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.

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.

Northwest Florida State College Falls Short in National Championship Game Against Blinn College

Northwest Florida State College’s remarkable baseball season concluded with a 12-5 loss to Blinn College in the NJCAA National Championship game. Despite their efforts and strong hitting, the Raiders couldn’t overcome early mistakes and Blinn’s powerful offense. Standout performances from Cade Sadler, Chase Williams, and Jaquae Stewart highlighted the game, with five Raiders named to the All-Tournament team. The Raiders end their season with a 40-15 record, marking a historic achievement for the program.

Mid Bay News

A drone view of the activity on Boggy Bayou before the annual fireworks festival put on every year by the cities of Niceville  and Valparaiso.