TOGETHER WITH
Good morning!
It’s that time of the year when the news cycle begins to slow down. Given the way Christmas falls this year, and depending on the level of breaking news that happens next week, this could be one of the last newsletters of the year.
I don’t send out a newsletter for the sake of sending you and email. You grant me a little bit of your attention each morning and I always want to make sure that there is enough of a reason to add yet-another-email to your morning.
- So, if you don’t see much next week…it’s because there isn’t much going on. However, we do operate a website where every story that you see here in the newsletter gets published too!
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and hopefully I’ll get in a couple of newsletters next week…
SHOPPING
Local Holiday Gift Guide: Unique and creative (last-minute) gift ideas from local retailers
The holiday season is the perfect time to show our support for local businesses while checking names off your gift list. (And if you’re a bit last-minute, local is the best way to ensure you secure a gift in time!)
- We asked local businesses to send us their best Holiday Gift Items. From artisan accessories to water adventure excursions, there’s a unique gift idea waiting to be discovered for everyone in your life.
Join us as we spotlight these small shops, highlight their handcrafted wares, and share why they each make the season bright right here at home. We hope this helps you uncover local gems!
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Two teens charged in swatting incident at Baker School
Two 14-year-olds have been charged in connection with a swatting call made to Baker School in November, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.
- Investigators allege the boys were part of a national group that pays members to make hoax emergency calls using cryptocurrency.
Authorities said a former Baker student, who was an online student at the time, asked a member of the group to target the school.
On Nov. 3, police received an 8:46 a.m. call claiming an armed person was preparing to carry out a mass shooting at Baker School. The threat prompted officials to lock down nearby Crestview High and other area schools as a precaution.
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said the fake threat “sent fear through the entire community and (took) first responders away from potential legitimate emergencies.”
- “The hoax call led to a massive, immediate and intense response by law enforcement and other emergency responders, sending fear through the entire community and taking them away from potential legitimate emergencies. “ said Sheriff Eric Aden. “This crime is no prank. It has real and dangerous consequences.”
Investigators traced the call to a residence in Mansfield, Texas. Police conducted an interview there with another 14-year-old, which led authorities to obtain a search warrant for his cellphone.
Information extracted from the Texas teen’s device directed focus toward the Baker teen as the requestor and indicated connections between the two teens through online gaming and their mutual participation in the swatting group, Aden said.
- The group is believed to be responsible for numerous swatting attacks in the U.S. and Canada in which hoax emergency calls prompt overreactions from police and SWAT teams.
The Texas teen is expected to be extradited to Okaloosa County where he faces charges of making an electronic threat of a mass shooting, making a false report of firearms being used in a violent manner, use of a two communication device to facilitate a felony, as well as interference with school functions.
- Meanwhile, the Baker teen has been tied by investigators to multiple swatting calls in New Jersey, Arizona, Indiana and Texas. He faces additional felonies for his suspected involvement in cases across multiple states, though the full scope of his alleged activities remains under active investigation, Aden said.
Okaloosa County Schools Superintendent Marcus Chambers applauded the community for its measured response during the chaotic lockdowns prompted by the fake threat call.
“In our School District, the safety of our students and staff is the number one priority. I could not be more proud of our students, teachers, staff, principals, and parents for how they reacted to the events that unfolded at Baker and Crestview Schools,” said Chambers. “I want to express my gratitude for the patience and understanding of the parents and all the first responders who reacted swiftly and worked diligently to bring this individual to justice. We will not tolerate any behavior, hoax or otherwise, that has the potential to threaten the safety of our schools.”
Chambers and Sheriff Aden urge parents to speak with their students about the serious consequences of making such statements and remind them to report any suspicious activity to their school resource officer or administrators.
GIVING BACK
Bit-Wizards purchased every item on the Christmas ‘wish list’ for these 27 children
The Be the Magic Foundation, an initiative started by local tech company Bit-Wizards, brought holiday cheer to 27 children living at the Fresh Start For Children & Families this week.
- For the fourth straight year, the foundation granted wishes for the children residing at Fresh Start, which provides housing, education and job training to homeless families.
Each child was encouraged to write their ‘wish list’ that was ultimately fulfilled by Bit-Wizards staff members.
- In total, Be the Magic provided 245 gifts for 15 families staying at the shelter. The gifts were purchased and wrapped by Bit-Wizards employees.
“I look at this picture and smile through tears—all the shopping, the wrapping, the love, caring, and kindness that went into it, the joy that is going to come to these 15 families and all these kiddos,” said Donna Tashik, Fresh Start’s executive director, in a statement. “These kids have all been through so much, but this Christmas they are safe, warm, and as spoiled as any other child! THIS here, this is the core of who Bit Wizardstruly is—a group of big-hearted, caring, and kind people who are incredibly smart with IT but are truly GREAT at the art of being human beings. I love you all!”
A MESSAGE FROM HARRIS INSURANCE
‘Food for Thought’ receives $7,000 donation from Harris Insurance
Three years into its community referral program, Harris Insurance is celebrating a milestone donation of $7,000 ($5,000 from referrals plus a $2,000 grant) to Food for Thought, a nonprofit working to end childhood hunger.
- The agency’s community referral program invites locals to refer friends and family for insurance quotes. Each referral triggers a donation to the charity, regardless of whether they purchase a policy.
- Each $10 donation fills TWO backpacks for local children to have breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks on the weekends and over holiday breaks from school.
Harris Insurance said this year’s 500 referrals brought in $5,000, its largest donation yet. An additional $2,000 came from a “give local, think social” grant awarded by Liberty Mutual and Safeco to Business Development Director and Licensed Agent Natalie Schmidt for Harris’ referral efforts.
Agency staff said giving back is central to its identity since opening locally in 1965. The program with Food for Thought, which serves Okaloosa and Walton counties, has run since 2020.
“Now, more than ever, we need to continue helping out our community and Food for Thought is the hands and feet that allows us to make a direct impact in the lives of students in Northwest Florida,” Schmidt said in celebrating the milestone. “Giving back is so important not only for us as a business, but individually as well. It beings me great joy to continue our partnership with Food for Thought for the fourth consecutive year as we kick off 2024!”
Food for Thought tackles issues like food scarcity and nutrition education. Those wishing to get involved with the charity can donate online, sponsor events and programs or volunteer.
Harris Insurance aims to continue its partnership and build on 2023’s success when 2024 begins.
Wondering how you can get involved? Easy! Click here to go to their Referral Program Quote Request.
THE WEEKENDER
A few things to do around town
December 22, 27-28, 2023 – Winter Fun for Everyone – $12 – View
December 22, 2023 – Holiday Market at City Food Hall – Free – View
December 22, 2023 – An Evening with Santa at City Food Hall – Free – View
December 22, 2023 – Gingerbread Decorating Contest at City Food Hall at Destin Commons – $20 – View
December 23, 2023 – Jingle Bell Holiday Hike at Alaqua – $5 – View
December 23, 2023 – Saving with Soul Pet Adoption Event – – View
December 28, 2023 – Planetarium Special Feature: Sordid Secrets of the Stars – $13 – $15 – View
December 31, 2023 – Baytowne Countdown – Free – View
December 31, 2023 – New Year’s Eve – Fireworks at The Boardwalk! – Free – View
January 1, 2024 – 2024 8th Annual Pelican Plunge at The Boardwalk, Okaloosa Island! – $24 – View
BUSINESS
Gulfarium’s resident dolphins settle into new ‘oasis’ habitat on Okaloosa Island
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, located on Okaloosa Island, announced that their resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are making themselves at home in the long-awaited Dolphin Oasis.
- The new habitat, known as Dolphin Oasis, is located on the north side of the park. It spans 2.2 acres and features sandy dunes, swaying palm trees, and the sparkling emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
After calling their original tank home since the Gulfarium first opened to visitors in 1955, the beloved dolphins now have the chance to swim in the one million gallon saltwater oasis that consists of three large, interconnected habitats.
Complete with exciting new features for both human and cetacean guests alike, Dolphin Oasis will open its viewing areas periodically to visitors starting December 26th to allow the dolphins time to get fully acclimated.
- The full exhibit will then celebrate its grand debut just in time for the Spring 2024 season, when the park welcomes droves of guests during the warm weather months.
“Our staff and longtime supporters are thrilled to see Dolphin Oasis come to fruition,” said Gulfarium Senior Vice President, Patrick Berry. “We have been working on this expansion for many years, and witnessing our dolphins acclimate in their new home is better than we ever could have imagined. We cannot wait to welcome guests to Dolphin Oasis soon.”
From the 480-person grandstand seating of the presentation habitat where the park’s beloved dolphin shows will continue, to the 27-foot tall acrylic viewing window in the exhibit habitat that allows people to observe the dolphins both above and below the waterline, Dolphin Oasis promises a state-of-the-art upgrade for all involved.
- The new encounter habitat will also provide improived opportunities for up-close dolphin interactions across various programs.
“Our main dolphin habitat was one of the first of its kind and has stood proud for over 68 years,” states Will Merrill, president of the Gulfarium. “What was once a pioneering habitat for dolphins back in the 1950s provided dolphins the top-notch animal welfare that we offer our resident animals.”
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Friday. 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!
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