Community Corner

🌱 What to expect at Fort Walton Beach’s free America 250 festival

Spotted on the Fort Walton Beach calendar: PIRATE SHOW at AJ's on the Bayou

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Coffee in hand, Fort Walton Beach? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • What to expect at Fort Walton Beach's free America 250 festival
  • How soon will traffic shift onto the new Brooks Bridge lanes?
  • How new county animal control rules affect Fort Walton Beach pet owners

Also on today's calendar: Tween/Teen Legos and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Do you know what the two sides of a circle are? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny with a shower, with a high of 90 and low of 68 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 86, low: 69.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny; low humidity, with a high of 87 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Heritage Festival, Scouting Expo to mark America's 250th birthday (niceville.com) — Fort Walton Beach families can enjoy a free America 250 Heritage Festival and Scouting Expo on Oct. 10 at the Destin‑Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center. Expect historical reenactments, Scout skill exhibits, live entertainment, food trucks, a photo contest, and flag retirement ceremonies, plus a community food drive where attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods.
   

2. Concrete deck complete on new westbound Brooks Bridge (getthecoast.com) — Drivers in Fort Walton Beach are a step closer to relief as crews have finished the concrete deck on the new westbound Brooks Bridge, a key milestone in the replacement project. FDOT is now focusing on connections and safety features before shifting traffic, with all vehicles expected on the new spans by year's end and full project completion slated for 2029.
   

3. Okaloosa begins animal control services Sept. 23, pauses TNR citations for 90 days (getthecoast.com) — Okaloosa County has shifted animal control services in unincorporated areas, while Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Mary Esther will continue using PAWS for now. Commissioners also paused citations related to trap-neuter-return cat activities for 90 days while they work on new ordinance language, so local volunteers and pet owners can expect evolving rules and service arrangements over the coming months.
   

4. Florida gas prices jump again. Could we see $5 a gallon soon? (tallahassee.com) — Drivers in the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach area are seeing some of Florida's lowest gas prices, with a Fort Walton Beach Petro Express still charging $3.87 a gallon amid a statewide average of $4.29. While prices are climbing due to higher oil costs and global tensions, the Panhandle remains a relative bright spot compared with other Florida metros.
   

5. Freeport Bulldogs preparing for district opener Friday at Walton (wjhg.com) — Freeport's football team is gearing up for a big district showdown with Walton after the Braves' recent convincing win over Fort Walton Beach. With a strong ground attack and a 3-1 record, the Bulldogs see this rivalry game as a major test while still working to solidify their identity on both sides of the ball.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Above & Beyond!
    Thanks To Deputy For Reaching Out To Help! (From OCSO Facebook Page) It was pouring down rain, but that didn't stop Deputy Matt Simpson, our SRO at… (Nextdoor Green Acres)
  • Hello I'm looking for any cleaning jobs avaliable deep cleans showroom cleans regular cleans recurring cleans whatever needed!
    Here are some images from a deep clean I just did on a house going up on the market! My phone number is 8508557590. (Nextdoor Alden Way)
  • The Hertz Corporation posted a job opening for Maintenance Clerk in Fort Walton Beach. Apply here.
  • Westminster Communities of Florida posted a job opening for Security Guard in Fort Walton Beach. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fort Walton Beach here.

Ok Fort Walton Beach! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: The inside and the outside ! (Thank you James M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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