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Community

Leadership Okaloosa Graduates Next Wave of Community Leaders

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

By Doug Stauffer Leadership Okaloosa, a well-respected leadership training and development program with a 30-year history, held its annual graduation ceremony at the Northwest Florida State College. The ceremony brought together the college and its partners, including the Crestview, Destin, Niceville-Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach Chambers of Commerce. Together, they honored the graduates who had completed the...

FW Here’s What You Should Do The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds us that juvenile black bears are starting to leave their mothers’ home ranges in search of new homes of their own. Between the ages of 1½ -2½ years, juvenile or yearling bears start dispersing in spring and summer, with spring marking a return to activity for bears after limited movements in winter. During this time, juvenile bears may be seen in unexpected areas as they travel across a wide range of areas in search of a new location to settle down. Bear in Gulf In recent weeks, bears have wandered into Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and on the beach in Destin! “The most important thing people can do to help these bears is to leave them alone,” said the FWC’s Bear Management Program Coordinator, Mike Orlando. “Give them plenty of space and let them move along on their own.” Black bears are generally not aggressive. But, like any wild animal, if they feel threatened, they can become defensive. Dogs have been involved in more than half of the incidents of people getting injured by bears in Florida. When walking dogs, keep them close to you – preferably on a non-retractable leash – and be aware of your surroundings, which is good practice for preventing conflicts with both bears and other wildlife. Before letting your dog out at night, flip lights on and off and bang on the door to give bears and other wildlife a chance to leave the area. As bears become more active this time of year, they cross more roadways. For your own safety and to avoid hitting bears and other wildlife, remember to slow down when driving, particularly on rural highways at dawn or dusk. Watch for road signs identifying bear crossing areas. Each year in Florida, an average of 250 bears are killed after being hit by vehicles. If you have bears in your area, follow these additional BearWise® Basics to help prevent conflicts with bears: 1: Never feed or approach bears Feeding bears can make them lose their natural fear of people. It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause conflicts. Getting close to a wild animal is dangerous. 2: Secure food and garbage Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage and then put it out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before. If not stored in a secured building, modify your existing garbage can to make it more bear-resistant or use a bear-resistant container. Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters. Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fencing. Pick ripe fruit from trees and bushes and remove fallen fruit from the ground. 3: Remove or secure bird and wildlife feeders Remove wildlife feeders. If wildlife feeders are left up, only put enough food out for wildlife to finish eating before dark and make feeders bear-resistant. 4: Never leave pet food outdoors Feed pets indoors. If feeding pets outdoors, only put food outside for short time periods and bring in leftover food and dishes after each feeding. 5: Clean and store grills Clean and degrease grills and smokers after each use. If mobile, store them in a secure shed or garage. 6: Alert neighbors to bear activity If you see a bear, let your neighbors know. Share tips on how to avoid conflicts with bears. Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute bylaws or ordinances to require trash be kept secure. Having conflicts with bears? Call one of the FWC’s five regional offices. Go to MyFWC.com/Contact, and click on “Contact Regional Offices” to find the phone number for your region. If you want to report someone who is either harming bears or intentionally feeding them, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-FWCC (3922). Black bear cub

Community

Seeing Bears In Unexpected Areas?

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

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Here’s What You Should Do The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds us that juvenile black bears are starting to leave their mothers’ home ranges in search of new homes of their own. Between the ages of 1½ -2½ years, juvenile or yearling bears start dispersing in spring and summer, with spring...

Community

Sip & Splash Brings Locals Together

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

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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,...

Community

Around Town July 2023

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

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Beal House Fort Walton Beachfront, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has made its debut. Located on Okaloosa Island, this six-story, 100-key hotel reopened recently, following a down-to-the-studs renovation and a rebrand designed to merge the property’s new identity with the destination’s notable past. The Beal House name honors the legacy...

Community

Enjoy our Okaloosa County Parks This Summer

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

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By Carolyn Newcomer Ketchel, Okaloosa County Commissioner, District 2 Spending quiet time with nature in an Okaloosa County Park by the water and the shade of trees will rejuvenate the spirit. We are fortunate that Okaloosa County owns 40 beautiful parks for our residents and visitors to enjoy. After Memorial Day,...

Community

Shalimar Pointe Reopens After $1.7 Million Renovation

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

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By Barb Palmgren Shalimar Pointe Golf Club recently announced the re-opening of its award-winning, 18-hole, 6,767-yard, par 72 golf course to the public. Located adjacent to the shores of the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay in Shalimar, the course opened after extensive renovation on Father’s Day weekend, June 16. Of course, fathers...

Community

Collaboration Program Celebrates Inaugural Graduates

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

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At a closing retreat and graduation ceremony May 12, Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation honored its new graduates from Leadership Northwest Florida, a new regional collaboration program focused on community, content and connection. Eighteen leaders from across Northwest Florida participated in the inaugural program that fostered a deeper understanding of the region’s diverse...

Community

Celebrating 20 Years Helping Children in Crisis

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

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By Lisa Woodrum For 20 years, Children in Crisis has answered the desperate need for foster care through its group homes at the Fort Walton Beach property. It has provided stable and consistent home environments for a multitude of displaced children in the midst of severe circumstances. CIC originated from...

Community

Deep Connections at AFEV

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

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Bobbi’s connection to the Air Force runs deep as her father served in the military. It was during her family’s time in Anchorage, Alaska, when Bobbi met her future husband at a local skating rink. “One look at him and I had a horrible crush! A cute boy from...

Community

Congressman Waltz’s Call to Action: Unity and Security

FWB Life Staff - June 30, 2023

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By Doug Stauffer Congressman Mike Waltz, representing Florida’s 6th Congressional District, has taken the reins from Gov. DeSantis in the continued fight for national security, veterans’ affairs and economic growth. This former Green Beret serves on several House committees, including Armed Services—a natural fit, given his Army Special Forces experience....