TOGETHER WITH
Good morning!
Sorry for the delay on the morning newsletter. TGIF, amirite!?!?!
Let’s get to the news you need to know to close out the week!
NEWS
Destin-Fort Walton Beach receives prestigious designation from Destinations International
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism was recently awarded the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal with distinction by Destinations International.
- This award was in recognition of the organization’s commitment to industry excellence and meeting the industry standard for performance and accountability of destination organizations around the world.
“This accreditation is a huge achievement for our County and our local tourism industry,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “It demonstrates our continued dedication to be good stewards of tourism revenue that benefits both locals and visitors especially as we fund projects countywide with the newly expanded bed tax district.”
The accreditation program requires that a destination organization successfully comply with a multitude of mandatory and voluntary standards that span a variety of performance areas to gain this momentous achievement.
The standards cover nearly all aspects related to the management and marketing of destination organizations including governance, finance, human resources, sales, communications, destination development and research, according to the county.
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach now joins the ranks of more than 200 destination organizations that have obtained DMAP recognition.
“By achieving DMAP accreditation, Destin-Fort Walton Beach has demonstrated that they have developed strategies for the direction of their destination and the policies and procedures to safeguard the use of public dollars,” said Maura Allen Gast, FCDME, executive director at Visit Irving, and Immediate Past Chair of the DMAP Board.
The process for gaining the DMAP accreditation required a comprehensive look into all aspects of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach organization and was achieved with the help of a focused team of committed individuals.
“We are incredibly proud to receive DMAP accreditation with distinction as it’s the highest possible recognition for a destination organization,” said Jennifer Adams, tourism director, Destin-Fort Walton Beach. “This achievement is a testament to our team’s commitment to quality and performance standards, and as we look to the future we remain focused on implementing innovative strategies that uphold these high standards to benefit our tourism community, residents and valued visitors.
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SPORTS
‘New Beginnings’ for Vikings Football program as they kick off the season
Excitement is in the air as the Fort Walton Beach Vikings football team starts a new era under Head Coach Bobby Clayton. Clayton took over the program after being hired this past January following the departure of former head coach Chip Petree.
- Clayton brings a reputation for turning programs around. He previously coached at Gulf Breeze High School where he led a remarkable turnaround. Now, Fort Walton Beach High School hopes he can work his magic once again.
This summer, Coach Clayton’s focus has been on building team unity and establishing a family atmosphere. As Clayton explained, “We have a bunch of great individual players, but if we’re all individually great, we’re not going to be good and work together as a team.”
Team bonding activities like a recent three-day Youth Athletic Camp in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force’s Air Commandos at Hurlburt Field helped get them there. The camp was organized in partnership with Hurlburt Field’s school liaison, Ms. Lacey Allen, and the Okaloosa County School District.
- The primary goal was to invest into the next generation and enhance their teamwork skills while educating them about the Air Force Special Operations Command mission.
Clayton opted not to participate in 7-on-7 competitions, believing that time was better spent on developing team chemistry and improving fundamentals.
So far, the players have embraced Clayton’s disciplined approach. “I think these guys are hungry,” Clayton said. “They want to work hard, they want the discipline and they’ve bought into my approach.”
With new beginnings comes a new(er) Friday night. For Clayton, he says he’s excited for Friday night lights and the electric atmosphere often found across Okaloosa County high school stadiums. Having previously coached against schools like Niceville, Choctaw and even FWBHS, he knows firsthand the passion of locals.
- “I know what Friday nights are like here in this county,” he said. “I’m very excited to stand back and get to watch our guys play, watch them compete, and see if everything that we’ve taught them unfolds on Friday nights, which I’m pretty certain it will.”
Several players have stood out so far, including quarterback transfer Harrison Orr from Niceville and receiver J’Drian Edwards. Running back Eddie Love Jr.’s elite speed, along with backs Trevonn Gray and Zavier Hamilton, give the Vikings a loaded backfield.
Clayton is preaching “new beginnings” to the team and community. He’s brought in an entirely new staff and plans for a fresh start for Vikings football.
“There’s new people here. There’s new beginnings. There’s new football being played at Fort Walton Beach High School,” Clayton explained. “We just want the community to watch us play, encourage these young men when they see them out in public and just help build that camaraderie between the Fort Walton Beach community and Fort Walton Beach High School.”
The Vikings’ first game of the season is an away game on August 18 against Walton in DeFuniak Springs.
PROMOTION
A ‘place on Beal’ that’s perfect for your next event or meeting
Have you ever had that sudden “Oh man, where do I host this?” moment? It’s the same fleeting panic as losing your phone in the couch cushions. But fret not, we’ve got just the remedy.
Introducing: The Place on Beal 🎉
Nestled at the intersection of Yacht Club and Beal Parkway in Fort Walton Beach, this spot is the answer to all your “event venue” Google searches. Why? Because history, charm, and modernity wrapped up in one package is not just a rare find—it’s a Fort Walton gem.
The Place on Beal isn’t just any place—it’s the place. You’ve got a business meeting? Check. An small gathering or a full-blown party? Double check. The canvas is yours to paint.
The newly renovated building can be customized for any theme or type of function. The staff will also work closely with you while they prepare for and navigate your occasion so you feel relaxed every step of the way.
- The space can accommodate up-to 120 guests seated comfortably in a banquet setting, and has a complete audio-visual package.
- And right now, they are running a Mon-Thurs (9am-5pm) promo for just $500.
So, what’s next? Call The Place on Beal today at 850-659-3553 to begin planning for your next exciting event. Psst… they even have a list of recommended vendors to make planning a breeze.
THE WEEKENDER
A few things to do around town
August 11, 2023 – Spoil Island Clean up – Free – View
August 11, 2023 – Chemistry Corner – View
August 11, 2023 – Rick Esguerra Live @ Twisted Grape Cafe & Wine Bar – View
August 12, 2023 – Autos in August – Free – View
August 12, 2023 – Call to Artists for “Country Life” Art Show – View
August 12, 2023 – Live Jazz with Benghazi Gresham – View
August 15, 2023 – Flight Night @ Twisted Grape! – View
August 16, 2023 – Creature Features: – View
August 16, 2023 – Nik Flagstar Wednesdays at Rick’s on the Island! – View
August 16, 2023 – Wednesday Night Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View
August 17, 2023 – National Thrift Shop Day – View
August 17, 2023 – Bubbly Baytowne – Free – View
August 17, 2023 – Thirsty Thursdays with BT Turner at Rick’s on the Island! – View
August 18, 2023 – John Zirpola Live @ Twisted Grape! – – View
August 18, 2023 – Opening Reception for “Country Life” Art Show ADSO – View
FOOD+DRINK
Brotula’s represented Florida for a second time at Great American Seafood Cook-Off
Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, a locally-owned restaurant in Destin, was awarded the honor of representing the state of Florida in the 19th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off held on August 5, 2023.
The national juried competition held in New Orleans was started by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board in 2004 and promotes domestic, sustainable seafood.
- The chosen state representative chefs prepared dishes in front of a live audience and then presented their culinary creations to a panel of notable national judges.
- Dishes were judged based on creativity, composition, flavor, craftmanship, and presentation.
After a second-place win last year, Brotula’s in Destin, FL was selected to return to the competition and created a locally inspired seafood dish. This year, Executive Chef Orion Cordoves, presented a Pan Seared Gulf Coast Brotula & Slipper Lobster.
The Bearded Brotula, the restaurant’s namesake, is a lesser-known deep-water fish which offers a sweet flavor profile. The Brotula was paired with a tender Slipper Lobster which is commonly caught on the reefs off-shore Destin-Fort Walton Beach by divers. Locally, it is considered a “divers delight.”
Executive Chef Cordoves of Havana, Cuba brings his passion and expertise to Bald & the Beard Restaurant Group creating innovative dishes. His success as a professional chef with the MGM Mirage in Las Vegas as well as the Chef de Cuisine at Harrah’s Casino in Memphis is due to his love and respect for the tastes and traditions of international flavors, combined with his desire to experiment.
- “I’m still training and always will be, it just doesn’t stop. There are always new methods and techniques. approach food preparation with gratitude and respect for the bounty of the land and seek out the freshest, seasonal, and local foods for the meals I prepare,” said Cordoves.
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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