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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- Eglin’s nine-hole Falcon Course closes its doors, while Fort Walton Beach celebrates its newest Sunshine State Scholar and plans for Mardi Gras festivities. The Destin Chamber welcomes new leadership, local realtors bring holiday cheer to foster kids, and Crestview prepares for a unique fundraiser. Meanwhile, the School Board considers changes to Destin Middle’s attendance area.
SCHOOL
Fort Walton Beach’s Reese Armstrong named Okaloosa’s 2024-2025 Sunshine State Scholar
Fort Walton Beach High School junior Reese Armstrong has been selected as Okaloosa County School District’s 2024-2025 Sunshine State Scholar, joining more than 100 of Florida’s highest-achieving 11th-grade STEM students.
- Armstrong, who maintains a 4.59 GPA, plans to pursue a career in medicine, specializing in either oncology or pediatrics.
“The Okaloosa County School District is incredibly proud of Reese Armstrong’s accomplishments and her well-deserved recognition as a Sunshine State Scholar,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
Armstrong has served as tennis team captain and band section leader since her sophomore year. She participates in varsity tennis, golf, and Symphonic Band, earning a spot in the All-County Honors Band.
- Her community involvement includes membership in the school’s Hope Squad, which focuses on mental health awareness, and the National Honor Society. She has also spent five years with the National League of Junior Cotillions, where she mentors younger students.
The Sunshine State Scholars program evaluates students based on academic achievements, STEM career commitment, and community contributions. Applicants must submit an essay about their STEM career goals, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and a resume.
Armstrong will join fellow scholars in Orlando this June for a two-day event, connecting with STEM employers and Florida’s top colleges and universities.
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BUSINESS
Destin Chamber welcomes new leadership, sets goals for 2025
The Destin Chamber of Commerce installed its new board of directors for 2025 during its annual membership meeting last Thursday at Emerald Grande, with Jenni Brunson of Okaloosa Gas accepting the chairman position from outgoing chair Christian Carlee.
Brunson outlined several initiatives for the coming year, including plans to establish a Past Chairman’s Council to serve as an advisory board and reinvigorate the Destin Forward Alumni Group. The chamber also aims to strengthen its advocacy efforts with local and state officials and launch a Membership Appreciation Week.
“I look forward to serving as your Chairman in 2025. I am following many great leaders, and I will do my very best to uphold the honor and integrity with which each of those previous chairmen served,” Brunson said.
The 2025 Executive Committee includes:
- Chairman-Elect Monica Wallis of Destin Water Users
- Treasurer Branden Crosby of Warren Averett
- Bryan Osborn for Government Affairs & Economic Development
- Tyler Jarvis of The Bald and the Beard Restaurant Group for Community & Tourism Development
- Capt. Chad Rewis of Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for Membership
The board of directors comprises Jason Belcher of FNBT Bank as Most Recent Immediate Past Chairman, along with directors Wayne Bernheisel, David Butler, Jason Hall, Alisha Hurwood, Jearl McCall, Tanya Rauch, and John Toombs. Special appointees include retired Air Force Col. Kim Wintner, Dr. Cristie Kedroski of Northwest Florida State College, and Doug Rainer of WM of the Gulf Coast.
SCHOOL
Okaloosa School Board to consider rezoning for Destin Middle School dual attendance area
The Okaloosa County School Board is moving forward with plans to hold a public hearing on rezoning an attendance area currently shared between Ruckel Middle School, Bluewater Elementary School, and Destin Middle School.
- During the Jan. 13 board workshop, Assistant Superintendent Grant Meyer reported that just over 30 students currently use transportation services from the north side of the bridge to attend Destin Middle School, with 18 of those being eighth graders who will advance to high school next year.
“It strains the central zone as far as an additional bus or two, depending on how many students,” Meyer said.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers noted that the dual-zone arrangement was established when Destin Middle School had lower enrollment numbers. “As we know, enrollment at Destin Middle School has vastly increased,” Chambers said.
Projections show the school’s enrollment reaching 745 students for the 2025-26 school year, significantly above its controlled open enrollment capacity of 601 students.
- The enrollment pressure at Destin Middle School is expected to ease when fifth-grade students return to Destin Elementary School following the completion of its new two-story addition in August 2026. The expansion project, approved last July, will add 30 new classrooms and allow the elementary school to serve students from K through fifth grade.
If approved, the rezoning would allow current Destin Middle School students from the affected area to continue attending the school. Transportation services would continue through the 2024-25 school year and the entire 2025-26 school year, ending at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Meyer outlined communication plans pending board approval, including letters to affected parents, individual phone calls, and meetings at both Destin Middle and Bluewater Elementary schools.
Students may still have the option to attend Destin Middle School through controlled open enrollment after the transportation services end, provided they can arrange their own transportation, according to Meyer.
THINGS TO DO
Designer handbag bingo event in Crestview aims to boost childhood cancer research funding
A designer handbag bingo fundraiser for childhood cancer research will take place at the Crestview Community Center on Sunday, February 9, from 2 to 5 p.m.
- The event, organized by the “Phinley’s Phighters” challenge team, benefits the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. Each bingo winner will select from designer handbags valued over $100.
“I was introduced to Rally after meeting Jessie Huisken and following the journey of her daughter Phinley Kate,” said Kimberlie Birr Griggs of The Property Group 850. “Although I never met Phinley here on earth, she is a part of my heart and I see and think of her often.”
Phinley Kate Huisken, who inspired the “Phinley’s Phighters” challenge team, died in 2022 after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
According to the National Cancer Institute, only 4% of all government-allocated cancer research funds go towards pediatric cancer research. “Children deserve more than 4%. As Jessie said, if they are going to get it, we are going to raise it!” Griggs said.
The $30 general admission ticket includes one bingo card, one drink ticket, and food. Additional bingo cards are available for purchase at $20 for a single card or $50 for three cards. The event will feature signature drinks, charcuterie, vendors, and a silent auction.
- The Rally Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, works to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, focusing on developing treatments with fewer long-term side effects.
While the event is in Crestview, several Okaloosa families participate in Rally Foundation programs, including the annual Rally on the Runway fashion show in Pensacola, where children affected by cancer walk the runway in chosen outfits after a day of pampering.
Tickets are available on eventbrite.com. Donations can also be made through Venmo @RallyFoundation with “bingo” in the memo line.
THINGS TO DO
Fort Walton Beach to host annual Mardi Gras parade, downtown celebration
The City of Fort Walton Beach announced plans for its 2025 Mardi Gras Parade and Downtown Throwdown, scheduled for Sunday, February 16, with festivities beginning at 1 p.m.
- The parade will start at the intersection of First Street and Eglin Parkway, with floats assembling along First Street between Eglin Parkway and Perry Avenue.
Following the parade route, participants will proceed north on Eglin Parkway, turn right onto Perry Avenue, and continue with a slight right onto Ferry Road before concluding at First Street.
After the parade, attendees can enjoy live music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, performing downtown on Ferry Road between First Street and Miracle Strip Parkway. The performance will take place at the corner of Ferry Road SE and First Street SE.
The city-sponsored event is free to the public.
GIVING BACK
Local foster kids receive $6,500 in gifts from ERA American Real Estate
In an effort to support local foster children during the holiday season, ERA American Real Estate partnered with FamiliesFirst Network to provide Christmas gifts for 55 children across Northwest Florida.
- The local real estate brokerage spent over $6,500 on new toys as part of FamiliesFirst Network’s Operation Santa program, which serves more than 1,000 children from Escambia to Walton counties who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect.
“With years of passion for supporting our community, we were honored to partner with FamiliesFirst Network this past Christmas,” said Linde Bowman, VP, Head of Brokerage. “Taking care of the children in our community is not just important—it’s a commitment to giving them a fighting chance for a brighter future.”
FamiliesFirst Network provides child welfare, foster care, and adoption services across four counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton. The organization reports that many children in their care would not receive holiday gifts without donor support.
ERA American Real Estate staff shopped according to individual wish lists, ensuring each child received personalized gifts based on their interests and requests. Bowman said the company plans to support Operation Santa again next Christmas.
MILITARY
Eglin Air Force Base closes nine-hole Falcon Course amid operational challenges
Eglin Air Force Base permanently closed its nine-hole Falcon Course on Jan. 13, citing rising maintenance costs and declining usage among the factors behind the decision.
- “Our management team’s decision to close the FC was not made lightly,” said Lt. Col. Laura Evans, 96th Force Support Squadron commander. “We believe it is necessary to focus our resources on enhancing the facilities to ensure the sustainability of the Eglin Golf Course.”
While the Falcon Course will close, the base’s Eagle Golf Course will remain operational. Holes 1 and 18 of the Falcon Course will be maintained as short game practice areas, according to Nyron Alexander, community service flight chief.
The golf course had been open to the public year-round since August 2023. Management will contact members to provide updates on future developments and enhancements to the facilities.
“We appreciate the loyalty and support of our members and guests over the years,” Alexander said. “The golf course team is committed to continue to provide quality facilities and a welcoming environment.”
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