NWFSC Collegiate High School Student Selected for Hites Transfer Scholarship
Northwest Florida State College’s Collegiate High School Student, Sean Arbuckle, has been selected to receive Phi Theta Kappa’s 2023 Hites Transfer Scholarship. Arbuckle is one of only 15 students to receive this scholarship and was up against more than 2,700 applicants. This is the Phi Theta Kappa Society’s most prestigious and largest scholarship offering at $10,000. Hites Scholars are selected based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership and engagement in college and community activities. “Sean has earned this recognition with his exemplary service, leadership, and academic achievements,” said NWFSC President Dr. Devin Stephenson.
Walton County Names Buddy Wright Public Works Director
“I am so honored and blessed to serve as the next Public Works Director,” Buddy said. “I sincerely enjoy coming to work every morning, exploring new and better ways to serve the community and continually striving to make Walton County a better place.” He has worked with Walton County for 20 years, most recently serving as Deputy Public Works Director for 13 years. Earlier, Buddy worked with Code Compliance and the Planning Department. Before joining the county, he was employed by CHELCO and CSI for 13 years. For more information about Public Works, visit, www.co.walton.fl.us.
Remembering Longtime Water and Sewer Director
Okaloosa County is mourning the recent loss of the long-serving Water and Sewer Director Jeff Littrell, who died surrounded by family. He was 72. Jeff began his career with Okaloosa County in 1996 as the Utilities Administrative Manager for the Water and Sewer Department (OCWS) and was promoted a year later to the director position. His colleagues remember him as a rock star in his field who led with vision and flair and helped create the modern robust utility it is today. Jeff’s accomplishments include creating a 30-inch diameter water transmission main from Crestview to Fort Walton Beach and the demolition of the Garniers Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ocean City, to construct the $65 million state-of-the-art Arbennie Pritchett Water Reclamation Facility. Through Jeff’s leadership, OCWS partnered with Eglin AFB to construct approximately 50 miles of sewer pipelines across the reservation. “Jeff’s passion and work ethic truly made this county better,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “His dedication to public service is an example for all of us and he will be greatly missed.”
Heritage Museum History Summer Camp Registration
The Heritage Museum of NWF is taking Summer Camp registrations for July. The first week will be for grades K-2 and will run from Monday, July 10- Friday, July 14. The second week will be for grades 3-6 and will run from Monday, July 17-Friday, July 21. Both weeks run from 9:45 a.m-1 p.m. Participants can expect classes like art, aerospace, archaeology and more. $85 per student for the week or $80 for Members. Space is limited to 20 Students. Call (850) 678-2615.
ECTC Celebrates New Signage
Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) recently celebrated its new sign with a ribbon cutting attended by the Destin and Walton Area chambers. Visible from Hwy. 98, the new sign marks ECTC’s Grand Boulevard location. ECTC’s mission is to enrich and entertain the Emerald Coast through professional and educational theater. For more information, to view upcoming shows or to purchase tickets, visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
The Walton County Republican Executive Committee will meet Monday, July 17, at the Hammock Bay Clubhouse, 1850 Great Hammock Bend, Freeport. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with the meeting at 6 p.m. and is open to registered Republicans in Walton County. Find out about becoming a Precinct Committeeman/woman. If you want to know what the various Republican clubs in Walton County are doing, to include speakers and events, this is the place to find out. The WCREC meets the third Monday of each month at the same time and location.
Cook Team Registration Open for Annual “Eggs On the Beach”
Bay Breeze Patio announces the cook team registration is now open for the ninth annual “Eggs on the Beach” EggFest Cooking Competition Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach.
Cook Teams are invited to create bite size portions of their favorite recipes to be judged by the public as well as honorary judges. Tasters vote for their favorites, as teams vie for bragging rights and prizes, including the grand prize, a brand new large Big Green Egg. Cook Teams may also compete for Judge’s Awards, and Non-profit Teams Awards, which include a donation toward their cause.
New this year, Eggs on the Beach will include a Junior Chefs Competition. The category will allow chefs ages 8-14 an opportunity to compete for the grand prize — a Mini-Max Big Green Egg. Second- and third-place runners up will receive a grilling tool set and all winners will be recognized with a medal and bragging rights. The family-friendly event benefits two local charities—the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food for Thought.
Tteam registration is $50 for a team of six and each member will receive a welcome bag, including a commemorative T-shirt and Wayne’s Get Grillin’ Rubs. Youth Cook Team registration is $25 and includes a welcome bag for each participant. Cook team fees are waived for non-profit cook teams, which are competing for a cash donation toward their cause. Teams can register online at EggsontheBeach.com, or to avoid online fees, register in-person at Bay Breeze Patio (32 Forest Shore Drive, Miramar Beach).
The Sand Dunes Chapter of Embroiderers’ Guild of America celebrates various forms of hand embroidery. July Stitch-ins are July 9 and 23, 1:30-4:30 p.m., at the Religious Education Building, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd., Niceville. Visitors are welcome. Call (850) 496-3466 with any questions.
Okaloosa County Emergency Management Info
Sign up to receive emergency notifications via the county’s alert system at AlertOkaloosa.com or by texting “OKALOOSAFL” to 888777.
Okaloosa County maintains a complete online resource, including its Hurricane Guide, at https://myokaloosa.com/ps/emergency-management.
In the event of an emergency and if the Emergency Operations Center Activates, up-to-date information can be found at myokaloosa.com/eoc/home.
You can also stay up-to-date via traditional social media by following facebook.com/OkaloosaCounty.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet recently approved the investment of more than $103 million to conserve nearly 40,000 acres across the state through the Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands Protection programs. Nearly all of the projects approved are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a designated network of connected lands that creates crucial linkages for wildlife habitat.
The governor and the cabinet also approved the acquisition of permanent agricultural land conservation easements over more than 18,000 acres of working agricultural lands through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection program.
Dog-Harmony Launches “Love is in the Air” Calendar Contest
Show dogs how much you adore them by entering the 2024 Dog-Harmony calendar contest, themed “Love is in the Air.” World-renowned photographer Jane Shirek will capture winning dogs looking their most “fetching” at the Hotel Effie Sandestin.
To be a canine calendar girl or boy, a dog must fetch enough money to be ranked in the top 12. It also must be available to strut its stuff at the photo shoot July 16-19. The contest runs through June 30.
