TRAFFIC

U.S. 98 eastbound traffic shift near Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach

Beginning this week, the U.S. 98 eastbound travel lanes between Perry Avenue and Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach will be shifted toward the outside of the roadway onto temporary travel lanes. 

• A subsequent shift of the U.S. 98 westbound travel lanes is estimated to occur within six weeks.

This configuration will be in place while crews construct the new westbound Brooks Bridge structure. Four U.S. 98 travel lanes (two eastbound and two westbound) will remain open throughout the construction.

This work is part of the $171 million Brooks Bridge Replacement Project that includes constructing two new, parallel bridges that will increase capacity to six travel lanes from the current four-lane bridge that opened in 1966. Project completion is estimated for summer 2027.

LIFESTYLE

Okaloosa performing artists sought for upcoming talent showcase

Okaloosa County artists will have a chance to showcase their talents at an upcoming event called “Okaloosa County’s Got Talent.”

The Okaloosa Arts Alliance and DJ Zoran, in collaboration with the Hope & Restoration Tour, are hosting the contest, which includes one more open mic qualifier night hosted by DJ Zoran on Sunday, March 3.

• The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Sound Cafe + Enlightened Studios in downtown Fort Walton Beach.

Artists interested in performing can pre-register by emailing zoranzakary@gmail.com. The inclusive event is free and open to the public. Performances are categorized by age, with students in grades K-12 performing from 5-7 p.m. and artists 18 and older hitting the stage from 7-9 p.m.

• All manner of performing artists are welcome, including solo musicians, bands, dance groups and poets.

A panel of judges will select qualifiers from the March 3 event to advance to the final competition, which takes place Sunday, April 7. Winners will receive cash prizes and recognition.

More information is available at okaloosaarts.org. Artists and attendees can also email event organizers Zoran Zakary or Amy Baty with questions.

A MESSAGE FROM COX

Cox pledges $100,000 in matching funds to support STEAM projects in local schools

Cox Enterprises is piloting a partnership with DonorsChoose, an education nonprofit empowering public school teachers to request essential classroom materials. 

• The Cox Enterprises STEAM-Powered Classroom Challenge will match up to $100,000 in individual community contributions dollar-for-dollar on qualified STEAM and sustainability-related DonorsChoose projects in schools in under-resourced communities.  

In a statement from Cox, the company says they are “dedicated to empowering the next generation of STEAM leaders with diverse skills, the gifts of curiosity and innovation, and a passion for exploration and growth that will make our world a better place.”

• DonorsChoose promotes access to education and ensures students in under-resourced communities have the tools they need to succeed. 

Starting Feb. 21, Cox will match public donations for classroom projects in schools where a majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The campaign will run for approximately two months or until all funds are distributed. The $100,000 donation will support classrooms in Okaloosa, Walton and Escambia counties, along with 9 outside regions.

“Partnering with DonorsChoose on the one-to-one public match not only aligns with our ambitious goal to empower 34 million people in the next 10 years but also encourages people to contribute to their own communities,” said Maury Wolfe, vice president of corporate responsibility and social impact at Cox Enterprises. “Cox is committed to promoting access to education and ensuring students of all economic backgrounds have the resources they need to succeed.  This partnership is a great opportunity to encourage the next generation to embrace the power of creativity and innovation through STEAM classroom projects.”

• Classroom teachers are encouraged to submit their STEM-related projects on DonorsChoose. There is no limit to the amount of money a particular market can receive.

“Every donation to DonorsChoose moves us closer to our mission,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “The partnership with Cox will help connect the public to schools in cities across the country and ensure students in low-income communities have experiences and tools for a great education.”

Here are the current projects in the Gulf Coast market.

MILITARY

Hurlburt Field welcomes new commander Col. Dierig, bids farewell to Col. Allison Black

U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Dierig stepped into his most significant role yet at Hurlburt Field, marking a milestone in his 23-year career.

• Dierig assumed leadership of the 1st Special Operations Wing during an official change of command ceremony at the Freedom Hanger on Hurlburt Field on Feb. 23, 2024.

“As I prepare to step aside,” said Col. Allison Black, 1st SOW outgoing commander, “I do so with a smile and the confidence that our next 1 SOW commander, Col. Dierig, is ready.”

Black, who had led the 1st SOW since July 2022, passed the guidon, symbolizing the transition of command. Presiding over the ceremony was Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command.

“We look forward to seeing the 1 SOW thrive under [Dierig’s] command,” said Bauernfeind. “You’ll continue to provide our nation with specialized air power across the spectrum of conflict.”

Dierig’s military career began in 2001 after graduating from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts, starting as a navigator and electronic warfare officer.

• Becoming a Master Navigator, Dierig accumulated over 2,600 flight hours in the AC-130U “Spooky” gunship and MC-130H Combat Talon II, participating in combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“I’m proud to call Col. Dierig a teammate and a friend,” said Black. “He’s here today because he has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.”

Before assuming leadership of the 1st SOW, Dierig served as commander of the 479th Flying Training Group at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Reflecting on his diverse experiences, Dierig expressed the vast knowledge imparted on him from his mentors, friends, and family that have prepared him well for the challenges ahead in his new role.

• “There’s an entire line of AFOSC general officers here today,” said Dierig. “If they hadn’t invested in me and mentored me for the last two decades, I would not be here.”

The 1st SOW, with its motto “Any Time, Any Place,” plays a vital role in providing airpower for special operations missions globally. Its operations encompass a wide array of tasks, including air support, precision aerospace firepower, specialized aerospace mobility, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance operations, and agile combat support.

• As one of five active-duty special operations wings under AFSOC, the 1st SOW comprises four groups and 24 squadrons.

“For the Airmen of the 1 SOW, this day is about you,” said Dierig. “You’re the focus of this mission, and I look forward to getting to know you, your missions, and your challenges.”

In addition to leading the wing, Dierig also oversees numerous tenant units at Hurlburt Field, underlining the breadth of his new responsibilities.

“I look forward to removing the hurdles as we move forward,” said Dierig. “Let’s build on the efforts of what you’ve all been undertaking to make this a world class installation for both the execution of the mission and your quality of life.”

ICYMI

News you might have missed

• THE LANDING: A crew with Ocmulgee Concrete Services poured a 250-foot-long section of concrete seawall at the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park Thursday. The work is part of Phase 1 of the City of Fort Walton Beach’s renovation of the park that will also include a paved boardwalk that runs the length of the waterfront, a circular “pocket beach” and kayak launch on the park’s east side and a new T-dock on the west side.

• DESTIN ANNEXATION: Delivering his second annual State of the City address on Tuesday evening, Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner hailed 2023 as a year of “new strides and accomplishments” driven by city staff and community partners before unveiling a vision to unify Destin by allowing unincorporated areas to vote on joining the city. Read full story.

• NEW SCHOOL FACILITY: The Okaloosa County School District and community leaders gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the opening of a new 17,500 sq.ft. multi-purpose facility at Fort Walton Beach High School, the first multi-purpose facility completed at a district high school. Read full story.

• WORKSHOP: The City of Destin plans to host a free 10-week small business workshop series at the Destin Library on Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. beginning March 7. The workshop will cover topics including business plans, permits, branding, social media, websites, graphic design, marketing and analytics. Read full story.

• CASINO BOAT REEF: The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners has approved a $450,000 contract with Tri-Native Contractors Inc. for acquiring and preparing the 144-foot MV FANTASEA, a retired casino boat, to be sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Read full story.

TRAFFIC

Okaloosa Traffic Advisory

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Okaloosa County as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

• Mid-Bay Bridge Rehabilitation Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent north and southbound lane closures on the Mid-Bay Bridge, Sunday, Feb. 25 through Thursday, Feb. 29, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. for construction activities.

• Mary Esther Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 393) Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to Beal Parkway (S.R. 189) – Drivers may encounter intermittent north and southbound lane closures on Mary Esther Boulevard for paving operations, median construction, and to lower manholes at the following locations and times:
  • Sunday, Feb. 25 through Thursday, Feb. 29, from U.S. 98 to Hollywood Boulevard, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 25 through Saturday, March 2, from Hollywood Boulevard to Beal Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

• S.R. 85 Improvements from S.R. 123 to Hospital Drive – This week, drivers may encounter the following traffic impacts:
  • Intermittent S.R. 85 northbound inside lane closures, from north of S.R. 123 to Shoal River Bridge, Monday, Feb. 26 through Saturday, March 2, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for crews to install high tension cable barrier within the median.
  • Intermittent S.R. 85 north and southbound inside lane closures, between P.J. Adams Parkway and I-10, Sunday, Feb. 25 through Thursday, Feb. 29, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for widening operations.

• S.R. 85 Resurfacing from north of Commerce Drive to Bill Lundy Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent S.R. 85 southbound single-lane closures, from Butler Road to Friendship Lane, Monday, Feb. 26 through Friday, March 1, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for shoulder grading and sod work. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent S.R. 85 north and southbound single-lane closures for milling and paving operations between:
  • Airport Road and Butler Road, Monday, Feb. 26 through Friday, March 1, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Commerce Drive and Butler Road, Sunday, Feb. 25 through Thursday, Feb. 29, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
  • Butler Road and Bill Lundy Road, Sunday, Feb. 25 through Saturday, March 2, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• S.R. 285 Resurfacing from S.R. 20 to S.R. 293 – Drivers may experience intermittent S.R. 285 north and southbound lane closures, between John Sims Parkway (S.R. 20) and S.R. 293, Sunday, Feb. 25 through Thursday, Feb. 29, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for crews to place thermoplastic striping.

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, between Josie Road in Mary Esther and Florida Place Southeast in Fort Walton Beach, Sunday, Feb. 25 through Thursday, Feb. 29, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations.

• S.R. 189 (Lewis Turner Boulevard) Improvement Project from Willwall Street to Camp Pinchot Road – Drivers may experience intermittent north and southbound S.R. 189 turn-lane closures from Willwall Street to Camp Pinchot Road, Sunday, Feb. 25 through Thursday, Feb. 29, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for placement of final pavement markings.

• S.R. 189 Intersection Improvements at Lewis Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent outside lane closures on S.R. 189 near the Lewis Street intersection, Sunday, Feb. 25 through Saturday, March 2, between 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. for utility work.

• Interstate 10 (I-10)/P.J. Adams Parkway Interchange – I-10 westbound drivers will encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures near mile marker 55, Tuesday, Feb. 27 through Thursday, Feb. 29, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • In addition, eastbound drivers will encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures at mile marker 52, Tuesday, Feb. 27 through Thursday, Feb. 29, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Construction crews will be paving the travel lanes.

REAL ESTATE

Crestview breaks ground on ‘Vineyard Village’ affordable housing project

The city of Crestview broke ground Monday on an affordable housing project that will bring 28 apartments to a 1.4-acre plot of land near downtown.

• The Vineyard Village project is a partnership between the city and Gregg Chapel A.M.E. Church out of Fort Walton Beach. It will consist of two buildings with a total of 28 apartments, an increase from the originally planned 17 units when the project was approved by the Crestview City Council in June 2022.

“One of the prime topics all around the state of Florida, in fact the whole United States, is affordable housing,” said Mayor JB Whitten at Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony. “We’re getting left behind in affordable housing so this project is going to bring affordable housing to the city of Crestview on property that had homes on here that weren’t being used.”

The project borders West Field Avenue and West Bowers Avenue on land that formerly had vacant homes before they were demolished to make way for the apartment buildings.

Rent for the updated plans is expected to be $900 per month for two-bedroom units and $550 per month for one-bedroom units, which Mayor Whitten said is 80% of fair market value for the area.

The project is being funded in part by a $750,000 grant from the state of Florida to cover site work. The city of Crestview is also contributing $750,000, with additional costs covered by Gregg Chapel.

Gregg Chapel has a history of providing affordable housing in the area. Since 1989, the church has developed and managed more than a dozen properties offering reduced rent apartments and homes in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview.

• The original Vineyard Village plans called for a two-story building with 14 apartments and a separate one-story building with three units for a total of 17 apartments on the Crestview property.

“What we have is A.M.E. church, city of Crestview, the state of Florida all coming together and the collaboration to make this possible,” Whitten said.