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Good morning!
With school out yesterday, we took a trip to The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island to check out the conditions. A couple dozen surfers took advantage of the waves and we setup shop at the Okaloosa Island Pier to watch for a bit. Click here to watch a quick recap of the surfers.
Let’s get to the news to close out the week…
WEATHER
Helene weakens to tropical storm, still threatens Southeast
Tropical Storm Helene, which made landfall as a hurricane, has weakened but continues to bring dangerous conditions to the southeastern United States. As of 5 a.m. EDT Friday, the storm was located about 40 miles east of Macon, Georgia, and 100 miles southeast of Atlanta, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
- Helene is moving north at a rapid pace of 30 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. The storm’s fast forward speed is allowing strong, damaging winds to penetrate well inland, including over the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians.
“Continued weakening is expected, and Helene is forecast to become a post-tropical low this afternoon or tonight,” the NHC reported.
Despite the weakening, life-threatening hazards persist. A Storm Surge Warning remains in effect from Indian Pass to Bonita Beach, Florida, including Tampa Bay. The NHC warns that normally dry areas near the coast could be flooded by rising waters, with surge heights potentially reaching 5 to 10 feet in some areas.
Tropical storm conditions are occurring from northern Florida through eastern Georgia into southern South Carolina, with these conditions expected to spread northward through the day.
As for Okaloosa, land impacts to our area were extremely minimal.
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SCHOOL
Okaloosa Schools to resume classes Friday, Eglin Elementary closed
Most Okaloosa County schools will resume classes on Friday, September 27, after being spared the worst of Hurricane Helene. However, Eglin Elementary will be closed, officials announced Thursday evening.
- The Okaloosa County School District initially made the decision to reopen all schools following a call with Patrick Maddox, the county’s Director of Public Safety. However, a subsequent update revealed that Eglin Elementary would remain closed.
“At the direction of Eglin Air Force Base leadership, Eglin Elementary will be closed tomorrow, Friday, September 27th, as the base will not open until 11:00 a.m.,” the district stated. This closure follows the base’s standard post-storm safety protocol.
For all other schools in the district, absences and tardies will be excused for families who may have evacuated or are commuting from areas affected by the hurricane. Students are advised to follow their school’s protocol for excused absences and tardies.
- The district also noted that individual schools will communicate any changes to extracurricular and after-school activities if necessary.
“We are thankful that Okaloosa County was spared the worst of Hurricane Helene and are keeping the counties who were affected in our thoughts,” the district stated in its weather update.
SCHOOL
Walton County schools to remain closed Friday
All Walton County schools will remain closed on Friday, September 27, due to anticipated impacts from now Tropical Storm Helene, district officials announced Thursday.
- The decision came after consultations with the National Weather Service and local weather partners. Forecasts predict tropical storm force winds and rain to affect the area from approximately 7:00 p.m. Thursday until 3:00 a.m. Friday.
“Closures are for all students, staff, and SPICE,” the district stated in its announcement. This closure applies to all schools within the Walton County School District.
Regarding extracurricular activities, including Friday football games, the district has left decisions to individual schools. Students and parents are advised to check with their specific schools for more information on these activities.
The district expects all schools to reopen on Monday, September 30. However, officials urge residents to stay informed by regularly checking the district and schools’ websites and social media platforms for updates.
“Stay safe, and continue to check our district and schools’ websites and social media platforms for more information,” the announcement concluded.
COASTAL RESOURCES
Okaloosa County to vote on $10.1M SS United States artificial reef project
Okaloosa County Commissioners are set to vote on a $10.1 million project to transform the historic ocean liner SS United States into the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
- The Board of County Commissioners will consider the purchase and sale agreement for the vessel at their regular meeting on October 1, 2024, and ratify the executed contract.
The proposed budget includes $1 million for acquisition and additional funds for remediation, transport, deployment, and the establishment of a complementary land-based museum.
If all of this sounds familiar…that’s because it is.
This vote comes after a delay in September due to complications with dockage arrangements. The county has been granted an extension for the ship to remain at its current Philadelphia pier until December 12, 2024, following court-supervised mediation.
The project faced a setback when the SS United States Conservancy, the current owner of the ship, filed an urgent motion on September 11, seeking an extension of time at Pier 82. This led to a court hearing on September 13 and subsequent mediation, resulting in the current agreement. As a result, the overall project cost has increased from the original $9 million estimate.
- County staff have already invested $60,400 in due diligence tasks, including fuel tank surveys, PCB surveys, and hull inspections. Initial results have been favorable, with the ship deemed seaworthy.
The project has garnered significant financial support, with $6 million in firm partnership contributions already secured. County staff report over $10 million in additional funding opportunities under exploration.
“While the overall project budget is conservative at this time at $10.1 million, this is likely on the higher end, and it is expected that significant cost sharing will occur,” the agenda states.
If approved, the county aims to move the vessel from Philadelphia before the December 12 deadline. The Tourist Development Council has already recommended approval of the budget and associated contracts at its September 24 meeting.
The SS United States, launched in 1952, still holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner. At 990 feet long, it would surpass the USS Oriskany (888 feet) as the world’s largest intentional artificial reef.
- The project aims to boost local tourism and create new marine habitats off the Florida coast. County officials cite the success of the USS Oriskany, sunk off Pensacola in 2006, which attracts over 10,000 divers annually and generates approximately $3.6 million per year in direct spending.
Once the project moves forward, the county plans to close the purchase before October 15, contingent on meeting contract requirements. Future contracts and funding agreements will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for approval in accordance with established thresholds.
THINGS TO DO
“Hammers & Hotrods” car show rolls into Fort Walton Beach, supporting local construction students
The Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties (BIAOW) Foundation is set to host its annual “Hammers & Hotrods” car show on September 28, 2024, at Okaloosa Technical College.
- The event, which combines classic cars with a charitable cause, will open for registration at 8 a.m., with the main show beginning at 10 a.m. Early bird tickets are available for $25, with prices increasing to $35 after September 26.
Proceeds from the car show will support the BIAOW Foundation’s efforts to promote construction curriculum in local schools and provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in the building industry.
The venue for the event is Okaloosa Technical College, located at 1976 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.
- Interested participants and attendees can find more information by contacting the organizers at 850-863-5107, emailing jgf@biaow.org, or visiting www.biaow.org.
The “Hammers & Hotrods” show represents an opportunity for car enthusiasts to enjoy a day out while contributing to educational initiatives in the construction field.
A MESSAGE FROM VISIT DESTIN-FWB
Okaloosa Pro Rodeo Rides into Baker
Saddle up for the Okaloosa Pro Rodeo, galloping into Baker, FL this October. Step One Automotive presents two nights of PRCA-sanctioned action at the Baker Recreation Center on October 4th and 5th.
- Gates open at 6 PM, with the main event kicking off at 7:30 PM both nights. Expect a “spectacular show” featuring bull riding, vendors, and fun games for all ages. Don’t miss your chance to try the mechanical bull!
Your ticket does double duty – you’ll enjoy top-notch entertainment while supporting the Baker Gatorettes and Cheer Team. For more details, click here.
THINGS TO DO
Destin Seafood Festival returns this weekend
The Destin Seafood Festival, one of the city’s most celebrated traditions, is set to return for its 46th year from September 27-29, 2024.
- The event, which marks the beginning of the month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo in October, will once again transform the Destin Harbor Boardwalk into a vibrant celebration of seafood and local culture.
Originally started in 1978 by the Destin Charter Boat Association Women’s Auxiliary, the festival has grown significantly over the years. It now spans one mile along the harbor, from Harborwalk Village to Heron Harbor, offering a wide array of attractions for visitors.
This year’s festival includes a VIP experience within the main event. On September 28 and 29, ticket holders can access a gated area featuring food samples from 10 local restaurants, a cash bar, private bathrooms, a separate music stage, seating area, and TVs showing football games.
- “The main festival is and always will be free to attend,” wrote the festival on their website. “Tickets are only required for the VIP area.”
The event boasts over 100 vendors selling a variety of goods, including art, retail items, jewelry, and food. Five live music stages will be set up throughout the festival grounds, and a Kids Zone will offer activities such as face painting, casting contests, and mingo toss. Harborwalk Village will cap off Saturday night with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.
For those concerned about parking, the festival organizers have arranged public parking options across from the Destin Harbor in the Marler City Parking Lot, next to Harbor Tavern in the Heron Harbor Parking Lot, and in the Harborwalk Village parking lot. Additionally, a free shuttle service will run from the Morgan Sports Complex to the Harbor each day of the festival.
The Destin Seafood Festival serves as the primary fundraiser for the Destin Charter Boat Association, a non-profit organization formed in 1954. The association focuses on fisheries management advocacy and contributes to various community development projects.
- Festival hours are Friday, September 27, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Leashed dogs are welcome in the main festival area but are not permitted in the VIP section.
For more information about the Destin Seafood Festival or to purchase VIP tickets, visitors are encouraged to check the official event website.
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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