Victory Village
Community

Victory Village to Receive $2 Million for Military Retirement Community

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Victory Village will receive $2 million from Florida’s Framework for Freedom Budget for fiscal year 2023-24 signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 15,...
Leadership Okaloosa Grads 2023
Community

Leadership Okaloosa Graduates Next Wave of Community Leaders

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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...
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?

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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...
Piper’s Angels Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis
Wellness

Team Wegner Embarks on Ultra Paddle Event to Benefit Cystic

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By Christopher Manson Last month, local anesthesiologist and paddleboard enthusiast Ryan Wegner headed to the Bahamas for a massive 80-mile, approximately 16-hour paddle event benefiting...
Freeport Fireworks
Events

Area Independence Day Fireworks!

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Stars & Stripes Celebration at AJ’s on the Bayou Join AJ’s on the Bayou, 200 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach, Sunday, July 3, for...
Sip And Splash Destin
Community

Sip & Splash Brings Locals Together

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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...
Courtesy Destin Fort Walton Beach Fl Dolphins Boat
Events

Happenings Around FWB July 2023

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Antioxidant Apple Beverage Broccoli
Wellness

Learning About Asthma

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By Kay Leaman, Health Architect, HealthyDay HealthyLife Even if you don’t have asthma, having knowledge about it can help someone you know or who you may...
Happy Family: Mother, Father, Children Son And Daughter On Sunset
Wellness

Leave People Better Than You Found Them

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By Stephenie Craig, Journey Bravely Have you ever gone through a day only to realize you interacted with people and don’t remember it? Perhaps you were...
100 Men Who Care CALM Donation
Community

Around Town July 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...
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