By Christopher Manson Now-Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 A Victorian Christmas at the Wesley House Eden State Gardens; Tours Thurs.-Mon. weekly, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily. Step back in time to the late 1800s and Christmas traditions of families in years gone by in the beautifully decorated Wesley House. The park is open...

The Perfect Christmas

By Gueary Clendenning What was your perfect gift you received as a child during Christmas? You know, the one gift that stands out in your memory even after all these years? I remember my perfect gift was a fully loaded red, chrome Schwinn bicycle! How many of you from my generation...
By “Doc” Doug Stauffer On Saturday, December 14, 2024, the Beal Cemetery, Gulf Cemetery, Heritage Gardens, Destin Memorial Cemetery and Sunset Cemetery will join more than 3,000 cemeteries nationwide for the annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony. These local events are more than just part of a national program; for many in...
Discover how Sinfonia Gulf Coast is redefining the symphony experience in its 2024-2025 season — with powerhouse performances, innovative concerts and can’t-miss events — in this exclusive Q&A with Maestro Demetrius Fuller. By Zandra Wolfgram For the 19th season you are once again “redefining the symphony experience” with fresh offerings. Tell us about...
By Nathanael Fisher, ECTC Producing Artistic Director/CoFounder Last year, Season 11 ended with a beautiful and magical show – Mary Poppins. Hillary Marshall Anthony and Vincent Pelligrino, along with 20 other cast members and a spectacular creative team co-created a wealth of magical, heartwarming and inspirational moments on our stage...
Will YOU Join Us? By Zandra Wolfgram Looking for fun? You have arrived. As a member of Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), you are already aboard the “bus to fun town.” Take it from the MKAF’s CEO of Fun, Demetrius Fuller. “We really want to up our fun factor in all we do— including raising...
By Will Estell If you’re a local, it’s safe to say you know about AJ’s. And if you know AJ’s, then you know a thing or two about its brand of great seafood, live music, majestic coastal views and big fun. From humble beginnings dating back to 1984, AJ’s Seafood...
Contributed by Tom Rice On Sept. 11, 2014, the Freedom Bell that hangs in the Veterans Tribute Tower at Beal Memorial Cemetery was dedicated and rung for the first time by Navy Veteran, Governor Rick Scott. The three-day casting process was accomplished locally at Uptown Station by the Verdin Foundry...
By “Doc Doug” Stauffer In a grand display of patriotism and community spirit, Jay Odom, a true local success story, presided over the flag-raising ceremony at the Freedom Tech Center. This momentous event marked a significant milestone for Okaloosa County and Fort Walton Beach, bringing together community members, local officials,...
The election season is upon us; are you registered to vote? Primary Elections are coming up August 20. Political Party Affiliation When completing the Florida Voter Registration Application Form, one of the fields is Party Affiliation. In this field, you have several options. You can choose from one of the major...