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PARKS+REC
Fort Walton Beach explores Trackman option for golf course driving range
The Fort Walton Beach City Council is considering significant upgrades to its municipal golf course driving range, with two distinct proposals aimed at modernizing the facility and enhancing the golfing experience for residents and visitors alike.
- During Tuesday’s council meeting, City Manager Jeff Peters presented a plan to lease Trackman Golf Solutions technology for $3,925 per month over five years.
The Trackman system would use radar to track ball flight across the entire range, allowing golfers to analyze their shots and participate in virtual games via smartphone apps. Peters highlighted that the Trackman system would preserve the range’s natural grass hitting areas, a feature many golfers prefer over artificial turf bays found at some modernized facilities.
Peters explained that the new golf club manager, Jacob Hill, had suggested the Trackman system as a way to enhance the golf range. He outlined the financial aspects, noting that the current price of $3 per bucket would increase to $5 to cover the system’s cost, potentially leading to a significant boost in revenue.
In an unexpected development, a group of local investors presented an alternative proposal. Matt McGee, speaking on behalf of the investment group, outlined their vision to install Toptracer technology and implement a range of improvements that includes a 10-bay Toptracer installation with sheltered bays.
- McGee detailed plans to integrate simulation technology in the currently vacant retail space inside the clubhouse, install a new ball dispenser, replace existing golf balls with high-quality ones, and add a new ball washer and picker for more efficient range maintenance.
The investment group includes Terry Atkinson, Jeff and Toni Schuck, and McGee himself. The Schuck’s currently operate a successful Toptracer range in Lexington, Kentucky.
The council expressed interest in both proposals, recognizing the potential to modernize the city’s golf offerings. Councilman Travis Smith suggested a thorough exploration of both options before making a decision.
In response, the council unanimously voted to postpone their decision, allowing time for the local investment group to develop a more detailed proposal. This will be considered alongside the Trackman option at a future meeting.
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BUSINESS
Fort Walton Beach extends Montessori school’s lease, giving more time for construction
The Fort Walton Beach City Council has granted the Montessori Learning Center an additional year to begin construction on its new educational facility, amending a lease agreement for city-owned property at 35 Memorial Parkway SW.
- During Tuesday’s council meeting, Montessori board members requested a six-month extension to Section 20 of the lease agreement, which originally required construction to begin within three years of the lease commencement on October 11, 2021.
Stephen Aerosmith, a 10-year board member of Montessori Learning Center, addressed the council, citing “unforeseen delays caused by significant increase in construction costs” as the primary reason for the extension request.
“We firmly believe this location is the best possible place for the future of our school, and we look forward to another 40 years of teaching young minds at that new location,” Aerosmith said.
The council ultimately decided to extend the construction deadline by one full year, amending the lease agreement from three years to four years. This change gives the school until October 11, 2025, to begin construction or purchase the property.
Morgan Smith, vice president of the Montessori board, expressed confidence in the school’s ability to move forward with the project. “Our intent would be to likely make the purchase within the next six months,” Smith said, noting that the school raised over $140,000 in the past year for the project.
- While granting the extension, the council maintained other terms of the lease agreement, including an increase in monthly rent from $500 to $2,500 starting in the fourth year of the lease.
The property, formerly known as Seabreeze Park Youth Baseball Field on Memorial Parkway, was declared surplus by the city in June 2020. The 2.98-acre parcel has an appraised value of $520,000. City Manager Jeff Peters confirmed that Fort Walton Beach does not have any other plans for the property at this time.
The amended lease agreement passed with a 6-0 vote, with Councilman Travis Smith noting his wife’s position on the Montessori board but confirming no financial conflict of interest in his vote.
BUSINESS
Cox brings 2-gig internet speeds to all Emerald Coast customers
Cox Communications has become the first internet provider to offer 2-gigabit download speeds to all customers along the Emerald Coast, the company announced. This achievement makes Cox the first broadband provider to deliver multi-gig speeds across the entire Gulf Coast market.
- The company’s ability to provide these high speeds universally is the result of a nearly $12 billion investment in network upgrades over the past decade. From 2014 to 2023, Cox focused on enhancing its infrastructure to deliver advanced communications and entertainment services.
David Deliman, Cox Gulf Coast market vice president, said, “By investing billions of dollars in our existing fiber-powered network, we’re able to deliver all customers our fastest speeds, without disruption to any property.”
Not wanting to limit high-speed internet to specific areas, Cox says they have been offering gigabit speeds to all customers along the Emerald Coast for years. The company continues this approach with its latest speed upgrade, ensuring widespread access to cutting-edge technology.
“We know customers want lightning-fast download speeds, seamless streaming experiences, and enhanced capabilities for remote work, online learning, gaming and more. These 2-gig download speeds deliver that experience,” Deliman added.
- The announcement comes on the heels of Cox being ranked as the fastest internet service provider in the nation by HighSpeedInternet.com in its 2024 annual review. The ranking was based on average download speeds throughout 2023.
Two-gig internet, which can transfer data at up to 2 billion bits per second, is twice as fast as traditional gigabit internet and 10 times faster than the average U.S. speeds of about 200 Mbps. This speed allows for multiple simultaneous high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, 4K/8K streaming, and virtual reality experiences.
Cox is also offering new packages that combine mobile and broadband services, providing fast, fiber-powered internet at home with 5G reliability for mobile use. Customers interested in Cox Mobile and multi-gig internet can visit Cox stores in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview or go to Cox.com for more information.
GIVING BACK
Destin Charity Wine Auction adds hurricane relief fundraiser to fall festival
The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) is adding a virtual paddle raise to its upcoming Harvest Wine & Food Festival to support hurricane relief efforts through World Central Kitchen (WCK).
- The decision comes in response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and in preparation for the effects of Hurricane Milton. The fundraiser will run throughout the festival weekend from October 17-20 through DCWAF’s silent auction.
“As we put the finishing touches on our fall fundraiser, we are mindful of the devastation many of our supporters are facing in their hometowns across the southeast,” said DCWAF President Karah Fridley-Young. “There is incredible need for those living in these areas who face a long road to recovery, and we feel it is our responsibility to assist however we can in that journey.”
World Central Kitchen, the beneficiary of this additional fundraiser, serves chef-prepared meals to communities impacted by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. The virtual paddle raise and silent auction are open to all, regardless of festival ticket possession. Interested participants can register at https://HWFF24.givesmart.com.
DCWAF emphasized that all proceeds outside of the virtual auction will continue to benefit its 17 local charity partners, which help children in need in Northwest Florida. The foundation will also serve as a resource for those seeking ways to get involved in relief efforts.
- Ranked by Southern Living as one of the “15 Southern Festival’s Worth Planning Your Trip Around,” this year’s Harvest Wine & Food Festival will feature a four-day schedule of events including wine dinners, a culinary and wine pairing event, a Grand Tasting, and a cocktail brunch.
In August, DCWAF donated $3 million to its benefiting charities, bringing its total donations to over $35 million since the foundation’s inception.
BEACH
Gulfarium CARE Center releases two rehabilitated sea turtles at Inlet Beach
The Gulfarium CARE Center released two rehabilitated sea turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico at Inlet Beach Regional Access on Wednesday.
- The release drew a diverse crowd, including evacuees from Southern Florida seeking respite from Hurricane Milton’s devastation. For many attendees, the event provided a moment of hope and inspiration amid challenging times.
The two turtles released were Ditto, a 125-pound subadult loggerhead, and Louie, an adult male Kemp’s Ridley.
Ditto was rescued on July 14 after being accidentally foul-hooked at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. The turtle had suffered shark bites on two flippers and had a fishing hook lodged in its esophagus, which was removed non-surgically. After a three-month recovery period, Ditto was deemed ready to return to the Gulf.
Louie’s case was particularly notable. The adult male Kemp’s Ridley, one of the most endangered sea turtle species globally, was found on May 24 at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier with a fishing pole tightly wrapped around its right front flipper. The severity of the injury necessitated amputation shortly after arrival at the CARE Center. Louie spent 4.5 months recovering from the procedure.
Tabitha Siegfried, Stranding Coordinator for the Gulfarium CARE Center, emphasized the significance of Louie’s rehabilitation.
- “Helping sea turtles like Louie is critical for the continued survival of these endangered species,” Siegfried said. “We’re incredibly proud to have contributed to their recovery, and being able to release not just one, but two male Kemp’s Ridley turtles this year is a remarkable achievement.”
To support ongoing research efforts, Louie was fitted with a satellite tag, allowing researchers and state officials to track his movements and gather data on rehabilitated turtles in the wild.
The Gulfarium CARE Center’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea turtles plays a crucial role in marine conservation. The center encourages the public to report any sea turtles in distress to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).
TRAFFIC
Fort Walton Beach expands downtown access for low-speed vehicles, golf carts on state roads
In response to concerns about downtown accessibility during existing and upcoming bridge construction, the Fort Walton Beach City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2166 on Tuesday, expanding access for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and golf carts on certain state roads.
- The ordinance amends Section 11.13.07 of the city’s code to allow LSVs to operate on Eglin Parkway SE between Third Street SE and Miracle Strip Parkway SE. It also permits golf carts to cross Perry Avenue SE at First Street SE, pending approval from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Christopher Frassetti, Growth Management Director, explained the motivation behind the changes. “We got a request from a citizen regarding the bridge construction. The portion of Brooks Street under the bridge is going to be closed coming up soon for some amount of time,” Frassetti said. “We tried to come up with some ideas to find a way to get either golf carts or LSVs downtown while Brooks Street is closed and cut off from the neighborhoods to the east.”
The ordinance distinguishes between LSVs, which are registered vehicles with license plates and safety features, and golf carts. Frassetti noted that while state law allows LSVs on state roads with speed limits up to 35 mph, Fort Walton Beach’s current ordinance is more restrictive.
Police Chief Robert Bage addressed enforcement concerns, stating, “Anything that we do is going to cause extra burden on someone. There will be more enforcement needed. We’ll have to devote some resources there.” However, he emphasized that the changes were developed with community benefit in mind.
- Bage also highlighted the importance of education: “We want to do a big educational campaign and really push out the difference between a golf cart and a low-speed vehicle. Really push out where a golf cart can go and where a low-speed vehicle can go.”
Council members expressed both support and concerns about the changes. Councilman Nic Allegretto questioned the potential for increased violations, while Councilman Bryce Jeter supported the ordinance but stressed the need for enforcement.
“I don’t want the few to ruin it for the many,” Jeter said. “I definitely support it with whatever push is required from your team to not let the few ruin it for the many.”
Councilman David Schmidt raised questions about future considerations, including the possibility of allowing LSVs to cross the new bridge once construction is complete in 2027. Chief Bage explained that while FDOT is unlikely to allow LSVs on the bridge’s multi-use path, crossing the bridge in traffic lanes could be possible if both the city and county designate it as allowed.
Councilman Travis Smith expressed cautious support, saying, “I think it’s a slippery slope. You just look at South Walton and the golf cart issues that they have out there with being on the road. I don’t know how much of an appetite I have for supporting crossing the bridge and all that stuff right now, but I think this is a good start. There’s no sense in building a golf cart parking lot down in the Landing if we can’t access it. “
- The council also discussed the need for better registration compliance among golf cart owners. Councilman Jeter estimated that out of approximately 500 golf carts in the affected neighborhood, less than 20 are currently registered with the city.
As the ordinance moves forward, city officials plan to launch a comprehensive education campaign to inform residents about the new rules and the distinctions between LSVs and golf carts. The changes are seen as a step towards creating a more interconnected community while addressing immediate concerns about downtown access during bridge construction.
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