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Good morning!
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!
PUBLIC SAFETY
Destin Rotary Club to install rescue tubes at beach accesses
The Destin City Council unanimously approved a plan to install rescue tubes at public beach accesses during its meeting on September 16, 2024, aiming to enhance water safety for residents and visitors alike.
- The Destin Rotary Club, in partnership with the Rescue Tube Foundation, proposed placing the lifesaving devices at 13 beach access points throughout the city. The tubes are designed to supplement lifeguard services and provide a safety option when lifeguards are off duty.
“Drownings are the third leading cause of unintentional deaths worldwide,” said Dion Moniz of the Destin Rotary Club during his presentation to the council. “These aren’t meant to replace lifeguards. These are meant to supplement lifeguards.”
Moniz cited statistics showing that over 600 rescue tubes are currently in use, with more than 200 known successful rescues and zero deaths when the tubes have been deployed. A 25-year study conducted in Hawaii revealed a 60% decrease in drowning deaths in areas where rescue tubes were installed.
The rescue tubes, which cost about $235 each, will be funded by the Rotary Club. The total cost for 13 beach accesses is estimated at $3,055. The Mid-Bay Rotary Club has already agreed to donate $500 toward the project.
- The system consists of a 12-foot post buried 4 feet in the sand, with a flotation device attached. In an emergency, a rescuer can quickly remove the tube and use it to support up to three adults in the water.
City council members expressed enthusiasm for the project, with some suggesting additional signage and strategic placement to ensure maximum visibility and effectiveness.
“I think it’s an awesome idea,” said Councilwoman Teresa Hebert. “We can’t have enough of these.”
Councilman Jim Bagby raised questions about the optimal spacing between tubes, particularly for longer stretches of beach. The Rotary Club agreed to work with the city to determine the best placement strategy, potentially including multiple tubes at more populated access points.
Maintenance of the tubes will be a collaborative effort between the Rotary Club and city staff. The tubes have an expected lifespan of two to three years in the Florida sun, with occasional repairs needed for damaged straps or other wear and tear.
- The Destin Fire Control District has already given its approval for the project. Similar rescue tube programs have been implemented or are in progress in nearby coastal areas, including Navarre, Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, and Panama City, according to the presentation.
The Rotary Club aims to install the rescue tubes by spring break, working with city staff on implementation and public awareness. They also expressed interest in eventually expanding the program to private beach areas and condominiums.
As the project moves forward, the city and Rotary Club will collaborate on public education efforts to ensure beachgoers are aware of the rescue tubes and how to use them properly in emergency situations.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Destin Council votes to take action on Sibert property with nearly $100,000 in code fines
The Destin City Council voted Tuesday night to take action on a residential property that has racked up nearly $100,000 in code violation fines over the past several years.
- In a 6-1 vote, the council directed the city manager to speak with Greg Marler, the owner of the home at 222 Sibert Ave., and attempt to have him remedy code violations within seven days. If the issues are not resolved, the city will move forward with foreclosure proceedings on an adjacent vacant lot owned by Marler.
The property has been accumulating fines of $50 per day since 2019 for various code violations, including accumulation of trash and debris. The total fines are now approaching $100,000, according to City Attorney Kim Kopp.
“This property has had a history of code violations, including an accumulation of trash and debris on the property, a public nuisance, a depreciation of property values, injuries to public health, and deemed inconsistent with a residential neighborhood overall,” Kopp said during the meeting
The council discussed several options for addressing the situation, including foreclosing on the adjacent vacant property, passing a nuisance abatement ordinance, or seeking injunctive relief in court.
- Councilman John Stephens ultimately made the motion to have the city manager speak with Marler about voluntarily complying within seven days. If compliance is not achieved, the city would then pursue foreclosure on the adjacent vacant lot owned by Marler.
Several council members expressed frustration with the longstanding issues at the property. Councilwoman Teresa Hebert noted that she had driven by the property before the meeting and observed trucks “loaded up” with debris.
“It’s sad that they don’t care [about] the effect that it has had on every neighbor on that street, across the street and builders and anyone new into the area drives by that,” Hebert said of the property’s condition. She also emphasized the importance of making the situation clear to Marler’s family, stating, “We want the family to care to get involved because this has gone on for years.”
Capt. Jason Fulghum of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies have been monitoring the property almost daily. He said they would issue a citation for any trash found in the city right-of-way outside the fence.
- The council also discussed potential issues with accessing the vacant lot if foreclosure proceedings move forward. City Attorney Kopp explained that access would be obtained either through voluntary easements or through court action if necessary.
The council’s action aims to finally resolve the ongoing code violations that have plagued the property for years. Marler now has seven days to work with the city manager on addressing the issues before further enforcement action is taken.
GIVING BACK
2nd Annual Phinley Phest in Crestview to raise funds for childhood cancer research
The 2nd Annual Phinley Phest, a fundraiser for childhood cancer research, is set to take place on October 12, 2024, at The Eagles Nest at Blackwater.
- The event honors the memory of Phinley Kate, a Crestview resident who battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) for four years before passing away just one day before her 5th birthday.
Phinley’s mother, Jessie Huisken, initiated the first Phinley Phest last year to keep her daughter’s memory alive and support pediatric cancer research.
In its inaugural year, the Phinley Phund exceeded expectations, raising over $120,000. This sum enabled the foundation to award a grant to the University of Cincinnati for AML research at the cellular level, with the aim of identifying causes of relapse.
This year’s costume party will feature games, children’s activities, a buffet, and a bar. All proceeds from ticket and specialty event cocktail sales will go directly to the Phund, along with a percentage of vendor sales.
- Country music artist Jessie G will headline the event with a benefit concert and meet-and-greet session. The singer reached out to Huisken after learning about Phinley’s story following the first Phinley Phest.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase through October 1 at https://fundraise.rallyfoundation.org/event/phinley-phest/e612561. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes to celebrate “Phinley the way she would love, filled with food, fun and laughter.”
The event is sponsored by The Property Group 850, Eagles Nest at Blackwater, Fletcher’s Towing, Rhonda Faulk at Certainty Home Loans, and Sam Marshall Architects.
SPORTS
Urban Meyer to speak at All Sports Association’s annual banquet
Urban Meyer, three-time national championship-winning college football coach, will be the guest speaker at the All Sports Association’s 56th Annual Awards Banquet on February 21, 2025.
- The event, a cornerstone for the association, honors outstanding athletes and contributors to youth sports in the area.
Kevin Bowyer, president of the association, expressed enthusiasm about Meyer’s participation. “We are thrilled to have Urban Meyer as our guest speaker this year,” Bowyer said. “His contributions to college football and his commitment to nurturing young talent make him a perfect fit for our event.”
The banquet celebrates top athletes from various levels, including high school, college, amateur, professional, and Special Olympics. It also recognizes individuals who have made notable efforts in promoting youth activities.
Several awards will be presented at the event, including the Wuerffel Trophy for college football players excelling in community service and academics, the Colonel Al Byrne Award for local supporters of youth sports, and the Taylor Haugen Trophy for area athletes demonstrating balance in various aspects of life.
The All Sports Association, a non-profit organization based in Fort Walton Beach, has raised over $2 million in the last decade to support local youth sports programs and charitable causes. Key beneficiaries include the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast, Special Olympics Florida-Okaloosa, Eleanor J. Johnson Youth Center, and Okaloosa Walton FCA.
- “This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our young athletes and the community that supports them,” Bowyer added.
More information about the event is available on the association’s official website and Facebook page.
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.
LOVE LOCAL
Local couple turns retro gaming passion into thriving ‘rad’ empire in Fort Walton Beach
In a small storefront just off Highway 98 in Fort Walton Beach, Joe Alonzo and Sam Vandiver have created a time machine of sorts. RadJunk, their retro video game store, is just the beginning of a growing “rad” empire that’s putting Fort Walton Beach on the map for retro gaming enthusiasts.
What started as a shared passion for collecting old games has blossomed into a multifaceted business venture over the past eight years. From their original store, RadJunk, the couple has expanded to include RadBar, an arcade-themed pub; Really Rad Weekend, an annual gaming convention; and most recently, Rad Food Truck.
- “We like to do everything a little bit more, for lack of a better term, punk rock or laid back,” said Alonzo, explaining their business philosophy.
Their journey began in 2011 when Vandiver’s handmade Pokémon-inspired sports bras went viral on BuzzFeed. This early success laid the foundation for RadJunk, which opened in 2016 after a spur-of-the-moment decision by Alonzo.
RadBar followed in 2019, offering a unique combination of classic arcade games and craft beers. The couple caps drink prices at $10, making it an affordable spot for nostalgic gamers and craft beer enthusiasts alike.
In 2021, they revived a local gaming convention, rebranding it as Really Rad Weekend. The annual event has become known for its relaxed atmosphere, attracting attendees from across the country.
- Their newest venture, Rad Food Truck, is set to launch soon, promising gourmet burgers and elevated takes on food truck classics.
Perhaps most surprisingly, the couple has found unexpected fame on YouTube. After a chance encounter with a fan in California, they began documenting their daily operations at RadJunk. Their subscriber count exploded from a few thousand to over 60,000 in less than two months.
Throughout their expansion, Alonzo and Vandiver have maintained a strong focus on building community. From hosting birthday parties at Rad Bar to donating convention profits to local charities, they see their businesses as more than just money-making ventures.
“We want to provide something for the community and as long as we keep doing that we’re going to keep going,” Alonzo said.
As their “rad” empire continues to grow, this Fort Walton Beach couple is proving that with passion, perseverance, and a bit of spontaneity, it’s possible to build a thriving business ecosystem around the things you love.
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