By Doug Stauffer
In the heart of Fort Walton Beach, Donna Morgan is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of determination. As the One Hopeful Place (OHP) manager and Independent Living Program manager, Donna, along with her dedicated team, Liz Qualiana and Mike Curran, have made an indelible...
An exuberant, reddish-brown puppy found herself living on the street in northwest Florida. Originally thought to be male, she was called Cleo by Animal Control. She was taken to two different animal rescue agencies before finding her place, the second of which determined she was, in fact, a girl,...
For some of us, it is inevitable. It happens every year around this time. It’s a cumulative effect. The sun sets later. Temperatures creeping up to feeling very Spring-like. And even though we don’t want to let our thoughts wander from our current task, we can’t help ourselves. We...
By Heather Bennett Eye
The Emerald Coast is home to numerous military bases and we are proud of the service members who call our community home. We deeply appreciate these brave men and women who have chosen a path of service and sacrifice. As we express our gratitude for their...
Knowledge • Experience • Trust
By Michelle Ruschman
You don’t live in Okaloosa County as a life-long resident and entrepreneur without gaining the perspective of a student, parent, business person, consumer and citizen. This is the experience Mary Anne Windes will be bringing to our community as she puts in her...
By Christopher Manson
In January 2022, a partnership between Okaloosa Island’s Gulfarium and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism Department was launched. “C.A.R.E.”ing for Turtles takes place at the Gulfarium every Wednesday through the end of July; then every other Wednesday in August. The hour-long program is $15 for ages eight and up.
Jessica Valek, Coastal Resource Coordinator...
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...
By Will Estell
The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation’s second annual Sip & Splash: An Aquatic Affair, took place May 20 at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center in the heart of Destin. Attended by more than 250 guests in support of the foundation’s mission, the top-tier event was sponsored by Tim Smith Acura,...
By Kelly Murphy-Redd, CEcd
It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to be homeless. We don’t want to imagine it. Most of us probably don’t know any homeless people. But, it can happen to anyone.
The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce is the only chamber of commerce to run...
By Lisa Woodrum
The atmosphere was electric as I entered the gymnasium: confetti falling from above, balloons floating around, popping, the smell of pizza, rousing music resounding above the din of laughter and chatter of young and old! Youth were running about, others playing foosball, hoops and presenters at their...
