SCHOOL

Okaloosa Technical College’s Practical Nursing Program announces 100% pass rate

Okaloosa Technical College’s Practical Nursing Program is celebrating a 100% pass rate for its 2022-2023 graduating class on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), allowing 19 students to earn their licensed practical nurse certification (LPN).

• The rigorous 14-month program, approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing, requires students to undergo 675 hours of classroom instruction and 675 hours of hands-on clinical experience at local medical facilities. 
• Most graduates were hired locally within the medical profession, while others continued their nursing education.

“The demand for nurses continues to be high. These students are entering a noble profession that will make a positive impact and improve the quality of life of the patients they serve,” said Marcus Chambers, Okaloosa County School District superintendent. “The 100% pass rate is a testament to the hard work of the students and OTC staff, as well as our community partnerships that give our students the real-life experience needed to enter the workforce immediately.”

Last year, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital awarded a $15,000 scholarship to the college to support strengthening and expanding the state’s healthcare workforce. OTC also received over $1 million in performance funding, based on the program’s pass rate, to update and improve the nursing program and lab.

• “These adult students are answering the call for more trained healthcare professionals, and I am grateful for their contribution to the workforce,” said Jon Williams, OTC director. “Hands-on learning at OTC is what we are about, and our LPN program showcases that especially well. We couldn’t be prouder of these students and our faculty and staff who train them.”

Brenda Restey, Practical Nursing Program director at OTC, said, “I am very proud of the students who worked so hard and the staff who shared their love of nursing. I am also very grateful for the support we receive from our community partners who allow our students to train in their facilities. It is such a valuable part of their learning.”

Applications for new student enrollment are accepted twice a year, and registration is currently open through Dec. 3. 

For more information about the Practical Nursing Program at OTC or to register, visit https://www.otcollege.net/practical-nursing/.

NEWS

Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center awarded $25,000 grant for new sea turtle medical equipment

The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center on Okaloosa Island has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Florida Sea Turtle Grants Program to purchase new medical equipment to aid in sea turtle rehabilitation.

• The C.A.R.E Center received the grant to help purchase a flexible gastroscope and all-in-one camera/monitor system for use with fishing hook removals and upper gastrointestinal examinations for subadult to adult Loggerheads, Kemp’s ridleys, and Green sea turtles admitted to the C.A.R.E. Center. 

The new video endoscope and Telepak camera unit will allow staff to conduct minimally invasive procedures on loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley and green sea turtles admitted to the center, rather than resorting to surgery. 

• This will enable safer fishing hook removal, especially from deeper areas, and more thorough exams to identify sources of internal trauma.

The C.A.R.E. Center says the equipment will help reduce the number of turtles released back into the wild with retained hooks to near zero.

“These grants are hugely beneficial for the functioning of our facility and help increase the quality of care we can provide to our sea turtle patients,” said Tabitha Siegfried, stranding coordinator at the C.A.R.E. Center.

The Sea Turtle Grants Program awarded the grant through a statewide competitive process open to coastal governments, schools and nonprofits working to protect Florida’s sea turtles. The program is funded primarily by sales of the Florida Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate, which has provided over $2.7 million in conservation grants since 2001.

The Gulfarium CARE Foundation operates the rehabilitation facility with a mission to rescue sick and injured marine wildlife and promote coastal conservation. Donations to support the C.A.R.E. Center can be made online and are tax-deductible.

Click here to see more picture of the equipment in use

POLICE BLOTTER

Man shot multiple times in parking lot of Okaloosa Island business, expected to recover

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that took place early Sunday morning in the parking lot of a business on Okaloosa Island.

Deputies responded around 1:30 a.m. to reports of a shooting at 110 Amberjack Drive, where Asiago’s Skillet is located. 

• An initial investigation found that two men had gotten into an argument that escalated when one of them pulled out a handgun and shot the other multiple times before fleeing the scene.

The victim, a 43-year-old man visiting from out of state, was conscious and alert when deputies arrived. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries and is expected to recover.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com or through the P3 Tips mobile app.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. No further details were immediately available Monday.

A MESSAGE FROM BIT-WIZARDS

Is public Wi-Fi secure? Bit-Wizards shares top tips for data protection on-the-go

In the digital age, where the internet has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, accessing Wi-Fi on the go has become increasingly common. Whether we’re checking emails, scrolling through social media, or getting work done remotely, public Wi-Fi networks have become a go-to solution. 

• But the question remains: Is it safe to use these networks? We spoke with industry experts at Bit-Wizards to shed light on this topic and provide valuable insights.

Jenni Taylor, the MITS Service Manager at Bit-Wizards, says that using public Wi-Fi is absolutely safe as long as certain precautions are taken, especially when dealing with sensitive information. Taylor emphasizes, “We would recommend not to access critical accounts such as bank accounts, credit cards, personal information, or even work information.”

To enhance security while using public Wi-Fi, one of the key precautions Taylor suggests is using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN works by encrypting all of your information and ensuring that everything remains secure while connected to a public Wi-Fi network. By utilizing a VPN, users can add an extra layer of protection to their online activities.

Sam Blowes, Director of IT at Bit-Wizards, further explains the role VPNs play in security while on-the-go.

• “It’s a way of making sure that even though you’re on the public network, you create a small little pocket network within that called a virtual private network,” he said. “What it does is create a secure tunnel from your computer back to wherever the VPN endpoint is on the other end.”

For Bit-Wizards’ Managed IT Services clients, they ensure that their clients always have a firewall that has VPN software already built in. That means, if you’re out-and-about, you can always install that VPN software on your laptop, and can connect back to the home base with this VPN tunnel. 

“The tunnel that we’ve created is encrypted,” explained Jason Monroe, Director of Solution Consulting. “The data that’s going from your laptop through the public network, back to either your work or home location, it’s all encrypted to that point. Even if somebody can see you online, see the traffic and ‘grab’ it out of the cloud, it’s going to look like gibberish to them.”

Monroe says that without IT protections in place, you’re also susceptible to ransomware attacks, malware, and viruses when using any public wi-fi. 

While utilizing a VPN adds a significant layer of security, BitWizards stresses the importance of exercising caution and not solely relying on it. Monroe advises to be aware of your surroundings when accessing critical, secure information even while connected to a VPN. He warns, “Just because you’re on a VPN doesn’t mean that there’s someone not right behind you, paying attention to what you’re doing.”

• Additionally, it’s important to be aware that not all public Wi-Fi networks are created equal. Some networks may have weak security measures or could even be operated by malicious actors aiming to steal users’ information. 
• Exercising caution and following best practices is essential to ensure online safety.

While public Wi-Fi networks offer convenience, Bit-Wizards says it’s important to prioritize data protection. By following their advice, such as refraining from accessing critical accounts, utilizing a VPN, and being mindful of network security, you can navigate public Wi-Fi networks more safely. 

• “If you have any questions, please give us a call here at Bit-Wizards,” added Taylor. “We will be happy to help.”

NEWS

Truck drivers ‘greatly needed’ in Okaloosa County, grant funding available to students

FleetForce Truck Driving School and Northwest Florida State College are seeking individuals interested in careers in supply chain, logistics and transportation.

Commercial truck drivers are greatly needed across the Florida Panhandle to support businesses and the growing regional economy, according to FleetForce Truck Driving School. 

• With support from the state, over $900,000 in grant funding is available for aspiring commercial driver’s license students seeking financial assistance to complete the program.

“The average starting salary for commercial truck drivers in Florida is nearly $80,000, and the demand for drivers continues to grow,” said Tra Williams, CEO of FleetForce Truck Driving School. “The entire region needs truck drivers to support local businesses, the workforce and the economy. Like the rest of the nation, the panhandle relies on truck drivers to bring basic everyday items that get more and more expensive when drivers are scarce.”

In addition to competitive salaries, FleetForce says graduates often receive health care and retirement benefits, paid vacation and more. Class A programs last four weeks, and new classes begin every Monday. 

• Pre-hire opportunities that match students with businesses prior to program completion are often available thanks to support from the Florida Trucking Association.

“The economic benefits of recruiting more certified commercial truck drivers in our region is immense,” said Jason Shoaf, District 7 member of the Florida House of Representatives. “Our community is crucial for the rest of our state, and nation’s, supply chain and logistics operations. Okaloosa County and its surrounding towns have an opportunity to build on its workforce, support businesses, and see our economy thrive.”

In partnership with Northwest Florida State College, FleetForce is licensed by the Florida Department of Education, the Committee for Independent Education and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

For more information on enrollment, visit www.fleetforcetruckdrivingschool.com or call 850-772-4235.

PARKS+REC

Fort Walton Beach Council approves grant for new Coral Creek Nature Trail

The Fort Walton Beach City Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday to accept a $300,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation for the design and construction of the Coral Creek Nature Trail.

• The grant will cover 50% of the estimated $600,000 cost for the project. The city will provide a matching $300,000, possibly using bed-tax money from tourists.

Public Works Director Daniel Payne presented the item to the council. The multi-use trail will connect city property near Robinwood Drive SW to either Coral Drive SW or Cowrie Avenue SW via a pedestrian bridge over Coral Creek.

The project scope includes lighting, landscaping, amenities for pedestrians and cyclists, and environmental education components. The trail aims to improve public access and safety in the area, which has seen issues with homeless encampments in recent years.

Councilman Nic Allegretto made the motion to approve the resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Bryce Jeter. The council’s unanimous vote authorized City Manager Jeff Peters to execute an agreement with FDOT to receive the funds.

• The grant funding must be used by October 31, 2024. The city will be responsible for any cost overruns beyond the $600,000 estimate.

Councilman John Mead said he hopes the council can approve connecting the trail to the city’s recreation facility in the future, while Allegretto said he would like to see solar-powered lighting be integrated into the new nature trail.