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DESTIN’S DEADLIEST CATCH: Destin fishermen have a few tales of their own to tell

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Face to face with Jaws

It's been more than 30 years since Capt. Jimmy Miles came face to face with about a 12-foot shark, but he recalls it like it was yesterday.

Miles, 59, like a lot of Destin captains was out working in the oil fields when he was younger, about 25, on a 100-foot crew boat.

It was slow this particular day and they were tied off. Miles said he had already caught about three 30-pound amberjack and had tried to catch another one when "something grabs it and spools me. Bam …. it breaks off the end of the line."

Miles said he wrapped up some more line and was fishing away when he got another big hit. "I try to stop it and it breaks me off," he said. "Half my line is gone again."

Thinking it was a big amberjack, Miles decided to get his snorkel and fins and check it out.

Armed with a makeshift spear he made from stuff he found on the vessel, Miles jumped in.

"I'm swimming along with my spear and all of a sudden I look up and here it comes … it's a giant shark," Miles said. "He's coming straight at me.

"I'm about 10-feet down and here he comes. Full grown hardtails, about 20 of them, following his tail.

"The shark came about 5 or 6 feet from me, then it just turned," Miles said.

At that point, Miles said he swam to the back of the boat and started yelling "hey, there's a shark in here."

When the crew finally heard him, they didn't believe the shark tale.

"I got the 6 ought out now and found some wire and put it on the hook … took one of those 30-pound jacks and hooked it in the nose," Miles said. The crew questioned what he was doing.

"I said I told you there's a shark down there," he said.

He tossed the amberjack out for bait, then "boop!”

“Half of it was gone just like that," he said.

Miles got the rest of the jack and threw it out again. He put it in gear and handed it off to his co-worker Rusty. Seconds later, Rusty was yelling and line was flying out.

"We had it on," Miles said, of what he figured to be a mackerel shark.

They awakened the rest of the crew and fired up the engines.

"We've got to chase this fish down," he said. "So we're chasing this fish one hour, two hours, three hours. Taking turns on the rod. There's four of us on the boat. After an hour you're whipped … so the next guy would take over."

Going on the eighth hour, "we've done nothing but go around the rig," Miles said.

On the ninth hour, they had to turn the engines off and just walk around the boat with him.

At this point, it was dark but they put the flood lights on. Then the shark made its move.

"It came rolling straight at us and spinning around," Miles said.

On the 12th hour, the line got caught on something and broke off.

"It was well over 12-foot long when I saw him," Miles said.

When it was all said and done, the oil rig folks never called them to go to work that day, even though they had put in a full day of shark chasing.

 

Beware of the wahoo

When it comes to fishing, most fish that come aboard are reeled in over the side. But, every so often one comes in uninvited.

Such was the case aboard the Wyn Song about 15 years ago with Capt. Harold Staples at the helm.

"We were out fishing a tournament and we were going along at 26 knots in a big ole lazy ground swell rolling along when all of a sudden I was standing at the wheel and I saw something coming at me," Staples said.

"I threw my arms up like this," he said as he relived the incident. "And it hit me in the chest and it hit my boss man.

"It fell at our feet," Staples said. "It scared the boss. He kicked it."

At that point they still didn't know exactly what it was.

"It had knocked me back in the chair. The boat rolled up on a wave and he slid and he was just about to go overboard when his nose caught the pipe … and he went down and landed in the cockpit … BLAM!”

"Then the boat rolled the other way and he slid all the way across the deck and his nose got stuck in the scupper," Staples said. "It was about a 30-pound wahoo."

Capt. Staples said that's the only wahoo he's ever had jump and fly through the wheelhouse on him.

"Them things have been known to jump 30 to 40 feet in the air," Staples said, remembering how Capt. David Windes, years ago, had a wahoo jump and land in the open fly bridge on his boat.

As for the one that jumped through the wheelhouse on Staples, he said the fish must have been jumping at a bait. Wahoo are known to strike a surface bait hard. And they have a mouth full of sharp teeth.

Staples tells the story of some guys who were out tuna fishing offshore and were pulling one in when a wahoo followed the tuna up and bit one of the guys in the face.

"Wahoo are a dangerous creature, but they are beautiful and wonderful to eat. They are the cat's meow.”

 

An adventure in ‘rude weather’

Bruce Cheves is never at a loss for words when it comes to fish tales, but pulling one out of his 36 years fishing in Destin was easier said than done.

Although most fishing trips are meant to be leisurely, relaxing trips, Cheves remembers one trip that was the complete opposite.

"Many years ago, probably 25 or so…" Cheves begins. "It was my last trip out on the Heavy Set; the seas were hitting from 12 to 18 feet high."

Cheves goes on to say, that the fishing didn't even start until about 320 miles offshore.

All the other longline captains had decided they were going to head on in because the weather was just going to keep getting worse. But his captain stood his ground and said, “I'm fishing” — and he did.

"The 6th day is when it got really bad," said Cheves. "The seas were as high as 18 feet, but the fish were biting, and they were biting well."

But they had to dodge giant waves to bring them in.

Cheves told The Log it’s an unspoken rule of sorts, watching each other’s back — especially during trips like this one.

"If you are seeing a big old wave coming, and your buddy doesn't, well you just grab onto him, grab onto the boat railing and he instinctively knows to brace himself and spider out on the deck so he doesn't get carried off."

Cheves said that this trip, which totaled 11 days, was some of the best fishing he's ever experienced, but it was also the "most rude weather" he's ever experienced.

After the trip was over, and Cheves and the others made their way to the East Pass, Cheves said they all walked funny for two or so days, trying to compensate for something that wasn't there anymore — the extreme seas.

"Many people will know what I'm talking about when I say that," said Cheves. “It's like losing your sea legs, then finding them, and losing them again.”

Cheves will tell more stories like this one as he becomes the mouthpiece for the 65th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo, which begins in October.

"This might not be the Bering Sea, but we've all got our stories and all of the different waterways have their stories and rhythms. This is not a job, this is a lifestyle. Many have tried, but very few have succeeded," Cheves concluded. "It's not scary, it's an adventure.”


 


Destin's gone bananas: Fruit shaped vessel provides family fun

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It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...a banana.

No, you're eyes are not deceiving you. Circling the waters around the Destin harbor is none other than a six-passenger inflatable banana.

After 17 years in the hotel business, Chris Langen, and his wife Misty, started Mobile Sports Banana Boat Rides in 2010 with the hopes of providing families with a new and memorable experience. Instead of Jet Skis and other activities that can only accommodate two people at a time, the banana rides can take the whole family.

"Banana rides aren't something new," Langen said. "But the way we do it is different."

Families looking to hitch a ride on the bananas can make reservations through the company's website or over the phone. From there, the trip is pretty much up to you. Tours begin on the boat where Langen, or Captain Chris, engages with passengers to find out what kind of trip they want.

"Some want to go crazy and fall off and some just want a nice tour in the water," he said.

Langen advises individuals that passengers should be 5 years or older. There are no height or weight restrictions. The only limitation is a person's physical ability to pull themselves back on the boat should they fall off.  

There may be a child, or even adult who's apprehensive. Langen plays music, dances, sits down and talks with them — whatever it takes to ensure that each individual is having fun and feels comfortable.

"I try to encourage them to conquer their fears," he said. "I'm not motivated by the money. I'm motivated by the experience they have and the memory they have."

Reputation is also something that drives Langen and his employees. Mobile Sports is ranked No. 1 of 83 activities to do in Destin on TripAdvisor.com.

"I feel a lot of pressure to give families a good value," he said. "I want to get people together and create the kind of experience where they want to come back and visit."

What sets Mobile Sports apart from other aquatic attractions in Destin, is the preservation of the memories created. A photographer goes on every ride, taking pictures from the boat and capturing every second of the hour-long adventure. Guests can purchase the pictures through various photo packages.

"We take hundreds of pictures," Langen said. "At the end of the day I pull out the great ones and make them available online, which is typically 50-100 high quality photos. Families have used them for Christmas cards and mailed them to us."

When Langen first started the business, he was the photographer and hired boat captains to pull the banana. However, he eventually earned his own captain's license.

"I know now where to go at what times to create the best possible photos," he said. "If we don't get the picture, it didn't happen." 

Where the banana rides go is up to the weather, Langen said. While the Gulf is the best option in Langen's opinion, he'll also take groups to calmer waters depending on their preferences.

Even with the summer's numerous downpours, Mobile Sports had a good year, Langen said. With three years in business, the banana captain is looking at expanding — whether it be more bananas or other vessels. During this year's Fishing Rodeo in October, he'd like to add dolphin tours to the business to prolong the season.

To make your banana boat reservation, call 687-1626 or visit www.mobilesportsllc.com.

 

 

 

POLICE BLOTTER: A Freaky fire and a stolen paycheck

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Man sets fire to Freaky Tiki

 A man told Okaloosa County sheriff's deputies he set fire to the Freaky Tiki bar on Destin harbor in order to stay "up to code" on fire extinguishers, according to his arrest report.

A deputy noticed a burning smell near the business on Aug. 13 and investigated.

He found 52-year-old William Joseph Eitel of Fort Walton Beach inside and crouched over a fire that was "steadily growing on the floor of the business.”

The deputy extinguished the fire.

Eitel told the deputy he was supposed to be in the business because he was sponsored by Budweiser, Yuengling and Miller beers.

Eitel was charged with loitering or prowling.

 

Man accused of stealing paycheck, running from law

A man accused of stealing another man’s $540.20 paycheck and then fleeing from lawmen is facing multiple felony charges.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office began searching for Thomas Patrick Peyton’s red Ford Explorer after another man reported Peyton had stolen a check and pay stubs from him, according to his arrest report.

The man told lawmen that he had been speaking with 44-year-old Peyton in a park beside Main Street moments before the alleged robbery.

After a few minutes of conversation, the man decided to leave because Peyton’s sexual advances were making him uncomfortable, the report stated.

When the man went to his car, Peyton followed him and “forced open” the driver’s side door and grabbed the papers from a pocket in the door.

After taking the papers, Peyton got into his vehicle and left. When a deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop, Peyton didn’t stop and eventually fled on foot.

When the deputy caught up with him he found a small plastic bag with white residue in it inside the SUV. Peyton said the bag once had cocaine in it, but denied taking anything from the other man.

He was arrested and charged with resisting arrest without violence, robbery, possession of drug equipment and fleeing.

City leaders agree to move forward with Kelly Street reconstruction (LIVEBLOG)

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Destin Log Reporter Matt Algarin was at tonight's City Council meeting and offered a live play-by-play of the night's discussion.

To read about what was discussed, CLICK HERE.

Destin goes back to school (PHOTOS)

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Monday was a busy morning as parents, students and faculty members made the trek back to school.

Outside Destin Elementary, School Resource Officer Sonya Shepard greeted students with a green Mickey Mouse glove. Even on a muggy, early morning, Shepard was all smiles and joking with some of the students. "It's too early in the school year to be dragging your feet," she told one girl.

Inside, kindergarteners were learning the ropes of school, but not without shedding a few tears. Some parents had to sneak out of classrooms while children were coloring or playing with shapes. In Mrs. Noser's class, twins Ryser and Keaton were a little nervous about being left alone. "They're in good hands," Noser reassured their older sibling, Indigo.

Right as the tardy bell was ringing at the elementary school, things were just starting at Destin Middle School. Sixth graders were crowding the hallway trying to open their lockers. Assistant Principal Jason McClelland — or Mr. Mac as students call him — bent down to help one student learn his combination. Once the lockers are open, the most important task of the day was decorating. From zebra stripes, to pink flowers, to One Direction stickers, girls were styling their lockers until the very last second.

 

 PHOTOS

 

 

LETTER: Council has gone too far in helicopter regulations

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We have been observing for some time the ongoing battle between our Destin city and county public servants and Timberview Helicopters. This latest round of legal maneuvering by the council has, in my opinion, crossed the line between serving the public interest and abuse of power and harassment. 

The council’s obvious intention is to run Timberview out of town by whatever legal means necessary, and I just don't understand why. 

Air traffic is an integral part of living in Destin. Timberview aircraft are just as safe and abide by the same rules as all of the other military and civilian traffic we see all day long every day around the beach and harbor.

It's fun to watch them land and take off.

The tours add a "cool factor” to the harbor scene, and vacationers love them.  I live on the harbor, and helicopter tours are just a small fraction of the traffic. They are no more annoying than the dozen or so parasail boats always coming and going and hanging tourists out in the breeze to dry. 

Oh yeah, I forgot, we are talking about regulating them out of business now as well.

Our city and county hired help are trying to "protect" us from a responsible business owner playing by the rules and providing a great addition to the Destin vacation experience. 

Council, quit abusing and overstepping your authority and let the FAA oversee him. They know what they're doing. You don't. 

 

Norman Clinkscales

Destin


 

Just for Kicks - Destin Nightballers in it for the kicks

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They may not have finished at the top of the league, but they had fun along the way.

Out of the 20 teams participating in the city of Destin's Kickball League at Morgan Sports Center, the Destin Nightballers finished first in fun.

Bobby Bess is the ringleader of Destin Nights, a social club that raises money for good causes. He says "Having fun is first; playing and winning is secondary … that's how we roll."

And one of the ways the team has fun is with their uniform — or lack thereof.

"We don't have jerseys, we do theme nights," said Chelsea Hummitzsch, who helps to fill out the lineup for the team.

The team dresses in a different theme each week. One week it was the ’90s with a lot of neon outfits, another was in honor of breast cancer awareness and everybody wore pink. They've had a "super hero" week with players sporting capes and mask, and then a "tutu/crazy hat" night with even a few of the guys wearing tutus.

"We've been having a blast with it," Bess said.

"They've had some great costumes," said Chuck Hopkins, who works for the city of Destin's recreation department.

"Last night was pretty impressive," Hopkins said referring to their final night of play in Hawaiian wear, which consisted of a lot of grass skirts and coconuts.

Hopkins laughs when he remembers the sight of the Nightballers "running the bases with capes."

"Most everybody is out there to have fun," he said.

The Kickball League started three years ago with just eight teams. Last year the league boasted 14 teams and then this year it grew to 20 teams with 300 players. Hopkins said the league ran for seven weeks of regular games with most teams playing doubleheaders each week. The league will wrap up with the finals on Aug. 21.

As for the Destin Nights, they enjoy the game, but most of all they enjoy just being together.

"We started as just a group of friends that like to party together," Bess said.

But then they started doing things in the community with an opportunity to give back such as the Santa Pub Crawl that benefits the Salvation Army, and a Fourth of July event that benefits the Wounded Warrior Foundation.

"We go all out for it," Bess said.

Retired veterinarian finds second calling (PHOTOS)

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Michael Ledford moved to Okaloosa Island after retiring from his veterinary practice in Stockbridge, Ga., with plans to sit back and relax. He quickly found a new reason to wake up early every morning.

Ledford and Maribeth, his wife of 39 years, made a condo they've owned for 3 years their permanent home in April. The next morning, Ledford woke up at 5 a.m. and headed to the beach to watch the sunrise.

"I got a mug of coffee, went down there and immediately stepped on a beer can. I started looking around and there were beer cans and trash everywhere," Ledford told The Log.

Ever since that day, Ledford has made a morning ritual of picking up the trash on the beach by his condo. On an average day, he picks up between one and three shopping bags full of trash, including broken glass bottles, cans, cigarette butts and even clothing.

He's not alone on the job. Sandman Coastal Services has a contract with Okaloosa County to clean the beaches on the island. Soon after Ledford finishes picking up trash each morning, a Sandman employee comes by, driving a bulldozer and pulling a machine that sifts trash out of the sand. Ledford said citizens can't expect the bulldozer to get all the trash, so he's there to help.

Ledford has picked up more than just trash. One of the most common items he finds on the beach is sunglasses. In his few months of collection walks, he's found dozens of pairs of sunglasses, including expensive designer brands like Ray-Ban.

"Two times, I was walking, holding sunglasses in one hand and my bag in the other, and someone ran down from the condos and said, 'Wait, wait. Let me see if those are my sunglasses,' because they knew they'd lost them. They weren't (theirs)," Ledford said.

Most of the sunglasses line the entire top of a dresser in Ledford's condo. He has given many of the designer pairs to family and friends when they visited him, though.

When Ledford's four grandchildren visit for vacation, he also has a closet full of toys for them that he has found on the beach. From more than a dozen boogie boards and sand shovels, to buckets and footballs, Ledford has found more than enough beach toys to keep his grandkids busy during a day in the sand and sun.

Some people may be upset about spending the mornings of their retirement picking up after other people. Ledford has a different view of it, though.

"I enjoy picking up the trash for some reason. I guess I should have been a trash man all along," Ledford said.


Strip club application continues to move through review process

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With a Monday deadline in place, representatives from The Runway have submitted the appropriate paperwork to city planners.

As part of the review process for the city's first strip club, city planners had been waiting on responses that addressed issues from the city's Technical Review Team, which is tasked with reviewing the application for any "technical standards" their organization requires.

"From the technical components, that's what city staff and the TRT is looking at right now," Community Development Director Ken Gallander told The Log Tuesday morning.

Representatives from The Runway provided city planners with their third submittal package on Aug.13. The package was then turned back over to the TRT for review the following day. Items that were addressed as part of the re-submittal include a revised traffic analysis; changes to the landscaping plan; updates to the multimodal transportation district concurrency evaluation; and revisions to the architectural floor plans, which indicate stage elevations and the distance requirements between the dancers and customers.

Since applying for a development order to construct a 20,000-plus square-foot, two story strip club at 908 Airport Road earlier this year, the city's staff and attorneys have been working through the application review process with representatives from the strip club, which includes local attorney Dana Matthews, who was unavailable for comment.

While the technical components of the application are under review, Gallander said the city is still waiting to hear back from strip club representatives about outstanding legal questions.

The city is asking for clarification over ownership of Trident Operations and whether or not they have the legal standing to open the proposed strip club under the conditions of a settlement agreement signed with the late Terry Stephenson, who was murdered outside of his Atlanta strip club Pin-Ups in 2012.

"We are ensuring they are aware of it every time we do a review," he said.

The TRT has until Aug. 28 to re-submit any questions or comments they may have to city planners, which then would be forwarded to strip club representatives.

"Each time we do a review the comments shrink, so it moves quicker," Gallander said.

Once the technical review is wrapped up, the next step is for the applicants to work through the building review process, which will address where items such as AC units and bathrooms will be placed, as well as the types of materials used in construction.

"They still have to get permits to build," Gallander said. "They've already begun that process."

Letter: Vacationers should mind rules of the road

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I don’t mind the tourist traffic at all. I love the fact that people love it here. However what does concern and bother me is that tourists DO NOT pay attention to their driving. Driving rules do not change from state to state. A turning lane is a turning lane whether you’re in Destin or Louisiana. A stop sign is a stop sign whether you’re in Destin or Kentucky.

Destin display regs guide 'character of the community'

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As Walton County officials debate how much is too much when it comes to outdoor merchandise displays at businesses, city leaders in Destin have had an ordinance on the books since 2005.

"When a local government goes down these roads it's to help with the character of the community and the aesthetics of the community," said Ken Gallander, the city's community development director.

The city's land development code has a section relating to "special design criteria," which regulates how a number of items, such as automobiles, boats, mobile homes and merchandise displays, can be used to drum up business.

This section of the city's code was "designed to preserve, protect and enhance the economic vitality and character" of Destin. The regulations apply to all developments located within 20 of the city's 27 zoning districts.

Discussions in Walton County have been based on the number of businesses displaying a variety of products outside of their storefronts, with items ranging from RedBox movie rentals and water noodles to inflatable beach toys, ice machines and propane sales displays.

As a Destin City Councilman and Executive Director of the Walton County Tourist Development Council, Jim Bagby, who has been outspoken about "visual clutter" in the past, is very familiar with the talks in Walton County. He said Walton County already has an ordinance in place, but businesses "keep violating it."

"The way I look at it, both Walton County and the city of Destin could do a better job enforcing the rules they have," he said. "Destin's rules, I wish they were a little more stringent. I look at the high-end resorts, places like Pinehurst, and they are very well regulated when it comes to signs and such and are very aware of the visual aspect of things."

The outdoor storage and display of materials, equipment and merchandise must meet four specific requirements in Destin.

·         Outdoor storage shall be screened from view from the right of way and adjacent properties by an opaque wall, fence or landscaping of sufficient maturity, density and height to screen such areas from view.

·         Merchandise displays customarily used outdoors such as pools, spas, lawn furniture, concrete fixtures and other similar items are limited to one of each specific design.

·         Inoperable motor vehicles must be stored within screened areas and must be kept on the same site of motor vehicle repair facilities and motor vehicle service centers that are performing the repairs. Inoperable vehicles cannot be stored onsite for more than 60 consecutive day.

·         The storage or display of merchandise or new or used motor vehicles, boats, recreational vehicles, mobile homes, and other vehicles is permitted outside of approved storage or display areas, as designated on approved plans. Storage and display areas cannot be located in areas that are designated for landscaping, swales, or retention areas used for stormwater management.

For his part, Councilman Tuffy Dixon told The Log that he understands a business’ desire to advertise, but he also understands the importance of keeping a clean appearance in the city.

"I think we do a good job of keeping up with things like ribbon banners and all of those $1.99 blow-up floats," he said. "It's a balance between some restraint and allowing a business to promote itself."

While city regulations specifically relate to merchandise displays and outdoor storage, the codes' language still leaves some questions for city planners.

There are businesses, such as McGuire’s, Malibu Jack's Cafe and Surroundings on The Harbor, that use vehicles to help advertise their business. So, the question lies as to whether these vehicles are "signs" or "merchandise," and whether they fall under the sign code or the outdoor storage and display code.

"It's a gray area," Gallander said. "We have sat down as a staff with the business owners to discuss this."

The issue will come before the city council again at some point in the near future as city leaders discuss updating the sign code.

Better code enforcement and an alternative to Hwy. 98 are on the must-do list

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Norriego Point is a top priority going into 2014 for some city leaders, but it depends on how you look at it.

"It's imperative that we stabilize Norriego Point," Mayor Sam Seevers said. "We would really like to see it started, at least, this year — we've already got our permits in place."

"It's important to me and I could call it No. 1," Councilman Jim Wood said of his top priorities for the upcoming year. "When I put on my transportation hat though, safe pedestrian crossings are very important to me."

As part of the city's annual Visioning Session, city leaders are tasked with creating a list of major projects they would like to see completed in the upcoming year, as they map out goals for the next five years.

Seevers said the Visioning Session is one of the only opportunities city leaders have to sit down together and discuss where they are going as a city.

With the help of Lyle Sumek Associates Inc., city leaders narrowed their list of priority policy agenda items down into a list of 14 items, split into two categories — top priority and high priority.

Top priorities include (in no particular order): getting a pay increase (COLA or merit) for city employees; planning safe pedestrian crossings for U.S. Hwy. 98; developing a cross town connector (Hwy. 98 alternative); enacting a Norriego Point restoration plan; planning for a Restore Act windfall; creating a tax abatement program (for economic development); and improving code enforcement/compliance.

The high priority projects include: the Royal Melvin Heritage Park on the harbor; Morgan Sports Park improvements; recreation fees; millage rate; recreation fees; improvements to Kelly Street (Benning to Calhoun); and the completion of a Harbor Master Plan (Phase II).

As for the millage rate, City Manager Maryann Ustick told The Log that city leaders had discussed whether or not the current millage rate is "appropriate based on the demand for services." She said they will also look at the current recreation fees as it relates to cost recovery.

The Harbor Master Plan would look at other potential projects in the city's harbor district, such as expanding the harbor boardwalk underneath the Marler Bridge to connect to the north side of the road. This plan builds off of Phase 1, which includes the harbor boardwalk and the Marler Street parking lot.

On the management side, top priorities include IT upgrades, plans to boost employee morale, an economic impact study and a Blue Ribbon Panel to study development process improvements.

Ustick told The Log that one key item Councilman Jim Bagby wanted to address was changes to Coastal Barrier Resource  Act flood zones. She said there are certain areas of the city that currently cannot obtain flood insurance.

City leaders are also working to update a study that was conducted in 2002 by the Haas Center at the University of West Florida looking at the economic impact of the city of Destin. The study looks at everything from tourism-related activities to the charter fishing fleet.

"This is just good information to have," Ustick said.

High priorities are expansion of a sports tourism plan, implementation and recommendations for a harbormaster, evaluation of water quality testing program in the harbor, a flood plain management ordinance, and the creation of a commercial/multi-family recycling program.

Major projects city leaders identified for the upcoming year are a mixed bag. They include annual street resurfacing projects, sidewalk installation and repair, design and construction of the Hutchinson Street project; replacement of the Community Center roof, the design of Royal Melvin Heritage Park, pedestrian crossings for Marler Street and Harbor Boulevard and the engineering and design of a cross-town connector.

Ustick said the city is currently waiting for a final version of their strategic plan to arrive, which should happen sometime this week.

"We've got a lot to do," she said. "It (the plan) gives us a good guide as to what we need to focus on."

DESTIN’S MISSION OF THE FUTURE

As part of the visioning session, city leaders looked far into the future. They produced this vision statement for the years 2017 and 2027.

"Destin 2017 is a world-class beach and world-class fishing community providing a unique resort experience. Destin 2027 has an authentic historic harbor and quality residential choices with easy mobility. Residents take pride in Destin."

Goals for 2018:

•Financially sound city providing service excellence

•Improved mobility and connectivity

•Expanded community amenities for residents and guests

•Quality development and revitalization

•World class beach and fishing


 

Bus routes likely to be cut

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Okaloosa County commissioners have scheduled a public hearing Sept. 3 to discuss the proposed elimination of bus routes in Crestview and Destin.

The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at the county Courthouse in Crestview.

Okaloosa County Transit, the nonprofit group that operates the buses, has seen its state and federal funding dwindle dramatically, leaving it with major budget shortfalls.

OCT requested $525,000 from the county for the 2013-14 fiscal year. That was a $235,000, or 80 percent, increase over this year.

Commissioners rejected that proposal and say OTC will have to make due with the $290,000 it received this year.

To make its budget, OTC has proposed cutting its two routes in Crestview, which has lost riders in the past year, and possibly one route in Destin.

Commissioner Wayne Harris warned Crestview residents last year that a drop-off in passengers could result in losing the city’s two routes.

“I think I made my point very clear,” he said. “If you’re not going to use it, you’re going to lose it.”

Commissioner Nathan Boyles said public transit is one of the county’s tools to provide residents with an “adequate transportation network.”

But he said he has concerns about OTC’s survival in the face of future state and federal funding cuts.

“I’m not convinced that the current system we have is the most effective tool we could acquire for the money we are spending,” he said.

Boyles said the board owes it to OTC to give it some “finality,” and that he plans to propose at “step-down defunding process” for the agency.

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

Fireworks and philanthropy combine Thursday on Destin harbor

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HarborWalk Village will honor "Food for Thought" this Thursday night during the Red, White and Blue Celebration.

This celebration, which culminates with a fireworks show over Destin harbor, highlights the accomplishments of local individuals and groups that have gone above and beyond to better the community. For the past three years Tiffanie Shelton, Food for Thought founder, has been serving local children that are considered food insecure. 'Food insecure' as defined by the United States Department of Security, is when "consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year."

In Okaloosa County alone, 23.2 percent of children are food insecure, which translates to 9,510 children in our immediate area. In Walton County, 25 percent, or 2,790, children are considered food insecure. It is hard to imagine when living in paradise that there are others in our community that go to bed hungry every night, which is what motivates Shelton and her organization. They have created a program called The Backpack Program, which provides food insecure students with six meals and two snacks every Friday- enough to get them through the weekend.

At the end of the 2012 school year, the organization filled the backpacks of 345 children a week in Okaloosa County and 47 a week in Walton County. On average, these backpacks cost $3.50 to fill and are distributed in Butler, Destin, and Bay elementary schools.

As part of their Red, White and Blue Celebration on Thursday night, Food for Thought and HarborWalk Village request that guests attending the festivities bring either food or monetary donations to help support this program. Specific requests include peanut butter, jelly, pop top soup, tuna or chicken, granola bars, packaged crackers and fruit cups. No glass containers can be accepted.

As Shelton stated, "These children live in homes without enough food to eat and they depend on the school for free or reduced meals." Food for Thought works to help these same children, and depend on the support of local businesses, residents, events and grants to fund their efforts.
The numbers are clear. There are still more rumbling bellies to be fed, and with the community backing organizations such as Food for Thought, the goal of ending food insecurity gets closer every day.

Woman sentenced to 20 years prison for cyclist's death

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FORT WALTON BEACH — A Niceville woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the death of cyclist Harry Robert Crawford.

Okaloosa County Circuit Judge John Brown sentenced Rhea Reynolds, 29, for leaving the scene of an accident with death. She will serve 10 years’ probation following her prison term, according to the state attorney’s office.

Crawford, 63, of Destin, was cycling on Okaloosa Island to an Easter sunrise service on April 8, 2012, when he was hit from behind near Gulf Islands National Seashore. He died before emergency crews arrived.

Reynolds did not stop after she hit Crawford, but investigators found parts of a vehicle at the scene.

Crime Stoppers reports pointed officials to Reynolds’ 2004 Chrysler Pacifica a few days after the accident. Lab testing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed that Reynolds’ car hit Crawford.

Reynolds initially denied any involvement, but later said she was driving home from work when she looked down to ash her cigarette. She said she felt a bump at the front of her vehicle, but did not see anything when she looked in her rearview mirror.

She was arrested last October. Reynolds faced 21 months to 30 years in prison for the charges.

Before Reynolds’ arrest, Crawford’s family publicized the case by placing signs and a bicycle at the crash site along U.S. Highway 98. A white bicycle sits at the spot today.

“No amount of years will bring my dear husband Rob back to me,” Andi Crawford said Thursday, a day after Reynolds’ sentencing. “ … I hope Rob’s death raises awareness that cyclists have a right to be on the road and if you are involved in an accident, stop and render aid.

“I miss Rob terribly and he will forever be with me.”

Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.


Deputies seeking witnesses in aggravated battery case

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The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is hoping to locate any witnesses to an aggravated battery that took place at a Destin nightspot in the early morning hours of July 7th.

Twenty-three-year old Justin Koch of Fort Walton Beach told investigators he was going back and forth between the Red Door Saloon on Harbor Boulevard and Dockside between 10 p.m. and about 2 a.m. when he got into an argument inside the Red Door Saloon. He left, but later returned and got into a physical altercation with the same individual outside the establishment.

A witness says that a man punched Koch and knocked him out, causing Koch to fall backward and hit his head on the concrete. The suspect then walked away.

Investigators believe there could be multiple witnesses to the incident and are asking anyone with information to please contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS.

Man sentenced for stealing vehicle, leading deputies on chase

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A man was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison for stealing the vehicle of an elderly victim and leading law officers on a high speed chase, according to the state attorney's office.

Okaloosa County Circuit Judge John Brown sentenced Brandon Stocker on charges of robbery, attempted burglary with a weapon, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, and felony driving while license suspended.

Stocker was classified as a habitual felony offender and a prison releasee reoffender. That requires a 15-year minimum mandatory sentence be served.

On March 8, 2012, Armed with two knives, Stocker got into a car at a Tom Thumb store on Okaloosa Island on March 8, 2012. He ordered the elderly victim out of the car and drove away.

Okaloosa County sheriff's deputies were contacted and located the car within minutes. Stocker then led them on a high-speed chase on U.S. Highway 98 to Destin, where he was caught at a home on Main Street.

On the Destin beat: Traffic tips and unsolved mysteries along highway 98

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Regular Log contributor Laura Hall recently linked up with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for a ride-along on the Destin beat. She then penned a three part series on the experience.

 

After filling out the proper paperwork I am given permission to ride along with Sergeant Shannon Tait of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. 

I want to understand the responsibilities of our local law enforcement agency in Destin. We all know that Highway 98 has been called “Bloody 98.” I didn’t understand that moniker until I had lived here for a number of years.

I ask Tait what would be her best advice to local drivers to avoid these accidents.  Tait emphatically replies, “To avoid accidents, pay attention to the road.  You look away for a minute or reach over for a cell phone and that’s all it takes for a crash. The traffic here is so thick; people are stopping quickly, not sure where to make that turn.  Inattentiveness is the cause of most of the traffic accidents we have here in Destin.”

I ask Tait the necessary requirements to join the Sheriff’s Office?  “To be considered for the position of deputy you must have graduated from high school or have a GED equivalent and you must be a graduate of the Police Academy training classes at Northwest Florida State College. The academy teaches a specific training for police work including defensive tactics, how to subdue and how to use your handcuffs.”

I am mesmerized by the belt worn by all the officers. It has one of everything important to an officer attached to it and weighs in at 26 pounds! Listen to this… gun, Glock 40 caliber, pepper spray, two extra magazine clips of bullets, cell phone, radio, expandable baton, flashlight “O” ring to hold flashlight at night. As if this wasn’t enough, there is a pouch on the back with medical gloves, a pair of handcuffs and keys to offices and patrol car. I ask what is the most important thing on that belt?  The answer after a moment’s contemplation,  “Radio and gun.” 

Having watched too many police movies, I am amazed to see that each officer rides alone in their car.  Sgt. Tait says, “You will never see a double in the cars around here because of lack of manpower and budget constraints.  Our agency has not had a raise in five years. The fact that we have not had more injuries or deaths in the line of duty is amazing.”

The horrific statistic is that in the last four years, three local officers have died in the line of duty.

“I have said we ride alone, but this is a team thing,” Tait added. “If I try to play this out on my own, I’m in trouble. You have to depend on your backup officers when you need them.” 

I am riding with the sergeant from 2-6 p.m. 

We have a relatively quiet ride with a report of several car crashes.

“Everyday is different,” she said. “You don’t know what to expect.” 

In the middle of the afternoon, a report comes in that a gun has been stolen from a car.  Serial number of the gun is taken and the status of the gun, “stolen”, remains in the files until such time as the gun is located, if ever. 

This report is followed by a 911 call from a female in a Destin apartment complex — exact location not given, reason for call, not given. Any 911 call must be checked out, but attempts to recall the phone number go unanswered. 

We slowly circle the apartment complex and check around the pool area for a disturbance.  Nothing shows up, so we move on. Another call comes in from a rental complex.  This caller is also female and she requests help from law enforcement to No. 18. The male voice in the background says, “She does not need help.” The phone caller hangs up.

The race is on to the complex and upon arrival No. 18 is found to be nonexistent. This is maddening and frustrating, but Tait doesn’t give up. She and a deputy try a knock on the door to unit No. 218, just in case. No response.  Doing what they can to locate the caller, Tait thinks to ask for the area code of the cell phone call. Turns out it is from Kentucky. We circle the complex looking for a Kentucky car. No luck this time, no Kentucky car in the complex. The search is given up and my afternoon ride time is coming to a close.

Before leaving Tait, I ask her, “What do you feel is your greatest responsibility?” 

“To make sure yourself and your zone partners all go home alive at the end of the day.”     

Laura Hall is a longtime Destin resident. She writes about local topics of interest. Contact her at hall-destin@cox.net


 

Distinguished in Destin: Natalie Lawson takes home title in July (PHOTOS)

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Destin resident Natalie Lawson signed up for the Distinguished Young Women program once she realized it was anything but the standard beauty pageant.

"The judges get to know you and they take into consideration things such as academics and your personality," Lawson said. "It's not just about being in a pretty dress and looking cute."

Formally known as America's Junior Miss, the program changed its name to Distinguished Young Women in 2010 and refers to itself as a scholarship program, not a pageant.

Carole Byrd, director of the Okaloosa County chapter of Distinguished Young Women, has worked with the program since 1972, under its original name.

"They're trying to steer away from the image of a being a beauty contest," said Byrd. "Way back in the 1950s and 1960s, we used a crown to award winners. Now, they use a medallion."

Founded in 1958, the program has awarded more than $93 million in cash scholarships at the local, state and national levels. And it's not the top winners that walk away with prizes. Locally, the program works with Troy University to provide opportunities to all of the participants. And since Distinguished Young Women is for high school seniors, it comes at the perfect time.

Even if she wasn't crowned, Lawson took home the title of 2014 Distinguished Young Woman in July.

"She just swept the thing," Byrd said. "She was never late to any meetings or events. She fits the bill.”

Over a six-week period, contestants learn a fitness routine, interview with individual judges and participate in the DYW national campaign, Be Your Best Self, in which women reach out to young children, encouraging them to do and be their best.

The kind of characteristics that the Distinguished Young Women promotes is exactly what people should be striving for, Lawson said.

Instead of competition, there was more camaraderie between the young women, Lawson noted. She even made a few new friends through the experience.

"We would have themed practices — one day we all wore 1980’s styles," she said. "We never had any tension."  

While winning the main title, Lawson was also given top awards in three of the five judged categories: fitness, self expression and talent — she played the steel drums.

Watching in the crowd, July 27 at the Fort Walton Beach Auditorium the night of the program, were Lawson's parents, Mia and Chuck. Lawson learned to play the steel drums from her father and even borrowed his set for her performance.

The Fort Walton Beach High School cheerleading captain is used to multi-tasking. She's involved with several clubs while also applying to colleges throughout the country. She'd like to study astronomical biology. With her recent title win, she's earned $6,000 towards her college career.

As she prepares to advance to state in Winter Park, Lawson said she doesn't plan to participate in any other programs or pageants in the future.

"If there were more programs like this one, I would like to," she said. "I definitely urge girls to get involved with Distinguished Young Women."

CITY HONORS

The City of Destin awarded Lawson with a proclamation at the Aug. 19 City Council meeting.  “We are so proud of Natalie and her accomplishments,” Mayor Sam Seevers said.

 

 

Kite festival soars Saturday, Sunday in Destin

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Kitty Hawk Kites continues its high flying tradition with the fifth annual Flying High on the Harbor Kite Festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24 and 25, at HarborWalk Village.

Come out to watch professional kite flyers and their spectacular and amazing kite demonstrations, plus enjoy SUP demos day and night. The event also features RC demos, kite making, and toys and games for all ages. The Tiki Toss/Ring Toss Game takes place at the Kiosk with Katie from 4-5 p.m., followed by Learn to Juggle from 5-6 p.m., and YoYo Clinic with Luke or Cup Stacking Competition from 6-7 p.m.

Enjoy two full days of the sights of kites of all sizes and shapes being flown on the harbor. The public is welcome to experience and learn from the pros both days.

At sunset, enjoy the Kites with Lights show over Norriego Point (weather permitting).

Kids can enjoy free hands-on activities at Kitty Hawk Kites each day from 4-8 p.m.

Call 837-2800 or e-mail destin@kittyhawk.com.

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