BUSINESS

The Boardroom Pub and Grub changes ownership after 11 years in Downtown Fort Walton Beach

The Boardroom Pub and Grub has announced a change in ownership after nearly 11 years of operation. The transition marks the end of an era for the pub, which has become a community staple since its inception.

In a statement released by the outgoing owners, they expressed their excitement for the fresh energy the new ownership team will bring to the local favorite.

• “We’re thrilled for the fresh energy the new ownership team will bring to what has become the hidden gem of Fort Walton Beach,” the statement read. “The new owners have been great customers for many years and bring a successful track record of restaurant management.”

Bobby Nabors, one of the outgoing owners, reflected on the pub’s journey, stating, “Just an incredible journey, so many things have happened in our lives over that last decade, and I feel like Boardroom has been there for all of it.”

The Boardroom Pub and Grub, which started as a converted garage, has grown into a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The pub was closed on Monday for the transition but will reopen on Tuesday under the new ownership.

The new owners plan to keep the current team intact and build on the Boardroom’s decade-old pedigree, according to Nabors. As the statement noted, “…the best is yet to come!”

THINGS TO DO

Sinfonia Youth Orchestra to perform free spring concert on May 5

The Sinfonia Youth Orchestra will present its annual free spring concert, “Spring Concert: A Concert of Beginnings and Endings,” on Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m. at Destin High School.

• The concert will showcase the talent of the area’s finest young musicians and feature performances by the Beginning Strings, Sinfonietta Strings, Intermediate Strings, the Chamber Group, and the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra.

The family-friendly event will offer a diverse selection of music, ranging from familiar songs and folk tunes to overtures for operas and marches. The concert will highlight the growth and achievements of the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra’s music education programs over the past year.

“Our music education programs have seen exponential growth in the last year. At the same time, our musicians have achieved a higher level of artistry than they ever have before. Anyone who attends is in for a musical treat,” said Sinfonia Youth Orchestra music director Margaret Gordon.

In addition to the musical performances, the concert will include a salute to the graduating high school seniors and the presentation of the 2024 Grace Fulcher Memorial Scholarship.

• “The leadership from our seniors has allowed our ensemble to grow in incredible ways and I am looking forward to recognizing them for their efforts and commitment,” Gordon said.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller emphasized the importance of education in the organization’s mission.

“Education is the centerpiece of Sinfonia. It was founded in 2005 not only for its entertainment value, but for the fact that Northwest Florida needed an organization that could be the proponent for arts education in schools, specifically music education,” Fuller said. “The Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program is a wonderful catalyst for local young musicians to expand their musical talents, but it would not be a full experience without an audience, so we hope everyone will come out to and support our youth orchestras.”

For more information on Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, email Margaret Gordon at mgordon@sinfoniagulfcoast.org or call (850) 460-8800.

SCHOOL

Collaborative program introduces Okaloosa County students and teachers to local employers

Fifteen students and teachers from north Okaloosa County middle and high schools participated in the ‘Educate the Educator Plus One’ program on Friday, April 5.

• The program, organized by the Okaloosa County School District, One Okaloosa EDC, TecMEN, and Career Source of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, provided participants with a behind-the-scenes tour of several local businesses.

The initiative aims to educate students and teachers about the local labor market, job opportunities, and introduce them to local employers.

“This program began more than five years ago as an opportunity for educators to learn about job openings that they could share with their students,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers stated. “It has been successful in expanding to include students who can act as ambassadors and share what they have learned about the wide range of career opportunities right here in Okaloosa County with their classmates.”

The day started at Crestview City Hall, where participants were introduced to the demographics and workforce of Okaloosa County. Local elected officials discussed the most in-demand jobs in the area with the students and teachers.

The group then visited ConexSmart Aerospace and Defense to learn about their mission. During lunch, participants enjoyed pizza and attended a presentation on the healthcare industry at North Okaloosa Medical Center.

• The program concluded at the Crestview Chamber of Commerce, which focuses on fostering connections, growth, and development in the local business community.

“We greatly value the vital role that our educators play in preparing our students for meaningful careers, and Educate the Educators Plus One provides both teachers and students with a real world look at some of the dynamic employment opportunities available in our community,” said Nathan Sparks, One Okaloosa EDC Executive Director.

PUBLIC SAFETY

3-year-old child revived after near-drowning in Crestview pool

A 3-year-old child was found unresponsive in a pool at a Crestview residence on Saturday, April 6, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

• The child was pulled from the water, and an off-duty EMT immediately began performing lifesaving measures until the arrival of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Okaloosa County EMS.

The child was transported to North Okaloosa Medical Center by Okaloosa County EMS, where a team of medical staff and Med Flight nurses worked tirelessly to administer life-saving efforts and medical intervention.

After approximately one hour of being unresponsive, the medical team successfully regained a pulse and signs of life in the child. The child was then stabilized and flown to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola for further treatment.

Lt. Tony Kelly of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office praised the collaborative efforts of the medical professionals involved, stating, “Outstanding work by every hand that touched the child after such a tragic accident. In all my years, I have never seen such a large group of medical professionals work so seamlessly and diligently for such a long period of time without ever losing hope or will.”

TRAFFIC

Okaloosa and Walton Counties Traffic Advisory

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Okaloosa and Walton counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Okaloosa County:

• Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, April 7 through Thursday, April 11, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility work and construction activities:
  • U.S. 98 alternating intermittent lane closures between Ferry Road and Pier Road.
  • Santa Rosa Boulevard alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.

• Mid-Bay Bridge Rehabilitation Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on the Mid-Bay Bridge, Monday, April 8 through Thursday, April 11, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. for construction activities.

• State Road (S.R.) 85 Resurfacing from north of Commerce Drive to Bill Lundy Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent S.R. 85 single lane closures for milling and paving operations between:
  • Airport Road and Butler Road, Sunday, April 7 through Friday, April 12, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Commerce Drive and Butler Road, Sunday, April 7 through Thursday, April 11 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
  • Butler Road and Bill Lundy Road, Sunday, April 7 through Saturday, April 13, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• S.R. 285 Resurfacing from S.R. 20 to S.R. 293 – Drivers may experience intermittent lane closures, between John Sims Parkway (S.R. 20) and S.R. 293, Thursday, April 11 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., for crews to complete work-list items.

• S.R. 85 Improvements from S.R. 123 to Hospital Drive – Drivers may encounter intermittent S.R. 85 lane closures, between Antioch Road and Hospital Drive, Sunday, April 7 through Thursday, April 11, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for paving operations.

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 lane closures, between Josie Road in Mary Esther and Florida Place Southeast in Fort Walton Beach, Sunday, April 7 through Thursday, April 11, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for concrete work.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Widening from Mack Bayou Road to County Road (C.R.) 30A – Drivers may encounter intermittent, alternating lane closures, Sunday, April 7 through Thursday, April 11, from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations and signalization work at the following locations:
  • U.S. 98 between Mack Bayou Road and C.R. 30A.
  • Mack Bayou Road between U.S. 98 and Mack Bayou Loop.
  • Goldsby Road between U.S. 98 and Commercial Parkway

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 331 to Peach Creek – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 lane closures, Sunday, April 7 through Thursday, April 11, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.

• U.S. 90 West Bound Right Turn Lane Construction at New Harmony Road – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures Monday, April 8 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for construction activities.

NOW OPEN

New year-round farmers market comes to Destin, open every Sunday

The Destin Community Farmers Market, a new year-round market featuring locally sourced products and artisanal goods, held its grand opening on April 7.

• The market will be open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing together local vendors and residents in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Located at 743 Harbor Boulevard in Destin, the market aims to support local businesses and artisans by offering a diverse selection of high-quality products. Visitors can expect to find a wide array of items, including farm-fresh produce, handcrafted jewelry, jams, macarons, animal treats, art, books, clothing, superfoods, baked goods, and fresh dairy products.

“We are excited to bring the Destin Community Farmers Market to life and provide a platform for local vendors to showcase their talents and products,” said Sabina Zunguze, co-organizer of the market alongside Elisabeta Jenkins. “We invite everyone in the community to join us every Sunday and experience the best that Destin has to offer.”

The Destin Community Farmers Market is committed to being a cornerstone of the community, supporting local businesses, and promoting a sustainable and thriving local economy, according to Zunguze.

• By providing a space for residents to connect with local producers and artisans, the market aims to foster a sense of community and celebrate the unique talents and products found in the Destin area.

For more information about the Destin Community Farmers Market, visit destincommunityfarmersmarket.com or follow @destincommunityfarmersmarket on Facebook and Instagram.