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

Author: FWB Life Staff

FWBHS Celebrates New Multi-Purpose Building!

On Thursday, February 22, the Fort Walton Beach Vikings and Principal Lindsey Smith rolled out the red carpet for the Okaloosa County School District’s first Multipurpose Building ribbon cutting! Their band and chorus performed, their cheer and dance teams welcomed guests, their ROTC presented the colors, and the leadership students served refreshments! It was so exciting to see a space that will be available to all students on one of our high school campuses. This will be a facility that will support athletics, band, robotics, PE classes, theatre, archery, homecoming dances, ROTC, testing, cheer, dance and so much more. We can’t wait for all of them to open!

We appreciate the local dignitaries, School Board Members, Community Members, and Faculty who attended. Thank you, Jacobs-Titan and Lord & Son Construction for doing such a great job on the project, and thank you to the Okaloosa Voters for making this building possible with the Half Cent Sales Tax!

For more information on the District’s Half-Cent Sales Tax Capital Program, visit https://okaloosaschools.com/okaloosa-capital-improvement-program/.
~ Okaloosa County Superintendent Marcus Chambers

March 15, 2024
Fort Walton Beach Dining, Entertainment, Specials March 2024

AJ’s on the Bayou
Located at the base of the Cinco Bayou Bridge in Fort Walton Beach, AJ’s on the Bayou is in a beautiful setting offering indoor as well as outdoor seating on the open-air deck overlooking the Cinco Bayou. AJ’s on the Bayou serves brunch and bottomless Mimosas with food purchase and weekday lunch specials for $10.95. Serving up delicious daily specials and entertaining live music all month.
ajsonthebayou.com
200 NE Eglin Pkwy., FWB
(850) 226-7579

AJ’s Oyster Shanty – Okaloosa Island
A dozen for me; a dozen for you! Located on Okaloosa Island, AJ’s Oyster Shanty serves up fresh, cold oysters, fresh seafood and the best live music on the Island. Don’t miss the Thursday Prime Dinner Special—enjoy a 10 oz. cut of prime rib served with baked potato and choice of side salad or cup of French onion soup every Thursday at 4 p.m. And Key Lime Pie is available all day, every day! Combine with live music nightly at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage and it’s a combination you can’t resist!
ajsoystershanty.com
108 Santa Rosa Blvd., FWB
(850) 226-8108

Magnolia Grill
In 2001, Magnolia Grill in Fort Walton Beach opened its doors after a renovation that took 18 months—and it’s been thriving since. A local’s favorite dubbed “The Museum That Serves Food,” you’ll find equal parts museum and dining establishment. Its second floor contains artifacts from World War II, Vietnam and other segments of American history. And downstairs—is where you’ll find lunch favorites such as Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes, Crab Cake with Fettuccine and Shrimp Alfredo Sauce, Red Beans and Rice and many types of burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. For dinner, savor divine Italian dishes such as Italian Sausage and Peppers with Marinara Sauce and Filet Tips Florentina. But there’s also steaks, seafood “Camp Walton style” and even a kids’ menu.
Hours: Lunch M-F 11-2; Dinner M-Th 5-8; F-Sat 5-9; Closed Sundays.
magnoliagrillfwb.com
157 Brooks Street SE, FWB
(850) 812-5761

Ovide at Hotel Effie
An elegant, culinary adventure, Ovide brings together classic Gulf Coast flavors and southern culinary traditions. Every dish is fueled by a passion for sustainability and seasonality that gives each bite incredible flavor unlike anything you’ve tasted before—you will want to savor every bite, from an intimate meal for two to a get-together for 10 or more. Ovide embraces the local food and cherished flavors of the Gulf Coast and presents them with a sophisticated, refreshing French influence and southern flair.
Hours: Breakfast 7 – 11 a.m. Mon-Fri. Lunch Closed. Dinner 5 – 9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 5 – 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Brunch 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
(833) 873-3343
Hoteleffie.com
Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach

March 14, 2024
FWB Life COUPONS March 2024

March 10, 2024
Around Town March 2024

DAR Conservation Award
The Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, has honored Okaloosa County UF/IFAS Extension Services Agent Sheila Dunning with the prestigious DAR Conservation Award. The award recognizes volunteers with distinguished conservation efforts which include sustained accomplishments that improve the environment and educate the public on conservation issues while exceeding job expectations. The award was presented by Florida’s State Regent, Mrs. Cindy Addison, at the Chapter’s February meeting.

Children of the American Revolution Receive Awards
The Snowden-Horne Society currently has 36 members, eight of whom are Dual DAR/C.A.R. or SAR/C.A.R. members. The F.S.C.A.R. State Conference, held in February, found the Snowden-Horne Society leading the way, not only locally, but also at the state level:
F.S.C.A.R. 2024 STATE CONFERENCE AWARDS SNOWDEN-HORNE SOCIETY
1st Place Most Life Members
2nd Place American Heritage Best Program
2nd Place Best Newsletter
2nd Place Best Newsletter Article
2nd Place Best Government Studies Program
2nd Place Best Kids Helping Kids Program
2nd Place Most State Life Members
3rd Place Conservation Best Program
Honorable Mention Best American History Program
Honorable Mention Best American Indian Program

Any young person under 22 is eligible for membership in The National Society of the Children of the American Revolution. Members range in age from birth to their 23rd birthday.

Membership in C.A.R. provides a wonderful opportunity for children to participate in historical, educational and patriotic activities. All children who can prove lineage to a patriot of the American Revolution are welcome. Children may join the National Society by invitation of a local society or as a member-at-large and becomes a member upon verification of the application. If you have children or grandchildren who would be interested in joining or would like to learn more about the Children of the American Revolution, email Snowden-Horne Senior Society Registrar, Linda McCooey, at mccooeys@bellsouth.net.

FWB Collects Pop Tabs for Congenital Heart Disease
The City of Fort Walton Beach implemented a Pop Tab collection program for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida in honor of Congenital Heart Disease Awareness during the month of February. Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson declared February as Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Month and invited local city mayors and county commissioners to join him in the campaign. “This is a passion project of Logan Browning, one of our staff members, whose child has congenital heart disease, and we are honored to support him and his family.” You can listen to Logan’s story on the Let’s Talk podcast, brought to you by Omni Broadcasting: Let’s Talk (240208) – Raising Awareness: Congenital Heart Defect Month – Freedom 94.3 (talkfreedom.net) Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House is a charitable program where communities collect pop tabs and share them with RM House who recycles them and receives money that goes towards funding families in need of assistance while their child is in the hospital. The families never pay for their stay. You can learn more here: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida (rmhc-nwfl.org).

First Ever Viking Voyage Career Fair
FWBHS hosted its first annual Viking Voyage Career Fair March 1. The mission was to provide valuable opportunities to network, explore and empower students to bridge school and work in various career pathways while connecting learning to the real world. Over 1500 students (grades 9th-12th) had the opportunity to talk and connect with businesses, learn job requirements and explore future job opportunities.

New Airline at VPS
Avelo Airlines recently announced exclusive nonstop service between the Florida Panhandle’s Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and Southern Connecticut’s most convenient airport – Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN—the first and only airline offering nonstop service between Florida’s Emerald Coast and Southern Connecticut. Avelo will operate this route twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, with a special Friday inaugural flight on May 1. Avelo will operate Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft on this route. Introductory low one-way fares between VPS and HVN start at $79*. Customers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.

FP&L Awards $200K in Grants to Help 28 Nonprofits
Florida Power & Light (FPL) recently announced it helped support a variety of needs in the community through 28 nonprofits in Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties with grants totaling $210,435. NextEra Energy Foundation, a charitable arm of FPL’s parent company, awarded the grants to the Northwest Florida nonprofits each quarter through 2023, with the last ones announced in December. The money will support their programs well into 2024. Foundation grants are focused on education, food insecurity, senior citizen support and child advocacy, as well as grants focused on environmental conservation and protection.

Upcoming Choctawhatchee Audubon Events
March 16, Birding to the Wright Landfill and the Okaloosa Holding Ponds. Leader Malcolm Swan 210.452.4899 (texting encouraged). Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the left side of Roberts Road, 200 feet N. of Helen Back Pizza, 1826 Lewis Turner Blvd. Looking for late ducks, early waders, quick hawks and songbirds. Wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes and hat. Bring a camera and/or binoculars.

March 23, Field Trip to Conservation Park with Bay County Audubon, near Panama City Beach. Leader Ron Houser 850:774:9733. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the Park’s Parking lot 1/3 mile beyond the north end of Griffin Blvd., the south end, one mile NW from the intersection of US 98 and Hwy 79. This is an open area so be prepared for little shade and cool, windy conditions. Bring your binoculars and/or camera.

Nominations now open for 2024 Women of Honor!
Honor a special woman in your life that has made a positive impact, whether it is recognizing mom, a cherished friend, co-worker or community/organization leader—this is a great gift! Honorees will have a permanent name plate at the UWF Library. Complete your nomination online at www.OCCSW.org. Deadline for entry is Monday, April 8, and $100 donation to the OCSW, Inc. Foundation can be paid online via PayPal. The recognition ceremony and reception will be held on Thursday, May 2, at the University of West Florid, FWB Campus.

March 10, 2024
Dust Off Your Boots! It’s Almost Time to Rodeo!

5th Annual Westonwood Ranch Pro Rodeo | March 22-23 | Freeport Regional Sports Complex

Dust off your boots and get ready to rodeo again this year! The 5th Annual Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo returns to the City of Freeport Sports Complex March 22nd –23rd. You don’t want to miss some of the nation’s top cowgirls and cowboys compete. So, bring the family and friends for a fun-packed weekend!

Contestants will compete in events including Bareback Riding, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, Team Roping, and Bull Riding. Rodeo gates open at 6 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. each night. Come early to enjoy live pre-rodeo entertainment at 6:30 by David Gautreau, food vendors, children’s inflatable play area and more!

“We are so thankful for the partnership with Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Freeport, our 2024 Presenting Sponsor New Life Church and other community sponsors that make it possible to raise funds that help support our programs,” said Lindy Wood, Founder of Westonwood Ranch. “So many youth with developmental disabilities miss irreplaceable opportunities to gain critical life skills and job skills needed to lead an independent life. These special individuals want the same thing as we do — to be fully participating members of society.”

The professionally sanctioned rodeo benefits Westonwood Ranch, an organization whose mission and programs serve teens and young adults with Autism and related developmental disorders. Located in Freeport, it provides therapeutic programs designed to fill the transition gap from high school into adulthood by incorporating functional learning opportunities in a therapeutic farm environment. All net proceeds from the event go to support Westonwood Ranch programs.

More than five years ago, Lindy Wood had a dream—a dream of a program geared towards older youth and young adults with autism and special needs. She wanted to be able to offer more for her son, Weston, diagnosed with autism at age 2, and other teens and young adults affected by Autism. So, with a hope to create opportunities to develop and cultivate independent, life-changing skills, Lindy and her husband, founders of Westonwood Ranch, purchased a 40-acre tract of land in Freeport to begin a farm and, eventually, birth a new local non-profit.

In just a short period of time, Westonwood Ranch has grown into a sustainable, working farm providing life and vocational skills for adolescents and young adults in our area with varying developmental disorders. The farm offers a comprehensive, holistic learning program for full-time students, ages 12 through adult, that focuses on providing functional learning opportunities. Through hands-on ranch operations, students learn skills in aquaponic farming, animal feeding and care, kitchen operations, creative art exploration and fitness classes. Young individuals and adults with developmental differences learn to transition into independent living by receiving hands-on, job skill training leading to employment opportunities.

Tickets for the Rodeo are $20 for adults and $15.00 for children 12 years and younger at the gate. Children ages 2 and under are free. There will be no presale of tickets, so spectators are encouraged to arrive early. Westonwood Ranch is seeking additional local business sponsors. For more information about how to support the rodeo and Westonwood Ranch, email admin@westonwood.org or visit our website at www.westonwood.org.

March 10, 2024
OCSO Prepares for 2024 Spring Break

By Michelle Nicholson

There’s typically a range of emotions when you start talking about Spring Break rolling back around in Okaloosa County; those who welcome the influx and those who don’t. It’s important to remember our county caters primarily to families who travel here to enjoy the warmer temperatures, crystal clear temperatures and the slew of family friendly activities available.

The majority of high school and college students also show up to have a good time at some of the world’s most beautiful beaches while behaving in a safe, respectful and lawful manner.

And then, of course, there are the ones who see Spring Break as an opportunity to binge drink and get rowdy. Each year the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) reminds our Spring Break visitors with that type of partying on their mind that we have a zero tolerance for underage drinking. That’s because the goal is to promote safety for citizens and visitors using our public roadways, beaches, parks, neighborhoods and recreation areas. “We have special staffing with extra units assigned to Spring Break patrol seven days a week while it runs, essentially from March 2nd to April 6th” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “The priority for our deputies is public safety, which means making sure everyone follows the rules. We also want to emphasize that beachgoers who swim in the Gulf should always pay attention to our beach flag safety system.”

The 2023 Spring Break operation started the last week of February 2023 and ended at the end of April 2023. When OCSO enacted the operation and daily patrols, they addressed underage possession of alcohol, narcotics and miscellaneous calls for service. Over the course of the 52 days of the Spring Break operation, the members of the Beach Unit initiated 233 of the 409 total arrests.

There were the usual issues with large house parties, trespassing and fake I.D.s, but tragically a 17-year-old visitor from Kentucky lost his life in an alcohol-related fall from the balcony of a Destin condominium April 4th. “Our deputies are trained to recognize the indicators most common with impaired individuals,” said Sheriff Aden. “If we encounter an underage individual with alcohol, he or she will be issued a notice to appear with a court date before a judge. Repeat violations by an underage person would result in an individual’s physical arrest.”

OCSO deputies will be monitoring beach and vacation rentals for criminal activity, using proactive patrol methods to detect and apprehend anyone involved in criminal activity, and assisting Okaloosa County and Destin lifeguards with the prevention of drowning incidents.

The objectives behind the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Spring Break zero tolerance mission is to deter underage possession, thereby reducing the potential for property damage, injuries or deaths by impaired individuals. “We plan to conduct patrols with a minimum amount of intrusion and inconvenience to citizens and visitors,” added Sheriff Aden. “But we will be vigilant in our efforts to keep everyone safe because ultimately we want everyone to go home with only positive memories from their stay.”

March 10, 2024
The FWB Recreation Center Presents its 2024 Annual Bunny Hop Trail!

Businesses, organizations, work groups and families are invited to participate. Join businesses, community organizations and some family sponsored stations along the walking trail and pass out candy and other goodies to the children. Promote your business through handouts, signs and other advertisements.

The 2024 Annual Bunny Hop Trail will be held Friday, Mar. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., 2024 at the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center. 132 Jet Dr. NW, Fort Walton Beach. There will be bouncy houses, face painting, candy and treats, and of course, the Easter Bunny.
Sponsors may begin setting up at 4:30 p.m. Bring your own tables and pop-up tents.

For additional questions, contact Pat Sherman at 850-833-9576 or email at psherman@fwb.org.

March 10, 2024
FWB Happenings March 2024

March 10, 2024
Events Around Town March 2024

Doggie EGGstravaganza March 29
Dog-Harmony presents the 9th Annual Doggie EGGstravaganza, a canine-only Easter egg hunt and doggie social, at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin’s Grand Park on Friday, March 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Hundreds of dogs and their “furrless” friends will trample the North Lawn while hunting for colorful treat-filled eggs and enjoying live music, libations and lite bites. Puppy-friendly treats will be hidden in over 800 colorful eggs scattered throughout the lawn with designated areas for pets over and under 25 pounds. Free to the public, with a $15 donation or $20 day of the event to participate in the egg hunt. All dogs must be leashed — no prong, choke or shock collars permitted. Tickets for the egg hunt: https://events.humanitix.com/9th-annual-doggie-eggstravaganza. Proceeds support the pups and programs in our community. To learn more, visit dog-harmony.org.

Okaloosa’s Got Talent! April 7
Okaloosa Arts Alliance and DJ Zoran, in collaboration with the Hope & Restoration Tour, will host the final round of “Okaloosa County’s Got Talent” (OGT), Sunday, April 7. Music artists throughout Okaloosa County have been showcasing their talents leading up this final competition. The event is free and open to the public at Enlightened Studios, 142 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Qualifying rounds have featured performances from K-12 and 18+ artists of all types including solo acts, duos, trios, bands, dance troupes, theater groups, vocalists and poets. A panel of judges determine the qualifiers who advance to the final “Okaloosa’s Got Talent” event. Visit https://www.okaloosaarts.org/2024-okaloosa-s-got-talent.html for more information.

Makes Plans Now to Attend The International Festival! April 21
You are invited to Conexion Media Group’s 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 be represented via 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!

For this year’s festival, Conexion Media Group (CMG) selected the Advanced Sacred Hope Academy (ASHA) as the local non-profit to benefit. SHA 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 available. Contact David at 850-368-3505 or via conexionflorida@gmail.com.

March 10, 2024
Easter Reflections

By Guery Clendening

It is Spring! The flowers are blooming! I love this season. To me Spring speaks of new beginnings. When I lived in Illinois, the winters could be harsh at times. I remember during one winter, looking out my office window at a very large tree. With snow and ice covering its branches, you would have thought the frozen limbs were dead.

But when spring came, an amazing thing happened; what seemed to be dead came alive! The branches budded and before long the tree was filled with green leaves. It is fitting that Easter is celebrated in the Spring. Sunday, March 30, people from all over the world will celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Years ago, I was on a plane travelling to Israel. The person sitting next to me was a man from Israel who knew the historical record concerning Christ. As we discussed the story, he made a statement that got my attention. He said, “You know, they never did find the body of Christ.” I breathed a silent prayer and said to him, “The reason they never found the body is because He rose from the grave. That is the foundation of the Christian faith.”

There is a passage of scripture in the New Testament found in First Corinthians, chapter 15, verses 12-15 and verse 20, that says, “Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection from the dead? …for if there is no resurrection from the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; then our preaching is useless, and your faith is also useless…But now, (as things really are) Christ, in fact, has been raised from the dead.”

So, what people were celebrating on Easter was not only the resurrection of Jesus Christ; but they were also celebrating the hope they have in Christ; that they too will rise from the grave to live forever with him!

Jesus said this: “Because I live, you will live also.” John 14:19. That’s why Easter is so special for so many. Not only do they celebrate Christ’s resurrection and His promise of Resurrection for them, but also they celebrate because through Christ’s death, sins are forgiven and new life is theirs through faith in Christ! Yes, miracles do happen. Just like the tree that blossomed in the Spring, those who put their faith in Christ will experience a new life of peace and freedom from the past.

As we enjoy Spring, may we celebrate and experience the power of Christ to make all things new.

From the publisher: FWB Life wishes you a blessed and peaceful Easter this year!

March 10, 2024