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Good morning!
It’s not everyday that I post something on Facebook where every single comment is positive. But that’s exactly what has happened with my video post last week showcasing the Crestview High School Jazz Band. The video has racked up 1,300 shares and over 1,000 comments…
Last Thursday morning, the Jazz Ensemble performed for guests at the unveiling of the school’s new multi-purpose building. AND THEY WERE OUTSTANDING! Click here to take a listen…
BUSINESS
Winn-Dixie on Beal Parkway to become ALDI in Fort Walton Beach
The Winn-Dixie store at 798 Beal Parkway in Fort Walton Beach will close for renovations in late October as part of ALDI’s plan to convert it into one of its discount supermarkets.
- This conversion follows ALDI’s recent acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners, a move that supports the company’s expansion in the Southeast region.
“We’re converting some Winn-Dixie stores to the ALDI format to better support the communities we serve,” an ALDI spokesperson told Get The Coast on Monday. “Customers can expect a quick, easy shopping experience with great products at the lowest possible prices.”
The spokesperson added that ALDI’s smaller stores stock only essential items, allowing customers to shop efficiently. The company’s exclusive brands offer savings of up to 40% on groceries without compromising quality.
While the Beal Parkway location is temporarily closed, other area Winn-Dixie stores will continue to serve Fort Walton Beach residents. The converted store is expected to reopen as an ALDI within the next several months.
Employees at the closing Winn-Dixie have been given priority in applying to the newly converted ALDI store. The company stated it is committed to minimizing the impact on workers, offering support and opportunities including the option to transfer to neighboring Winn-Dixie locations.
- This local conversion is part of ALDI’s broader expansion plan announced on March 7, 2024. The company aims to add 800 stores nationwide by the end of 2028 through a combination of new openings and store conversions.
ALDI plans to invest more than $9 billion over the next five years on its national expansion. The company anticipates converting approximately 50 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the ALDI format during the latter half of 2024, with the majority reopening as ALDI in 2025.
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SCHOOL
Okaloosa County School District releases annual report highlighting achievements
The Okaloosa County School District has released its 2023-2024 Annual Report, detailing the district’s achievements and ongoing commitment to educational excellence.
- The report, designed by the team at Bit-Wizards, provides a comprehensive overview of the district’s accomplishments, focusing on the success of students, teachers, staff, and administrators.
As an ‘A’ school district, Okaloosa County emphasizes its dedication to fostering academic success and preparing future leaders.
Key areas highlighted in the report include safety measures, modern innovation initiatives, continuous learning programs, and community engagement efforts. The document also emphasizes the positive impact of the half-cent sales tax on the district’s improvements.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers commented on the report’s significance, stating, “The collaborative efforts of our students, teachers, administrators, school board, and community partners are the foundation of the Okaloosa County School District.” He added, “We are proud to share our vision for the Next Generation of Okaloosa Schools with all our stakeholders. Together, we will create an environment where every student thrives and uphold our district’s reputation for educational excellence.”
The annual report aims to inform stakeholders about the district’s progress. Click here to view.
BUSINESS
Cumulus Media’s 99ROCK welcomes new morning show host
Cumulus Media has appointed Stroke Mastro as the new on-air host for mornings at 99ROCK/99.5 WKSM-FM in Fort Walton Beach. Mastro will co-host “The Morning Movement” with Taryn Driggers, airing weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Mastro brings significant experience to the role, having most recently spent five years as a cast member of “That Damn Show” on Audacy Rock station 98 Rock/KRXQ-FM in Sacramento, California. Prior to that, he served as program director and morning host of the “Stroke Radio Show” for 13 years at Magic Broadcasting Rock station 97X/WYYX-FM in Panama City, Florida.
Chris Kellogg, operations manager for Cumulus Fort Walton Beach/Destin, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition. “This is a great opportunity for 99ROCK and for Stroke as he joins Taryn to continue the winning tradition of The Morning Movement,” Kellogg said.
- Dave Rossi, program director at 99ROCK/WKSM-FM, noted that Mastro was selected after an extensive search. “It was clear that Stroke was the perfect fit for 99ROCK. We’re excited to have him on our team and looking forward to letting him cook in Morning Drive,” Rossi said.
Mastro himself expressed excitement about joining the station. “I’m thrilled to join the 99ROCK family! As a long-time fan of the station, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of the legendary talents who have called 99ROCK their home. I’m looking forward to connecting with the community and being a part of their daily lives,” he said.
Listeners can tune in to “The Morning Movement” with Stroke Mastro and Taryn Driggers on 99ROCK/99.5 WKSM-FM or stream the station online at wksm.com.
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.
PUBLIC SAFETY
15-year-old charged for social media threats against Pryor Middle School student
A 15-year-old Fort Walton Beach girl has been arrested and charged with making electronic threats to kill or do bodily harm to a middle school student, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
- The suspect was taken into custody on an active warrant on September 13, following an investigation into threats made against a 12-year-old student at Pryor Middle School.
On September 4, the victim reported receiving threatening messages on Snapchat from the suspect. The threats were allegedly made over an incident involving the suspect’s girlfriend.
Investigators say the suspect sent the victim a photo of herself holding a firearm, along with texts threatening to shoot or hurt him after classes at Pryor Middle School or outside her apartment. Deputies quickly tracked down the suspect and searched her home, but no weapon was found.
The suspect had recently moved back to Okaloosa County from another state and was not actively enrolled in or attending classes in the county at the time of the incident, according to the report.
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers issued a statement addressing the situation:
- “The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office notified the Okaloosa County School District of a threat against one of our students through a social media post. Upon receiving this report, the Sheriff’s Office and our district administration immediately launched an investigation. Appropriate safety measures were promptly put in place to protect the student victim involved.”
Chambers emphasized the district’s zero-tolerance policy for threats against students, staff, or school campuses. “All violations of the District’s Student Code of Conduct—whether real, false, or perceived—are treated with utmost seriousness,” he said.
“We take all threats seriously and will not tolerate any actions compromising the security and well-being of our students, staff, and school communities,” added Chambers. “While the individual involved was not actively enrolled in our district at the time, this incident reminds us that we must remain vigilant in protecting our school community. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement to maintain safe and secure learning environments for all.”
The teen has been turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
NEWS
Okaloosa County man claims $1 million scratch-off lottery prize
Roy Boyer, a 54-year-old man from Shalimar in Okaloosa County, has claimed a $1 million prize in the Florida Lottery’s $20 MONOPOLY DOUBLER Scratch-Off game, lottery officials announced Monday.
- Boyer opted to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $798,985.00. He claimed his prize at the Florida Lottery’s Pensacola District Office.
The winning ticket was purchased from Raceway, located at 1183 North Eglin Parkway in Shalimar. As a result of selling the winning ticket, the retailer received a $2,000 bonus commission.
The $20 MONOPOLY DOUBLER Scratch-Off game offers players the chance to win from a prize pool of more than $493 million in cash prizes, including eight top prizes of $5 million. The overall odds of winning in this game are 1-in-3.02.
Scratch-Off games continue to be a significant part of the Florida Lottery’s offerings, accounting for approximately 74 percent of ticket sales in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Since the lottery’s inception, Scratch-Off games have awarded more than $63.1 billion in prizes and created 2,175 millionaires.
The Florida Lottery reports that Scratch-Off games have generated more than $19.24 billion for the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) since the lottery began.
PARKS+REC
3 Walt Disney World dolphins to relocate to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Three dolphins from Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park will soon call the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park their new home, according to a Cast Member communications memo that Disney sent on Tuesday, September 10.
- The relocation, planned for late October, comes as part of a broader initiative to address infrastructure changes at The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion.
The decision to move the dolphins was made after a comprehensive evaluation of what would be best for the animals as infrastructure work progresses at The Seas. The Gulfarium, accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums and the International Marine Animals Trainer’s Association, is set to receive the three male dolphins.
“We are honored and excited to welcome our new residents to the Gulfarium in October and are fully committed to providing the dolphins with the highest level of care at their new home,” said Patrick Berry, CEO of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
The Gulfarium recently expanded its facilities with the opening of Dolphin Oasis on March 8, 2024. The $30 million expansion includes three large interconnected habitats and three husbandry habitats, totaling over one million gallons of Gulf salt water.
Disney officials emphasized that the dolphins have thrived and led long lives under their care. “Through the extraordinary care from our team, these three male dolphins have thrived and led long lives and we will continue to be a resource while they receive the best possible care after they are moved,” stated Disney in a Cast Member communication.
- The relocation of the dolphins is part of a series of changes at The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Disney is also working with manatee experts to relocate one of their resident manatees, Lou, to another rehabilitation center in Florida. They will then receive another manatee to be a companion for Lil Joe, the other manatee currently in their care.
These moves are being coordinated with the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services (USFWS) as part of a broader set of manatee relocations around the state. Disney stated that this is part of their ongoing efforts to address the manatee crisis in Florida, which has seen declining populations in recent years.
As a result of these changes, Disney will honor previously booked Guest reservations for Dolphins in Depth and DiveQuest experiences through October 19. They expect DiveQuest to return in 2025.
“Our commitment to conservation and care for animals remains at the core of what we do, and the Cast Members who care for these marine mammals and other sea life will remain at The Seas continuing to focus on key species and conservation initiatives represented in the pavilion,” wrote Disney in the memo.
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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