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Baker School showcases $8 million in upgrades with new multipurpose building, parking lot

Baker School inaugurates its $7.1 million Multipurpose Building, alongside separate improvements including CTE program upgrades, a new parking lot, and community-funded flagpoles, showcasing significant campus development.
Contributed: OCSD

Baker School celebrated the grand opening of its new Multipurpose Building, a project funded by the Half-Cent Sales Tax.

  • The ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased the school’s talent, featuring performances by the band, cheerleaders, and dance team. The Army JROTC presented the colors, adding a patriotic touch to the event.

Principal Michael Martello and his administrative team led tours of the new 15,430-square-foot Multipurpose Building. In addition to this major project, the school celebrated several other improvements.

The Culinary Arts program received a boost with a Commercial Grade Culinary Classroom Renovation, funded by CTE at a cost of $128,485.87. Attendees at the ceremony had the opportunity to sample refreshments prepared by the school’s culinary students.

  • In addition to the new building, the project included a new parking lot and pavilion, costing $900,000 and funded by the half-cent sales tax.

The Army JROTC program also celebrated the installation of new flagpoles at the front of the school. This project, costing approximately $7,500, was made possible through community support.

Contributors to the flagpole project included Adam’s Sanitation, local Veterans’ organizations, and several community leaders. Among the donors were the American Legion Emerald Coast Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution Fort Walton Beach Chapter, Military Order of the World Wars, Northwest Florida Military Officers Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

  • Individual contributors included John Cahoon, Okaloosa School Board Member Linda Evanchyk, County Commissioner Nathan Boyles, and Dave Parisot.

School officials expressed gratitude to community members, students, staff, Jacobs Titan, and Lord and Sons for their roles in bringing these projects to fruition.

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Community Comments

“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
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“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
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“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
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“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
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“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
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“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
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“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
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“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
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“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
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“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
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