BUSINESS

7 Brew Coffee expands to Fort Walton Beach, marking third Okaloosa location

7 Brew Coffee continues its rapid expansion with a new location in Fort Walton Beach, marking the company’s third outlet in Okaloosa County.

• The new coffee shop will be located at 44 Eglin Pkwy NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, in the former Jimmy John’s building. 

This addition follows the company’s existing locations in Crestview and Niceville, reflecting 7 Brew’s significant growth from its origins of just eight stores in Arkansas three years ago.

The Fort Walton Beach store is scheduled for a soft opening on Aug. 19, with a “Swag Day” planned for Aug. 31. These dates are currently tentative.

7 Brew’s menu features a wide variety of beverages, including energy drinks, teas, lemonades, shakes, smoothies, and fizzes, with many options available in sugar-free and dairy-free variations. 

• The company’s mission focuses on “cultivating kindness” and creating a positive impact in the community. This ethos is reflected in their unique service model, which features drive-through windows without speakers, fostering direct interaction between staff and customers.

This expansion is part of 7 Brew’s broader plans for growth in Florida, with the company aiming to open approximately 200 more stands across the state.

GIVING BACK

Eight women to be honored in Okaloosa County Hall of Fame

The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women will present eight new inductees to the Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame on August 26.

• The event, showcasing women who have made significant contributions to the county, will take place at 6 p.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center.

This year’s inductees represent diverse fields, including the arts, military, law, education, business, and community service.

• Shari Allen, honored as the Mattie Kelley Cultural Arts Inductee, has contributed to the arts and cultural expansion of Okaloosa County and Northwest Florida for over 29 years. Partnering with her husband, Todd Eric Allen, CEO of Northwest Florida Ballet, she has played a key role in creating core artistic curriculum, arts advocacy, administrative direction, and oversight of outreach through scholarships. Allen has also assisted with grant funding and instruction for the Northwest Florida Ballet Company, Academie, and Community School.

• Col. Allison Black, the Military Inductee, commanded the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field during her 32-year Air Force career. She oversaw the wing’s four groups, 24 squadrons, 40 tenant units, and Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command. Black flew over 3,400 hours, including 2,000 combat hours in the AC-130H Spectre gunship and U-28A Draco. Known as the “Angel of Death,” she was the first female AC-130H Spectre navigator to open fire and the first female Air Force Combat Action Medal recipient.

• Judge Lacey Powell Clark, receiving the Carolyn Spencer Humanitarian award, has served as a Circuit Judge in the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. Before becoming a judge, she practiced civil litigation for 24 years. Clark has been active in various community organizations, including the Rotary Club of Crestview and Fresh Start for Children and Families. She chairs the Family Law Advisory Group and co-chairs the First Judicial Circuit Professionalism Committee.

• Shawn Crist, the Education Inductee, is recognized for her contributions as a teacher, parent volunteer, and educational support person in the Okaloosa School District. Notably, she is the only person to be named the Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Educational Support Person of the Year.

• Sierra Elliot, the Contemporary Inductee, serves as a Sexual Assault & Harassment Specialist at the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field. After serving 10 years with the Air Force, she transitioned to a Civil Service career. Elliot has received multiple awards for her work as a victim advocate, including recognition at the Pentagon as the top-performing victim advocate in the Air Force and the DoD Promoting Excellence in Prevention award.

• Lori Kelley, honored in the Business-Professional category, chairs the Northwest Florida State College Board of Trustees. She previously served as president of the NWFSC Foundation Board and has chaired both Niceville-Valparaiso and Walton County Chamber boards. With over 30 years at Warren Averett, Kelley has risen to senior tax member with one of the largest client bases on the Gulf Coast.

• Joy Makela, the Community Service Inductee, has built a behavioral health private practice serving the state of Florida. A lifetime resident of Okaloosa County, she volunteers in various community roles, including as a School Advisory Committee Chair, mental health mentor, church volunteer, youth soccer team manager, and Science Fair Judge.

• Barbara Henderson Slocumb, the Pioneer Inductee, is a fourth-generation Okaloosa County native with roots tracing back to Otahite, a Native American outpost. As a member of the North Okaloosa Historical Association, she has helped collect, donate, and oversee artifacts at the Baker Block Museum. Slocumb currently serves as the family service director for Davis Watkins Funeral Home.

Since its inception in 1995, the Hall of Fame has inducted 140 women. The award was created to honor women who have made important contributions to Okaloosa County.

For more information about the event, visit occsw.com or contact Jeanne Rief at 850-685-8027.

A MESSAGE FROM DIANA HEALTH

Diana Health brings individualized, comprehensive women’s healthcare to Okaloosa and surrounding areas

The Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, and surrounding areas have a new option for elevated women’s healthcare with Diana Health. Diana Health offers women’s healthcare focused on the whole woman – addressing physical, mental, and social healthcare needs.

Led by medical director Dr. Michael Hennessey and a provider team of physicians, certified nurse midwives, and physician assistants, Diana Health’s services include end-to-end maternity care, Labor & Delivery services, preconception and family planning, along with comprehensive, full-scope Gynecological care.

Diana Health is located adjacent to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and has collaborated with them to provide 24/7 midwifery care to the labor and delivery floor. The Diana Health care program is designed to empower women to make the best health choices for themselves and their families, providing information, tools, and support every step of the way.

• And, when you visit in person, you’ll be welcomed with a calm and comfortable practice space to make you feel at home.

Diana Health is in-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and TriCare. New patients are welcome and can book an appointment – even prior to 10 weeks of pregnancy if desired – within one week in most cases.

Call to schedule an appointment at (850) 243-2229 or learn more and book online here

THINGS TO DO

Alaqua Animal Refuge to host Bluegrass Barn Jam during Animoré Weekend

Alaqua Animal Refuge is set to host its annual Animoré Weekend, featuring a new Bluegrass Barn Jam on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

• The outdoor music festival will showcase nationally and regionally recognized Bluegrass acts across multiple stages at the refuge’s property.

The event, which begins at 1:30 p.m. with gates opening at 1 p.m., will feature performances by Buffalo Nickel, Molly Thomas, Hurricane Party, Queens Ransom and Blue Highway. Each band brings its own unique style to the Bluegrass genre, from Buffalo Nickel’s blend of authentic and modern sounds to Blue Highway’s renowned harmonies and musicianship.

In addition to the musical performances, the family-friendly event will offer food trucks, beverages, a silent auction and opportunities for attendees to interact with animals at the refuge.

For those seeking an enhanced experience, a VIP section will be available, offering prime seating and complimentary food and beverages during the evening performances on the Main Stage, starting at 6:30 p.m.

• Organizers advise guests to bring their own chairs for daytime performances. The Bluegrass Barn Jam is scheduled as a rain-or-shine event.

Ticket prices range from $25 for children’s general admission to $200 for VIP access. Adult general admission tickets are priced at $50. Tickets can be purchased through the Alaqua Animal Refuge website.

Alaqua Animal Refuge, located in Freeport, Florida, combines this musical event with its mission of animal welfare, offering attendees a day of entertainment while supporting the organization’s work.

PUBLIC SAFETY

City of Niceville names Mark Hayse as new Police Chief

The City of Niceville has appointed Mark Hayse as its new chief of police, officials announced Wednesday.

• Hayse, who brings over 33 years of law enforcement experience, will assume his new role on Friday, Aug. 30. He joins the Niceville Police Department from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.

In his position as chief, Hayse will be responsible for overseeing all operations of the Niceville Police Department. He is also expected to collaborate closely with other city officials to address community needs and concerns.

• Throughout his career, Hayse has demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety, earning the trust and respect of both colleagues and community members, according to city officials.

The City of Niceville expressed confidence in Hayse’s leadership, stating that under his guidance, the police department will continue its commitment to serving and protecting local citizens.

THINGS TO DO

Summer of Seltzer Fest to make a splash at The Island Resort

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is set to host its inaugural Summer of Seltzer Festival on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• The 21-and-over event, located on the Beach Patio by Tripp Tide Beach Bar, will feature over 150 bubbly beverages from local and national brands. Attendees can explore distinct tasting sections, each offering a unique experience.

The “Spill the Tea” section will serve hard teas including Too Turnt Tea, Sun Cruiser, and Twisted Tea, with White Claw 0% available for designated drivers. “Pucker Up Buttercup” will offer tart and tangy options like Simply Spiked Lemonade and Mike’s Hard Lemonade.

“Seltz Row” will feature classic seltzers including Truly, Topo Chico, Vizzy, Corona, and Modelo. For those preferring a soda twist, “Soda Right this Sway” will showcase Truly Vodka Soda, Dogfish Head Vodka Soda, and Fresca Mixed.

• The “Cocktail Can Can” section will round out the offerings with canned cocktails from brands like Crown Royal, Waterbird, and Cayman Jack.

Beyond unlimited tastings, the festival will offer live music from Catalyst Music Rocks, yard games, and food from the resort’s Tacos & Tequila food truck. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Special Forces Association Chapter 7, supporting veterans, soldiers, and their families.

In partnership with Big Iron Environmental, the event aims to promote sustainability through recycling efforts. The company will provide recycling bins and donate to SFA Chapter 7 for every pound of aluminum recycled.

Tickets are available for $35 in advance, with door tickets priced at $40, subject to availability. The Island Resort is also offering a Summer of Seltzer Accommodations Package for those wishing to extend their stay.

• Established in 1966, The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach features 600 feet of beach, three pools, and multiple dining options across its 10-acre property.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/summerofseltzer2024 or www.theislandfl.com.