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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
Okaloosa County communities prepare to welcome 2025 with fireworks displays and the traditional Pelican Plunge, while Fort Walton Beach’s City Manager looks to make a move to Okaloosa Parks Director. Meanwhile, firefighters celebrate a record-breaking $36,000 toy drive, beach safety starts hiring lifeguards, and Destin residents can soon get free parking passes. Plus, Highway 98 preps for traffic changes this week
Let’s get to the news you need to know this Tuesday morning.
PARKS+REC
Fort Walton Beach City Manager Jeff Peters pursues Okaloosa Parks Director role
Fort Walton Beach City Manager Jeff Peters submitted his resignation Monday to pursue his passion for recreation as Okaloosa County’s new Facility and Parks Director, describing the career move as an opportunity to expand his impact across the region.
- “My passion has always been recreation,” Peters said. “This opportunity with Okaloosa County is something that is right up my alley and something that I feel is an important move for me and my family.”
Peters, who began his career with Fort Walton Beach in 2006 as a 32-year-old recreation director, awaits approval from the Board of County Commissioners at their January 21st meeting. If approved, he hopes to begin his new role in early February.
- “When I first got here, we built Sound Park right across the street from City Hall,” Peters said. “I drew the Preston Hood Athletic Complex on a napkin with a walking wheel in the heavily overgrown areas back there. Watching that getting finished along with all of the amenities of Ferry Park that we’ve done has been awesome.”
Peters stepped into the city manager role in late 2022, first as interim, driven by his commitment to serving the city at a time when the city needed a manager.
In his letter to the mayor and council, Peters requested to remain involved with The Landing Park renovations, the new Indian Temple Mound Museum, and Liza Jackson Park projects, which are partially funded with county dollars. He plans to work through January 24th if the schedule works out.
Vice-Chair Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel expressed support for the appointment of the man she has known for 35 years.
- “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him to enhance the County Parks and Recreation Department,” Ketchel said. “As most residents know, I have put a huge emphasis on our Parks and Recreation during my tenure as a county commissioner. I’m excited to work with Mr. Peters in this capacity as we continue to enhance the beauty of the parks in our county.”
Looking ahead to his county role, Peters expressed enthusiasm about the growth opportunities. “I think the thing that most excites me about the new position is just the growth in recreation that the county is wanting to do.”
Peters emphasized that while he’s leaving the city after nearly two decades, he remains committed to the community. “Although I am moving on from the City of Fort Walton Beach as an employee after twenty years, I am still a resident and I will work hard to continue to create great recreational opportunities for our community.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Peters credited his approach to relationship-building. “My dad always said, ‘build relationships, and then you’ll be successful’. The relationships that I’ve built over the 19 years with the city is something that I’ll never forget and hopefully continue to use in the future.”
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TRAFFIC
U.S. Highway 98 to undergo new traffic configuration for drainage work this week
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.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Okaloosa Beach Safety starts lifeguard hiring for 2025 season
Okaloosa Beach Safety has opened applications for seasonal lifeguard positions, offering $20 per hour for qualified candidates to join their team ahead of the 2025 spring break and summer seasons.
- The beach safety team will host tryouts on January 6 and January 13, 2025, both starting at 9 a.m.
The position offers potential career advancement opportunities, with seasonal positions historically leading to full-time leadership roles.
In 2024, Okaloosa Beach Safety lifeguards served over 1.8 million visitors to Okaloosa Island. The team conducted 39 rescues and responded to 273 medical calls while maintaining a record of zero drownings in both guarded and unguarded areas, according to county stats.
Beyond emergency response, the lifeguards played a crucial role in beach safety education, making more than 850,000 preventive contacts with beachgoers about various hazards including high surf, rip currents, heat indices, hazardous marine life, and double red flags.
- The team also assisted in 73 lost child incidents and provided 487 beach wheelchair deliveries throughout the year.
Interested candidates must be 18 or older and can apply through the organization’s website at https://bit.ly/BeALifeguard2025. Prospective applicants need to RSVP for tryouts by calling 850-259-4131.
GIVING BACK
Fort Walton Beach firefighters raise $36,000 in holiday toy drive
The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department raised $36,000 in donations for its sixth annual “Christmas for the Kids” charity toy drive, providing holiday gifts for hundreds of local children and families.
- The department coordinated with more than 60 businesses and 50 volunteers, including Fort Walton Beach High School Air Force JROTC cadets and Okaloosa County school administrative teams, to distribute toys, clothing and other holiday gifts to 263 children from 64 families. The initiative also supported four additional organizations serving children in need.
“The experience each child received on Christmas morning is priceless to us,” said Captain/Paramedic James Freudenberg, who coordinates the program. “And we couldn’t have done it without the immense support we received from our businesses and citizens this year.”
Planning has already begun for next year’s drive. Those interested in participating can contact Freudenberg at 850-833-9565 or jfreudenberg@fwb.org.
The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department, established in 1941, provides fire protection, emergency medical advanced life support, hazardous materials mitigation and technical rescue services. The department also coordinates emergency preparedness, enforces state fire codes, conducts inspections and offers public fire and injury prevention education.
PARKING
Destin residents eligible for free 2025 parking passes starting Jan. 3
The City of Destin announced it will begin issuing free annual parking passes to eligible residents starting January 3, 2025. The passes are available to residents living within the incorporated area of Destin, with a limit of two passes per household.
- Residents can obtain their passes at either Destin City Hall or the Destin Community Center. To qualify, residents must present a valid driver’s license showing Destin residency, along with their vehicle tag and registration information.
The passes will provide access to paid parking areas along Scenic Highway 98 in Crystal Beach, Gulf Shore Drive on Holiday Isle, and the Destin Harbor District parking area.
The city has implemented a grace period throughout January, allowing residents to continue using their 2024 passes while applying for new ones.
Additional passes are available for specific locations. Henderson Beach State Park passes are available to residents within city limits at $30 per household, with a discounted senior rate of $25. Joe’s Bayou Launch and Recovery passes are free for the first decal to residents within city limits, with additional passes costing $50. Non-residents can purchase Joe’s Bayou passes for $205.
- For Joe’s Bayou passes, residents must provide current vessel registration, trailer registration, and driver’s license.
THINGS TO DO
The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island rings in 2025 with fireworks, ‘pelican plunge’ into Gulf
Local residents can celebrate New Year’s twice at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, starting with evening fireworks and continuing with the annual Pelican Plunge fundraiser the next morning.
The Boardwalk will host a 9 p.m. fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, featuring beachfront views, live music, and a complimentary champagne toast. Visitors can watch the display from The Boardwalk’s restaurants – Rockin’ Tacos, The Crab Trap, and Floyd’s Shrimp & Steak – which will offer New Year’s Eve specials.
The following morning, Jan. 1, the 2025 Pelican Plunge begins at 11 a.m., with check-in starting at 9 a.m. Pre-plunge activities include hot cocoa and coffee, raffle ticket sales, a costume contest, and live DJ entertainment.
- At 11:30 a.m., participants will dash into the Gulf of Mexico. Afterward, plungers can warm up at The Crab Trap’s post-plunge party featuring the restaurant’s gumbo, drink specials, and live music.
The event raises funds for local children, offering raffle prizes worth thousands of dollars. General admission tickets are available for $30 on the day of the event, including the plunge, after-party access, complimentary cocoa and gumbo.
A limited number of King Crab VIP packages are available for $400, including New Year’s Eve accommodation at The Holiday Inn Resort on Okaloosa Island, $200 in dining certificates for The Boardwalk establishments, two plunge tickets, two t-shirts, and a wellness welcome bag from Spa Lilliana at Hotel Effie Sandestin.
The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is located at 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, Fort Walton Beach.
THINGS TO DO
New Year’s Eve celebrations light up Okaloosa County with fireworks, family fun
Communities across Okaloosa County are ringing in 2025 with an array of family-friendly events featuring fireworks displays, live entertainment, and festive activities throughout December 31.
Fort Walton Beach:
- The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island presents a festive evening with spectacular beachfront fireworks at 9 p.m., offering prime viewing from any of the boardwalk restaurants or along the beach. Local favorites including Rockin’ Tacos, The Crab Trap, and Floyd’s Shrimp & Steak will serve special New Year’s Eve menus.
- Entertainment includes live music and dancing throughout the evening, culminating in a complimentary champagne toast as guests countdown to the fireworks display.
Crestview:
- The downtown area transforms for the “Boots & Bling” themed celebration, headlined by the Below Alabama band. The event features a combination of live entertainment, local food trucks, and adult beverage options, all leading up to a fireworks display.
- Special VIP seating is available for groups wanting a premium experience, with tables of eight priced at $100 each. General admission remains free for all attendees.
Destin/Miramar Beach:
HarborWalk Village: A daytime family celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring an energetic DJ dance party on the lawn, interactive entertainment including stilt walkers, a family scavenger hunt, and various hands-on crafts and activities, all at no cost. The venue will showcase a unique daytime smoke-show fireworks display at noon over Destin Harbor, complemented by signature mocktail and cocktail tastings from event sponsors near the main stage. Free on-site parking is available for all attendees.
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar and Grill: Their signature “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration kicks off at 10 a.m., offering a full morning of family entertainment including face painting, live DJ performances, and the restaurant’s famous alligator exhibits. The free event culminates in an exciting prize-filled balloon drop at noon, providing an early New Year’s celebration perfect for families with young children.
Village of Baytowne Wharf: Evening festivities begin with family-friendly entertainment from 6-8 p.m., including face painting and kids’ activities, with DJ QMoney providing musical entertainment, leading up to the first fireworks display at 8 p.m. The Party Feels takes the stage from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., while two spectacular drone light shows illuminate the sky at 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., building anticipation for the midnight fireworks finale.
- The venue implements age restrictions after 10 p.m., limiting entry to guests 21 and older for the late-night celebration and midnight fireworks display.
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