NWFSC Forensics Speech and Debate Team Triumphs at FCSAA State Championship
On February 9th and 10th, 2024, the Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) Forensics Speech and Debate Team triumphed, demonstrating exceptional skills at the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) State Championship. Held virtually, students from 28 schools within the Florida College System competed. The NWFSC team placed in eleven competitions, with four students winning individual honors. Among them, Aleksandria Herr received the Shira Brownstein Award, which commemorates Tallahassee
Forever Warriors, Powered by Step One Automotive Group, Announces Participation in Upcoming Events to Support Military and Local Communities
Forever Warriors, in collaboration with Step One Automotive Group, is proud to announce its involvement in a series of events designed to engage and support military personnel, their families, and the broader community. With activities ranging from gaming conventions to fitness challenges and community festivals, Forever Warriors is dedicated to broadening its reach and impact within the military community by meeting them where they are. Pensacon: Gaming Everything•Date: February 23-25, 2024•Location:
Destin American Legion Post 296 Hosts Local Competition for the National High School Oratory Scholarship Program
On Jan. 5, 2024, Davis-Sikes, Destin American Legion Post 296 hosted its local competition for the National High School Oratory Scholarship Program. The purpose of the program is to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. The program is open to high School students in grades 9-12 who are U.S. Citizens. Post 296 hosted three area high school students from both Destin High School and Fort Walton Beach High School. Each
November 2023 Update from One Okaloosa EDC
By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC I hope that each and every one of you had a festive and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday! For the team here at One Okaloosa EDC, Thanksgiving offered a much needed break. Fall tends to be one of our busiest seasons, and this year has certainly been no exception. Along with working projects, hosting prospect site visits, advocating for our vital military missions, participating in multiple marketing events, and conducting “thank you” visits to the
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Four Special Events
Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin proudly presents four special events coming up in September and October. MDQ Mixtape, An Evening With Bryan Kennedy and Kevin Boyle, Comedy On the Boulevard, and Me and my Gal - A live Judy Garland and Gene Kelly Musical Tribute are all so different that they bring something for every audience. "There is nothing like a night at the theatre, whether you are signing along, laughing or grooving to the music. These four special events are
Teri Broxson Receives Eglin Federal Credit Union's 5-Star Employee Award for the 2nd Quarter
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Certified IRA Specialist Teri Broxson has been selected as the 5-Star Performer for the second quarter of 2023. Teri has been employed with the Credit Union for 26 years and currently resides in Fort Walton Beach. Member Service Supervisor Vanessa Cicchiani-Taylor said, “Teri is dedicated and proactive in helping our membership. She has also immersed herself in the community by volunteering to teach classes at the Center for Lifelong Learning at the
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Announces Season 11 Shows and Special Events
Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is proud to announce the Season 11 lineup of Professional Shows and Theatre for Young Audiences. Opening the season is Million Dollar Quartet from September 15 - October 1, 2023. ECTC looks forward to a brilliant season loaded with enriching performances for all. For more information about ECTC, the shows, and other programs, visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org. Nathanael Fisher, Producing Artistic Director and co-founder of ECTC says, "From Elvis to Mary Poppins and plays
The International Business Brokers Association Recognizes Local Business Broker Daniel Herring
The International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) has recognized Emerald Coast Business Intermediaries business broker Daniel Herring with the Chairman’s Circle Award for outstanding performance in 2022 as part of its Member Excellence Awards Program. Business brokers that achieve the Chairman’s Circle Award closed one or more qualified business deals amounting to $3M or over in total purchase price during the 2022 calendar year. This is the 2nd Chairman’s Circle Award that Daniel has earned! “The
OAA Announces Student Poster Contest Winners
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance would like to thank all the Okaloosa County School students that participated in the 14th annual OAA Okaloosa County School Poster Contest. This year the theme was “What art means to me”. Although we were not able to make everyone a 1st place winner, all 105 entries are on display at Enlightened Studios through May 6, 2022. Enlightened is located at 142 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Photo gallery also available online at
OAA Poster Contest & Okaloosa's Got Talent
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) invites all Okaloosa County school students from K-12th grade to enter the 14th annual poster contest. The deadline to enter the poster contest is this Friday, April 21st by 3 pm. Posters will be on display at Enlightened Studios from April 22- May 6th. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for elementary school students (K-4th), middle school students (5th-8th), and high school students (9th-12th) in Okaloosa County. Poster winners will be chosen by a panel of
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Summer Camp Registration is Open
Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) will be offering many summer camp options for children this summer. Dance, sing, act, or be behind the scenes in one (or more) of these fantastic summer camps. Many of the camps are being held at ECTC in Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, but there are a few options in Seaside, Panama City and Defuniak Springs. Payment plans are always available. More information on the camps and registration is available at emeraldcoasttheatre.org/summer-camps. The Mini Player Camps
4th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival Raises $50,000 for The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
The 4th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival held on Saturday, February 25th, 2023, at Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer was a huge success. The event raised a record-breaking $50,000 and welcomed more than 1,500 attendees in support of all local club kids. "We are truly blessed to live in a Community that continuously comes together to support the next generation and invest in the youth of our region. We must continue to seek out opportunities to speak light into the next generation and provide them with the
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Proudly Announces 2023 Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year Winners
On Thursday, March 9, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast announced the winners of the Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year program at their Annual Dinner at The Island Resort. Since 1947, the Youth of the Year program has been the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, providing the highest honor any teen member can receive. The addition of the Junior Youth of the Year extends these opportunities to youth ages 10-13 years old. The Youth of the Year (YOY) embodies
United Way Emerald Coast presents Volunteer Week: Day of Caring and Our 2nd Annual Volunteer Celebration!
Volunteer Week is an opportunity to honor the individuals that donate their time and dedication towards tackling issues in our community. Join us in a week of volunteerism through hands-on and virtual opportunities to support some of our region's nonprofits and end the week with a luncheon as we celebrate YOU and your impacts! Download our flyer here, check out the sponsorship opportunities here, or sign up to volunteer here! Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, United Fidelity Bank.
Soiree on the Bay Benefiting Children's Volunteer Health Network
Plans are officially in place for the 2nd Annual Soiree on the Bay, benefiting Children's Volunteer Health Network! Sponsored by the Dugas Family, this event will take place on their family estate and will be filled with lavish festivities on Friday, March 10, 2023, and Saturday, March 11, 2023 Enjoy a lavish gathering with fine wine, food and spirits at the 2nd Annual Soiree on the Bay, benefiting Children’s Volunteer Health Network. This weekend is presented by the Dugas Family and will take place on
Food For Thought Presents Read To Feed
In partnership with the St. Joe Community Foundation and The Walton County Public Schools, we are excited to announce our 2nd year of the Read To Feed Program. The St. Joe Community Foundation will award a grant for each advanced reader test scored 80% and above on by a Walton County School District student will raise $0.25 for Food For Thought Outreach to use to provide free, healthy meals to local students in need. The St. Joe Community Foundation is excited to announce that it will once again be
Caring & Sharing of South Walton Fall Fashion Show is Back by Popular Demand
Caring & Sharing of South Walton is excited to announce their 2nd Annual Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon presented by Emerald Coast Hospice. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, October 16th from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at the picturesque Gardens and Gallery of Monet Monet in Grayton Beach. Guests will enjoy a fashion show curated from donations to the Caring & Sharing Thrift Store that are styled and modeled by Caring & Sharing volunteers and community supporters. All items modeled in the Fashion Show,
NWFSC's Seagrass Restaurant Learning Lab Announces Fall Dining
We are pleased to announce the opening of Seagrass Restaurant student learning lab luncheon series at Northwest Florida State College for the Fall semester. The restaurant is designed to provide our Culinary and Hospitality Management students a hands-on learning environment while also showcasing their talents to the community. Seagrass Restaurant, located on the Niceville Campus, will serve lunch to the public the following Thursdays 9/15, 9/22, 10/6, 10/20, 11/3, 11/17. Seating times are available at
Sustainable September at the Destin Library
The Destin Library presents Sustainable September with activities for all ages that teach how to transform unused items around your home into upcycled tools and treasures. Reuse your today so you don’t have to reduce your tomorrow! To kick-off the month-long program, beginning September 1st, the library invites you to bring in your clean, plastic grocery bags and in return, you will receive a free, reusable tote. This is a perfect time to unload those plastic bags you’ve been accumulating in a closet or
Emerald Coast Title Services Announces Winners of 2022 Teacher Giveaway
Congratulations to Trendi Johnson of Holley Navarre Primary for winning 2nd place in Emerald Coast Title Services' 2022 Favorite Teacher Campaign!&##127881; &##129395; Trendi's wish list item for her classroom was a sensory table. With the help of ECTS, increasing her initial prize by an additional $200, they now can purchase it. We love supporting our community and hope the students of Holley Navarre Primary will benefit from the sensory table for many years to come. &##128154; Pictured here is first
Destin Chef wins 2nd place in the Great American Seafood Cook-off
Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board crowned Chef Erin Miller from Urban Hearth in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as the First-Ever 2022 Queen of American Seafood after winning the 2022 Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off on Saturday, August 6, in New Orleans. The 18th annual event was held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in conjunction with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Showcase. “What an outstanding competition we had today
Quentin Youngblood Receives Eglin Federal Credit Union’s 5-Star Employee Award for the 2nd Quarter
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Procurement Specialist Quentin Youngblood has been selected as the 5-Star Performer of the 2nd Quarter of 2022. Quentin has been employed with the Credit Union since January of 2012 and currently resides in Fort Walton Beach. President/CEO Jerry Williams said, “Quentin displays exemplary leadership and dedication to members and fellow Credit Union employees. He has a wonderful, cooperative attitude and is an excellent team player.” Manager Kathey Mitchell
Make-A-Wish Hosts 2nd Wishmaker's Ball - Silent Auction Items & Sponsors Needed
The Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida Chapter’s NE Region is holding its 2nd Wishmaker’s Ball on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Sawgrass Marriott in Ponte Vedra Beach. This is the signature MAW black-tie gala with a goal of raising enough funds to grant 50 wishes in the NE Region of Florida. We are inviting Destin Chamber members to attend and/or donate products/services to the silent auction portion of the MAW event. It is a great way to invite event attendees to connect with local businesses,
Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation Provides $7,500 in Scholarships to Students Tied to Local Area
Three students with local ties each received $2,500 from the Be the Magic Foundation to further their education. Quin Gable, Brynn Repicky, and Aniah Gonzales were selected as recipients of the Foundation’s inaugural College Scholarship Program. Gable, Repicky, and Gonzales each overcame significant challenges during their quest for excellence in academics, sports, leadership, patriotism, and community service in high school. Quin Gable, a Choctawhatchee High School graduate, will attend the University
Okaloosa Arts Alliance Announces 2022 School Poster Contest Winners
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance would like to thank all the Okaloosa County School students that participated in the 13th annual OAA Okaloosa County School Poster Contest. This year the theme was “Sparking the Arts”. Although we were not able to make everyone a 1st place winner, all 218 entries are on display at Enlightened Studios (Grades 5th-12th) and the FWB Library (K-4th) through May 20, 2022. Enlightened is located at 142 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, and the FWB Library is
Destin High School To Hold First Golf Outing
The community and Destin High School (DHS) students are invited to sign up for Destin High Athletics Golf Outing, the first of a planned series of annual golf tournaments. The Golf Outing, with a 10 a.m. shotgun start on Sunday, May 1, will be held at the Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club. One can register for the golf tournament on-line at www.GoDestinSharks.com, or at DHS. Pre-registration before April 10 is $500 for a team of 4, and $100 for individuals. After April 10, it will be $550 for a team, and
13th Annual Okaloosa Arts Alliance Poster Contest- Call to Artists
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) would like to invite all Okaloosa County School students to participate in the 13th Annual OAA Okaloosa County School Poster Contest. The theme for the contest is “Sparking the Arts.” It can be anything you can create on paper with markers, pencils, paint, pastels, charcoal, mixed media, or crayons. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for three elementary school students (K-4), for three middle school students (5-7), and for three high school students (8-12)