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Good morning!
Northwest Florida State College drives $283 million in economic impact and supports nearly 4,000 jobs across the region. Unofficial results have been released for the five Fort Walton Beach charter questions that were blocked on election night, Linda Evanchyk is seeking re-election to the Okaloosa County School Board, and Rocky Bayou has hired Mike Conway as its next football coach. Also, check out upcoming community events.
POLITICS
Linda Evanchyk seeks re-election to Okaloosa County School Board
Okaloosa County School Board Chairman Linda Evanchyk will seek another term representing District 3.
- Evanchyk, who was first elected in 2018 and won re-election in 2022, said in an interview that she believes her background in the classroom and nearly eight years of board experience give her the tools to help the district navigate what she described as a period of change in public education.
“I feel like I still have something to offer, that I can be an active part of making the decisions and moving the district forward,” Evanchyk said. “There’s really a new idea and concept on public education and what education is with parent choice. I feel like with my experience coming from the classroom initially, now with finishing out almost eight years on the board, that gives me the background to help move us through this next time of changes in public education.”
Prior to joining the board, Evanchyk spent 38 years as an English and journalism teacher, including 33 at Choctawhatchee High School, where she also graduated in 1974. She retired in 2017 and launched her campaign the following year.
Evanchyk said she is grateful for the opportunity to serve and remains focused on students.
“I am honored to have been able to have this position for two terms and I will continue to do the best I can to make this district the best,” she said. “It’s all about students. I enjoy talking with students and getting their feedback on what’s going on. I hope that I will get continued support and be able to continue serving.”
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GAMES
WordroW: March 27, 2026
WordroW is brought to you by Fort Walton Beach Chiropractic – keeping your mind sharp and your spine aligned, one game at a time.
Can you guess today’s 5-letter word in six tries?
WordroW is Get The Coast’s daily word puzzle featuring local words, places, and phrases from our community. You have six guesses to find the mystery word – green letters are correct and in the right spot, yellow letters are in the word but wrong position, and gray letters aren’t in the word at all.
POLITICS
Unofficial results released for five FWB charter questions that were blocked on election night
Two weeks after election night produced only one official result out of six charter amendment questions, unofficial vote totals for the remaining five are now public.
- The Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections released the figures after Judge Stone granted a joint request from the city and the FWB Watch Group to modify the injunction that had kept the results out of election night reporting.
The unofficial results show Questions 2, 3 and 4 received majority support while Questions 5 and 6 did not. Question 6, which asked voters whether to repeal the voter-approved 3% cap on annual budget expenditure increases, failed with 687 votes in favor and 907 against.
Question 5, which would have authorized compensation for elected city officials in the form of monetary pay or health insurance coverage, also failed with 641 in favor and 954 against. Questions 2 through 4 each passed with between 56 and 59 percent support.
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SPORTS
Rocky Bayou hires Mike Conway as next football coach
Rocky Bayou’s search for its next head football coach is complete.
The school announced it has hired Mike Conway to lead the Knights, bringing in a veteran coach with 25 years of experience coaching football and baseball at the college level.
- “I am honored for the opportunity to lead this program,” Conway said. “Rocky Bayou has a strong tradition and a clear mission. I look forward to building relationships with our players and helping them grow as athletes, students, and as men of God.”
Rocky Bayou Athletic Director Christian Sampson said Conway’s character stood out throughout the hiring process.
“What stood out the most about Coach Conway was not only his knowledge of the game, but his heart for developing young men and his love for the Lord,” Sampson said. “He understands that football is more than just competition. It is a platform to teach discipline, leadership, and Christian character.”
Conway replaces KC Woods, who went 18-14 in three seasons and led the Knights to back-to-back state championships in 2024 and 2025. Woods also oversaw the program’s transition from the FHSAA to the SSAA before stepping down to focus on his role as assistant principal shortly after the 2025 season concluded.
EVENTS
A few things to do around town
Friday, Mar. 27 – Bunny Hop Trail – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Saturday, Mar. 28 – Ft. Walton Beach/Destin Shred-A-Thon – Ft. Walton Beach – Free – View
Saturday, Mar. 28 – Triple B – Crestview – Free – View
Saturday, Mar. 28 – The Best of Bach, Beethoven & Mozart – Panama City – $45.00 – View
Sunday, Mar. 29 – 2nd Annual Family Egg Drop Challenge – Niceville – $30.00 – View
Tuesday, Mar. 31 – NextGen United’s Sip & Serve with Bekah & Bobby Wagner – Destin – $10.00 – View
Thursday, Apr. 2 – April Networking Breakfast sponsored by Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department – Crestview – $20.00 – View
Thursday, Apr. 2 – Impact100 NWF Enrollment Event at Main Brew Coffee – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Thursday, Apr. 2 – Contractors Connect Meet the Trades – Destin – Free – View
Friday, Apr. 3 – 11th Annual Doggie EGGstravaganza – Miramar Beach – $20.00 – View
Saturday, Apr. 4 – Discover Science Saturday – Fort Walton Beach – $12.00 – View
Saturday, Apr. 4 – Fort Walton Beach Kite Festival – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Sunday, Apr. 5 – Easter Sunrise Celebration! – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Sunday, Apr. 5 – Easter Services – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Sunday, Apr. 5 – Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt – Fort Walton Beach – $40.00 – View
Sunday, Apr. 5 – Fort Walton Beach Kite Festival – Fort Walton Beach – Free – View
Sunday, Apr. 5 – Easter Brunch for Every Bunny at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort – North Destin – $95.00 – View
Sunday, Apr. 5 – Easter Bunny and Easter Egg Dash at LuLu’s on Easter Sunday – Destin – Free – View
Wednesday, Apr. 8 – A Walk Down Magnolia Lane – santa rosa beach – $150.00 – View
Thursday, Apr. 9 – Nothing But Networking hosted by UWF Emerald Coast – Fort Walton Beach – $50.00 – View
Friday, Apr. 10 – First Friday Coffee sponsored by LiveOak Fiber – Fort Walton Beach – $40.00 – View
SCHOOL
NWFSC drives $283 million economic impact, supports nearly 4,000 jobs
Northwest Florida State College contributes $283.1 million to the regional economy each year and supports nearly 4,000 jobs across Okaloosa and Walton counties, according to a newly released economic impact report.
- The report found that for every $1 invested in NWFSC, students gain $6.50 in lifetime earnings. One out of every 58 jobs in the two-county area is supported by the activities of the college and its students.
“Our mission is not only to educate students, but to empower them to impact communities,” said NWFSC President Mel Ponder. “These numbers tell a powerful story: when students succeed, our entire region benefits.”
The college’s operational spending generates $34.9 million in added income and supports 982 jobs through college-related activities. Student spending contributes an additional $3.3 million in added income to local businesses.
Alumni account for the largest share of the impact, contributing $237.7 million annually in added income to the regional economy through increased earning power and workforce participation.
- “This is transformation in action,” said Rhea Goff, chair of the NWFSC Board of Trustees. “Our graduates are fueling local businesses, filling critical workforce needs, and building stronger futures for themselves and their families.”
The report shows 83% of students remain in the college’s service area after completing their education, while 91% stay in Florida.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Friday. 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!
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Jared
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