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Good morning!
We have a lot of news to cover today so let’s get started. Please note that some of these stories have been condensed in the newsletter and I highly encourage you to read the full stories…
NEWS
SS United States Conservancy accuses landlord of blocking ship’s relocation to Okaloosa
The SS United States Conservancy, owner of the historic ocean liner SS United States, filed an urgent motion in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania on September 12, accusing their landlord of misconduct and attempting to seize the ship for financial gain.
- The motion, filed hours before a court-imposed deadline to remove the ship from Pier 82 in Philadelphia, alleges that Penn Warehousing & Distribution demanded $3 million from the Conservancy and purchaser, Okaloosa County.
The Conservancy claims Penn Warehousing blocked a contract for the ship’s sale and tried to negotiate its own sale of the vessel without authorization.
“We’ve been dealing with the impacts of Penn Warehousing’s underhanded tactics for some time,” the Conservancy stated. “It is more proof that Penn Warehousing has engaged in a deliberate pattern of behavior intended to force the Conservancy’s default, and seize the SS United States, so that they can sell the historic ship for their own financial gain.”
According to the Conservancy, Penn Warehousing admitted at trial to doubling the ship’s rent to force it off the pier. The organization also alleges that the landlord made unfounded claims of pier damage, attempted punitive financial measures, and scuttled a purchase and sale agreement that would have fulfilled the court’s order.
- Susan Gibbs, Conservancy president and granddaughter of the ship’s designer, said, “After decades of paying our pier rent in full and on time, pier operator Penn Warehousing has brought us to the brink of losing the SS United States, an inspiring expression of her namesake nation’s strength, unity, and pride.”
The 990-foot SS United States, launched in 1952, holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner. It faced legal challenges when a federal judge ruled on June 14, 2024, that it must vacate its Philadelphia location within 90 days.
Okaloosa County had previously signed an agreement to purchase the ship, intending to create the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The county allocated up to $9 million for the acquisition, remediation, transport, and deployment of the SS United States, including plans for a land-based museum.
The Conservancy stated it remains committed to finding a new home for the ship and preserving its legacy. The organization awaits the court’s decision on the latest motion.
“Since acquiring the SS United States over a decade ago, the Conservancy has worked tirelessly and against long odds to find a new home for America’s Flagship and to preserve and celebrate her extraordinary legacy,” added Gibbs. “As we navigate this latest challenge and try to resolve the current impasse, we remain profoundly grateful to the SS United States’ supporters from across the nation and around the world.”
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WEATHER
Okaloosa School District, emergency management outline weather safety process
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers and Emergency Management Director Patrick Maddox have detailed their collaborative process for making weather-related safety decisions affecting students and staff.
- The two leaders recently provided an overview of how their teams work together to protect the community during severe weather events.
“Our priority is always the safety of our students and staff. We work hand in hand with emergency management to assess weather conditions and make informed decisions,” Chambers said.
Maddox explained that their decision-making process considers multiple factors.
“We analyze data from multiple sources to determine the safest course of action. Our goal is to minimize disruption while ensuring everyone’s safety,” he said.
According to Maddox, these factors include weather forecasts, road conditions, and potential impacts on school operations.
- The officials also discussed their strategies for keeping parents, students, and staff informed. They emphasized the importance of clear and consistent messaging through various platforms, including social media, the school district’s website, and direct notifications.
The collaboration between the school district and emergency management aims to address weather-related safety concerns. As weather patterns vary, officials say this partnership plays a role in their safety efforts for the community.
SCHOOL
Students harvest tilapia at Silver Sands School’s aquaponic greenhouse for upcoming fish fry
Students at Silver Sands School, a special day school serving approximately 100 students with disabilities, participated in the school’s third annual fishing rodeo this week, harvesting tilapia from the school’s aquaponic greenhouse.
- The greenhouse, funded by a grant several years ago, is the only aquaponic system in the district. It uses fish waste to nourish plants, creating a sustainable ecosystem that produces faster-growing crops while teaching students valuable life and job skills.
“Our kids are working on life and job skills,” said Marian Gilmore, the school’s science teacher. “They come in and they check all of our pipes, making sure everything’s running, that the hoses are running, that the fish are getting their air in there.”
The harvested fish will be used in an upcoming fundraising campaign and fish fry on Nov. 1. Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant will host the event ahead of the Fort Walton Beach High School vs. Crestview High School football game.
Parker Destin, recently elected to the Okaloosa County School Board, emphasized his family’s continued support for Silver Sands School. “We’ve always tried to support Silver Sands School because of the remarkable mission and work and the special students and their families that go there,” Destin said.
- The upcoming fish fry aims to build on last year’s success. “We’re going to be offering fish, french fries, hush puppies, a dessert, and a bottle of water for the low price of $10,” Destin explained.
The fish fry, scheduled for Nov. 1 at 5 p.m., aims to raise funds for the school’s various needs, including the growth house and other areas. The event coincides with the Fort Walton Beach vs. Crestview football game.
As Silver Sands School continues to enrich the lives of its students through innovative programs like the aquaponic greenhouse, it exemplifies how community support and dedicated educators can provide unique learning experiences for students with disabilities.
SCHOOL
Fort Walton Beach High School hosts 2nd annual ‘college fair’ with 50+ schools
Fort Walton Beach High School welcomed over 55 colleges and armed forces representatives on Wednesday for its second annual “Vikings SET SAIL” College Fair.
- The event, which has outgrown its original location in the school’s media center and now occupies the gymnasium, offers students a comprehensive look at their post-secondary options.
Dr. Linda Dugan, Professional School Counselor, emphasized the fair’s importance in preparing students for their futures. “One of the biggest things in the state of Florida is career readiness,” Dugan said. “We’ve got to help our students plan.”
The fair caters to 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students, complementing a larger college fair held at Northwest Florida State College later in the day. This approach ensures all students have access to vital information about their post-secondary options.
Principal Lindsey Smith highlighted the event’s role in fostering student engagement. “It’s really exciting for our students and it’s a great service that we provide,” Smith said. “It’s great to see them so excited about their futures.”
- John Spolski, Assistant Superintendent and former Principal, stressed the value of face-to-face interactions at the fair. “These students really get their first glimpse of what a college representative will say or do or give them rather than their digital interactions,” Spolski said.
The college fair is part of a broader initiative to promote career readiness among students, aligning with state efforts. Fort Walton Beach High also hosts a career fair in the spring, giving students multiple opportunities to explore their options.
As the event continues to grow, school officials hope it will foster stronger relationships between students and universities, helping students plan for their futures in light of current economic challenges.
SCHOOL
Crestview High School unveils its new multipurpose building, funded by half-cent sales tax
On September 12, 2024, Crestview High School celebrated the opening of its new multipurpose building, funded by the voter-supported Half-Cent Sales Tax. This facility, following an eight-classroom addition completed earlier in the year, marks another significant improvement for the school.
Principal Victoria Hayden highlighted the building’s versatility, accommodating multiple PE classes, providing a central location for the athletic trainer, and serving various school groups including ROTC, band, and dance.
- The space has already proven valuable for community use, hosting events simultaneously with other school facilities.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers emphasized the impact of the Half-Cent Sales Tax, now in its fourth year. “This half-cent sales tax has been a game changer for our district,” Chambers stated, noting improvements across Okaloosa County schools, including new roofs and air conditioning systems.
The multipurpose building is designed to benefit all students, not just athletes. Students have shown enthusiasm for the new space, approaching administration with ideas for its use. This project is part of ongoing growth at Crestview High School, with future improvements, such as a new parking lot, in the planning stages.
The new facility represents the community’s investment in education and the positive changes made possible through the Half-Cent Sales Tax initiative.
COASTAL RESOURCES
2024 International Coastal Clean Up
Join the 2024 International Coastal Clean Up event on Saturday, September 21st from 8 – 10 a.m. This family-friendly event features cleanup contests with prizes, free event t-shirts, and a complimentary post-cleanup breakfast at select locations.
Cleanup sites:
- The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island (1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL)
- The Crab Trap/James Lee Park (3500 Scenic HWY 98, Destin, FL)
- The Surf Hut (551 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL)
- June White Decker Park (1950 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL)
- Henderson Beach State Park (17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL)
Free breakfast will be provided at The Boardwalk, The Crab Trap, and The Surf Hut cleanup locations. Participants should bring their own bucket, mesh bag, gloves, and trash grabbers. Don’t forget water bottles and sun protection!
BUSINESS
Academy Sports & Outdoors coming soon to Fort Walton Beach
Academy Sports & Outdoors is preparing to open a new store at 546 Mary Esther Cut Off NW in Fort Walton Beach, taking over a building with a varied history of occupants.
- The sporting goods retailer will occupy the space that was once a Walmart and later split between ResortQuest/Vacasa and Liza Jackson Preparatory School. The school has since relocated to a new facility.
According to documents submitted to the city, the project involves a complete buildout of the existing structure. Site work includes resurfacing and restriping the parking lot west of the building, as well as expanding the eastern parking lot and truck docking area. The total project area spans approximately 131,241 square feet, with a sales floor area of 56,413 square feet.
The city has issued two permits for the project. An alteration build out permit was issued on Aug. 22, 2024, for the Academy Sports buildout, with the value of the permitted work at $4,300,000. A parking lot permit was issued on Aug. 19, 2024, for resurfacing and restriping, with the value of this work at $75,000.
Construction work is currently underway at the property. However, an opening date for the new Academy Sports & Outdoors store has not been announced. A 37,087 sq.ft. space is available for lease next to Academy Sports and Outdoors.
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