Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed Senate Bill 676 to help create a new “30A” specialty license plate for Florida motorists. The 30A tags cost $33, with all proceeds being donated to support Scenic Walton, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that promotes projects designed to improve the quality of life in Walton County. Three thousand vouchers must now be sold before Florida’s Department of Motor Vehicles will manufacture the 30A tags. Vouchers can be purchased at www.30Atag.com or at any Florida Tax Collector’s Office.

“Money raised by the new tags will help promote beautification and safety projects throughout all of Walton County, not just along the beach,” said Leigh Moore, Scenic Walton’s Executive Director. “We work to improve landscaping in roadway medians, reduce litter, promote underground utilities, expand infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, and other projects that enhance the quality of life for Walton County residents and visitors.”

The team asked Walton County locals and 30A’s 1.5 million social media fans to help select the final tag design, which was created by Gulf Coast native Jake Meyer. The winning design depicts the blue 30A logo against a silhouette of Western Lake, one of Walton County’s most famous vistas.

“Of course, we have amazing beaches here, as do many Florida towns, but our coastal dune lakes really are unique to Walton County,” said Mike Ragsdale of The 30A Company. “I think our community made an excellent choice.”

“This is the only specialty tag that generates revenue exclusively for community projects here in Walton County,” added Moore. “So, everyone who buys an official 30A / Scenic Walton tag for their vehicle will help preserve Walton County’s beauty.”

Florida residents can go to any Tax Collector Office to buy a 30A tag voucher. They can also be purchased online at www.30Atag.com.

For more information, visit www.scenicwalton.org.

Thanks for taking the time to read our fun, informative page for some basic laundry tips and tricks!

In this issue, we want to talk about a stubborn stain specific to our geographical location: Sunscreen!

Sunscreen stains are basically oil stains. Unfortunately, once oil stains impregnate a shirt’s molecules and change the color, it’s hard to bring the original color back. But there are a couple of methods to try.

If the garments are white and cotton, try soaking them in a diluted chlorine bleach solution for two or three hours, then wash the items in a normal warm wash cycle. If the garments are colored, soak them in non-chlorine bleach (Clorox 2) and hot water overnight, and then wash the following day.

A second method you can try might work if the stains are still relatively fresh. Add a touch of dawn directly onto the stained garment and wash in warm water. As long as the oily residue remains, it still can be washed off. However, once the oil attaches to the molecule, it becomes permanent.

At Total Laundry Services, you’ll find that at each store we use Tide with Bleach Alternative on every wash/dry/fold order with a touch of Downy softener as well. We can use Free & Clear detergent for customers with allergies and sensitive skin. We have every laundry additive in stock to help fight as many stains as possible! Come see us today and let us take care of your laundry needs!

By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher

November is the month of Thanksgiving; that time of year when we gather with friends and family to ritually offer thanks and appreciation to individuals (current or past) who have brought some sort of blessing into our lives. It causes me to reflect upon those moments or people whom I am thankful for. According to Merriam-Webster’s, thankful means “conscious of benefits received.” I believe we receive many benefits and blessings daily, even if we aren’t always aware of it.

As a culture, we learn to say ‘thank you’ at a very young age; but the phrase is far more than just a matter of good manners. Sharing the phrase ‘thank you’ could be a highlight of every day, every week and every month, before and after November! Each year, we give you the opportunity to share “what” you’re thankful for on these pages. We do it, because through it, we hope you’ll be able to reflect and recognize the many blessings abounding around us.

Our team at Bay Life is thankful for your participation, editorial contributions and support. Without you, Bay Life would not have the same flavor, popularity and appeal—you make all the difference!

Bay Life asked, “What are you thankful for this year?”

“We are thankful for our community and the fabulous people who seek our help. We are America Proud!”
– April Pretz, EasyCare Health and Wellness Clinic

“I am thankful to work alongside an awesome team of people at the Frances Roy Agency. You all are the best of the best! To Shantelle, thank you for being the best mentor and leader, your guidance means more than you know.”
– Hillaree Durso, Senior Director of Content and Marketing

“During these trying times, Bayside to Seaside Realty is most thankful for faith in humanity and community. Keep moving forward #850!”
– Gary Jennings, Bayside to Seaside Realty

“I’m thankful for all the fabulous patients I’ve met and helped who have spread the word to make us so successful. And thank you for “Life” publications for their tremendous support as well.
—Dr Chern, MD, Hormone Restoration Center

“My Thanks goes out to those who I see achieve their goals, watching others succeed at their craft and grateful in helping others.”
– William Blanken, Blanken Management

“Everything and everyone. I am thankful for absolutely everything in my life—the good, the challenges, the heartache. Everything is a lesson and experience to be appreciated. All day, every day, I give thanks.”
– Tricia Brunson, President & CEO, Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce

“There are so so very many things to be thankful for: I am thankful for my salvation, my family, my health and my friends. Oh, and did I mention, I live in FLORIDA!
– Jimmie Boisjolie, Marketing Director, Bluewater Bay Marina Complex

“I am thankful for the brave, dedicated and talented health care professionals who have been leading our community through these challenging times. We are all blessed by their service.”
– Leslie Moland, APR, CPRC, Director of Business Development and Communication, White-Wilson Medical Center, P.A.

“I am thankful for my salvation, family, friends and living in the Free State of Florida, where our freedoms remain intact.”
– Pastor Doug Stauffer

“I am thankful for OCSD students, families and employees who provide a daily reminder of the importance of striving for excellence in everything we do!”
– Marcus Chambers, Okaloosa County Superintendent

“I truly am thankful for my family and friends. The love and relationships I am blessed with are a testimony to how lucky I am to be here in this beautiful place. Plus, I am a new grandpa. Woo hoo!
– Greg Durette, Florida Health Connector

“I’m grateful for the privilege to share God’s blessings with those He guides to our doors at CALM and for a community that believes and supports our mission.”
– Chanie Erb, CALM President

“I am thankful for so much—family (two grandkids so far), friends, this community, for our Founding Fathers and our first Thanksgiving that we celebrate today.”
– Debby (with a Y) McKinney, Be Real Media, Inc.

“I am blessed to live in a “City of Refuge” as prophesied. All of our elected and unelected officials/civil servants are God fearing, constitutionally conservative patriots.”
– Al Niedbalski, BE Niceville

“Grateful for sooo many things this year—friends, family, clients, my awesome Master Networks group of solopreneurs, for waking up every day, for laughter, for non-political conversations, for all the writers who write great, informative, uplifting articles in Bay Life & Destin Life. Every day I write down three things I am grateful for and there’s just not enough room here to share them all!”
– Gail Pelto, Bay Life/Destin Life Columnist, Keller Williams

“One of the many things that I am thankful for this year is that I know God is in control of all that is going on in our crazy world. I am also thankful that God doesn’t just focus on the large view, but cares about what happens in each individual life. I know that He loves me and as He has promised, is working all things for my good and His glory.”
– Myrna Conrad, Bay Life/Destin Life Columnist

“We are so grateful for our family, friends, our community, meaningful work we love and living in a beautiful place that nourishes our souls! Happy Thanksgiving.”
– Todd & Stephenie Craig, Journey Bravely Counseling & Coaching

“I’m thankful for change. This year I took the leap to become a full-time artist and open my own gallery. Best life decision ever.”
– Estelle Grengs, Artist

By Lori Leath Smith

“Being given a death diagnosis is like looking down a cocked, double barrel shotgun. But God is real and miracles do happen!”
~ Patricia Lee

If you aren’t one who believes in God or any higher power, please be forewarned. Patricia’s story could change your mind. Local resident and founder of the Destinites Facebook page and website, Patricia Lee, is a three-time cancer survivor of three different cancers; hence her becoming a recipient of the 2005 Life Inspiration Award for the American Cancer Society.

Her first cancer encounter was at the young age of 18 months. She had Neuroblastoma wrapped completely around her left kidney, a cancer common in young children for which there is still no cure. Her kidney was removed, but the cancer was discovered in the bone marrow throughout her body. When the only treatment in 1961, X-ray therapy, was administered, the cancer just kept growing. A young doctor at Birmingham Children’s Hospital recommended a new procedure, unavailable in the U.S. at that time, in hopes it would kill the cancer. The drawback? It would wipe out Patricia’s immune system and she could develop pneumonia. Since the cancer prognoses was certain death anyway, Patricia’s parents agreed to the surgery in a last-ditch effort to save her life.

But her maternal grandfather was on the move and rounded up a mighty praying group as well as several from his small-town Baptist church to pray for her. The day of the surgery, he persuaded the surgeon to recheck for the cancer. To appease him, the surgeon finally agreed to do more tests and X-rays. And what he found stunned him—the cancer was completely gone! No surgery was needed! During the next five years, not one trace of it was found. “If you are one who thinks prayer can’t change things, you might want to rethink that notion,” says Patricia. “Prayers do matter and, yes, they can change things.”

Her second bout came in 1994. During a partial hysterectomy surgery, a cancerous tumor was found, but was contained and completely removed. “No one knew the tumor was there until then AND when they found it, it looked to be breaking up into pieces disintegrating, as though it had been zapped by radiation,” says Patricia. The doctors and lab had never witnessed that before. “That’s the kind of thing you might see when someone has already been going through treatment,” said her doctor. “You got another miracle! People in the lab feel like they witnessed the hand of God in action.”

The third time was stage 3C breast cancer in 2005. Patricia had surgery and 15 lymph nodes (14 of them positive) were removed. “But the cancer had already broken through the cells and was running all through my blood stream,” says Patricia.

The day came when it was time to start chemo. “The night before, I had dug out a Bible I had as a teenager, all written in and verses highlighted,” Patricia says. “I had not looked at it in years, but did that night. And I prayed asking God to help me through it all. There I was with my eyes closed just trying to go to sleep when I felt this big jolt on my right clavicle.” A second jolt came at the base of her neck, and Patricia sensed God asking her to read her Bible again—out loud. She did and there on the pages were words of comfort, of healing, of protection.

“Bless the Lord who is my immovable Rock. He gives me strength and skill in battle. He is always kind and loving to me; He is my fortress, my tower of strength and safety, my deliverer. He stands before me as a shield.” – Psalms 144. “A rush of peace came over me like I have never before experienced…I was told I would maybe live a couple of more years, but that was 15 years ago (2005)!”

Many would be daunted to experience this trial a third time. But, Patricia says she was able to keep her morale high due to faith in God’s decision for her life no matter what that meant. “I just focused on my daily routine and responsibilities and let Him carry the burden. Listening to music I love and watching TV/movie comedies were also great uplifters for me. I truly stayed focused on the here and now and took one day at a time while going through treatment.”

Patricia’s advice for those going through similar situations? “Let friends and family help you, even if you don’t need it. Understand that they are affected as well. They love you and feel helpless. So, don’t push them away. Just say, ‘Thank you!’”

“By the same token, if you’re a caregiver, don’t overwhelm the patient,” she says. “Don’t try to take over their lives by telling them what they should or should not be doing. Be supportive, but not a dictator. It’s important for them to carry on their day-to-day lives as normal as possible.”

You can read about Patricia’s experiences in detail at Destinites.com. Her hope is that her experiences and overcoming them will help others. To reach Patricia, contact her through the Contact Us page at Destinites.com.

NWFSC Receives $2.85 Million Job Growth Grant
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a $2.85 million award to Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. The funds will be used to establish the college’s Transit Technician program, which will support a broad range of industries to include the Florida Department of Transportation, heavy-duty trucks, transit, school bus and construction equipment. The program will also fill a specialized need for diesel marine repair technicians as students apply their general experiences to targeted marine applications.

“The Transit Technician program extends our commitment to further advance the state’s workforce goals with an immediate pathway to employment at a family-sustainable wage,” says NWFSC President, Dr. Devin Stephenson. “We appreciate Gov. DeSantis’s leadership and commitment to ensure Northwest Florida State College is equipped to provide the labor force needed to support the logistics, transportation and distribution industry in our region.”

It will closely support the College’s Commercial Driving License program and consist of three phases that build on each other. Students will be able to complete all three phases in five semesters. While enrolled, students will earn CAPE certifications provided by Automotive Service Excellence and complete a two-year work experience requirement. The local area currently has only one Transit Technician program within 150 miles of NWFSC.
“Gov. DeSantis providing this award to NWFSC will help individuals in the Panhandle gain technical skills that will grow the workforce in surrounding rural communities,” says Secretary Dane Eagle of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). “This award will support the success of Gov. DeSantis’ vision of being the nation’s leader in workforce development by 2030.”

The Transit Technician program aligns with NWFSC’s partnership with Cummins Corporation, the single largest engine manufacturer in the world. Those who complete the program will earn industry certificates recognizing their proficiency in various skills. More importantly, they will be prepared to maintain and repair heavy trucks, buses, construction equipment, and diesel-engine-equipped boats, playing a significant role in keeping the region’s economy driving forward. To learn more, contact Dr. Michael Erny at (850) 729-6051 or ernym@nwfsc.edu.

NWFSC Recognized With Gold Level Endorsement from CGIA
Out of seven programs recently evaluated, Northwest Florida State College’s welding program was the only program to receive the highest GOLD level designation from the Central Gulf Industrial Alliance (CGIA). CGIA is a regional alliance composed of industrial owners, contractors, associates, and training organizations focused on improving industry performance in the areas of safety, workforce development, quality and productivity. As part of their mission, CGIA leads a nationally recognized evaluation and endorsement process for regional industrial craft training programs to ensure they operate at or above industry standards and meet the workforce needs of the members’ industries.

CGIA completed reviews of several training programs across the Central Gulf region and NWFSC was chosen by industry subject matter experts who evaluate critical elements of training programs, including safety, curriculum, instructional methods and facilities. Another review component is accomplished through employer surveys and results in an Industry Confidence Index, an indicator designed to measure the industry’s confidence in a training provider’s ability to meet their workforce needs. A program can earn an endorsement at the Gold, Silver, or Bronze levels based on these measurements.

Scoring 59 out of a possible 60 points for the second review in a row, resulting in a top-level endorsement, NWFSC’s CGIA-endorsed program offers countless benefits, including donations from member companies, access to guest speakers, industrial facility tours and being highlighted on CGIA’s website.