BUSINESS

Strange Colt Brewery announces closure in Niceville, seeks new owner

Strange Colt Brewery, a 5-year-old craft brewpub known for its unique beer recipes, announced on Monday that it will close in two weeks.

• Owner and brewmaster Dr. Tom Streeter said in a Facebook video post “it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life.”

“Maybe there’s another person out there who wants to take this Brewery to the next level,” Streeter said. “We can teach the right person and they will have the opportunity to own or rent the space from me.”

Strange Colt opened 5 years ago in Niceville with a focus on distinctive craft beers like the mango-habanero IPA Crazy Horse. Dr. Streeter, an optometrist in Niceville, called the brewery a “fun little ride” but said running it full time is “no longer sustainable.”

“I think this project has been going on for five years and for me at the helm, it’s no longer sustainable,” he said. “Appreciative of all you guys have done to support me and the pub and it’s been a fun little ride but I’m going to step down.”

Streeter encouraged anyone interested in taking over the brewery to contact him soon. Otherwise, he thanked customers for their years of support.

“That being said, there’s a great opportunity for somebody to take that brewery to the next level to pick up the baton and we could certainly teach the right person if you’re interested,” he said. “Let me know soon. Otherwise, I wish you all the best. Thank you.”

The brewpub’s last day open (tentatively) will be September 30.

NEWS

Destin Harbor Capacity Study group to discuss application for navigation projects

The City of Destin’s Harbor Capacity Study Steering Committee will hold a committee meeting on Wednesday, September 27 at 5:30 p.m., at Destin City Hall Annex.

The meeting will be to discuss a recommendation to proceed with an application for a Federal Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) 107 to further evaluate the Destin Harbor as it relates to planning and constructing commercial navigation projects, in coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE).

According to the city, this effort is aimed at addressing and improving the Safety, Economic Viability and Environmental Health of the Destin Harbor.

POLICE BLOTTER

Suspect arrested following downtown Fort Walton Beach shooting

On September 19, 2023, at approximately 1:22pm, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department responded to the area of Brooks Bridge on Highway 98 just east of the Perry Ave SE intersection, regarding a report of shots fired.

• A white Ford Mustang and a red Volkswagen Passat were reportedly involved in an altercation. 
• This led to traffic being shut down both ways near the bridge.

The driver of the Ford Mustang, 39-year-old William Sean Killingsworth of Fort Walton Beach, FL, fired multiple shots at the driver of the Volkswagen Passat. 

• The driver of the Volkswagen Passat, 30-year-old Devon Cor’Darius Chaverst of Fort Walton Beach, FL, was shot once and transported to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital where he is currently in stable condition.

Killingsworth left the scene but was located and arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and discharging firearm in public, according to the FWBPD.

“The Fort Walton Beach Police Department would like to thank the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for their quick assistance and resources throughout the duration of this call for service,” wrote the FWBPD in a statement.

THINGS TO DO

3rd annual BrunchFest benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

The 3rd Annual BrunchFest is back at Seville Quarter in Downtown Pensacola on Sunday, October 8th, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Competing teams provide samples to attendees and judges to battle it out for the Best Brunch in Town!

• Guests can enjoy a bloody mary bar, photo booth, music by DJ Josh, and more.

All proceeds from BrunchFest will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, a non-profit organization with clubs in Pensacola, Crestview, South Walton, Defuniak Springs, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach.

Limited spots for teams to compete are available and restaurants, food trucks, coffee carts, and more are invited to bring their best brunch item to the competition. Those interested in competing as a cook team, volunteering, and sponsoring, please email hello@francesroy.com.

Tickets:

• $45 for adult VIP *(VIP tickets include (1) beverage ticket and a t-shirt)
• $30 for adults (General Admission)
• $15 for kids (5-16 years old)

To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.com. 

COMING SOON

‘Wood Foot Beer Co.’ coming soon to Downtown Fort Walton Beach, bringing craft beer and quality eats

Fort Walton Beach is buzzing with anticipation as the opening date approaches for Wood Foot Beer Co., the city’s newest craft brewpub, located at 172 Brooks Street.

• Located in the heart of downtown on the backside of the old Run With It building on Brooks Street, Wood Foot will bring a taste of Floridian roadside charm when it opens in late Fall. 

“We’re excited to become a part of the Fort Walton Beach community and help continue to develop the local craft beer scene,” said Warren Bondi, one of Wood Foot’s four partners. “Our goal is to provide a welcoming, lively space where everyone can enjoy great craft beer, delicious food, and good times.”

Wood Foot will feature an indoor taproom and a spacious 70-seat covered patio, making it one of the larger craft beer establishments in the downtown area. Patrons can look forward to 10-12 tap lines pouring a rotating selection of lagers, IPAs, sours, stouts and more. There will also be a full bar and wine menu.

• “We want to have something for everyone, whether you’re a hardcore beer geek or just looking for a fun evening out,” Bondi said.

In the kitchen, the focus will be on high-quality artisanal-style pizza. The pies will be made with house-made dough and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Appetizers, desserts and snacks like Arancine will round out the menu. Wood Foot will also feature a full kitchen, including a griddle and fryer.

“Our pizzas will be a cut above your average bar pie,” Bondi explained. “We’re taking the time to make our own dough in-house and top the pies with creative, delicious ingredients.” 

Leading the brewing operations is Joel Franklin, a talented and experienced brewer who will oversee production on Wood Foot’s brand-new 5-barrel system. Franklin’s impressive resume includes brewing, recipe development and management roles at several acclaimed Georgia breweries like Halfway Crooks & Scofflaw Brewing. 

“Joel is a fantastic brewer and a perfect fit for the vibe we’re cultivating,” said Bondi. “His culinary background also gives him a great sensibility when it comes to food and beer pairings.”

From the retro-inspired logo to its nod to old Florida, Wood Foot aims to be equal parts brewpub, roadside attraction and neighborhood watering hole. 

“We think Fort Walton Beach is ready for a concept like this, and we can’t wait to start serving our community,” said Bondi. “Our goal is to continue to develop and elevate the local beer scene.”

A MESSAGE FROM FLEET, SMITH & FREEMAN

The importance of Succession Planning for local business owners, tips from Attorney Bart Fleet

When business owners start thinking about retiring or getting their affairs in order, business succession planning should be a top priority, according to local attorney Bart Fleet. During a recent interview with his law firm, Fleet, Smith and Freeman, Fleet offered an in-depth look at business succession planning for owners and the importance of it.

• “Business succession planning is the process of combining estate planning, tax planning and business planning where the clients decide what’s going to happen to their business when they pass away or if they retire,” explained Fleet. “Who’s going to inherit the business? Are we going to sell the business? What are their ultimate goals in dealing with that asset?”

The most common clients interested in succession planning are business owners creating or re-evaluating their estate plans. A primary question is who will inherit and run the business after the owner passes away or steps back from operations. 

Fleet said that issues often arise when children are slated to inherit the business but may not want it or have the proper skills and experience to take over operations. Without thorough succession planning, Fleet cautioned, few businesses survive the death of an owner. 

• “If they don’t have a plan, there’s rarely someone in place who can take over,” he said. 

The fate of the business depends largely on its model and operations. Service businesses that relied solely on the owner’s expertise often have no value after the owner passes away. On the other hand, retail stores and similar businesses with transferrable merchandise and operations can more feasibly transition to interested heirs.

• “If it is something like a retail store that sells merchandise, and if there are beneficiaries who have an interest in the business, then there’s a way in which we could transfer the business to those people and the business would survive,” explained Fleet. “Then we could worry about the economic consequences of that later.”

The key is transitioning operational knowledge before transferring full ownership.As Fleet put it, “If the restaurateur-owner is the only person that knows how to run the restaurant, it’s not going to survive.” Identifying and training a successor, whether a family member, employee or third party, helps secure the business’s future.

Fleet noted that transitioning ownership and leadership is best done over time, both during the owner’s life and after death. There are various methods to gradually transfer ownership interests, responsibilities and knowledge.

Tax implications are another key consideration. “There are some income tax implications that can happen if you don’t do it right. You can generate income tax exposure, tax liability that’s unintended,” Fleet said. Careful succession planning aims to minimize tax burdens on the owner and heirs.

With so many factors at play, Fleet emphasized that every business requires customized strategic planning. He advises that business owners be proactive and start planning well in advance of retirement or exiting the business. 

• “If you’re a business owner and you’re contemplating retiring or getting out of the business one way or another, or you’re contemplating preparing an estate plan, give our office a call and let us help you come up with a plan that maximizes the economic benefit to you and your beneficiaries, and minimizes the tax implications,” he concluded.

For local business owners interested in learning more about business succession planning, contact the law offices of Fleet, Smith and Freeman.

PARKS+REC

Councilman Schmidt unveils natural amphitheater vision for Destin’s vacant waterfront land

At the Destin City Council meeting on Monday, September 18, 2023, Councilmember Kevin Schmidt presented his vision for the vacant 1 Harbor Boulevard parcel that the city agreed purchased in July. 

• Schmidt’s idea centers around creating an outdoor amphitheater and community space that highlights Destin’s culture, brings people together, and conserves nature. 

The sloped vacant lot next to the Marler Bridge provides a natural landscape to shape into tiered grass seating facing a stage overlooking the water, Schmidt explained. Existing features like a large magnolia tree could also be incorporated into the design.

“One of the cool things about this is that it takes what is naturally there and uses that as our resources,” Schmidt said. “Not worrying about bringing in bleachers or seats.” 

The stage would host community bands, shows, and other entertainment. Schmidt noted the angle projects sound towards the Emerald Grande condominiums and the Destin Harbor rather than nearby residences. 

Beside the stage, Schmidt proposes an educational installation highlighting Destin and the Choctawhatchee Bay’s history and maritime culture. Near the top of the slope by the road would offer space for food trucks to provide dining options for visitors. 

• Throughout the park, boardwalks, grass tiers, and sandy areas would invite people to gather for picnics, hangouts, and recreation. The docks could accommodate transient vessels as well as a potential future ferry service.

John Stephens, owner of Luther’s in Destin, along with his wife, Allie, worked with Schmidt on the overall idea and design. Speaking before the council, Stephens focused on the opportunity for a mooring harbor and oyster farming. 

• “Right now, in the whole Panhandle, there is no mooring harbor. So we’re missing out on the Loopers,” Stephens said, referring to boaters who travel The Great Loop.

He proposed placing a harbormaster’s office, welcome center, restrooms, showers, and dinghy dock at the parcel to serve these transient boaters. This could also provide revenue through mooring and slip fees, according to Stephens.

Stephens also advocated collaborating with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance on oyster farming at the site as an environmental project, not a commercial oyster harvest. 

• “When I say oyster farming, it’s not to eat, but it’s to actually use the oysters to create more living shores in our area,” Stephens explained.

Councilmember Schmidt framed the proposal as a starting point to gather feedback and other ideas from the community but emphasized designing the space for public use and enjoyment.

• “It speaks loud about public use for our citizens,” Schmidt said referring to the design concept.

The City voted to purchase the 1 Harbor Boulevard property in July for $9 million. Officials cited expanding public access and activating the waterfront as goals for the acquisition. 

Moving forward: The city will continue to explore options and host workshops to hear other ideas for the vacant parcel overlooking Crab Island.