MILITARY

Eglin to close portions of Santa Rosa Sound and Gulf of Mexico for weapons testing

The Air Force will conduct munition launches off Santa Rosa Island on September 21, 2023.

• The hazard area will be active from 1:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. CST. 
• The hazard area includes the Gulf of Mexico and the Santa Rosa Sound. 

All vessels are required to remain clear of the hazard area during the mission period.

Advisories and local notice to mariners will be broadcast on Channel 16 and on HF upper sideband 2182 KHZ by the Eglin Joint Test and Training Operations Control Center. Call Sign “WOLFCALL”. 

Click here to view the coordinates and see a map.

SCHOOL

Ernest Hebson leaves behind a legacy of excellence at Fort Walton Beach High School

Fort Walton Beach is mourning the loss of a community icon. Ernest Hebson, beloved former band director at Fort Walton Beach High School, passed away on September 13th at the age of 84. 

• For over 30 years, Mr. Hebson built a band program rooted in tradition and a motto of “excellence without exception.” His legacy lives on through generations of students whose lives were shaped by his tireless dedication to nurturing young musicians.

“He just was relentless in his teaching and he never took a day off,” said Randy Folsom, Hebson’s former assistant and successor as FWBHS Band Director. “He taught fundamentals without flaw. He didn’t teach with a bag of tricks or anything like that, but every day he would chip away at a problem that needed to be solved.”

Folsom first started working with Hebson in 1988 after being impressed by the flawless performances of Hebson’s ensembles. “It was like starting in education all over. It was like having to relearn your job almost,” Folsom said of starting under Hebson’s wing. “To be able to learn under him was just life changing.”

During their years together, the duo accomplished tremendous feats with the FWBHS band program. The band traveled extensively – visiting locations like Canada, Mexico, New York, California – and made national television appearances at events like presidential inaugurations, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Rose Bowl Parade. 

• The trophy-lined walls of the FWBHS band room are a reminder of the program Hebson helped build from the ground up when the school opened in 1969.

Though Hebson shied away from the spotlight, his profound impact did not go unrecognized. He received the Legion of Merit Award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation in 1999, was a two-time recipient of the National Bandmasters Citation of Excellence, and was inducted into the Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame in 2004. But beyond the accolades, it was the lessons instilled in his students that cemented his legacy.

“The biggest impact on my life as a high school student was how Mr. Hebson demonstrated, by example, both the importance and benefits of being prompt, prepared, consistent, and only accepting your best,” said Scott Laborde, former FWBHS student and current band director at Bruner Middle School. “As a teenager, the lessons and experiences Mr. Hebson provided helped me navigate all of those life lessons many high schoolers face.”

Even long after his 1999 retirement, Hebson remained a mentor to many local band directors like Laborde.

• “Although Mr. Hebson had been retired for 24 years, he continued to make himself available,” Laborde recalled. “He watched patiently while I worked tirelessly trying to fix all of the musical issues at hand without great success. After turning to Mr. Hebson for advice, he calmly looked at me and said one thing that only took two sentences to say. Then he told me to tell the students and have them play the music again. Just like that, all of the problems were fixed in one run!”

Hebson’s dedication to guiding future generations was felt by many…even those who arrived at FWBHS after his retirement. Click here to read the rest of the story, along with interviews with former students-now-directors.

NEWS

Okaloosa Commissioner Paul Mixon appointed to FAC Committee

Okaloosa County Commissioner and Vice Chairman Paul Mixon was recently appointed to the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Healthy, Safety & Justice Policy Committee by the association’s president, Bill Truex of Charlotte County.

“I’m honored to be chosen to work on this committee,” said Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Vice Chairman Paul Mixon. “Healthcare, public safety, and substance abuse treatment are all topics that I am passionate about. I think that this committee has a real opportunity to craft policy that will make a difference in the lives of Florida citizens.”

The Healthy, Safety & Justice committee deals with public policies that encompass the following:

• Behavioral and Mental Health
• Healthcare and Human Services Funding
• Healthcare and Human Services Policy
• Emergency Medical Services
• Law Enforcement, Juvenile Justice & Corrections
• Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Treatment
• Emergency Management
• Emergency Communication
• Judiciary – Article V

In his role as a policy leader, Vice Chairman Mixon will hold a committee position for the duration of one year. He will work closely with FAC’s executive committee to develop and recommend a statewide legislation platform for issues within their committee’s jurisdiction. These platforms will serve as a guide in shaping the association’s priorities for the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session.

• FAC’s Policy Committees are responsible for proposing, debating, and adopting policy positions that focus on improving and preserving Florida’s counties.

“The success of the association, and by extension Florida counties, relies heavily on the role played by our policy committees,” said FAC President Bill Truex. “I took careful time and consideration when choosing this year’s appointments and I am confident that each leader’s invaluable expertise will be an asset to accurately represent the diverse needs of our state.”

THINGS TO DO

Bloody Mary Festival returns to Miramar Beach on October 14

The Market Shops at Sandestin will host its 8th Annual Bloody Mary Festival on Saturday, October 14th, 2023, with proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity – Walton County.

The popular annual event, powered by Step One Automotive Group, will feature unlimited tastings of the area’s most creative bloody mary cocktails, made with Dune Laker Vodka from Distillery 98. 

Over 20 local restaurants and bars will compete to make the best bloody mary, with judges awarding first, second and third place prizes.

Restaurants confirmed to participate include:

• Auston’s on 98
• The Beach House
• Big Bad Breakfast
• Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer
• Camille’s at Crystal Beach
• Chanticleer Eatery
• Chef’s Bistro 30A
• Chiringo
• Faber/Slick Mick’s
• The Henderson
• Louis Louis
• Marina Café
• Outcast Bar and Grill
• Ovide
• The Red Bar
• Ruby Slipper Café
• Signature Catering of 30A
• Soleil
• and more

Each bloody mary will be scored on taste as well as creative garnishes and toppings. Local food vendors like Ben & Jerry’s, Chicago Hot Dogs, and Maple Street Biscuit Company will also be on site.

The festival will take place from 11am to 2pm at The Market Shops. Tickets are $60 presale or $75 at the door. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. In addition to the bloody mary tasting, there will be local craft beer from Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, a photo booth, live music from 80s rock band Catalyst, and more.

Over the past 7 years, the event has raised over $120,000 for local charities. This year’s fundraising will support Habitat for Humanity – Walton County’s mission to build affordable housing for families in need.

“We’re proud to host the 8th annual festival and help a great cause like Habitat for Humanity,” said Bob Duncan, managing partner of The Market Shops.

The family-friendly shopping center will provide parking, but space is limited. A free shuttle service will run from nearby lodging at Courtyard Marriott, Residence Inn, and Hyatt Place.

“We are grateful for The Market Shops’ continued support in helping us make a permanent impact in our local community,” said Teresa Jones, executive director of Habitat for Humanity – Walton County. “This funding will help us accomplish a record year by building six houses for deserving families!”

Click here to learn more

TRAFFIC

Okaloosa and Walton Counties traffic advisory

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Okaloosa and Walton counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Okaloosa County:                                  

• Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may experience traffic disruptions Sunday, Sept. 17 through Thursday, Sept. 21, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility work in the following locations:
  • U.S. 98 east and westbound alternating and intermittent lane closures between Ferry Road and Pier Road. 
  • Perry Avenue southbound lane closures between First Street and U.S. 98. 
  • Intermittent shoulder closures on Brooks Street, between Perry Avenue and Florida Blanca Place, and on Business Access Road.
  • Santa Rosa Boulevard east and westbound alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.

• U.S. 98 Bridge Rehabilitation over East Pass Bridge – Drivers may encounter intermittent single-lane closures on U.S. 98 over East Pass (Marler) Bridge, eastbound structure (Fort Walton Beach to Destin) Sunday, Sept. 17 through Thursday, Sept. 21, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. The existing 35 mph speed limit will be maintained during construction.

• U.S. 98 Improvements from Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast- Drivers may encounter temporary U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures from Josie Road to Mary Esther Boulevard, Sunday, Sept. 17 through Thursday, Sept. 21, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. to allow crews to adjust manholes and for roadway reconstruction activities.

• State Road (S.R.) 285 Resurfacing from S.R. 20 to S.R. 293 – Drivers may encounter intermittent, outside lane closures on southbound S.R. 285, from East College Boulevard to Adams Street, Sunday, Sept. 17 through Saturday, Sept. 23, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., for sidewalk work.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 331 to Peach Creek – Drivers may experience nighttime intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, Sunday, Sept. 17 through Thursday, Sept. 21, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. These closures are required for paving operations and for crews to place sod.

• S.R. 81 Bridge Repair on the Bruce Creek Bridge – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures the week of Monday, Sept. 18 for construction operations.

COASTAL RESOURCES

Local volunteers remove 5,000 cigarette butts, 700lbs of trash during Okaloosa beach cleanup

On Saturday, September 16, 2023, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism, Saltwater Restaurants and many community partners hosted their annual International Coastal Cleanup to remove trash and debris from local beaches.

Nearly 500 volunteers from the community came out between 8-10AM to participate across six beach locations, including The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, The Crab Trap/James Lee Park, The Surf Hut, Norriego Point, Clement Taylor Park, and Henderson Beach State Park.

Working together, volunteers collected and removed around 700 pounds of trash and over 5,000 cigarette butts. While this is an increase from the Earth Day Cleanup earlier this year (3,000 cigarette butts), last year’s International Coastal Cleanup saw the removal of 1,000 pounds of garbage and over 8,000 cigarette butts. 

“It was amazing to have such high participation for another beach cleanup,” said Jessica Valek, Coastal Resource Coordinator at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism. “We saw many new faces as well as those who have been participating for years! The turnout this year shows that it is important to our community that we keep our beaches clean for our locals, visitors, wildlife, and future generations.”

• She went on to say, “Every year these cleanups gather more participation and more awareness. Local environmental groups and organizations set up outreach tables at each location to educate the volunteers on how they can be environmental stewards and continue to help our environment every single day, protect our wildlife, and prevent trash from reaching our waterways and beaches.”

Marine debris poses a major threat to local wildlife like birds and sea turtles that nest on our beaches. Annual cleanups like this are crucial for removing not just litter, but dangerous microplastics that can be mistaken as food by animals.