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COASTAL RESOURCES
Okaloosa County approves purchase of SS United States for artificial reef
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday to approve a contingent contract to acquire the historic ocean liner SS United States for $1 million, with plans to sink it as an artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
- The board approved a total budget of $10.1 million for the acquisition, remediation, transport and deployment of the nearly 1,000-foot-long vessel, contingent upon the conclusion of the current U.S. District Court-imposed mediation.
- The project also includes $1 million allocated to support a land-based museum highlighting the iconic ship.
County officials said they expect to secure funding partners to cover more than half the total cost, bringing the county’s contribution to less than $5 million. The funds will come from tourism tax dollars, not property taxes, with strict limitations on their uses.
Deputy Administrator Craig Coffey explained that these funds can only be used for the promotion of tourism and cannot be redirected to general fund purposes such as road construction, public safety, etc.
- While a small percentage could potentially be used for certain infrastructure projects with a clear tourism nexus, like the Destin connector road, such uses require extensive studies and must meet specific criteria outlined in state law.
“This is an outstanding opportunity and I’m proud to support it,” said Commissioner Mel Ponder. “This is a heritage and a legacy that is generational.”
The SS United States, launched in 1952, still holds the record for fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner. It has been docked in Philadelphia since 1996 and was purchased by its current owner, the SS United States Conservancy, in 2011.
Alex Fogg, Natural Resources Chief for Okaloosa County, presented details of the project to the board. He explained that the ship is just shy of 1,000 feet long, over 100 feet wide, and 175 feet tall from its keel to the top of its funnels (smokestacks).
- “To put that into perspective, a lot of the vessels that we’ve deployed recently aren’t even 100 feet long,” Fogg said. “This vessel is actually wider than the total length of a lot of vessels we’ve been deploying.”
Fogg outlined plans to remove the ship’s funnels prior to deployment, which will allow the top deck to remain at a depth accessible to novice and beginner divers, while technical divers can explore the lower portions. The funnels will be preserved and displayed at the future land-base museum.
Once deployed, the SS United States would become the world’s largest artificial reef, surpassing the USS Oriskany, an 888-foot vessel sunk off Pensacola in 2006.
Fogg projected the reef would be placed about 20-21 miles offshore at a depth of about 180 feet, with the top deck at 60 feet, making it accessible to divers of various skill levels.
County officials anticipate significant economic benefits from the project. Based on studies of other large artificial reefs in the region, they project over $3 million in annual direct economic impact from diving alone.
It is expected to take around a year to complete the necessary environmental remediation of the historic ocean liner and to arrange the vessel’s deployment. The exact deployment location offshore Destin-Fort Walton Beach has not been determined.
With these approvals, Okaloosa County moves closer to creating what officials hope will be a unique underwater attraction, preserving a piece of maritime history while boosting the local economy and marine ecosystem.
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SCHOOL
Choctawhatchee High School unveils new multipurpose building, redesigned entry
Choctawhatchee High School, home of the Big Green Indians, celebrated the grand opening of its new multipurpose building and redesigned front entry on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the school’s 72-year history.
- The ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased the latest improvements funded by the voter-approved half-cent sales tax.
Principal Michelle Heck welcomed attendees and expressed enthusiasm about the new facilities. “Our new multipurpose building is going to be used for our students in so many ways,” Heck said. “During the school day, we plan for extra room for our P.E. classes, for performance groups to rehearse, and a large space to serve as a testing center for our students.”
The multipurpose building will also accommodate after-school activities, serving as a practice area for athletic teams and performance groups, as well as a venue for competitions and tournaments. This versatility addresses a long-standing need for additional space to support the school’s diverse programs.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers highlighted the broader impact of the half-cent sales tax on the school district. “We should have raised approximately $72 million. To date, we’ve collected over $114 million,” Chamber said.
- Chambers emphasized that the benefits extend beyond Choctawhatchee High School. Similar facilities are being built or renovated at other schools across Okaloosa County, including Fort Walton Beach High School, Crestview, Baker, Laurel Hill, and Niceville.
The redesigned front entry not only provides a more suitable lobby for visitors but also enhances school safety. Chambers noted that the half-cent sales tax allowed the district to implement single-point entry at every school three years ahead of schedule.
“It’s not just about a beautiful entry. It’s also about safety,” Chambers explained. He added that the improvements go beyond the visible changes, including new flooring, doors, technology, and bathroom renovations throughout the school.
The event featured performances by the school’s jazz band, a component of the Style Marchers, and appearances by various student groups, including JROTC cadets, the dance team, cheerleaders, and athletes representing different sports.
- While some finishing touches are still pending, including the installation of benches and artwork, the new facilities are already in use. The front addition includes a mix of old and newly engraved pavers, with plans to install a totem pole outside the front doors in the coming months.
Principal Heck acknowledged the long-term vision that made this project possible. “I think Mr. [Richard] Bounds and Mrs. [Cindy] Gates and Dr. [Lee] Hale can attest to this envisionment that has been decades in the making,” she said, referencing her predecessors who were present at the ceremony.
The improvements at Choctawhatchee High School are part of a larger district-wide initiative that includes classroom additions, cafeteria upgrades, air conditioning replacements, and improved parking lots and car rider lines at various schools.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees were invited to tour the new facilities and enjoy refreshments, marking a new chapter in Choctawhatchee High School’s history. The event highlighted the commitment to enhancing educational facilities and creating an environment where students can thrive academically, artistically, and athletically.
NEWS
Shalimar unveils new police department building
The Shalimar Police Department celebrated the opening of its new headquarters with a public Social Hour and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
- The event, which included food and beverages, began with a social hour at 5:00 PM, followed by the official ribbon cutting at 6:00 PM.
Mayor Mark Franks revealed that the project was largely financed through Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. The town secured $417,000 in ARPA funding in 2021 for the project.
Initially, plans called for constructing a new 1,000-square-foot building. However, when a property at 6 Cherokee Rd. became available, officials decided to remodel the existing 1941 structure instead. The property, similar in size and layout to the proposed new construction, was previously owned by Lateresa Kellock, a former Town Clerk from the early 1970s.
Contractor bids for the remodel ranged from $800,000 to $1.2 million. To reduce costs, Special Projects Commissioner Brian Taylor volunteered to manage the project. Taylor, who has a background in construction, oversaw permitting, contracting, quality control, and design oversight.
- “Brian undertook all the permitting, letting of contracts, quality control, and design oversight,” Franks said. “He personally did electrical, plumbing and carpentry work on many weekends to keep the project on track despite numerous structural and design changes that were uncovered during the remodel process.”
The final cost of the project, including the property purchase and original engineering expenses, totaled $508,000 — less than half of the lowest contractor bid.
In recognition of Taylor’s efforts, the Town Commission dedicated the building to him and presented him with a plaque to be displayed in the police station.
“What a fantastic job and effort for the Shalimar taxpayers!” Franks said.
The new police department building represents a significant upgrade for the Shalimar community, providing modern facilities for law enforcement operations while preserving a piece of the town’s history.
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.
POLICE BLOTTER
Man arrested after alleged Niceville bomb threat and police standoff
A 38-year-old man is in custody after allegedly making bomb threats and engaging in a standoff with law enforcement that ended in arson.
- Michael Stephen Boone was arrested early Tuesday morning following a series of events that began with threats sent via text message to a Niceville resident on Monday.
According to the Niceville Police Department, they received notification of written threats sent from several phone numbers to a local citizen at approximately 9 a.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024. The messages reportedly included threats to kill and a claim that an explosive device had been planted at 1405 Beaver Run Rd.
In response to the bomb threat, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, FBI, and ATF were called to the scene to ensure the area was clear of any explosive devices.
Following an investigation led by the NPD Criminal Investigations Division, Boone was identified as the suspect. An arrest warrant was issued for Boone on charges including aggravated stalking, electronic threat to kill or do bodily harm, threat of death or serious bodily harm to law enforcement, and false report concerning planting a bomb, an explosive, or a weapon of mass destruction.
When deputies from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve the arrest warrant early Tuesday morning, Boone reportedly barricaded himself inside his residence and threatened to shoot law enforcement officers, according to the Niceville Police Department.
- In an attempt to escape, he reportedly started a fire inside the residence before fleeing. He was quickly apprehended and placed under arrest.
Boone is currently being held at the Walton County Jail. In addition to the original charges, he now faces charges of arson, obstructing, threats to law enforcement, battery on a law enforcement officer, and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
The Niceville Police Department expressed gratitude to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, FBI, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Niceville Fire Department, and Okaloosa County EMS for their support during the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is urged to contact Investigator Carlos Poveda at (850) 279-6436 ext. 1208.
PARKS+REC
Okaloosa to purchase 229 acres along Shoal River in Crestview for public access
Okaloosa County commissioners voted Tuesday to purchase approximately 229 acres of land along the Shoal River for $757,535, aiming to provide public access to over 2,000 acres of existing county-owned property that is currently inaccessible.
- The acquisition includes two parcels east of Highway 85, primarily north of the Shoal River. The property features about 27.5 acres of upland area that will be used as a park entrance and to connect with existing county lands.
Deputy County Administrator Craig Coffey presented the proposal, describing it as “the icing on the cake that really opens up the doors of things that you have already done as a board.”
The land purchase is part of a broader county initiative to diversify tourism offerings and provide recreational opportunities for residents. Coffey noted that while tourism infrastructure in the north end of the county is in its “infancy,” this project aligns with plans for nature-based and eco-tourism activities.
- “This property has large, mature trees and provides a good example of the beauty of north end woodlands,” Coffey said. He added that the site would likely not be suitable for large events due to sewer limitations and restricted vehicle access.
Potential uses for the property include walking and equestrian trails, paddling, river access, land navigation events, and nature races. The site may also accommodate parking, restrooms, and picnic pavilions.
Commissioner Nathan Boyles expressed support for the acquisition, stating, “These types of strategic acquisitions are, I think, an excellent way to continue to work to preserve in perpetuity land in Okaloosa County for a variety of purposes.”
The property consists of two contiguous parcels owned by Haiseal Timber. The purchase price reflects approximately $5,500 per acre for upland areas and $3,000 per acre for wetlands.
Funding for the $850,000 total project budget, which includes property acquisition and master planning, will come equally from tourism development taxes and federal American Rescue Plan Act interest funds.
- “We’re continuing to make a way for public lands to be accessed by members of our community and guests that come,” said Chairman Paul Mixon. “I see this as a tremendous benefit moving forward.”
The purchase is contingent upon favorable appraisals. Commissioners approved the acquisition unanimously, with closing expected in November.
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