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Good morning!
The SS United States is set for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef the second week of November. The City of Destin begins Hurricane Isaias debris collection Thursday, and Fort Walton Beach police de-escalated an armed veteran in a mental health crisis. Also, Athlete of the Week Tucker Sheldon’s 5K school record, and the Week 9 football preview as Isaias shuffles the schedule.
BUSINESS
City of Destin begins Hurricane Isaias debris collection Thursday
The City of Destin will begin storm debris collection Thursday, Oct. 15, following Hurricane Isaias, the city announced.
Crews will work from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, beginning in West Destin, according to the city. One collection truck will be assigned to the Crystal Beach area, and collection will continue systematically throughout the city.
“Hurricane Isaias has left a significant amount of debris across our community, and removal will take time,” the city said in its notice.
Different types of debris will be collected separately, and crews may return to neighborhoods multiple times, the city said. Residents should not be concerned if some debris remains after a collection truck passes.
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GAMES
WordroW: October 15, 2026
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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.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Crestview cross country runner Tucker Sheldon sets 5K school record and isn’t done yet
Athlete of the Week is brought to you by Okaloosa Gas District – supporting the athletes who make our community stronger.
Crestview junior Tucker Sheldon had been chasing the school 5K record since last season, when he came close but fell short. On Sept. 26, under the lights at the On Twilight cross country meet, he finally broke it.
Sheldon crossed the line in 15:46, finishing 28th in the championship race, beating the Crestview record of 16:10 and running under 16 minutes for the first time.
“I just threw my hands up in excitement,” Sheldon said. “All my hard work paid off.”
The son of an Army father, Sheldon started running as conditioning for soccer. He now leads Crestview’s warmups and trains six days a week, and Head Coach Daniel Richards said you won’t find someone who works harder. With the Okaloosa County Championship coming up Oct. 20, Sheldon has his sights set on district and regional titles and a chance to compete for a state championship.
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SPORTS
Week 9 preview: Isaias shuffles schedule again as high school football returns
With Hurricane Isaias finally in the rearview mirror, high school football returns for Week 9, but the storm is still shuffling the local schedule. Walton’s game at Jay has been canceled, Choctaw’s district matchup with Booker T. Washington has been postponed, and Fort Walton Beach’s district game against Escambia has moved to Monday night at Steve Riggs Stadium.
The marquee matchup comes Friday as Niceville travels to archrival Crestview in a must-win game for the Eagles’ playoff hopes. Destin also hosts Graceville, Rocky Bayou visits Wewahitchka and Freeport opens the week Thursday night at Marianna.
Who wins each matchup, and where do local teams stand in the latest playoff picture? Get the full schedule, predictions and playoff projections in our Week 9 preview from Travis Espy.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Fort Walton Beach police de-escalate armed veteran in mental health crisis
A Fort Walton Beach police officer, who is also a military veteran, helped persuade an armed veteran experiencing a mental health crisis to surrender peacefully, according to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.
The department said on Wednesday, Oct. 14, that officers responded to 29 Miracle Strip Parkway SW after receiving reports of a person sitting in his vehicle with a rifle and wearing body armor.
When officers arrived, they encountered a man wearing tactical equipment and body armor who had an AR-15-style rifle, multiple handguns and several hundred rounds of ammunition, according to the release.
An officer at the scene who is also a veteran established a personal connection with the man through their shared military background, according to the department. Using patience and de-escalation techniques, the officer persuaded the man to surrender peacefully.
WEATHER
Today’s weather outlook
TODAY: Sunny, with a high near 83. East wind around 5 mph.
TONIGHT: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph.
COASTAL RESOURCES
SS United States set for deployment as world’s largest artificial reef second week of November
Okaloosa County has set the second week of November for the deployment of the SS United States, the historic ocean liner the county plans to turn into the world’s largest artificial reef.
The 990-foot vessel will be deployed in the Gulf about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, according to an Oct. 9 news release the county. The county noted the deployment is weather-dependent and dates may change.
“The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners is working with our safety and security partners for a safe and efficient deployment,” the release stated. “This is an exciting move forward to create a one-of-a-kind resource for the environment and for our tourism industry.”
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Thursday! 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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Jared
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