By Dave Parisot, NWFMOA Scholarship Fund
Eight JROTC cadets and one ROTC cadet from seven local schools were honored on May 1 with a total of $55,000 in prestigious scholarships from the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association (NWFMOA) via their Scholarship Fund.
The scholarships were presented at NWFMOA’s annual scholarship luncheon...
Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel Awarded Prestigious Mike Mitchell Award
Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel was recently awarded the coveted Mike Mitchell Award for a second time by the Okaloosa County Republican Club. She remains the only woman to have been recognized with this distinction. “I am deeply humbled to have received...
By Wendy Rudman
The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation (ECFF), a nonprofit formed around a kitchen table 10 years ago, is celebrating hitting a key milestone. The foundation operates two facilities in Fort Walton Beach and an aquatic center in Destin – all of which are open to the public.
Over the...
By “Doc” Doug Stauffer
On October 24, surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and community leaders, State Representative Patt Maney received the prestigious Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA), joining an elite group of fewer than 2,500 recipients, including Neil Armstrong and Gerald Ford. The ceremony, held at the Hilton Garden Inn...
Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park is entering a new phase of development aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and highlighting the legacy of Air Commandos.
The air park is projected to undergo a series of upgrades— including relocating the aircraft in front of the chapel to the south portion of...
Get Your Pirate on at the Billy Bowlegs Festival May 15-19
The 69th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival will take place in Fort Walton Beach from May 15 to May 19, 2025. Festivities begin Thursday evening with a Pre-Invasion meet-and-greet downtown. On Friday, May 16, the Landing hosts a Pirate...
By Byron Toups
Florida’s picturesque landscape and sunny weather make it a dream destination for many, but its vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms requires homeowners to carefully consider their roofing options. In this two-part comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into key questions about Florida roofs, providing insights into their lifespan,...
By Christopher Manson
It was the day before my birthday, and I was talking to my mother (Pauline Manson, nee Weekley) about the legendary movie star Charles Bronson. Mom expressed her dismay at the lack of Bronson movies being shown on broadcast television these days.
Good son that I am, I...
Romeo the Manatee Finds Forever Home at Gulfarium’s Manatee Cove
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has welcomed a special new resident: Romeo, the oldest known manatee at over 70 years old, is now calling Manatee Cove home.
Romeo’s arrival is part of a statewide conservation effort led by the Manatee Rescue &...
