Rotary Club Recognizes Local First Responders
Recently the Rotary Club of Niceville-Valparaiso said thank you to a few of our everyday heroes for all the great work they do to keep our community safe and secure. These first responders live the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. Recently, the Rotary Club of Niceville-Valparaiso recognized the top police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians for 2023 from each of our local departments for their outstanding service to our community. The award recipients included Niceville and Valparaiso Fire Departments Firefighter of the Year, Firefighter Mack Regans; Niceville Police Department Officer of the Year, Officer John Newby; Valparaiso Police Department Officer of the Year, Officer Glen Michaels; East Niceville Fire District Firefighter of the Year, Fire Engineer Landon Bigner; North Bay Fire District Firefighter of the Year, Captain James Harris; Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year, Deputy Gregory Rubo; Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services Person of the Year, Paramedic Ambria Irlbeck; Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) Security Forces Airman of the Year, Senior Airman Alexis Dallacosta; Eglin AFB Security Forces Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Technical Sergeant Chelsea Drake-Green; Eglin AFB Security Forces Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Senior Master Sergeant Vanessa Perkins; Eglin AFB Security Forces Company Grade Officer of the Year, Captain Marquis Taylor; Eglin AFB Security Forces Category I Civilian of the Year, Corporal Timothy Briglia; Eglin AFB Security Forces Category II Civilian of the Year, Officer Gregory Wise; Eglin AFB Military Firefighter of the Year, Senior Airman Justin Henry; Eglin AFB Fire Department Civilian Firefighter of the Year, Captain Michael Aaron; Eglin AFB Fire Department Military Fire Officer of the Year, Technical Sergeant Matthew Miller; Eglin AFB Fire Department Civilian Fire Officer of the Year, Mr. Todd Lawrence.
Niceville City Council Decides New Member by Coin Flip
In the Jan. 29 Niceville City Council meeting, a coin flip decided Doug Stauffer as its newest member after a tied vote. The vote was actually deadlocked twice on whether Stauffer or Doug Tolbert would fill the seat left vacant by former Councilman Abner Williams, who resigned due to personal circumstances. With council members not wavering on their votes, Niceville Mayor Daniel Henkel stepped in and used a coin toss to break the tie. Stauffer chose tails and tails it was!
ECAR Celebrates National Association of REALTORS® RPAC Hall of Fame Inductees
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is honoring three Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS® (ECAR) past Presidents with membership in the 2023 REALTOR® Party (RPAC) Hall of Fame. Past ECAR Presidents Robert “Bob” Hudgens (2001), Mary Anne Windes (2010) and Cathy Alley (2016) will be inducted into the NAR 2023 RPAC Hall of Fame at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington D.C. this May. The RPAC Hall of Fame recognizes dedicated members who have made a significant commitment to RPAC over the years by investing an aggregate lifetime amount of at least $25,000. Among the Hall of Fame benefits are name plaques on the RPAC Hall of Fame wall located on NAR’s Washington, D.C. building rooftop. “Cathy, Mary Anne, and Bob’s unwavering commitment to RPAC underscores the vital role REALTORS® play in shaping policies that safeguard property interests and promote thriving communities,” commented 2024 ECAR President Keith Wood. He continued, “This honor is a testament to their dedication and service to our industry and the communities we serve.” RPAC is a voluntary political action committee whose membership consists of REALTORS® interested in actively and effectively protecting the real estate industry and the dream of homeownership by participating in government affairs at the local, state and federal levels. RPAC advances public policies and candidates that build strong communities, protect property interests, and promote a vibrant business environment—the only political action committee in the country that is organized by REALTORS® to promote and protect the dream of home-ownership in America.
Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Celebration
The Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Celebration at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in February. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Jeff Jourdan, SmallCakes of Destin. 2023 Chair of the Board Heather Jourdan, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC, recognized several area businesses and individuals for their contributions to Chamber and community.
Annual Award Recipients:
Young Professional of the Year: Ariel Danley, 4-H Camp Timpoochee
Community Enrichment – Individual Category:
Chef Dan Pettis
Community Enrichment – Organization Category:
C.A.L.M. (Crisis Aids to Littles and Moms) Inc.
Small Business of the Year:
Katie’s House of Flowers & Gifts Dylan & Emily Clarrey
Large Business of the Year:
CHELCO (Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc.)
You Rock Award:
Patreece Hinley Early
Volunteer of the Year:
Tiffany Turner, Spine Life Chiropractic
Chair of the Board Star Achiever Award
Dana Topel, NextHome Cornerstone Realty
Rev. Dennis Brown Servant Leadership Award:
Ken Hair, Children in Crisis
2024 Board Members:
Ariel B. Danley, 4-H Camp Timpoochee
Brian Haugen, Raymond James & Associates
Chris Shinnick, Manna Church
Christine Six, Cox Communications
Emily Clarrey, Katie’s House of Flowers & Gifts
Emily Cowan, CHELCO
Jacob Jaworski, Canvas Inc.
Lisa Wright, Okaloosa Gas District
Mack Busbee, Okaloosa County Property Appraiser
Michael Beedie, P.E., WM of the Gulf Coast
Paige Floyd Hart, Bright Light Land Title Company, LLC
Pam Ellisor, Chick-fil-A at Niceville
Randy Wise, Randy Wise Homes, Inc.
Richard Pruitt, DS2, LLC
Todd Jackson, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital
Life Directors
Dr. David Goetsch, Individual Member
Dave Morrow, The Ryland/Morrow Allstate Agency
Okaloosa County Jail Celebrates Inmate Success with ‘Anchored’ Program
A significant milestone was achieved within the walls of the Okaloosa County Jail in March as 34 men successfully completed Phase I of the transformative “Anchored” program, administered by the Emerald Coast Life Center. This faith-based initiative is designed to equip participants with the tools and mindset necessary to break the cycle of recidivism and substance abuse.
During the rigorous three-month curriculum, these dedicated individuals devoted themselves to 425 hours of intensive classwork, encompassing specialized coursework aimed at dismantling barriers to rehabilitation. Additionally, they undertook the challenge of crafting three 1,200-word essays, committing three scripture verses to memory, and delivering a comprehensive book report from the Phase I reading material. The accomplishments of these men extend beyond academic achievement; they signify a profound commitment to personal growth and transformation. Through the “Anchored” program, participants embraced the opportunity to confront past traumas, discover their true identities, and cultivate positive change within themselves. Their dedication serves as a testament to their desire to become valued members of our community, as well as devoted husbands and fathers to their families. Upon completion of all program requirements, they will emerge equipped with a newfound mindset and a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to support them during challenging times post-release.
Children of the American Revolution Receive Awards
The Snowden-Horne Society currently has 36 members, eight of whom are Dual DAR/C.A.R. or SAR/C.A.R. members. The F.S.C.A.R. State Conference, held in February, found the Snowden-Horne Society leading the way, not only locally, but also at the state level:
F.S.C.A.R. 2024 State Conference Awards Snowden-Horne Society
1st Place Most Life Members
2nd Place American Heritage Best Program
2nd Place Best Newsletter
2nd Place Best Newsletter Article
2nd Place Best Government Studies Program
2nd Place Best Kids Helping Kids Program
2nd Place Most State Life Members
3rd Place Conservation Best Program
Honorable Mention Best American History Program
Honorable Mention Best American Indian Program
Any young person under 22 is eligible for membership in The National Society of the Children of the American Revolution. Any child who can prove lineage to a patriot of the American Revolution is welcome and may join the National Society by invitation of a local society or as a member-at-large and becomes a member upon verification of the application. Email Snowden-Horne Senior Society Registrar, Linda McCooey, at mccooeys@bellsouth.net.
Niceville Ceremonial Sign Change
The City of Niceville honored Mr. Lannie Corbin, retired Niceville City Manager of 52 years, in a ceremonial sign change recently. “What a pleasure it is to recognize outstanding service, which is exactly what Mr. Lannie Corbin provided during his remarkable 52 years of service to the City Council and the citizens of Niceville” expressed Mr. Dan Doucet, City Clerk who worked alongside Mr. Corbin for 30 years.
The Seaside School™ Lottery Yields Record Number of Applicants
The Seaside School™ received a record-breaking 539 applications for incoming 5th through 12th-grade students for the 2024-2025 school year, resulting in a waitlist of over 380 students, highlighting the need for continued collaboration and expansion of educational opportunities in Walton County such as the expansion of Seacoast Collegiate High School in partnership with Northwest Florida State College slated to open in Fall 2025. With a distinguished track record of more than 20 consecutive years as an “A” school and ranking in the top 1% of all Florida public schools in math and science, The Seaside School™ has established itself as a beacon of educational excellence. Additionally, the Walton County School District’s stellar performance, earning the status of the number two school district in the state of Florida and maintaining an “A” rating for five consecutive years, underscores the strength of the partnership between the district and The Seaside School™. For more information on The Seaside School™, visit SeasideSchools.net.
BCC Names Sunday as Walton County Administrator
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) recently hired Stan Sunday as the fulltime county administrator. Sunday possesses a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and has extensive experience with Walton County government. He served and held the position of Deputy County Administrator for Walton County from Sept. 30, 2013, to Sept. 23, 2022, and was responsible for the operations of the county with oversight and leadership responsibility for department heads and directors. From March 27, 2007, to March 4, 2014, he served as both Deputy Corrections Director and Corrections Director for the Walton County Department of Corrections. Between 1989 and 2007, Sunday worked in a variety of roles for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, including Captain, Chief of Investigations (second in command of the sheriff’s office), and Chief of Administration, plus other supervisory positions.
ECCAC’s 25th Annual Gala & Golf Weekend a Big Success
Presented by Janice and George Hendricks, the community, sponsors and supporters of the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) celebrated 25 years at this year’s annual signature happening, the Gala & Golf Weekend, raising a significant $650,000 to help children and their families in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. ECCAC board member Cindy Cole donated her popular annual live auction lot of Women’s Bubbles & Bunco. Jim and Tammy Pierce, major donors whom the Pierce Family Center in DeFuniak Springs is named after, donated their annual Men’s Chars and Cigars lot. Cole and “The Gavel Girl” worked together to achieve successful bids from 45 women and 25 men at $1,000 per person. Then guest Matthew Walker bought a whole other night for 25 men, making for a remarkable total of $95,000 raised for these two auction lots. Visit www.eccac.org or call 850-833-9237. If abuse is suspected, call the anonymous Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
