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Homer, AK, August 09, 2024 –Northern Notes LLC, the publisher of Homer By The Bay, a blog about Things to Do in Homer, Alaska, is excited to share the start of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Riders will endure a journey from Daytona Beach, Florida, to Homer, Alaska, face extreme weather, and sleep beside their bikes without GPS support. This challenge tests riders’ skill, endurance, and purpose, emphasizing Respect, Honor, Integrity, and Compassion. Homer will welcome the riders from August 14-17, 2024.

The 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge benefits the Kenaitze Indian Tribe Yahanen Language and Cultural Programs.

In addition to the primary beneficiary of the event, each rider chooses a cause to support.

Three Homer, Alaska residents are riding in the Challenge. Brad Phelps (Rider #1160) is the dedicated small business owner of BP Welding in Homer, Alaska, and the esteemed Director of the American Legion Riders from Chapter #16. Brad’s mission is to raise awareness and funds for the Last Frontier Honor Flight, which honors veterans by providing them with all-expenses-paid trips to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C.

Alex Sweeney (Rider # 88) owns The Driftwood Inn in Homer, Alaska, a Forever Partner of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. He and his daughter, Lexi (Rider # 1236), are raising funds for South Peninsula Haven House, which supports and empowers individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse by advocating for justice and providing safe shelter, crisis intervention, prevention, and victim advocacy.

Follow the Journey Follow a rider’s progress throughout the Challenge via live tracking provided by the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Follow Brad, Alex, and Lexi at hokaheychallenge.com. On the home page, scroll down to and click on Track Your Rider. Enter the rider’s number in the search field “Search US Fleet Tracking.”

Community Support The Driftwood Inn in Homer, Alaska, is a historic inn in Old Town Homer, Alaska. It is a Forever Partner of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. The Driftwood Inn and the Homer Community have rallied around Phelps, with local businesses and individuals pledging their support.

“Riding in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is a dream come true,” said Phelps. “But more importantly, it’s an opportunity to give back to those who have given so much for our country. I am honored to ride for the Last Frontier Honor Flight and help our veterans experience the recognition they deserve.”

About BP Welding BP Welding, owned and operated by Brad Phelps, is a Homer Marine Trades Association member and a cornerstone business in Homer, Alaska. It is known for its exceptional service and community involvement. Phelps’ commitment to quality and dedication to his craft has earned BP Welding a stellar reputation in the local community.

About the American Legion Riders The American Legion Riders, Post #16, is an esteemed group dedicated to supporting veterans, active-duty military, and their families. Through various charitable activities and community events, they foster a spirit of camaraderie and service.

A Homer Alaska Welcome The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is an extraordinary test of endurance and spirit. Its riders embark on a grueling 10,000-mile journey from Daytona Beach, Florida, down the Kenai Peninsula to Homer, Alaska. This year, participants faced an additional challenge as they rode through the formidable conditions of Hurricane Debby, showcasing their remarkable resilience and determination.

Homer, Alaska, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and welcoming community, eagerly awaits the arrival of these courageous riders. The town is pulling out all the stops to celebrate their incredible achievement with events designed to honor their journey and offer a warm Alaskan welcome.

Things to Do in Homer Alaska Event Highlights:

August 14: Hoka Hey Happy Hour at AJ’s Steakhouse – Join us for an evening of camaraderie and celebration as we toast the riders’ accomplishments.

August 15: Rider Night at the Salty Dawg – A night dedicated to the brave participants, filled with stories, laughter, and Alaskan hospitality.

August 17: The End of the Road Party at Alice’s Champagne Palace – This celebration marks the completion of the Challenge and features music, food, and festivities.

Homer, Alaska, is proud to host these modern-day warriors and looks forward to sharing in the spirit of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Join us in honoring their incredible journey and the unyielding human spirit it represents.

BUNNELL — Brendan Depa appeared to pray twice during his sentencing hearing for beating a teacher’s aide at Matanzas High School, an attack that was recorded in a viral video that became international news.

But the teen made no statement to the court and the judge said Depa never expressed remorse for the brutal attack.

Circuit Judge Terence Perkins cited Depa’s escalating violence and the teen’s need for treatment and then sentenced him to five years in prison followed by 15 years of probation.

Perkins said he saw no concern for Joan Naydich’s injuries on the part of Depa.

“And Mr. Depa has never expressed not even a single bit of remorse before this court in any of our many court proceedings — not once, with regard to remorse,” Perkins said.

Depa swung his head back so he was looking straight up at the ceiling when Perkins read the verdict in the courtroom at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell.

The judge ordered that Depa, who is autistic and has been diagnosed with other mental health disorders, receive a full mental health evaluation and treatment once in the state prison system.

Depa will receive credit for 17 1/2 months time served in jail as he awaited the outcome of his case.

Perkins adjudicated Depa guilty of aggravated battery on a school board employee. Depa had pleaded no contest to the first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Depa was 17 on Feb. 21, 2023, when he attacked Naydich, a paraprofessional who had been assigned to him at Matanzas High School.

Naydich testified during the first part of the sentencing on May 1 that she texted Depa’s teacher that he should not be allowed to take a gaming system to class after he took it out twice, disrupting other students. Afterward, Depa attacked Naydich as she walked in a school hallway.

Brendan Depa's 'progression and violence'

Perkins noted that mental health experts testified that Depa suffers from autism spectrum disorder and also said he had above-average intelligence. He said he was not losing sight that Depa was 17 at the time of the incident.

But Perkins said the beating was not “an isolated event” and Depa had twice been charged as a juvenile in 2019 with battery. Depa was also violent and aggressive toward staff and residents at the group home in Palm Coast starting in November 2020. Perkins also said Depa had been in an "extremely aggressive fight" in December 2021 on a school bus that the bus driver indicated he could not break up.

The judge then referred to Depa’s attack on Naydich.

“It’s an event that shows the progression and violence that Mr. Depa was exerting among those that were around him,” Perkins said.

He noted testimony from a mental heath expert who testified that Depa knew the difference between right and wrong and is capable of controlling his anger.

The judge said that an expert said the violence was not related to autism.

“It doesn’t cause it,” the judge said. “Violence, bullying or aggression are not associated with the autism spectrum disorder,” Perkins said, adding that there can be some individuals who can be violent.

Perkins commended the Flagler County jail, saying the routine and structure there played a role in eliminating violence on Depa’s part.

He noted that Depa’s physical growth made him more dangerous to those around him. Depa was listed as 6 feet, 6 inches tall and 270 pounds in the charging affidavit for the attack on Naydich.

Perkins said for the purposes of sentencing, Depa must be considered dangerous with a high probability of violent conduct in the future.

Judge: Brendan Depa expressed no remorse

“Compounding the senseless physical violence was the screaming of obscenities, spitting on Ms. Naydich both before and during the incident,” Perkins said.

“He pursued her down the hallway, pushed her so violently from behind that she flew through the air and was knocked unconscious when she landed in the hallway floor," the judge said. "He then proceeded to kick her, then jump on top of her, striking her in the head and body more than 15 times. It took several strong men, I counted five, but several to pull him off.”

Even while Naydich was still unconscious, Depa spit at her and yelled profanities as he threatened to kill her, Perkins said.

The judge noted that Naydich suffered five broken ribs; a concussion; herniated discs; headaches; vision and hearing losses; and PTSD from the attack.

“What would have happened had Mr. Depa not been pulled off her, I, I don’t want to even imagine,” Perkins said.

Assistant State Attorney Melissa Clark argued for a state prison sentence, asking for seven years. She said sentencing Depa as a juvenile would mean he would be released in two years when he turns 21. She said that was not enough time for someone who has life-long mental health diagnosis. She also said it was not enough punishment for the severe beating Depa inflicted on Naydich.

Depa's defense attorney, Kurt Teifke, said school officials met after the incident and determined that Depa's attack on Naydich was a manifestation of his disability. Teifke cited testimony that the school district had not followed an individualized education plan for Depa or heeded warnings about triggers that could upset him, such as the electronics. Teifke said Depa would not receive the necessary treatment in state prison.

Teifke told the judge during the hearing that Depa originally planned to make a statement, but had a "change of heart."

Brendan Depa appears to pray during sentencing

During the hearing, Depa, handcuffed and dressed in the routine orange jail jumpsuit, sat between Teifke and Teifke's assistant. A couple of times, Depa bent over and would then rise and make the sign of the cross. Other times, he would talk to his attorney or the assistant. Depa also laid his head directly on the table a couple of times.

After the hearing, Leanne Depa, who lives in the Tampa area and adopted Depa when he was an infant, said the school district failed him and did not follow his behavioral plan. She was accompanied by numerous supporters during the hearing.

"I think he needs help. Absolutely. But I don't think he needs to be put away in a prison where he is going to be taken advantage of," she said.

Leanne Depa said: "They are punishing that he is Black, they are punishing that he is large and they are punishing his disability."

Naydich could not be reached for comment.

DAYTONA BEACH — A Utah-based low-cost airline will soon offer year-round twice-a-week nonstop flights at Daytona Beach International Airport to four new destinations.

Breeze Airways announced its plans at a press conference Wednesday morning at the Volusia County-run airport.

It will launch its service to Westchester County (White Plains), New York, on Thursdays and Sundays, beginning Nov. 14.

It will add flights on Thursdays and Sundays beginning Feb. 13, 2025, to and from Hartford, Connecticut, and to and from Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

Then it will add flights on Mondays and Fridays beginning Feb. 14, 2025 to and from Providence, Rhode Island.

Cyrus Callum, Volusia County's director of aviation and economic resources, described Breeze's decision to add flights here as "the biggest air service announcement" in the airport's history. "We haven't had one carrier announce four new destinations all at once before," he said in a phone interview.

What is Breeze Airways?

The budget airline was founded in 2018 and began service on its first route (Tampa to Charleston, South Carolina) in 2021. It is based in Cottonwood Heights, Utah (just outside Salt Lake City).

Its founder, CEO David Neeleman, previously was involved in founding four other airlines: JetBlue, WestJet, Morris Air, and Azul Linhas Aereas.

According to its website, Breeze focuses on providing "efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. Our flights include seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24 months of reusable flight credit, and customized flight features, including complimentary family seating, delivered via a sleek and simple app. We make it easy to buy and easy to fly."

Cities that Breeze currently flies out of in Florida include Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Fort Myers, Sarasota-Bradenton, Pensacola, and Vero Beach.

What are its fare options?

Breeze offers four different types of air fares: "No Flex Fare" (no-frills basic fare whose purchasers are the last to be seated); "Nice" (includes a free carry-on item, standard seat, and general boarding); "Nicer" (free carry-on item, one free checked bag, extra leg room, free inflight WiFi, priority boarding); and "Nicest" (one carry-on item, two checked bags, free inflight WiFi, recliner seat, two free checked bags, priority boarding, free inflight snacks and drinks). All options allow one free personal item.

Prices on Breeze flights from Daytona Beach were not available on the airline's website on Tuesday.

Introductory discount available this week

Breeze is offering a 35% discount on all roundtrip base fares if purchasedbefore midnight Friday for travel from Aug. 28 through Feb. 4 of next year,and from April 28 through May 13, 2025. To access the introductory discount, use the promotional code "TAKEOFF" at checkout on flybreeze.com or on the Breeze app.

What kind of planes will Breeze use here?

Callum said Breeze will use Airbus A220-300s on its flights to and from Daytona Beach. They will be able to seat up to 137 passengers.

Breeze flights will boost travel options at Daytona airport

The addition of the new routes by Breeze will increase the number of destinations airline travelers can fly to from Daytona Beach International Airport to nine, not counting seasonal offerings.

The airport currently offers four flights a day, seven days a week, by both Delta Air Lines (to Atlanta, Georgia), and by American Airlines (to Charlotte, North Carolina).

Low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines currently offers twice-a-week nonstop flights to New Haven, Connecticut.

Avelo recently announced plans to add twice weekly nonstop service to Wilmington, Delaware (a 30-minute drive to Philadelphia), beginning Nov. 7, and to Hartford, Connecticut, starting Nov. 8.

The addition of Breeze could increase Daytona Beach's chances of attracting service to new destinations from other airlines as well, said Joanne Magley, the airport's director of air service, marketing and customer service.

"The more we add airlines, the more other airlines take notice," she said.

Decision hastened by competitor's recent announcement

Callum said Avelo's announcement in July of its plans to add nonstop Daytona Beach-Hartford service took Breeze officials by surprise as they were already in talks about possibly introducing flights to that city from here.

"It created a sense of urgency," he said of Breeze's decision last week to finally agree to add service at Daytona Beach.

Incentives were involved

Daytona Beach International Airport agreed to provide Breeze with "general airport incentives" that include a two-year waiver on the fees the airport typically charges airlines such as landing fees and rent, said Callum.

The airport also pledged to provide marketing assistance to promote the airline's new routes, as well as the possibility of marketing assistance from the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The amount the CVB would spend on promoting Breeze's new routes has yet to be determined and is subject to approval both from its board as well as from the Volusia County Council.

Were local tax dollars involved?

No, at least not those collected by the county.

Daytona Beach International Airport operates as an "enterprise fund" meaning that its funding comes from revenues it generates on its own from tenants, which include the airlines, car rental companies, and the restaurants and hotels on its property, as well as from state and federal grants (usually for construction projects).

The airport does not use money from ad valorem taxes paid by Volusia County residents.

What they're saying

“Breeze starting service at Daytona Beach International Airport is beyond ‘NICE’,” said Airport Director Karen Feaster, in a news release. “Our air service development team has been talking with the route planners at Breeze for more than two years, continually building relationships and now we can celebrate a huge air service win for our community and welcome even more visitors to our beautiful destination.”

“We have continued to see opportunities for growth on Florida’s eastern coast, and that’s evident by this announcement of four nonstop routes from Daytona Beach,” said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways’ founder and CEO, in the news release. “These great destinations will give the community more affordable, yet elevated travel options.”

Chris Gollon

A tornado watch in Flagler and Volusia counties, initially issued on Sunday, has been extended until at least 4:00 pm Monday. The watch was put out as Hurricane Debby made its effects felt over much of Florida during its Monday landfall. Debby made landfall at around 7:00 am near Steinhatchee, a Gulf Coast city nearly straight west of St. Augustine. It has been measured as a Category 1 hurricane.

A tornado watch, as defined by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), signifies that conditions are ideal for a tornado to form in a given area. When conditions elevate to a tornado warning, a twister has been detected and those in the affected area should seek shelter immediately.

Almost the entire state of Florida is still under a state of emergency as of Monday due to Debby, which is hitting the state from the Gulf of Mexico and traveling to the northeast. Heavy rains and gusty winds are accounting for most of the impacts in the early hours of Debby’s landfall.

In Flagler County, the most noticeable effects were erosion to the newly-installed beach renourishment on the south side of Flagler Beach. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been working on offshore dredging to restore some of the area’s coastline, which has been chipped away at by coastal flooding and rising water levels.

“The beach construction operation is on hold due to high seas,” said USACE Coastal Engineering Administrator Ansley Wren-Key. “The dredge will be back later this week when wave heights decrease to less than 5 feet. We are hoping that it will be Wednesday, but it all depends on Hurricane Debby and the wave and weather conditions.”

The Flagler County Emergency Management Department advised on Monday that two to three inches of rain are expected by Wednesday, a lower estimate than the initial four to eight. Winds on Monday in Flagler are expected to reach 30 miles per hour consistently, with gusts up to 40 (a tropical storm level). A wind advisory is in effect in Flagler until Monday at 11:00 pm, as of Monday afternoon.

The Volusia County Emergency Management Department is projecting slightly stronger elements for their area. Predictions include four to six inches of rain and winds up to 50 miles per hour. Residents traveling in Volusia County are advised to watch for flooded roadways and other driving hazards.

In the event of residents losing power, the Florida Division of Emergency Management advises unplugging electronics and appliances to avoid surge damage, check for updates on the radio, and operate a generator 20 feet from the home. The usage of open flames during a power outage is highly discouraged.

Hurricane Debby made landfall in Steinhatchee, Florida, Monday morning, the same area where Tropical Storm Debby came ashore 12 years ago and Hurricane Idalia hit last year. Florida residents along the state's west coast are being drenched and flooded, but inland areas can't count themselves lucky just yet. Much of the state and parts of Georgia are under a tornado watch until 4 p.m. EDT Monday.

"A few tornadoes are possible over central and northern Florida and southeastern Georgia today," the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory. "The threat will spread northeastward into parts of South Carolina later today and tonight."

The National Weather Service said that two tornadoes were seen on the ground by spotters in or near Polk County. One NWS student volunteer spotter reported a tornado on the ground in west Bowling Green in Hardee County at 4:35 p.m. and another took a video of a tornado on the ground for about 2 minutes southwest of Bartow about two hours later.

Tornadoes are unpredictable, immensely powerful, and very, very dangerous. Here's what you need to know.

Which Florida counties are under tornado watch?

Twenty-nine of the state's 67 counties are included in the NWS's tornado watch, including Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Union and Volusia.

Coastal areas under tornado watch include:

Which Georgia counties are under tornado watch?

As of Sunday afternoon, the following Georgia counties are included: Brantley, Bryan, Camden, Charlton, Chatham, Evans, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Pierce, Tattnall, Ware and Wayne.

Also coastal waters from Savannah, Georgia to Altamaha Sound out 20 nautical miles, including Gray's Reef national Marine Sanctuary

What's the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

If the National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for your area it means conditions for tornadoes are good and you should be ready to act quickly. Have your emergency plans and supplies ready.

If your area is under a tornado warning, it means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and you may be in imminent danger. Act quickly.

if you are under a tornado warning or if you've seen or heard a tornado approaching, immediately take steps depending on your situation:

How do I prepare for a tornado?

The National Weather Service suggests having an emergency plan ready ahead of time, including designating a "safe space" in your home that is a completely interior room, ideally without windows.

You also should have supplies ready such as flashlights, batteries, food, water, clothes and shoes, and some way or multiple ways to get updates including your fully-charged phone with push alerts set up, local TV reports, weather apps and a NOAA weather radio.

What do I do if a tornado is nearby?

Check forecasts regularly to see if you're at risk for tornadoes. You can get that information from weather apps on your phone, this website, NOAA Weather radio, local news sites such as this one, local TV news, or your local Emergency Operations Center. Stay informed.

Have a family plan ready that includes where to meet and how to keep in touch. Assume you'll lose power and keep your phones fully charged ahead of time, with important phone numbers written down.

Tornadoes can sound like a freight train bearing down on you, but don't assume that if you don't hear that you're safe. Pay attention to weather alerts.

What do I do if a tornado is coming and I'm in a house?

If you're in a house:

What do I do if a tornado is coming and I'm in a mobile or manufactured home?

If you're in a mobile or manufactured home:

What do I do if a tornado is coming and I'm out in the open?

If you're in open country:

What do I do if a tornado is coming and I'm in a vehicle?

What do I do if a tornado is coming and I'm in an office, condominium, school or hotel?

What do I do after a tornado has passed?

What is a tornado?

According to the National Weather Service, a tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground.

Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and at any time of the year.

Although tornadoes are most common in the Central Plains and the southeastern United States, they have been reported in all 50 states.

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