SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
FWBHS Head Coach Josh Pulliam shares the news of his cancer diagnosis in a heartfelt message to the community, his team, and school. Crestview singer-songwriter Josh Davis won two awards in Nashville, and Eglin AFB is warning the public not to touch unidentified military or test items. Plus, this week’s Community Calendar with things to do around town, today’s weather outlook
SCHOOL
FWBHS Head Coach Josh Pulliam shares cancer diagnosis and a message to the community
Fort Walton Beach High School Head Football Coach Josh Pulliam, his wife, Allison, and their sons, Harvey and Gibson, have spent recent months coming to terms with news few families expect: Pulliam has been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma and has started treatment.
He plans to stay on the Vikings’ sideline for as long as his health allows, and he is hoping the community that has surrounded his family will keep treating him the way it always has.
Pulliam shared the news with his players and staff, and word has since spread around Fort Walton Beach. In an interview with Get The Coast, he spoke openly about his diagnosis, his family, his team and the town that has always been home, along with what he would like from the many people who have asked how they can help.
He acknowledged that talking about it does not come easily. And he wanted to share his story with the community all at once because treatment has pulled him away from his normal routine, and he felt people deserved to know why.
“Just talking about it in general…to anybody when they ask, it’s tough. I really don’t want to do it,” Pulliam said. “But I’ve been out of my normal routine here lately because of these treatments, so people need to know.”
SPONSORED
Enjoy the drive
With new and used auto loan rates as low as 4.74% APR, it’s time to enjoy your next day out in the car, truck or SUV that you love.
Shop at any participating dealer and apply for on-site Eglin FCU financing or apply online at eglinfcu.org/auto.
From scenic rides to weekend getaways, enjoy the drive with Eglin Federal Credit Union. Where Members Matter Most.
GAMES
WordroW: September 25, 2026
WordroW is brought to you by Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic – keeping your mind sharp and your spine aligned, one game at a time.
Can you guess today’s 5-letter word in six tries?
WordroW is Get The Coast’s daily word puzzle featuring local words, places, and phrases from our community. You have six guesses to find the mystery word – green letters are correct and in the right spot, yellow letters are in the word but wrong position, and gray letters aren’t in the word at all.
NEWS
Crestview singer-songwriter Josh Davis wins two awards in Nashville
Crestview singer-songwriter and combat-disabled veteran Josh Davis came back from Nashville with two awards, including Artist of the Year honors for the second consecutive year.
Davis, who performs as The Real Josh Davis, was named Artist of the Year at the 2026 Josie Music Awards, held Sept. 20 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, according to a news release. In 2025, he was named Artist of the Year – Outlaw Country, giving the independent artist back-to-back Artist of the Year recognition.
During the same weekend in Nashville, Davis also received the inaugural Honor and Harmony Award, which recognized him as a veteran artist.
PROMOTED
12th Annual CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run
Lace up for a cause on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bob Hope Village in Shalimar. The 12th Annual CMSAF James C. Binnicker Memorial Run, presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union, offers a 9K run, 5K run, 5K walk and 1-mile fun run — with virtual options for those who can’t be there in person.
The first 300 registered 9K and 5K participants receive an official event shirt and challenge coin. Stick around after the race for food from Magnolia Grill and Knife’s Edge Cafe, cold drinks, a DJ and an awards ceremony.
Every dollar raised supports residents living with Alzheimer’s and dementia at Hawthorn House, Air Force Enlisted Village’s memory care residence serving military widows, retirees, veterans and their families.
MILITARY
Eglin AFB warns public not to touch unidentified military, test items
Eglin Air Force Base is reminding residents, visitors and recreators in and around the Eglin Test and Training Complex and surrounding waters never to touch, move, disturb or attempt to recover unidentified military or test-related items.
According to a public notice issued Thursday, such items may be found on land, along shorelines or in the waters surrounding the complex and in the Gulf. They can include drones or drone components, munitions, test articles, debris and other military or test-related equipment.
The wing cautioned that people should not assume an item is safe, even if it appears damaged, inactive or harmless. According to the notice, test and military-related articles may contain hazards that aren’t readily visible, including explosive components, stored electrical energy or batteries, fuels or other chemicals, pressurized components, sharp or damaged materials and other unknown hazards.
PROMOTED BY WHITE-WILSON
Care for every generation
For 80 years, White-Wilson Medical Center has been honored to serve the healthcare needs of our community. What began in 1946 has grown into a legacy built on trusted care, meaningful relationships, and generations of patients who have placed their health in our hands.
80 Years of Care. 80 Years of Community. 80 Years of White-Wilson.
Thank you to our patients, providers, team members, and community partners, for being part of our story.
PROMOTED BY FLEET, SMITH & FREEMAN
Attorney Whitney Smith explains the hidden risks of DIY estate planning
Most people know they need an estate plan. Few want to sit down and make one.
“I think it has to do with facing the inevitable,” said Whitney Smith, an attorney with Fleet, Smith & Freeman in Shalimar. “People don’t want to face that reality.”
Smith said the reasons people put off estate planning are understandable. Young people feel they have time. Older individuals avoid the discomfort. When they finally act, it’s often a big trip or a major financial change that forces the issue.
But waiting too long, or turning to a cheap shortcut, can cost a family far more than it saves.
In this interview, Smith outlines:
- The DIY trap
- What only an attorney can do
- Why its more than a document
- Florida-specific pitfalls
- Why to revisit every three to five years
- And planning for the conversations nobody wants to have
WEATHER
Today’s weather outlook
TODAY: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph.
TONIGHT: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
EVENTS
A few things to do around town
Friday, Sep. 25 – 14th Annual Fore Her Golf Outing – Miramar Beach – $175.00 – View
Friday, Sep. 25 – Rally On The Court Tennis and Pickleball Tournament – Fort Walton Beach – $47.00 – View
Friday, Sep. 25 – Concerts at The Landing with Black Eyed Blonde – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Saturday, Sep. 26 – Woodpalooza – A Woodworking Open House – Niceville – Free – View
Monday, Sep. 28 – VITAS Healthcare Annual Butterfly Release and Memorial – Niceville – Free – View
Thursday, Oct. 1 – October Networking Breakfast sponsored by Walmart – Crestview – $10.00 – View
Thursday, Oct. 1 – Paint, Pumpkins & Tortoises: A Gulfarium Paint Night – Fort Walton Beach – $65.00 – View
Saturday, Oct. 3 – Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® – Fort Walton Beach – $40.00 – View
Saturday, Oct. 3 – HH Arts Gallery Night October 3rd – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Saturday, Oct. 3 – A Night at the Museum – Brings America 250 to Life – Valparaiso – $60.00 – View
Sunday, Oct. 4 – 80th Celebration of Serving Christ – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Thursday, Oct. 8 – A little pink, a lot of knowledge – Miramar Beach – Free – View
Thursday, Oct. 8 – Blessing of the Animals – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Friday, Oct. 9 – PFC Pillow Fight Championship Battle of the Brave – Niceville – $35.00 – View
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Friday! 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!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Jared
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