SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
I hope you had a great weekend! Here’s the news you need to know to get your week started…
THINGS TO DO
Destin History and Fishing Museum to host second annual 5K Mullet Run & Walk
The Destin History and Fishing Museum is gearing up for its Second Annual Destin 5K Mullet Run & Walk, set to take place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 4 p.m. The event, starting at the Destin Brewery, will feature a road race winding through the city.
- Participants can register for the race through the museum’s website. The first 250 registrants will receive T-shirts, adding to the event’s appeal.
Following the main race, organizers have planned a special “Mullet Toss” Challenge. Awards will be presented not only for race performance but also for the top “Mullet” look, adding a playful twist to the event.
The post-race festivities will include an award ceremony complete with snacks and refreshments for participants.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Destin History and Fishing Museum, supporting its ongoing efforts to preserve and share the area’s rich heritage.
For more information about the 5K Mullet Run & Walk, interested parties can contact the Destin History and Fishing Museum at 850-837-6611 or visit destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org.
SPONSORED
Take a ride with your PAL (pre-approved auto loan)
Financing your next auto purchase with Eglin FCU is quick and easy. We offer low rates and flexible terms to meet your needs.
Eglin Federal Credit Union. Where Members Matter Most.
POLICE BLOTTER
FWC arrests seven for illegal fishing in Walton County
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers arrested seven individuals on Sept. 9 for multiple fishing violations in Choctawhatchee Bay, charging them with seven felonies and 21 misdemeanors.
- The charges relate to the possession, use and size of monofilament nets, as well as possession of illegally harvested fish. The group was reportedly observed using a monofilament net larger than Florida’s legal size of 500 square feet to harvest fish.
FWC officers responded to a report of several individuals deploying a monofilament net in the bay. Upon inspection, they discovered a 599-square-foot monofilament entangling net staked in the water with multiple fish caught.
“This is the second monofilament entangling net case in as many weeks; fish are running, and folks are not playing by the rules,” said Maj. Robby Creech, FWC Northwest Region Commander. “Fishing is not only a way of life around here, but also a livelihood. Poaching in this way causes a ripple effect on the resources and the community.”
Florida law prohibits the use of any net containing more than 500 square feet of mesh area for harvesting marine life in nearshore and inshore waters. Additionally, the use of gill nets and other entangling nets of any size is prohibited in all Florida waters.
BUSINESS
Sunset Isle Yacht Club opens luxury marina with 144 slips on Okaloosa Island
Sunset Isle Yacht Club has opened a new marina on Okaloosa Island, becoming the only full-service marina in Northwest Florida capable of accommodating yachts up to 300 feet long, according to the company.
- The marina, located on the south side of Choctawhatchee Bay, spans over nine acres and features a 1,400-foot-long pier. It offers 144 slips ranging from 40 to 120 feet in length and up to 26 feet wide.
“Being an owner of all types and size vessels for over 35 years, I feel this marina was designed to provide the newest bells and whistles to support anyone’s vessel from 25′ to 300′ in size,” said Sunset Isle owner Robert Guidry.
The facility boasts several amenities, including two ultra high-speed fueling stations, shore power from 30 to 200 AMPs, an in-slip pump-out system, and vessel lifts capable of handling up to 120,000 pounds. Oversized finger-pier walkways extend to the end of each slip, allowing owners full access to their vessels.
Bryan Rydzewski, the marina’s general manager, brings over 35 years of industry experience to his role. “My specialty is opening new marinas and helping foster a sense of community among all of the boat owners,” Rydzewski said. “Sunset Isle is in a premier location and offers top-tier services that you won’t find anywhere else.”
- The marina’s location, three miles from Crab Island and Harbor Walk Village, and three and a half miles from the east pass to the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to appeal to avid boaters.
While the rest of the yacht club is under development, current amenities include a private beach, ship store, restrooms, ice plant, and services building. Future plans for the yacht club include a resort-style pool, recreational facilities, and a full-service bar and restaurant.
Sunset Isle Resort and Yacht Club is currently accepting applications for its 144 marina slips. Interested boaters can call (850) 500-2628 or visit www.sunsetisle.com for more information and to reserve a slip.
SPORTS
Local High School Football Scores: Weekly Updates for Okaloosa County Teams
Recent Scores (September 12-13, 2024)
- Niceville 35, Crestview 14
- Pensacola 20, Destin 7
- Pine Forest 20, Choctawhatchee 14
- Jay 41, Baker 0
- Booker T. Washington 22, Fort Walton Beach 0
Upcoming Games
- Sept 19: Fort Walton Beach vs. Leon (Home)
- Sept 20: Niceville @ Choctawhatchee
- Sept 20: Destin vs. Port St. Joe (Home)
- Sept 20: Baker vs. North Bay Haven (Home)
- Sept 27: Crestview vs. Pace (Home)
All games start at 7:00 PM
A MESSAGE FROM DIANA HEALTH
Every woman is different, so is her care
Diana Health offers women’s healthcare focused on the whole woman – addressing physical, mental, and social healthcare needs.
- Diana Health’s services include end-to-end maternity care, Labor & Delivery services, preconception and family planning, along with comprehensive, full-scope Gynecological care.
In-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and TriCare, Diana Health is welcoming new patients. Call to schedule an appointment at (850) 243-2229 or learn more and book online here.
TRAFFIC
Okaloosa and Walton Counties Traffic Advisory
Okaloosa County:
Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 19, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility work and construction activities:
- U.S. 98 alternating lane closures between Ferry Road and Pier Road.
- Santa Rosa Boulevard alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.
Mid-Bay Bridge Rehabilitation Project: Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on the Mid-Bay Bridge, Sunday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 19, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. for construction activities.
U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 lane closures, between Josie Road in Mary Esther and Florida Place Southeast in Fort Walton Beach, Sunday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 19, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
State Road (S.R.) 189 Intersection Improvements – Drivers may encounter intermittent S.R. 189 lane closures and traffic signal interruptions at Pelham Road and Lewis Street, Sunday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 19, between 6:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for signalization work. Law enforcement will be on site to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
S.R. 85 Improvements from S.R. 123 to U.S. 90 – Drivers may encounter intermittent S.R. 85 lane closures from Redstone Avenue to U.S. 90, Sunday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 19, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for concrete work and manhole adjustments.
Mary Esther Boulevard (S.R. 393) Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to Beal Parkway (S.R. 189) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Mary Esther Boulevard for crews to place thermoplastic striping and perform traffic signalization work at the following locations and times:
- Sunday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 19, from U.S. 98 to Hollywood Boulevard, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 15 through Saturday, Sept. 21, from Hollywood Boulevard to Beal Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
U.S. 90 Routine Maintenance at Spring Creek Boulevard – Motorists may encounter intermittent daytime lane closures west of S.R. 85 Monday, Sept. 16 through Thursday, Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for routine maintenance.
Walton County:
U.S. 331 Resurfacing Project from south of I-10 to U.S. 90 – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 331 lane closures, between Bob Sikes Road/Corbett Drive and Bruce Avenue, Sunday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 19, from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for concrete work.
BUSINESS
Hub City Smokehouse & Grill in Crestview to close by end of October
Hub City Smokehouse & Grill, an award-winning local eatery, has announced it will provisionally close its doors by the end of October due to ongoing economic challenges.
- In a post on social media, the restaurant cited several factors contributing to the decision, including inflation, a fluctuating economy, rising food costs, taxes, increasing payroll expenses, volatility in commercial real estate, and challenges associated with renting an 80-year-old building.
“Despite our best efforts to navigate these economic hurdles, we have reached a point where continuing operations at our current location is no longer feasible,” the statement read.
The restaurant plans to concentrate on its catering operations at its Wilson Street location. Additionally, the breakfast service and popular barbecue dishes will be transferred to The Hub Family Restaurant.
The owners expressed gratitude to their customers and staff, stating, “We are immensely proud of the community we have built together and the memories we have shared here on Main Street and throughout Crestview.”
The restaurant management plans to work with employees to integrate them into their new business model. They also encouraged other local business owners to consider hiring their staff, vouching for their quality.
- While closing their Main Street location, the owners remain hopeful about the future, mentioning the possibility of reopening at a new location if an opportunity arises.
The post concluded by encouraging customers to support their other ventures, including The Hub American Family Restaurant, Baker Bites, and Sports Center Concessions, as well as other local businesses facing similar challenges.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Monday. 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!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Published with ♥ by Get The Coast.
Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here.
124 Eglin Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548