SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
Here’s what we are covering today:
- Eglin Air Force Base is installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, while more than 600 Okaloosa high school seniors receive recognition for academic excellence. A local trauma nurse shares her journey of healing after personal tragedy, authorities seek information on school vandalism in Crestview, and an Oklahoma man faces charges for threatening the SS United States. Meanwhile, ECAR prepares for a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser in DeFuniak Springs.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Oklahoma man arrested for alleged bomb threat against S.S. United States
An Oklahoma man faces charges after allegedly making an online bomb threat related to Okaloosa County’s purchase and plans for the S.S. United States, authorities said Wednesday night.
- Trey Everts Roots of Cherokee, Oklahoma, was arrested following an investigation that began March 28, 2025, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Roots is charged with making a bomb threat and violating Oklahoma law by using a computer to commit the offense.
The Oklahoma District 26 District Attorney’s Council launched its investigation after being notified of the case findings by Okaloosa County officials. The Cherokee Police Department and Alfalfa Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.
Investigators determined Roots did not possess materials for making a bomb and had never been in Okaloosa County, the sheriff’s office said.
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.
HEALTH
Local trauma nurse finds healing through helping others after losing son in motorcycle accident
When Lakesha Abron-Powell walks the halls of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, she carries more than medical expertise. She brings the memory of her son Bryce, whose 2020 motorcycle accident forever changed her life’s trajectory and led her from a career in software engineering to becoming a trauma nurse at the same hospital that treated him.
- “I realized that you’re not just taking care of a patient, you’re taking care of a whole family,” Abron-Powell said. “Every nurse here has a story. Mine is just one of them.”
Abron-Powell’s son Bryce was 21 (Niceville grad) when he was hit while riding his motorcycle near the intersection of Racetrack Road and Stewby’s in Fort Walton Beach on Labor Day weekend in 2020. Despite sustaining severe injuries — open fractures to both legs, a broken pelvis that severed his femoral artery, lung contusions, broken arms and ribs — Bryce initially survived the crash that threw him 150 feet from his motorcycle.
When Bryce arrived at the trauma center, his character shone through despite his critical condition. The hospital staff remember him for his politeness even in crisis.
- “When I arrived at the hospital, a lot of the nurses came out to tell me how polite he was and how he kept thanking them, which is typical of Bryce,” Abron-Powell said.
The hospital allowed Abron-Powell to stay overnight with her son. When she saw him at midnight, he was conscious and recognized her. There was no head injury, but his condition was critical.
In a remarkable effort, the hospital placed Bryce on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), a treatment not typically available at the facility, when his oxygen levels couldn’t rise above 85%.
“This hospital went out on a limb and put my son on ECMO,” Abron-Powell said. “We had one perfusionist, his name is Jim, and he sat in this hospital for three days, not leaving my son’s bedside except to get sleep.”
After three days, Bryce was transferred to a hospital in Ocala better equipped to handle the ECMO portion of his care. The family rented a house nearby, as doctors began addressing his injuries and discussing rehabilitation. However, on day 12, complications arose.
- “On Day 12, I walked in, looked him in his eyes, and I knew something was wrong,” she said. Bryce had developed a blood clot in his arm. Following its removal, his condition deteriorated. His kidneys shut down, and his heart rate dropped to 50 beats per minute.
“This is the first day he told me that he was afraid,” Abron-Powell recalled, her voice breaking. “If I look back, the only regret I have is not being able to find the words to tell my son that it was okay to let go. Selfishly, I told him to fight.”
Bryce Powell died on September 20, 2020.
At the time of the accident, Abron-Powell was 12 weeks away from completing nursing school, a career change she had begun while still working in software engineering. Click here to read the full story
SPONSORED
Dive into incredible savings! It’s crystal-clear!
Eglin Federal Credit Union has incredible auto loan rates. Whether you’re cruising to your next adventure or just need a reliable ride, we’ve got you covered with auto loan rates as low as 5.49% APR.
- Shop for your New or Used vehicle at any participating dealer and get on-site financing with Eglin FCU or go online and apply at eglinfcu.org/auto.
Eglin Federal Credit Union. Where Members Matter Most.
SCHOOL
More than 600 Seniors from across Okaloosa Schools celebrated for academic success
by Ashley Armacost
The Okaloosa County School District recognized 619 high-achieving seniors at the annual Anne T. Mitchell Academic Senior Honors Assembly on Tuesday at Northwest Florida State College’s Raider Arena.
- Students from six high schools across the district — Baker, Choctawhatchee, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Laurel Hill and Niceville — were celebrated for maintaining weighted GPAs of 3.75 or higher, earning them Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude distinctions.
“We had an amazing evening celebrating our students’ hard work, determination, and success,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Each of these seniors has shown outstanding dedication throughout their high school years, and it’s an honor to recognize them for their achievements.”
The ceremony highlighted not only academic excellence but also the students’ contributions to their school communities through participation in arts, athletics, clubs and other organizations.
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Peggy Gorday Bruner Award, which honors a senior who exemplifies excellence both in and outside the classroom. Tina Le from Choctawhatchee High School was named this year’s recipient from among the award finalists.
- Chambers acknowledged the support system behind the students’ achievements, saying, “I also want to sincerely thank the families, teachers, principals, and community partners who have helped support and guide these young scholars.”
Anne T. Mitchell Academic Awards ceremony has become a cherished tradition in Okaloosa County, celebrating the district’s commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.
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.
Join today and make an IMPACT in your local community! You can also email them at Impactnwf@impactnwf.org with any questions.
POLICE BLOTTER
Crestview Police seek help to identify suspects in Shoal River Middle School vandalism
Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance to identify two individuals who vandalized the baseball field at Shoal River Middle School.
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. on April 12, 2025, when the suspects tagged several areas of the interior and exterior of the baseball field, according to information released by the Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and Crestview Police Department.
Anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the individuals is encouraged to contact Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 850-863-TIPS (8477), downloading the P3 Tips App, or visiting the Crime Stoppers website at EmeraldCoastCrimeStoppers.com.
GIVING BACK
ECAR to host ‘Derby Day’ fundraiser for Grace Rides in DeFuniak Springs
by Ashley Armacost
The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) will host its annual Derby Day fundraiser to benefit Grace Rides therapeutic equestrian center on Saturday, May 3 from 3-6 p.m., at the organization’s facilities in DeFuniak Springs.
- The Kentucky Derby-themed watch party is family friendly and will raise funds for Grace Rides, a nonprofit located at 2061 Corbin Gainey Road that provides equine-assisted therapy for people with various physical, emotional and mental challenges.
“Grace Rides currently serves about 57 clients a week with a waiting list of 20-25,” said Melissa Forte Litscher, the chair of ECAR’s Community and Military Outreach Committee, which organizes the event. “They house, feed, train and supply 20 therapy horses for this therapy.”
Since 2008, Grace Rides has grown from serving just four riders weekly to becoming a significant therapeutic resource in the Florida Panhandle, providing services for individuals with autism, PTSD, emotional or behavioral issues, and physical disabilities. The organization began with a small core of volunteers working out of an equestrian facility in Niceville, and has since expanded to a 40-acre site.
Ticket prices are $50 and children 12 and under are free. Proceeds from the event will help the nonprofit continue to serve the growing demand for its services. Those interested in tickets or sponsorships can visit the ECAR website here.
Additional information about Grace Rides and its programs is available here or by calling 850-259-9195.
BEACH
Eglin AFB installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island
Eglin Air Force Base is actively installing new fencing along the north side of Highway 98 across Okaloosa Island, stretching from the U.S. Coast Guard Station Destin to the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
- The Civil Engineer Group began installing approximately 17,000 linear feet of fencing on March 17, with completion scheduled for June 30.
According to an Eglin spokesperson, the fencing serves multiple purposes, including addressing safety concerns related to illegal parking on the highway’s right-of-way and pedestrians crossing the highway from south side parking areas. Eglin says the project also aims to protect habitats and species.
“Fencing the entire length of that area will continue to protect Florida’s imperiled coastal habitats that support species, including the black skimmer and the least tern shore birds,” the spokesperson added.
The new fencing near the seawall specifically targets illegal driving to the shoreline, which has “significantly accelerated erosion and threatens the integrity of the Highway 98 travel corridor.”
- “The intent is to prohibit public access to Eglin property on the north side of Highway 98,” the spokesperson said. “Along with the new post and cable system, warning signs will also be installed.”
There will be no public access points within the work area on the north side of Highway 98, though government-only access points and gates will remain intact.
Those seeking access to Choctawhatchee Bay can still visit through managed recreation areas including the National Park Service Gulf Islands National Seashore and Marler Park.
Eglin also maintains four other public beach access points on the island: Eglin Beach Club (for DoD card holders), the Matterhorn, Princess Beach, and Airman’s Beach. Each of these areas is available to beachgoers with a free permit from the Eglin website.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Thursday. 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!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Published with ♥ by Get The Coast.
Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here.
124 Eglin Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548