Community Partner Spotlight | |
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Click on event below to register NOW for our Upcoming Chamber Events.
Don't forget to apply your discount, Click here
(Discount only applies to First Friday Coffee, Nothing But Networking, & Business After Hours)
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Upcoming Committee Meetings: Are you seeking opportunities for professional development and personal growth. Come to one or all eleven of our chamber committees to see what the buzz is about! | |
Check out these short tutorial videos that provide a step-by-step guide on how to navigate through the online Member Information Center (MIC). These instructional videos will show you how to update your profile, add keywords, add job postings, register for chamber events/add your benefit discount, add events to chamber community calendar, pay invoices and much more! | |
Emily Berry, West Florida Area Health Education Center | Courtney Trumbull, Garage Storage Pro | Jon Hinger, Simply Optimized Solutions LLC (Future Member) | Michelle Szidon, Direct Auto Insurance | Alan Baggett, Centennial Bank | Erin Buck, HomeFi Digital Mortgage | Adam Payne, Payne Pool Professionals | Maricarmen & Tatiana Critides, Homeport Neurosurgery and Spine | Kathy Imgrund, Emerald Coast Parrot Head Club | Jeremie Harrison & Danny Renn, Kekolu Contracting, LLC | Ben & Joey Merrell, Soundside Waterfront Bar | |
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Ed Hubbard joined the United States Air Force in 1955. He flew the RB66 Destroyer while stationed in England and spent nine months in France. One Saturday afternoon, he received orders to deploy to Thailand. Ed dropped off his family in the U.S. and went to the Philippines for three weeks of survival school. He was stationed at Takhli Air Base in Thailand flying into Vietnam. Thirty days later he was shot down by a surface to air missile. Ed spent eight hours in the jungle before he was captured. He spent six years, seven months, and 12 days in prison.
In prison, two Cuban interrogators controlled ten Americans in one building. One day, guards threw a new American prisoner on the floor. He was comatose, couldn’t speak or eat, and was beaten badly. After three days, they had to do something.
The group decided to force-feed him twice a day. They did this for a year. At this time Ed had a broken jaw, lost 75 pounds, and boils all over his body. He was supposed to die. Feeding this comatose American taught him something. He cites a quote from the book, Man’s Search for Meaning: “Life without a purpose is no life at all.” Keeping this man alive kept Ed alive. Read more...
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Calling all vendors! Please email Nick at ntomecek@myokaloosa.com if you would like to participate in this year's Expo. Everyone else, save the date!
The first 100 people will receive a tote bag with a first aid kit. Food trucks, vendors, presentations and a complimentary Hurricane Guide will be available for participants.
RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/share/14EeZ9HgCFE/
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The SS United States arrived in Mobile, Alabama earlier this month where she will undergo remediation efforts to be deployed as the World’s Largest Artificial Reef off of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach shores later this year. As an artificial reef, she will provide much-needed habitat for the marine ecosystem in the Gulf as well as provide an exceptional opportunity for divers and the fishing industry. Learn more with these FAQs at https://myokaloosa.com/ssusfaqs.
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FORT WALTON BEACH MAYOR DICK RYNEARSON BIDS FAREWELL TO CITY
Dick Rynearson made his final address as Fort Walton Beach Mayor during last week’s Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee. Rynearson served as a Fort Walton Beach City Councilman from April 2009 to March 2017 and as the city’s mayor from April 2017 to present. On April 1, he will officially hand the gavel over to incoming Mayor Nic Allegretto.
In his time as a city councilman and mayor, Rynearson has represented the city on the Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council, a state-level council that makes funding recommendations to the governor on transportation projects around the state.
He and his wife Janey have represented the city at military change of command ceremonies, Billy Bowlegs Festivals, Fort Walton Beach Christmas parades and many other important community events over the years. He’s also worked to forge better relationships with the city’s minority communities.
In his time on the council, he has overseen the expansion of the Preston Hood Athletic Complex, the construction of the city’s Field Office complex on Hollywood Boulevard, the addition to the Indian Temple Mound Museum, improvements to the city’s golf club and the renovation of the Fort Walton Beach Landing park.
“It’s been a great run,” said Rynearson, and “I thank this community. God bless you and God bless the city of Fort Walton Beach.”
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FORT WALTON BEACH GOLF CLUB GETTING AN UPGRADE
A crew with King Villages Landscaping & Golf Construction Inc. began work last week at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club on a project to replace the sod on all 18 greens of the club’s Pines Course. The Pines was the first of the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club’s two 18-hole courses and was built in 1961.
Golf Course Maintenance Manager Richie Edwards said that over the years, the greens have accumulated five or six different species of grass, called “off-types,” which all have different characteristics. Edwards said this makes putting on the greens less predictable, and maintenance more challenging.
The renovation of the greens will include the removal of all grass and organic material to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. The greens will then be filled with new soil and grass sprigs planted in May. Weather permitting, the new greens should be ready for play in September. During the renovation, the Pines Course will have temporary greens and be open to golf club members only to reduce the impact of foot and cart traffic during the project.
The project is funded with $584,000 from Okaloosa County’s Tourist Development Tax, which is collected on short-term rentals and earmarked specifically for tourism-related amenities, activities, environmental improvements, protection, restoration, and preservation. An additional $29,710 is funded from the half-cent surtax fund, which is designated for infrastructure projects.
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CRA TO OFFER $5,000 FOR WINNING DESIGN OF NEW DOWNTOWN ENTRANCE SIGN
The City of Fort Walton Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency announces a design competition for a new Downtown Entrance Sign at the intersection of Eglin Parkway SE and Miracle Strip Parkway SE, next to the historic Gulfview Hotel building. This competition is for the design only of an entrance sign. The City of Fort Walton Beach will be responsible for building the sign or contracting to have it built.
We're looking to showcase both the unique character of our community as well as the talent of a local artist or group of artists. You may enter this competition as an individual or as part of a team. You don't have to be a local or professional artist, but we will not consider AI-generated designs.
The designs will be reviewed, and a winning design selected, by a committee that will not know the identity of the artists. Designs can be submitted in person or via email from March 5, 2025, through 5 p.m. on March 31, 2025. The designs will be evaluated by a panel of judges with the winning design receiving an award of $5,000.
For a detailed description of the rules and design criteria, please visit the link below:
https://www.fwb.org/.../Downtown-Entrance-Sign-Contest-PDF
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Okaloosa STEMM Academy Celebrated History with National History Day Showcase
The Okaloosa STEMM Academy celebrated history in a big way on February 27th with a National History Day (NHD) Showcase. Students presented their projects, highlighting extensive research and historical analysis tied to this year's theme, "Rights & Responsibilities in History." The theme encouraged students to explore significant historical moments through the lenses of time and place, cause and effect, and long-term impact.
Over the last several weeks, students worked diligently to research and develop their projects in one of five categories: Documentaries, Exhibits, Historical Papers, Performances, or Websites. Classroom presentations took place over two weeks, culminating in 19 students earning the opportunity to attend the state's Florida History Day competition, where they will compete for a chance to qualify for the National History Day® contest in Washington, D.C. The results of the state competition will be announced in May. Read more.
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Dr. Donna Kelley Named the 2025 Florida NAESP National Distinguished Principal
The Okaloosa County School District proudly announces that Dr. Donna Kelley, Principal of Northwood Elementary School, has been named the 2025 Florida National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal. Established in 1984, this prestigious honor recognizes outstanding elementary and middle-level principals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a lasting impact on their schools and communities. Dr. Kelley stated, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition from the National Association of Elementary School Principals. From a young age, my passion for education has been a driving force in my life, a fact my sister Valerie fondly reminds me of to this day. I am profoundly grateful to my late parents, Roy and Nancy Kelley, for their unwavering support and for providing me with the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. This award is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to their belief in the transformative power of education. I would be remiss not to thank Team Okaloosa and especially the faculty and staff of Northwood Elementary for all the support I have been given over the years.”
Read more...
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Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation Awarded $100,000 Career Catalyst Grant for "Growing Laurel Hill" Program
A significant investment in agricultural education is coming to rural Okaloosa County students. The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, in partnership with The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, has awarded $100,000 to the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) through its new Career Catalyst initiative. This grant program specifically targets rural, underserved areas by funding innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage jobs. The funds will create hands-on agricultural career pathways for students in an underserved community. Chosen from a competitive pool of 13 outstanding applicants, the OPSF stood out for its comprehensive approach to career education. The "Growing Laurel Hill" program will serve 150 students, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with 69% qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch. Through hands-on experiences in horticulture, Agri-Technology, greenhouses, aquaponics systems, and internships, students will gain valuable skills to prepare them for careers in agriculture and related industries. Read more...
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A treasure chest of FREE data exists that small businesses can use to guide their marketing strategies inside Google Analytics. Rather than trying to teach Google Analytics, this live, no-cost Florida SBDC at UWF webinar with Matt Weber from ROAR! Internet Marketing simply focuses on 5 specific questions that drive digital marketing decisions and how to find those specific answers. You'll also have a chance to ask your key questions and get added insights. Sign up now and don't miss it! http://tinyurl.com/roar-march
| Whether you're launching a start-up, seeking to realign your current strategy, or preparing to secure investment, we invite you to join SBDC this April at Beachworx in Destin! Expert Kevin Oster will be focusing on the Business Plan Canvas Model, a powerful framework designed to help businesses develop a clear vision, design strong operational frameworks, identify potential funding sources, and create comprehensive planning strategies that can transform their entrepreneurial journey. Reserve your seat at no cost here: https://tinyurl.com/biz-plan-canvas | | | | |
