Crunk Juice is also the name of a 2004 album by Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz.
Re: tying the porch roof into the main house... I'll add I'd also go with 5/8 CDX ply for the roof sheathing. That added 1/8 goes a long way to resist uplift , and as you know wind in your area is a BIG issue.
The chase must have fireblocking at the level of the porch ceiling. This is usually accomplished by building the first section of wall to this level and capping it with a floor of 3/4-inch-thick plywood or OSB. The fireplace installer will cut out the floor around the flue and install a metal flange.