Okaloosa County Opens Bridge-to-Bridge Multi-Use Path
Okaloosa County celebrated the grand opening of its new Bridge-to-Bridge Multi-Use Path with a ribbon cutting Oct. 23 at Beasley Park. The 4-mile, 12-foot-wide trail connects the William T. Marler Bridge to the future John T. Brooks Bridge, giving residents and visitors a safe, scenic space to walk and cycle. The path’s unique feature: photoluminescent materials that glow at night. Parking areas and safety bollards were also added.
“This is a great example of how we are improving recreation and supporting healthy lifestyles in Okaloosa County,” said Commission Chairman Paul Mixon. Funding came from tourism revenue, FDOT and a private donor. Attendees were invited to walk or bike the path following the ceremony.
Sons and Daughters of Italy Celebrate 47 Years
The Sons and Daughters of Italy Joseph B. Franzalia Lodge #2422 is celebrating 47 years of community service in Fort Walton Beach. The lodge has supported charities, hosted local events, and awarded scholarships while preserving Italian heritage and traditions. “Our Lodge is excited and committed to preserving and promoting our culture,” said President Maddie McNeal. Members meet the first Thursday of each month at Shalimar Pointe Clubhouse. For information, call McNeal at 850-259-0292.
Fort Walton Beach Proclaims Italian American Heritage Month
At its Sept. 23 meeting, Fort Walton Beach Mayor Nic Allegretto proclaimed October as Italian American Heritage and Culture Month. Florida ranks third in the nation for Italian American population, with residents making significant contributions to the state’s economic, educational and cultural life. The proclamation recognized their volunteerism, scholarships and community support for those in need. “We are proud of the efforts our lodge contributes to the communities in our area,” said Maddie McNeal, president of the Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge #2422. Events statewide will celebrate Italian American heritage throughout October.
Saltwater Restaurants Supports Food For Thought
Saltwater Restaurants presented a $5,725 check to Food For Thought Outreach following its summer Bites for Backpacks campaign. Funds provide backpacks of healthy food for local students in need. The campaign raised money through special promotions, including $1 donations from Lobster Bites appetizers. “We’re proud to support an organization like Food For Thought that makes a tangible difference in the lives of local children and families,” said COO Nick Sarra. FFT serves students at 32 schools in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Participating restaurants included The Crab Trap and Surf Hut in Destin and The Crab Trap, Rockin’ Tacos and Floyd’s Shrimp & Steak House at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. “And we’re not done, said Sarra.” We plan to continue supporting their important work through the fall and winter as the need grows.”
Mayor’s Charity Gala Honors Local Leaders
The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted its first Mayor’s Charity Gala Sept. 6 at the Hilton Garden Inn, honoring current and former Okaloosa mayors and community leaders. Honorees included mayors Nic Allegretto (FWB), Bobby Wagner (Destin), Dan Henkel (Niceville), JB Whitten (Crestview), Mark Franks (Shalimar), Chris Stein (Mary Esther) and others. Former FWB Mayor Dick Rynearson received the Mike Anderson Award and a Boy Scouts Gulf Coast Council award presented by Vince Mayfield of BitWizards. The gala also honored State Rep. Nathan Boyles, Mel Ponder of Northwest Florida State College, and Captain Gary Jarvis, former mayor of the City of Destin.
Superintendent Chambers Named FHSAA President
Okaloosa County Superintendent Marcus Chambers has been elected president of the Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors. Appointed to the board in 2024 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Chambers will lead the 13-member board guiding interscholastic athletics statewide. “High school athletics play such an important role in the lives of students, building character, teaching teamwork, and creating opportunities that last a lifetime,” Chambers said.
CBA Announces Amateur Photo Contest Winners
The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance has announced winners of its 2025 Amateur Photo Contest. The annual competition highlights the natural beauty of the Basin and surrounding areas, with winning images featured in CBA’s 2025 calendar. Winners include Augusto Cayson Barreto, Anna Brotzman, Kayla Gallant, Guy Donaldson, and more. “Each winning image tells a story about the beauty and importance of our environment,” said CBA Executive Director Alison McDowell. Learn more at basinalliance.org.
