FISHING

Specialty Roofers to host charity fishing tournament benefiting Cystic Fibrosis

Specialty Roofers invites anglers of all skill levels to participate in the Specialty Spot Tournament on Saturday, May 18th, for a chance to win $6,000 in cash prizes while supporting a worthy cause.

• The charity redfish and trout tournament will benefit The Wright Fight for Cystic Fibrosis.

“We are excited about this tournament because it combines two of our passions – fishing and giving back to the community,” said Erin Bakker, marketing director at Specialty Roofers. “We hope everyone has a great time for an even greater cause.”

The tournament will begin at 6 a.m. on May 18th, with weigh-ins starting at 3 p.m. at Nick’s Seafood Restaurant in Freeport. Fishing hours will conclude at 4 p.m. All fish must be caught by hook, line, rod, and reel by members of the registered fishing team.

• Cash prizes will be awarded for the redfish with the most spots on one side, the heaviest aggregate bag limit, and the heaviest speckled trout. The entry fee is $100 per angler or $200 per boat in this no-boundary tournament.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the Wright family’s fundraising efforts for the Cystic Fibrosis Fund. William and Magen Wright, local residents, have twin sons, Merrit and Campbell, who were born with cystic fibrosis.

“We want to make CF stand for Cure Found,” said Peter Wright. “The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has fueled dramatic improvements in cystic fibrosis research and care. Because of the Foundation, people with CF are living longer and healthier lives. The outlook for people with CF continues to improve year after year.”

Individuals and local businesses are encouraged to enter the tournament, and sponsorships are available. The event’s co-sponsors include Ships Chandler and Nick’s Seafood Restaurant.

• For more information about sponsorship opportunities and individual or team registration, visit www.specialtyroofers.com/spot-tournament.

The Specialty Spot Tournament promises to be an exciting event for anglers and the community, combining the love of fishing with the opportunity to support a vital cause.

By participating in the tournament, individuals and businesses can help raise funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis research and care, making a difference in the lives of those affected by the disease.

PARKS+REC

Volunteers help beautify Sound Park in Fort Walton Beach on Earth Day

On Monday, April 22, 2024, more than two dozen volunteers from various organizations joined forces to beautify Sound Park in Fort Walton Beach as part of an Earth Day initiative.

• The event, led by Kali Hiemier, environmental resources coordinator with Okaloosa County’s Keep Okaloosa Beautiful program, brought together volunteers from Cox Communications, Okaloosa County Master Gardeners, and the City of Fort Walton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Hiemier hand-selected nearly 80 native plants for the project, which aimed to add color to the waterfront park while also supporting local pollinators. “A lot of these plants will help more than 200 species of pollinators,” said Hiemier. “All different types of butterflies, moths and other insects.”

The Okaloosa County Master Gardeners, a group of trained volunteers under the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences program, provided planting tips to the volunteers.

The Cox Communications group efficiently planted the native species before picking up trash in the park and along the waterfront.

• “We try to find different opportunities to come out and do stuff in the community,” said Cam Johnson, public and government affairs manager with Cox Communications. He noted that it being Earth Day and National Volunteer Month made it an obvious choice for their efforts.

The native plant workday is one of several improvements planned for Sound Park, located across U.S. Highway 98 from City Hall. Recent enhancements include the rebuilding of the gazebo’s pillars and support beams. Future plans involve installing new lighting and improving the gravel pathways throughout the park.

CRA Administrator Alisa Burleson expressed her gratitude to the volunteers and shared her vision for the park’s future.

• “We want to make it an educational park, where teachers can bring their kids, home school parents can bring their kids, and show them the native plants that grow in our area,” said Burleson. “I’m so excited about the future of this park.”

Keep Okaloosa Beautiful, a local affiliate of the national organization Keep America Beautiful, regularly organizes neighborhood cleanups. Those interested in getting involved can contact Kali Hiemier at khiemier@myokaloosa.com or visit the Okaloosa County Master Gardeners website for more information.

SCHOOL

Fort Walton Beach High School student places 4th at National Debate Championship

Christian Bailey, a student from Fort Walton Beach High School, secured an impressive fourth place at the 2024 National Debate Championship hosted by Incubate Debate on April 5-6 in Jacksonville, Florida.

• The event drew 89 students from 23 counties who engaged in competitive debates on various pressing issues, including the Trump January 6th federal case, the China-Taiwan conflict, college DEI programs, and the climate emergency.

In the final round, Bailey showcased his exceptional speech and debate skills while discussing the merits of college DEI programs and the existence of a climate emergency.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the diligence and dedication of these students, who have showcased exceptional speech and debate skills while maintaining a high degree of civility and respect for differing opinions,” said Marcus Chambers, Superintendent of Okaloosa County Schools. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Christian and commend him for this outstanding achievement.”

Bailey’s performance was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, which included Bill de Blasio, the 109th Mayor of New York City; Stephen Asoli, the Director of Admissions at the University of Austin; Dr. Peter Boghossian, the Founder of the National Progress Alliance; Simon Hankinson, the Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation; and Clea Conner, the CEO of Open to Debate.

• Mayor de Blasio praised Bailey’s speaking skills, calling him “one of the best speakers I’ve ever seen” and ranking him as first place on his ballot.

In addition to the accolades, Bailey received a $500 financial reward for his exceptional performance. His coach, Katrina Brownsberger, the Debate Teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School, received a matching amount for her efforts.

James Fishback, Incubate Debate’s president and founder, described the championship tournament as “our best tournament yet. These students, these rounds, were everything debate should be: civil, unbiased, and intellectually challenging. I could not be prouder of these exceptional students.”

EVENTS

‘Contractors Connect’ returns to South Walton for building industry professionals

Contractors Connect, a networking event for contractors along the Emerald Coast, is making a comeback in South Walton.

• The first event of 2024 will take place on Thursday, May 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at AJ’s Grayton Beach, inviting contractors, subcontractors, and other building industry professionals to attend.

Presented by Builders FirstSource of the Emerald Coast, the quarterly networking event aims to foster connections and collaborations within the community.

John Pugh, Emerald Coast sales manager, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Builders FirstSource of the Emerald Coast is thrilled to be a part of reintroducing this incredible networking opportunity to our community of contractors, igniting connections and collaborations that propel us all forward.”

Contractors Connect, originally started by The Hive Creative Consulting in 2017, quickly gained popularity, attracting over 100 professionals from various fields, including contractors, designers, realtors, bankers, and insurance agents.

• Erin Bakker and her partner, Sarah White, are now reviving the event through their new company, Bespoke Consulting, with plans for three additional meetups on Aug. 8, Nov. 14, and Feb. 6, 2025.

“Contractors Connect had a great following, and I’ve had countless requests to bring it back over the last few years,” Bakker said. “Having a partner like Builders FirstSource is a great asset as we re-launch this event!”

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with representatives from Contractors Connect Industry Partner, Savi Flooring & Tile, and Networking Sponsors, U.S. Lumber Group and Stone Scapes. The event will also highlight Builders FirstSource’s charity of choice, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, encouraging participants to contribute to the fight against blood cancer.

The cost to attend the event is $20, which includes one free draft beer, light appetizers, and the chance to win various door prizes. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.contractors-connect.com.

THINGS TO DO

2024 Summer Camp Guide

Summer will be here before we know it and we just launched our 2024 Summer Camp Guide – the ultimate showcase for all the amazing summer camps in our area!

• This guide is still growing but you can already get a jumpstart on seeing what summer activities are right for your child.

Is your business putting on a camp this summer? This is for you!

By securing your spot in our guide, you’ll gain exposure to parents and guardians actively seeking the perfect summer activities for their children. It’s your chance to shine and show what makes your camp truly special!

• Don’t miss this opportunity to fill your camp with smiling faces and create a summer they’ll never forget!

Fill out the form here to explore our paid listing options and secure your spot in our “Summer Camp Guide” today!

Let’s make this the best summer ever, together!

COMING SOON

7 Brew coffee coming soon to Niceville, plans to open in June

7 Brew, a drive-thru coffee chain known for its extensive drink menu, has dropped its latest stand in Niceville at 1162 John Sims Parkway on April 19, 2024.

• The new location marks the second 7 Brew in Okaloosa County, following the opening of the Crestview stand last year.

With over 20,000 unique drink combinations, 7 Brew offers a wide variety of options for coffee lovers and beyond. From their signature Blondie, a caramel and vanilla breve, to 7 Energy drinks, smoothies, shakes, and teas, the brand caters to diverse tastes and preferences.

7 Brew recently celebrated a milestone of surpassing 210 stands nationwide.

“We are excited to join the Niceville community and begin supplying our neighbors with their daily dose of energy,” said Zac Cockman, director of franchisees for 7 Brew Niceville. “There is nothing better than a refreshing iced coffee or energy drink on your way to the beach in the morning, so we are thrilled to be able to provide that to beachgoers at this location.”

The new stand is expected to create 50 jobs in the Niceville area and plans to open its doors in early June. Interested individuals can apply to join the Brew Crew at 7crew.7brewcareers.com.

SHOPPING

Bal Harbour Shops to bring luxury shopping ‘pop-up’ experience to South Walton

The Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up Tour, a traveling luxury retail event, will make its third stop at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin® in South Walton from May 24 to July 19.

• The pop-up, spanning 17,000 square feet, will feature a curated collection of elegant shops and luxury boutiques, with brands such as Assouline, Balmain, Dolce and Gabbana, Tiffany & Co., and more.

The installation, built from thirty custom-built shipping containers, will include covered walkways, a retractable canopy, and a fine dining restaurant called “The Whitman.”

“We’re thrilled to bring the tropical luxury shopping and dining experience of Bal Harbour to Grand Boulevard in South Walton for the first time,” said Matthew Whitman Lazenby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Whitman Family Development, who also has a second home in South Walton.

The pop-up will showcase Bal Harbour Shops’ signature design elements, including palm tree motifs, monstera leaves, koi ponds, fountains, and lush greenery. Boutique sizes range from 250 square feet to 640 square feet or more, with custom-built, well-lit, and air-conditioned spaces.

Throughout the eight weeks, the pop-up will host various events, including a weekday Happy Hour, High-Tea Tuesdays, Après Golf: A Gentleman’s Happy Hour on Thursdays, and a lavish Sunday Brunch.

• The residency will kick off with a “Launch Party: Bienvenue Blanche” on May 24, benefiting the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

“The Bal Harbour name is synonymous with the finest in luxury retail shopping,” said Stacey Brady, Marketing and Communications Director of Grand Boulevard. “This is an amazing opportunity for exposure to the best retail brands in the world and to have them at Grand Boulevard is really special, and unprecedented in our market.”

For more information and updates on events, follow Bal Harbour Shops Pop Up on Instagram and Facebook.