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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
The holiday spirit shines as Bit-Wizards fulfills Christmas wishes for 17 families, while READing Paws expands its reach to more local schools. A new visitor center begins at Topsail Hill, Commissioner Ketchel earns recognition, and Highway 98 prepares for changes. Our community also mourns a tragic hunting incident near Freeport.
Let’s get to the news you need to know this Monday morning.
TRAFFIC
U.S. Highway 98 to undergo new traffic configuration for drainage work
The Florida Department of Transportation announced a new phase of construction work on U.S. 98, scheduled to begin January 2, requiring traffic shifts between Robys Drive and Woodland Park Circle.
- Unlike October’s project that reduced traffic to one lane in each direction and resulted in major disruptions, FDOT officials say this time two lanes will remain open in both directions throughout the seven-day construction period.
The work, focused on installing a drainage pipe beneath U.S. 98 travel lanes, comes just months after the October construction that prompted Hurlburt Field’s 1st Special Operations Wing commander, Col. Patrick Dierig, to authorize flexible work schedules due to severe traffic congestion.
FDOT has stated that access to driveways and business entrances will be maintained throughout the construction period. Law enforcement will be present at the site, along with directional signage to guide motorists through the work zone.
The traffic configuration is scheduled to return to normal by Thursday, January 9.
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PARKS+REC
New $4.2 million visitor center breaks ground at Topsail Hill Preserve
Construction began Friday on a $4.2 million visitor and nature center at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities at the Northwest Florida coastal preserve.
- The state-of-the-art facility represents a collaboration between the Florida State Parks Foundation, Florida State Parks, and the Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, along with several community partners.
“Interpreting Florida’s natural resources is a key aspect of our mission, and this new center will be a great asset for Topsail Hill and our dedicated park rangers who interact with the public every day,” said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher.
The center will serve as a hub for events, workshops, and volunteering opportunities. Educational exhibits will showcase the park’s unique features, including its namesake dunes that rise 25 feet above the white-sand beaches.
- Florida State Parks Foundation board president Kathleen Brennan said, “The beach here at Topsail is amazing, but there is so much more to see, explore and learn about. The new visitor and nature center will transform the experience of visiting this park.”
The project received funding from multiple sources, including the Florida Park Service, Walton County, the J.W. Couch Foundation, Florida Power & Light, the St. Joe Community Foundation, and several individual donors.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park spans 1,640 acres along 3.2 miles of Gulf of Mexico beachfront. The park, which hosts more than 250,000 visitors annually and supports over 450 local jobs, is home to 13 imperiled wildlife species and 16 distinct natural communities.
Construction is scheduled for completion by late 2025.
GIVING BACK
Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel earns second Mitchell Award for public service
County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel has joined a select group of local leaders as a two-time recipient of the Mike Mitchell Award from the Okaloosa County Republican Club.
- “I am deeply humbled to have received this honor again,” said Ketchel, who serves as the county vice chairman. “Mike Mitchell did so much for Okaloosa County in the years he served this community, and I am thankful to the Okaloosa County Republican Club for this incredible recognition.”
The award, named after the county’s first Republican commissioner who served from 1976 to 1992, recognizes Ketchel’s contributions to the community. Mitchell, known as “Mr. Republican,” was remembered for his ability to work across party lines and making public service enjoyable. He died in 2020 at age 91.
Ketchel’s achievements include spearheading the bridge-to-bridge multi-use path on Okaloosa Island, overseeing construction of a new agriculture extension services building, creating the Women Veterans Monuments, and establishing the ecumenical Lazarus Ceremony for unclaimed individuals at Beal Memorial Cemetery.
She first received the award in 2018, accepting it personally from Mitchell. Ketchel joins current Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux and School Board Chairman Lamar White as the only two-time recipients. Other honorees include State Representative T. Patt Maney, Tax Collector Ben Anderson, and Crestview Mayor J.B. Whitten.
SCHOOL
READing Paws program expands to five Okaloosa County schools
Five Okaloosa County schools are seeing positive results from an innovative reading program that pairs students with therapy dogs to improve literacy skills.
- The READing Paws Program, operating at Wright Elementary, Kenwood Elementary, Destin Elementary, Bluewater Elementary, and Lewis School, creates a supportive environment where students read aloud to certified therapy dogs.
At Wright Elementary, Scout, a nationally certified R.E.A.D.® dog, meets with students weekly. “Scout has already made a remarkable impact on our students,” said Suzanne Boyd, Principal of Wright Elementary. “The enthusiasm and progress we’ve seen in our young readers are incredible. Scout is more than just a helper—he’s a motivator and a friend to our students.”
Kenwood Elementary Principal Peggy Land has observed similar benefits: “READing Paws is a wonderful addition to our school. Seeing students grow in confidence and joy as they read to these incredible therapy dogs is inspiring. This program brings literacy to life in a truly unique way.”
Nancy Bown, founder of Dog-Harmony, explained that the program operates through partnerships with READing Paws and Intermountain Therapy Animals.
- Dog-Harmony serves as an affiliate therapy organization that tests and places therapy dog teams. Bown shared a success story of a former participant, now 17, who attributes her academic achievements to her early experience with the program.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the program’s impact on student learning: “The READing Paws Program exemplifies how creative and compassionate initiatives can transform learning. By fostering a love for reading and building confidence, this program opens doors for our students and shapes their futures.”
Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the program can contact hello@dog-harmony.org.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FWC investigating reported fatal hunting incident at Eglin Range near Freeport
One person died Sunday afternoon in what authorities are describing as a hunting incident at Eglin Range in Freeport.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Initial evidence suggests the incident was a tragic hunting accident, according to the sheriff’s office.
All individuals believed to be involved in the incident remained at the scene and are cooperating with investigators.
Multiple agencies have responded to assist with the investigation. The FWC will release any additional information as it becomes available.
GIVING BACK
Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation fulfills Christmas wishes for 17 local families
A local managed IT provider’s charitable foundation brought Christmas joy to homeless families by fulfilling every item on children’s wish lists this holiday season.
- Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation partnered with Fresh Start For Children & Families to provide gifts for 34 children from 17 families. The foundation’s team spent more than two weeks collecting and organizing 302 presents, ranging from classic playsets to high-tech toys.
Fresh Start For Children & Families provides educational, vocational, and economic housing programs to help homeless families achieve self-sufficiency. Many of these families are working to rebuild their financial independence, making holiday gift-giving difficult.
Bit-Wizards staff members wrapped each gift and delivered them to Fresh Start. While the foundation has supported Fresh Start previously, this year’s contribution was their largest to date.
Vince Mayfield, president of Be the Magic Foundation, shared his personal connection to the cause.
- “As a child of an enlisted active-duty military member in the 70s and 80s, I grew up understanding the value of hard work and sacrifice,” Mayfield said. “My parents didn’t have much disposable income, but my mother made sure our birthdays and Christmases were magical.”
Mayfield noted that many Fresh Start families have fled difficult circumstances with minimal possessions or have been living in their cars. For the past four years, Bit-Wizards and TalkingParents have worked to bring Christmas joy to these families.
“Our entire team comes together to fulfill their wish lists, carefully wrapping and delivering gifts so that these children and parents can feel valued, regain hope, and experience the magic of the season as they work toward self-sufficiency,” he said. “It’s an honor to give back and help create a Christmas they’ll always remember.”
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Monday. This is probably my last email before Christmas. News will be slow(er) after today so if I do not get another email out, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.
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