PUBLIC SAFETY

Gov. DeSantis appoints FWBPD Chief Robert Bage to Commission

On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage to the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. 

• Chief Bage is one of 4 new appointees to the commission.

Bage brings over 20 years of experience to the Commission, and is a veteran, having served in the United States Navy. 

He is currently the Vice President of the First Judicial Circuit Law Enforcement Association and a current member of the Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and Florida Police Chiefs Association. 

The purpose of the Criminal Justice Professionalism Division is to promote and facilitate the competency and professional conduct of criminal justice officers through a partnership with criminal justice agencies in providing entry-level and in-service officer training, criminal justice leadership development and executive training, and maintaining disciplinary procedures.

EVENT

Free document shredding in Niceville on March 15th

With lines wrapped around the parking lot, the City of Niceville’s last paper shredding event was a huge success. Now, it’s time to do it again on Tuesday, Match 15th, 2022.

Here’s how it works:

• Entry starts from the intersection of Palm Blvd North and Campbell Drive. 
• Citizens can then follow the road inwards and enter the line of cars. 
• The route wraps around the parking lot to where the Shred-It® mobile shredding truck will be waiting.

Those who attend will be able to then receive back any containers they had with papers inside, and exit using the southbound road towards the Niceville Library.

Items not permitted include:

• Syringes
• Batteries
• Hard Drives
• Electrical Item
• Nuts and Bolts
• Hanging Folders
• Food, Glass, Cans
• Cardboard Tubes
• Electronic Devices
• Large Metal Objects
• Ink Cartrides & Toners
• Office Supplies, Hole Puncher, Staplers

Event will be held at the Softball Complex Parking Lot, Campbell Drive, near the Niceville Senior Center Tuesday, Match 15th, 2022 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

CONCERT

Nashville Recording Singer-Songwriter, Bradley Gaskin, coming to Defuniak

Main Street DeFuniak Springs announced their upcoming concert with singer-songwriter Bradley Gaskin at the historic Florida Chautauqua Theatre in Downtown DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

• The concert will take place on April 1.

Gaskin first gained notoriety in 2011 with “Mr. Bartender.” Following the success of the debut single from his freshmen album, he performed at a variety of venues including those during his time on tour with multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated duo, Big & Rich.

After stepping away from Nashville nearly 10-years ago, Bradley Gaskin is ready to debut new music and begin touring again after recently signing with an independent label, 30A Life Records.

• 30A Life Records is headed by Walton County local, Jack Cole, and Missouri-based, Bob Clark.

Gaskin is currently tracking new music and is set to release a full album later this year. He will bring his songs, both original and beloved classics, and stories to Main Street DeFuniak Springs.

“After listening to Bradley’s stories and songs, I am thrilled to have someone with his talent performing in DeFuniak Springs,” said Main Street Executive Director, Chelsea Blaich. “Bradley’s background and upbringing is something many can relate to, having led a blue-collar life prior-to and following his success with “Mr. Bartender”, but his talent and musical accomplishments are unlike anything we’ve been able to showcase locally in quite some time. Knowing Bradley’s efforts on his new album and his vocal ability, Main Street is fortunate to have him perform before he finds more fame.”

Bradley Gaskin, along with musical guests, will perform two 45-minute sets.

• Tickets are on sale for $25.00 in advance and will increase $10.00 on the day-of.
• Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The Florida Chautauqua Theatre is located at 840 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435. For tickets, please visit https://mainstreetdfs.org.

WOMEN UNITED

United Way Emerald Coast Launches ‘Women United’, mental health a priority

In honor of Women’s History Month, 118 ladies from across Okaloosa and Walton counties gathered at WaterVue at Brooks Street in Fort Walton Beach to celebrate the launch of UWEC’s Women United chapter.

• At the event, community women were invited to raise their voice for the causes they are passionate about by voting on the first focus of Women United.

Previously vetted by the Women United committee, two options were presented: “education of young girls” and “mental health of women and girls.”

• The votes were tallied, and by a 65% majority, mental health of women and girls was selected.

Women United is a network made up of female leaders who wish to affect change in their community through philanthropy and service. By investing their time, talents, and treasures these passionate ladies come together and address some of our area’s most pressing issues as they relate to women and girls.

“I am so excited to have launched Women United right here in Okaloosa and Walton counties,” said Carol Rogers, UWEC Board Member and Women United Chair. “I was previously a member of the Women United chapter in Volusia and Flagler counties where I experienced first-hand the difference a passionate group of women can make. The Emerald Coast is home to some of the most caring and generous ladies in the world and I look forward to uniting with them to build a stronger community where women and girls can thrive.”

Interested in becoming a member of Women United? Women United is open to ladies who generously donate a combined household gift of $500+ a year (unrestricted funding) to UWEC.

• Visit www.united-way.org/womenunited or contact womenunited@united-way.org to learn more.

FOOD+DRINK

Brozinni’s Pizzeria brings their New York-style pizza to Niceville

Brozinni Pizzeria announced on Sunday that their Niceville location will officially open on Monday, March 14th.

• Originally based out of Seagrove Beach, the pizzeria will now bring their Big Apple signature crust and buttery garlic knuckles to the Niceville community.

“Every ingredient we use has been hand-selected to provide an amazing experience for each of our recipes,” according to Brozinni’s. “Whether you’re just in for a slice of New York style pizza or one of our incredible salads, you’re in for a treat.”

According to the company, there was an issue with getting their Certificate of Occupancy that caused a delay in opening. 

• Brozinni’s is located at 144 Palm Blvd N., right next to Pounders Hawaiian Grill.

The pizzeria offers:

• Appetizers such as Cocoons Famous smoked tuna dip served with toasted chips, traditional wings, buttery garlic knuckles, and bread sticks.
• Salads including Brozinni’s signature house salad, Caesar.
• Pasta such as spaghetti with marinara, spaghetti with meatballs, meatballs, side meatballs, fettuccini Alfredo.
• Build your own pizza: toppings include mushrooms, red onions, green bell peppers, tomatoes, artichokes, green olives, sausage, jalapenos, zesty peppers, black olives, bacon, pepperoni, ham, pineapple, fresh spinach, fresh basil, roasted garlic
• Specialty pizzas: Cheese, Pepperoni, Park Avenue, Broadway, Canal Street, 34th Street, Garden State Parkway, Madison Ave, Sunrise Highway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Kissena, Fifth Avenue, Maiden Lane (Hawaiian pizza), Wall Street. Gluten-free pizza options available.
• Calzones: cheese, ham and cheese, meatlovers, spinach, Stromboli, buffalo chicken, chicken bacon ranch, BBQ chicken, veggie
• Desserts: cannoli’s, chocolate chip cookies, homemade Key Lime pie, homemade banana pudding, cheesecake, brownie, Tiramisu

Click here for more info on the Niceville location