SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- Impact100 Northwest Florida shows how collective giving creates transformational change in our communities, while Northwest Florida State College’s forensics team brings home state honors. The Shalimar Library unveils new public art, cats await adoption at a creative St. Patrick’s Day event, and Florida’s CFO weighs in on the upcoming special election.
ART+CULTURE
Shalimar Library unveils new outdoor mural
The Shalimar Library celebrated the unveiling of a new outdoor mural with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, March 7.
- The mural, titled “Open A Book and Open Your Mind,” was created by local artist Pat Z. Roberts and adorns the library’s exterior wall.
Shalimar Library Board of Directors, library volunteers, Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks, Commissioner Ricardo Garcia and Chief of Police Michael Jacobs attended the ceremony.
The artwork is designed to promote the library’s mission of enriching lives through literature and serves as a reminder that people can experience the world and visit new places through books and art.
- “This mural is not just a piece of art; it’s a reflection of the heart and spirit of our community,” said Mayor Franks. “It symbolizes the creativity that makes our town truly special. I hope it will inspire both residents and visitors to engage with the library and all it has to offer.”
The Shalimar Library offers a variety of reading materials including bestsellers, fiction, nonfiction, classics, and books for children and youth. The facility also hosts regular events such as Toddler Story Time and The Well Read Book Club.
The library showcases exhibits by local artists and provides a conference room for small group meetings, tutoring and children’s activities.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Shalimar Library receives support from the Shalimar Thrift Shop. Visitors can view Roberts’ mural at the Shalimar Library, located at 115 Richbourg Ave. in Shalimar.
SPONSORED
If you live, work, worship or attend school within our field of membership, you can bank with us.
- To find out if you’re eligible to join, visit eglinfcu.org/join or apply at a branch.
Membership subject to approval. Must be 18 or older to apply online. Insured by NCUA
POLITICS
Florida CFO Patronis endorses Boyles for House District 3 special election
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis endorsed Republican candidate Nathan Boyles on Thursday for the upcoming special primary election to fill the vacant House District 3 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.
- “Nathan Boyles is ready to start taking out the trash in Tallahassee on day one. He is a businessman and a proven conservative that can deliver for President Trump and his America First agenda by standing up to special interests,” Patronis said. “Electing Nathan Boyles means the Panhandle will have an America First fighter representing us.”
Boyles, a small business owner and former Okaloosa County Commissioner, expressed gratitude for the endorsement.
“It’s servant leaders like CFO Patronis who have fought tirelessly for President Trump’s Make America Great Again agenda and I couldn’t be more thankful for his endorsement,” Boyles said. “I’m running for the Florida House to continue fighting for the MAGA agenda and I will help President Trump secure our border, grow our economy, and support our great military and veterans.”
- The special primary election is scheduled for April 1.
Boyles founded and operated The Main Street Land Title Company until 2019. He currently runs Adams Sanitation, which he has grown from two trucks and two full-time employees to more than 40 trucks and 112 employees serving nearly 30,000 families and businesses in Northwest Florida.
In addition to serving on the County Commission, Boyles has chaired the Okaloosa Library Cooperative, the Okaloosa Walton Transportation Planning Organization and the Crestview Community Redevelopment Agency.
SCHOOL
Northwest Florida State College forensics team wins state competitions
by Ashley Armacost
Northwest Florida State College Forensics Speech and Debate Team showcased their talent this spring semester, earning top honors at the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Conference and the Florida Intercollegiate Forensics Association (FIFA) State Championship.
At the FCSAA Conference, NWFSC students took first place in Persuasive Speaking and placed in the top five in Informative Speaking:
- Mason Porter (1st Place): Persuasive Speaking
- Hannah McKosky (3rd Place): Informative Speaking
- Melanie Sabillon (4th Place): Informative Speaking
- Lily Howland (5th Place): Informative Speaking
The success continued at the Florida Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Championship, where NWFSC won first place in the limited entry individual events sweepstakes. Porter also earned third place in persuasive speaking at this competition.
“Our Forensics Team represents excellence, dedication, and the power of effective communication,” said NWFSC President Mel Ponder. “These students have worked incredibly hard to refine their skills, and their success on the state stage, which is a testament to their talent and commitment. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued success.”
The college’s forensics program offers students experience in various competitive formats including Lincoln Douglas, policy and parliamentary debate, as well as individual events such as prose, poetry and platform speeches. Students also participate in limited preparation categories where they create speeches on the spot.
The program aligns with the college’s mission of “Transforming Lives” by helping students develop critical thinking, confidence and communication skills that benefit them both in competition and beyond.
SPONSORED
Origin Bank opens new location in Fort Walton Beach
Origin Bank has expanded its presence with a new financial center in Fort Walton Beach.
- Operating from a temporary building at 212 Racetrack Road NW (the intersection of Denton Boulevard NW), the center offers comprehensive banking services including small business and personal banking, home loans, and financial support.
The location currently operates Monday through Friday, with the drive-thru open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and appointments available by calling (850) 904-8613. For more information, click here.
EVENTS
Local felines seek forever homes at St. Catty’s Day O’Doption event in Fort Walton Beach
by Ashley Armacost
Three local animal welfare organizations are joining forces to help cats and kittens find homes during a St. Patrick’s Day-themed adoption event this week.
- Save Our Cats and Kittens (SOCKS) will host the St. Catty’s Day O’Doption event on March 15, 2025, from noon to 5 p.m. at their facility located at 498 Carmel Drive.
The cats and kittens available for adoption will come from SOCKS, the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Pet Welfare.
Event organizers are offering a special adoption fee of only $17 during the event, making it an affordable opportunity for potential pet owners to add a new feline companion to their family.
- Attendees can enjoy Irish food and beer while browsing the available cats. The event will also feature raffle prizes to add to the festivities.
For more information about the St. Catty’s Day O’Doption event, interested individuals can contact SOCKS directly.
GIVING BACK
How Impact100 Northwest Florida turns $1,000 into transformational change in Okaloosa & Walton
In the quiet corners of Northwest Florida, transformations are happening. A museum expanding its reach, autistic young adults gaining job skills, and children without beds finally getting a good night’s sleep.
- Since 2012, Impact100 Northwest Florida has channeled nearly $4.9 million into 46 nonprofit organizations across Okaloosa and Walton counties. Their model is simple yet powerful — women each donate $1,000 annually to form collective grants of $100,000 that fundamentally change what local nonprofits can accomplish.
“We’re not all wealthy women. We are all generous women,” says Joni Wallace, Board President, echoing the organization’s founding philosophy.
This year, Impact100 NWF awarded five $100,000 grants to organizations including the Destin History and Fishing Museum, Emerald Coast Autism Center, and Children’s Volunteer Health Network’s mobile dental unit for preschoolers. Each grant addresses critical needs in one of the organization’s five focus areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness.
The organization stands out not just for its generosity but for its approach. “100% of your $1,000 goes directly to the nonprofits. There is nothing taken out for overhead, socials, recruitment events — nothing,” emphasizes Georgia Henderson, board member for communications and marketing.
With a goal of reaching 500 members, Impact100 NWF hopes to guarantee grants in each of their five focus areas annually, especially important as state funding for areas like arts and culture faces cuts. Women from all walks of life are welcome, and members can be as involved as they choose.
In the full story, you’ll discover:
- How a veteran with PTSD transformed his life and now helps other veterans through an Impact100 NWF grant.
- The rigorous process that ensures grants create sustainable, high-impact change.
- Personal stories from members who found purpose and community through Impact100.
- How even small nonprofits can compete for these transformational grants.
- Upcoming events where you can meet members and learn more (including March 12 at Third Planet Brewery in Niceville).
- Ways to get involved even if you can’t commit to the full membership amount.
- How one mobile testing unit changed the trajectory of a man’s life from HIV patient to passionate advocate.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Monday. Help us shape the future of local news and make a meaningful impact on your community. Click here to learn how you can support us!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Published with ♥ by Get The Coast.
Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here.
124 Eglin Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548