FWB Life - FWB Life | Fort Walton Beach News, Events and Community Information

Does Your Pharmacist Strip for You?

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

By Tracy McMorrow, PharmD, Owner, Consultant Pharmacist Does your pharmacist strip for you? I’m talking about strip packaging your medications to help ensure you are...

Northwest Florida State College women’s softball team

NWFSC Women’s Softball Play in National Championship

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

By Doug Stauffer Another championship-caliber team from Northwest Florida State College, the women’s softball team earned a spot in the NJCAA National Championship. The sun shone bright and...

NWFL Regional Aquatic Center Set for Huge Economic Impact Locally

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

A new, regional Aquatic Center, a state‐of‐the‐art aquatic facility, is set to be constructed in Niceville, which would include a 50-meter, Olympic-sized pool. The center aims...

Fishing Report

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

By Kayla Burleson It’s that summer time of year where the days get longer, fishing heats up and anglers get more time on the water....

Fort Walton Beach Dining, Entertainment, Specials July 2023

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

AJ’s on the Bayou Located at the base of the Cinco Bayou Bridge in Fort Walton Beach, AJ’s on the Bayou is in a beautiful...

Victory Village to Receive $2 Million for Military Retirement Community

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

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 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...

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

Seeing Bears In Unexpected Areas?

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

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

Team Wegner Embarks on Ultra Paddle Event to Benefit Cystic

FWB Life Staff - July 1, 2023

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...