Northwest Florida State College Energy Program Earns Best-In-Class Award
A dedicated, 10 year-long effort to create healthier, more efficient buildings not only paid off financially for Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC), but is earning industry recognition for setting an example for others to follow.
NWFSC has cut expected energy use by 61.9 percent since partnering with Cenergistic, the pioneer and leading provider of technology-enabled conservation services, which presented the NWFSC Board of Trustees its Cenergistic Best-In-Class Award on August 20, 2024. The award lauds the organization’s success with the Cenergistic energy management program — a comprehensive science-based, technology-driven approach to energy conservation at all levels of the organization. It delivers financial savings as well as environmental benefits from a reduced carbon footprint. Energy not used prevents the emission of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. According to the EPA, NWFSC has reduced CO2 emissions equal to 168,031,457 miles not driven by the average vehicle for 10 years.
NWFSC’s comprehensive energy conservation program addresses energy use throughout the organization. The energy specialist track energy consumption at all campuses through state-of-the-art technology to identify and correct areas where energy is over-used. They also work closely with organization personnel as well as Cenergistic engineers and experts to continually optimize systems and schedules. Together they monitor energy use with advanced technology and shape energy-using practices through education — affecting how each person in the organization understands, uses and saves energy for years to come. The outcome is healthier, more efficient buildings using less energy — and lower related costs.
Florida’s Great Northwest Selects This Year’s Leadership Northwest Florida Class
Through a program designed to focus on regional collaboration through community, content, and connection, the following Leadership Northwest Florida students will be immersed in a seven-month educational program and meet other leaders from a variety of backgrounds who represent Northwest Florida’s diverse composition: Tracy Andrews, Florida Power & Light; Ivan Beach, Bay District Schools; AJ Brown, Wharton-Smith, Inc.; Rhonda Byrd-Lee, West Florida Electric Cooperative; Bill Conder, The Highland Group; Branden Crosby, Warren Averett, LLC; Brandon Elkins, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton; Darwin Gilmore, Jackson County Economic Development Committee; Brent Hargett, Navy Federal Credit Union; Ildi Hosman, Landrum; Kristie Kelley, Central Gulf Industrial Alliance; Brent Melvin, David H. Melvin, Inc.; Ruthie Noel, Achieve Escambia; Hong Potomski, Florida Blue; Kerri Powell, Merrick Industries, Inc.; Michaelean Stewart, Visit Panama City Beach; and Justin Woodard, Community Bank.
Three Dolphins To Be Relocated From Disney’s Epcot To Our Own Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Disney will permanently relocate its three dolphins from Epcot to our the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island by the end of October. Epcot has had dolphins on display since The Living Seas — now The Seas with Nemo & Friends — debuted in 1986, three years after the theme park opened. In a memo sent to Cast Members, Lou, one of its beloved manatees, will also be relocated. “For decades, Walt Disney World has provided extraordinary care for thousands of fish and marine mammals – including dolphins and manatees that have served as ambassadors for their species, inspiring us about marine mammals and aiding in conservation and research efforts. As we look to the future of The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, we are making some changes that require careful thought, prioritizing the wellbeing of these sensitive marine mammals…This decision came after a comprehensive evaluation as to what is best for these dolphins as infrastructure work progresses at The Seas. Through the extraordinary care from our team, these three male dolphins have thrived and led long lives, and we will continue to be a resource while they receive the best possible care after they are moved.”
DCWAF to Celebrate 20 Years of Fundraising for Children in Need in NWF
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF is celebrating two decades of positive impact in our local community. The celebration officially kicked off on August 29 at the Foundation’s annual check presentation ceremony where just over $3 million was presented to 17 benefitting charities, all providing life-saving services to at-risk children and families in the local community. This year’s donation also marks a major milestone for DCWAF as the organization surpasses $35 million donated since its inception in 2005. To date, DCWAF funding has helped to build more than 60 Habitat for Humanity homes, a Level II NICU, two dental busses, a pediatric exam room, resources for those with developmental differences, scholarships to after-school programs, support services for homeless, abused, and neglected children, and countless other lifesaving programs. Learn more at http://www.DCWAF.org.
Business Organizations Endorse Okaloosa Tax Exemption Renewal
Citing the need for Okaloosa County to remain competitive for new, high wage jobs, seven respected community business organizations have aligned to support and encourage approval of the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE) incentive program that will be placed before Okaloosa County voters in the November 5 general election: Building Industry Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, the Destin Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and One Okaloosa Economic Development Council. The Boards of Directors of each of the seven organizations have endorsed the renewal of the economic incentive program and are encouraging their respective membership bases to support the initiative.
Providing temporary property tax exemptions to eligible new and existing businesses that invest in facility improvements and/or equipment while creating new jobs with an average wage at 110% of the county’s average wage or more, the EDATE program was initially adopted in 1981. Under Florida law, the program must be reauthorized by voters every 10 years. Following the August 6 decision by the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners to place the referendum question on the ballot, voters in Okaloosa County will have the opportunity to renew the EDATE incentive. “It should come as no surprise that getting these seven organizations to come together to support the renewal of this vital economic development tool was remarkably easy. Quality jobs are foundational to a healthy economy, and with our neighboring counties offering an EDATE incentive to facilitate new employment opportunities, we have to do everything we can to ensure that we remain competitive,” said Nathan Sparks, Executive Director, One Okaloosa EDC.
According to an economic impact report completed by the University of West Florida’s Haas Center in July, Okaloosa County’s EDATE incentive has resulted in the addition of 317 jobs to the local economy over the past 10 years and an additional $19.1 million in local payroll. The UWF Haas Center tallied the overall Return on Investment to Okaloosa County at 663%.
Visit www.jobsforokaloosa.com for more information.
Local Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge
The local Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Lodge #2422, encourages participation of all Italian Americans throughout the area. Though the Lodge is devoted to the culture and heritage of Italy and all things Italian, community citizens 18 and older can become members.
The organization provides academic scholarships and participates in many Fort Walton Beach activities. Meetings are the first Thursday each month at the Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club at 6 p.m. Apply by contacting President Maddie McNeal smile4maddie2@gmail.com or 850-259-0292.
