Lewis School Gets a New Football Stadium!
On Tuesday, September 3, Lewis School celebrated a monumental moment as the City of Niceville hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their brand-new Football Stadium! This event marks a significant milestone in the school’s history. Since its opening in 1971, Lewis School, along with Ruckel Middle School, has shared the Niceville High School Football Stadium for games. However, this year marks a new chapter as the Lewis Falcons played their first home game in their very own stadium. This achievement is the result of a significant capital project that includes new LED stadium lights, visitor bleachers, and a home stand with a press box. Soon, a new scoreboard will also be installed!
The ceremony was graced by many special guests, including former coaches and principals who have been integral to the school’s history and success. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Haugen Family for their generous donation of the goal posts and to our incredible community for voting yes on the Half Cent Sales Tax, making this project a reality. This new stadium is more than just a place for games; it represents the spirit and dedication of the Lewis School community. Go Falcons!
Meigs Park Groundbreaking Ceremony, Oct. 16
The City of Niceville and Okaloosa County are excited to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for Meigs Park. It is a new inclusive park designed to provide accessible amenities for children with differing abilities. The ceremony will take place on October 16th at 10 a.m. at the park in Niceville. Meigs Park is a collaborative effort between the City of Niceville and Okaloosa County to create a safe and inclusive space for children of all abilities to play and interact. The Park will feature state-of-the-art equipment and facilities specifically designed to accommodate children with differing physical, sensory, or developmental abilities. The groundbreaking ceremony will include speeches from city officials, county representatives, and community leaders who have played a key role in making this project a reality. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view renderings of the park’s design and learn more about the features that will be available.
“I Made It!”
Those of you following Lulu Gribbin’s’s amazing journey since surviving a shark attack at Seacrest Beach on June 8, will be thrilled to know Lulu is now home! (Read story, July 2024 Bay Life at MyBayLifeNWFL.com.)
On Sept. 8, Lulu posted on Facebook: “Three months ago today marks the day my life changed forever. Sometimes I forget this is real. But this is the new reality, the new me! Not what I expected, but I can’t even imagine the abundance God has put in his plans for us. God had a plan for me and he still does. He has brought me new gifts and new beginnings. With the pain and sorrow there has been even more joy, more laughs and more love. I fully believe that “With God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27.
I am SO grateful that I get to be here today. I’m overwhelmed by the amazing support and prayers. Thank you to my family and friends for being the strong anchor behind me. Thank you to all the doctors and nurses who have dedicated your time to me. I wouldn’t be here without all of y’all. Through all the ups and downs, good days, and bad days, I am proud to say I MADE IT!!!”
Northwest Florida State College Energy Program Earns Best-In-Class Award
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) has cut expected energy use by 61.9 percent since partnering with Cenergistic, the pioneer and leading provider of technology-enabled conservation services, which presented the NWFSC Board of Trustees its Cenergistic Best-In-Class Award on August 20, 2024. The award lauds the organization’s success with the Cenergistic energy management program — a comprehensive science-based, technology-driven approach to energy conservation at all levels of the organization. It delivers financial savings as well as environmental benefits from a reduced carbon footprint. Energy not used prevents the emission of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. According to the EPA, NWFSC has reduced CO2 emissions equal to 168,031,457 miles not driven by the average vehicle for 10 years. NWFSC’s comprehensive energy conservation program addresses energy use throughout the organization. The energy specialist track energy consumption at all campuses through state-of-the-art technology to identify and correct areas where energy is over-used. They also work closely with organization personnel as well as Cenergistic engineers and experts to continually optimize systems and schedules. Together they monitor energy use with advanced technology and shape energy-using practices through education — affecting how each person in the organization understands, uses and saves energy for years to come. The outcome is healthier, more efficient buildings using less energy — and lower related costs.
Stay Linkedwith the Okaloosa County School District: Two Essential Apps
Are you staying informed about the latest news from the Okaloosa County School District? Parents and guardians can easily access their student’s schedule, grades, and attendance by downloading the FOCUS App. Additionally, stay updated with school and district news, events, documents, and emergency notifications through the OCSD Apptegy App. Both apps are available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. For more information, visit www.okaloosaschools.com.
DCWAF to Celebrate 20 Years of Fundraising for Children in Need in NWF
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF is celebrating two decades of positive impact in our local community. The celebration officially kicked off on August 29 at the Foundation’s annual check presentation ceremony where just over $3 million was presented to 17 benefitting charities, all providing life-saving services to at-risk children and families in the local community. This year’s donation also marks a major milestone for DCWAF as the organization surpasses $35 million donated since its inception in 2005. To date, DCWAF funding has helped to build more than 60 Habitat for Humanity homes, a Level II NICU, two dental busses, a pediatric exam room, resources for those with developmental differences, scholarships to after-school programs, support services for homeless, abused, and neglected children, and countless other lifesaving programs.
“20 years ago, a few wine loving friends set forth on a mission to connect wine enthusiasts to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida. This is still our mission today. We are so grateful for the foresight our founders had in recognizing the connective power of wine and philanthropy” said Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation President Karah Fridley-Young.
The 20th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family is scheduled for April 25-26, 2025 at Grand Boulevard Sandestin Town Center. The Foundation is already planning a special celebration in anticipation of its 20th anniversary auction and will release tickets and details in January. Learn more at http://www.DCWAF.org.
Walton County Commission recognizes Tourism Department Accreditation
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners recently recognized the Tourism Department for achieving its destination marketing re-accreditation, which requires the organization to comply with a multitude of mandatory and voluntary standards. It positions the Walton Tourism Department as an industry leader and recognizes its commitment to adhering to professional standards of operation.
“This is a pretty intense process, and we want to recognize Matt Algarin and his team for achieving it,” said County Administrator Stan Sunday.
