WEATHER

Okaloosa under freeze warning and fire weather watch

It is going to be a cold Tuesday and Wednesday here along Northwest Florida as a freeze warning has been issued for our area late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

• The freeze warning is in effect from 1-8am for most of the non-coastal areas of Okaloosa County.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will drop between 29-32 degrees for most of the area (away from the coast). Temperatures are only expected to drop into the upper 30s for the coastal communities.

As of Tuesday morning, the Crestview Shelter will be engaging in cold weather operations Tuesday through Thursday, according to Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox. The Fort Walton Beach shelter does not have plans to engage at this time.

The National Weather Service advises residents within the Freeze Warning areas to take steps now to protect your home. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly.

• Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
• Bring pets inside.
• Cover plants.

The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11am until 7pm on Tuesday for the far western Florida Panhandle. A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect as well as winds around 15 mph, dry fuels, and low relative humidity may result in extreme fire behavior. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Stay warm!

NOW OPEN

Niceville unveils new mural and kayak launch

On Monday, October 17, 2022, the City of Niceville unveiled the highly anticipated mural and kayak launch at Turkey Creek Park.

During a Niceville City Council meeting last November, Amanda Grandy and Councilwoman Cathy Alley announced Janae Erickson as the Niceville mural design winner with an unveiling of the winning artwork. 

• This mural, one of the artists largest art installations to date for the city, is visible from John Sims Parkway at Turkey Creek Park.

The mural design is a graphic representation of Niceville’s history. Anchored by the name “Niceville” in bold yellow lettering, the design is surrounded by a water background with illustrations from left to right depicting a historical timeline. 

• Starting with the 1868 establishment of mail service to Boggy Bayou, a graphic story unfolds telling a tale of community and growth through the years. 

The city also celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new handicapped accessible launch at Turkey Creek.

Have you seen the new mural yet??

A MESSAGE FROM FATBOYS

Football Happy Hour at both Fatboys locations with half-off beer!

Did someone say half-off beer? 

Football season has officially kicked off, and Fatboys Destin and Miramar Beach locations are the perfect spots to catch your favorite team play. 

🍺 Football Happy Hour: 

• Enjoy half-off bottles, cans, and draft beer ALL DAY Saturday, Sunday and Monday when you head to Fatboys to watch the game. 

Not only does Fatboys offer all the big games and ice cold beer, they have the perfect food to enjoy while you watch. Try the crispy wings with mouthwatering house-made sauces like sweet orange teriyaki, bourbon molasses, and garlic parmesan. 🤤

If you’re up for a competition of your own, you can even try the 12 Patty Challenge. This monstrous burger is loaded up with 12 patties. Finishing the entire burger in one hour will get bragging rights, a free t-shirt, your photo on the wall, and 50% off the burger.

Stay in the know for all things Fatboys through their social channels: 

• Fatboys Destin Facebook
• Fatboys Miramar Beach Facebook
• Fatboys Crestview Facebook (Coming Soon)

PUBLIC SAFETY

Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office announces unexpected death of Captain Jay Jones

On Monday, October 17, 2022, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced that Captain Jay Jones passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday morning due to natural causes. Sheriff Aden, along with many coworkers and friends, went to Jay’s home to pay respects and comfort Jay’s family, according to a press release.

Captain Jones was a veteran of the United States Air Force before joining the OCSO Sheriff’s Posse. He served in the Sheriff’s Office with distinction and dedication for over 27 years as a sworn deputy. He was a dedicated husband and family man.

“We are stunned and overwhelmed at the sudden loss of our friend and brother,” wrote the OCSO in a statement. “We ask that you please remember Jay’s family in your prayers and take this opportunity to strengthen those important relationships in your life.”

Sheriff Eric Aden said “we lost a brother and OCSO family member who has been a part of this agency for decades.”

• “He started with us nearly 28 years ago and served all those years with steadfast honor and distinction. This is a difficult, very tough loss. We are so grateful to our county officials, other agencies, and community members who have already shown an outpouring of support to help us try to comprehend and cope with his unexpected passing.”

HEALTH

Okaloosa Health Dept. fighting opioid crisis with free NARCAN

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County is now distributing naloxone (also known as NARCAN) to people 18-and-older at both of its locations to help reduce substance use deaths due to opioid overdoses.  

Anyone can stop by the health department Monday – Friday in Fort Walton Beach (221 Hospital Drive NE) and Crestview (810 E. James Lee Blvd) to receive the naloxone kits.   

Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of being administered to a person who has overdosed. 

• When naloxone was first approved to reverse opioid overdoses, its brand name was “Narcan,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. There are now other formulations and brand names for naloxone, but many people continue to call all of these products “Narcan.”

Signs of an overdose include:  

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils” 
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness 
• Slow, weak, or not breathing 
• Choking or gurgling sounds 
• Limp body 
• Cold and/or clammy skin 
• Discolored skin, especially lips and nails 

Find more information and resources related to naloxone, treatment and prevention by visiting iSaveFL.

A MESSAGE FROM RPi PROPERTIES

Check out this Chicago-style brick INSIDE the Dream Home in Deer Moss Creek

Last week, we stopped by the ‘2022 Dream Home’ inside Deer Moss Creek in Niceville to talk with builder Jason Carducci (JP Carducci Construction Services) and check out the progress being made on the home.

• Since our last video, the siding, exterior paint, driveway and sidewalk have been completed.

As you walk in, you immediately notice the brick accents down the hallway.

“This is old Chicago brick,” explained Carducci. “We wanted to give it a wow feature when you walk in and I think we really nailed it. As you step in the home, you can just see that it really gives a nice appeal.”

The home also features a brick corner area in the living room that will include an old-school looking stove.

“It looks like an old-school wood burning stove but it’s actually natural gas,” explained Carducci. “Okaloosa Gas donated the stove for us and I wanted to create that old feel.”

The flooring was just about complete along with the trim and cabinets. The home will feature a black and white theme to compliment the brick.

• “We did a white and black theme that features black-on-black for some of the cabinets,” he added. “All of the cabinets in the bathrooms and laundry room are black. We will do a split top in the kitchen that features a hammered-finished copper sink.”

Next Up: Carducci hopes to wrap up the project for a December unveiling.

Click here to watch!