By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher
A sunset over the Bay; schools where parents are involved and teachers are impeccable; community parks with so much to offer; a business community based on relationships and trust—these are just a few of the positive highlights in our community!
Each year, Bay Life asks, “What...
By “Doc” Doug Stauffer
The Special Operators Transition Foundation (SOTF) is a one-of-a-kind organization that provides unparalleled support to elite Special Operations Forces (SOF) veterans transitioning from military service to successful civilian careers. Since its establishment in 2013, the foundation has significantly assisted over 500 SOF veterans in finding meaningful...
By “Doc” Doug Stauffer
As the November 5 general election approaches, voters in Okaloosa County are presented with a unique opportunity to strengthen the local economy through the renewal of the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE) program. This initiative, initially adopted in 1981 and requiring reauthorization every 10...
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners recently approved a contingent contract to acquire the SS United States that could see the historic ocean liner converted into the world’s largest artificial reef, in an announcement from Destin-Fort Walton Beach and the SS United States Conservancy.
Part of the deal would...
By Carolyn Newcomer Ketchel
On Nov. 2, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Beal Memorial Cemetery (316 Beal Pkwy. NW, FWB), over 35 clergy and members from various faith communities will gather to remember and say goodbye to the invisible members of our local community.
The Lazarus Memorial Service is an...
Mid-Bay Rotary’s 30th Annual Oktoberfest: Service to the Community
The Mid-Bay Rotary Club held its 30th Annual Oktoberfest in September at Merchants Walk in Bluewater Bay. The festivities included the Edelweiss German Band, Accordionist Walter Kasprzyk, Balloons by Mickey Cameron, The Emerald Coast Community Band, Folk Musicians Gary Schmitz and...
By “Doc” Doug Stauffer
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, the Beal Cemetery, Gulf Cemetery, Heritage Gardens, Destin Memorial Cemetery and Sunset Cemetery will join more than 3,000 cemeteries nationwide for the annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony. These local events are more than just part of a national program; for many...
On election day, November 5, 2024, more than 13.5 million Floridians will cast their votes, in addition to electing a U.S. President, 29 members of Congress, 120 members of the State House and 20 of the 40-member Florida Senate. The ballot tasks Floridians with voting on six proposed constitutional...
By Kenneth Books
Fort Walton Beach’s loss is Niceville’s gain.
New Niceville Chief of Police Mark Hayse took the reins of the city department Aug. 30, succeeding David Popwell, who retired March 1 after serving as chief for nearly 20 years. Hayse, 56, previously served with the Fort Walton Beach Police...
