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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
NWFSC earns top safety honors statewide and ranks sixth nationally, while emergency response teams conduct exercises at Camp Okaloosa. Holiday plans take shape at First Baptist Church, and teachers get extra time for FPL grant applications. Our community also mourns as search efforts conclude in Choctawhatchee Bay.
- Today: Sorry this is out so late this morning. I woke up late and then attended the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber’s First Friday Coffee!
Let’s get to the news you need to know this Friday morning.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Dive team recovers body of missing boater in Choctawhatchee Bay
The Florida Fish and Wildlife dive team has recovered the body of a Walton County man who went missing Tuesday evening while boating in Choctawhatchee Bay.
- Benjamin Godwin, 35, disappeared after his boat began taking on water. He had placed a distress call to his wife that evening after launching his vessel.
Family members, including Godwin’s brother, had maintained a continuous presence during the search operation, which began Tuesday night. According to family members, Godwin grew up around Choctawhatchee Bay and was passionate about spending time on the water.
Multiple agencies participated in the search effort, including the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Okaloosa MedFlight, Bay County Sheriff’s Office Air One, Walton County Fire Rescue, and South Walton Fire District.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences for the family’s loss, noting the community joins in mourning Godwin’s death.
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THINGS TO DO
First Baptist Church plans holiday events featuring live nativity, concerts in Fort Walton Beach
Community members can experience the holiday season through two festive events at First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, including concerts and the church’s 36th annual live nativity display.
- The church will host Christmas concerts on Dec. 7 and 8 at 6 p.m., featuring guest artist TaRanda Greene alongside the church’s Worship Choir, Worship Band and Kids Praise Choir.
Greene, who has established herself in both Southern gospel and contemporary Christian music, brings extensive experience to the performance. Her discography includes seven studio albums: “Each Day You Face” (2003), “A Thing Called Love” (2006), “In The Sanctuary” (2008), “Stronger” (2014), “Spirit of Christmas” (2015), “A Collection” (2017), and “The Healing” (2018).
From Dec. 13-20, the church will present its annual live nativity display nightly from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. The outdoor event features live animals, costumed church members, live music, and refreshments including hot chocolate, coffee and cookies.
- “This event is our church’s gift to the community each Christmas season, sharing what the true meaning of Christmas is, the birth of Jesus,” church officials said. The display draws thousands of visitors annually and involves approximately 100 church volunteers.
Both events will take place at First Baptist Church, located at 126 Harbeson Ave. in Fort Walton Beach. The Christmas concerts will be identical each night, giving community members two opportunities to attend.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Special response, crisis teams hold joint exercise at Camp Okaloosa in Baker
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office began a joint training exercise Friday involving its Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiations Team to improve response capabilities during large-scale critical incidents.
- The training, held at Camp Okaloosa, brings together SRT members, crisis negotiators and patrol deputies to practice specialized tactics and negotiation strategies in real-time scenarios.
“This joint exercise is an essential part of maintaining readiness for high-intensity incidents,” Sheriff Aden said. “By practicing together, the Special Response Team, Crisis Negotiations Team, and patrol officers ensure seamless coordination in critical situations, helping us serve and protect the residents of Okaloosa County.”
Local residents near the training site at 7702 Creston Barrow Rd. may notice an increased law enforcement presence but officials say the exercises will not disrupt regular public activities.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that these training exercises play a vital role in maintaining departmental readiness and strengthening cooperation between various units within the agency.
GIVING BACK
FPL to extend deadline for $50,000 Classroom Makeover Grant applications
Florida Power & Light Company has extended its Classroom Makeover Grant application deadline to Dec. 13, 2024, giving schools affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton more time to apply for $50,000 in STEM classroom improvements.
- The grants, funded through FPL’s charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation, aim to enhance STEM education by providing resources for technology, equipment, software, books and teacher training.
“We recognize that many schools are facing unprecedented challenges due to disruptions caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and we want to make sure that every eligible school has the opportunity to apply for grants to create state-of-the-art STEM classrooms,” said Kate Cotner, director of community engagement for FPL.
The program targets Title 1 schools and those serving at least 40% economically disadvantaged students. Public, private and charter schools at all K-12 grade levels are eligible to apply.
Winners of the classroom makeover grants will be announced in early 2025. Schools interested in applying can find more information and submit applications at FPL.com/ClassroomGrant.
SHOPPING
Shop our Local Holiday Gift Guide
Get The Coast has unveiled our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, showcasing some of the best local businesses and unique gifts across the Emerald Coast.
- The curated guide features everything from handcrafted jewelry and boutique children’s wear to premium surf gear and wellness experiences.
We wanted to create something that really highlights the incredible variety of local businesses we have in our community. Shopping local isn’t just about supporting our economy—it’s about discovering unique treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
Shoppers can explore the complete Holiday Gift Guide at getthecoast.com/gifts, making it easier than ever to discover and support local businesses while finding perfect gifts for everyone on their list.
EDUCATION
Northwest Florida State College named safest college in Florida, 6th nationwide
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) has earned the distinction of being Florida’s safest college and ranks sixth safest nationally, according to a new evaluation by Niche.com, a ranking and review website.
- The college secured the top position among 49 Florida colleges and universities evaluated in 2024, and placed sixth out of 1,200 institutions nationwide. The rankings were based on campus and community crime rates, rates of violent crimes, and student surveys on crime.
Chief Aaron Murray, NWFSC Executive Director of Campus Safety and Chief of Police, credited the achievement to officer training, technological investments, and administrative support.
“Our officers train rigorously, and we have integrated cutting-edge technology to make our campuses one of the safest places to learn, work, and grow,” Murray said.
The College’s Police Department has strengthened safety measures through partnerships with state, regional, and local law enforcement agencies. Among its technological advancements is a FLIR SkyWatch Mobile Surveillance and Deterrence Tower, provided by Florida State University, which enables officers to monitor outdoor events from an elevated position and identify security concerns within crowds.
Interim NWFSC President Dr. Cristie Kedroski expressed gratitude to the campus police department for their efforts in securing the top safety ranking.
- “Northwest Florida State College is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for our students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors,” Kedroski said.
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!
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