NOW OPEN

New fitness studio brings rhythm cycling, boxing classes to Downtown Fort Walton Beach

A new boutique fitness studio held its grand opening Saturday in downtown Fort Walton Beach, touting itself as the “premier fitness studio in Northwest Florida.”

• Rise N Ride, located next door to Suds N Cinema at 180 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Suite 1, unveiled signature boxing and rhythm indoor cycling classes to the local community this past weekend.

Rise N Ride owner Sasha Lopez said her studio aims to be a one-stop shop for boutique fitness, offering boxing, cycling, strength training, mobility and Pilates-style classes all under one roof.

“If you want yoga, you have to go to the yoga studio. If you want something that includes strength training, you have to get a separate membership there,” Lopez said. “The fact that we’re centrally located in the downtown area and we offer so many styles of fitness, we want to make it super easy for people to continue to stay dedicated to their health and fitness journey.”

Lopez, a Los Angeles native and formerly of the U.S. Air Force, has over a decade of experience owning a women’s strength training gym in California. She also works as a startup boutique fitness studio consultant, helping launch small specialty fitness businesses around the country.

The owner said she first came to the Florida panhandle area after consulting for a studio in Georgia. A new opportunity came about and she ended up living in Crestview. Realizing the closest place for indoor cycling was in Pensacola, Lopez saw this as an opportunity.

• “I was living in Crestview at the time so there was no way I was driving two hours plus every day to go cycle,” Lopez said.

After doing research and discovering no standalone cycling studios existed locally, Lopez opened a small 12-bike studio in 2021 in Valparaiso to test the waters.

The Valparaiso location was a success, selling out classes most days. But Lopez “always wanted to be in the Fort Walton Beach area,” she said.

After two years in Val-p, Lopez said she had a new opportunity to open a bigger studio back in Georgia. But within a week of deciding to close down and move the studio, Lopez got a call about the open downtown Fort Walton location.

“It was a dream, honestly,” Lopez said of the new 1,600 square foot space on Miracle Strip Parkway. “Coming from a big city, you see the potential of downtown areas.”

Rise N Ride’s grand opening Saturday will debut boxing and rhythm riding classes. The studio touts its “community and inclusivity” offered for gym newcomers to more advanced athletes.

• “Regardless of whether you are an avid gym goer or it’s your first time stepping foot into a fitness studio, our classes are tailored to everyone,” Lopez explained.

The owner particularly encourages newcomers to try rhythm riding classes set to choreographed music. Riders match their cycling cadence, resistance and speed to the songs’ changing beats over a 45-minute workout. Lopez said this creates an atmosphere akin to a party.

“It’s not your traditional ‘let’s-just-focus-on-sweating’ workout, but we have lights and then it gets dark and the lights are changing colors and the music’s really loud,” she described.

The studio offers 16 stationary bikes now with hopes to expand to 30 in the future. Lopez said all bikes accommodate athletic shoes or spin shoes with dual pedal clips. Instructors give first-timers a full tutorial before classes begin.

Operations at Rise N Ride officially start Monday with morning and evening class schedules. Weekend hours are also offered. People can learn more about class booking and memberships by downloading the Rise N Ride app through Google Play Store and Apple. The studio also maintains an active Instagram page.

• Intro offers include three classes for $40. Lopez said the studio provides customizable options for all budgets and commitment levels, from drop-in visits to unlimited memberships.

Besides boxing and cycling, Rise N Ride will hold mobility-focused “recovery” stretches, flexibility training and a “body and bands” class fusing Pilates and bootcamp.

The 1,600 square foot space has a dedicated cycling room upfront and a separate boxing studio in back that currently holds 10 aqua bags. Lopez hopes to expand boxing offerings to 15 bags as interest grows.

As the newest fitness studio in downtown Fort Walton Beach, Lopez believes Rise N Ride will fill a need for specialty boutique workout options in the local area.

BUSINESS

Stephen Perkins new Chair for FWB Chamber, maps out goals for 2024

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce welcomed incoming 2024 Board Chair Stephen Perkins on Friday morning as he laid out goals aimed at cultivating the next generation of regional business leaders.

• Speaking to around 400 members gathered for the Chamber’s annual January breakfast, Perkins noted the unique dedication evidenced by such an early morning workday turnout.

“I don’t know if you realize this, but a gathering like this in a smaller city at 7 am on a workday, is not too common,” he said. “It is in fact very unique. For some of us, these events are a great opportunity for networking and building our businesses.”

Perkins moved to Fort Walton Beach 10 years ago and credited local business veterans for their stewardship. But he said ensuring new voices eventually take their place is imperative.

• “I witnessed that much of this spearheading and leadership came from well established, seasoned individuals that are namesakes in the community,” he remarked. “The only problem with that is, these staples of the community aren’t going to be around forever. We need to develop the next line of young businessmen and women who are going to take up the mantle.”

With a background as a self-described “huge car fanatic,” Perkins announced he is adopting “Keep Driving Forward” as the 2024 Chamber theme. He promised to accelerate outreach to young businesspeople and better incorporate them into its roster of movers and shakers in Fort Walton Beach.

Perkins said he was drawn himself to settle in the area after college by the welcoming nature of its business community.

• Now a tax manager with accounting firm Warren Averett LLC, his primary focus will be boosting participation of young professionals, who he said are currently underrepresented among Chamber membership and initiatives.

“We’ve got to get them here. Right now, I believe there’s a lack of representation of the young business men and women of this community, with few getting involved in Chamber events and taking leadership roles,” said Perkins. “As chair, I will make it a primary focus of mine to drive interest and involvement from young professionals.”

TRAFFIC

Okaloosa and Walton Counties Traffic Advisory

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Okaloosa and Walton counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

Okaloosa County:                                 

• Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may experience traffic disruptions Sunday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 11, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility work and construction activities in the following locations:
  • U.S. 98 east and westbound alternating and intermittent lane closures between Ferry Road and Pier Road.
  • Santa Rosa Boulevard east and westbound alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.

• State Road (S.R.) 85 Improvements from S.R. 123 to Hospital Drive – Drivers may encounter intermittent S.R. 85 north and southbound lane closures between Antioch Road/Live Oak Church Road and Southview Drive, Sunday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 11, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The closures are required as crews slightly shift the S.R. 85 north and southbound travel lanes to the outside of the roadway to provide space for crews to work in the median construction zone.

• U.S. 98 Bridge Rehabilitation over East Pass Bridge – Drivers may encounter intermittent single-lane closures on east and westbound U.S. 98 over East Pass (Marler) Bridge, Sunday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 11, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. to complete work list items. The existing 35 mph speed limit will be maintained during construction.

• Mary Esther Boulevard (S.R. 393) Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to Beal Parkway (S.R. 189) – Drivers may encounter intermittent inside lane closures on Mary Esther Boulevard for median construction at the following locations and times:
  • Sunday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 11, from U.S. 98 to Hollywood Boulevard, between 8:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
  • Sunday, Jan. 7 through Saturday, Jan. 13, from Hollywood Boulevard to Beal Parkway, between 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
• S.R. 85 Resurfacing from north of Commerce Drive to Bill Lundy Road – Next week, drivers may experience intermittent north and southbound S.R. 85 single-lane closures for milling and paving operations. Lane closures may occur:
  • Between Airport Road and Butler Road, Monday, Jan. 8 through Friday, Jan. 12 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Between Commerce Drive and Butler Road, Sunday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 11, from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
  • Between Butler Road and Bill Lundy Road, Sunday, Jan. 7 through Saturday, Jan. 13 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• S.R. 285 Resurfacing from S.R. 20 to S.R. 293 – Drivers may experience intermittent S.R. 285 north and southbound lane closures, Sunday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 11, for milling and paving operations. Lane closures may occur:
  • Between John Sims Parkway (S.R. 20) and Palm Boulevard from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Between Palm Boulevard and S.R. 293 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound inside lane closures, from Anderson Drive to Third Avenue, Sunday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 11, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.

Walton County:

• U.S. 98 Widening from Mack Bayou Road to County Road (C.R.) 30A – Drivers may encounter intermittent, alternating U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, between Mack Bayou Road and C.R. 30A, Sunday, Jan. 7 through Saturday, Jan. 13 from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for milling and paving operations.

• U.S. 98 Resurfacing from east of U.S. 331 to Peach Creek – Drivers may encounter nighttime intermittent U.S. 98 east and westbound lane closures, Sunday, Jan. 7 through Saturday, Jan. 13 from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.

• Western Lake Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may encounter nighttime intermittent C.R. 30A east and westbound lane closures over Western Lake Bridge, Sunday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 11, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for construction activities. Signage and traffic flaggers will direct traffic through the work zone.

• S.R. 20 Routine Underground Utility Maintenance from U.S. 331 South to East Bay Loop Road – Drivers may encounter nighttime intermittent lane closures Sunday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Jan. 18 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for routine underground utility maintenance.

• U.S. 331 Turn Lane Operations at C.R. 282 (Segrest Road) – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures Monday, Jan. 8 through Friday, Jan. 12 from turn lane operations.

SCHOOL

NWFSC Nursing Program named one of the ‘Nation’s Best Affordable Institutions’ in 2024

Northwest Florida State College was named by Forbes Advisor as one of the nation’s best affordable institutions in 2024 for RN to BSN Programs.

• Forbes Advisor evaluated 58 colleges, with NWFSC emerging as one of the top ten schools providing an opportunity for students to earn the degree in as little as three semesters and at a very affordable cost.

“Under the dedicated guidance of our exceptional faculty and staff, we have witnessed extraordinary growth and success, shaping a new generation of healthcare professionals,” Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of Northwest Florida State College, stated. “Our program stands as a beacon of excellence, not just in Florida but nationally, reflecting our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier education and training.”

According to Forbes Advisor, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is quickly becoming the industry standard for entry-level nursing practice, especially in hospitals. BSN graduates earn approximately $92,000 annually. Additionally, a BSN degree can equip nurses for graduate school and job advancement.

“The healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, and with it, the role of training qualified nurses becomes increasingly critical,” said Dr. Henry Mack, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northwest Florida State College. “Thanks to our faculty and staff, our program is uniquely positioned to meet the demand while helping set new standards in nursing education.”

The NWFSC Nursing RN to BSN degree program (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is designed for licensed registered nurses.  This program provides nurses with the knowledge and skills to advance their careers to become nurse managers, case managers, hospital-based educators, and more.

• The program content addresses high-demand nursing specialties, according to the college. Clinical instruction targets the specific needs of special populations, including community and family healthcare.

NOW OPEN

East Pass Coffee Company opens new location in Destin, expands menu

Three years after opening their original coffee shop just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down businesses across the country, the owners of East Pass Coffee Company have expanded to a new location with more space and offerings to better serve their loyal customers.

• East Pass Coffee held a soft opening Friday for its new shop at 121 Benning Drive before the official grand opening Saturday. The new space, which formerly was a private home, has room for more seating, an expanded food menu and a spacious outdoor area.

“It feels great. It’s really amazing, truly, to see the community support,” co-owner Mackenzie Destin said. “We have always made the locals our priority, and I feel like they’re really showing that love in return.”

Mackenzie Destin opened the original East Pass shop across from Burrito Del Sol in March 2020, with her husband Grant Destin and their friend Hayden Shaw. They had to close 10 days later as the pandemic hit and had to adapt.

“The support and loyalty of those who love East Pass is why the new shop was born,” Mackenzie Destin said.

The larger space allows East Pass to offer new lunch items like smash burgers, chicken sandwiches and grain bowls along with its signature coffee drinks. They are also now serving craft beer and wine.

Mackenzie Destin said they want to host events like popup shops with local artists and cult movie nights to make it a community gathering spot, especially since the location borders a neighborhood. A fence is planned around the large outdoor seating area to make it more kid-friendly.

The new building’s previous owner, ‘Dotty’ Bingham, taught swim lessons and tutored children there for years, including co-owner Grant Destin. The Destins kept some design elements from the old house but extensive renovations took place to get it to where it is today. For instance, the espresso bar sits in what was once a coat closet.

“Tons of people have actually grown up in this house, which is wild,” Mackenzie Destin said. “We didn’t want to tear it down.”

• It took more than a year to renovate after they bought it. As for the pool where Destin kids learned to swim, it is now filled in with picnic tables above. 

Despite only having a soft opening Friday, customers crowded into the shop to try the new food and drinks. The steady stream kept the locally-focus coffee company busy over the weekend, even as they transitioned over to a new POS system and got acclimated with the new space.

“The draw for us has always been that it feels like you’re walking into a family,” Mackenzie Destin said. “As long as we are treating all of our customers with the same kindness we always have, they’ll understand some of our glitches as we get started. We have always made the locals our priority, and I feel like they’re really showing that love in return, which is really nice.”

As for some favorites on the menu, here’s what Destin recommends:

• “If you haven’t come to us before, I would recommend the ‘breakfast sandwich’ for breakfast, the smash burger for lunch and then the salted honey for coffee,” she said. “If you have come to us before, I would also try the Harvest Bowl, it’s amazing. All of our dressings and salsas are homemade, and the focaccia on the gabagool is homemade. So we try to do as much from scratch as we can.”

East Pass Coffee is open 7 days a week from 7:30am – 3:00 pm