POLITICS

Okaloosa Commissioner Mel Ponder Appointed to FAC Board of Directors and Committees

Okaloosa County Commissioner Mel Ponder was appointed for a third straight year to serve as an at-large member on the Florida Association of Counties’ Board of Directors, the county announced on Thursday.

• Ponder was also named to the association’s Finance, Tax and Administration Policy Committee and as co-vice chairman of the Presidential Select Committee on Preemption.

“I truly appreciate being able to serve on the Board and these committees, working with my fellow policy leaders in the FAC,” Ponder said in a statement. “The goals of each committee and the FAC Board resonate with me personally and speak to values like ethics, fiscal responsibility and keeping local government local.”

The finance committee addresses issues including taxation, local revenue, economic development, elections, ethics and utilities.

As co-vice chairman of the preemption committee, Ponder will work with officials across Florida to address state preemption of local authority. The committee will study preemption trends, causes and supporters to create solutions to state preemption.

• Ponder will collaborate with the association’s executive committee to shape legislative priorities for the 2024 session.

The Florida Association of Counties develops an annual statewide legislative platform and policy recommendations for the state’s counties. Ponder represents Okaloosa County in Florida’s Panhandle.

POLICE BLOTTER

2 people shot in Sandestin, body in burning vehicle being investigated in Walton County

A multi-scene shooting in the Sandestin area late Thursday left two people injured, which includes the gunman who was shot and apprehended by deputies, Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said.

• The suspect was identified as 21-year-old Gunner Cole from Georgia. Authorities said he had no connection to the area.

The incident began around 11 p.m. when deputies responding to an unrelated call in the Sandestin resort area heard what they believed were gunshots. The three deputies responded to Heron Walk Drive and Baytowne Avenue East, where they encountered an armed individual.

The suspect opened fire on the deputies, and one returned fire, striking him, the sheriff said. The wounded suspect was taken into custody and transported to Fort Walton-Destin Hospital.

Soon after, authorities began receiving 911 calls about potential gunshot victims in the area. One person was found shot at the Baytowne Wharf and also taken to the Fort Walton-Destin Hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. 

• Two vehicles near Baytowne were also struck by gunfire, but those inside were unharmed.

Authorities also discovered a deceased individual in a burning vehicle near the Sacred Heart Hospital. Adkinson said it has not been officially determined if that death is connected to the shootings but it is strongly suspected it is connected.

The Sheriff praised the “extremely quick, responsive, active action” taken by deputies to engage and stop the shooter before more calls came in, likely preventing further injuries and loss of life.

• During a press conference on Friday afternoon, Sheriff Adkinson revealed that after the suspect fired at the deputy, the deputy shot him at a distance of 60-75 yards…at night…under duress.

Adkinson said authorities believe they have identified all involved parties, and there is no further threat to the public. The investigation remains active with more than 30 personnel involved across multiple crime scenes in the Miramar Beach, Sandestin and Baytowne Wharf areas.

Further information will be released as it becomes available, the sheriff said. As of Friday, the suspect remained at the Destin-Fort Walton Hospital. Cole is facing three felony charges.

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. 24 through Thursday, Sept. 28, 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. 24 through Thursday, Sept. 28, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for striping operations. 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 the following impacts Sunday, Sept. 24 through Thursday, Sept. 28, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.:
  • Temporary U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, from Mary Esther Boulevard to Florida Place Southeast, to allow crews to adjust manholes and for roadway reconstruction activities.
  • Intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, between Josie Road and Mary Esther Boulevard, for milling and paving operations.

• 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. 24 through Saturday, Sept. 30, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., for sidewalk work and to place sod.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 331 to Peach Creek – Drivers may experience the following traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Sept. 24:
  • Nighttime intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, Sunday, Sept. 24 through Thursday, Sept. 28, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations and signalization work.
  • Daytime intermittent U.S. 98 inside shoulder closures, Monday, Sept. 25 through Friday, Sept. 29, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. as crews place sod in the median.

• U.S. 98 Pedestrian Underpass – Drivers can anticipate a new traffic pattern on U.S. 98 at County Road 30A the week of Sunday, Sept. 24. Crews will shift the U.S. 98 eastbound travel lanes and U.S. 98 westbound left turn lane north into their original locations. The U.S. 98 westbound travel lanes will remain in the current location.

• S.R. 81 Bridge Repair on the Bruce Creek Bridge – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures the week of Monday, Sept. 25 for construction operations.

NEWS

Friends of the Walton County Library announce annual book sale with largest collection yet

The Friends of the Coastal Branch Library will host their largest book sale yet on Oct. 28, offering vintage books and records priced at $1 or less.

• The nonprofit’s annual one-day sale runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library, located at 437 Greenway Trail in Santa Rosa Beach. Fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, art and coffee table books will be available.

“We have something for everyone,” says Beth Crocker. “Most items at the sale will be priced at $1 or less, offering an incredible opportunity for book lovers to expand their personal libraries without breaking the bank.”

Cash and checks will be accepted. Email beth51crocker@gmail.com or internationalcheryl@gmail.com for details.

Proceeds benefit the coastal branch. The Friends group raises money through the sale and other events to help fund library programs and projects.

The Friends of the Coastal Branch Library formed more than 20 years ago. Members are full- and part-time Walton County residents who promote the library through fundraising and community outreach.

NEWS

Okaloosa County recognized with prestigious award by the Daughters of the American Revolution

The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners was recently honored as the recipient of the 1776-2026 Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) America 250! Commendation Certificate and Medal.

• The award was presented to the Board during the Tuesday, September 19, 2023, regular meeting by the Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

“I am thankful and humbled that the DAR would recognize the entire County with this distinction,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel. “As a DAR member, I am aware of how prestigious and rare it is to be awarded with this honor. The County has achieved so much in its efforts to recognize service members and we will continue this tradition long into the future.”

The medal and certificate recognize non-DAR members and groups that have demonstrated extraordinary efforts to not only honor the men and women who achieved American Independence, but also to educate others about their service and sacrifice.

• Examples of meritorious service may include erecting, rediscovering, restoring, and/or rededicating Revolutionary War-related monuments, plaques, gravesites and other memorials in communities through publicly celebrated projects or events.

In 2019, the Board approved creating the Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park currently located on Okaloosa Island. The park was opened to the public in 2021 and features eight life-sized bronze statues of women who fought in United States military conflicts dating back to the American Revolution.

The Board approved expanding the park at Tuesday’s meeting with additional walking paths and four more bronze statues. Both phases of the park are funded with tourism bed tax revenue. Donations have also been accepted for the second phase.

THINGS TO DO

Dog-Harmony’s 8th Annual Barktoberfest costume contest returns to Sandestin

The 8th annual Barktoberfest event is set to take place on Thursday, Oct. 26. The costumed canine trick-or-treating event will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Grand Park in Sandestin’s Grand Boulevard shopping, dining and entertainment district.

Barktoberfest, hosted by the nonprofit Dog-Harmony, will feature a superhero-themed dog costume contest along with Oktoberfest food and drinks, music, a silent auction and raffle prizes.

The $15 admission fee ($20 on the day of the event) includes professional photos sponsored by Mills Photo Design. Proceeds will support Dog-Harmony’s bite prevention classes for children and pet therapy programs at local hospitals.

• “Barktoberfest is my absolute favorite event of the year and I love seeing how creative the families are with their costumes,” said Dog-Harmony founder Nancy Bown.

Participants are encouraged to dress their dogs and themselves as favorite superhero duos. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

Food will be provided by JC’s Gourmet and a cash bar will serve Oktoberfest-inspired beverages. The silent auction and raffle will offer Halloween-themed prizes.

Dog-Harmony requests that prong, choke or shock collars not be used at Barktoberfest events.