Community

Okaloosa County Superintendent Marcus Chambers: As we move into the second semester, beginning January 26th, keep in mind that students can continue in the mySchool Online (MSO) program or transition back to their brick and mortar school. Before the holidays, the parents of struggling MSO students received a letter, phone...

The first Special Olympics was held on August 2, 1968. Since then, the program has impacted millions, and continues to do so more with each passing year. So what does the Special Olympics do exactly? Their overall mission is to provide year round sports training and competition for individuals with...

“Unprecedented” is the Word for 2020 By Dave White, Publisher, SoWal Life & PCB Life Users of the online dictionary, Dictionary.com, voted “unprecedented” as the People’s Choice 2020 Word of the Year. Can anyone disagree? 2020 has certainly been an unprecedented year of problems, challenges, pivots, solutions and, perhaps, even successes....

The Taylor Haugen Trophy award given each year will now include a $1,000 donation to the athletic department of the Trophy winner’s school! This is in addition to the winner earning the trophy and a $1,000 scholarship. Every February the prestigious Taylor Haugen Trophy is awarded to a high school...

By Kelly Humphrey At an age when many folks are enjoying a well-deserved retirement, the 87-year-old has as much energy as three 29-year-olds. Between overseeing his multiple business operations and staying active in his community, Herden stays fit and mentally sharp. While he has no intention of slowing down, after...

The Extraordinary Story Behind The Community By Kelly Humphrey Some might call it the end of an era. After more than 45 years of serving as the face of the Bluewater Bay development, Raimund Herden has left the area to return to his native Germany. As he says good-bye to his...

By Beth Jackson and Kelly Layman There was a big “race” this year – and all of Walton County won! A major “sea change” happened in early 2020 – and it was buried amid the national tsunami of challenging times. Did you know … A group of locals took on a Fortune 500...

By Lori Leath Smith Longtime local and Bay Life favorite Sean Dietrich (sometimes better known as “Sean of the South”) is a traveling storyteller, podcaster and Southern Living writer known for his daily column filled with stories of steel workers, church potlucks and trusty bloodhounds. His penned words seem to...

Serenity Village Will Offer Safe, Protected Environment A vision that began with a handful of residents in 2008 now supports 33 women, three graduates and a 5-year-old in transition in the program! The Path of Grace Women’s Recovery Home has steadily been growing over the past 10 years. The Path of...

Rescuing and Rehoming Cats and Dogs For 35 Years By Lori Leath Smith In September 1982, Pet Welfare was founded for military members needing a safe place to leave their pets until a home could be found. Today, the organization continues to provide this service with an all-volunteer force. Pet Welfare...