A Niceville 5th-grade student from James E. Plew Elementary School was invited to the Governor’s Mansion recently and recognized for her Hispanic Heritage Month (celebrated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) essay about her Hispanic grandfather’s journey to America. Norah Hall, age 10, is the only student from Okaloosa County....
By Heather Bennett Eye
After overcoming the economic effects of COVID and supply chain issues that many organizations had to endure over the last couple of years, Food for Thought has entered its 13th school year of assisting food-insecure students, and great things are happening within the organization. I caught...
With the holiday shopping season upon us, now is the time to find gifts for friends and family that bring joy and cost-effectiveness to their lives. From stocking stuffers to wrapped presents, there is something for everyone, with the added benefit of helping them save both money and energy.
For...
By Stacy Sarikanon, Stunning Spaces – Decorating Den Interiors
It’s the time of year when our families all come together to share our wonderful holidays. What better time to transform your home into its best celebration mode!
Here are but a few suggestions to give your home a cozy and festive...
By Barbara Palmgren
The community of Bluewater Bay is one step closer to saving their green space, and I couldn’t be more excited for them!
Preserve Bluewater Bay (PBWB) is a not-for-profit organization created by community members who want to save 150 acres of green space in Bluewater Bay that defines...
By Kenneth Books
A Shocking Discovery
It was a perfect day at the North Pole the day before Christmas. Snow blew nearly sideways across the windows of Santa’s house. The panes were frosted like so many cakes. The thermometer hadn’t gone as high as zero in two weeks.
Santa rose from his...
By Heather Bennett Eye
Charity and compassion, central to the holiday spirit, run deep in our community, and our Emerald Coast Toys for Tots is gearing up to spread the message of giving and sharing this holiday season. Each year they bring countless smiles to children’s faces with their toy...
By Lori Leath Smith
Anyone can be a Holiday Hero when they help those in need in our community. As always during the holiday season, there is an ongoing need for giving or volunteering. Many children don’t have enough food to eat over a weekend, much less over Thanksgiving or...
By Ellen Fannon
Her motto is, “Just one more child.” This is what the shoebox lady, Elaine Lauderdale, has on her mind when she encourages everyone to participate in Operation Christmas Child at Rosemont Baptist Church in Niceville.
Rosemont, a small church with an average attendance of approximately 50 people, has...
By Barbara Palmgren
There are several junior golf organizations that provide fun and competitive golf experiences for junior golfers. This month I’m highlighting the Under Armour Junior Golf Tour, under the directorship of Chris Henson. Chris has been at the helm of the local district for three years. Chris moved...