By Lori Leath Smith
For many years, our piece of Paradise has ignited the holiday spirit in each of us and allowed the season to come to life for the young and young at heart. With a unique blend of theatrical storytelling, musical notes, hot Christmas flavored-coffee and cocoa, and...
By Heather Bennett Eye
Charity and compassion, central to the holiday spirit, run deep in our community, and our Emerald Coast Toys for Tots is gearing up to spread the message of giving and sharing this holiday season. Each year they bring countless smiles to children’s faces with their toy...
By Barbara Palmgren
There are several junior golf organizations that provide fun and competitive golf experiences for junior golfers. This month I’m highlighting the Under Armour Junior Golf Tour, under the directorship of Chris Henson. Chris has been at the helm of the local district for three years. Chris moved here...
By Carolyn Newcomer Ketchel, Okaloosa County Commissioner, District 2
Many citizens have written to express their concerns and frustrations about the many vehicle accidents at the intersection of Racetrack Road and Skipper Avenue. I share your concerns and have worked with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to find safer...
By Sandy North
As the old saying goes, “The only constant in life is change.” For over 50 years, Rocky Bayou Country Club (RBCC) has embraced this philosophy as it’s grown into the social and recreational hub for thousands of residents who call Niceville “home.”
RBCC is the area’s only member-owned club and...
Pickles, the famous cat that greeted customers outside a Publix grocery store in Fort Walton Beach, is living the good life inside now. But her fans can still see her regularly in a Pickles 2024 calendar.
Photos taken by her caretaker, Mike Sullivan, and admirers are featured in the calendar,...
By Kelly Murphy-Redd
Tragic circumstances caused Calvary Chapel Fort Walton Beach to close when the pastor left, the congregation dwindled, Anchor Church was formed, and then it seemed Covid would be its final demise. There were only 30 adults left from over 1000. It was impossible to keep going.
Calvary Chapel...
By Mike Mahon
The 9th annual Emerald Coast Classic college basketball tournament is right around the corner — bigger and better than ever. Eight teams will compete in the tournament, which will be held at Raider Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College Nov. 24-25.
Alabama will face Ohio...
By Doug Stauffer
The aging Northwest Florida Fairgrounds in Fort Walton Beach is set for a significant transformation. In October, Okaloosa Commissioner Trey Goodwin, Tourism Director Jennifer Adams and Fair Association Manager Brian Sparling provided a glimpse into the plans for rejuvenating the iconic 20-acre venue.
Instead of demolition, the vision...
By Doug Stauffer
As the spotlight focuses on newly crowned Khameela Layco-Mitchell and Kyleigh Rae Folta, World Class Pageantry (WCP) illuminates a larger vision. Beyond glamorous crowns and glittering gowns, this organization seeks to foster personal growth, community service and a commitment to higher causes.
Established in 2019 by Fort Walton...
