THINGS TO DO

The Boardwalk to host Memorial Day fireworks display on Okaloosa Island

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island will light up the night sky with a spectacular Memorial Day fireworks display on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy front-row dining or relax on the sand as the fireworks burst in red, white, and blue.

To make the experience even more memorable, The Boardwalk will be offering free Light Diffraction Glasses to attendees while supplies last. These special glasses will enhance the viewing experience, adding an extra dimension to the colorful display.

• “We invite everyone to gather their friends and family, grab a cozy blanket, and head to Okaloosa Island for a Memorial Day celebration like no other,” wrote The Boardwalk in a press release.

The Memorial Day fireworks display is set to begin at 9 p.m. sharp on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot and to take advantage of the free Light Diffraction Glasses while supplies last.

SCHOOL

Bluewater Elementary teacher Stephanie Lafitte publishes childhood story as children’s book

Bluewater Elementary School teacher Stephanie Lafitte has achieved a lifelong dream by publishing a children’s book titled “My Prize Puppy,” which she wrote when she was in the fifth grade.

• The book tells a heartwarming story of imagination and perseverance, reflecting Lafitte’s own childhood creativity and determination.

The journey to publication began when Lafitte rediscovered the story while cleaning out her family home after her father’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease. Encouraged by her father to preserve the story, Lafitte decided to pursue publication, ultimately securing a deal with Dorrance Publishing Company.

“My Prize Puppy” follows a character who dreams of owning a dog but cannot afford one. Instead of giving up, the character creates an imaginary dog and participates in a dog show.

• The book features illustrations of Lafitte’s first and second-grade students and her own dog, Ghost, reflecting her lifelong passion for teaching and storytelling.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised Lafitte’s accomplishment, stating, “As both a teacher and an author, she continues to inspire her students and readers alike to embrace their imaginations and never give up on their aspirations.”

Lafitte’s father passed away before seeing the book published, but his belief in her work continued to inspire her throughout the publication process. Through her journey from writing a childhood story to seeing it published as an adult, Lafitte embodies the importance of perseverance, creativity, and following one’s dreams.

“My Prize Puppy” is available for purchase through the Dorrance Publishing Company’s online bookstore.

A MESSAGE FROM FLEET, SMITH & FREEMAN

Attorney Whitney Smith explains common Guardianship misconceptions, and how it works in Florida

Guardianship is a legal process that removes an individual’s constitutional rights to manage their own personal, medical, or financial affairs due to incapacity from disability or age. It is often misunderstood or pursued for the wrong reasons according to local attorney Whitney Smith.

• “Just because someone is making bad decisions doesn’t mean they need a guardianship,” said Smith, partner at Fleet, Smith and Freeman Law Firm in Shalimar, Florida. “There are pretty high standards to take away their rights. It’s not just because they’re making irrational decisions.”

Guardianship cases require extensive evaluation and court approval. The court appoints three independent medical professionals to examine the alleged incapacitated person and provide written opinions on functional capacity. An attorney is also appointed to represent the individual’s rights and advocate their wishes. The court reviews these filings and makes a determination.

“Ultimately it’s up to the judge to decide what this person can and can’t do,” Smith explained. 

Judges can customize guardianship restrictions based on the reported evaluations. Once approved, the guardian must file annual accountings and plans on the ward’s health, residence, and finances which the court reviews and approves.

Misconceptions About Guardianship

One common misunderstanding Smith highlighted is seeking guardianship due to disagreement with someone’s choices or beliefs they are being manipulated. However, poor decision making alone does not meet incapacity standards for removing individual rights.

“If my mom’s being Catfished or sending money to some foreign country and I don’t agree with it and I know that it’s a scam, that’s a bad decision,” explained Smith. “But that doesn’t warrant a judge stripping my mom or anybody of their legal rights, and that includes to marry or to contract with someone.”

Another frequent misconception involves guardianship of minors. Parents are their children’s natural guardians. Court appointment is only necessary when a child inherits assets without an established trust for management. The guardian must account for these finances annually and they can only be used to benefit the child.

• “The surviving parent has an obligation to support their own child,” Smith said. “There might be $1 million dollars over here that a child inherited from their dad. That’s not there to be used for the child’s well-being. Ultimately, that child will inherit the million dollars when they’re 18.”

Avoiding Guardianship Court

Guardianship litigation can be a lengthy process but is avoidable with proper advance planning according to Smith. Executing legal documents such as a power of attorney and health care surrogate while capable clearly defines future decision-making authority and preferences.

“The more you put in place, the better off you are. There’s a document called a pre-need guardian where you can say who you would like to be your guardian in the event you become incapacitated,” said Smith. “It does save a court proceeding. You won’t have grandparents coming to court saying they want the grandbabies.”

Without these measures, state law establishes priority preference for guardianship starting with a spouse, then adult children, siblings, etc. Disputes over control often lead the court to appoint an independent third party instead. Smith emphasized this outcome can be avoided by families agreeing and formalizing expectations ahead of time.

Getting Started and Reversing Decisions

Guardianship cases require significant medical evidence and preparation which makes them lengthy proceedings according to Smith. Emergency temporary guardians can be quickly granted in the event someone is threatening themselves or others until the permanent guardian is appointed;  however medical reports must still be provided shortly after and full proceedings initiated to have a permanent guardian appointed.  

• Annual reviews continue as long as an individual remains a ward.

Restoring rights requires similarly stringent processes. A ward wishing to have their rights restored must obtain an independent medical evaluation affirming capacity restoration then petition the court. 

• Minors reaching age 18 can file for automatic dismissal upon final financial accounting.

Smith summed up that guardianship is an extreme decision with lifelong impact not to be taken lightly or for trivial matters. Proper estate planning documents and family cohesion can prevent these scenarios. 

When concerns arise regarding safety or financial harm, Smith recommends consulting both medical and legal guidance before pursuing court intervention. “Just because they’re making bad decisions, that doesn’t mean they need guardianship,” she added. “Get a power of attorney in place and get a healthcare surrogate in place. Those two documents may help you avoid court.”

THINGS TO DO

Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation to host third annual Sip and Splash fundraiser

The Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation (ECFF) will host its third annual fundraising event, Sip and Splash: An Aquatic Affair presented by Tim Smith Acura, on Saturday, June 1 at the Taj Renee Community Aquatic Center in Destin.

• The event aims to raise funds for the local organization, which has collected over $158,000 from the previous two events.

“We look forward to hosting this event all year long,” said Kathi Heapy, ECFF treasurer. “It has become such an enjoyable evening and a wonderful way for us to connect with more members of the community. We are tremendously grateful for the continued support of Tim Smith Acura and the Smith family for this event and other previous contributions they have made.”

The community pool will be transformed into an elegant event space, with guests being greeted with complimentary valet and a glass of champagne before entering the nautical-themed pool deck for a sunset cocktail hour.

Attendees will enjoy craft cocktails, beer, and wine, along with hand-rolled sushi from Destin’s Yoshie Eddings. The event will also feature a special mermaid performance, a silent auction, and a live painting by local artist Bradley Copeland.

Following the cocktail hour, guests will indulge in a multi-course seated dinner served by notable local chefs and restaurants, including:

• Carrabba’s Italian Grill
• Mozey’s Mobile Catering and Cuisine
• The Rican Vegan
• SunQuest Catering
• Sura Korean Steakhouse

The dishes will be both gulf- and farm-to-table, showcasing the various cuisines of each restaurant and chef. Entertainment will be provided by Al Alvarado, and a special ceremony will induct the 2024 honorees into the Okaloosa Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame.

“The swimming community has been our bedrock for these many years,” said Wendy Rudman, ECFF community outreach coordinator. “Their support is essential. We treasure the opportunity to recognize specific members of the swimming community. It is wonderful to bring together so many members of our swimming family along with other community members and leaders for this fun, relaxed evening.”

Proceeds from the event will support the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation, a public charity focused on developing physical fitness and water safety among youth and adults in Okaloosa County.

• ECFF manages public pools in Destin, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach, providing opportunities for instruction, training, and competitive excellence in aquatic sports.

Tickets and tables are available for purchase, with sponsorship opportunities and silent auction item donations still being accepted. For more information about the event, visit https://ecfitnessfoundation.org or email jessica@proffittpr.com to inquire about sponsorships or auction item donations.

THINGS TO DO

2024 Summer Camp Guide

Summer will be here at the end of the week! Our 2024 Summer Camp Guide is the perfect place to check out some 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!

REAL ESTATE

Okaloosa County sets sights on Eglin AFB orphan parcels for development

The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved sending a letter and summary document to Brig. Gen. Jeffrey T. Geraghty on Tuesday, outlining priority uses for 12 orphan parcels on Eglin Air Force Base and authorizing county staff to evaluate options for a comprehensive master plan.

• The parcels could see a mix of residential development, including single-family homes, multi-family transitional housing, 55+/senior community condos, and workforce housing. Commercial development is also a possibility, with plans for mixed-use highway frontage, medical facilities, and college expansions.

The decision follows a March 14 community meeting where representatives from the county and several municipalities identified potential uses for the parcels, which are considered candidates for leasing or real property transactions by Eglin AFB. The parcels include:

1. Camp Pinchot (135 acres)
2. East Garnier Creek (166 acres)
3. Poquito Bayou (91 acres)
4. Mill Creek Wetlands (36 acres)
5. North Nine Golf Course West (115 acres)
6. North Nine Golf Course East (55 acres)
7. North Nine/K-21 (73 acres)
8. K-21 (~350 acres)
9. L-34 (200 acres)
10. L-33 (295 acres)
11. L-24 (80 acres)
12. Addie Lewis Parcel (22 acres)

While the county is focusing its efforts on Orphan Parcel 9, which includes the North Nine Golf Course West and East parcels, the letter addresses all 12 parcels and their potential uses.

“We appreciate the efforts of Eglin Air Force Base to develop a Strategic Plan for orphan parcels within Okaloosa County that allocates land uses that meet Eglin community requirements and to seek opportunities with community partners for development,” the letter to Gen. Geraghty states.

The county proposes taking the lead on a comprehensive planning effort for the parcels in coordination with community partners, using the meeting results as a starting point for a 10-year strategic plan.

• “While we acknowledge that the ultimate development of each orphan parcel will be subject to change, this document may serve as a starting point for a 10-year strategic plan that can guide each community partner’s efforts in the pursuit of orphan parcels adjacent to their community,” the letter reads.

County Administrator John Hofstad emphasized the importance of addressing attainable housing in Okaloosa County, noting that the county’s role is to eliminate barriers and reduce costs associated with development.

“We are doing what we can internally to help address this problem, recognizing that we’re not developers and we’re not builders, that’s not what we do,” Hofstad said during the meeting. “Our mechanism to move this forward is to eliminate as many barriers as we can to help reduce costs associated with that.”

The commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the potential of the orphan parcels, with Chairman Paul Mixon calling it an “exciting agenda item” and Commissioner Mel Ponder describing it as a “once in a generation opportunity.”

Next steps: The County says they will be working on this to “responsibly consider options” and be prepared to present their ideas with Eglin if they respond favorably to the letter.