Niceville to Host First Ever Veterans Day Parade!
The City of Niceville will have its first-ever Veterans Day Parade on Sat., Nov. 9, for community members show support and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country—those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and travel through the streets of Niceville, honoring our veterans and their families. Registration for the parade is now open and will close on Oct. 4. Individuals, groups and organizations are encouraged to participate by applying to the city’s website.
To register or become a sponsor, visit cityofniceville.org.
EFCU Recognizes Mid-Bay Rotary as a Hometown Hero
Eglin Federal Credit Union recently recognized Mid-Bay Rotary Club as a Hometown Hero! Nominated by Cumulus Radio (Coast 93.3), the nomination stated “The Mid-Bay Rotary Club started an event to help the Twin Cities Pavilion in Niceville (senior living facility) to help with repairs outside, providing shade, rocking chairs and new structures for the clients at the facilities. Through their efforts and collaboration with other area local Rotary Clubs, its firetruck pull with teams of several fire departments, area Rotary Club teams, community businesses and area organizations, the club has raised over $10,000 to give to this needy community and their building. “Most patients are strictly state covered, and their families have no other options,” Eglin Federal Credit Union stated. “Well done to all of you. You’re doing great work for the community. We’re so happy to have this partnership with Cumulus for our Hometown Heroes!”
City of Niceville Welcomes New Chief of Police, Mark Hayse
Mark Hayse has been appointed as new Niceville Chief of Police. Chief Hayse brings over 33 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, along with a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. Formerly a member of the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Hayse. has demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety and has earned the trust and respect of his colleagues and community members throughout his career. In his new role, he will oversee all operations of the Niceville Police Department and work closely with other city officials to address community needs and concerns. Welcome to Niceville Chief Hayse!
Grit and Grace Honors WCDWC Member
Walton County Democratic Women’s Club member Victoria Crystal was honored by Grit and Grace July 19-23. Her “powerful” story was delivered by Connie Baldwin of Defuniak Springs. From being orphaned at the age of 6 to being an abused wife to the many contributions she has made to her town, Crystal’s life has been a full one.The story of her meeting and later losing the love of her life brought tears to many in the audience.
In addition to being the Communications Coordinator for the WCDWC, she is the PR Director for The Tivoli Historical Society and Walton County Democratic Black Caucus and also a member of CJEF of Walton County and the NAACP. Victoria is the founder of The Ladies of Distinction of DFS, a group formed to honor people, many of whom are never thought to be worthy of honor. She is a writer, poet, and the author of seven books. Victoria was in the beauty business for 45 years, where her prolific skills as a stylist and hair care specialist earned her the nickname “Queen Bee.”
Okaloosa Saves Wins Coveted National Award!
Okaloosa Saves has earned the 2024 America Saves Savings Champion award, an honor explicitly reserved for organizations who effectively and actively promote saving strategies during the annual America Saves Week campaign.
Okaloosa Saves is one of 18 organizations honored with this distinction out of more than 4,600 participating organizations of America Saves Week, which took place April 8 – 12, 2024, as part of Financial Capability Month.
During this one-week timeframe, Okaloosa Saves along with the other 17 financial institutions helped to encourage nearly $354 million worth of deposits into new and existing accounts. Additionally, 231,000 new accounts were opened and 64,000 individuals increased their automatic saving transfers or deposits into existing savings accounts.
“Okaloosa Saves has been guiding people for 20 years in Northwest Florida to become savers,” said Board Chair Laura Coale. “We enjoy teaching the importance of reducing debt and building wealth by creating a plan to save money year-round. Financial wellness helps promote overall wellness, and we appreciate our partnership with America Saves for years to come.”
Eight Inducted into Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame
The Commission on the Status of Women recently inducted eight, local women into the Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame: Sharon Allen – Mattie Kelley Cultural Arts Inductee, Col. Allison Black – Military Inductee, Judge Lacey Powell Clark – Carolyn Spencer Humanitarian Inductee, Shawn Crist – Education Inductee, Sierra Elliot – Contemporary Inductee, Lori Kelley – Business-Professional Inductee, Joy Makela – Community Service Inductee and Barbara Henderson Slocumb – Pioneer Inductee.
Since 1995, 140 women have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. This award was created to honor and recognize women who have made important contributions to Okaloosa County. For more information, visit occsw.com or call Jeanne Rief at 850-685-8027.
Green Thumb Garden Club to Tour Westonwood Ranch in September
One of the primary objectives of Green Thumb Garden Club (GTGC) is to provide Walton County students with scholarships to colleges, universities and technical schools. GTGC awarded $6,000 in scholarships this year and the Club’s goal is to increase that amount in 2025. The September meeting will give GTGC members and guests an opportunity to learn about our newest student sponsorship partner, Westonwood Ranch.
Attendees will meet Sept. 18 at Horse Power Pavilion, located at 4497 State Highway 20 W, Freeport, Florida, for check-in beginning at 9 a.m. Carpools will then go to Westonwood Ranch for a tour and presentation, returning to Horse Power Pavilion for a brief meeting and lunch. The cost for the event including lunch is $30 (cash or check) or $32 (credit card).
For additional information, please visit the website or email greenthumbgardenclubinc@gmail.com.
Walton County Reopens Bear Creek Bridge In Freeport
Bear Creek Bridge on Bay Loop Road (83A) is open again after the 12-month repair project.
The $1.1 million project was funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, the Walton County Commission and the City of Freeport.
Healing Paws for Warriors Co-Founders Step Down
The co-founders of the non-profit Healing Paws for Warriors, Mike Arena and Sheila Hale, recently announced their departure from the nonprofit after nearly a decade of volunteering their time serving veterans in the Florida Panhandle. Michael and Sheila formed the organization as a way to give back after Arena’s struggles with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury after his time in the Air Force as a combat medic. He went through a program that paired him with a service dog and, as he explained, was given what he felt was a second chance. Arena and Hale wanted to use the program to not only improve a veteran’s quality of life, but to bring awareness to veteran suicide.
Arena presented the Healing Paws board of directors his letter of resignation, stepping away from his duties as (former) executive director, board member, and trainer. Arena called the decision one of the most difficult of his life. “From the earliest days, as we pursued our vision of how we would help our veterans—those who sacrificed so much for our nation—by providing trained service dogs at no charge, we felt as though we were changing lives. The dogs we rescued and trained to serve our veterans in this noble cause truly embodied our mission of ‘Save a Veteran. Rescue a Dog,’” said Arena.
