FWB Life | Fort Walton Beach News, Events and Community Information

Author: FWB Life Staff

Events Around Ft. Walton Beach April 2024

MKAF Showcases A Range of Music at 2024 Concerts in The Village

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s (MKAF) Concerts in the Village, the area’s first live concert series, is held each spring on Thursday evenings at the MKAF Dugas Pavilion in Destin. This year’s 29th annual family-friendly series runs from April 4 to June 6. The 10-concert live music series features premier regional and national musicians and bands performing everything from rhythm & blues, classic and hard rock to disco to modern pop.

Upcoming Concerts:

April 11 features Wendy Moten from The Voice! Hailing from Memphis, Wendy Moten is an American R&B-infused pop singer based in Nashville. Best known for the UK hit Come In Out of the Rain, Moten has released major-label solo records, achieved international hits, and toured extensively. At 56, she took a bold step, entering The Voice and finishing as the runner-up. Tickets are $25 adults/$20 active-duty military in advance.

April 18 Black Jacket Symphony presents Prince’s Purple Rain. Relive the awesome ‘80s and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Prince’s most celebrated album from start to finish. Dance to hits like Purple Rain, When Dove’s Cry, I Would Die 4 U while experiencing a visual feast of rock and roll magic. Doors open at 6 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 adults/$30 active-duty military in advance.

April 25 get ready to chart your course to set sail for concert fun with Yacht Rock Revue. These top-notch musicians who have rocked onstage with John Oates, Eddie Money and now headline sold-out shows, personify the smooth sounds of West Coat ‘70s and ‘80s. Doors open at 6 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 adults/$30 active-duty military in advance.

May 2 The Mulligans perform everyone’s rock ‘n roll favorites. The diversified song list of this seasoned six-member Emerald Coast-based band founded by Edwin Watts includes The Beatles, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Elvis, the Eagles, Bee Gees, the Ventures, Rolling Stones, Buddy Holly, The Monkees, Roy Orbison, Moody Blues, Young Rascals, Billy Joel, The Outsiders and many others. Doors open at 6 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 adults/$20 active-duty military.

May 9 Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute takes the stage. Since 2014, Rumours ATL has set stages ablaze across the U.S. with their scorching Fleetwood Mac renditions. With meticulous attention to detail and infectious energy, Rumours sells out venues and leaves fans dancing, singing, and discovering new facets of Fleetwood Mac’s magic at every performance. Believe in miracles and join the unforgettable experience of Rumours. Doors open at 6 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 adults/$20 active-duty military in advance.

May 16 Gotta Groove Band will put a fresh spin on popular cover tunes from the ‘60s to today. With outstanding vocals and top-shelf musicianship, they feature their own arrangements and mixing many popular tunes together to create a fun flow of entertaining energy. You will not want to miss the party this Land O Lakes, Florida, band throws down. Tickets are $25 adults/$20 active-duty military.

May 23 Mitch Malloy will rock Destin. Former frontman of Great White, rocker Mitch Malloy is a studio veteran and award-winning songwriter. With a career spanning decades, he’s navigated the music scene since the ‘80s, achieving chart success and even turning down a role as Van Halen’s lead singer in the ‘90s. Doors open at 6 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 adults/$30 active-duty military in advance.

May 30 Haley Reinhart’s timeless voice will transport you. With talent that transcends eras, blending pop, rock, and jazz in her 2019 album, Lo-Fi Soul. A finalist on American Idol, this Chicago-born singer is influenced by ‘50s music and enjoys playful lyrics. With a decade-long grind, platinum hits, and diverse collaborations, Reinhart’s multifaceted artistry shines, promising a lasting connection with her audience. Doors open at 6 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 adults/$30 active-duty military in advance.

June 6 Adam Ezra Group closes out the series. Fusing folk intimacy and rock energy with soul power and pop charm, the band first emerged from Boston in the early 2000s and quickly garnered widespread acclaim for their bold, insightful songwriting and interactive, euphoric performances. Tickets are $25 adults/$20 active-duty military.

Gates open at 6 p.m. with concerts beginning at 7 p.m. for this come-as-you-are family-friendly outdoor concert series. Bring a lawn chair, picnic, wine, or purchase food and beverages on-site prepared by featured restaurants and food trucks. A drawing will be held at each concert to award valuable raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

Proceeds fund MKAF’s community outreach mission to provide cultural outreach programs through ArtsReach serving K-12 students, adults and children with special needs, at-risk youth, and through MKAF’s Warrior Arts program serving active/veteran military.

Purchase tickets online at MKAF.org/events—$20 to $35 for adults. Discounts offered for active-duty military (must show ID). Purchase tickets in advance of concert day and save $5 per ticket at the door. Children (12 and under) are free. A limited number of VIP tables (reserved table for eight guests for the entire season) are available for $2,250. Corporate VIP tables are $2,750.

MKAF members enjoy early entry and free admission to every concert as well as discounted pricing to other MKAF events. For more information, visit MKAF.org.

Concert lineup is subject to change. All sales are final; sorry, no refunds. Pets, tables larger than two feet, and drones are not permitted. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Top Hats & Tails April 13

Get your tickets for a stellar evening of food and fun – Tops Hats & Tails: A Space Odyssey. The universe will reward you for attending this gala benefiting Save Our Cats & Kittens (SOCKS) from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. April 13 at Bob Hope Village, 30 Holly Ave. Enjoy an out-of-this world delicious dinner by award-winning Knife’s Edge Catering; music and cat trivia by the universally talented ACE50 Media; and silent auction items that eclipse expectations. Also honor someone special in your world by naming an elegantly inscribed star in the evening’s decorative sky, then take your shining star home. General admission is $75. A table of eight is $500. Stars are $10. Purchase tickets at www.saveourcatsandkittens.com/tickets. Stars can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3uCiaQP.

Taylor Swift Album Release Party April 19

Join City Food Hall at Destin Commons on April 19th from 6-10 p.m. for an unforgettable Taylor Swift Album Release Party of the highly anticipated release of Taylor’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” Get ready to test your Taylor Swift knowledge with Swiftie Trivia kicking off at 6 p.m. Show off your expertise and compete for fabulous prizes! Following the trivia, immerse yourself in the magic of Taylor’s new album with a special Listening Party. But that’s not all! Indulge in delicious special cocktails and mocktails inspired by Taylor’s music as you mingle with fellow Swifties. Get crafty and make friendship bracelets to commemorate the occasion, and don’t miss out on Taylor Swift-themed games and swag to keep the fun going all night long. Capture memories with friends at the Taylor Swift-themed photo booth and dress in your favorite Eras look to truly embrace the Swiftie spirit! Free and open to the public. All ages welcome. Visit www.cityfoodhall.com or follow City Food Hall on social media for the latest updates and event details.

Navarre Sunset Stampede 5K April 20

Join Run With It for the 15th Annual Navarre Sunset Stampede 5K, April 20th, the largest race held in Navarre Beach. The 5k starts at 6 p.m. with a Kids, 1-mile fun run starting at 5 p.m. There will be an award’s ceremony and beach party at Juana’s Pagodas with live music, food and drinks right on the sand on beautiful Santa Rosa Sound. Registration is limited so SIGN UP EARLY! Stay for the After Party at Juana’s Pagodas with complimentary food, beer, live music and rum punch! Juana’s Pagodas will be hosting a registration party on Friday April 19th! All race participants MUST have a wrist band to be able to eat and drink free at the after party. Friends and families can purchase a wrist band for $20 for food and drink at the after party or during packet pick up. Register at RunWithItfl.com.

It’s Almost Here! The International Festival! April 21

You are invited to Conexion Media Group’s (CMG) 6th Annual International Festival at the beautiful Landing Park in Fort Walton Beach, Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. More than 60 nations will present with music, food, folklore and art with attendees traveling from as far as Tallahassee, Panama City, Pensacola and the surrounding states of Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama!

This year’s festival will benefit the local, non-profit, Advanced Sacred Hope Academy (ASHA). ASHA is a 501c3 nonprofit independent private school dedicated to the individualized learning of students with autism or other neurological disorders that prevent them from succeeding in a traditional school setting. Visit ASHA at advancedsacredhopeacademy.org.

Corporate sponsorships and vendor opportunities are still available. Contact David at 850-368-3505 or via conexionflorida@gmail.com.

11th Annual Taco & Tequila Fest! May 10-12

So. Many. Tacos! Chicken, Pork, Beef, Steak, Shrimp, Barbacoa – you name it; we’ve had it at the wildly popular Tequila & Taco Festival! Find your favorite at this year’s Tequila & Taco Festival where a variety of local restaurants and food trucks will be competing for the Best Taco on The Emerald Coast! May 10-12, 2024, at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin.

Make plans now and purchase your tickets at https://www.efestevents.com/tandtfest2024/ “Guests from all over the Southeast come to celebrate this unique event on the Emerald Coast,” says event founder, Carlos Shaffran. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Fisher House Foundation, Sandestin Foundation for Kids and Emerald Coast Boys & Girls Clubs. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Fudpucker’s GatorFest 2024 May 4

Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill is hosting GatorFest 2024, which promises an exhilarating blend of entertainment, education and gastronomic delights, May 4th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge, thrilling Gator shows will offer an up-close look at these magnificent reptiles and a Gator Tail Cook Off Competition will showcase culinary creativity. The dedicated Kid’s Zone includes face painting, airbrush art and Gator-themed games. Meanwhile, adults can savor Cocktail Tastings, indulge in Hot Sauce Tasting and live music. 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. FudsGatorFest.com

ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival! May 4-5

In its 36th year, ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival will be held May 4th-5th! Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and presented by Grand Boulevard Town Center, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 100 artists from throughout the country. ArtsQuest is a juried show that includes artists in the categories of Ceramics, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media, Oils & Acrylics, Original Digital Art, Photography, Sculpture, Wood and Works on Paper (Watercolor, Printmaking, Pastels, Pencils, Ink). ArtsQuest awards $10,000 in cash prizes. The rain or shine event also features live performances, artist demonstrations, hands-on learning opportunities, student exhibits, ImagiNation: where kids rule, food, beverages and more! Join us in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 4th and again on Sunday, May 5th, 10am – 5pm. A $5 donation will be accepted at the entrance gate.

April 12, 2024
Gulfarium is Making a Splash!

By Megan Trainer

You won’t want to miss all the excitement at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park this year! Located on Okaloosa Island, the Gulfarium recently unveiled its new Dolphin Oasis, an exciting new addition which sets a new benchmark for marine life experiences. Further, this announcement was accompanied by news of an upcoming renovation to welcome manatee rehabilitation and the launch of “C.A.R.E. on the Coast,” an event championing sea turtle conservation. These developments represent significant strides in the park’s ongoing commitment to the preservation and education of marine life, promising enriching encounters for all visitors.

Dolphin Oasis

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park was excited to inaugurate its highly anticipated Dolphin Oasis during a momentous ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 8, 2024. The event marked a significant milestone for the renowned marine park and the region’s attractions, drawing esteemed guests including local dignitaries, politicians and business leaders.

Spanning 2.2 acres of sandy dunes and palms along the picturesque emerald waters of the Florida Gulf Coast, Dolphin Oasis reflects Gulfarium’s commitment to animal welfare, conservation education and visitor experience. With a $30 million investment, the expansion comprises three large interconnected habitats and three husbandry habitats, totaling over one million gallons of Gulf saltwater. The immersive, natural-themed experience embodies the beauty of the Emerald Coast.

The grandstand seating for 480 guests and a 27-foot acrylic split-level viewing area in the exhibit habitat offer unparalleled opportunities to witness the beauty of dolphins up close. Moreover, the habitat is designed to serve as a future nursery for dolphin calves, enriching the park’s offerings. The new habitat also allows guests to get up close and personal with the dolphins during exclusive encounter opportunities.

Manatees, Coming This Fall

Patrick Berry, CEO of Gulfarium, announced during the ceremony a multi-million-dollar renovation of the original 300,000-gallon dolphin habitat to accommodate manatee rehabilitation patients as part of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). This initiative underscores Gulfarium’s dedication to marine life conservation, with plans to welcome manatees in need beginning fall of 2024.

C.A.R.E. ON THE COAST: An Event for a Cause

Saturday, May 4 | 3:30 – 7 p.m. | Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Okaloosa Island

Additionally, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is excited to introduce “C.A.R.E. on the Coast,” a new event dedicated to supporting sea turtle conservation through the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center. Scheduled for May 4, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., the event promises an immersive experience into sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation and release efforts.

Highlights of “C.A.R.E. on the Coast” include a private dolphin presentation at the NEW Dolphin oasis, live music, an in-depth look at the C.A.R.E. Center and its current patients, food and beverage vendors, conservation-based vendors, silent auctions and raffles. Early registration discounts of 25% are available until May 1 with code EARLYTURTLE, ensuring participation in this celebration of marine life conservation.

Tickets for C.A.R.E. on the Coast are on sale now at Gulfarium.com, with limited availability. Join others on the beautiful Emerald Coast for an evening filled with education, entertainment and a shared commitment to safeguarding our marine ecosystems.

For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.gulfarium.com/careonthecoast.

Follow Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center on Facebook and Instagram for event updates and marine conservation news.

April 12, 2024
Forever Warriors Brings Help and Hope to Northwest Florida’s Military Families and Veterans

By Will Estell

Forever Warriors is a Florida private charitable organization, established in 2021, and made possible by the generosity of Northwest Florida based Step One Automotive Group. The primary focus of Forever Warriors is to better equip current and past military members, and their family members, with an array of tools meant to aid them in their lives outside of, and beyond, their military roles.

Though most of us as residents of these beautiful coastal communities realize we have a large military population across our immediate five county area (which serves as home to numerous military families from every U.S. military branch), what we may not often consider is the hardships and trying times that many of these men, women and families go through—financially and otherwise—both during their time of service and especially when transitioning into civilian life afterward.

I spoke with Tiffany Orner, Military Engagement Manager of Forever Warriors, as well as Greg Lambert, the organization’s Logistics Support Leader, to find out a little more about what makes this foundation tick and just how determined they both are to find and provide the help necessary for the men, women and families they serve.

Tiffany is passionate about the organization’s pillars. Transition, sustainment, mental health and community immersion are the reason Forever Warriors was born—brought into existence to fill a need to lighten these burdens and circumvent the stigma that often surrounds a military family having to seek help. “As an organization, Forever Warriors realizes that our military heroes often face post service challenges in obtaining the necessary requirements to transition into the civilian workforce,” Tiffany said.

Tiffany says she felt a calling to make a difference for others because of her personal experience coming out of her past military service. “I had a ridiculously tough time, both during and after my service to our country. I am determined to ensure no service member ever feels the way I did. I am thankful for the opportunity to be the change that’s so desperately needed in our local military community. I won’t stop until EVERY veteran wants for nothing; and that starts with supporting those still serving in America’s military,” she said.

Forever Warriors works to multiply the awareness of the number of current community-based and military programs in place for this segment and to make navigating the road to help much more efficient. Additionally, Tiffany and Greg talked about the importance of making members of our coastal community more aware of deficits in the aide this segment of our population might need. All in hopes of uniting to create new ways to best help this ever-growing group of Northwest Florida Gulf Coast families. “Less than 1% of Americans serve in the military. We have to set the standard and have each other’s backs. We are Vets helping our brothers and sisters that have and continue to serve,” said Greg.

Through their connection and close-knit work alongside other local, state and federal agencies, Tiffany, Greg and the volunteers and partner companies of Forever Warriors are often able to help secure resources from companies and private stakeholders, that are driven and dedicated to serving those who have served our country. In many instances these are companies who are owned or managed by prior service members; thus they see and understand the need they are helping to fill.

By bridging this gap to civilian life and introducing this population of our neighbors to resources and opportunities, Forever Warriors makes it possible for these families to experience a faster, smoother and less burdened transition to the world many of us live in yet take for granted.

As part of their mission statement, Forever Warriors states that their pillars of success are built on compassionate empathy, unyielding integrity, unwavering unity and shared humility and respect. These strong values are the determining strength behind the organization’s support for the military community they serve, and through this service they hope to enlighten and educate all of us as to the importance of doing our part to support Forever Warriors’ endeavor.

Remember, real compassionate empathy is more than a mere acknowledgement of what someone else might be experiencing. It goes beyond walking in another’s shoes; it entails walking beside them in order to lift their burden, help carry their load and best ready them to build a better tomorrow.

For those of you interested in being a part of the upcoming events of this life-changing organization, Forever Warriors, in conjunction with the generous support of Step One Automotive Group, invite you to come out and be a part of one of these events:

March 30: Eggstravaganza, Hurlburt Field
Expectation: Aiming to support military and military family retention efforts, this family-friendly event is expected to welcome 1,500 attendees.

April 13: The Savage Loop: 42 Mile Ultra Marathon, Across five cities and one Air Force Base
Expectation: Conceived by local Green Berets to support terminally ill children and local Gold Star Families, this grueling challenge is anticipated to attract over 500 participants.

April 20: FWB Chamber Military Appreciation Day, The Landing
Expectation: A celebration of local military members with free activities and services, expected to draw 4,000 attendees in a grand gesture of appreciation.

May 3: Commando Games, Hurlburt Field
Expectation: Focused on active duty military retention efforts, this event is projected to attract over 1,000 participants.

May 4: Operation Battle Laugh in partnership with Barracks Legend Foundation, The Island
Expectation: A night of laughter and camaraderie, supporting military and military family retention efforts with an expected attendance of approximately 350.

May 11: 6th RTB Open House, Onsite at 6th RTB
Expectation: Showcasing Army activities in the swamp, this open house aims to connect the community with military efforts, expecting 2,000 attendees.

June 21: Air Force/Space Force Silkies Swear In, DOD Beach
Expectation: Swearing in of Panhandle Future Air Force and Space Force Members followed by a day on the Gulf to include Veteran Owned food trucks, VSO’s MSO’s and other Military Focused Partners with an expected attendance of approximately 200+ Airman, Guardians and their families.

June 28: Freedom Fest, Hurlburt Field
Expectation: A celebration of freedom and support for military and military family retention efforts, anticipating 3,000 attendees.

For more information about supporting Forever Warriors and attending these activities, visit https://www.forever-warriors.org.

Will Estell is a writer, media entrepreneur and real estate professional with over 600 published magazine features in an array of publications from tourism, real estate, and automobile editorials to celebrity interview cover features. Will Estell is the chief creative officer of Estell Hussey Media, LLC, and over the past 26 years has been instrumental in co-founding 12 new magazine titles, as well as serving as editor in chief for numerous others, both locally and for nationally sold newsstand titles. Originally from the backwoods of rural Mississippi, Will is a father of three who splits his time between Destin and Navarre, along with his wife, WEAR ABC 3 Pensacola news anchor, Laura Hussey-Estell. Will is a regular contributor and media consultant to Life Media’s family of publications.

April 12, 2024
It’s Time for Auditions at Northwest Florida Ballet

The Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) Académie is now taking audition appointment reservations for the 2024-2025 academic year. All auditions will take place at the NFB Studios, the Sybil Lebherz Center for Dance Education, located at 310 Perry Avenue SE in Fort Walton Beach. Incoming third-grade students will audition on April 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and April 21 from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Incoming fourth-grade students will audition on April 20 from 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Appointment reservations are required for all auditions and must be made online at www.nfballet.org/auditions by noon on April 18. Upon registration, incoming third-grade applicants will be assigned a 20-minute time slot, and incoming fourth-grade applicants will be assigned a 30-minute time slot. Parents will be allowed to wait in the lobby, where representatives of the NFB will be available to discuss this unique program. Results and orientation details will be mailed after the completion of all auditions.

Prospective Académie students and their parents can attend a tour event at the NFB studios on April 16 or 18 from 10:15-11:15 a.m. to observe a typical school day. An evening Q&A session is also available with NFB Artistic Director/CEO Todd Eric Allen on April 17 at 6 p.m. to learn more about this nationally recognized program. To RSVP for one of the informational tours, please email jelpedes@nfballet.org with the preferred date. For all requirements, the audition reservation form and additional details, please visit www.NFBallet.org/Auditions or call Joy Elpedes at (850) 664-7787. Spanish translations of all related materials are also available online.

Celebrating more than 20 years of excellence, the NFB Académie is a free, integrated arts and academic program for third through eighth-grade boys and girls who demonstrate the potential to excel in dance.

April 11, 2024
OCHS Senior? Apply for an $8,000 Scholarship

Superintendent Marcus Chambers is offering two $8,000 Florida Prepaid College Scholarships to a current Okaloosa County School District Student!

Who qualifies?
• Student must be a Senior.
• Student must attend a public high school in the Okaloosa County School District.
• Student is going to pursue a career in education.
• Student must meet the basic requirements to hold a Florida Prepaid College Plan.

Application Deadline:
Applications will be available beginning Friday, March 15, 2024, and are due no later than 11:59 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

How to Apply:
• Please only submit one application. You will need the following items to submit your application:
• Fill out the digital application in its entirety.
• Submit a current transcript (You will upload a digital copy on the application).
• Submit SAT/ACT/PSAT Scores (You will need to provide a digital copy of test score documentation on the application).
• Submit a completed District form MIS 4217 with Community Service Hours (You will need to provide a digital copy on the application).
• Submit a video essay in .MP4, .M4V, .MOV, or .WMV file format. (You will upload this on the application.) The video can be no longer than two minutes (02:00) and should explain why you have chosen to pursue a career in education.

Please have these items collected and accessible while completing the application. You will be unable to save and come back to your application. It will need to be completed and submitted in the same session. All required documentation and application elements (video essay) must be submitted as outlined in the instructions provided by the deadline or the application will be disqualified.

The Florida Prepaid Superintendent Scholarship Recipient will be notified Monday, April 29, 2024.

Visit www.okaloosaschools.com or the link https://forms.gle/dKTVtXS6M1dRY88M6 to fill out the application.

For questions, contact Hilary DeMers: hilary.demers@okaloosaschools.com.

April 11, 2024
Stage Crafters Community Theatre Announces Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”!

Stage Crafters Community Theatre Announces Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”!
Synopsis: For almost 70 years, Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” has kept millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats. As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst! One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts.

Auditions:
Stage Crafters Rehearsal Hall, 40 Robinwood Dr. SW, Fort Walton Beach
April 1st & 2nd, 2024
• Script perusal at 6 p.m.
• Auditions begin at 6:30 p.m.

For questions or other information, you may contact the director, Gail Hurley, at ghurley2175@gmail.com or visit our website at: https://www.stagecraftersfwb.com/join-the-cast

Performances:
June 7, 8, 9 & 14, 15, 16
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and available at the door before the show or online at: https://www.stagecraftersfwb.com/buy-tickets

April 11, 2024
Calling Young Artists: Okaloosa Arts Alliance Announces 15th Annual Poster Contest!

Unleash your creativity and explore the meaning of art in the universe! The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) invites all Okaloosa County School students from kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in the 15th Annual OAA Okaloosa County School Poster Contest.

This year’s theme is “Art in Outer Space.” Let your imagination soar and interpret the theme in any way that inspires you. The contest is open to all Okaloosa County School students, kindergarten through 12th grade. Entries can be submitted by an Okaloosa County School or by an individual student.

First, Second and Third place winners will be chosen in three categories: Elementary School (K-4th), Middle School (5th-8th), and High School (9th-12th). Each winner in each category will receive a cash prize sponsored by the Eglin Federal Credit Union. First place winners’ artwork will be featured in the OAA newsletter and website. Winners will be awarded a gift certificate for a free music lesson at Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music.

Submission Guidelines:

– Only one entry per student is allowed.
– Include the artist’s name, grade, and school name on the front of the poster or attached below.
– Entries can be submitted in two ways:
– In person: Drop off your entry at Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music (105B Lewis St, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547) during business hours (9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday). The venue is in the rear of the complex.
– Mail entries to: Okaloosa Arts Alliance-Poster Contest, P.O. Box 4426, FWB, FL 32549.
– Deadline is April 18, 2024.

Winners will be announced at a reception on Friday, April 19th, at 6:00 pm at Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music. Viewers’ Choice Award will also be determined at the Reception.

There will be an instrument petting zoo at 5 pm and live performances by Grow Your Gift students starting at 6 pm

For More Information, visit: https://www.okaloosaarts.org/annual-oaa-poster-contest-2024.html. Contact Amy at amybaty1@gmail.com or Grow Your Gift Music at 850-483-0800.

April 11, 2024
Wine Fests on Tap!

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival April 25-28

A dazzling roster of celebrity winemakers, mixologists, and chefs will converge April 25 – 28, 2024 for the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival in Grand Boulevard Town Center to wine, dine, educate and entertain guests as part of the four-day celebration of wine, spirits, food, music, fun and goodwill.

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival festival features a stunning showcase of some of the best wines in the world. Celebrity wine producers and chefs present fine wine and food pairings from the world’s most famous appellations. the Willamette Valley Wineries Association will be featured in 2024 and more than a dozen of their noted winemakers and winery VIPs will participate in the festival. The Culinary Village offers a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as well as wine and food tasting seminars.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.SoWalWine.com.

The Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction April 26-28

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) presents the 19th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction April 26-28 to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida through the Foundation’s 17 partner children’s charities. In 2023, DCWAF donated $3.4 million to charity following one of its most successful auctions to date.

This year’s auction will feature an impressive line-up of celebrity chefs and vintners from throughout the world, hosted by philanthropic couples within the local community.
Presented by the Jumonville Family, expect a weekend filled with exclusive wines and excellent food from a variety of celebrity chefs beginning Friday, April 26 with the patron dinner experience. Each dinner features a nationally recognized chef paired with world-class vintners.

The Destin Charity Wine Auction is the main event of the weekend at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 held under an air-conditioned tent at Grand Boulevard Sandestin Town Center and will feature distinctive wines from internationally acclaimed vintners poured and paired with cuisine curated by a selection of the area’s top restaurants. The event culminates with a high-energy, live auction boasting rare and distinctive wines, spectacular trips and other incredible one-of-a-kind items.

Hosted in conjunction with the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival in Grand Boulevard Sandestin Town Center the same weekend, the Festival will showcase hundreds of premium wines along with a diverse selection of spirits and culinary creations. Auction attendees also have access to South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting on Sunday, April 30 at 1 p.m. Patron packages: dcwaf.org/tickets.

April 10, 2024
FWB Happenings April 2024

April 4, 2024
Hypo and Hyper Thyroidism

By Kay Leaman, HealthyDay HealthyLife

The thyroid is located at the base of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. Hormones produced by the thyroid control energy, metabolism, heart rate, protein synthesis, cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, bone metabolism, sleep, brain functions and more. It is not uncommon for a misdiagnosis to be given (hypo) as there are other issues that cause the thyroid to be compromised. That being said let’s look at the two main issues:

HYPERthyroidism, also called overactive thyroid, occurs when there is an overproduction of the thyroid hormone call thyroxine (T4). Symptoms include unexpected weight loss, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) nervousness, anxiety/irritability, fatigue or muscle weakness, plus up to 10 other symptoms.

Treatments depend on the cause. One treatment is radioactive iodine which is used to slow production. Some causes allow for the thyroid issues to improve without treatment. Supplementation does not affect this disease.

A few causes are:
• Grave’s disease: autoimmune disorder which causes the immune system to attack the thyroid.
• Thyroiditis: the gland becomes inflamed; the reasons are unclear. This can cause extra thyroid hormones being stored to leak into the bloodstream causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• Complications: Heart: atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, brittle bones, vision problems, discolored or swollen skin

HYPOthyroidism is a deficiency in the secretion of thyroid hormones resulting in a reduction of normal functions if not all of the body’s cells and tissues. When this glad is under-active, cells can’t properly take in macro & micro nutrients nor receive adequate oxygen. It also causes cellular toxic waste not to be eliminated efficiently. Less than 50% of the population suffers with some degree of hypothyroidism and affects women more than men.

Possible symptoms which can be confused with normal aging is a long list (To request this list, email me with Thyroid Symptoms in the Subject line.).

Thyroid hormones are T3, T4 and Calcitonin (regulation of blood calcium and bone metabolism). T3 has 3 iodine atoms; T4 has 4.

Other causes are:
1. Inflammatory disorder – autoimmune disorder – Hashimoto’s thyroiditis most common in developed nations (otherwise it’s iron deficiency) and may be triggered by a hyper-permeable intestinal lining known as leaky gut syndrome
2. Leaky Gut
3. Genetics
4. Poor diet
5. Hormone imbalances
6. Pregnancy
7. Psychological stress
8. Inactivity

For a complete picture of thyroid activity, request these six tests:
• TSH (reference ranges .3-3.0 NOT .5-5.0)
• Free T3
• Free T$
• Reverse T#
• Thyroid antibodies (TPO Ab)
• Thyroglobulin Antibodies (Tg AB)

Natural support:
• Grape Seed extract and other polyphenolic antioxidants (essential component of the protocol for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as these have oxidative damage in its pathogenesis).
• Probiotics
• Iodine: 250-300 micrograms cause a significant improvement in alleviating hypothyroidism. Because many of us have moved from iodized salt to more natural salts (sea salt), supplementing with a quality iodine can cause significant improvement in alleviating hypothyroidism.
• Foundation of vitamins minerals and omega-3 fatty acids

As with any ailment, we are all at risk of developing a thyroid disorder. Continuing to develop a healthy lifestyle and improving it as we learn will continue to offer us many benefits.

Here’s to Health!
succeed.hdhl@gmail.com

March 31, 2024