Community

After seven years of applying for this grant, on Sunday, November 5, 2023, the Heritage Museum of NW Florida was one of four non-profits to receive the Impact 100 grant of $100,000. For seven years the museum applied for a room addition to the overcrowded museum that houses historical...

“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” ~ Mother Theresa By David Triana I recently watched a Tedx Talk by Dr. Lynda Shaw, PhD on Cognitive Neuroscience. Dr. Shaw spoke about the effects that being generous has on the brain. The link to that...

By Lori Leath Smith Anyone can be a Holiday Hero when they help those in need in our community. As always during the holiday season, there is an ongoing need for giving or volunteering. Many children don’t have enough food to eat over a weekend, much less over the holidays...

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...