THINGS TO DO

Community Hanukkah Celebration at The Landing in downtown Fort Walton Beach

On Sunday, December 18, 2022, Temple Beth Shalom will host their 1st Community Hanukkah Celebration event at The Landing in Downtown Fort Walton Beach.

Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting.

• Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 18th and continues for eight days ending on the evening of December 26th.

Temple Beth Shalom is inviting the entire community out to The Landing from 6-7pm to participate in this tradition, enjoy joyful music and eat jelly donuts.

The Landing is located at 139 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

FROM THE STATE

Governor DeSantis signs Bill to expand Toll Relief for Florida Families

On Thursday, December 15, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 6A, establishing the Toll Relief Program through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which will provide account credits to frequent commuters using toll roads across the state.

The program will give Floridians with 35 or more toll transactions per month a 50% credit to their account. The legislation, originally proposed by Governor DeSantis in September of this year, was successfully passed during the recent Legislative Special Session.

• The Toll Relief Program begins on January 1, 2023, and runs through December 31, 2023.
• A map of included toll facilities in the program can be found here.
• This includes Mid-Bay Bridge & Spence Parkway

“I promised Floridians that I would find additional ways to provide toll relief for Florida families,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “With this legislation, we are keeping that promise to help hardworking families keep more money in their pockets. I applaud the Florida Legislature for prioritizing this during the special session.”

Under the Toll Relief Program, drivers who use toll transponders, such as SunPass or other Florida-based transponders, and have 35 or more qualifying toll transactions per month will receive a 50 percent credit to their account. This program is expected to benefit approximately 1.2 million drivers and will save the average commuter nearly $400 in the 2023 calendar year. 

COASTAL RESOURCES

Gulfarium hosts local foster families for annual ‘Breakfast with Santa’

On Saturday, December 10, 2022, the Gulfarium hosted ‘Breakfast with Santa’ for the third year in a row for Feed Fosters of Northwest Florida with the First City Church.

• This event provides foster children a unique opportunity to celebrate the holidays and honor their foster families.

The event welcomed foster children and their families throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. This year they had 682 kids and their families, totaling 1,037 guests with over 150 volunteers who helped put on the event.

Two large tents were set up taking up a quarter of the Gulfarium parking lot, outfitted from top to bottom with holiday decorations, Christmas trees, and gifts.

Upon arrival, foster children and their families enjoyed a breakfast generously provided by the Destin Chick-fil-A. The children then “shopped” for gifts for their families!

• These gifts were donated by many local panhandle area businesses and gave the children the opportunity to pick out special presents for their families, according to the Gulfarium.

The families then enjoyed a day exploring the Gulfarium, seeing all the animals and spending time with one another. They even had a chance to meet Santa while they were at the park.

“We are grateful we get the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with our community every year,” said Patrick Berry, Senior Vice President of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. “Sharing in the joy experienced by the children and their families at Breakfast with Santa is truly an honor.”

THINGS TO DO

A few things to do around town

December 16, 2022 – Holiday Cinema | How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Free – View

December 16, 2022 – Photos with Santa Claus at the Henderson – Free – View

December 16, 2022 – 12 Nights of Lights at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

December 16, 2022 – Elton John Tribute band – View

December 17, 2022 – Santa’s Workshop at Whitecaps – – View

December 17, 2022 – Cookies and Crafts with The Grump – Free – View

December 17, 2022 – Photos with Santa Claus at the Henderson – Free – View

December 17, 2022 – 12 Nights of Lights at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

December 18, 2022 – The Island Resort’s The Grump – Free – View

December 18, 2022 – Niceville Valparaiso Rotary Club BOAT PARADE – View

December 18, 2022 – Cookies and Crafts with The Grump – Free – View

December 18, 2022 – Photos with Santa Claus at the Henderson – Free – View

December 21, 2022 – Visits with Santa at Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

December 21, 2022 – Holiday Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

December 21, 2022 – 12 Nights of Lights at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

December 22, 2022 – Holiday Music Match and Singo Bingo! – Free – View

December 23, 2022 – Singo Friday at The Island – Free – View

December 23, 2022 – 12 Nights of Lights at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

December 24, 2022 – Downtown FWB Farmer’s Market Last Chance Christmas! – – View

December 24, 2022 – Primrose Christmas Eve Dinner – $95.00 – View

December 25, 2022 – Christmas Feast at Beach House Bar and Grille – – View

December 26, 2022 – Touch Down Squares at The Island – Free – View

December 27, 2022 – General Trivia at The Island – Free – View

December 30, 2022 – Singo Friday at The Island – Free – View

GIVING BACK

‘Boxes of Hope’ food drive this Saturday in Fort Walton Beach

This Saturday, December 17, the Fort Walton Beach Church of Christ is holding its second annual ‘Boxes of Hope’ drive-thru event at 232 Hollywood Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach, from 9:00am-12pm (or while supplies last). 

They will be distributing Boxes of Hope filled with food and needed supplies.

“It is a drive-thru food distribution to hand out just a little bit of hope for the holidays, with a few meals for families in need,” says Ellie Marler, one of the event organizers.

“We just want to help the people,” adds Kevin Marler, also an event organizer. “It is an opportunity to help those in need. Groceries are expensive, and some people have to choose between food or gifts for their kids, and we just want to help however we can, to give them a little bit of breathing room during the holidays.”

To pick up a box, all you have to do is drive up and open your trunk or back seat.  Volunteers will be ready to put your box (or boxes, depending on family sizes) in the back of your car for you.

• “Come and get it!” says Kevin. “We want to see the cars lined up around the block!  It’s quick!  You don’t have to register or sign anything. It’s just a grab and go.”

Last year the church assembled 175 boxes, and this year they ramped it up to 250.

“We’re just hoping to be able to reach a few more families this year,” says Ellie.  “We’ve got at least three or four different meals in each box, along with fresh bread.”