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Good morning!
Let’s get to the news you need to know this morning…
POLITICS
Okaloosa County sees over 55% voter turnout as Election Day arrives
As polling places open for Election Day, the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections office reports that more than half of eligible voters have already cast their ballots through early voting and mail-in options.
- Data shows 84,372 of the county’s 151,054 active eligible voters have participated, reaching a 55.86% turnout rate. Early voting proved particularly popular, with 62,970 voters choosing this option, while 21,295 residents voted by mail.
Polls are open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and election officials remind voters they must cast their ballots at their assigned polling locations. Mail-in ballots can no longer be accepted at polling places and must be delivered directly to the Supervisor of Elections office.
A few big local elections are also taking place:
- In Fort Walton Beach, you have 3 Charter Amendments happening.
- In Destin, you have 5 new council-members to elect, plus Fire Commissioners.
- In Crestview, you will elect a new city councilman
Officials emphasize that voting in a precinct where you do not live is a criminal offense and urge voters to ensure their address information is current before heading to the polls.
For polling place locations or additional information, voters can visit www.voteokaloosa.gov or call (850) 689-5600.
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GIVING BACK
Okaloosa County ensures proper burial for 31 individuals without family or means at memorial service
Thirty-one individuals received a final farewell Saturday during Okaloosa County’s annual Lazarus Memorial Service, an interfaith ceremony that provides dignified burials for those who died without family or means.
- “If this ceremony had not happened, they would, in the best of worlds, be sitting on a shelf in a funeral home, or in the worst scenario, their ashes would have been disposed of in whatever way,” County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel told those gathered at the Nov. 2 service. “However, we have chosen to be here today to make sure that our community honored each individual with a beautiful farewell, because their lives matter.”
The ceremony, now in its eighth year, has provided proper burials for nearly 800 individuals. The program has become a model for other Florida counties seeking compassionate ways to fulfill their statutory responsibility for the disposition of unclaimed deceased persons.
“Their stories are as varied as the lives of those who are here today,” Ketchel said. “We started this eight years ago with our faith leaders as a compassionate and dignified way to take care of those who have died without family members to say farewell to them.”
County Commissioner Mel Ponder delivered the sermon, emphasizing the dignity of each life remembered. “God knew them,” Ponder said, referencing Psalm 139. “Even without an earthly family, God knows and cares for each individual.”
In his address, Ponder spoke about three key points: knowing one’s assignment, engaging with the community, and connecting others to God’s love.
- “Each one of you have a significant purpose and assignment, not only to your families, but this community we all live in,” he said. “If you don’t step in that purpose and assignment, our community is just not the same.”
The service included participation from 35 faith leaders representing various denominations, with scripture readings, prayers, and musical performances. The Veterans Tower Bell tolled to mark the hour, and the names of the deceased were recorded in the cemetery’s Book of Remembrance.
“Today we come together as a community and give witness to the difference [that] kindness and compassion can make,” Ketchel said, noting how the program has been recognized as a model for other Florida counties. “I hope you will leave the ceremony with a quiet feeling of having done something right that cannot be repaid in this world.”
The ceremony included special recognition for Emerald Coast Funeral Home and various community partners who help coordinate the annual service, which takes place each November 2 on All Souls Day.
Next year’s service will be held Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., as announced during the ceremony.
POLITICS
Nathan Boyles concludes 12-year chapter as Okaloosa Commissioner after transformative tenure
After choosing not to seek reelection, Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles attended his final meeting Monday, concluding 12 years of service that saw significant infrastructure improvements and regional development.
- Sherri Cox will succeed him as the District 3 representative.
During his prepared farewell address, Boyles emphasized the challenging nature of public service. “The easy parts of these jobs, they’re easy and they’re fun. The hard parts, when they’re done well, they’re hard. They’re really hard,” Boyles said. “It takes courage to publicly stand for actions that are at times unpopular.”
First elected in 2012, Boyles served alongside nine commissioners, three county administrators, three deputy administrators, and three county attorneys. He noted that Growth Management Director Elliot Kampert is the sole remaining department head from when he began his tenure.
County Administrator John Hofstad, who served as public works director when Boyles took office, highlighted the commissioner’s impact on the county’s development.
- “This county is better off because of your service,” Hofstad said. “Whether it’s the Southwest Crestview bypass, the 50-in-5 program, getting the surtax initiative passed…you had a hand in all of that.”
In his remarks to incoming commissioners, who attended the meeting, Boyles advised against politicizing local government.
“These chambers are the places for real work, a place to get things done. Not a place to grandstand or politicize the hot-button state and national political issues of the moment,” he said. “Our constituents are not often benefited by proclamations and resolutions.”
Chairman Paul Mixon recalled Boyles’ first campaign in his twenties, including a memorable campaign ad that turned his alphabetical position in debates into an advantage. Boyles would go first in the debates that led to his opponents often saying, “like Nathan said.”
- “You came out with something that each one of your opponents were saying, ‘like Nathan said,’….and it worked,” Mixon said.
A North Okaloosa native, Boyles holds degrees in civil engineering and law from Florida State University. Beyond his commission duties, he served on numerous boards including the Northwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Crestview Rotary Club, and the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce.
Boyles thanked his family, including his wife Crystal and children Beau and Quinn, who attended his final meeting. “They have to endure the same slings and arrows that we do that come with political office,” Boyles said. “And even though they didn’t sign up for the job… they have accepted that generously and unwaveringly.”
In a symbolic gesture, Chairman Mixon passed the gavel to Boyles to adjourn his final meeting, ending more than a decade of public service to Okaloosa County.
BUSINESS
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort unveils renovated Burnt Pine Country Club
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort announced the completion of a comprehensive renovation of its Burnt Pine Country Club, expanding the exclusive social club’s capabilities to include group events and weddings while adding new luxury amenities.
- The $4 million renovation of the 10,000-square-foot facility delivered a grand dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the golf course, highlighted by five golden chandeliers and skylights. The space includes white round tables and ivory chairs for flexible seating arrangements.
“The Burnt Pine Country Club renovation transformed our members’ experience,” said Sara Becnel, president of Sandestin Investments LLC. “Together with Design Continuum Inc., we’ve reimagined a space that respects our traditions while introducing modern luxury and convenience.”
The renovation added a six-seat bar with cerulean velvet stools and wine lockers for members, who can store and enjoy premium wines on-site with waived corkage fees. An eight-seat table for family dinners and a four-seat table complement the bar area.
Stephanie Boyd, project director at Design Continuum, said, “We enhanced the existing architecture with English manor flooring, linen ceiling accents, and rich colors, creating a grand, residential feel.”
The club’s culinary offerings, led by Chef Liz Latham, now include daily lunch and dinner service, plus weekend brunch featuring bottomless mimosas and a build-your-own bloody mary bar. The menu emphasizes fresh, sustainable ingredients from local farms.
- Updated locker rooms feature spacious dressing areas, a sauna, and showers with white quartz countertops and coastal-inspired tiles. The outdoor space includes rattan and wicker seating around a fire pit.
The renovation enables the club to host weddings and group events, with the venue offering a waterfront space and scenic lawn with golf course views. Sandestin’s events team provides comprehensive planning services, including vendor coordination and day-of management.
For private events, interested parties can email RebeccaYoung@sandestin.com. Additional information about memberships and amenities is available at sandestinrealestate.com or by calling 850-267-8100.
WEATHER
Tropical Storm Rafael strengthens as forecasters monitor potential Gulf Coast impacts
While Okaloosa County currently sits just outside the projected path of Tropical Storm Rafael, emergency management officials are closely monitoring the system as it moves toward the Gulf of Mexico.
- Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox reported Monday night that despite some dry air entrainment limiting recent development, the storm’s outer core is showing signs of organization with further strengthening in the forecast.
“There is still significant spread in model guidance, and with that, lack of confidence in local impacts at this point,” Maddox said. “We hope for some clarity as models come into better alignment in the coming model runs.”
According to the National Hurricane Center’s 4 a.m. Tuesday advisory, Rafael is becoming better organized with more prominent convective banding features, particularly in the eastern portion of the circulation. An Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft recorded falling central pressure with maximum winds approaching 50 knots.
The system is moving northwestward at 11 knots and is expected to maintain this general direction for the next couple of days, crossing western Cuba and entering the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. However, forecasters note lower-than-usual confidence in the 4-5 day forecast due to disagreement between key weather models.
- While the European model (ECMWF) suggests a stronger mid-level ridge over the southeastern U.S. could push Rafael into the western Gulf, the American model (GFS) indicates this ridge may break down in 3-4 days, potentially allowing for a northward turn.
The NHC warns it is too early to determine what, if any, impacts Rafael could bring to portions of the northern Gulf Coast, advising residents to regularly monitor forecast updates. Heavy rainfall is expected to spread north into Florida and adjacent areas of the Southeast United States by mid to late week.
SCHOOL
Niceville, Fort Walton Beach High Schools named to AP Honor Roll
Niceville High School and Fort Walton Beach High School have earned spots on the 2024 College Board AP School Honor Roll, receiving Silver distinctions for their Advanced Placement programs.
- The schools met several key benchmarks, including having at least 40% of graduating students take an AP exam during high school and 25% scoring 3 or higher on at least one exam.
“We congratulate the students and staff of Niceville High School and Fort Walton Beach High School for this remarkable accomplishment,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Their hard work has not only earned this recognition but also set a high standard for academic excellence within our district.”
To qualify for the honor roll, schools must also demonstrate that at least 2% of their graduating class took five or more AP exams, with one exam completed in either ninth or tenth grade.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools at four levels – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – based on their success in creating college-going cultures and providing pathways for students to earn college credit.
- Both schools achieved the Silver level distinction, reflecting their achievements in expanding access to college-level coursework while maintaining high academic standards.
The recognition comes from the College Board’s assessment of data from the schools’ most recent graduating classes.
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