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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
A family tradition of orthodontic care carries forward in Fort Walton Beach, while Triumph Gulf Coast backs Seaside School’s growth with a $9.5M grant. The Air Force tests new protection systems at Hurlburt, local real estate sees changes, and Shoal River Middle celebrates its star staff member. Meanwhile, Panama City Beach welcomes a new entertainment venue.
Let’s get to the news you need to know this Friday morning.
SCHOOL
Shoal River Middle School registrar named Okaloosa School’s top support professional
Guadalupe Salas-Garcia, registrar at Shoal River Middle School, has been named the 2024 Education Support Professional of the Year for Okaloosa County School District.
- Salas-Garcia, who joined the district in 2020 as a substitute teacher, progressed through multiple roles including STP Monitor and Front Desk/Attendance Secretary before assuming her current position as registrar three years ago.
Beyond her administrative duties, Salas-Garcia serves as a co-coach for the school’s robotics team and participates in various community initiatives. She has expressed aspirations to become a teacher.
Andrea Waters, secretary at Okaloosa Technical College, and Damaris Padilla, interpreter at Elliott Point Elementary, were recognized as first and second runners-up, respectively. Both were nominated by their school departments for their contributions to the district.
The recognition program celebrates educational support employees throughout the Okaloosa County School District for their service to the school community.
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BUSINESS
Coastal Realty Services to acquire Rosewood Realty’s property management portfolio
Coastal Realty Services announced plans to integrate Rosewood Realty’s property management portfolio, effective January 1, 2025, expanding its presence in the Okaloosa County real estate market.
- “This merger is an exciting milestone for Coastal Realty Services as we expand our reach and elevate our commitment to providing exceptional property management services,” said Ty Whaley, CEO of Coastal Realty Services. “By joining forces, we’re bringing even greater resources, expertise, and opportunities to our clients.”
The integration aims to maintain continuity for existing property owners and tenants, who will retain their current services while gaining access to Coastal Realty Services’ resources.
Tyler Capelotti, Director of Property Management, said the integration strengthens their ability to provide service to property owners and tenants.
- “By expanding our reach and leveraging Coastal Realty Services’ established expertise, we’re poised to deliver even greater value and opportunities,” he said. “Our focus remains on ensuring a seamless experience and maintaining the trust our clients have come to rely on.”
All existing agreements and contracts will continue without interruption, with Coastal Realty Services assuming full management responsibilities. The company said they plan to provide communication and support throughout the transition process.
Coastal Realty Services has operated in the region for over 50 years, specializing in property management solutions and real estate services. The company serves Okaloosa County and surrounding areas.
The family-owned and operated real estate company said this transition “reflects a significant step in Coastal Realty Services’ larger growth strategy,” which includes ongoing plans to expand its portfolio and enhance its market presence in the coming years.
DRIVING DISTANCE
810 brings bowling, billiards, gaming under one roof in Panama City Beach
A new entertainment destination combining bowling, billiards, and interactive gaming has opened its doors in Panama City Beach. 810 Billiards & Bowling’s 32,000-square-foot venue features 16 bowling lanes, including six private lanes for exclusive events.
- The facility offers multiple entertainment options, including two TruGolf simulators, four interactive axe-throwing bays, and two Krazy Dart bays that blend traditional darts with modern technology. Sports enthusiasts can watch games on more than 30 televisions, including an 85-inch four-panel screen and a 14-foot projector.
“We are eager to bring our unique blend of social sports and family fun entertainment to Panama City Beach,” said Seth Glenn, managing partner of 810 Billiards & Bowling. “810 is designed to be a place where people of all ages can gather, unwind, and celebrate.”
The venue includes Mean Mugs Milkshake Bar, serving specialty treats like The Cookie Monster, made with Lil’ Blue Panda Ice Cream and various cookie toppings. The main menu features items ranging from Bangin’ Shrimp to the 810 Philly, alongside a full-service bar offering craft beers, wines, and signature cocktails.
Additional amenities include ten pool tables, arcade games featuring Godzilla Kaiju Wars Virtual Reality and Raw Thrills Fast & Furious Arcade Motion, and a stage for karaoke, trivia, and live music. The venue uses a QR code ordering system for food and drink delivery to gaming areas.
- This marks 810’s second Florida location, joining existing venues across Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, and Arizona. The facility opened November 23, operating from 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
A grand opening celebration is planned for after the new year. The venue is located at 9902 South Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach.
SCHOOL
Triumph Gulf Coast advances $9.5M grant for Seaside School expansion
Triumph Gulf Coast’s board unanimously approved moving forward with term sheet negotiations for a $9.5 million grant to expand The Seaside School’s South Walton campus in partnership with Northwest Florida State College.
- The grant will support staffing, equipment and professional development as part of the school’s $40 million capital campaign. The new campus, set to open in fall 2025, will offer both high school and college courses, allowing students to earn an associate degree alongside their high school diploma.
“This expansion is a game-changer for our students and our community,” said Seaside School Board Chair Andy Jordan.
The expanded campus will offer a complete schedule for an Associate in Arts degree starting fall 2025, followed by an Associate Degree program in Business Administration in fall 2026. Students will also have access to certifications in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and drone technology.
“Our goal is to equip young adults with the skills and confidence to pursue any calling or career they choose,” said Dr. Tom Miller, executive director of The Seaside School.
The project aims to address local workforce challenges by eliminating the long commute from South Walton to Niceville for dual enrollment students. Officials project it will triple the number of college graduates annually in Walton County.
- “This partnership represents a transformative opportunity for Walton County,” said Triumph Gulf Coast board member Reynolds Henderson. “By equipping students with advanced skills and higher education opportunities, we’re building a foundation for long-term success for both students and our region.”
The initiative is expected to save Seacoast High School graduates over $50,000 in college tuition costs. Dr. Cristie Kedroski, interim president of Northwest Florida State College, said the collaboration reflects their commitment to preparing students for the workforce while supporting their academic success.
The proposal will require two more board actions before final grant approval.
MILITARY
Air Force tests chemical vapor protection on AC-130J gunship at Hurlburt Field
The Next Generation Aircrew Protection team has completed a six-month vapor purge testing program on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship, marking a shift toward evaluating mobility aircraft for chemical defense capabilities.
- The testing, conducted from June 24 to December 6, 2024, assessed how quickly the aircraft could purge harmful chemical vapors and evaluated the effectiveness of standard aircraft systems in protecting aircrews during chemical vapor attacks.
“With the evolving and ever-changing war environment, testing how quickly vapor can be purged from an aircraft, and how protective non-CBRN equipment can be is a key asset to every element of the Department of Defense,” said Justin Sperling, an NGAP test engineer. “This includes our special operators.”
The process involves a pre-flight spray application, followed by installing sensors inside the aircraft. NGAP team members monitor simulant vapor levels until reaching a target concentration. Data collection continues during flight as the aircraft purges the simulant.
While NGAP has historically focused on fighter and bomber aircraft, the AC-130J testing represents an expansion into mobility aircraft evaluation. Lt. Michael Rossi, Lead Joint CBRN Aircrew Protection Engineer at the Air Force CBRN Defense Systems Branch, noted the significance of Air Force Special Operations Command’s involvement.
- “Air Force Special Operations Command is known for being the first to jump at innovative tactics, and working with the NGAP team was no exception,” Rossi said. “This directly contributes to development of next-generation equipment and feeds into new concepts of legacy equipment.”
The collected data will be published in a report on the Defense Technical Information Center, informing the development of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear protective gear and aircrew guidelines across the Department of Defense.
“Without this information, we would have to rely on older assumptions that aren’t representative of what the threat is today,” Rossi said. “This information is helpful to AFSOC because it helps accurately plan for their CBRN operations.”
The testing helps determine when aircrews can safely remove chemical protective gear during attacks, reducing equipment burden while maintaining mission focus, according to Sperling.
BUSINESS
Fort Walton Beach Orthodontist’s impact lives on through daughter’s continued care
In the heart of Fort Walton Beach, a father’s legacy continues to shape smiles and lives. Dr. Peter Bayer, who passed away on December 16, 2023, left behind more than just a successful orthodontic practice – he created a lasting impact that his daughter, Dr. Leigh Curtis, now carries forward with the same dedication and passion that defined her father’s career.
- “Working with him was the BEST,” says Dr. Curtis, who practiced alongside her father for 20 years. “We shared time going over patients’ treatment plans, traveling to continuing education meetings, and just enjoying the time together professionally and personally.”
Dr. Bayer’s journey to orthodontics was unique. Before finding his true calling, he earned degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering, followed by an MBA. After serving at Tyndall Air Force Base from 1961 to 1964, he pursued his passion for orthodontics at the University of New York in Buffalo, where he graduated at the top of his class.
Martha Bayer, his wife of 58 years, witnessed his remarkable journey from Air Force engineer to respected orthodontist. She remembers a man who lived by the motto “Do what you love… Love what you do,” approaching each day with enthusiasm and commitment.
- His dedication extended beyond the office, as he balanced his professional excellence with active involvement in local, state, and national dental organizations while maintaining strong family bonds.
The practice’s staff members, many of whom worked with Dr. Bayer for decades, share fond memories of his impact. Lydia, who worked with Dr. Bayer for 25 years, remembers his consistent approach to mentoring: “He always thought out of the box and led by example.” She notes that his patient care philosophy was simple but profound: “Lots of fun, always learning new things.”
Shanyn, another longtime staff member, emphasizes his engineering background’s influence: “There is surprisingly a lot of engineering in orthodontics. The movement of teeth involves a lot of engineering and strategy.” This unique combination of skills allowed Dr. Bayer to approach each case with precision and creativity.
- Jess, who knew Dr. Bayer leading up to his retirement, observed his enduring impact: “He would always join us for outings, celebrations, and special events. He continued to care about patients and their families.”
The transition of the practice to Dr. Curtis has maintained the family atmosphere that Dr. Bayer established while embracing modern innovations. “My dad was always a believer in moving forward and keeping up with technology,” Dr. Curtis explains. “My goal is to keep the family atmosphere ‘feel’ but also provide the latest in scanners, digital treatment plans, clear aligners and overall orthodontic technology and excellence.”
“The classic lesson he taught was ‘Treat EVERYONE the way you would want to be treated,'” Dr. Curtis reflects. “He expected the BEST of himself and worked to give the Best to our office team and each patient.”
As the practice moves forward under Dr. Curtis’s leadership, she faces both challenges and opportunities. “In the beginning, being a young female and not fitting what looked like the ‘traditional doctor’ 20 years ago was a challenge,” she shares. “Now, the ability to understand, communicate, show compassion and connect with my patients is one of my strengths.”
The legacy of Dr. Bayer lives on through the practice’s dedication to exceptional patient care.
- “Working together for 20 years, we became a beautiful blend of each other’s training, ideas and different strengths,” Dr. Curtis says. “His reputation was built on humility, honesty, integrity and sincere love for his patients and orthodontics. I feel those are all important traits to me and FULLY intend to keep his reputation and legacy going.”
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