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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
A Destin landmark evolves while keeping its historic charm, Rep. Rudman challenges South Walton’s beach access rules, and Crestview officials tackle duck concerns at Twin Hills. Meanwhile, Fort Walton Machining lands a piece of a major Air Force contract, and local sheriffs back Boyles for the state house race.
- VIDEO: Demolition began Tuesday on the former old Fort Walton Beach School at 120 Lowery Place. The historic building, which later served as the Okaloosa County School District’s administrative offices, was sold in January 2023 to 120 Lowery Place, LLC for $2.5 million after being declared surplus property by the school board. Click here to watch
Let’s get to the news you need to know this Thursday morning.
BUSINESS
Fort Walton Machining secures spot on $48 million Air Force F-16 parts contract
Fort Walton Machining Inc. has secured a position on a $48 million contract to manufacture F-16 parts for the U.S. Air Force, the company announced last week.
- The local company is one of five firms selected for the firm-fixed-price, multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract covering bracket parts and kit assemblies for all block aircraft in the F-16 fleet. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, selected the winners from 15 competitive offers.
Each company received an initial task order of $1,000, funded by fiscal 2023 procurement funds. The contract work period extends through Dec. 5, 2031.
Founded in 1987 with just two employees to serve Eglin Air Force Base and its prime contractors, Fort Walton Machining has grown to employ nearly 140 people across two facilities totaling 113,000 square feet. The company operates a 68,000-square-foot Manufacturing Division and a 45,000-square-foot Metal Finishing Division, located four miles apart.
The company’s Manufacturing Division features more than 50 CNC milling centers, 12 CNC lathe turning centers, eight sheet metal forming centers, and five CMM machines in its inspection lab. Its Metal Finishing Division includes specialized equipment such as a 400-foot conveyor drying paint line and four paint booths.
- Fort Walton Machining holds AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Standards certifications and has previously supplied parts for various military aircraft including the F-15, F-35, C-17, C-130, and CH-47.
The company has also expanded into commercial markets and the space industry, working with companies like Blue Origin, Sierra Space, and Northrop Grumman on NASA programs.
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BUSINESS
Historic ‘Inn on Destin Harbor’ hotel maintains local charm while embracing modern amenities
In an era where beachfront high-rises dominate the Emerald Coast skyline, the Inn on Destin Harbor (conveniently located near Boshamps and Marina Cafe) stands as a reminder of the area’s fishing village roots while adapting to serve contemporary travelers.
- When Jason Wood purchased the 70-room boutique hotel located at 402 Harbor Blvd in 2018 from longtime owners Paul Owens and Charlie Noonan, he discovered a property steeped in local history.
Through research at the Destin Fishing and History Museum and interviews with charter boat captains and former city council members, Wood attempted to piece together the hotel’s story as best he could.
“The current building dates back to the late 1960s, but there were several iterations before that going into the 1940s and ’50s,” Wood said. “It was originally Bobby Moor’s McCoy Court, situated between the Flamingo Cafe and the Rob Roy Motel.”
The hotel underwent several transformations over the decades, operating as Bobby Moor’s Hospitality Inn, Harborview Inn, and Best Rest Inn before becoming the Inn on Destin Harbor under Owens and Noonan’s ownership.
Wood, who has a background in hotel construction and development, saw potential in the property’s waterfront location and historic character. His connection to the area began in 2016 when his family moved to nearby Freeport for his son to attend the Emerald Coast Autism Center.
- Wood sees the property’s preservation as increasingly significant given Destin’s rapid development. In the 1980s, Wood says the site was considered for redevelopment as part of a high-rise project similar to Silver Shells, but financial challenges prevented the plan from moving forward.
“After a certain point, building restrictions, setback rules, and other factors created a situation where you couldn’t really replace the hotel,” Wood said. “If you were to tear it down, you couldn’t build back the density and proximity to the water that you have today.”
Since acquiring the property, Wood has focused on balancing modern amenities with the hotel’s vintage charm. Recent upgrades include a revamped breakfast area, an outdoor balcony extension from the bar area, and local craft beer selections from Destin Brewery and Third Planet Brewery.
The hotel maintains its historic footprint, featuring 11-foot-wide guest rooms with 8-foot ceilings characteristic of the motor lodge era, but now offers contemporary amenities like updated furnishings and modern bedding.
- “We’re trying to balance the needs of modern travelers with the limitations of a historic building,” Wood said. “We want to give them a great, clean, updated room while retaining that charm that draws people to the harbor district.”
The property offers complimentary amenities including kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles. It also operates its own charter boat, the Innkeeper, a 47-foot Buddy Davis sport fisher available for fishing trips and excursions.
SCHOOL
Okaloosa School District celebrates new Ruckel Middle School cafetorium
Ruckel Middle School celebrated Tuesday morning with the grand opening of its new cafetorium, a project funded by the county’s voter-approved half-cent sales tax, representing a significant upgrade for one of the district’s largest middle schools.
- The ceremony began at 9 a.m. with performances by the school’s band and chorus, followed by the JROTC color guard presentation and the national anthem. The cheerleaders greeted guests as they arrived, welcoming a diverse group of community leaders and officials.
“We’ve had a few additions along the way but the bones of this school are nearly 70 years old,” Principal Joe Jannazo told attendees, referencing the school’s 1956 founding date. “With that long history in mind, we send out a heartfelt thank you to the vision of our superintendent of schools, Mr. Chambers, the Surtax Oversight Committee, and most especially, our community who made this a reality.”
Superintendent Marcus Chambers, who began his teaching career at Ruckel in 1998, reflected on the transformation of the space. “This exact spot is where our students would stretch for cross country and track. And now here we are today in a cafeteria,” he said. “This is much needed. The other cafeteria is nice, but much smaller.”
The project represents part of a broader initiative across Okaloosa County. The half-cent sales tax has generated significantly more than expected, according to Chambers.
- “To date, we should have raised about $78 million. We’re over $120 million. That’s $40 million more due to the economy here in Okaloosa,” he said. “Those additional dollars are helping us expedite [projects]. It’s helping us go quicker, faster, and further in the projects that we’re doing.”
The impact extends beyond the new cafetorium. The old cafeteria will be renovated into what Jannazo called “the newest, most state of the art, largest band room.” He highlighted the school’s impressive musical achievements, noting that the chorus was one of only three middle schools ever invited to perform at Lincoln Center in New York City.
The band and chorus programs consistently send the highest number of students to all-state competitions among public schools, excluding performing arts schools.
The facility includes a stage and an additional classroom behind it. The project also encompasses significant improvements to the school’s exterior, including a new parking lot and fencing to accommodate the school’s multiple car lines, necessary due to its large student population.
PARKS+REC
Crestview council approves plan to address duck overpopulation at Twin Hills Park
The Crestview City Council has unanimously approved a measure to address the growing waterfowl population at Twin Hills Park, where officials estimate more than 200 Muscovy ducks have created maintenance challenges for public facilities.
- The council voted to authorize the city manager to work with Critter Control, a wildlife removal company, to reduce the duck population through legal and humane means. The decision comes after park staff reported increasing difficulty maintaining cleanliness at pavilions, splash pads, pickleball courts, walking tracks, and playgrounds.
According to Parks and Recreation Director Brady Peters, an informal count conducted by staff estimated 210-235 Muscovy ducks currently reside in the park, alongside 45-60 mallards and 12-15 Pekin ducks. Staff noted these numbers might be higher due to migration between the park, surrounding neighborhoods, and wooded areas.
The city explored alternatives to euthanization, including relocating the ducks to a Muscovy sanctuary in Riverview, Florida. However, the sanctuary is at capacity and unable to accept new ducks. Additionally, Critter Control’s policy limits animal transport to within one hour of capture.
- The approved measure will cost the city $798 for each two-hour duck removal session. The plan aligns with the city’s 2020 strategic goals for financial sustainability and organizational efficiency.
The decision follows a November 18 council meeting where members sought additional information about Muscovy duck lifespans and alternative solutions before proceeding with population control measures.
BEACHES
Rep. Joel Rudman files bill to repeal beach access restrictions in South Walton
State Rep. Joel Rudman (R-District 3) filed legislation to repeal what he describes as a “problematic statute” that prevented Walton County from enacting local beach access ordinances.
- The 2018 law led to the installation of traffic cones, ropes, no trespassing signs, and private security guards on South Walton beaches.
“For centuries, there has been a prevailing attitude that the beaches belong to everyone,” Rudman said in a press release. “The communities along 30A were founded on that concept. For years, visitors and residents alike were welcome to stroll the beaches and relax on the shores in a live-and-let-live manner, dogs included.”
Rudman, who says he has been visiting Walton County since the 1980s and owned property there since the 2000s, called the area “paradise” and said he has hosted five different legislators at his property in Seagrove Beach.
The lawmaker criticized the 2018 legislation as being influenced by “a select few special interests” and argued that beach access decisions should be made locally rather than by state government.
- “Big Government has no business meddling in the affairs of 30A,” Rudman said. “I believe the citizens of Walton County should decide their beach access issues, not bureaucrats from Tallahassee.”
The bill seeks to put Walton County “on the same equal footing as every other county” regarding beach access regulations.
Rudman submitted his resignation from the Florida House last month to run for the congressional seat vacated by Matt Gaetz. His resignation, effective January 1, 2025, complies with Florida’s “resign-to-run” law requiring state officeholders to step down from their current position to seek federal office.
POLITICS
Sheriffs endorse Nathan Boyles for Florida House District 3
Santa Rosa Sheriff Bob Johnson and Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden have endorsed Nathan Boyles in his campaign for State Representative in District 3.
Sheriff Johnson emphasized Boyles’ pro-law enforcement stance and willingness to work with Governor DeSantis on public safety initiatives.
- “Nathan Boyles is a pro-law enforcement conservative who will work with Governor DeSantis to invest in public safety and stand with the professionals in law enforcement to keep Florida a beacon of freedom and prosperity nationwide,” Johnson said.
Aden highlighted the importance of public safety leadership in Tallahassee. “We need leaders in Tallahassee who understand that public safety is the cornerstone upon which Florida’s success is built,” he said. “I’m proud to stand with him in his bid to represent District 3 in Tallahassee and I look forward to working with him to keep Florida the most law enforcement-friendly state in the nation”
Boyles, a former Okaloosa County Commissioner, expressed gratitude for the endorsements and praised the sheriffs’ commitment to community safety.
- “Our local Sheriffs and the brave men and women in law enforcement work day and night to ensure our community is safe. Both Sheriff Johnson and Sheriff Aden’s commitment to public safety and professionalism is second to none. Because of their selflessness and bravery, we have a safe and secure community for all,” Boyles said.
He currently operates Adams Sanitation, which has grown from two trucks and two employees to over 40 trucks and 112 employees, serving nearly 30,000 customers in Northwest Florida.
Prior to his current role, Boyles founded and ran The Main Street Land Title Company until 2019. His public service experience includes chairing the Okaloosa Library Cooperative, the Okaloosa Walton Transportation Planning Organization, and the Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency.
BEFORE YOU GO
Giveaway, gift guide and tree trek
Before you go! Don’t forget about these exciting local happenings...
A local hero could win a brand new roof! Specialty Roofers Inc. and GAF Roofing are giving away a complete roof installation (valued at over $7,000) to an active duty service member or veteran through their Roofs for Troops campaign. The lucky winner gets to choose their shingle color and receives a Golden Pledge warranty covering materials for 50 years and labor for 25 years. If you or someone you know qualifies, click here to enter.
Need gift inspiration? Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide is your one-stop resource for discovering the Emerald Coast’s finest local treasures. Browse through handcrafted jewelry from Sea Gems by Karrah, premium children’s wear at La Luna boutique, expert surf gear from Fluid Surf Shop, and unique finds from dozens of other local favorites. Plus, we’re constantly adding new businesses to the guide. Explore all your options at getthecoast.com/gifts and remember to mention us when you visit!
Join the Fort Walton Beach Woman’s Club’s inaugural Holiday Tree Trek, running through December 16th. This festive scavenger hunt features 46 local businesses showcasing uniquely decorated trees – from the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to the FWB Police Department. Choose between two routes (or do both to double your chances!) and submit your tree selfies for a chance to win $500 cash, a two-night beach stay, or other great prizes. Look for “Holiday Tree Trek STOP HERE” signs at participating locations to start your adventure.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Thursday. 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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