FWB Chamber Announces Limited Release of “Brave Bomber to Heroic Horse Soldier” Historic Print Sets
The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce has had the distinction of hosting the 71st (Final) Reunion of the Doolittle Raiders in 2013; and the Inaugural (First) Reunion of the ODA 595 5th Special Forces team in 2022. For each event, a limited-edition reunion print was created.
The Doolittle Raiders and ODA 595 Horse soldiers are historically connected as ‘The Firsts’ to defend our Country after enemy attacks on our American homeland. Doolittle Raiders April 18, 1942, the first retaliation after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Horse Soldiers ODA 595, the first American soldiers into Afghanistan after the attacks on September 11, 2001.
“After the Final Doolittle Raider reunion in 2013—we saved 25 signed posters waiting for the right time to make them available as historic remembrances of our Raider friends. Having just completed the First ODA 595 reunion—it seemed the perfect time to share with the world the connection between the two,” states Ted Corcoran, President/CEO. “We only have the 25 Signed Raider prints—and only produced 100 of the ODA 595 prints—thus this is a very exclusive opportunity for a fan to own these two connected pieces of American history. “
Print Details: The Raiders print (22” x 28”) is autographed by the last 3 surviving Raiders: Richard Cole, David Thatcher,and Ed Saylor; The ODA 595 Horse Soldiers print (20” x 24”) is autographed by 10 of the attending Twelve Strong.
Cost: $249 (unframed) plus $19.99 postage (outside of Okaloosa County area).
Only 25 print sets are available—first come first served, with a limit of two sets per person.
To purchase, visit the chamber (34 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call (850) 244-8191. Credit Card orders accepted. www.fwbchamber.org.
The Exceptional Student Education (ESE) department at Meigs Middle School will be hosting its first annual Heart For Art Auction & Drawing event this year. Funds raised during this event will help us cover the cost of supplies needed to help our students be successful as well as furnishing the tools needed in the Calming Room, which teaches students with exceptionalities successful strategies to deal with big emotions. A tentative date is set for Friday, March 3rd from 4 – 7 p.m. Donations will accepted from now until February 15th and will be used for art creations, basket creations and concession supplies. If you’d like to donate, contact christy.little@okaloosaschools.com.
Florida Education Office of Safe Schools Recognizes Bruner Middle School’s School Resource Officer for the FortifyFL QR Code
In November, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Deputy Jeramy Dobkins, received a certificate of appreciation from the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Safe Schools for developing a QR code for the FortifyFL Suspicious Activity Reporting App. In 2018, the Florida Legislature created and funded FortifyFL as part of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. The QR code has been adopted throughout the State of Florida and is posted in every school across the state for students to have rapid access in submitting tips regarding threats in their schools. Students can provide a description of the threat, share pictures and videos anonymously or may choose to submit their contact information. All information is instantly relayed to the appropriate law enforcement agency as well as school officials. Superintendent Marcus Chambers stated, “The partnership between the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the school district has been used as a model for districts across the state and nothing is more important than the safety of our students and employees.” In November of 2021, Dobkins, received a Certificate of Commendation on behalf of Superintendent Marcus Chambers recognizing him for his “profound innovation” and “exceptional dedication to the safety and security” of the district. The FortifyFL app is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Tips can also be submitted online at GetFortifyFL.com.
Be the Magic Foundation Brings Christmas Spirit to Families in Need
Several years ago, the team at Bit-Wizards in Fort Walton Beach decided that in lieu of client gifts and holiday cards, the company would donate Christmas gifts to families in need.
For 2022, Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation chose to donate to 14 families, including 25 kids, that reside at Fresh Start for Children and Families. Fresh Start’s mission is to share love and compassion through a comprehensive educational, vocational and economic housing program to help homeless families achieve self-sufficiency. Each child at Fresh Start was encouraged to write their “Wish List.”
“These marvelous Wizards and this company are what Christmas is all about. We deal with children in trauma here at Fresh Start, often leaving all their personal belongings behind and not knowing if they will get to eat or sleep in a bed each day. Each year, Bit-Wizards takes their little lists and fills them exactly as the children requested. The joy, the hope, and the belief that things can get better; that is what this wonderful company brings to our kids. My heart soars as they pull in each year. My only wish is that there were more Wizards in this world. THANK YOU,” said Donna Tashik, Executive Director at Fresh Start.
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Awards Scholarship to OTC
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital awarded a $15,000 scholarship to Okaloosa Technical College to support efforts to strengthen and expand the state’s healthcare workforce. The funding is part of HCA Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to partnering with organizations to help develop a diverse pool of future healthcare leaders, and is designed to ensure that every student has the same opportunity to graduate and attain a high-quality degree or industry certification.
More high-speed Internet options coming soon
Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners have made a considerable step forward to bring high-speed Internet to Okaloosa County residents. The County has entered into an agreement with LiveOak Fiber to use a portion of available County fiber to expand high-speed Internet county wide. For the past decade, Okaloosa County’s Information Technology Department has anticipated greater demand for high-speed Internet and in that time, has developed the physical infrastructure to meet the Internet demands of the County government and other local agencies. The effort has yielded a surplus of unused “dark” fiber and the County has made it available to companies like LiveOak Fiber.
LiveOak will be constructing their own infrastructure and using County fiber junctions to expand service to their customers. They are currently installing fiber in Shalimar and will be expanding their service county-wide of the coming months and years.
Okaloosa Airports bring $2.9 billion economic impact to the area
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently published its Florida Aviation Economic Impact Study, which highlights aviation as an economic engine and determined the industry is responsible for a total economic impact statewide of $336 billion. The three combined airports in Okaloosa County bring over $2.9 billion of economic impact annually to the area. This represents a 67% increase over the estimated $1.7 billion reported in FDOT’s 2019 study. Airport activities in Okaloosa County are responsible for the creation of over 18,500 jobs and $785 million in payroll annually that largely flows back into the local economy.
All Sports Association Donates $50,000 to Support Okaloosa Student-Athletes
Since 1970, the All Sports Association (ASA) has supported and honored the “best of the best” High School, Collegiate, Amateur, Professional, and Special Olympic athletes and recognized individuals who have fostered youth activities in Northwest Florida. The ASA, made up of dues-paying volunteers, has donated their time and raised money for non-profit organizations emphasizing local youth sports programs. This year, the ASA has made a generous donation of $50,000 to the Okaloosa County Public Schools Foundation to improve school-sanctioned sports activities for high school and middle school athletic programs in Okaloosa County. “On behalf of the members of the All Sports Association and its many sponsors it is our pleasure to be able to provide funding to help the many sports programs in the Okaloosa County School District. We look forward to continuing this support in the years to come,” stated Gary McCoy, All Sports President. In partnership with the ASA, the Public Schools Foundation has been able to secure $15,000 in additional matching funds to support health and fitness among our student athletes.
As a result of these generous donations, each of the district’s middle and high school athletic programs will receive $4,642.86 to use in areas of greatest need as determined by the leadership at each school. “We are grateful for the continued support of the All Sports Association who continually make a difference and positively impact the lives of our student-athletes, our community, and beyond,” stated Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
