SCHOOL

Baker School’s Whitney Walker honored as first recipient of $8,000 Florida Prepaid Superintendent Scholarship

On June 12, 2023, the Okaloosa County School District celebrated a significant milestone in their efforts to support and encourage aspiring educators. The district’s Superintendent, Marcus Chambers, announced the recipient of the inaugural Florida Prepaid Superintendent Scholarship during the Okaloosa County School Board meeting.

Whitney Walker, a senior at Baker School, was selected as the deserving recipient of the $8,000 scholarship. This scholarship opportunity was introduced by the district and state to recognize a student who not only demonstrated academic excellence but also exhibited a strong commitment to pursuing a career in education.

• Whitney’s passion for teaching and her outstanding achievements made her the ideal candidate for this prestigious award.

“This is a young lady who’s on the Youth Leadership Council, FCA, is a leader not only for Baker, but is a leader in the school district,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. Whitney’s involvement in various leadership roles within the school community showcased her dedication and potential as an educator.

To qualify for the scholarship, students had to meet specific criteria, including being a senior attending a public high school in the Okaloosa County School District and pursuing a career in education. The application process also required submission of academic transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, community service hours, and a two-minute video essay explaining their aspirations in the field of education.

School Board Member Linda Evanchyk expressed her admiration for Whitney, saying, “She truly is that all-around student. When you think of an all-around great student, it’s Whitney Walker.” Whitney’s involvement in extracurricular activities such as cheerleading and volleyball, coupled with her dedication to academics, made her a standout among her peers.

During the school board meeting, Whitney expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, saying, “It’s just such an honor to be up here and to be able to be the first recipient of this. I love Baker School.” She acknowledged the significance of the support provided by the district and emphasized the importance of their work in schools like Baker.

Whitney’s commitment to making a positive impact extended beyond her academic pursuits. When asked about her plans for the summer, she shared her upcoming mission trip to Africa. “July 8th, I leave for Africa for a mission trip. I’m going to be gone for 10 days. I’m building a church and I’m also going to be volunteering in a local orphanage,” she told the board.

“You have made not only your family, but your Baker family and the Okaloosa County School District family so proud of you in what you’re doing,” added Evanchyk. “You truly are a role model for what we want to come out of our school district.”

COMING SOON

Destin Fire Rescue holds training exercises at Old Cinema 10 theater ahead of demolition

Over the next few days, Destin Fire Rescue will be conducting training exercises at the old Cinema 10, located near Old Time Pottery in Destin. The exercises may result in visible smoke in the area. However, it is all part of the training process.

The training exercises are made possible thanks to the cooperation of Publix, the new owners of the property. As reported by Get The Coast in March 2022, Publix purchased the Old Time Pottery property with plans to develop a new shopping complex. The project, approved by the Destin City Council in October 2022, includes the demolition and redevelopment of the existing Downtown Destin Shopping Center.

According to Destin Fire Rescue, the training exercises serve as valuable preparation for the firefighters ahead of the demolition, which is set to begin next week. The exercises provide an opportunity for the firefighters to practice their skills and utilize the building.

• Residents are encouraged to come and observe the training exercises, providing them with a firsthand view of the skills and techniques employed by Destin Fire Rescue. 

With the training exercises underway, the demolition of the property is scheduled to commence next week, according to Destin Fire. The ±20.06-acre site, which will be transformed into a new grocery-anchored shopping center, will feature a Publix supermarket, a ±2,800 sq.ft. liquor store, and ±4,800 sq.ft. of additional retail and commercial space.

The project, estimated to take approximately one year to complete, includes the construction of new parking spaces, sidewalks, landscaping, utilities, and an expansion of the existing stormwater management retention pond.

As the old cinema site undergoes these training exercises, the transformation of the property is steadily progressing, bringing a new shopping experience to the heart of Downtown Destin.

A MESSAGE FROM ERA AMERICAN

ERA American Real Estate celebrates Flag Season, preparing to plant One-Millionth American Flag

ERA American Real Estate is set to reach a significant milestone this year as they prepare to plant their one-millionth American flag. This annual tradition has been a cherished practice for the company since its inception in 1985, with the aim of fostering connections and expressing gratitude to the local military community.

The brainchild of Gloria Frazier, the company’s founder, Flag Season began with a humble goal of placing 5,000 American flags in yards across the community. Over the years, this initiative has grown exponentially, spreading from 30A to Pensacola and encompassing neighboring communities and counties.

• Reflecting on the tradition, ERA American Real Estate CEO Tony Lombardo shared that this year, Team ERA will put out 30,000 flags.

To ensure widespread distribution, ERA American Real Estate will transform their offices into flag distribution centers. Their staff members will also be stationed at busy intersections, handing out flags to passersby. Additionally, civic leaders will be provided with flags to distribute at various events.

“As we look back this year, we would’ve handed or planted our millionth flag into the community, and we’re super excited about that as ERA American Real Estate, giving out that American flag,” he said. “Because we know that that flag stands for hope and opportunity.”

As we get closer to the 4th of July, the local neighborhoods from 30A to Pensacola will soon be adorned with a sea of red, white, and blue, representing the shared values and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who serve the nation.

• In celebration of this milestone achievement, ERA American Real Estate invites community members to join in their patriotic endeavor, as they continue to honor and pay tribute to the country we call home.

Click here for their locations.

THE WEEKENDER

A few things to do around town

June 16, 2023 – Creature Features: June 1 – September 2 – – View

June 16, 2023 – Planetarium Special Feature: Sordid Secrets of the Stars – $13 – $15 – View

June 16, 2023 – Artful Evenings: Lino Cuts with Chris McLoone! – $60 – View

June 17, 2023 – ADSO Workshop: Stained Glass for Beginners – $165 – $185 – View

June 17, 2023 – BEACH HOUSE in acrylic with Pat Z Roberts – $38.50 – View

June 18, 2023 – International Award-Winning Magical Variety Show! – Free – View

June 18, 2023 – Scallywag Sunday – free – View

Looking ahead

June 19, 2023 – Pirate Show  – Free – View

June 19, 2023 – Bingo – $20 – View

June 19, 2023 – Movie Monday – – View

June 20, 2023 – STEAM Machine: June 1 – July 27 – – View

June 20, 2023 – Learn to Talk Dog with Debbie Revell – $15 – View

June 20, 2023 – Boomin Tuesday – – View

June 20, 2023 – Movies On The Beach: “Detective Pikachu”  – Free – View

June 21, 2023 – STEAM Machine: June 1 – July 27 – – View

June 21, 2023 – C.A.R.E.ing for Turtles – $15 – View

June 21, 2023 – Nik Flagstar Wednesdays at Rick’s on the Island! – – View

June 21, 2023 – Okaloosa Island Fireworks Shows – Free – View

June 22, 2023 – Thirsty Thursdays with BT Turner at Rick’s on the Island! – – View

June 22, 2023 – Fly Guy Thursday – – View

June 22, 2023 – Concerts in the Village: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – – View

June 23, 2023 – Creature Features: June 1 – September 2 – – View

June 23, 2023 – Pork tenderloin dinner – $12 – View

June 25, 2023 – International Award-Winning Magical Variety Show! – Free – View

June 25, 2023 – Scallywag Sunday – free – View

June 27, 2023 –  Movies On The Beach: “HOOK”  – Free – View

PUBLIC SAFETY

Local Hero: 12-year-old rescues brother and stranger caught in rip current on Okaloosa beach

On June 13, 2023, the City of Fort Walton Beach City Council recognized 12-year-old Natalee Williams for her heroic actions in rescuing her brother and another young boy from a dangerous rip current in the Gulf of Mexico. Williams, who had undergone training in Okaloosa County’s Junior Lifeguard Program, displayed quick thinking and remarkable composure during the ordeal.

The incident unfolded on June 2, 2023 while Williams and her family were enjoying a day at the beach. Suddenly, screams for help pierced the air as a group of kids found themselves trapped in a rip current. Among the distressed individuals was Williams’ sister, Christine, who managed to free herself by floating on her back and navigating out of the current. 

• However, Williams sprang into action to aid her younger brother, Joseph, who was still caught in the current.

Mayor Dick Rynearson described the events, stating, “Natalie proceeded to help her younger brother Joseph, talking him through what to do and helping him stay above the waves until he got to a man who could bring him ashore.” Williams demonstrated incredible presence of mind and guided Joseph to safety, ensuring he reached a bystander who could assist him ashore.

But Williams’ bravery didn’t stop there. She noticed another child, who was struggling and submerging beneath the water, desperately in need of assistance. Determined to prevent a potential tragedy, Williams managed to guide him toward the same individual who had helped Joseph, ultimately securing his rescue as well.

• “It was her quick thinking and ability to stay calm in this situation that turned what could have been a double tragedy into a true story of heroism,” said Mayor Rynearson. To acknowledge her selfless acts, Williams was awarded a certificate of appreciation and presented with a key to the city by Mayor Rynearson during a City Council meeting.

Natalee’s training in the Junior Lifeguard Program played a crucial role in equipping her with the skills necessary to navigate the dangerous situation. However, it was her calmness under pressure and her unwavering determination to assist those in need that truly defined her as a hero.