City Unveils New Police, Fire Rescue Boats
The City of Fort Walton Beach recently unveiled two new marine vessels now in service with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department.
The Police Department introduced a new 23-foot Patrol 23 marine enforcement vessel, enhancing law enforcement, search and rescue, and waterway protection across the city’s 11 miles of coastline. The boat will serve as the department’s primary law enforcement presence on the water, supporting emergency response, joint operations, and proactive patrols.
The Fire Department unveiled a new 32-foot Explorer fire/rescue boat, equipped for both firefighting and water rescues, including a high-capacity onboard pump and dive capabilities. The vessel will support emergency response along the city’s waterways, with firefighters now certified as part of a newly formed dive team.
City officials noted the boats represent a significant investment in public safety, emergency preparedness, and stewardship of Fort Walton Beach’s coastal resources.
Brooks Bridge Replacement Reaches Key Construction Milestone
The Florida Department of Transportation recently advanced construction on the Brooks Bridge replacement project with the installation of a temporary stability support system for the new westbound bridge structure. The system, made up of large vertical pipe piles and steel cross-bracing, supported the placement of massive center-span girders across the navigational channel. Once the girders are fully secured and continuous, the temporary supports will be removed. The $171 million project will replace the original 1966 bridge with two parallel structures, expanding capacity from four to six travel lanes and improving traffic flow between Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island.
Sons & Daughters of Italy Honors Veterans, Welcomes New Members
The Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge recognized veteran members during its January meeting, with President Maddie McNeal distributing flags in appreciation of their service.
The lodge also installed new member Joe DiGrazia and welcomed returning member Vito Tomasello during a formal ceremony attended by board leadership. “Our lodge is looking forward to their participation with the many projects and events that are planned for 2026,” stated Maddie McNeal, President. “We meet the first Thursday of each month at the Shalimar Pointe Clubhouse in Shalimar, at 5:30 p.m. Join one of our meetings to experience great fellowship!”
Okaloosa County School District Graduation Rate Climbs to 91 Percent
The Okaloosa County School District is celebrating a significant rise in its graduation rate for the 2024–2025 school year, reaching 91 percent, up from 87.7 percent the previous year. The increase reflects both statewide gains and the district’s continued focus on helping students stay on track toward earning a high school diploma. District leaders credit the improvement to strengthened student support systems, expanded academic pathways, and engagement strategies designed to meet students where they are. “Increasing from 87.7 percent to 91 percent in just one year reflects the hard work, perseverance, and commitment of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the strong partnerships we share with families and our community,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers said. The district plans to continue building on this momentum by expanding opportunities that support academic achievement, career readiness, and postsecondary success.
Governor Appoints Local Surgeon to State Dentistry Board
Governor Ron DeSantis recently appointed Dr. Chadwick Marshall of Fort Walton Beach to serve on the Florida Board of Dentistry. The board regulates dental and dental hygiene licenses statewide and works to ensure safe, high-quality patient care. “The Florida Board of Dentistry helps ensure patient safety and a higher standard of patient care, and I’m truly honored to be a part of that,” said Dr. Marshall. A Fort Walton Beach native and Choctawhatchee High School graduate, Marshall practices with Gulf Coast Facial & Oral Surgery and is actively involved in both his community and specialty. His appointment was praised by U.S. Oral Surgery Management, which supports oral and maxillofacial surgery practices nationwide.
Elder Services Seeks Heater Donations for Seniors
Elder Services of Okaloosa County is asking the community to help keep vulnerable seniors warm by donating portable electric heaters. Heaters are provided free of charge to low-income Okaloosa County seniors on a first-come, first-served basis. For information or to donate, contact Elder Services at (850) 833-9165 or visit 207 Hospital Drive N.E., Fort Walton Beach.
Hurlburt Field Reminds Public of Drone Restrictions
The 1st Special Operations Wing reminds community members that, for flight safety reasons, it is illegal to fly unmanned aircraft systems (drones) within five miles of Hurlburt Field.
Officials noted that Hurlburt Field is designated as controlled airspace, and approval is not granted for recreational or hobbyist drone operations. Violations may result in fines, arrest, imprisonment and confiscation of the drone. The Federal Aviation Administration website was cited as a helpful resource for new and experienced drone users, offering guidance on registration, public safety and airspace restrictions.
EpiSci/Applied Intuition Opens Fort Walton Beach Office
Drone and autonomy technology company EpiSci, owned by Applied Intuition, celebrated the opening of its new Fort Walton Beach office with a ribbon cutting at JG Plaza. The expansion marked a significant investment in the region’s growing defense and technology sector and is expected to support approximately 83 high-skilled engineering and defense technology jobs. Company leaders highlighted the Emerald Coast’s increasing role as a hub for advanced aerospace and national security innovation. The event included remarks from leadership and opportunities for community members to meet the local Applied Intuition and EpiSci team.
