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Okaloosa County Oks dive safety deal ahead of SS United States deployment

Written by Collin Bestor on . Posted in local, News.

Under the memorandum of understanding, DAN will provide $10,000 annually over five years, for a total of $50,000, to support the SS United States project and related dive safety and marine conservation initiatives. The county retains discretion over how the funds are spent, with eligible uses including safety infrastructure, a potential visitors center and public education.

Alex Fogg, the county’s natural resources chief, framed the agreement as much about expertise as dollars.

“What’s most important about this potential partnership is the knowledge that they bring,” Fogg said. “They have dozens of medical doctors highly trained in hyperbaric medicine who can provide guidance to our facilities, to our staff — and guidance on establishing a hyperbaric chamber in the destination, because they’ve done it worldwide.”

The region has no hyperbaric emergency treatment facility. The nearest is in Mobile, Alabama; if that facility is unavailable, injured divers must be transported to Orlando. Fogg said the county’s public safety department has cut response time from injury to treatment from more than 12 hours to roughly six, which he said was significant progress but not a substitute for a local chamber.

“That still doesn’t satisfy the issue of us not having hyperbaric treatment facilities,” Fogg told the board.

Hyperbaric cylinders exist at facilities in Destin, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach, but commissioners noted those units are not configured for dive accident emergencies. Fogg said the county has pursued partnerships with local hospitals and private practices without reaching a final agreement.

“We’ve gotten very close, but we still aren’t quite there yet,” Fogg said. “We’re hopeful that in the coming months we will have a solution.”

Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, who said she has researched the hyperbaric issue at length, welcomed the DAN agreement as meaningful momentum.

“We really need to work this out if we are to be the nation’s greatest diving destination,” Ketchel said. “I applaud you for taking this step.”

Commissioner Paul Mixon floated an additional proposal: using tourism dollars to seed a startup grant program for businesses willing to establish a qualifying hyperbaric facility locally, without directing funds to any specific operator.

“I think there’s plenty of things we could do to be more aggressive in helping the industry come here,” Mixon said, adding he hoped the concept could be taken up during the county’s upcoming budget workshop.

Ketchel called the grant idea promising but noted funding is only part of the challenge.

“It’s not getting the facility up — it’s the management of a 24/7 operation, all the logistics, beyond the funding,” Ketchel said.

The memorandum of understanding also calls for a DAN-provided commemorative plaque to be affixed to the SS United States before deployment.

Fogg said the county has also been working with PADI Worldwide, a major dive training agency, to push safety information to certified divers, dive shops and charter operators ahead of the ship’s reefing.

“Sometimes a diver gets certified, maybe they haven’t been diving in a while, and they may get complacent,” Fogg said. “Trying to prevent those accidents is really important.”

Okaloosa County bans red-light cameras from county roads

Written by Collin Bestor on . Posted in government, local, News.

The resolution, sponsored by Commissioner Trey Goodwin, passed in a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Paul Mixon dissenting, after commissioners rejected a proposed amendment that would have narrowed the ban’s application outside municipal boundaries.

The resolution targets two categories of devices: traffic infraction detectors, commonly known as red-light cameras, and speed detection systems deployed in school zones. According to county officials, the county does not currently have either type of camera on county rights of way, but staff have received requests from cities to install them there.

Goodwin said the issue was prompted in part by a ruling from Broward County Judge Steven DeLuca, who found the statutory framework governing traffic camera citations violates constitutional due process. DeLuca ruled in a case involving the city of Sunrise that the camera enforcement system improperly shifts the burden of proof onto the accused.

“The cameras don’t identify a person, they identify a vehicle,” Goodwin said. “Instead of the government bearing the burden to prove the driver, it puts the onus on the accused to prove their innocence, and that violates all fundamental principles of procedural due process.”

He said the ruling does not directly bind the county but called it a likely preview of more legal challenges to come. The resolution applies only to county rights of way and does not affect camera programs operated by municipalities on their own roads or rights of way.

The board also said the resolution is unrelated to license plate reader systems, commonly known as Flock cameras, used by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

During public comment, speakers offered differing views.

Okaloosa resident Tim Bryant told the board he supported the ban, arguing camera-based enforcement bypasses Florida’s driver’s license point system, meaning dangerous drivers are not identified or removed from the road.

“The cameras don’t make us safer, they just collect money,” Bryant said.

Crestview Mayor JB Whitten, who voted against red-light cameras in the past, said he supports speed zone cameras in school zones despite his general opposition to traffic cameras. Whitten said he approved the speed cameras after data showed persistent speeding near schools.

Whitten said a 30-day test phase at a middle school on Old Bethel Road recorded 847 violations, including one driver clocked at 56 mph in a 20-mph zone. He also said 89.1% of drivers issued tickets last year received only one, suggesting the cameras were changing driving behavior.

“The intent is not to make money, the intent is to change driver’s patterns,” Whitten said. He urged the board to vote against the resolution or, at minimum, to table it until the state determines whether to appeal DeLuca’s ruling.

During deliberations, Mixon proposed a “friendly amendment” that would have restricted the ban to county roads outside municipal boundaries, arguing the county should respect the home rule authority of its nine municipalities. Goodwin rejected the amendment, saying the existing resolution already preserved city and state authority over their own roads.

“I will live and die on due process,” Goodwin said. “It is dangerous to use safety as an excuse to override our Constitution.”

The board also noted past incidents in which private vendors working for municipalities placed cameras on county rights of way without board approval, requiring Public Works staff to remove and store the equipment after vendors did not respond to removal requests.

Student stabs classmates, paraprofessional at Walton Middle School; suspect in custody

Written by Collin Bestor on . Posted in Crime, local, News.

The attack, which lasted less than 45 seconds, unfolded shortly after 7:17 a.m. as roughly 40 students were on campus during early drop-off, well before normal school hours. Two of the three victims were transported to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, a Level II trauma center; one was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. The paraprofessional was also taken to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

“There is no extended risk to the public,” Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson Jr. said at Tuesday’s news conference. “This individual is in custody.”

According to Adkinson, the suspect, a seventh-grade student, was dropped off at the school’s main entrance by a parent, as on a normal school day. The student walked directly into a hallway bathroom, where he remained for about two minutes and 40 seconds.

When he emerged, he was wearing a balaclava, a face mask covering everything but the eyes, and carrying a “sharp implement,” according to Adkinson. He immediately attacked the first student he encountered, stabbing that student multiple times.

The suspect then moved down the hallway and attacked a paraprofessional before contacting a third victim, who was another seventh-grade student, who was also stabbed. The first victim was incapacitated from injuries while a teacher rendered aid. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.

Officers from the DeFuniak Springs Police Department arrived within two minutes of a 911 call, Adkinson said. Working in coordination with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, they located and arrested the suspect near the school within approximately seven minutes of the initial attack.

Walton County Schools Superintendent A. Russell Hughes said students still on buses when the attack occurred were not brought onto campus. They were redirected to a pre-planned reunification site where parents could pick them up.

Hughes said the district’s goal is to have students back in class as soon as possible and that school officials view the campus as a safe place for children.

Adkinson noted that a school resource deputy and a school Guardian, a designated armed staff member, were both on campus at the time of the attack, though in different locations. He praised the coordination between the sheriff’s office, DeFuniak Springs Police Department, the school district and the State Attorney’s Office for working together on such short notice.

“This is the worst thing you can deal with as a sheriff, as a school professional, as a police department,” Adkinson said. “This is what we all fear.”

Formal charges were pending Tuesday as investigators consulted with the State Attorney’s Office to determine appropriate charges. Adkinson cautioned that any charges filed initially may not reflect the final charges the state decides to pursue.

Adkinson declined to discuss the suspect’s potential motive or prior history, saying the investigation was still in its early stages. A full press conference with additional details is expected on Wednesday.

“I want to give you answers,” Adkinson said. “The worst thing I can do is tell you something that’s not factually accurate.”

Okaloosa County to consider ratifying $5M grant application for SR 85 widening

Written by Collin Bestor on . Posted in government, local, News.

 

The item is on the board’s agenda for its March 24 meeting. The Community Project Funding Congressionally Directed Spending application was submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation through the office of U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis. Because County Administrator John Hofstad submitted the application under an emergency provision before the meeting date, commissioners are being asked to ratify the submission retroactively.

The project targets the section of SR 85 running from Live Oak Church Road to PJ Adams Parkway, a stretch that has earned the nickname “Miracle Mile” for its role as the primary gateway connecting Eglin Air Force Base to north Okaloosa County.

The proposed improvements would include adding a northbound and southbound lane, multimodal and pedestrian facilities and stormwater management upgrades. County officials say the project would improve daily commutes for residents, reduce risks to military readiness and enhance hurricane evacuation capacity.

If the federal grant is awarded, the $5 million would offset local funding already committed through the county’s Infrastructure Surtax program. The overall project budget carries a match amount of $50 million, a combination of state and county funds, with $13 million designated as a cash match. The county has committed $10 million in direct funding and has transferred ownership of specific parcels valued at approximately $3 million to the Florida Department of Transportation for the project’s execution.

In a letter to Patronis dated March 16, Board Chairman Trey Goodwin outlined the urgency of the improvements and the county’s financial commitment to the corridor.

“The next critical step to improving traffic efficiency is to widen the lone roadway that feeds these segments,” Goodwin wrote, pointing to recent improvements including the widened PJ Adams Parkway and the forthcoming Southwest Crestview Bypass, expected to open this spring alongside a new FDOT interchange between PJ Adams Parkway and Interstate 10.

The board is also being asked to authorize Hofstad to serve as the Authorizing Official for the grant application, a designation that would be formally communicated to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The project is managed through the county’s Public Works Roads and Bridges department under Director Scott Bitterman, with Roy Petrey serving as project manager.

The grant application carries a risk rating of “low” based on the county’s prior experience with federal funding programs, available staffing and the project’s alignment with the county’s strategic infrastructure priorities. The project would run from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, if funding is received.

County officials note that the Miracle Mile widening represents one piece of a longer planned expansion of SR 85 from SR 123 to Interstate 10. Any award of grant funds would require separate board approval before the county enters into a formal agreement with the federal government.

Crestview man gets two life terms in parents’ killings

Written by Staff Reporters on . Posted in Crime, local, News.

In an announcement made on March 13, Jacob Daniel Price was found guilty on March 11 on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder and two counts of animal cruelty in Okaloosa Conty.

Circuit Judge David Oberliesen sentenced Price after the verdict of two consecutive life sentences with no possibility of parole, the state attorney’s office said.

Prosecutors said evidence at trial showed that on Nov. 13, 2019, at about 4 a.m., Price shot and killed his parents while they were sleeping in their bed at their Crestview home. Authorities said Price shot his father, Robert Price, twice in the head and shot his mother, Jolene Price, once in the head.

Prosecutors also said Price shot and killed the couple’s two dogs, Nala and Cooper.

Assistant State Attorney Leah Clisson prosecuted the case on behalf of the First Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. The investigation was conducted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Crestview Police Department.

Crestview man arrested after deputies find 100 grams of meth during a traffic stop

Written by Staff Reporters on . Posted in Crime, local, News.

According to an arrest report, deputies stopped a white Toyota Tacoma on Feb. 17 after the driver failed to obey a stop sign at the intersection of Shoffner Boulevard and U.S. Highway 90 East. The vehicle later came to a stop at Highway 90 East and Valley Road.

The driver was identified as 49-year-old Paul Derek Treaster of Crestview.

According to the report, Treaster told deputies during the initial stop that his driver’s license had been suspended since February because of issues related to child support.

Deputies also reported noticing Treaster attempting to conceal something with his foot on the driver’s side floorboard when he opened the vehicle door.

A K-9 unit later arrived on scene, and the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. That alert gave deputies probable cause to search the truck.

During the search, deputies located 100 grams of a crystallized substance on the driver’s side floorboard. The substance later tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the report.

Investigators also found a scale and two baby monitors with white residue in the center console. A black bag located near the suspected methamphetamine contained small plastic baggies and rubber bands.

Treaster denied knowing about the drugs inside the vehicle and told deputies that a friend had borrowed his truck in the days prior to the stop.

Treaster was arrested and charged with trafficking in amphetamine or methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Treaster was taken into custody and booked into the Okaloosa County Jail. 

Crestview man arrested, charged with possession of child porn

Written by Staff Reporters on . Posted in Crime, local, News.

Investigators later identified Colby Sanders, a 23-year-old Crestview man, as the suspect.

According to a news release from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, investigators from the departments Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding sexual abuse material.

The sheriff’s office, working with the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, executed a search warrant at Sanders’ residence on Old Bethel Road in Crestview. During the search, investigators reported finding more than 6,000 files of generated child sexual abuse content.

Sanders was arrested and charged with possession of generated child pornography.

Under Florida law, “generated child pornography” refers to images created, altered or produced using electronic or computer-generated means to depict a person who appears to be a minor engaged in explicit actions.

The offense is classified as a third-degree felony and is punishable under Florida sentencing guidelines. Each image or file can be treated as a separate offense under law.

MSCA receives top state honor

Written by Tony Judnich on . Posted in entertainment, local, News.

“This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of the Main Street Crestview Association to preserving their historic community,” Byrd said in a prepared statement. “Their efforts to revitalize Downtown Crestview, support small businesses, and foster welcoming spaces demonstrate the true spirit of Florida Main Streets. I commend their leadership and the lasting impact they continue to make in Northwest Florida.”

The MSCA works to support the revitalization and preservation of downtown Crestview’s core, Florida Department of State officials said in a news release. They said that as part of Florida’s Main Street Program, the association focuses on community involvement, economic development, and maintaining the area’s historic character.

The north-facing wall of the MSCA office building at 114 Main St. (File photo)

The MSCA organizes several annual events, including the Triple B Festival, Fall Festival, the Holiday Market, and the Crestview Christmas Parade, and it partners with the city of Crestview on other downtown events. The Crestview Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade in Okaloosa County. 

The Main Street Program of the Month designation “is super-exciting,” said Amy Koger, who has served as the MSCA’s executive director since last February. “It really makes the effort of our entire team all worthwhile. It’s such an honor.”

Koger

The MSCA joined the Main Street Program in 1997. Since then, the association has generated $16,282,408 in public and private investments, the community has seen an increase of 163 net new businesses that have created 486 net new jobs, and over 27,358 volunteer hours have been recorded, Department of State officials said.

Looking ahead, Koger said the MSCA will host the Florida Main Street Program’s winter quarterly meeting on Jan. 26 and 27.

“All Florida Main Street associations from across the state will be here,” she said.

Following the quarterly meeting, the MSCA will gear up for the next Triple B Festival, which is scheduled for March 28.

Crestview’s Independence Day celebration to rock Twin Hills Park

Written by Tony Judnich on . Posted in local, News.

The overall free-admission patriotic party will take place from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Independence Day at the city’s flagship, 24-acre park, which stands at 100 S. Hathaway St.

The fireworks display will begin shortly after 9 p.m. and will take place rain or shine unless there is severe weather, according to city Parks and Recreation Department officials.

Some of the grand-finale fireworks from the 2023 celebration. (Photo by Tony Judnich)

The celebration’s live music lineup consists of Scale Fracture performing rock and alternative tunes from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the acoustic duo of Eric and Steven Demara playing Americana music from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Five Runs providing country and rock hits from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

An event flier. (Image courtesy of the city of Crestview)

Crestview’s first multi-faceted Independence Day celebration, featuring hours of fun instead of a fireworks show alone, took place at Twin Hills Park in 2016, the year of the city’s centennial.

Attendees of the annual celebration are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Leashed pets are permitted. Attendees are prohibited from bringing their own alcohol and fireworks.

City of Crestview night set for June at Blue Wahoos Stadium

Written by Jackson Buhler on . Posted in local, News, Sports.

“I will definitely practice beforehand,” Whitten said.  “I know I will not astound anyone, but I still want to do a good job.”

Additionally, it will be the first Blue Wahoos game that Whitten has attended.

Whitten is also expected to join the Blue Wahoos radio broadcast during the game to talk about current events in the city of Crestview.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the first pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. as the Blue Wahoos take on the Columbus Clingstones, the Atlanta Braves double-A affiliate.

“We want to do city nights for the surrounding areas to show support for them and let everyone near us know how much they mean to us as fans,” Pensacola Blue Wahoos Group Sales Executive Steven Unser said. “When I spoke to Mayor Whitten about the opportunity, he was delighted.  We are excited to celebrate the City of Crestview with the support that they have shown us.”

Unser expects 200-400 general admission tickets to be sold for the night.

Residents will sit together in section 111, which is down the third base line.

Tickets are first come, first serve.

The city was approached by Unser by email to see if the city would be interested in the event.

After having Unser come in to talk to both Whitten and Crestview City Manager, Tim Bolduc, the idea was finalized.

In following years, “City of Crestview Night” could expand with tickets being included in one of the team’s party decks.

“I think it could strengthen the connection between Crestview and Pensacola,” Whitten said.  “It will be very good for our city.”

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