SPORTS

Ruckel Middle School teacher qualifies for U.S. Senior Open Championship

Jon Olson, a teacher at Ruckel Middle School and golf coach, has qualified for the 44th U.S. Senior Open Championship after a stellar performance at the qualifying event held on Thursday, May 30, at Wynlakes Golf & Country Club in Montgomery, Alabama.

• Olson, a resident of Niceville, Florida, carded an impressive four-under 68 in the qualifying round, tying with Robbie Cotton of Brewton, Alabama. After a playoff, Olson secured the final qualifying spot for the prestigious championship.

“Entering the U.S. Senior Open Championship is a cherished milestone that reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game of golf,” Olson said. “As a player, teacher at Ruckel Middle School, and coach, this opportunity not only honors my personal journey but also serves as an inspiration to the students and golf enthusiasts.”

Olson expressed gratitude for the support of his family, whose encouragement has fueled his pursuit of excellence. He looks forward to proudly representing them, the Rocky Bayou Country Club members, and his community at the championship in Newport, Rhode Island.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers congratulated Olson on his achievement, stating, “Mr. Olson’s participation in the U.S. Senior Open Championship is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. It’s a moment of pride for Ruckel Middle School and the entire Okaloosa County School District.”

Joe Jannazo, Ruckel Middle School Principal, praised Olson’s exceptional skills on the course and his outstanding leadership in the classroom, as a coach, and with staff.

• “We are incredibly fortunate to have Mr. Olson as part of our Ruckel family,” Jannazo said. “We are truly proud to call him a Ruckel Ram and celebrate his achievements!”

The 2024 U.S. Senior Open Championship Qualifying was conducted by the Alabama Golf Association. Eighty players competed in the event, vying for the opportunity to advance to the championship.

BEACHES

Walton County launches Keep Walton County Beautiful initiative

The Walton County Tourism Department has announced the launch of Keep Walton County Beautiful (KWCB), a local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, aimed at preserving the county’s natural environment.

“Joining forces with Keep America Beautiful is a landmark moment,” said Matt Algarin, Director of the Walton County Tourism Department. “Walton County is a special place. Through Keep Walton County Beautiful, locals and visitors will help protect our natural resources so everyone can enjoy them for generations to come.”

KWCB will partner with individuals and businesses on various beautification and protection efforts, including tree planting, enhancement of green spaces, beach and roadway cleanups, litter prevention campaigns, and providing resources for green businesses.

• In addition to resources for locals, KWCB will also spearhead educational campaigns targeting visitors, encouraging them to act as good environmental stewards and participate in clean-up and beautification events.

Ashlyn Temples, marketing specialist for the Walton County Tourism Department, will lead the KWCB initiative. Those interested in learning more and getting involved can visit keepwaltoncountybeautiful.org.

SHOPPING

Silver Sands Premium Outlets to offer hundreds of deals during National Outlet Shopping Day

Silver Sands Premium Outlets is gearing up for the third annual National Outlet Shopping Day, offering shoppers hundreds of fantastic finds on the most sought-after brands, limited-time giveaways, and unique center-wide experiences on June 8 and 9, 2024.

The outlet center, located at 10562 Emerald Coast Parkway in Miramar Beach, is one of more than 90 Simon Premium Outlets and The Mills properties throughout the United States and Canada commemorating the event.

• Since its debut in 2022, National Outlet Shopping Day has attracted millions of deal hunters to Simon centers across the country, according to the company.

“We are ecstatic for this year’s National Outlet Shopping Day. In addition to unbelievable retailer savings, we’ve curated a fun-filled weekend complete with on-site activations and giveaway opportunities,” said Victoria Clark, Director of Marketing and Business Development.

More than 70 Silver Sands Premium Outlet retailers, including Saks OFF 5TH, Tory Burch, Disney Store Outlet, Under Armour, Simply Southern, and kate spade new york outlet, are offering special discounts during the event.

• Shoppers can enjoy deals such as 25% off purchases at Salt Life, 25% off purchases of $100 or more at J. Crew Factory, and $25 off purchases of $100 or more at Crocs.

In addition to the savings, Silver Sands Premium Outlets will host onsite activations, including Power Hour Shopping. Shoppers are invited to redeem their receipts totaling $250 or more at the Courtyard by Saks OFF 5TH on Saturday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a $25 gift card.

• The outlet center will also feature enter-to-win contests, giveaways, free tote bags, face painting, selfie stations, and games throughout the weekend.

For updates on participating retailers and National Outlet Shopping Day deals, visit the Silver Sands Premium Outlets website.

PUBLIC WORKS

City of Crestview continues storm debris cleanup efforts

Following the storm on May 10, the City of Crestview has been diligently working to remove storm debris from the affected areas.

• According to the City of Crestview, crews have already collected over 9,000 cubic yards of debris, accounting for approximately 85 percent of the total debris within the city limits.

The City of Crestview and Adams Sanitation have deployed crews to work daily on collecting the remaining debris. To facilitate the ongoing cleanup process, residents are requested to place all storm debris at the curbside before June 10, 2024.

After this date, yard waste pick-up will resume its pre-storm schedules and guidelines.

The City of Crestview expressed its appreciation for the patience and understanding of its residents as they work to restore the city to its pre-storm condition.

• The City also thanked the community for their attention to this matter and their continued support throughout the cleanup process.

SUMMER CAMP

Ohana Day School announces 2024 summer camp for children ages 3-5

Ohana Day School, a fully licensed and accredited early education institution, is hosting a summer camp for children ages three to five at their Grand Boulevard at Sandestin location in Miramar Beach, Florida.

• The camp will run for four weeks in June and July, starting June 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a fee of $600 per child.

Each week of the camp will feature a unique theme, offering children a variety of engaging activities and learning experiences. The first week, from June 10 to June 14, will be an “Under the Sea” adventure, where children will explore marine life through ocean-themed art and hands-on learning about fish and other sea creatures.

• The second week, from June 17 to June 21, will be “Down on the Farm,” teaching children about local farming communities in northwest Florida, planting seeds, and learning about animals.
• The third week, from July 8 to July 12, will be “Around the World,” focusing on different countries and their cultures through crafts and fun activities.
• The final week, from July 15 to July 19, will be “At the Carnival,” where children will play classic carnival games like bean bag toss, guaranteeing entertainment and fun.

“Ohana Day School’s Summer Camp is where everyday is an adventure! Embark on unexpected guests while discovering amazing things. Join us for a summer full of thrilling explorations and unforgettable fun with friends!” said Lettye Burgtorf, Founder and Owner of Ohana Day School.

The school’s teaching strategies include multi-sensory applications, theme-based activities, and discovery time, with the objective of growing and developing young scholars socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.

For more information and to enroll your child in the Ohana Day School Summer Camp, visit www.OhanaDaySchool.org.

NEWS

VIDEO: Orcas spotted in Gulf of Mexico by Destin charter boat

A charter boat based in Destin, Florida, captured stunning video footage of a pod of orcas swimming in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday evening.

• The crew of the Charter Boat Lady Em spotted the killer whales heading south in the Desoto Canyon, a rare sighting in the area.

In a social media post, the Charter Boat Lady Em shared the incredible video, showcasing the majestic creatures as they navigated the waters of the Gulf roughly 75 miles off the Destin coast.

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are not commonly seen in this region, making the encounter a truly remarkable experience for the boat’s crew and passengers.

The Desoto Canyon, located off the coast of the Florida Panhandle, is known for its diverse marine life. However, orca sightings in the Gulf of Mexico are uncommon, as these apex predators typically inhabit colder waters in other parts of the world.

Click here to watch the video