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Good morning!
The Thunderbirds will headline the Eglin Air Force Base open house airshow, returning in April 2027. The first underwater photo shows the SS United States resting upright on the Gulf floor, and Dr. Lamar White was honored at his final Okaloosa County School Board meeting after 12 years. Plus, Fort Walton Beach’s Veterans Day ceremony at the American Legion, Round 1 football predictions, seven homes with “room to host,” and this week’s Community Calendar.
COASTAL RESOURCES
First underwater photo shows SS United States resting upright on Gulf floor
The SS United States is resting upright on the Gulf floor, according to a photo taken Thursday, Nov. 12, the day after the ship sank about 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
Divers Will Hinton and Rustin Cassway were the first to dive the SS United States since her sinking. Cassway, of RV Explorer, photographed Hinton alongside the ship’s stern, which sits level with the lettering “United” and “New York” still visible across it.
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GAMES
WordroW: November 13, 2026
WordroW is brought to you by Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic – keeping your mind sharp and your spine aligned, one game at a time.
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.
SCHOOL
Dr. Lamar White honored at final Okaloosa County School Board meeting after 12 years
Dr. Lamar White was honored at his final Okaloosa County School Board meeting Monday, Nov. 9, after 12 years on the board and a district career as a teacher, coach, principal and administrator.
Graham Fountain, A representative of U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis’ office, surprised White with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and a Congressional Certificate of Community Recognition.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers, board members and the board attorney followed with tributes, and Chairwoman Linda Evanchyk called White a “statesman.” White, a former tennis coach, closed by borrowing from Jimmy Connors: “I’m just going to take a little break from the court.”
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SPORTS
Round 1 predictions: Choctaw, South Walton and Walton picked to move on
It’s regional quarterfinal night for area high school football, and Travis Espy has his picks for all six games.
He has Choctaw beating Mosley 21-14 to reach the Sweet 16 for the fifth straight year, South Walton edging Baker County 14-13 and Walton topping Gadsden County 31-17. Destin, Freeport and Baker face tough road tests at Pensacola Catholic, Bolles and Fort White.
REAL ESTATE
Hot Listings: 7 homes with ‘room to host’ in Okaloosa and Walton, from $399K
The Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®: advocating for property rights and the REALTORS® who serve our community. Click here to learn more
It’s the season when the guest list keeps growing and the dining table somehow gets smaller. If you’ve ever handed someone an air mattress and said, “It’s actually pretty comfortable,” …this one’s for you.
This week we went looking for homes with room to host: formal dining rooms, guest suites with their own bathrooms, big kitchens and covered porches where everyone can spread out. They’re in Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Freeport, Niceville and Destin.
And while you might not be moving in before the holidays, it never hurts to plan ahead for next year’s gathering.
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On Okaloosa Island, The Boardwalk is home to The Crab Trap, Floyd’s Shrimp & Steak House and Rockin’ Tacos. In Destin, you can choose The Crab Trap or Surf Hut.
Every menu can be customized. Options range from a cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres to plated dinners and stationed buffet service. Saltwater also hosts private dinners, corporate events and weddings all year.
To book your party, email marketing@saltwaterrestaurants.com or visit SaltwaterRestaurants.com.
EVENTS
Veterans, local leaders and cadets pack American Legion for Fort Walton Beach Veterans Day ceremony
Fort Walton Beach’s Veterans Day ceremony moved indoors Wednesday to American Legion Post 235 because of the threat of rain.
Col. Mark Hamilton, Commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, spoke as Fort Walton Beach High School Junior ROTC cadets took over the event from the Beal Memorial Veterans Tribute Tower Committee.
The Fire Watch recognized the city, United Fidelity Bank Emerald Coast and First United Methodist Church as Veterans Safe Communities.
EVENTS
A few things to do around town
Friday, Nov. 13 – Art Week at ADSO – Friday Art Party/Reception! – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Saturday, Nov. 14 – Kids Free Weekend at Gulfarium – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Saturday, Nov. 14 – Cruisin The Beaches Car Show – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Saturday, Nov. 14 – Women United EmpowHER Mental Health Workshop – Santa Rosa Beach – $5 – View
Saturday, Nov. 14 – Wreaths Across America Mobile Unit at Air Force Armament Museum Nov 14-15 – Eglin AFB – Free – View
Saturday, Nov. 14 – Reduce, Reuse, Refashion Show – Fort Walton Beach – $5.00 – View
Tuesday, Nov. 17 – Free Educational Carpal Tunnel Screening Event – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Friday, Nov. 20 – Fish Fry Fundraiser – Fort Walton Beach – $15 – View
Friday, Nov. 20 – MAINSTREET CHRISTMAS ART EXHIBITION – OPENING RECEPTION – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Saturday, Nov. 21 – Beach Santa Event – Miramar Beach – Free – View
MILITARY
Thunderbirds to headline Eglin Air Force Base open house airshow returning in April 2027
The Eglin Air Force Base Open House Airshow is returning April 9-11, 2027, for the first time in more than 15 years, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds set to headline the event, according to a news release from the 96th Test Wing Office of Public Affairs.
The Thunderbirds will be joined by additional aerial demonstrations, static aircraft displays, entertainment and family-friendly activities, the release states. The base is inviting the public to a weekend celebrating aviation, innovation and the people who make the mission possible.
Military members, civilian employees, family members, veterans and residents of surrounding communities are invited to attend as Eglin showcases what the release calls “the power, precision, and innovation of American airpower.”
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Friday! 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!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Jared
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124 Eglin Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548