this can rapidly deteriorate air quality.

The strain of trying to pull air through a dirty filter has other impacts as well. “When your system’s working harder, your amp draws go up and your motor has to pull higher amps to pull that air through your outdoor units,” Hicks explained. 

This increased workload comes at a cost for homeowners. “It just wears out your system much faster,” said Hicks. “Here in Florida, the average lifespan is 8 to 12 years, which is pretty low. So the nicer you can be to your equipment, the more life you can squeeze out on the back end.”

• Of course, the harder an HVAC system works, the more energy it consumes. That translates directly into higher electricity bills. Simply keeping filters clean can have a significant impact on monthly costs.

For homeowners concerned about allergens and dust, high-efficiency filters can help remove more particles. But Hicks cautions that you need to ensure your HVAC system can handle the increased airflow resistance. 

“Knowing if your filter is big enough for the equipment is huge,” he advised. “A common problem in Florida, too, is people will upsize the equipment, but not the air return.”

• Trying to push air through too small of a filter or air return starves the system, replicating the issues of a severely clogged filter.

If adequately sized, thicker pleated filters are a good option. Another solution Hicks recommends is electrostatic filters. “It basically electrifies the filter so all the tiny little microns that you typically breathe in and go right through the filter, they all get magnetized to each other so they can get caught by the filter,” he said.

• While electrostatic filters have a higher upfront cost, the replacement pads are inexpensive. This makes them more affordable long-term while providing superior filtration, according to Hicks.

By changing filters regularly and using the right type and size for your HVAC system, you can maximize performance. Be sure to consult HVAC experts at Peaden to help determine optimal filter selection. A small investment of time and money in maintenance today will pay dividends through improved indoor comfort and energy efficiency for years to come.

For more information on HVAC services from Peaden, visit their website today.

MILITARY

Task Force Dagger to be honored by Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce will host “Honoring Our Heroes: 9/11 America’s Response,” a tribute event dedicated to the U.S. Military’s Task Force Dagger, at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds.

This year’s event aims to spotlight the heroism of Air Force Special Operations Command Special Tactics Airmen and aircrews who were the first Airmen to step foot into Afghanistan less than a month after the terrorist attacks.

• Also hear from the first female gunship navigator to open fire in combat operations. 

“Celebrating and honoring the bravery of Task Force Dagger is not only vital for paying homage to our military heroes, but it also serves as a poignant reminder of the values we hold dear in our community and as a nation.” said Maureen Bierman, 2023 Chairman of the Board, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. “We believe it’s an essential opportunity for our community to come together, reflect, and express our deepest gratitude for the sacrifices made on our behalf.”

Speakers at the event include Lieutenant General Marshall “Brad” Webb, USAF (retired); Col. Allison Black, and Col. Kurt Buller, USAF (Retired).

• The event will conclude with a toast including the US Army Green Berets of Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 595, who were the spotlight of last year’s event and are returning as part of the Chamber’s tribute to America’s Heroes.

Tickets are priced at $75.00 per person and include dinner, beer, and wine. Corporate tables are also available but limited in quantity. Tickets can be purchased at FWBchamber.org or by calling 850-244-8191.  

“The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce has a long-standing tradition of hosting remarkable events, and this year’s banquet honoring Task Force Dagger is poised to be exceptionally memorable,” said Ted Corcoran, President/CEO, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. “It’s not just an event but a historical reunion, bringing together 13 members of Task Force Dagger who played an instrumental role in the aftermath of 9/11.”

This event would not be possible without the generous support of these community sponsors: Bank of England Mortgage, Bit-Wizards, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Emerald Coast Harley Davidson, Fast Signs, Florida Power & Light, Horse Soldier Bourbon, Image Printing, Live Oak Fiber, Okaloosa Gas District, Step One Automotive Group, TalkingParents, The Boeing Company, The Manor at Bluewater Bay, thrIVe Wellness, and Vertex Solutions.

SPORTS

Hurlburt Field to conduct flyover during FWBHS, Navarre football games this Friday

On Friday, September 15th, Hurlburt Field airmen will participate in Military Appreciation Nights at both the Fort Walton Beach High School Vikings and the Navarre High School Raiders games. 

• The events will honor service members and highlight the partnership between the base and the school districts.

During both games, men and women from the 1st Special Operations Wing will be conducting a two-ship formation flyover featuring Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft, including the MC-130J Commando II and the AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship stationed at Hurlburt Field. 

Those in attendance for the events will also have the opportunity to engage with Air Commandos from various career fields including special tactics, combat controllers, explosive ordnance disposal, the mission sustainment team and security forces. 

• Fans can expect an interactive experience where they can try on military gear, witness demonstrations, ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the AFSOC mission and Air Force careers.

Air Commandos from Hurlburt Field will be in attendance for both the FWBHS Vikings and NHS Raiders games with members of base leadership joining other miliary veterans to conduct the coin toss at each game prior to kick-off.

“The tremendous support from our local community allows the men and women of Hurlburt Field to answer the nation’s call Any Time, Any Place,” expressed U.S. Air Force Col. Allison Black, 1st SOW Commander. “Events like High School Football Military Appreciation Nights give us an opportunity to mix it up with the students and families and allows us to show what AFSOC is all about.”

Earlier this summer, both the Raiders and the Vikings were guests of Hurlburt Field, attending various football events and camps hosted on the installation. “These opportunities strengthen our partnerships for the future, and solidify the connection of our Airmen with the local community,” added Black.

While Fort Walton Beach High School has held a Military Appreciation football game at Steve Riggs Stadium for the past several years to honor military members within the community, this is the first year Navarre High School has hosted one. 

• Both events will highlight Hurlburt Field’s partnership with Okaloosa County and Santa Rosa County School districts. 

“The Okaloosa County School District proudly supports our military community, and we are grateful for all the opportunities our students, staff, and families have to engage with our Air Commandos,” stated Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Friday night will be an unforgettable experience for all, and we look forward to showing our appreciation to those who serve our great country and protect our freedom.”