Record Breaking Hurricane Beryl Advances Toward Mexico
The first hurricane of the 2024 season, Hurricane Beryl, has hinted at the possibility of several powerful storms forming over the next few months. In May, the NOAA predicted above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year, mainly due to near-record high water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, the development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, and reduced Atlantic trade winds and wind shear. Beryl, which strengthened to a Category 5 storm just 33 days after the start of the hurricane season, became the earliest Category 5 storm in any Atlantic hurricane season. According to the National Hurricane Center’s most recent advisory, Hurricane Beryl is progressing steadily across the Northwestern Caribbean Sea after weakening to a Category 2 hurricane following its official landfall in Jamaica yesterday. Beryl is currently 135 miles west of Grand Cayman and 275 miles east of Tulum, Mexico, moving northwest at 18 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center warns of strong winds, dangerous storm surge, and damaging waves as the storm is expected to make landfall on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico by early Friday.
Northwest Florida State College Launches AI Initiative
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is excited to announce the launch of its new AI Initiative, led by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL). This program aims to equip faculty and students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an AI-driven world. In partnership with AI for Education, NWFSC will deliver training and workshops to enhance teaching practices and prepare students for future careers. The initiative includes workshops on generative AI, AI policy development, prompt engineering, AI pedagogical strategies, and redefining assessment in the age of AI. An AI Fellows program and a student AI competition will further promote AI integration and innovation.
HCA Healthcare Urges Firework Safety Ahead of 4th of July Holiday
With the July 4th holiday approaching, hospitals nationwide are bracing for a surge in emergency room visits, mainly due to fireworks mishandling. Many injuries are caused by individuals who misuse fireworks or ignite them while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a lack of safety awareness. “We often see injuries from firecrackers exploding at close range and sparklers causing severe burns to the face, hands, and feet when mishandled,” stated Dr. Kevin Bryan, an emergency room physician at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. Firecrackers can inflict severe injuries if they detonate near the face or hands. Sparklers, which burn at approximately 2,000 degrees—hot enough to melt metal—pose significant risks as well, often causing severe burns and potential eye injuries.
Governor Ron DeSantis Vetoes Probation Bill
Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed House Bill 1241, which aimed to reform how Florida handles probation violations by modifying instead of revoking probation for second-time offenders. In his veto letter, DeSantis argued that the bill would provide undue leniency to those who failed to meet probation conditions once. This decision comes alongside vetoes of other bills, including those related to graduate school admissions, stormwater management fees, and driving regulations on multi-lane roads.
Memorial Ceremony Marks 28 Years Since Khobar Towers Bombing
On the night of June 25, 1996, a terrorist attack on the Khobar Towers in Dharan, Saudi Arabia, claimed the lives of 19 Airmen and injured over 400 U.S. and international military and civilian members. Today, over 200 attendees, including members of the 33rd Fighter Wing and the local community, gathered to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice 28 years ago. The memorial event featured a guest speaker, a traditional wreath-laying ceremony, the recitation of names, and the playing of “Taps.”
Okaloosa Island Begins Construction On Multi Use Pathway
On Monday, July 8, 2024, Okaloosa County officials will host a groundbreaking ceremony at John Beasley Park to mark the beginning of construction on a new multi-use path. The event will occur at 7 a.m. at 1550 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Okaloosa Island. The new path will stretch approximately four miles between the Brooks Bridge and Marler Bridge on Okaloosa Island, providing a safe and scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians.
Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Man For Destin Shooting
A violent confrontation at the Sea Glass Apartments on Commons Drive West left one man paralyzed after a heated altercation on Monday evening. Around 7:35 PM, an argument between two men escalated when Timothy Rettinger pursued the Victim in a black Buick Enclave, ultimately shooting him multiple times and causing severe injuries.
Kedroski Named Interim President at Northwest Florida State College
Northwest Florida State College has appointed Dr. Cristie Kedroski as Interim President, effective July 6, 2024. With over 20 years of experience in higher education and community outreach, Dr. Kedroski has been pivotal in driving the College’s enrollment growth and academic innovation. The Board of Trustees unanimously selected Dr. Kedroski, confident in her ability to lead the College during this transitional period.
Northwest Florida State, Tech Startup Announce Tutoring Partnership
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) has partnered with Florida-based peer tutoring platform Knack to offer free, on-demand tutoring to all students starting Fall 2024. This initiative aims to enhance student retention and success through high-quality tutoring and professional growth opportunities. “Our commitment to student success is unwavering; this additional resource demonstrates our support for all students who attend NWFSC,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of NWFSC.
Summer in South Walton Starts With Two Shark Attacks
On Friday, June 7th, two shark attacks occurred just 4 miles apart along the beaches of South Walton County, injuring three people. The first attack happened near WaterSound Beach around 1:20 p.m., where a 45-year-old woman swimming past the first sandbar sustained severe injuries resulting in the amputation of her arm. An hour and a half later, two teenage girls standing in waist-deep water at Seacrest Beach were attacked, with one suffering severe injuries to her leg and hand. Both critically injured victims were airlifted to local trauma centers. These incidents mark the third and fourth shark attacks in Walton County in recent years.
