Gulfarium’s Romeo Makes History as Oldest Manatee Ever
A familiar face at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is making waves far beyond our area.
Romeo, a beloved resident manatee at our own Gulfarium, has officially been named the oldest manatee ever recorded by Guinness World Records at an estimated 71 years old — and possibly even older.
Known affectionately as a gentle giant, Romeo’s story spans decades. Originally discovered in the Miami area in 1957 as a young manatee, he has lived under human care ever since, serving as an ambassador for education and conservation. Today, he calls the Gulfarium home, where you can visit him in Manatee Cove alongside his companions.
What makes Romeo’s milestone even more remarkable is that manatees typically live just 30 to 40 years, making his longevity truly extraordinary. His life now surpasses the previous record-holder, Snooty, who lived to 69.
Beyond the record, Romeo represents something deeper — a living reminder of the importance of protecting Florida’s iconic marine life. Manatees continue to face threats from boat strikes, habitat loss and environmental challenges, making conservation efforts more critical than ever.
For locals and visitors alike, Romeo’s recognition is a point of pride for our community — and a heartwarming reason to celebrate one of the Gulfarium’s most cherished residents.
Freedom Tech Center Hotel Earns National Recognition
A newly opened hotel in Fort Walton Beach is already earning national attention. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Walton Beach – Eglin Area at Freedom Tech Center has been named a recipient of the 2025 IHG Newcomer Award, placing it among just 15 newly opened hotels recognized nationwide. Opened Sept. 12, 2024, the 115-room property is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts and has quickly stood out for exceptional guest satisfaction, operational excellence and strong first-year performance. The hotel has maintained an impressive 4.9-star Google rating, with guests frequently praising its friendly staff, spotless rooms and standout breakfast experience.
Developed and owned by The Jay Odom Group and operated by Odom Hotelz™, the property emphasizes a hospitality philosophy rooted in omotenashi—a Japanese approach centered on thoughtful, anticipatory service and genuine guest experiences. The hotel features a modern, aviation-inspired design honoring nearby Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field, with unique spaces like the Pilot’s Lounge and Flight Deck Boardroom. Amenities include complimentary hot breakfast, fitness center, business facilities and a manager’s reception offered up to twice weekly.
Located within the 52-acre Freedom Tech Center—just minutes from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport and the Emerald Coast’s beaches—the hotel serves military, business and leisure travelers alike, while supporting Eglin Air Force Base through the development’s unique partnership.
Northwest Florida Retired Officers Wives Club ‘s Spring Fashion Show
By Barb Palmgren
Each year this group of women host a fashion show to welcome spring. Choosing blouses, skirts, dresses and accessories from the Eglin Main Exchange, they smile and pose for the organization. The luncheon was held in a private room of the Clubhouse Grill Restaurant near the Fort Walton Municipal Golf Course. With over three changes to model new apparel items, the ladies pictured below were certainly quick-change artists. Management from the store described each item and price. Yes, a lovely lunch with lingering thoughts of what one should wear on a cruise or reception.
Variety and options to appeal for all the luncheon attendees. Fashion is something that never goes out of style and the photo below is testament to the fact that “girls just want to have fun.”
UWF Athletics Moves to Division I Competition
The University of West Florida (UWF) announced April 2 that its athletic programs will transition from NCAA Division II to Division I beginning in fall 2026, marking a major milestone for the Pensacola-based university. The Argonauts will join the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) for most sports and the United Athletic Conference (UAC) for football at the FCS level. UWF will undergo a three-year reclassification period (2026–29), during which teams may compete for conference championships but will be ineligible for NCAA postseason play. Full Division I membership, including postseason eligibility, begins in the 2029–30 academic year.
University President Manny Diaz Jr. said the move aligns UWF with peer institutions, expands national visibility and enhances student recruitment opportunities. UWF enters Division I with strong momentum, having earned 11 national championships and numerous conference titles at the Division II level.
JetBlue Takes Off from VPS, Bringing Nonstop Travel Within Reach for FWB Residents
JetBlue’s arrival at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is welcome news for Fort Walton Beach residents, bringing convenient new nonstop travel options and opening the door to seamless connections beyond New York and Boston, including destinations across the U.S., Caribbean and Europe. Competitive introductory fares also make these routes an attractive option for family trips and quick getaways.
The airline launched service March 5, 2026, with direct flights to New York’s JFK and Boston Logan—two major Northeast hubs popular for both business and leisure travel. For local residents, this means easier access to key destinations without the hassle of layovers or long drives to larger airports.
ECCAC Golf & Gala Exceeds Expectations, Supports Healing for Local Children
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) 28th annual Golf & Gala, presented by Peggy and Jerry Swanson, raised funds that exceeded expectations, furthering the organization’s mission to restore childhoods impacted by abuse.
The Gala, held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, featured dinner, live and silent auctions, and a powerful testimony from 22-year-old Isabella Rose, who received ECCAC services at age 6 and is now thriving. Nationally recognized auctioneer Dawn Marie Kotsonis, known as the “Gavel Girl,” led an energetic live auction.
ECCAC CEO Julie Porterfield expressed gratitude to all involved. “From our guests and sponsors to our Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff, we are incredibly thankful. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families,” she said.
The prestigious Zeke Bratkowski Award was presented to Steve and Lynn Dugas and the Dugas Family Foundation for their longstanding support of ECCAC.
The weekend concluded with a successful golf tournament at Kelly Plantation, where 140 players competed after weather cleared just in time.
ECCAC operates child-friendly centers in Okaloosa and Walton counties, providing coordinated services and no-cost mental health therapy for children and families affected by abuse and neglect.
