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Good morning!
Here’s what we are covering today:
- Eglin Air Force Base schedules munitions testing operations approximately eight nautical miles south of Destin’s East Pass, while the community mourns as authorities recover the body of a missing teenage swimmer near Navarre Bridge. Seaside announces its Independence Day curfew for unaccompanied minors, and the Gulfarium prepares for its annual fundraiser supporting marine conservation efforts.
EVENTS
Gulfarium to host second annual marine conservation fundraiser on April 26
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park will host its second annual CARE on the Coast fundraiser to support sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts on April 26.
- The festival-style event, beginning at 3:30 p.m., aims to raise funds for the Gulfarium CARE Center’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release sea turtles.
Attendees will enjoy food, cocktails and live music while participating in conservation-themed activities and watching marine animal presentations, including a special dolphin demonstration.
“Visitors will hear inspiring success stories and discover ways to support the protection of endangered marine life,” according to the Gulfarium.
- The fundraiser will feature educational stations, themed crafts and interactive challenges designed for families and conservation enthusiasts. A silent auction offering exclusive experiences will also take place during the event.
General admission tickets are available now, with VIP packages offering early entry and premium seating.
Tickets can be purchased at gulfarium.com/cotc.
SPONSORED
Eglin AFB’s Gate-to-Gate Memorial Run/Walk registration now open
Established in 1986, the Gate-To-Gate Memorial Run/Walk, a 4.4-mile competitive race, is long-standing Eglin AFB tradition to remember our heroes who have served in the military. The date change matches up with Armed Forces Day in 2025.
- As Eglin has grown and we have Sister Services serving on Eglin AFB, we want to honor all branches. We honor America’s lost heroes who died defending our country’s safety and freedom. We invite all to pay tribute to their sacrifice and show support for the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country.
Team Eglin is proud to present this Northwest Florida community event with options to run or walk in honor of a lost loved one in your own life or to honor a service member. Our purpose of remembering and honoring our fallen remains intact.
Register today, as registration will close on at the end of the day on Thursday, May 1, for non-DoD civilians.
NEWS
Body of missing 16-year-old swimmer recovered near Navarre Bridge
The body of a 16-year-old swimmer was recovered Monday morning near the Navarre Bridge after an extensive overnight search operation.
- Daphne Search and Rescue located the teen’s body at approximately 6:10 a.m., according to Navarre Beach Fire rescue.
Multiple agencies participated in the search effort throughout the evening hours, including Navarre Beach Fire Rescue, Holly-Navarre Fire Department, and Midway Fire District. Escambia County Search and Rescue also provided critical support during the operation.
Officials confirmed the teen had been swimming with family members east of the Navarre Bridge without flotation devices when he went missing. Authorities specifically addressed rumors circulating in the community, clarifying that the teen had not fallen from a kayak or been struck by a boat as some had suggested.
- The teen’s identity has not been released.
No additional details about the circumstances of the drowning were provided in the official statement.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Seaside enforces 7 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors during Fourth of July
Seaside announced it will continue its curfew policy by enforcing a 7 p.m. restriction for unaccompanied minors from June 28 through July 4.
- The measure extends the same curfew policy implemented during Spring Break earlier this year, when Seaside required parental supervision for minors after 7 p.m. from March 1 through April 25.
“To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, SEASIDE® will enforce a 7:00 PM CST curfew for unaccompanied minors, 18 and under, without parental supervision, during the Fourth of July holiday week,” community officials stated.
This marks the latest safety measure following the Spring Break curfew, which was the second consecutive year of such enforcement. Last year, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office had taken additional steps by suspending beach access for large crowds and unaccompanied teens during the peak Spring Break period from April 1 through April 5.
“We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the values that make Seaside a beloved tradition for families near and far,” the announcement noted. “Thank you for helping us foster a safe, welcoming environment for all, and we look forward to another wonderful holiday in SEASIDE®.”
SPONSORED
$1,000 is all it takes to help change lives in Okaloosa and Walton counties
Changing lives in our community one woman at a time. The idea is simple: 100 women donate $1,000 each to form a $100,000 high-IMPACT grant to help transform local nonprofit organizations.
- Since 2012, Impact100 NWF has given away $4.9 million dollars in grants to local nonprofits in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Area nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for these grants.
Impact100’s goal is to have at least 500 members so that they are able to give away one $100,000 grant in each of the 5 categories: Arts and Culture; Education; Environment, Recreation & Preservation; Family; and Health & Wellness.
The organization is also very grateful for their business sponsors who assist with events as well as sponsoring memberships. If you are not a woman in the local area but want to help, please reach out as well!
Upcoming membership enrollment events:
- April 22nd: Join Impact100 for our final membership event of the 2025 enrollment period at The Beach House in Miramar Beach from 5:30- 7:30
Join today and make an IMPACT in your local community! You can also email them at Impactnwf@impactnwf.org with any questions.
MILITARY
Eglin Air Force Base schedules munitions testing in Gulf of America
The Air Force will conduct munitions testing in the Gulf of America on Thursday, April 24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to a news release from Eglin Air Force Base.
- If needed, back-up missions are scheduled for April 25 and April 29 during the same hours.
The testing will take place in an active hazard area that begins approximately eight nautical miles south of the Destin East Pass. All vessels are required to stay clear of this area during the testing period.
Mariners will receive broadcast advisories and local notices about the testing on Channel 16 and HF upper sideband 2182 kilohertz. These broadcasts will be made by the Eglin Joint Test and Training Operations Control Center.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Tuesday. 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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124 Eglin Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548