THINGS TO DO

Get creative at this ‘Painting Under the Sea’ event at the Gulfarium

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island is hosting a unique event that allows guests to both create art and meet some of the park’s fascinating animals.

The Gulfarium is partnering with Painting with a Twist in Fort Walton Beach to bring a monthly event that will focus on a different animal each time.

• This month, the focus is on the African Penguin, and visitors will be able to paint a special Gulfarium-inspired penguin painting and then meet these adorable animals up close and personal.

The event will take place on Monday, February 20, 2023, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm in the Living Sea Aquarium. The cost is $100 + tax per person, which includes all the supplies necessary to create the painting as well as the opportunity to participate in the Penguin Encounter.

• The price does not include any food or drinks, but visitors are welcome to bring their own, including alcohol (for those 21 years and older).

In order to participate in this unique experience, visitors must be 18 years or older. The last day to sign up is Sunday, February 19 at midnight, so interested individuals should act quickly to reserve their spot!

Visitors will not only have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the penguins, but they will also learn about these animals. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind painting and meet the African Penguins at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

Click here to signup!

SCHOOLS

7,846 Okaloosa students are enrolled in Career & Technical Education courses

The Okaloosa County School District has been making strides in Career and Technical Education (CTE) as they work to lead the way in Florida. With an eye on meeting local industry needs and preparing students to explore, compete, and succeed as lifelong learners, the district has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to support its CTE students.

In the 2021-2022 school year, OCSD offered 19 different CTE programs and 101 different courses, and the results speak for themselves.

The number of certifications earned in the 2021-2022 school year is a testament to the district’s commitment to CTE. A total of 1,382 Industry Certifications were earned, along with 1,079 Digital Tool Certificates. These achievements have not gone unnoticed, as the district also earned ~$820,286 in CAPE funds, which go directly back to the program that earned them.

• Since 2007, the district has earned over $10.2 million in CAPE funding, and 18,576 industry certifications have been earned.
• This funding has been integral to the success of the district’s CTE programs, and the district’s commitment to excellence in CTE has resulted in impressive outcomes, according to the OCSD.

80% of all CTE courses are honors or Advanced Placement weighted credit courses. 45 of the district’s CTE courses meet the Fine/Practical Art graduation requirement, while 12 meet the Online Course graduation requirement. Four of the courses satisfy a Science elective credit.

• These courses not only prepare students for their chosen careers but also provide a well-rounded education that meets graduation requirements.

Currently, the OCSD has 7,846 high school and middle school students enrolled in CTE courses, demonstrating that CTE is a popular and highly-valued educational choice among students. The district offers a wide range of programs to suit the interests and skills of a diverse student population, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Carpentry, Nursing, and Welding.

CTE has come a long way in recent years, and Okaloosa County School District’s dedication to CTE is proof that investing in CTE can pay dividends for students, educators, and the community as a whole. For more information about the district’s CTE programs, visit www.mycteworks.com.

POLITICS

Fort Walton Beach candidates answer election questionnaire ahead of March 14 election

Thirteen candidates are vying for positions in the Fort Walton Beach City Council, and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce prepared an online questionnaire for each of the candidates to help the public better understand who they are and what their views are.

• All thirteen candidates responded to the questionnaire, which consisted of eighteen questions, and their answers are presented as they were submitted.

The questionnaire aims to provide insight into each candidate’s views on a wide range of issues, including economic development, infrastructure, city budget, and upcoming major projects. The candidates were also asked about their qualifications, experience, and vision for the city.

With the election just a few weeks away, voters will have the opportunity to choose the candidates they believe are best suited to lead the city into the future.

Click here to read through the responses.

DESTIN

City of Destin seeks public input on improving pedestrian access to Parks and Public Facilities

The City of Destin is hosting a public meeting on February 24th at 9 a.m. at the City Hall Annex (Council Chambers) located at 4100 Indian Bayou Trail. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the City’s ADA Transition Plan for Pedestrian Walking Facilities.

• The Departments of Community Development and Public Works are seeking public input on pedestrian access to the City’s parks and public facilities/areas, as well as suggestions on how best to improve the City’s existing pedestrian infrastructure.

In a press release, the City of Destin stated their commitment to providing pedestrian access to parks and public facilities/areas to all persons, including those with disabilities. This meeting provides an important opportunity for the public to provide feedback and offer input on how to best ensure safe pedestrian access within the community.

The meeting will include presentations from City officials on steps taken to survey existing conditions such as sidewalks, ramps, and crosswalks. Implementation plans and schedules to improve these existing assets will also be discussed.

• Individuals who wish to provide written questions and comments before the meeting can do so by emailing pwadmin@cityofdestin.com. These questions and comments will be addressed during the meeting.
• A sign language interpreter will also be present at the meeting.

BUSINESS

Eglin Federal Credit Union named ‘Business of the Year’ by Niceville-Valp Chamber

The Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce recognized outstanding individuals and businesses in the community during its Annual Awards Celebration on Thursday, February 9, 2023.

• The event took place at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center with the Master of Ceremonies for the evening being Dave Morrow, of The Ryland/Morrow Allstate Agency.

2022 Chair of the Board Dr. Mike Mosley, Rocky Bayou Christian School, kicked off the evening by recognizing the contributions of several area businesses and individuals. The Chamber’s awards program honored recipients in several categories, including Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.

“This company has been everywhere you look over the past year or more. It seems like they are always there to support military causes, non-profit organizations, including all the Chambers of Commerce,” said Dr. Mike Mosley. “With us, they have sponsored Golf Classic, lunches, breakfasts, Niceville Young Professionals Golf Tournament, Sequins and Suits, the Education Committee and much more!”

• “They sit on numerous Boards throughout the area in order to support and stay in tune with the needs of local organizations,” he continued. “EFCU recently helped launch an Okaloosa County Schools suicide prevention program with the Hope Squad and partners with Okaloosa Saves. They have been in our area since 1954, and they are always seeking opportunities to serve the needs of our communities. This business is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of members and in our communities.”

In response to being named Business of the Year, EFCU CEO and President Jerry Williams stated how proud and honored he was to win this award.

“We have a great team, and this award belongs to all of the employees of Eglin Federal Credit Union,” he stated. “I’d also like to congratulate Natalie Davis who was awarded the Young Professional of the Year Award. She is the daughter of our employee, Diana, and the EFCU family is very proud of her. We are so blessed to work with so many dedicated individuals who are focused on making Niceville/Valparaiso a great place to live and work.”

Here are the rest of the winners:

Small Business of the Year:
Eyewear Unlimited Charles, Ashley & Cathy Henriott

Young Professional of the Year:
Natalie Davis, Niceville Insurance Agency

Large Business of the Year:
Eglin Federal Credit Union

Volunteer of the Year:
Debbie Elliott, Synovus

You Rock:
Marion Riley Taylor, Crosspoint

Community Enrichment:
Kiwanis Club of Niceville Valparaiso

Rev. Dennis Brown Servant Leadership Award:
Lannie Corbin, City of Niceville

Chair’s Award:
Lee Lewis, P.E., AVCON, INC. Engineers & Planners

GIVING BACK

After 11 long years, a State Championship Ring finds its way back to original owner in Fort Walton Beach

Local Fort Walton Beach resident Curt Palermo never thought he would see his Louisiana State Championship Wrestling ring again after pawning it 11 years ago in Fort Walton Beach to pay bills and get money for food during a difficult period in his life. 

• But thanks to a series of events, including a chance encounter on Facebook and the generosity of a local thrift shop owner, Palermo was reunited with his ring and the memories it holds.

Palermo, who referees high school wrestling matches and helps run the Officials Association for the Panhandle, recounted the unexpected moment he realized he might be able to get his ring back.

“Earlier this week, I got a Facebook message from a guy named Jeremy Carter out of the blue.. It was just a random Facebook message from a guy I did not know,” said Palermo. “And the message is, ‘Hey, did you win a wrestling state championship?’ I just said yes. And he asked if this was my ring and showed me pictures from an eBay listing.” See listing

Carter, who stumbled upon the ring while browsing eBay, was able to track down Palermo with a little online research using details from the ring. After finding Palermo on Facebook, he sent him the eBay link. Palermo says he immediately put in a bid and was surprised to discover that the seller, Greg Tucker, owned a local thrift shop (Maddie Moon Designs) just a mile away from his house.

When Palermo visited Tucker’s store to inquire about the ring, he was shocked to discover the story behind its journey. 

• “He went in the back and he pulled it out and there was my ring,” said Palermo. “Greg bought it from another thrift shop that acquired it from a storage auction. So this had been bouncing around Fort Walton Beach, I guess from thrift shop to pawn shop for years.”

Tucker, who has had his own struggles in the past, empathized with Palermo’s situation and ultimately decided to give the ring back to him for free. He also told Palermo that he had actually already sold the ring once, but there was an issue with the buyer’s address and it was ultimately re-listed on eBay. 

“The ring belongs to him. He’s earned that,” said Tucker. “For me, I’ve had some tough times and I’ve done some things that I wish I hadn’t done, especially pawning things. My life is turned around now and there are things I wish I had gotten back that I pawned. So when he told me his story, I said, ‘I’ve been there, done that.‘ It’s his ring, not mine.”

Palermo was touched by Tucker’s kindness and decided to pay it forward by making a donation to the Autism Society, after learning that Tucker has children on the spectrum.

“My mom was here at the store and she said ‘if you want to give something, just donate it to the Autism Spectrum on the Emerald Coast,’ because we do awareness for autism,” said Tucker. 

Tucker has children on the spectrum and he helps raise awareness for the local organization. 

• “Brad Burnette runs a center in Niceville and they do “fun times” with the older children on the spectrum,” he explained. “They have bowling night, surf day, fishing, game night, pizza night and stuff for the older children to get them out of the house.”
• Curt made a donation as soon as he got home.

For Palermo, the reunion with his ring has brought back a flood of memories from his days at Belle Chasse High School outside of New Orleans and reminded him of the impact wrestling has had on his life. 

“I didn’t realize how much that ring meant to me until I saw it again after 11 years,” said Palermo. “I’m never great at mementos and sentimental things so when I sold it, it was just a ring. But when it popped back up, when he sent me the picture, I was stoked to see it again and the thought that I might be able to get it back.

FOOD+DRINK

“Crackers” at the Santa Rosa Mall will move to a new location

The Santa Rosa Mall in Mary Esther is undergoing major changes as the entire area from Dillard’s to the food court will be demolished to make way for new apartments.

In November, Radiant Partners, owners of the Santa Rosa Mall, announced that they are in contract to acquire the Dillard’s department store building and subsequent property, allowing them to take full control of the Santa Rosa Mall property and continue the second phase of the multi-family Renaissance Santa Rosa.

• The long-term approach for the mall is for a mixed-use community that will include more residential, retail, medical, education, and entertainment uses.

Nearly every time there is an update with the mall, one of the biggest questions that we see is: What is going to happen with “Crackers”?

• “Crackers” is staying at the mall, but will be moving near the main entrance after the food court closes. The new location will be next to FYE, in the front left corner.

Owner Bahai Nabulsi (also known as Mr. B) is excited about the move and what the future holds for the mall.

“I’ve been in this town for 31 years and I have the support of my customers, and they back me up all the time,” Nabulsi said. “I feel 100% about the new location and thank the mall management for helping keep things going and looking good. I look forward to providing all my customers with the excellent, delicious Cracker roll sandwiches, salads, pastries and coffee in the new location.”

Dustin Parkman, Sales Associate at NBI Properties, expressed excitement about the move, saying “We’re excited to work out a plan with Mr B that would allow him to stay in the Santa Rosa Mall. Seeing new offerings from Crackers is exactly what the community wanted. We’re looking forward to everything he is working on.”

The deal for the Dillard’s building is expected to close in Q1 2023, and Dillard’s is expected to continue operations into Q2 2023. With the acquisition, Radiant Partners will continue to master plan the redevelopment of the mall.

Crackers is expected to open in the late April, early May timeframe.