Development News for Niceville, Florida

Community Development Initiatives Highlighted: Youth Council Recruitment, Housing Grants, Public Safety, and Senior Services

Several community-focused initiatives and reports were discussed. The youth advisory council is concluding its school year, thanking graduating members and welcoming five new and three returning members. They are actively recruiting for the next school year. The city is pursuing a 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for housing rehabilitation, aimed at assisting low to moderate-income homeowners. The annual audit confirmed the city's sound financial standing, with a clean opinion and no major compliance issues. The police department reported on community safety efforts, including traffic enforcement, DUI citations, and a successful drug take-back day. They also introduced a new K9 unit, Chase, highlighting its immediate impact on drug detection. The fire department is on track to initiate Advanced Life Support (ALS) services by July 1st, a significant improvement in emergency medical response, supported by a generous donation. Several infrastructure projects were updated, including trail development (Rocky Bay multi-use trail), street improvements (Palm Boulevard), and utility upgrades. The 'Adopt a Drain' program was highlighted as a successful community-led environmental initiative. Public forum discussions included a lengthy concern from senior pickleball players regarding access to courts at the senior center, requesting dedicated time. Speakers also discussed the importance of the senior center as a community hub and raised concerns about potential membership restrictions for non-residents. The city manager's responsiveness and the public works team's efficiency were commended by council members.

Police and Fire Departments Report on April Activities, Introduce New K9, and Plan for ALS Services

The police department reported responding to 281 calls for service in April, including 40 traffic crashes. They issued 210 traffic citations, 539 warnings, 20 criminal traffic citations, and 8 DUI citations. Towing services handled 8 roadside and 9 record-related tows. Animal complaint calls totaled 31, including typical animals but no bears. The department highlighted National Police Week (May 10-16) and encouraged the public to thank officers. A drug take-back day on April 25th collected 78 pounds of prescription drugs, with a permanent collection box available year-round. An upcoming 'Fatal Vision Impaired Driving Course' is scheduled for May 23rd. The department introduced K9 Officer Bronson and his new dog, Chase, a 1.5-year-old German Shepherd. Chase has already been involved in detecting 49 grams of methamphetamine and several other detections in his first weeks. The fire department responded to 173 emergency calls in April, with a 90th percentile travel time of 10 minutes 39 seconds, noting potential issues with CAD connection and Highway 85/285 response times. The department hired a new administrative assistant and a certified paramedic firefighter. They are preparing to initiate an Advanced Life Support (ALS) service level in the city by July 1st, pending an interlocal agreement with county EMS. The department also attended public relations events and implemented a boundary drop with surrounding fire departments, leading to a slight anticipated drop in call volume. A $10,000 donation from the Randall Wise Foundation will support the ALS program, with equipment purchases already made. Discussions also touched on eBike ordinance enforcement, with current challenges focusing on electric motorcycles ridden by minors, and potential for increased enforcement during summer. The police department also addressed the capture of feral swine and the school zone camera operation during summer recess.

Trail Expansion, Stormwater Management, and Park Improvements Underway; Senior Court Concerns Raised

The meeting included discussions on park improvements and environmental initiatives. The Rocky Bay multi-use trail project is being pursued through a grant application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, aiming to connect existing trails and form a loop. The estimated cost is $485,000, and it is a matching grant. Separately, the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant is being sought for the Palm Boulevard complete street project, focusing on safety improvements in a key corridor. The 'Adopt a Drain' program continues to be successful, with 37 participants having adopted 74 drains and removed over 110 pounds of debris, contributing to the city's stormwater management and MS4 permit compliance. The city has also received its MS4 permit for stormwater discharge and will undergo an audit in July. Stormwater management efforts include cleaning vaults and inlets for hurricane season, addressing drainage issues on Canal Drive and Adam Street, and fixing a stormwater issue on 21st Street. The pavement assessment study, which ranks the city's roads in the top 15th percentile nationally, is beneficial for hurricane preparedness and FEMA reimbursement for road repairs. Turkey Creek bathrooms have been completed. The Park Me Park project is progressing rapidly, with playground equipment expected soon. Concerns were raised by senior pickleball players regarding the adequacy of courts at Meg's Park, suggesting improvements like fencing, better restroom facilities, and potentially adjusting membership age criteria. The city is also working with Okaloosa County on drainage repairs on Bayshore Drive, which will cause temporary lane closures.

City Advances Electric Franchise, Trail Projects, and Utility Infrastructure Upgrades

The city is moving forward with the Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) for an electric franchise agreement. The ordinance specifies provisions, conditions, and monthly payments to the city. Additionally, a resolution (Resolution 26-05-03) was adopted to authorize the city manager to submit a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Recreational Trails Program grant application for the Rocky Bay multi-use trail project. This project aims to connect existing trail segments and create a loop around the city. The estimated cost is $485,000, and it is a matching grant. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval for this grant application. A separate item involved a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a site marketing agreement with Diamond Towers 5 LLC for developing wireless communication infrastructure on four city-owned parcels, which is expected to enhance cell coverage in Niceville. The reuse pipeline project is nearing completion, with 3.4 miles laid and tied into Demos Creek, awaiting an easement from Eglin Air Force Base for the final thousand feet. Plans are underway to bid a new million-gallon water tank in Creek, and Generator Station 63 has been installed. The Green Belt Sewer project is set to begin shortly after bond recording. A well hit for total coliform requires a motor replacement and flushing. Other water and sewer infrastructure updates include well inspections, stainless piping upgrades, and installation of cameras on wells and tanks. Stormwater management efforts include cleaning vaults and inlets, addressing drainage issues on Canal Drive and Adam Street, and a successful 'Adopt a Drain' program with 37 participants and 74 drains adopted. The city also received its MS4 permit for stormwater discharge, with an audit scheduled for July. Sidewalk repairs on North Cedar are complete, and Phil Lane is open. Shoppers Construction completed the Boulevard sidewalks project ahead of schedule. The College Boulevard multi-use path is in progress, and Turkey Creek bathrooms are complete. The city's pavement assessment study ranked in the 80th percentile nationally, indicating good road conditions and facilitating FEMA reimbursement for future hurricane-related repairs. A school zone at Holy Name Catholic School has been installed, with audible sign issues resolved. Okaloosa County is performing drainage repairs on Bayshore Drive, causing temporary lane closures. Park Me Park construction is advancing quickly, with playground equipment expected soon. Code compliance cases are being managed, with 24 closed and 13 open.