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Good morning!
This morning’s newsletter will be shorter than normal. Longtime newsletter readers will know that I don’t get personal inside these emails. On the rare occasion I do, I think it’s justified.
As the subject line of this email indicates, the body of the missing diver out of Destin was recovered yesterday. But he wasn’t just any diver…Jeremy was family. While not related by blood, our families grew up together in Fort Walton Beach. And as each new child was born, the titles of Aunt, Uncle, nephew, cousin, etc were handed out.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing him his entire life. And I can promise that if you had known him, you would have loved him too.
Since we got the call on Sunday that he was missing, this has been challenging to report on. I’ve reported hundreds of time on people that I know. But never family. Never like this.
I want to thank everyone who helped the share the rescue efforts, who volunteered to search, who donated time and money, and who offered prayers. I can tell you that it hasn’t gone unnoticed. It wasn’t the outcome that we all had prayed for, but I’m incredibly thankful that he was found and brought back home.
So, I do have some news this morning and hope you understand why it’s not the normal mix.
WEATHER
Tropical Storm Helene strengthens, aims for Florida’s Big Bend coast
Tropical Storm Helene strengthened overnight, reaching maximum sustained winds of 65 mph as it approaches the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 4 a.m. CDT advisory Wednesday.
- The storm is expected to become a hurricane later today and rapidly intensify into a major hurricane before making landfall on Florida’s Big Bend coast late Thursday.
“Helene is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph. This motion should continue through this morning, followed by a general northward motion beginning later today and continuing through Friday,” the NHC reported.
New tropical storm warnings have been issued for portions of Florida, including the Upper Keys from Channel 5 Bridge to Ocean Reef, the southern peninsula east of Flamingo to Palm Beach County, and the northeast coast from Flagler County to the Georgia border.
Patrick Maddox, Okaloosa Public Safety Director, stated, “No change to expected local impacts at this time,” but added more details would be available after morning briefings.
- The NHC warns of life-threatening storm surge, with water levels potentially reaching 10-15 feet above ground in some coastal areas between the Ochlockonee River and Chassahowitzka, Florida.
Heavy rainfall is expected across the southeastern U.S., with 5-10 inches forecast and isolated totals up to 15 inches, raising risks of flash flooding and river flooding. Hurricane conditions are expected within the U.S. warning area late Thursday, with tropical storm conditions spreading across southern Florida later today.
Officials urge residents in affected areas to closely monitor local forecasts and follow evacuation orders promptly.
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WEATHER
Eglin and Hurlburt Field prepare for Tropical Storm Helene
Military bases in northwest Florida are ramping up preparations as Tropical Storm Helene approaches the region, with Hurlburt Field declaring Hurricane Condition 3 and Eglin Air Force Base securing its facilities.
- Hurlburt Field officials initiated Hurricane Condition 3 at 5 p.m. Tuesday, signaling the possible arrival of winds exceeding 50 knots within 48 hours.
The warning level is designed to focus base attention on the storm and trigger active preparation. Hurlburt Field personnel are advised to secure their personal property for potential hurricane landfall.
At Eglin Air Force Base, Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro, 96th Test Wing commander, emphasized the priority on personnel safety.
“We will continue to closely monitor and respond appropriately to any upcoming weather conditions,” Massaro said.
Neither base has issued evacuation orders. Both installations are monitoring the storm’s progress and preparing to ensure the safety of personnel and assets.
Eglin’s 96th Medical Group may reschedule appointments and has advised patients to stock up on medications for at least 10 days. Base services at both locations could face disruptions.
- Military officials are urging personnel to review family emergency plans and stay informed through official channels and weather forecasts.
As the storm continues to develop, leadership will assess potential early release/delayed reporting options for base personnel. Members are instructed to maintain contact with their Unit Control Centers and leadership for potential schedule changes.
Both bases are using social media and their websites to provide storm updates.
WEATHER
Okaloosa schools open Wednesday, decision on Thursday pending as Helene nears
Okaloosa County schools will remain open on Wednesday, September 25, as officials continue to monitor the approach of Tropical Storm Helene, the school district announced Tuesday.
- According to information received from Patrick Maddox, Director of Public Safety, and the National Weather Service, local impacts from Tropical Storm Helene are not expected until late Thursday morning to early Thursday afternoon.
The advisory suggests that evacuations would not be ordered in the area unless there is a significant change in the forecast.
“School will be in session tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25 and after school activities will continue as planned,” the district stated.
A decision regarding school and after-school activities for Thursday will be made and announced early Wednesday afternoon. This decision will be based on a scheduled briefing from the National Weather Service and Director Maddox, unless changes to the forecast occur earlier and require a more immediate decision, according to the district.
The district emphasized that they will make and announce their decision about school for the remainder of the week as soon as they have sufficient information. Announcements will be made through calls, texts, social media, and the district website.
- “Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the district added.
Parents and guardians are advised to stay informed and monitor official communications for the latest updates on potential school closures or schedule changes as Tropical Storm Helene approaches the area.
Meanwhile, neighboring Walton County School District has announced that all schools will close Thursday, September 26th, due to expected weather conditions from Tropical Storm Helene. The closure includes both students and employees, as well as extracurricular activities and SPICE.
- Walton County schools are still planned to be open on Wednesday, September 25th and Friday, September 27th. However, the district will continue to monitor the weather with local experts and advises residents to stay engaged with district and school websites and social media platforms for further information.
A MESSAGE FROM VISIT DESTIN-FWB
Okaloosa Pro Rodeo Rides into Baker
Saddle up for the Okaloosa Pro Rodeo, galloping into Baker, FL this October. Step One Automotive presents two nights of PRCA-sanctioned action at the Baker Recreation Center on October 4th and 5th.
- Gates open at 6 PM, with the main event kicking off at 7:30 PM both nights. Expect a “spectacular show” featuring bull riding, vendors, and fun games for all ages. Don’t miss your chance to try the mechanical bull!
Your ticket does double duty – you’ll enjoy top-notch entertainment while supporting the Baker Gatorettes and Cheer Team. For more details, click here.
THINGS TO DO
Free Women’s Expo to showcase 50+ businesses on Okaloosa Island
The 2024 Women’s Expo, presented by HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, is set to return on Saturday, September 28. The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Island Resort on Okaloosa Island.
- This year’s expo will showcase more than 50 businesses focused on women’s interests, including health, home, beauty, skincare, massage, fitness and fashion. Attendees can expect to find a wide range of products and services tailored to women’s needs.
Event organizers are offering several incentives for early arrivals and participants. The first 300 women to attend will receive a complimentary goody bag. Throughout the day, hundreds of dollars in prizes will be awarded to attendees.
A Lumi Pod photo booth will be available for all guests, allowing them to “strike a pose” and take home photo cards as mementos of the event. For those looking to enjoy refreshments, the expo will offer craft cocktails, mimosas and food available for purchase.
Find out more at WomensExpoEC.com or call Cumulus Media at 850-243-2323.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Body of missing Destin diver Jeremy Carmical recovered from Gulf of Mexico
The body of Jeremy Carmical, a diver who went missing off the coast of Destin, has been recovered, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported.
- Carmical’s body was found Tuesday morning in the Gulf of Mexico, reportedly in the general area where he was last sighted on Sunday, September 22.
“We are saddened to let you know that the body of the missing diver was recovered this morning in the Gulf of Mexico,” the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is handling the investigation into the incident.
Authorities expressed condolences to those affected by the loss. “Our sincere prayers for comfort and healing go out to his extended family and friends in their tragic loss,” the sheriff’s office statement said.
Carmical, 31, was last seen on September 22, 2024, approximately 12 miles offshore and 17 miles southwest of the Destin Pass. He had been wearing a camo wetsuit and had a neon orange dive tank when he went missing.
No further details about the recovery were provided in the statement.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Wednesday. 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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