SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
Local talent and generosity take center stage as student artwork heads to Tallahassee and a veteran will receive a free roof. The holiday calendar fills up with a new tree trek contest, the Crab Trap’s Grinch appearance, and Destin’s milestone boat parade. Meanwhile, Sean Dietrich brings his storytelling charm to NWFSC’s commencement, and deputies investigate a somber discovery near Fort Walton Beach.
- Reminder: The Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade is happening tonight, Dec. 2, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. The parade will take place along Eglin Parkway from First Street to Hughes Street. This year’s theme is Winter Sports.
Let’s get to the news you need to know this Monday morning.
SCHOOL
Four middle school students from Okaloosa County earned top honors in Florida’s 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition, with the winning artwork set for display during the 2025 legislative session.
- A panel of elementary and high school art teachers evaluated 14 submissions from local students in the statewide visual arts competition, which is open to students in grades 6-8.
Drake Harris of Ruckel Middle School captured Best of Show honors. McKenzie Winger and Sophia Perez, both from Shoal River Middle School, earned first and second place respectively. Isabella Welling from Ruckel Middle School took third place.
“We are so proud of the creativity and talent demonstrated by these young artists,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Their artwork reflects their dedication and passion and serves as a testament to the strength of the arts in Okaloosa County Schools.”
Harris’s Best of Show artwork will be displayed in the Florida Capitol during the 2025 legislative session.
SPONSORED
Shopping during the holidays can be fun and stress-free with and Eglin Federal Credit Union Mastercard! And, with this card there’s no annual fee, no balance transfer fee and no cash advance fee.
- Apply for your Mastercard at eglinfcu.org/mastercard or at a branch.
Eglin Federal Credit Union. Where Members Matter Most. Same day issue of Mastercard is available in branch only during normal business hours, subject to membership and credit approval.
SCHOOL
Popular author, musician Sean Dietrich to deliver NWFSC fall commencement address
Sean Dietrich, author, musician, and storyteller known for his popular “Sean of the South” blog and musical podcast, will deliver the keynote address at Northwest Florida State College’s Fall Commencement Ceremony, college officials announced.
- “NWFSC is proud to welcome Sean Dietrich back to his alma mater to deliver some inspiring words to the next generation of Raider alumni,” said Interim President Dr. Cristie Kedroski.
Dietrich, a 2012 graduate of NWFSC, has authored fifteen books and his work has appeared in major publications including Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, Southern Living, and Garden and Gun. His latest book, “You Are My Sunshine,” published by Zondervan Books, chronicles his 350-mile cycling adventure with his wife Jamie.
The writer’s journey to success follows an unconventional path. A middle-school dropout and former construction worker and ice-cream dipper, Dietrich has built a significant following in the southeastern United States through his one-man shows and storytelling, which blend humor with brutally candid observations about life.
In 2018, the NWFSC Foundation recognized Dietrich’s achievements with its Against the Odds Alumni Award. His stories, reminiscent of storytellers like Will Rogers, Mark Twain, and Lewis Grizzard, often feature tales of covered-dish suppers, camp meetings, and slice-of-life observations that resonate with audiences across the region.
- Currently residing in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife Jamie and their three dogs — Thelma Lou, Otis Campbell, and Marigold the Blind Wonder Dog — Dietrich maintains strong ties to the Florida panhandle.
The commencement ceremony will take place on Friday, December 13 at 11:00 a.m. in Raider Arena.
THINGS TO DO
Fort Walton Beach Woman’s Club launches first-ever ‘Holiday Tree Trek’ contest
The Fort Walton Beach Woman’s Club is introducing a new holiday tradition with their first Holiday Tree Trek, a community-wide event running Dec. 1-16 that transforms local businesses into a festive scavenger hunt.
- The contest challenges participants to visit participating locations and document their journey with selfies of uniquely decorated Christmas trees. Each business will showcase a custom-decorated tree reflecting their merchandise and atmosphere.
Participants can choose between two designated routes, with the option to complete both to double their chances of winning. Participants will submit their pictures to Get The Coast and a winner will be randomly selected. The grand prize, provided by Jim Fish of Compass Florida Realty and Mack Bowman of ERA American Realty, is $500 cash.
Additional prizes include a two-night stay at Holiday Inn on the Island, a mini-tree adorned with $100 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets, and a gift bag from Islanders Coastal Outfitter at the Boardwalk.
The initiative has drawn participation from 46 local establishments, ranging from the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. Participating businesses will display “Holiday Tree Trek STOP HERE” signs to guide contestants.
- Businesses will also compete for recognition, with awards including the Mayor’s Choice Award, Downtown FWB Organization Award, People’s Choice Award, and Woman’s Club President’s Award. Trees will be judged on originality, creativity, and how well they reflect each business.
Winners will be selected through random drawings on Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Participants need not be present to win.
Trek cards are available at all participating locations during regular business hours throughout the event period. Click here for the list of businesses
THINGS TO DO
Crab Trap on Okaloosa Island to host Grinch photo-op, toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots
The Crab Trap will host a holiday toy drive featuring free photos with the Grinch on December 7-8, offering complimentary kids’ meals to those who donate new, unwrapped toys.
- The event, running from noon to 3 p.m. both days, will take place at the restaurant’s 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway SE location on Okaloosa Island at The Boardwalk.
Organizers are encouraging donations to Toys for Tots, specifying that all toy donations should be new and unwrapped. Each toy donation will be rewarded with a free kids’ meal from the restaurant’s menu.
The three-hour event will run for two consecutive days, providing multiple opportunities for families to participate in the holiday giving program while getting free photos with the character known as the “Mean & Green One.”
POLICE BLOTTER
Deputies investigate body found in waters near Fort Walton Beach
Authorities discovered a body floating in waters near Beachview Drive Sunday morning, prompting an investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
- Deputies responded around 11 a.m. after the body of a young male was found approximately 15-20 feet offshore behind residences in Fort Walton Beach, according to the sheriff’s office.
While the circumstances of the death remain unknown, investigators reported no initial signs of foul play. The District One Medical Examiner’s Office in Pensacola will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause, manner and time of death.
The sheriff’s office said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
GIVING BACK
Specialty Roofers Inc. to give free roof to military member or veteran
A Northwest Florida roofing company is offering a free roof to military members as part of its community giving initiative.
- Specialty Roofers Inc. (SRI), in partnership with GAF Roofing, announced its Roofs for Troops campaign to provide a complete roof installation to either an active duty service member or veteran.
“As a local company that deeply cares about our military members, we want to give back to those who fight for the freedoms that we enjoy at home,” said Mike Miller, President – General Manager of Residential Roofing Division.
The prize, valued at more than $7,000, includes all labor and materials. The selected homeowner can choose their shingle color and will receive SRI’s Golden Pledge warranty, covering materials for 50 years and labor for 25 years.
This isn’t SRI’s first community giveaway. The company has previously provided free roofs to first responders and local educators.
- The award-winning company has earned recognition as one of Northwest Florida’s top roofing contractors, receiving accolades from Northwest Florida Daily News and Emerald Coast Magazine from 2018 to 2020, along with multiple “Best in Niceville” honors.
The free-to-enter contest will close with winner selection in early December. Winners will be notified by email or phone. Click here to submit an entry
THINGS TO DO
Annual lighted boat parade to celebrate Destin’s 40th anniversary
The 38th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade will illuminate Destin’s waterfront on December 15, featuring a special 1980s Christmas theme to mark the city’s 40th anniversary.
- The free event begins at 6 p.m., with spectators able to view the parade along the harbor from Harbor Docks to the Emerald Grande. Judges will review entries from The Edge Restaurant and Sky Bar, while HarborWalk will sponsor the fireworks display.
Boat owners interested in participating can register for $35 per vessel. Registration includes entry to the Captains Party on December 13 for the ticket holder and one guest, where participants will receive parade information along with food and drinks.
This year introduces a new “Best Theme” category celebrating “Christmas in the 1980s,” though participants won’t lose points for non-themed displays. Boat registration must be completed before the Captains Party to attend.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Monday. 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!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Published with ♥ by Get The Coast.
Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here.
124 Eglin Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548