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Investing in nesting

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NAVARRE— Kenny Wilder, a Florida master naturalist, waves at a passing motorist on the Navarre causeway.

“Hey, slow down!” he calls.

Wilder and about a dozen other volunteers gathered recently to install fencing around a shore bird nesting area on the causeway. Black skimmers have begun laying eggs on the coarse sand.

The fencing is to protect the chicks when they hatch as well as the parents. Wilder said several adult birds have already been run over this year by cars.

“Not many people obey the 20 mile-per-hour speed limit,” he said.

A temporary sign sits on the side of the road warning motorists of the speed limit and nesting birds.

The dangers of the roadway are also the reason the birds keep returning to the same place every year, according to Emily McKiddy the Navarre technician for the Florida Audubon Society.

“The colony here is one of the most successful year after year,” she said.

McKiddy said that the motorized traffic activity keeps predators away, which makes the birds feel comfortable and safe.

Continued human development in the area has limited where the birds can lay eggs. In addition to the causeway, gravel roof tops are popular.

Jerry Smith, who was volunteering the day the fences were installed, feels lucky to be around the birds and to be able to help them.

“We have to enjoy it before it’s gone,” he said.


First community meeting held for South Walton incorporation

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The South Walton community is moving forward with examining the pros and cons of incorporation.

About 100 people attended a grassroots informative meeting earlier this week at Rosemary Beach Town Hall to discuss the plan.

“We need to decide what we want our community to look like in five, 10, or 15 years,” said South Walton Community Council President Kelley Mossburg.

Mossburg said that people want to come to South Walton, and the purpose of incorporation is not to discourage that, but to prevent unbridled growth.

“If we stay on the same path we are on, what does our future look like? We could find ourselves in the same predicament as our neighbors to the east and west if we do nothing,” said Mossburg. “Who is looking out for South Walton?”

Mossburg laid out advantages and disadvantages of incorporation.

Advantages would include home rule, ability to use tax revenue locally, ability to build a community-centered government, ability to control future growth and protect community standards.

Drawbacks include another layer of government and more taxes.

However, South Walton would benefit from state revenue sharing.

“We would still pay taxes to Walton County, but with incorporation, we would have a seat at the table to determine how those taxes are spent,” said Mossburg. “Certain taxes would come directly to the city.”

As for the costs associated with the process, Mossburg allots $23,000 for a feasibility study; $10,000 for writing a charter, $12,000 for legislature outreach, $25,000 for citizen awareness, another $25,000 in legal services. The total estimated that would need to be raised is $100,000.

A feasibility study could be completed by August, and submitted to a state delegation by September.

The first fundraiser is set for May 20 at Bud & Alley’s.

The next community informational meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 21 at Seascape Resort Conference Center, with another at 4 p.m. May 31 at Bayou Arts Center located off County Road 393N. These are open to the public.

Termite Terror: Proper attention can prevent serious damage

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They could be destroying your home and you don’t even know it.

The first swarms of Formosan termites have arrived in the Florida panhandle and they’re right on schedule.

“We usually see them as early as late April, but it’s usually about mid-May,” said Sheila Dunning of the Okaloosa County Extension office. “The females are taking flight and looking for somewhere to nest.”

According to the University of Florida extension website, the Formosan termites are one of the most destructive termite species in the world today. And since they’re subterranean, they can easily go undetected until it’s too late.

Following water lines, the Formosan termites find their next home.

“All they have to do is find one leaky pipe and they may not leave for years,” Dunning said. “But they can destroy your home within months.”

The termites primarily feed off of wood structures and materials such as cardboard and paper. They’re also known to chew through foam insulation boards, thin lead and copper sheeting, plaster, asphalt and some plastics.

Extension office agents can do house calls to help you look for signs of termite damage.

One of the best things to do is to keep the first 12 inches around the home as dry as possible.

“For example, keep shrubbery away from the house, since it stays wet and aim sprinklers away,” Dunning suggested.

Dunning advises anyone with pest control contracts to make sure that Formosan termite treatments are being done since it’s separate from regular termite issues. And if you don’t have regular pest control visits, at least schedule an inspection.

“A lot of pest control companies do a home inspection at no cost — that’s the most important thing you can do,” Dunning said.

Larry Ownby, service center manager for Arrow Exterminators’ Fort Walton Beach office, said the Formosans can be difficult to deal with.

“The best thing we’ve found to treat them is the use of a baiting system. We use the Sentricon baiting system,” he said. “When the termites eat into it, they take it back and they transfer it to the rest of the colony and it prevents them from molting.

“You can actually eliminate a whole colony,” he added.

INFO ON THE FORMOSAN

Visit edis.ifas.ufl.edu and type in ‘formosan termites’ to find more information about the pests.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Jennie McKeon at 850-315-4432 or jmckeon@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @JennieMnwfdn.

Final flight: Hurlburt, Air Force say goodbye to MC-130Ps (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

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HURLBURT FIELD— The scene at Hurlburt Field on Friday resembled an air show, with hundreds of MC-130P fans in the stands.

The aircraft known as the Combat Shadow was officially retired with fly-bys and demonstrations from the last two MC-130Ps at Hurlburt Field and in the entire Air Force.

For a video from the ceremony, click here.

Senior Master Sgt. Rebecca Shelley spoke to the crowd at a podium on the edge of the flightline.

“I am sad to see them go. Seventeen years of taking care of them has defined who I am as an airman,” she said.

She compared her close relationship with the plane to the care she gives her children. Like most in the crowd, she had a hard time letting go of the aircraft that showed capabilities beyond the mission of air-to-air refueling through its 50-year history.

Click here for more photos.

“Most of us would keep them flying another 20 years if you let us,” she said. “It has been an honor serving with the MC-130P.”

The Combat Shadow began serving in the Vietnam War and has been a part of special operations mission since 1986, flying in combat in countries like Panama, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The newer and faster MC-130J Commando II is the replacement for the Combat Shadow’s mission.

Lt. Col. Sean Farrell, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, was complimentary of the Combat Shadow’s legacy.

“Wherever there’s a helicopter or CV-22 that needs gas, the Shadow is ready to do it,” said Farrell.

The Shadow accomplished more than just air-to-air refueling, according to former crew chief William Schenck.

He said that what he liked about the plane was its diversity. He said they could refuel in the dark, pick up wounded and drop supplies to where they were needed.

He was thankful for retirement ceremony.

“I think it was really great to have some closure for this really good aircraft,” he said. “These aircraft are your buddies.”

Former sheriff’s name added to memorials

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TALLAHASSEE — Okaloosa County’s second sheriff and first fallen officer was added to the National and State Law Enforcement memorials this year, nearly 95 years after he was killed in the line of duty.

Sheriff John Summerlin had only been in office for 11 days when the car he was driving was hit by a train while he was escorting a prisoner to the station.

For some reason, Summerlin’s name was overlooked on the memorials.

In 2014, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputy Pat Jenkins read the names of the fallen for Okaloosa County.

After double checking some dates, he realized that Summerlin’s name wasn’t on the list or the memorial.

After the ceremony, he started working to fix that, locating Summerlin’s great-nephew, Scott Morrison of Ruckersville, Virginia, and great-niece, Debbie Morrison, of Pensacola.

With assistance from various agencies and citizens, Jenkins was able to get Summerlin’s name added to the memorials.

Witness testimony finished as week draws to a close

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First thing Friday, before the jury hearing his case was brought in, Barry Davis, who is on trial for the 2012 killings of John Gregory Hughes and Hiedi Rhodes, requested and received permission to speak to Circuit Court Judge Kelvin Wells.

Then, he unloaded on his attorney, Spiro Kypreos.

“Yesterday, when it was time for my lawyer to go up and cross examine” key witness and Davis’ ex-girlfriend Tiffani Steward, “my lawyer was not prepared,” Davis said. “He stumbled around looking for papers … it was not fair to me … my lawyer was ineffective yesterday.”

Speaking calmly but firmly, Wells let Davis know he wasn’t about to take a drastic action three weeks into a capital case in which the death penalty could come into play.

“I understand what your complaint is, but you didn’t go to law school. Mr. Kypreos has been handling this type of case for years,” Wells said. “At this point, for the record, I can’t find Mr. Kypreos has been ineffective.”

Friday's testimonies went more smoothly than Thursday's had. Thursday’s proceedings were marred by sniping, objections and frequent bench conferences that had bogged down the flow of the trial.

Late Friday morning, Prosecuting Attorney Bobby Elmore released Steward, who had spent about 10 hours on the witness stand.

After calling two more witnesses, the prosecution rested its case at just before 4:30 p.m., Friday afternoon.

Elmore’s final witness was FBI special agent Justin Fleck, who testified to using technology that allowed him to track, with some degree of certainty, calls, texts, tweets and just about any other cell phone communication using the towers that allow those communications to occur. Elmore elicited from the testimony a time line that tracked Davis’ movements on the day that Rhodes and Hughes were killed and for the days afterward.

The defense called its first and only witness late in the day. Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson discussed his role as the first law enforcement officer on the scene when Hughes’ missing Cadillac Escalade was discovered.

The defense rested its case after Adkinson left the stand. Closing arguments will begin Monday at 8:30 a.m.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Tom McLaughlin at 850-315-4435 or tmclaughlin@nwfdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomMnwfdn.

One injured in U.S. 90 crash

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MOSSY HEAD - One woman was injured after two cars collided on U.S. Highway 90 Friday evening.

Walton County Fire Rescue was called out for the crash around 5 p.m. Friday, according to Battalion Chief Bryan Pierce.

He said two cars collided in a T-bone type collision.

One of the drivers, a woman, was entrapped. She was extricated and transported to North Okaloosa Medical Center in stable condition, Pierce said.

The other driver, also a woman, was uninjured. 

The crash is under investigation.

Scooter driver in serious condition

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FORT WALTON BEACH - The Florida Highway Patrol has released details about a Thursday morning accident that left a Shalimar man with serious injuries.

Kevin Smith, who is 51, was driving a scooter in the southbound lane of State Road 85 near the Shalimar Bridge when he was struck by a car making a left turn.

Smith, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected. He was later flown to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola with head trauma, according to first responders.

The other driver, 66-year-old Larry Lumpkin of Fort Walton Beach, was cited for violation of right of way.

He was not injured.


Commercial comeback? Realtors sound off on available waterfront properties

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The commercial real estate market in Okaloosa County has by no means recovered, but local Realtors say they’re starting to see signs of life.

Some observers on the south end are even predicting that commercial waterfront properties in the Fort Walton Beach area could be poised for a comeback.

If for sale signs are any indication, they might be correct. A short drive down Miracle Strip Parkway, from Mary Esther to the foot of Brooks Bridge, reveals numerous available parcels along the Santa Rosa Sound.

Many are prime pieces of real estate ripe for redevelopment as well as first-time construction.

“The economy is coming back, and people are starting to really look at investment opportunities,” said Jayme Nabors of NBI Properties.

Even as recently as a couple of years ago, developers were hesitant – and rightfully so, he said.

“It just didn’t make sense to buy something and develop it in a down market,” he said. “Financing was difficult to acquire.”

But now some investors are ready to venture back out onto the market, he said.

“I think we’ll be pleasantly surprised,” Nabors said. “I think we’ll see a couple of these commercial properties change hands in the next year or so.”

Realtor Melodee Skipper, who has handled commercial properties in this area for more than 12 years, agreed.

“The vacancies may seem large in number, but I don’t find it troubling,” said Skipper, who is with Keller Williams Realty. “... I think the market is trending upward in the entire area.”

Nabors’ company is under contract with Fort Walton Beach as the city’s real estate broker.  He said the city’s creation of a new downtown entertainment district has “helped energize some potential buyers for the waterfront pieces.”

“I think the market is ripe for some waterfront commercial development other than condos,” Nabors said.

He said the city would especially benefit from projects such as restaurants and bars that can open up more of the waterfront to residents.

Realtor Gordon MacLean shares Nabors’ optimism but pointed out that many of the available waterfront properties along Miracle Strip Parkway are remnants of the failed condo market.

“There’s always hope,” said MacLean, a commercial real estate advisor for Sperry Van Ness Southland Commercial. “And Realtors, we’re usually overly hopeful. But when you look at what’s actually going on, it’s all based on jobs.”

More jobs equal more restaurants, more stores and other businesses, he added.

“Commercial development follows people, and people follow jobs,” MacLean said. “That’s what it comes down to.”

5 waterfront hot spots for sale in FWB . . . and what they could be used for

These are a few of the prime pieces of commercial waterfront property for sale on U.S. Highway 98 in the Fort Walton Beach area.

The Daily News spoke with local Realtors about the unique qualities of these parcels and what they could be developed into in the future. Here’s what they had to say:

  • 132 Miracle Strip Parkway
    Current use: Vacant property
    Asking Price: $2.85 million
    Acreage: 2.52
    Could be developed as: Upscale condominiums with some low-intensity retail
    Key Takeaway: “The uniqueness of it is the prime water frontage on the sound,” said Realtor John Paul Somers. “... The highest and best use would likely mimic The Presidio next door. I think a very premiere condominium community will probably be developed on that site at some point.”
  • 931 Miracle Strip Parkway
    Current use: Wooded, undeveloped land
    Asking Price: $1.35 million
    Acreage: 3.18
    Could be developed as: Mixed use project with restaurant, retail, condos and access to Santa Rosa Sound
    Key Takeaway: “The opportunities there are endless,” said Jayme Nabors of NBI Properties. “It’s one of the last pieces of that size available on the water.”
  • 195 Brooks Street
    Current use: Site of Playground Motel
    Asking Price: $3.9 million
    Acreage: 2.13
    Could be developed as: Mixed use project with restaurant, retail, condos and access to Santa Rosa Sound
    Key Takeaway: “It’s the absolute perfect spot for a hotel,” said Realtor Paul Scurto. “... If you put a hotel there, that would spark more activity downtown. There’s nothing better than being able to walk to a lot of really nice things to do.”
  • 2 S.W. Miracle Strip Parkway
    Current use: Vacant property, former home to Summer House restaurant
    Asking Price: $1.24 million
    Acreage: 1.76
    Could be developed as: Mixed use project with restaurant, retail, residential and access to Santa Rosa Sound
    Key Takeaway: “It has been reduced some due to the market,” said Realtor Terry Osborne. “... The location is a killer location. It’s at a major intersection. It could be used for a restaurant. It could be a marina. It could be used for a condo project.”
  • 54 Miracle Strip Parkway
    Current use: Vacant property
    Asking Price: $850,000
    Acreage: 1.02
    Could be developed as: Mixed use project
    Key Takeaway: “Would be a great location for a bar or restaurant,” Nabors said. “Previously, this property was approved for a 20-unit condo.”

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.

Grammy-winning artist makes a life in Navarre

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NAVARRE — Before Ricky Lee Phelps left the music business for good he was in not one, but two successful bands, released chart-topping songs and had a handful of awards — including a Grammy.

But he wasn’t entirely satisfied.

"I loved performing, but everything else connected to it...not so much," he said.

More than 20 years ago, Ricky Lee left the music business and found himself in Navarre in 2002 where he continues to play, paint and, now, preach.

"I married my best friend, who lived here, and made my escape from Nashville," he said.

From the church to the charts

Growing up in Kentucky, Ricky Lee’s singing career started in the choir. His dad was the pastor at the local church.

"When I was about 5-years-old, I knew it was something that I wanted to keep doing," he said.

Fast forward to the mid-1980s, when Ricky Lee was jamming with his brother Doug’s band, The Kentucky Headhunters.

"It was one of those ‘Bam!’ moments," he recalled.

The Headhunters labeled themselves as more of a rock and roll band, but had found major success in the country realm, winning statues at the Country Music Awards, Academy of Country Musicand American Music Awards.

In 1990, the band won the Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for the album "Pickin’ on Nashville."

"It’s the one — it’s the one everyone wants because it’s voted on by your peers," Ricky Lee said.

Answering the call

Ricky Lee remembers the day he quit the Headhunters — June 2, 1992.

He and his brother Doug started their own music project, Brother Phelps. Together they released two albums and had a Top 10 hit, "Let Go" in 1993.

Around this time, Ricky Lee felt a calling toward ministry.

"I had achieved above and beyond my dreams of success," he said. "Following in my dad’s footsteps and carrying that mantle is the highest call on earth."

He recorded a Christian album at his home studio in Nashville and started to visit churches in the area sharing his story. Ten years ago he became ordained.

In Navarre, he hosts a small ministry — Word and Grace — which holds Wednesday night Bible study inside the Navarre Area Board of Realtors’ conference room. The church is non-denominational and is meant to be a "come as you are" environment.

‘Grown deep roots here’

Ricky Lee may have quit the music business, but not music.

You can catch him most weekends playing bass and singing with Lektric Mullet. He’s also working on another Christian album at his home studio.

He still gets royalty checks from his Headhunter days. Every now and then, he’ll catch the band if they’re playing nearby and get on stage to sing some songs.

But he’s long since traded his long rock and roll hair for a Hawaiian print shirt.

"I’ve grown deep roots here in Navarre," Ricky Lee said. "And I’ve never been happier."

WORSHIP WITH WORD AND GRACE

Ricky Lee's ministry meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the Navarre Area Board of Realtors building, located at 1917 Navarre School Rd. Anyone is welcome to stop in.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Jennie McKeon at 850-315-4432 or jmckeon@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @JennieMnwfdn.

Green Acres, MLK to get major repairs

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FORT WALTON BEACH — Motorists fed up with the broken and bumpy asphalt on Green Acres Road could get some relief by early fall.

Okaloosa County is gearing up for a $2 million roadway reconstruction project that includes the repaving of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

The section of Green Acres Road closest to Beal Parkway is in the worst condition due to the collapse of an aging drainage system, said Jason Autry, public works director for Okaloosa County.

“We’re going to go in there and excavate out what has failed,” he said. “It’s an old drainage system that has just deteriorated over time. We’re going to remove it and replace it.”

The repaving project is expected to start in late August and last 180 days.

Autry said the county will work with business owners along the stretch to reduce traffic disruptions.

“If you’ve got a driveway that connects to Green Acres, or MLK, for that matter, and they’re milling, obviously there will be restrictions, but nothing is going to be long-term,” he said.

The rest of the project includes the milling and repaving of Green Acres and Martin Luther King Jr. to Freedom Way.

“It’s going to be a tremendous improvement,” Autry said. “This road, it’s been a complaint source, and it’s gotten progressively worse.”

Many local residents voiced support for the project Friday on the Daily News Facebook Page.

“I drive it twice a day to work at Eglin,” Brenda Anderson said. “The whole thing needs to be fixed. But Green Acres is the worst by far.”

Some folks said they even try to avoid the area because of the poor condition of the pavement.

“Watch the cars driving down Green Acres,” said Tim Mathis. “Everybody tries to stay in the left lane until they get past the 400 filled in potholes.”

Autry is scheduled to present the project to County Commissioners on Tuesday for approval. They are set to award the construction contract to Anderson Columbia.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.

Boy named safety ambassador after being hit by boat (PHOTOS, DOCUMENT)

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DESTIN — Nearly a year after being hit by a boat while snorkeling in the Choctawhatchee Bay, Drew Barefield was named the official 2015 ambassador for Boating Safety Week in Destin.

The honorary recognition was bestowed by members of the Big Mac Classic Fishing Tournament.

Miss Destin, Coast Guard members and emergency responders joined supporters of the Ronald McDonald House and Drew, his parents and his sister, Savannah, for the ceremony.

For more photos, click here.

“I’m feeling pretty good. I’m almost all the way healed,” Drew said.

“The least we can do is help promote the cause,” Drew’s father Trey added.

To read an essay Drew wrote about his experience, click here.

Trey said the support from the community and the Ronald McDonald House was fantastic.

He said that Ronald McDonald House took care of everything, from food and fresh clothing and towels to getting him in contact with an optometrist when he needed new contacts.

“You walk in the door and it’s kind of like a sanctuary,” he said of the Ronald McDonald House. “Your main focus is your child.”

Trey and Wendy, Drew’s mom, were there from June 28 to Sept. 11. During that time, Drew was at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, fighting for his life after being severely injured by a boat propeller.

“They treated Drew like it was their son lying in the bed. I was very impressed with the way we were treated at Sacred,” Trey said.

Drew’s recovery was long. He started out in a wheelchair before graduating to a walker.

He lost a lot of weight and has regained 20 pounds.

He credits the gain to pizzas, cheeseburgers and chili dogs, as well as ice cream protein shakes before bed.

Almost a year after the accident, he looks like any other 13-year-old, nearly healed.

On the day that he left the hospital, the Crestview boy was greeted with people lining the street, waving and cheering as his dad drove him home.

“It makes you feel good to be from a community that will rally behind you,” Trey said.

Mike Wright, who owns Emerald Coast McDonald’s with his wife, Kathy, hosted the ceremony and presented Drew with a certificate.

“I’d like to introduce you to a fearless young man. Drew is Superman,” Mike said.

 

City leaders, residents debate short term rentals

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For more than three hours Monday night, city leaders and Destin residents discussed new regulations for short term rental properties.

“On Holiday Isle, our biggest problem is short term,” said Scott Fisher. “Basically we have a few owners that are running mini hotels, wedding chapels in single family neighborhoods.”

“We need help,” he added. “We cannot do it on our own — and we’ve tried.”

Placing occupancy limits for short term rentals is something the city has been exploring.

The city does have regulations through its existing codes of ordinances to address some of the issues.

“I’m very comfortable we can regulate the issue of trash, noise and parking,” City Manager Greg Kisela said. “We do not have the right of entry to regulate occupancy. We do not have the right to count heads.”

Owners of short term rentals are required to register the property with the city and pay a $25 fee.

The city has between 550-600 short term rentals currently registered, according to Kisela.

Suggestions made Monday included raising the current $25 fee and using the additional revenue to pay a full-time code enforcement officer to patrol and assist with short term rental issues and enforcing the existing codes instead of creating more regulations.

“I think within the structure of the city of Destin, there is enough (regulations),” said Ken Wampler, who works in the rental management business locally. “I employ the city to start with enforcing the code.”

As the conversations progressed, frustrations became evident.

“I’ve been on the council almost eight years, I don’t know whether to be embarrassed or pissed off,” Councilman Jim Wood said.

“If we can’t fix the citizen’s complaints, what are we doing here,” he said. “We have to fix these citizens perception about us that we can’t or won’t be able to do something.”

COMMUNITY KUDOS: Fire Academy students, community support recognized

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The students of the Fire Academy in Niceville seem to be swooping to the rescue all across our community lately; last week they were featured in Community Kudos for cleaning up a beach on Okaloosa Island.

This week we are featuring them once more with kudos from Mike Thornton, an Auxiliary State Trooper and a paramedic for the Florida Highway Patrol.

Two weeks ago when Mike was participating in in-service training at Northwest Florida State College, he was caught off guard when a real world situation arose.

“A lady came running in saying, ‘A man is having a heart attack near the baseball field,’ ” he told us.

He took his medical kit and another trooper and they went to assess the situation.

When they arrived they found the man was in fact not struggling with his health but trying to get his car out from a patch of soft dirt.

“Medically he was in great shape,” he wrote, “But he was sweating and working hard to dig himself out of the sand.

“Before I could go to get help, the Fire Academy students and instructor came down the road and pushed him out.”

“We are very fortunate to live in Northwest Florida, with a rich heritage of community service from our Public Safety Officers.”

Kudos to not only the Fire Academy students who are making a wonderful habit of helping where they can; but also to Mike Thornton, our state troopers and our public safety officers who make it their business to help every day.

 

 

When one family suffers a personal catastrophe on the Emerald Coast, the whole community feels it.

Four months ago Coach Ron Crawford of Liza Jackson Preparatory School suffered a fall that left him partially paralyzed.

It turned his life and the lives of those around him upside down.

He has been living in the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Ga., where he has undergone five surgeries, and has been receiving physical therapy since the accident; but he hasn’t been alone.

Both he and his wife have been overwhelmed by the support of their neighbors and community.

Liza Jackson students and staff have been doing a number of inventive fundraisers including selling t-shirts that read, #CrawfordStrong, Jerry McNamara and the Emerald Coast Chivers hosted a 5K run on May 16th, and every day the Crawford’s neighbors help them with things around the house that might otherwise be impossible as they live temporarily in Georgia.

Kudos to everyone who has donated a minute of their time or shared a dollar in support of Coach Crawford.

Contact Margo Hennigan with your Community Kudos story and photo by email at mhennigan@nwfdailynews.com, on twitter at @MargoHnwfdn or by phone at 863-1111, ext. 0.

Crash damages post office

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FORT WALTON BEACH - A stuck sandal is reportedly to blame for a crash that damaged a brick wall and a window at the Fort Walton Beach Post Office.

A woman was pulling into a parking spot at the post office, 21 Walter Martin Road NE, at 5:22 p.m. on Thursday when her sandal got caught between the gas pedal and brake, according to Fort Walton Beach Police Sgt. Mark Hayse.

Her vehicle accelerated, going through the front of the building and damaging an inside wall of the post office before coming to a stop.

No injuries were reported, although there is extensive damage to the building, he said.


County to rank dirt roads for paving

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Okaloosa County begins this month implementing a new county-wide plan to prioritize the paving of more than 200 miles of dirt roads.

Under the plan, during the next one to two years, all of the county’s dirt roads – which are located in the north – will be entered into a matrix and scored.

“This really, no pun intended, puts it in cement,” County Commissioner Wayne Harris said. “This is a tangible metric that we can use.”

The roads will be evaluated and ranked based on a variety of factors including availability of right-of-way, required construction, cost, traffic counts, number of residences and environmental impact.

Dirt roads with more residents, traffic and right-of-ways that are readily available will be scored higher.

“I’m optimistic that we’ll have most of that data gathered in about a year,” County Commission Chairman Nathan Boyles said.

Boyles said the matrix will be fair and will take the “voodoo magic out of getting dirt roads paved.” Eventually, he said, residents will be able to see where their dirt road sits is ranked for paving.

Harris and Boyles said the county will benefit greatly from paving more of its dirt roads.

“We spend well over a million dollars a year just grading them every week,” Harris said. “With a paved road, we have the initial cost, but then we’re done with it for a while.”

Paved roads also are easier on the environment, Boyles added.

“Our dirt roads in the north county contribute to the degradation of water quality,” he said. 

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.

Northwest Florida Ballet Pre-professional Program graduates first students

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FORT WALTON BEACH— The Northwest Florida Ballet Pre-professional Program has hit a milestone.

Later this month, it will see its first two high school seniors graduate after dancing there since elementary school.

“It’s more than what I imagined it could be,” said DD Hixson-Wells, who started dancing at NWF Ballet in fourth grade.

DD and Lauren Pfalzgraf will receive their high school diplomas from different schools, but leave their hearts at the same place.

Lauren arrived at the school first, attending the Academy in third through eighth grade and then starting with the Pre-professional Program as soon as it began.

She was about to begin her sophomore year at Navarre High School when she learned about the then-new program for high school students.

“At first I was like, should I go to (Navarre) or should I do this?” Lauren said. “I’m so glad I choose this.”

She will receive her high school diploma from Santa Rosa Online on May 28.

DD, on the other hand, never attended the Northwest Florida Ballet Academy and concentrated on her dance training in the evenings.

Instead of taking her classes online like Lauren, DD opted to take classes at Fort Walton Beach High School for the first part of her day and then finish up with ballet.

Both girls will attend the University of South Florida this fall and continue to concentrate on ballet. Ideally they will both get jobs with dance companies after college. It varies from week to week which one they’d like to join.

“The dream changes,” DD said. “The dream changes, a lot.”

Todd Allen, who oversees the NWF Ballet, said they have 13 students currently enrolled in the Pre-professional Program. The goal is to ultimately grow it to about 40 students each year.

Right now three instructors primarily work with the high school students, but guest instructors aren’t uncommon. They focus on classical ballet, but get a little jazz and contemporary dance in as well. Students get eight high school credits from the program and a lot of practice to launch them into dancing careers.

“This program is about taking them to the next level,” Todd said.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Katie Tammen at 850-315-4440 or ktammen@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieTnwfdn.

STORIES FROM THE STREET

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Woman forcefully removed from catwalk

DESTIN - A 26-year-old woman is accused of pushing and kicking deputies after being forcefully removed from an elevated walkway at AJ’s Bar, 116 Harbor Blvd.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies were asked to remove Lori Smith Priest of Mississippi from the bar on May 9 around 3 a.m., according to the report. Priest was resisting security officers’ attempts to remove her from the catwalk.

She tried to push deputies away with her elbow and kicked at a deputy’s legs, trying to trip him by squeezing his leg between both of hers, the report said.

While on the way to jail, the deputy had to stop and open the back door. She allegedly kicked him multiple times.

She is charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence.

Man allegedly ‘stomped’ drone

DESTIN - A Grove City, Ohio, man is charged with destroying another man’s drone on a public beach because it made him mad.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies were called on April 26 between 10 and 11 p.m. for the incident, according to the arrest report. The Ohio man, identified as 48-year-old David A. Woolum, was arrested on May 10.

The victim was flying his drone on Norriego Point beach access when Woolum allegedly confronted him about the drone and then “stomped it in the ground.”

Woolum told deputies that “it (expletive) me off so I stomped it,” the report said.

Woolum is charged with criminal mischief over $1,000.

Woman charged with battering officer

FORT WALTON BEACH - A courtesy ride home reportedly turned into a battery when a 41-year-old woman became upset that the Fort Walton Beach Police officer couldn’t find her address on a map.

The officer was called to Scully’s, around 7:30 p.m. on May 9, and found April Anne Encarnacion, of Fort Walton Beach, arguing with fire and EMS personnel.

She refused medical assistance and asked for a courtesy ride to her residence, the arrest report said.

Encarnacion allegedly became upset that the officer was “taking too long” to find her address on a map and began screaming at him to hurry up.

The officer told her that he was not willing to give her a ride and she got out of the vehicle. She allegedly grabbed the officer’s head with both hands.

Later, she kicked the officer in the calf, the report said.

She is charged with two counts of battery to law enforcement.

Local artists’ documentary captures life on Skid Row

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FORT WALTON BEACH—When Trent Soto turned 44 in February 2014, he didn’t throw a big party.

Soto, a painter and film producer who lives in Panama City, went to Los Angeles’ notorious Skid Row – and stayed for 30 days.

His goal was to capture on film the 54-block area that is home to roughly 6,000 homeless people.

“I’ve always had ideas of creating films and art that would evoke change,” he said. “I felt like I had to go to the worst of the worst. I felt like I had to walk in another man’s shoes.”

Soto’s footage, which he crafted into a 47-minute documentary called “Among the Discarded,” will be featured in a free screening at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Fort Walton Beach Municipal Auditorium at 107 Miracle Strip Pkwy. The viewing is part of a local rollout of the national Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness.

“I am thrilled with the story,” said Soto, who plans to attend the event. “... I am grateful my art, my message can reach the masses.”

For the month-long stay, he took with him a few toiletries, some art supplies and his GoPro camera. He slept on the streets every night except for two when it rained and he went to a shelter.

“It’s definitely dangerous, but there’s a lot of good in the community,” Soto said, adding that food was ample.

His time on the streets opened his eyes to just how marginalized homeless men and women can become.

“They lose the will and the hope,” he said. “They don’t want to interact.”

But a few he got to know well, including an older woman named “Aunt Fannie.” Soto taught her how to paint, and she taught him about skid row. He continues to keep in touch with her today.

Soto said the project changed him for the better.

“I never assume I know someone’s story, as to why they are where they are in their life,” he said.

Soto wants his film to have that same kind of effect on audiences.

“What I hope is people learn to acknowledge other people as human,” he said. “The most delicate moment of someone’s life – a smile, a nod, a hello, a good morning – could make them come back from the edge. And it could be you who did that for them.”

Want to go?

Visual artist Trent Soto’s documentary, “Among the Discarded,” will be screened for free at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Fort Walton Beach Municipal Auditorium.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.

Bears in the backyard: Mary Esther man says he’s fed up with intruders

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MARY ESTHER — Ted and Kathi Edwards have some uninvited guests that can’t take a hint.

A few weeks ago, three not quite so little bears started to make frequent visits to the Edwards’ backyard on Timberlake Court. It wasn’t long before they started to get comfortable.

“I can’t keep them out of my yard,” he said. “The other day I come out to my screened patio and I see the three of them sunbathing side by side.”

Ted said he’s exhausted all efforts to keep the bears away.

He keeps rocks on the trashcan and has taken in the bird feeder, but they still manage to climb over his fence. Each time, they end up knocking down parts of the fence, which Ted has to put back up.

“They’re getting brave,” he said. “The horn doesn’t scare them.”

The 72-year-old said he’s even been in a staring contest with one of the bears.

“I was yelling at them to leave and one climbed on the fence and just stood there and stared at me,” he said.

A wildlife technician from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been working with residents. Spokeswoman Bekah Nelson said they believe the trio is a mother and two yearlings, which are older cubs.

Susan Leveille, assistant director of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, said access to food — like the bird feeders — is a “very big attractant to bears.”

“Animals do become accustomed to where they can find food,” she said. “The Edwards must have a very attractive and quiet yard.”

The bears have been seen around Timberlake Court knocking over trashcans throughout the neighborhood.

“These things are big,” Edwards said. “I don’t know what I can do about it. I’m not wanting to shoot them, but I’m afraid somebody is going to get hurt.”

WANT MORE INFO?

You can contact Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge at 650-1880 and ecwildliferefuge.com or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 488-4676 and myfwc.com.

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Jennie McKeon at 850-315-4432 or jmckeon@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @JennieMnwfdn.

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