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Good morning!
Recently, I got to stop by the Fort Walton Beach High School Viking Band room for an interview and to listen in during rehearsals. This morning, I bring to you the Star-Spangled Banner played during class. Click here to listen and watch
ART+CULTURE
New ‘Beach Weekend’ mural adds splash of color to Eglin Parkway in Fort Walton Beach
A splash of color is transforming a small building in Fort Walton Beach as a new mural takes shape on Eglin Parkway, reflecting a growing trend of public art across Okaloosa County.
- The mural, commissioned by developer Jayme Nabors, adorns the back wall of a recently acquired building at 3 Eglin Pkwy, next to Dodge’s Chicken.
Painted by Off The Walls Murals, the artwork features vibrant pink and teal hues, aligning with the branding of Nabors’ “Beach Weekend” company.
“We’re thrilled to contribute to the vibrant culture of Fort Walton Beach with the new mural on Eglin Parkway,” Nabors said. “It beautifully captures the spirit of fun and adventure that Beach Weekend brings to the community, highlighting the experiences we offer to locals and visitors alike.”
The mural showcases scenery reminiscent of the local area, with “FWB” painted in the style of an old postcard. It also incorporates elements of Beach Weekend’s offerings, including their marina and a pontoon boat rentals.
Caroline Holland and Tiana Kuwica, the artists behind Off The Walls Murals, explained their creative process during an on-site interview. “We did a call with Beach Weekend to get an idea of what they were looking for specifically,” Holland said. “Then, we gave two designs based on the notes we took on that call and then meshed the two designs together.”
- Kuwica added, “They obviously wanted a bright, fun, illustrative wall. We have some of their brand in here, and it’s also representative of the Fort Walton Beach area.”
Holland and Kuwica began their collaboration in 2021, combining Holland’s background in commission painting and Kuwica’s experience in graphic design. What started as a side project has since become a full-time pursuit for both artists.
“Our goal is not just to paint murals that look fun, our goal is to paint murals that matter!” the artists stated on their website. They emphasize their passion for making a positive difference in the communities they serve.
The mural’s location, facing the gas station pumps, ensures high visibility to customers and passersby. It serves not only as a beautification project but also as a potential attraction for locals and tourists alike.
- “We’ve had so many people come up and talk to us and ask us about the mural and tell us how cool it is,” Kuwica said, highlighting the community engagement these projects generate. Holland added, “They even ask about the business itself. They want to know what this building is. They may have gotten gas here 100 different times and never looked at this building twice before.”
This project is part of a larger trend of mural art appearing throughout Okaloosa County, contributing to the redevelopment and visual enhancement of various areas. Off The Walls Murals has completed projects in Navarre, Destin, and Pensacola, with this being one of their first in Fort Walton Beach.
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FISHING
Destin angler lands 193-pound yellowfin tuna in the Destin Fishing Rodeo
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A local angler has taken the lead in the Destin Fishing Rodeo with a remarkable catch on October 3.
- Gregg Lewis of Destin has taken the top spot in the extended voyage yellowfin tuna category of the 76th Destin Fishing Rodeo after hauling in a 193-pound fish.
Lewis was aboard his boat, Angels’ Share II, with Captain Ben Levi and mates Cole Wyatt and Rodney Johnson when he made the impressive catch. This isn’t Lewis’s first notable catch. Last May, he reeled in a massive 672-pound Bluefin Tuna about 150-160 miles off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, a feat that took him three grueling hours.
“We were live baiting at the oil rigs off Mississippi when the tuna hit,” Lewis said. “She ate a skipjack tuna that we caught earlier that morning.”
The team employed a live baiting technique, attaching a hook to the top of a bait fish and allowing it to swim freely behind the boat moving at approximately two knots.
- Lewis described the 30-minute battle to bring in the yellowfin: “Big tuna tend to go straight down and it’s basically a game of tug-of-war and hopefully the fish tires out before you do.”
The size of the catch surprised even the experienced fishing crew. “We were all surprised that the yellowfin was as large as it was,” Lewis said. “Once we had it on deck, we measured it to be 69 inches.”
Later that same day, Lewis reeled in another substantial yellowfin, weighing 160 pounds. This second fish provided a greater challenge, taking nearly an hour to land. Mate Johnson commented on the extended struggle, saying, “Some fish just have more heart.”
The team’s successful outing didn’t end with the tuna catches. They also released two blue marlin and one white marlin, positioning themselves for potential success in the billfish catch and release division.
- “We won the billfish catch and release division two years ago with a total of ten marlin released. If the weather holds, we’d like to try to do that again this year,” Lewis said. The current record stands at 240 pounds for a yellowfin tuna caught off Key West.
The Destin Fishing Rodeo, now in its 76th year, runs throughout the month of October. Originally established in 1948 to attract visitors to Destin, the event has grown to become a significant economic driver for the area.
As the competition continues, anglers will vie for various prizes, typically including fishing gear, trips, and cash awards. The final winners will be determined at the end of the month-long event.
HEALTH
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital’s Breast Center champions early detection during awareness month
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicks off, the Breast Center at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is emphasizing the critical importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.
- The center offers comprehensive services to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities in their earliest stages, using advanced technology for diagnosis and treatment.
With 5,370 patient visits in 2023 and 3,642 visits year-to-date in 2024, the center provides a range of breast health services designed to catch abnormalities at their most treatable stages.
Dr. Bradley Brobeck, Regional Medical Director for the North Florida Division of HCA Florida Healthcare and Site Medical Director at the hospital, stressed, “Early detection of breast cancer is not just a medical necessity; it’s a lifeline.” He noted that breast cancer cases are increasing by approximately 2 percent annually.
The center’s key technological advantage is 3D mammography, or tomosynthesis. This technology takes 15 images of breast tissue slices, allowing radiologists to detect smaller abnormalities that might be hidden behind dense tissue. The center also uses ultrasound, MRI, and a computer-aided detection system.
- Patient comfort is a top priority. Measures include curved edges on equipment plates and “Bella blankets” to prevent skin from sticking. The center typically schedules appointments within a week and even accommodates walk-ins when possible.
When abnormalities are detected, the center has a comprehensive follow-up process, including both stereotactic-guided and ultrasound-guided biopsies. Out of 133 biopsies performed year-to-date, 18 resulted in invasive breast cancer diagnoses.
The introduction of 3D mammography has significantly impacted early detection rates, decreasing callback rates to approximately 10 out of 100 women. It can detect abnormalities about three years earlier than when a woman might feel something unusual herself.
The center is addressing accessibility issues for uninsured women through programs with the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Florida State Department of Health. For patients with language barriers, the center uses a cultural link app for translation services.
- As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the hospital is sponsoring the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on October 12, contributing $5,000 towards the event’s $75,000 goal.
The center’s staff emphasized the importance of regular mammograms, addressing concerns about radiation exposure and reassuring women with breast implants that they can and should get mammograms.
“It’s the simplest thing that you can do for your health,” concluded mammographer Bonita D’Jesus. “It’s simple, takes a small amount of time, and it can be life-changing. It could make the difference between a few years and living to be 100.” Click here to read the full story
NEWS
Crestview to celebrate City Government Week with diverse events
The City of Crestview is gearing up for a week-long celebration of its local government, scheduled for October 21-27, 2024. The event aims to foster community engagement and provide residents with insights into the workings of their city government.
The week kicks off on Monday, October 21, with a Board & Committee Recognition Ceremony at City Hall Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
On Tuesday, Mayor JB Whitten will present an educational piece titled “Historic Hotspots: City Government & How It Operates in Crestview” at the Public Library Meeting Room. The presentation, starting at 6:00 p.m., will be followed by a Q&A session.
Wednesday’s event, “Serve & Connect,” offers a unique dining experience at The Hub Family Restaurant, where elected officials will serve patrons starting at noon.
The celebration continues with “Spirits of Crestview” on Thursday evening, allowing participants to meet historical personalities during a downtown stroll starting at the Bush House at 7:00 p.m.
Friday evening features a Gallery Night: Art & Wine Gala at the Exchange Clubhouse from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., showcasing local artists and their work.
The week’s largest event, the Main Street Fall Festival, is set for Saturday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. in downtown Crestview. The festival will include vendors, games, trick-or-treating, and costume contests.
The celebration concludes on Sunday with “Prayers for Our City,” where local churches are asked to pray for the city and its officials.
City officials encourage Crestview residents to participate in at least one activity during the week to show support for their community. For more information about City Government Week events, residents can contact the City of Crestview.
BUSINESS
Destin Chamber CEO Shane Moody wins state ‘Executive of the Year’ award
Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Chamber, has been named Executive of the Year by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP).
- The award, presented during FACP’s Annual Conference held September 24-25, 2024, in Boca Raton, recognizes chamber executives who have made outstanding contributions to chamber management.
Moody, who holds the CCE and FCCP designations, was honored for his achievements in internal administration, membership growth, strategic planning, and volunteer management.
His 31-year chamber career includes winning the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Top Mid-Sized Chamber Award for Excellence twice. Moody has also served on various boards and committees of state and international chamber associations, including as chairman of FACP in 2010-2011.
Under his leadership, the Destin Chamber achieved its highest total membership dollars and highest number of Trustee members in 2023. Moody has also consulted with numerous chambers across Florida on board training and tiered dues implementation.
- “This is an award that truly goes to our board, our members, our community and the great people with whom I work every day,” Moody said. “Without them, none of what we do is possible.”
Tammy Bracewell, FACP President, praised Moody’s leadership style, saying, “Shane leads by example and exemplifies the traits that every true leader should possess. He is admired by his team and is not afraid to make the tough decisions that must sometimes be made by a leader.”
FACP is a statewide organization dedicated to advancing excellence in chamber management and enhancing Florida’s business communities. For more information about the Destin Chamber, call (850) 837-6241 or visit DestinChamber.com.
GIVING BACK
Alaqua Animal Refuge in Walton County becomes safe haven for animals fleeing Hurricane Milton
As Hurricane Milton, currently a Category 4 storm this morning, makes its way to Florida, local animal rescue center Alaqua is gearing up to become an evacuation site for hundreds of animals from shelters in the hurricane’s path.
- Working in coordination with state officials, Alaqua is preparing to take in animals from shelters that are at risk from the approaching storm. The Refuge is calling for community support to help manage the influx of evacuees.
Alaqua is actively purchasing kennels from local stores and as far away as Dothan to accommodate the incoming animals. The organization is seeking donations to assist with these purchases and is asking for volunteers to help assemble the kennels on-site.
“We love volunteers!” wrote Alaqua on Facebook. Current volunteers are asked to contact Wendy to offer their assistance. New volunteers can fill out a form on the Alaqua website, specifying “EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER” under the specialty training tab.
- With teams expected to arrive from across the state to assist with the evacuation efforts, Alaqua is also requesting help with lodging. Local residents who can offer accommodation are asked to email their contact information and available space to info@alaqua.org.
The Refuge has updated its needs, stating that they currently have sufficient transporters. However, they still require assistance with transporting dogs arriving by plane, beginning this morning.
Alaqua continues to accept donations of linens, dog bowls, buckets, collars, leashes, and large crates. The organization specified that food donations are not needed at this time.
- As the community rallies to support this emergency effort, Alaqua extended its thoughts to those in the path of Hurricane Milton, saying, “Thank you and prayers to all in the path of the storm.”
For those wishing to contribute financially to the rescue efforts, donations can be made through Alaqua’s website.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Tuesday. 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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