THINGS TO DO

Emerald Coast Science Center hosts 7th Annual Women in Science Conference

The 7th Annual Women in Science Conference is coming up on September 19, 2023, providing an opportunity for young women in Okaloosa County to connect with and learn from successful local women in STEM fields.

• Hosted by the Emerald Coast Science Center and BAE Systems, the event will take place at The Place on Beal in Fort Walton Beach from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

The conference aims to inspire the next generation of female scientists, engineers, doctors, and other STEM professionals by featuring a series of presentations by women currently working in these fields locally.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Sabina Pennington, Environmental Public Outreach Specialist with the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program;
• Dr. Francia Squatrito, surgeon at Bay Foot & Ankle Center;
• Kristen Picard, software engineer at Beast Code;
• Darlene Merchant, program manager at BAE Systems;
• Meya Martin, a senior at Niceville High School.

During the event, speakers will share details about their career paths, offer advice, and participate in an open Q&A panel session where audience members can directly ask questions. The conference is open to students of all ages and genders interested in exploring potential STEM careers.

• However, the focus will be on inspiring middle school and high school girls to pursue degrees and jobs in fields like science, technology, engineering, and math.

Light refreshments will also be provided during the event. Tickets are available online for $10 per adult, while students can attend free of charge. Organizers encourage interested local students to take advantage of this opportunity to make connections and learn about STEM fields from successful women in the community.

The annual Women in Science Conference has been hosted by the Emerald Coast Science Center for the past six years as part of their mission to provide STEM education and inspire future generations of scientists and engineers in the region. This year’s conference promises to be another engaging event for students considering potential careers in growing fields like healthcare, technology, and engineering.

Click here for tickets

THINGS TO DO

City of Destin to hold Open House event, free document shredding

The public is invited to attend the City of Destin’s Open House on Wednesday, October 25th from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Destin Community Center.

“This year’s theme is ‘Music to Our Ears’, and we’ll have a local band to add a little flair to an already great annual event,” said Tamara Young, Public Information Director. “Jones and Company will share their talent, and the event gives City departments and important partners a chance to engage with the community on what we do.”

Nonprofit organizations interested in having an informational table at the event should call City Hall for specifics. Lunch will be provided by Chef Jim Shirah.

The City will also host a free Community Shred Day as part of the Open House. Residents and businesses can bring old documents to be securely shredded on site from 11 a.m. 1 p.m. at the Community Center or from 9a.m. – 11 a.m. at Destin City Hall. 

• To allow for maximum public participation within the timeframe, only reasonable amounts of materials will be accepted. Parking fees at the Community Center will be waived during the event.

SPORTS

FWBHS volleyball team dominates Pensacola Tigers in a 3-0 victory

The Fort Walton Beach High School Vikings varsity volleyball team secured a 3-0 victory over the Pensacola Tigers on their home court on Tuesday night: 25-19, 25-23, 25-17.

One standout player of the evening was Aubree Davis, a sophomore who demonstrated exceptional leadership and athleticism throughout the match. Davis played a pivotal role in leading her team to victory with 9 kills. Off the court, she’s continued to be a beacon of accountability, setting high standards for herself and her teammates, according to Coach Melanie Marchena.

• “Aubree is a rockstar leader and just an all-around athlete,” she said on Tuesday night. “She wants to be better and is never satisfied with being ‘just enough.’ She is always looking for ways to improve her game. Very coachable!”

Another player who shone brightly for Fort Walton Beach was Riley-Jo Reyes, a senior known for her ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. Reyes displayed an uncanny ability to make crucial plays happen, earning her reputation as one of the team’s clutch performers. 

Her on-court presence was felt, as she consistently delivered when the pressure was on. Reyes displayed a strong serving performance with 12 serves and an 83.3% serving efficiency, along with 21 assists.

• “Riley-Jo takes initiative to make plays happen, wants to be the best teammate on and off the court,” said Coach Marchena. “She is one of my clutch players, and we can always count on her to make a play happen during chaos!”

Defensively, Brighton Watson, a junior libero, showcased her skills and court awareness. She controlled the defensive plays, diving for digs and leading her team’s efforts to keep the ball in play. She was a digging powerhouse, recording 13 digs in the match. 

“Brighton Watson continues to prove to me and everyone around her why she should be our libero,” said Coach Marchena. “She takes complete charge on the backcourt, maxes out every time and is the first to fix mistakes! She speaks up, adjusts quickly. She’s everywhere at all times! There is no ball I don’t think she couldn’t touch!”

Kelsie Hearne, a newcomer to the program, has quickly risen to become a stellar athlete and a valuable asset to the Vikings with a well-placed kill last night. Initially a bit timid, Marchena says that Hearne has blossomed into a remarkable player, earning her spot on the court through hard work and dedication. 

• “Kelsie is always asking me what she can improve on, seeking advice from teammates and making those adjustments quickly,” said Coach Marchena. “She took advantage of her time sitting to analyze the spot she would be going in for and has competed to achieve the minutes she does.”

Additional Vikings who helped secure the W:

• Victoria Walczak (So): 2 kills, 2 aces
• Hannah Hall (Sr): 4 kills, 1 block assist
• Ashley Bouck (Jr): 9 kills
• Presley Foster (Sr): 4 kills, 1 block assist
• Mykean Pope (So): 3 aces, 4 digs
• Kiersten Martin (Sr): 2 aces, 1 block assist
• Sophia Strobel (So): 1 kill, 1 dig
• Kelsie Hearne (So): 1 kill

After a tough loss against crosstown rival Choctaw last week, Coach Marchena says the girls went right to work first thing Friday in an effort to fix their mistakes and prepare for the games ahead. 

“Discipline and trust has been a team-theme for this season and tonight we did just that,” she told Get The Coast. “We aren’t satisfied and will continue to work to get better and compete at the level we know we should be competing. Tonight was one of those nights as a coach that I got to take a step back and see these girls move and play as a unit, a sisterhood we have worked so hard to get!! Proud is an understatement and it’s exciting to think this is just the beginning for Fort Walton Beach Volleyball!” 

Next up: The Vikings have a home match vs. Arnold (Panama City Beach, FL) on Thursday, September 7 at 6pm.

THE WEEKENDER

A few things to do around town

September 7, 2023 – Zen Illustration Class – $30 – $35 – View

September 8, 2023 – Twisted Grape Live Music: Rick Esguerra – – View

September 9, 2023 – Life Drawing – $4 – $50 – View

September 9, 2023 – Purple Passion Art Show Take-in – $5 – $35 – View

September 9, 2023 – Twisted Grape Live Music: Benghazi Gresham – – View

September 10, 2023 – Welcome to the most spectacular and largest guided Sound Meditation Chakras Journey in Destin! – $25 – View

September 11, 2023 – Purple Passion Art Show Take-in – $5 – $35 – View

September 13, 2023 – Wine Down Wednesdays – – View

September 13, 2023 – Wednesday Night Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

September 15, 2023 – Twisted Grape Live Music: John Zirpola – – View

September 15, 2023 – Purple Passion Art Show Opening Reception – Free – View

September 16, 2023 – 2023 International Coastal Cleanup – Free – View

September 16, 2023 – Life Sculpting (Clay) – $40 – $45 – View

September 17, 2023 – Into Stillness: A Sound Immersion with Alex Ballew of Secret River Sounds. – $35 – View

September 19, 2023 – Flight Night @ Twisted Grape – – View

September 19, 2023 – Women in Science Conference – – View

September 20, 2023 – Wine Down Wednesdays – – View

September 20, 2023 – Wednesday Night Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

September 21, 2023 – Bubbly Baytowne – Free – View

September 21, 2023 – Sip and Paint!! – $35 – $40 – View

THINGS TO DO

Destin Chamber Trustees invite local First Responders to free cookout

The Destin Chamber Trustee members are celebrating and thanking local first responders with a free cookout on Monday, Sept. 11. They will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and serving BBQ sliders and brisket at Destin Fire Station #9 at 848 Airport Road, in Destin, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• All police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, beach safety, EMS and military are invited.

Trustee membership is the highest membership level in the Destin Chamber, and it shows a significant commitment to and investment in the Chamber and in the community.

Community members are invited to stop by the event to show their appreciation to our first responders.

THINGS TO DO

12th Annual ‘Smoke on the Coast’ BBQ Festival returns to Destin Commons

Get ready for the 12th Annual Smoke on the Coast Festival at Destin Commons. This year’s edition of Smoke on the Coast BBQ, in support of twelve different charities, is making a triumphant return on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

• The festivities commence with live musical performances by the local band, Duchess. 

Attendance to Smoke on the Coast is open to the public. As attendees arrive, they will be greeted with BBQ delicacies being expertly crafted by local eateries and BBQ aficionados. BBQ enthusiasts can purchase tasting tickets for $1 per sample and subsequently cast their votes for the coveted “People’s Choice” award. 

At the heart of this event lies a strong commitment to non-profit organizations and local charities. Each non-profit entity collaborates with a local restaurant or group to vie for prizes totaling over $72,500 and the coveted “Best BBQ” title. As guests indulge in the delectable offerings of the afternoon, they’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the missions of these non-profit organizations.

The charity pairings for this year’s barbecue competition are as follows:

• The Implant Truth Survivors Committee partnered with A Cup of Cajun
• Gulf Coast Council Boy Scouts partnered with Smok’n Scouts Barbeque Crew
• Niceville/Valparaiso Rotary partnered with LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant & Oyster Bar
• Heritage Museum of NW FL partnered with Pallet Bar & Grill
• Emerald Coast Science Center partnered with Bow Tie BBQ & Catering
• The Arc of the Emerald Coast partnered with Sealey Sauce Company
• Dog-Harmony partnered with the School of Mitchell – Gulf Coast
• Habitat for Humanity partnered with Habitat Construction Crew
• Children in Crisis partnered with B&C Fire Safety
• The Boys & Girls Clubs 
• United for a Good Cause, Inc. partnered with Conexion Media Group
• Sons of Amvets 

From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. the stage comes alive with the music from The Duchess Band, while attendees continue to enjoy complimentary face painting and a photo booth.

For more information about Destin Commons and Smoke on the Coast 2023, click here.