TOGETHER WITH
Good morning!
Did you know that the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting donations of NEW or GENTLY USED clothing and shoes?
This is part of the “1st Annual Caring Hands Clothing Closet” campaign for local students in need, a partnership with Crosspoint, Niceville church. It’s part of the build-up to a free clothing event to be held at the church on October 15th.
Donations are now being accepted through September 22nd at the OCSO Shalimar Headquarters, as well as by their SROs at their individual schools.
Let’s get to the news this morning…
EVENT
Crestview golf events benefitting local veterans support organizations
Join Healing Hoof Steps, Defenders of Freedom Florida, and Fairways For Warriors for Par 4 Patriots, an exciting 2-day event of golf and good times supporting our local veteran support organizations! Both events will be held at the Blackwater Golf Club Driving Range in Crestview.
Friday, September 23, 6 pm to 8 pm: Toptracer Points Challenge Digital Golf Tournament
- Tee off with your friends with a cold drink, awesome food, entertainment and fun!
- Tickets to play are available on Eventbrite.
- Your ticket includes your player fee and a $10 food truck ticket provided by The Drive Bar.
Saturday, September 24, 9 am to 2 pm: 18-Hole Charity Golf Event
- Check in for the 18-hole course tournament beginning at 8:30am, with an award ceremony at 2 pm.
- Get your tickets here.
- Your ticket includes your player fee, cart rental and boxed lunch provided by The Crossing.
This inaugural charity golf tournament, Par 4 Patriots, will be held at the newly-redesigned Blackwater Golf Club located at 4927 Antioch Rd in Crestview.
- The Blackwater Golf Club features a newly-renovated driving range facility powered by Toptracer Range with state-of-the-art digital golf scoring, a newly-renovated golf course with stunning scenery, and an all-new clubhouse, restaurant, and Drive Bar.
Par 4 Patriots benefits two local veteran service organizations: Healing Hoof Steps & Defenders of Freedom Florida.
There are a few hole sponsorships and veteran showcase opportunities remaining, so be sure to reserve your spot today. Help support multiple NW Florida veteran service organizations on a great day of golf and fun!
SPONSORED
Score a low auto loan rate!
Financing your next auto purchase with Eglin Federal Credit Union is quick and easy. EFCU offer low rates and flexible terms to meet your needs.
OPENING SOON
The newly renovated $1.1 million Okaloosa Island Boat Basin to open next week
On Thursday, September 1, 2022, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners announced the completion and grand opening of the Okaloosa Island Boat Basin and ADA accessible kayak launch.
- The Okaloosa Island Boat Basin is located at Soundside Access Two off of Santa Rosa Boulevard, between Bluefish Drive and Caviar Drive.
- A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 9am.
“This $1.1 million project was funded entirely by our tourist development tax revenue and a $150,000 Boating Improvement Program Grant administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel. “While funded by tourists, this newly refurbished Okaloosa Island amenity will be enjoyed by locals and visitors of our area.”
According to a Thursday press release, this construction project has remained on time and on budget. Additionally, the boat basin features new decking, landscaping and paved parking.
Parking will be available directly across Santa Rosa Boulevard at Beach Access two. The public is welcome to attend.
REAL ESTATE
Britney Spears’ Destin penthouse hits the market at $2 Million!
Locals have long known that Britney Spears has owned a condo in Destin for some time. Now, her penthouse has been listed by Corcoran Reverie for a mere $2 million.
The Regency Towers penthouse was originally purchased by Bridgemore Timber LLC, a controversial company tied to Spears, on December 27, 2001 for $920,000.
- The address is 950 Highway 98 East #7101, Destin, FL 32541.
Located on over half of the 10th floor, this ultra-luxe residence features three bedrooms and over 3,600 square feet of living space.
“Upon initial entry, the grand vestibule leads the way to the welcoming foyer showcasing 10′ ceilings and marble flooring,” according to the listing description. “The expansive main living and dining areas offer sweeping 180-degree views of the turquoise hued waters effectively blurring the line between indoors and out.”
The living area features a wood burning fireplace and wet-bar while also providing direct access to the balcony.
EVENTS
Main Street DeFuniak Springs to host 2nd Annual Oktoberfest
Main Street DeFuniak Springs will host its 2nd Annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Historic Downtown DeFuniak Springs.
The event, held outdoors on Baldwin Avenue between S. 7th and S. 8th St., will feature craft and domestic beer, food, music, axe throwing, and activities for kids and families.
The 2nd Annual Oktoberfest will feature seasonal beer styles from local and regional craft breweries, as well as domestic options and wine. Traditional German fare will include bratwurst and pretzels, along with other savory and sweet dining options.
- Family fun and games include face painting and glitter tattoos, bounce houses and inflatable interactives, corn hole and more.
- New this year, the event will include a stein hoisting competition for adults with prizes.
- Auf Wiedersehen Baby will provide authentic live German music for guests to enjoy.
“Through our programming and special events, we aim to improve the quality of life in DeFuniak Springs,” said Main Street DeFuniak Springs Executive Director, Chelsea Blaich. “By offering activities on a regular basis for people in the community and our guests that come into the city, we support our organization mission of providing economic vitality to the downtown business district,” Blaich said.
Tickets are required for entry into the event. Tickets will be available on https://mainstreetdfs.org/Oktoberfest/. Guests must be 21 or older to drink. Kids 12 and under can attend for free.
TRAVEL
New flight to Destin from the Twin Cities
Sun Country Airlines is launching new service from Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) to Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS) in Spring 2023.
- The new flight from MSP to Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS) will begin on April 12, 2023, according to a press release from Sun Country.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach will be Sun Country’s 11th nonstop destination in Florida from the Twin Cities. The flights will be provided on a modern Boeing 737 fleet four times (4x) a week and will be operating mostly outside of the core business hours, according to the Okaloosa County Public Information Office.
“We are excited to provide new service to northwest Florida,” said Grant Whitney, Chief Revenue Officer, Sun Country. “Sun Country offers the most nonstop Florida destinations from MSP, and we are confident that Minnesotans and Midwest vacationers will love the white sand beaches that have made the Florida Panhandle famous.”
“This partnership is so meaningful for Okaloosa County,” said Okaloosa Board of County Commissioner Chairman Mel Ponder. “Not only will destinations like Minneapolis/St. Paul become more accessible to residents, visitors can book spring travel now to experience our white sandy beaches and attractions throughout the County which make Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida a premier destination.”
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Friday!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
