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Good morning!
In this morning’s newsletter, $1.9 million flows to local nonprofits, 160 families get Thanksgiving help, and Winter Wonderland makes its return. Plus, what’s rising from the waters at Brooks Bridge…
Also, next week’s newsletters might be slow given the Holiday and there won’t be much in the way of news. As you know, I don’t send a newsletter for the sake of sending an email. So if it’s hit or miss next week, that’s why…
Let’s get to the news you need to know this Friday morning.
GIVING BACK
Okaloosa School District provides Thanksgiving meals to 160 local families
The Okaloosa County School District provided Thanksgiving dinners to 160 families across the county on Thursday, expanding their program from last year’s inaugural effort that served 119 families.
- The initiative, funded through $8,600 in donations, was made possible through partnerships with Florida Power & Light, Jacobs Titan, Eglin Federal Credit Union, the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation and Forest Heights Baptist Church.
“This brings a smile to my face,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “When we started talking about this initiative a few years ago, we were thinking that we were going to reach about 40 or 50 people. Now we’re up to over 150 families that we are being able to support.”
District staff began the day at 7:30 a.m. at Publix, where they loaded pre-packed bags of non-perishable items.
- The meals included turkey, butter, milk, whipped cream, rolls, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, cream of mushroom soup, green beans, onion, stuffing, chicken stock, plates and roasting pans.
Catherine Card, the district’s public information officer, noted that Publix donated an additional six meals beyond the planned distribution. Families and school representatives picked up the meals between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“I always say that in order to have a great school district, you have to have support from the community,” Chambers said on the donors, staff and volunteers. “To see some sponsors show up here today, along with our staff who’s volunteering… it just makes me so proud.”
SPONSORED
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THINGS TO DO
FWB Police Department’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ returns to Northwest Florida Fairgrounds
The Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s fifth annual Winter Wonderland event returns to the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds this December, showcasing unprecedented growth in both size and community involvement.
- The event, scheduled for December 6-7 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., has grown from its humble beginnings of six decorated houses in front of the police station to 50 pallet houses this year, with businesses from neighboring communities like Niceville now joining the festivities.
“It means the world to us to have this community support,” said Officer Kalan Wasson, noting that the event has surpassed their Construction Junction program to become one of the department’s largest community initiatives.
The holiday celebration benefits two local charities – Emerald Coast Toys for Tots and the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Admission requires a new unwrapped toy, pet food, animal accessories, or monetary donation, with each contribution earning raffle tickets for prizes including fishing trips, condo stays, and date night baskets.
In a new addition this year, Tractor Supply Company of Fort Walton Beach has donated igloo dog houses for children to paint, which will be donated to PAWS. The organization plans to have representatives and possibly animals present both nights.
The event features a competitive element among participants, with the police department’s own units – including patrol shifts, investigations, and CSI – each decorating separate houses.
- “Everybody has a little bit of that competitive nature where they want to be a winner and compete,” Wasson said. This year introduces a QR code voting system allowing the public to choose their favorite displays.
The family-friendly celebration includes bouncy houses, Gellyball, visits from Santa and the Grinch, arts and crafts tables where children can make Christmas ornaments, movies, popcorn, and cotton candy. Two food trucks will be present, along with Crave Coffee 30A returning after positive feedback last year.
Organizers are also working to add a Christmas tree farm offering discounted trees for families in need, with proceeds benefiting the charities. The event has attracted $6,000 in donations from businesses within and outside the city, including funds rolled over from a canceled block party due to a hurricane.
Approximately 20 vendors will be selling merchandise inside the fairgrounds, with several nonprofits providing information about family and youth programs, including the shoe foundation.
- “It’s 100% a family-friendly event and it is free,” Wasson said, emphasizing the opportunity for families to participate in holiday activities while supporting community causes.
The Northwest Florida Fairgrounds is located at 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.
MILITARY
Hurlburt Field set to celebrate holidays with annual tree lighting ceremony
Hurlburt Field will host its annual tree lighting ceremony and winter wonderland celebration Dec. 6, bringing together Department of Defense ID card holders for an evening of holiday festivities.
- The event, scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Memorial Air Park, will feature games, free food, military vendors and an appearance by Santa Claus, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Col. Patrick Dierig, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, will deliver opening remarks at the gathering, which aims to strengthen bonds within the military community.
“The Tree Lighting Ceremony serves as a kickoff to the holiday season while encouraging military readiness by fostering resilience, boosting morale and strengthening connection within our military community,” said base officials.
The celebration is for DOD ID card holders and is not open to the public.
TRAFFIC
Brooks Bridge expansion advances with pier construction in Okaloosa
Construction is moving forward on the $171-million Brooks Bridge Replacement Project as crews work on several piers for the new westbound bridge structure connecting mainland Fort Walton Beach to Okaloosa Island.
- Recent construction activity visible from Okaloosa Island shows multiple phases of pier development.
In the foreground, workers are driving concrete piles that will form the foundation for a land pier. These piles will be cut to specific heights before being topped with a reinforced concrete slab that will serve as the bridge foundation.
Two vertical pier columns have been erected further west, where crews have placed concrete into a large cap form. The form is currently wrapped in orange curing blankets to control heat and moisture during the concrete curing process.
- The first completed pier for the westbound structure stands in the Santa Rosa Sound just west of Okaloosa Island, marking tangible progress on the expansion project.
The project aims to replace the existing four-lane bridge, which opened in 1966, with two new parallel bridges that will expand capacity to six travel lanes. Construction is scheduled for completion in summer 2027.
GIVING BACK
Eglin Federal Credit Union donates $1.9 million to local nonprofits
Eglin Federal Credit Union announced today a $1.9 million donation to be distributed among ten local nonprofit organizations, targeting initiatives ranging from military family support to affordable housing projects.
- Monetary donations were made to the Air Force Enlisted Village, Children in Crisis, Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Fresh Start for Children and Families, Habitat for Humanity of Okaloosa County, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation and the United Way Emerald Coast.
“Eglin Federal Credit Union is very excited to be able to make this investment in our community,” said Cathie Staton, President and CEO of Eglin Federal Credit Union. “Our Charitable Donation Account performed well, allowing us to make such a significant contribution.”
The donations will support several major projects, including the development of Victory Village, a military senior living community in Shalimar near Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field. This facility will serve wounded warriors and their caregivers, as well as surviving spouses of retired enlisted service members from all military branches.
Other significant initiatives receiving funding include Children in Crisis‘s new thrift store project, capital improvements for the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation‘s water safety programs, and support for two Habitat for Humanity chapters in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
The Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, which provides accommodation for military families during medical treatment at Eglin AFB, will use its portion for capital improvements. Fresh Start for Children and Families will construct a new storage facility to support their mission of helping homeless families achieve self-sufficiency.
- Educational support features prominently in the donation distribution, with the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation receiving funds for their Take Stock in Children scholarship and mentoring program.
The United Way Emerald Coast will direct its portion to the new United for ALICE® Fund, supporting Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed individuals. Additionally, the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation will use its share for disaster relief efforts, particularly in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“The intention of the distribution is to satisfy needs within our community that align with Eglin FCU’s Mission, Vision and Values, while making a positive impact to the communities where our members live, work, worship or attend school,” Staton added.
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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