EFCU Earns National DOSE Award for Veteran Saves
Eglin Federal Credit Union was one of just five credit unions nationwide to receive the Designation of Savings Excellence (DOSE) Award for its leadership and outreach during Veteran Saves Week 2025, held Nov. 4–7. The industry-recognized honor celebrates financial institutions that promote effective saving strategies and financial readiness within the veteran community. Launched by America Saves in 2023, Veteran Saves Week encourages veterans and transitioning service members to build financial stability through practical, achievable saving habits and real-life financial check-ins. “We are proud to serve a thriving military and veteran community with services, support and solutions that simplify their financial lives,” said Cathie Staton, Eglin FCU president and CEO. “Our Field of Membership includes active and retired military personnel assigned to or receiving services from Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Duke Field, Camp Rudder or the 7th Special Forces Group. Veterans residing in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties are also eligible for membership. Partnering with Veteran Saves Week was a natural fit, as we share a commitment to helping veterans, transitioning service members and their families build financial readiness for life after service.”
Through the efforts of Eglin Federal Credit Union and more than 900 participating organizations nationwide, Veteran Saves Week 2025 generated nearly $1.9 million in deposits into new and existing savings accounts and $370,000 in pledged deposits toward personal savings goals. Outreach included educational resources, community engagement and social media campaigns encouraging veterans to take the Veteran Saves Pledge. “At its core, Veteran Saves Week encourages a financial check-in so Veterans and transitioning service members can better understand their day-to-day finances,” said Krystel Spell, program manager of Veteran Saves. “This year, we were especially mindful of the moment we were in. Many households are making tough decisions, adjusting priorities and responding to unexpected financial changes. The organizations recognized this year helped make saving feel realistic for Veterans and service members, even during uncertain times.”
Niceville Fire Installs Free 24/7 Narcan Distribution Box
The Niceville Fire Department has installed a free Narcan (naloxone) distribution box at Niceville Fire Station, located at 216 Partin Drive North. The Narcan box, located directly in front of the building, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing community members with no-cost access to naloxone, a life-saving medication proven to reverse opioid overdoses when administered correctly. This initiative aims to increase access to naloxone as a critical bystander intervention tool and to reduce preventable overdose deaths within the community. “Our mission is to protect life, and this is one more way we can do that,” said Niceville Fire Chief Alex Kukulus. “By placing Narcan directly into the hands of the community, we are increasing the chances that an overdose can be reversed before it becomes fatal. Every second matters, so we want this medication to be widely available.”
The Narcan distribution box contains easy-to-use nasal spray doses, step-by-step instructions for administration, and information on local treatment and recovery resources.
The Niceville Fire Department encourages anyone who may encounter an overdose situation to take advantage of this life-saving resource. This program is made possible through a partnership with Okaloosa County EMS.
Niceville Breaks Ground on Old Town Landing Dock and Pier Project
The City of Niceville recently marked a major milestone in the revitalization of the Niceville Landing area with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new dock and pier at Old Town Landing. Held Feb. 13, the event celebrated the official start of construction on the long-anticipated project. Funded through the Niceville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) along with Okaloosa County Tourist Development Funds, the dock and pier represent a key piece of the CRA’s broader Niceville Landing Rehabilitation Project. Plans for the area include a new splash pad, commercial upland development and additional community-focused amenities designed to enhance the waterfront experience for residents and visitors. Learn more about the redevelopment plan at cityofniceville.org/481/Community-Redevelopment-Agency-CRA.
Okaloosa Schools Earn National AP Honor Roll Recognition
The Okaloosa County School District announced that Choctawhatchee High School, Fort Walton Beach High School and Niceville High School have been named to the 2025 College Board AP School Honor Roll, a national distinction recognizing schools that expand access to Advanced Placement coursework while supporting strong student outcomes.
- Choctawhatchee High School earned Gold recognition.
- Fort Walton Beach High School earned Silver recognition.
- Niceville High School earned Silver recognition.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes high schools that meet rigorous benchmarks in college readiness and student achievement, based on data from their most recent graduating class. Schools are evaluated on broad access to AP coursework, student success on AP exams, and sustained participation in advanced academics.
“Recognition on the AP School Honor Roll is a testament to the dedication of our students, teachers, and school leaders,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Choctawhatchee High School’s Gold distinction and the Silver recognition earned by Fort Walton Beach and Niceville High Schools reflect our district’s continued commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for future success.”
Choctawhatchee Audubon March 5 Evening Presentation: Endangered Beach Mice in the Southeastern United States
Jordan Wingate, Natural Resources Coordinator for Destin-Fort Walton Beach, will present a free public program on endangered beach mice in the southeastern United States on March 5. The event will be held in Room 800 on the second floor of the Chandler Center (northwest door, 519 Helms St.) at Crosspoint Church in Niceville. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
Snowbirds Honored by Fort Walton Snowbird Club
By Barbara Palmgren
“There’s no place like home,” Dorothy once said, as the red slippers carried her back to Kansas from the land of Oz. While more true words could not be spoken, home for residents of the northern states and Canada is Okaloosa County each winter. Area snowbird groups welcome them back and yes, bid a fond farewell, as our friends return back up north to welcome spring.
This was the scenario one morning in Fort Walton Beach in mid-February at the First Baptist Church in Fort Walton where organizations and vendors shared information before a general meeting and entertainment. Tom Rice and Magnolia Grill provided the necessary coffee and snacks as did other groups like Saltwater Restaurants with a tuna salad sample for each person.
The Emerald Coast Community Band performed songs from musicals such as Mama Mia. Conductor Nathan Frymire led this talented volunteer group of musicians as snowbirds listened and applauded their approval. Ken Walsh and Barb Palmgren, trustees of the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, also performed a short skit about life in the 1920’s in Valparaiso. Ken was James Plew, a major developer of the area, and Barb was Lula Edge, postmistress and school board member. The audience laughed while this comedy team argued about where to put pickleball courts in Valparaiso.
All this doesn’t magically happen. The officers and staff of the Fort Walton Snowbird Club coordinated this and other meetings and events to keep visitors happy and busy. With volunteers like this in our community, we should all be proud!
Farewell, snowbird friends. until next year when silver sands, specialty restaurants, pickleball courts, golf games, and shopping await you once again. And yes, for a few months you will be saying, “There’s no place like Fort Walton.”
