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Good morning!
The community is rallying around a Fort Walton Beach firefighter after he lost his wife to childbirth complications. Meanwhile, 25,000 juvenile redfish have been released into Cinco Bayou to boost the ecosystem, Aimee Lewis has been named principal of Northwood Elementary in Okaloosa County, and our gift guide features last-minute local gifts and experiences for everyone on your list. Also, get an inside look at how United Fidelity Bank’s Ed Burns leads with people, purpose, and pen-and-paper planning.
- Plus, try today’s WordroW puzzle.
HOW I WORK
How United Fidelity Bank’s Ed Burns leads with people, purpose, and pen-and-paper planning
“How I Work” is brought to you by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Join the most influential organization in Okaloosa. Learn more here.
Ed Burns is a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County and the Community President at United Fidelity Bank, where his days revolve around people — employees, clients, and the broader community.
- Known for starting his mornings early and staying deeply involved in local boards (such as the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber) and events, Ed brings a steady, relationship-first approach to leadership.
From greeting staff in the office to balancing board meetings, client conversations, and community initiatives, no two days look exactly the same. What stays consistent is his focus on doing what’s right, staying grounded, and remembering that banking, at its core, will always be a people business.
In this morning’s How I Work, learn about Ed’s ‘Autumn in a Cup’, his unexpected go-to lunch spot, and the best piece of advice he’s ever received.
Click here to read the story
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GAMES
WordroW: December 17, 2025
Can you guess today’s 5-letter word in six tries?
WordroW is Get The Coast’s daily word puzzle featuring local words, places, and phrases from our community. You have six guesses to find the mystery word – green letters are correct and in the right spot, yellow letters are in the word but wrong position, and gray letters aren’t in the word at all.
COASTAL RESOURCES
25,000 juvenile redfish released into Cinco Bayou to boost ecosystem
Okaloosa County and the Coastal Conservation Association Florida released 25,000 juvenile redfish into Cinco Bayou on Tuesday as part of a multi-year effort to address declining populations of the popular inshore fish species across Northwest Florida.
“We appreciate this continued partnership with CCA Florida to promote the long-term health of our bay and bayous,” Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon said. “While this species is popular among our local anglers, it will also enhance area habitats and protect numerous species that add to the overall wellness of a robust ecosystem.”
The release marks the third time the organizations have stocked redfish in Choctawhatchee Bay.
- “Returning to Choctawhatchee Bay for a third redfish release is a proud moment for our organization,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said. “Today’s release marks another step forward in our commitment to sustaining Florida’s marine resources, and we are grateful for our continued partnership with Okaloosa County to make this event possible.”
The juvenile redfish measured about two to four inches in length and can take approximately three years to reach 26 inches. Redfish, also known as red drum, spottail, red bass and channel bass, can live up to 40 years.
GIFT GUIDE
Last-minute, local gifts and experiences for everyone on your list
If holiday shopping snuck up on you this year, you’re not alone and luckily, you don’t need to rely on shipping deadlines or big-box stores to finish strong.
- This Local’s Gift Guide is all about thoughtful, easy-to-grab gifts you can find right here at home while supporting the local businesses that make our community special.
We focused on gifts you can walk in and buy, book instantly, or enjoy all year long. From experiences and memberships to one-of-a-kind items you won’t find everywhere else. No worrying about packages arriving on time, just meaningful gifts with a local story behind them.
To make things simple, we’ve curated three separate guides: one for him, one for her, and one for the kids. Whether you’re shopping for a fisherman, a creative kid, or someone who loves all things coastal, these lists are designed to help you check everyone off your list all while being stress-free and supporting local.
Click here to shop the guide!
SCHOOL
Aimee Lewis named principal of Northwood Elementary in Okaloosa County
The Okaloosa County School Board appointed Aimee Lewis as principal of Northwood Elementary School on Dec. 8, promoting an educator who has spent more than a decade shaping the school’s culture and academic success.
- Lewis, who joined Northwood Elementary in 2012, has served in multiple roles at the school over the past 12 years, including classroom teacher, dean of students and most recently assistant principal.
“Over the course of the 12 years as a classroom teacher, she established herself as an exemplary educator known for high expectations, care and relationships, and a focus on academic growth,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers told the school board during the appointment meeting.
During her time at Northwood, Lewis served as a classroom teacher for 12 years before transitioning to dean for two years and then to assistant principal.
NEWS
Community rallies around Fort Walton Beach firefighter after losing wife to childbirth complications
A Fort Walton Beach firefighter is mourning the loss of his wife just days after she gave birth to their daughter.
- Crysta Renee Leonard delivered a healthy baby girl, Marlow Blake, on Saturday evening, Dec. 13. After delivery, she experienced severe complications that required emergency surgery. Despite medical efforts, Crysta passed away Monday morning, Dec. 15.
Her husband, David Leonard, is a firefighter with the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department.
“These past few days have been confusing, happy, sad, beautiful and miserable,” David wrote in a statement shared by family. “There was not a more undeserving person for this to happen to.”
In a message to his late wife, David wrote: “Crysta dont you worry, our baby girl will always know, love and celebrate you. We will let you guide us down this journey we are about to face. I love you always and forever.”
David’s sister, Ashley Cunningham, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help the family navigate the difficult road ahead.
- “David and family will be learning to navigate this journey in a way they never expected to have to,” Cunningham wrote. “Being out of work, taking care of baby Marlow, and having the stress of medical bills amongst monthly bills and living expenses can be overwhelming on their own without the major loss of a loved one.”
How to help: Those wishing to support the Leonard family can contribute through the following:
- GoFundMe: gofund.me/0561009a6
- Venmo: David-Leonard-84
- Meal Train: Link
“Any donation—no matter the amount—will make a meaningful difference,” Cunningham wrote. “If you are unable to give financially, please keep this precious family in your thoughts and prayers.”
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Wednesday! 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!
Jared
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