TRAFFIC

Fort Walton Beach Police investigating pedestrian fatality

On Friday, November 26, at 5:16 p.m., Fort Walton Beach police officers responded to the area of Eglin Parkway & McGriff Street for reports of a vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic accident.

The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and rendered aid until officers arrived and took over, according to a press release. The pedestrian involved was identified as 60-year-old James C. Temples. Temples was transported to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Officer Calloway with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department at 850-833-9548.

ART

Niceville’s mural design winner announced with an unveiling of the artwork

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

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. 

“I am honored to have my artwork displayed in my hometown, and I owe a special thanks to Amanda Grandy for spearheading this project,” said Erickson.

Erickson has lived in Niceville since her father retired from the Air Force in 1997. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2010 and brought her talents home to Niceville where she works as the Art Director for Frances Roy Agency.

• Erickson and her husband, David, live in Niceville where they are raising two sons.

“The intention of this mural was to show off the history of our community while continuing to add to its landscape,” said Amanda Grandy, Mural Project Coordinator. “Trying to capture the spirit of Niceville, a concept which is clearly represented by the mural as the center focus of our town. Janae’s design does exactly this, the mural she created was perfection! It embodies many important historic details of Niceville and will be placed in the center of town for all to enjoy.”

Future plans for the installation of the mural have not yet been announced, but it will be near Turkey Creek.

Click here to see the artwork

FROM THE STATE

DeSantis wants to increase salaries of Florida law enforcement officers

Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $400 million in new funding proposals to increase the salaries of Florida’s state law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and state special risk firefighters.

The proposed increase would also provide $1,000 bonuses for first responders, including law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters across the state for the second year in a row.

• He also announced $5,000 bonuses to recruit and retain both state and local level law enforcement.

“While other states have turned their backs on law enforcement, even calling to ‘defund the police,’ in Florida we continue to support the men and women in law enforcement,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am proud to propose larger and longer-lasting measures to help our state recruit and retain the best law enforcement officers in the nation and to provide $1,000 bonuses for first responders and law enforcement officers for the second year in a row.”

Yesterday’s announcement builds on Governor DeSantis’ proposal that was unveiled in August to recruit and retain local law enforcement officers with new officer signing bonuses, an academy scholarship program, and out-of-state relocation support.

Earlier in 2021, Governor DeSantis worked with the Florida Legislature to secure $1,000 bonuses for 174,000 first responders, and signed House Bill 1, hallmark anti-rioting legislation.

WILDLIFE

New ‘Peli-pad’ habitat unveiled to support shorebird rehabilitation in Navarre

Earlier this year, Saltwater Restaurants, Inc. donated $10,000 to Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR) to build a shorebird rehabilitation habitat and support the rehabilitation costs for shorebirds that have become injured or orphaned along the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Panhandle area.

• The donation is a part of Saltwater Restaurant’s ongoing S.E.A. Initiative that assists in programs that support beach conservation and welfare campaigns along the Emerald Coast of Florida.

On November 18^th, many of the Saltwater Restaurants team, staff and ECWR officially dedicated the habitat “The Saltwater Restaurant’s Peli-pad.”

“ECWR was honored to provide a behind-the-scenes tour to our community partners who came to dedicate the Peli-pad,” said Crystie Baker, Executive Director ECWR. “We were even able to move in its first patient, a Royal Tern, during the Saltwater representatives’ tour, which was a great aspect for them to witness. They were able to see firsthand how an animal must undergo various stages of rehabilitation before returning to the wild, which is the ultimate goal of ECWR’s wildlife work.”

The funds provided by Saltwater Restaurants, Inc.’s S.E.A. Initiative will assist with the treatment costs at Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge where trained specialists work to help pelicans and shorebirds heal from their injury and safely return to their environment. 

“Our refuge center treats over 200 shorebirds annually and the average cost for rehabilitation for one of these birds’ can be up to $75 a day for up to 14-days depending on their injuries and care,” said Denise Song, Grants and Donor Manager for ECWR. “The support from Saltwater Restaurants will help fund the medications and professional veterinary attention needed specifically for our brown pelicans, which make up more than half of the shorebirds brought to our center each year.”

Modern threats to brown pelicans and seabirds include:

• Oil spills and pollution
• Human disturbance of nesting colonies
• Entanglement in fishing gear
• Swallowing fishing hooks or debris

Additionally, the funds from will help add signage along local piers for the rescue hotline and helpful instructions for when people come across an injured or entangled seabird or animal. 

“The Gulf of Mexico is without a doubt our greatest resource,” said Misty Rae Ruthrauff, Director of Marketing for Saltwater Restaurants Inc. “Our restaurants are committed to giving back to our very own backyard that provides not just a beachfront dining experience, but also the fresh Gulf seafood we serve. The pelicans are an important part of that ecosystem and we want to make sure they are well taken care of.”

Click here to watch a video of a brown pelican that was recently rehabbed

PRAYERS

South Walton Firefighter struck by vehicle while rendering aid

The South Walton Fire District is asking for your support and prayers this morning after a firefighter was severely injured in a motor vehicle accident in the area of Highway 20 on Monday morning.

According to the SWFD, the firefighter’s vehicle was rear-ended while he was on his way to work. After the crash occurred, he immediately began to render aid to the people in the other car.

While he was administering care, both vehicles were struck by a third vehicle, severely injuring the firefighter. He was airlifted to a local trauma facility and has been undergoing surgery, according to the report from SWFD.

• It is anticipated that he will be moved to the ICU once surgery is complete.

“On behalf of all of the families involved, we ask you keep him and others injured in the crash in your prayers,” wrote the SWFD in a press release. “Out of respect for his family, we are not releasing a name or other identifying factors at this time.”