The Person Behind the Music, the Moments, and the Magic 

By Lori Smith

I’ll admit it — when I first sat down to write this, I smiled. Once upon a time, before publishing deadlines and page counts, I was a DJ myself. I know the rush of reading a room, the quiet pressure of timing it just right, the invisible responsibility of holding a moment in your hands and not dropping it.

So, when I say that Zoran Subotich gets it, I mean that in the deepest, most professional, been-there way.

For more than 30 years, Zoran has been the steady heartbeat behind thousands of celebrations across the Emerald Coast — from barefoot beach weddings on 30A and Destin to elegant military galas, mitzvahs, milestone birthdays and reunions that people still talk about a decade later. Four counties. Thousands of events. And somehow — no missed cues, no awkward silences, no stressed brides.

That doesn’t happen by accident.

Zoran doesn’t just plan parties.

He engineers memories.

Through his company, Celebrations By The Sea, Zoran offers a truly full-service approach — the kind that allows couples and families to relax and stay present in the moment while he quietly handles the flow behind the scenes. His services include:

• DJ and professional emcee services
• Full event planning and coordination
• Licensed wedding and event officiating
• Ceremony and reception direction
• Lighting and atmosphere design
• Timeline creation and flow management
• Multilingual hosting and announcements

All of it is tailored. All of it intentional. And all of it delivered with a calm confidence that makes even the most complex events feel effortless.

Why Locals Love Him

Ask around Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach or along 30A, and you’ll hear the same things again and again.

Zoran shows up early. He stays calm under pressure. He listens — really listens.

Locals trust him because he doesn’t force a formula. He reads the room, adapts in real time, and keeps the focus where it belongs — on the people, not the production. Brides feel at ease. Families relax. Guests stay engaged. The event flows naturally, without feeling overproduced or rushed.

Another reason locals love Zoran? Range.

His background spans far beyond weddings and private events. Zoran is a former radio professional, trained actor, multilingual host, crisis intervention specialist, and even a black belt — a combination that gives him rare command, empathy and intuition. His résumé includes television credits on MTV’s Road Rules and Prison Break, experiences that sharpened his ability to perform under pressure and connect with audiences of every kind.

That versatility allows him to move seamlessly from a beachfront ceremony at sunrise to a formal military banquet or multigenerational family celebration — always reading the energy of the room before the first guest even arrives.

And perhaps most importantly, he treats every event — big or small — like it matters. Because to the people there, it does.

That mindset has earned Zoran decades of loyalty, word-of-mouth referrals and, most recently, recognition as “Best of Business Rate 2025” for Wedding Services in Fort Walton Beach, an award based on verified reviews and consistent excellence.

This year, that heart for meaningful moments took on even deeper purpose.

Zoran and Celebrations By The Sea partnered with Wish Upon a Wedding, a nonprofit that grants weddings to couples facing terminal illness. On August 18, 2025, Zoran helped make Taylor and Ivan’s wedding wish a reality — proof that for him, making moments matter isn’t just business. It’s deeply personal.

Based in Fort Walton Beach, Zoran serves the full Gulf Coast with a hands-on, full-service approach that has made Celebrations By The Sea a trusted name for locals, military families and destination couples alike.

“Excellence is our standard, but joy is our mission,” Zoran says — and honestly, that says it all.

Not everyone knows how to make a moment matter.

Zoran does — every single time.

For more information, visit celebrationsbythesea.com, call (850) 217-5710, or follow @celebrationsbythesea and @wishuponawedding.

By Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County PIO

The Okaloosa County America 250 Commission held its first meeting on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in Shalimar to discuss and plan various 250 anniversary events to celebrate the birth of the United States and encourage every American in Okaloosa County to engage in this historic moment in our nation’s history.

Commissioners attending the first meeting included the Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, Florida State America 250 Commission, the Florida Historical Commission, Okaloosa County School District, Chambers of Commerce, Okaloosa League of Cities, local US Military Bases, Scouting America NW Florida, Billy Bowlegs Association, first responders, and five (5) at-large appointees of the Okaloosa County Commission. Community volunteers interested in serving as support staff for the Commission were also in attendance.

“We have a rich history that deserves to be recognized both nationally and in Okaloosa County,” said Okaloosa America 250 Commission Chairman Graham Fountain. “We can all come together, pause and reflect on the contributions made by our patriot ancestors who fought and died to create our great republic and those many heroes that continue to make the United States of America a true example of freedom throughout the next 250 years.”

The Commission will be identifying, scheduling, and co-sponsoring various 250 anniversary events throughout the 2026 celebration year. Events will be added and adjusted throughout the planning process.

Events include:

• February 20 – All Sports Association will kick off a new Military Award in honor of Patriots and acknowledge America250!
• February 28 – The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce will host A HEROES DINNER, honoring our military. For tickets call the chamber at 850-244-8192.
• March 23 – United for a Good Cause will host an America250! International Festival
• May 9 – Patriots Day will be held in downtown Crestview with a Grand Parade and America 250 celebration at the courthouse.
• June 12 – Patriotic Drone Show at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center from 6-10 pm with a community tailgate at Freedom Tech Center/Fairgrounds for the show.
• June 12 – A Gala will be held (hosted by the Choctawhatchee Bay DAR) in the evening at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center following the drone show. This event is open to anyone with purchased tickets.
• July 4th America250! –  Fireworks will be held by our local municipalities
• In October, the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce plans to organize a “Remember 9/11” event with a Patriots focus.
• November 11 – Veterans Day program at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Okaloosa Island at 9 a.m., an 11:00 a.m. ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery, and a 1:00 p.m. Veterans Day Parade in Mary Esther.

To get us in the “spirit of 1776”, the Commission encourages attendees/participants at events to dress in colonial/continental attire/period clothing; civilian wear, colonial military uniforms, dresses, tricorn hats and ladies’ bonnets. “Part of the fun in paying tribute to the colonial/continental period of our history is learning more about our founders and ancestors and dressing in period attire at America 250 events,“ said Vice Chairman Mitzi Henley.

How to promote your event:

• Organizations wishing to have their event posted and advertised publicly should follow the instructions for submissions on the official Okaloosa America 250 website at getthecoast.com/America250.
• The Commission encourages organizations to add @OkaloosaCountyAmerica250 as a co-host on Facebook to help promote the event.
• Submit photos, flyers, logos and other assets for your event at https://bit.ly/Okaloosa250Assets

For questions, please email the Commission’s Chairman, the Hon. Graham W. Fountain at america250@myokaloosa.com or call (850) 830-0002. Find us on Facebook at @OkaloosaCountyAmerica250.  For additional information concerning the upcoming May 9 Grand Parade/250 Celebration in Crestview, please contact Melissa Carter, Crestview Special Events Manager at carterc@cityofcrestview.org or 850-974-8136.

By Barbara Palmgren

Having worked with Jonathan Holmes, Aerospace Museum Curator at the Air Force Armament Museum located on Eglin Air Force Base and easily accessible to the public, I learned of a new project soon to be shared with everyone. The Armament Museum is one of the members of the county group of museums that support and promote all museums in Okaloosa County.

The African American Military Historical Society (AAHMS), is a 501C3 nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historical contributions of African Americans in American military history within U.S. borders and overseas from the Revolutionary War to present day.

The mission of the AAMHS is to research, establish and continually develop a well-documented multi-visual educational timeline that can be used to educate on different historical platforms for future generations of the contributions and sacrifices.

The AAHMHS was formed in 2021 by Mr. Jonathan Holmes, Sr., who retired from the USAF in 2013 and then began working at the Armament Museum. Jonathan attended a Tuskegee Airmen event in 2019 and then, after a Juneteenth event in 2021 and the introduction of free-standing military Quonset huts at the Armament Museum, Jonathan asked permission to have one of these buildings dedicated to a project to preserve this legacy of the African American military.

This stand-alone African American Military History Exhibit Hall in the U.S. Air Force’s Heritage Program will be located at the Air Force Armament Museum. Contributions are still needed and appreciated for the displays, which are funded through contributions to the AAMHS. You can visit aamhsociety.org to donate.

The African American Military History Exhibition Hall is set to open in Spring/Summer 2026. This unique exhibition hall will feature interactive displays, artifacts, displays of military artwork, and more. Jonathan told me this in the only exhibit like this in the country! I think this is a project our community can truly be proud of as we share it with everyone who visits the Armament Museum.

I am honored to share this upcoming information with the public in this special year when we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation. During the Revolutionary War, African Americans fought as patriots in the Continental Army to secure our nation as an independent nation, the United States of America.

By Teresa Halverson, Business Development/Community Relations, The Manor at Bluewater Bay

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is removing 285 procedures labeled inpatient-only, or IPO, many of them for acute care surgeries that have historically driven patients to nursing and rehabilitation facilities for follow-up care. Importantly, the agency’s Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment rule made no blanket provision for skilled nursing coverage for patients opting for outpatient alternatives that doesn’t include a requisite three-day stay. (-McKnights)

Post-Acute care (PAC) is a critical bridge between a hospital stay and a full return to home life.   While Medicare continues to evolve its payment rules, quality programs and coverage policies are reshaping the landscape for post-acute providers, including skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities (SNFs) and other settings that serve seniors after a hospital stay.

The year 2026 brings shifts in In-Patient and Out-Patient Polices Affecting Post-Acute Referrals.  Medicare’s efforts to shift more procedures from in-patient hospitals to outpatient and ambulatory surgical settings are affecting seniors and post-acute care models. The key issue is outpatient status limits Medicare coverage for rehab. As more surgeries move to “Out-Patient” settings, seniors seeking post-acute care will no longer qualify for the 3-night stay to admit to a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility under Medicare Guidelines. (-Long Term Care News)

This policy can be tough on:

• Seniors who live alone
• Patients with mobility or cognitive issues
• People recovering from joint, spine, or complex procedures

Why does this matter?  Medicare will not pay for SNF rehab unless the patient has:

• 3 consecutive in-patient mid-nights in a hospital
• Observation or outpatient days do not count

If surgery is outpatient-only, the patient cannot qualify for Medicare-covered SNF rehab—even if:

• They cannot walk safely
• They live alone
• Their physician recommends rehab

What is covered after outpatient surgery

Medicare may cover:

• Home health care (nursing, PT, OT) if homebound and medically necessary (Home health is intermittent, not 24/7Outpatient therapy (PT/OT at a clinic)
• Durable medical equipment (walker, Commode, etc)
• Follow-up visits

What seniors and families should do before surgery

1. Ask directly:
   “Is this surgery classified as inpatient or outpatient under Medicare?”
2. Plan the discharge:

• Who will help at home?
• Are home health services arranged?

3. Ask about alternatives:

• Is inpatient admission ever possible?
• Can surgery timing or complexity change status?

4. Appeal if appropriate:

• Rare, but sometimes misclassification happens

Clarify hospital status (this is critical)

“Can you confirm whether they were admitted as inpatient or under observation, and on which dates?”

Follow up if needed:

• “Was inpatient admission medically appropriate at any point?”
• “Can we request a status review before discharge?”

Tie safety risks to specific limitation

Avoid general statements. Use concrete examples:

• “They cannot transfer safely without hands-on assistance.”
• “They are a high fall risk and cannot manage stairs / bathroom independently.”
• “They require assistance with toileting, bathing, or medication management.”
• “There is no reliable caregiver available 24/7.”

If true, say it plainly:
“Discharging them home today would place them at risk of injury or rehospitalization.”

Push for rehab screening (even if Medicare won’t pay)

“We want them formally evaluated for all rehab options, including SNF and inpatient rehab.”

Specifically ask:

• “Has an inpatient rehab facility (IRF) referral been considered?”
• “Can PT/OT document why skilled rehab is needed?”

Documentation = leverage.

If Medicare won’t cover SNF

Use this phrasing:
“We understand Medicare may not cover SNF, but we still need help identifying a safe alternative.”

Then ask:

• “What short-term private-pay rehab options exist?”
• “What home health services will start immediately upon discharge?”
• “How soon will therapy begin, and how often?”

As the healthcare system faces ongoing challenges, The Manor at Blue Water Bay is a CMS 5-Star Rated Facility.  Locally owned and operated, we remain committed to being a trusted resource for patients and families. Our team of professionals provide coordinated inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services to ensure continuity of care after discharge.  Call us today at 850-897-5592 and schedule a tour to learn more about how we can help you on your health care journey back to independence.

The Manor at Blue Water Bay, 1500 N. White Point Road, Niceville

www.manoratbwb.com

By Carolyn Newcomer Ketchel

This year we celebrate the 250th year of the birth of the United States. The Revolutionary War was fought for a number of reasons. Most of those who lived in the colonies wanted to be treated fairly as British citizens but felt unfairly taxed by the crown. Those who gathered in Philadelphia to write the document we now call the Declaration of Independence began to examine what were considered the fundamental rights of man. Those rights were eventually defined as rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

These phrases which role off our tongues as we read or recite the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, were highly debated by the men who sought to take these ancient ideas, debated by Aristotle, Cicero and Locke, and synthesize them into a document for a new nation and government. Most of the colonists had lived in a world that was governed by feudal lords and kings. This idea by our founders to pursue happiness was not so much about the happiness of the individual, but to have governance for the good of the whole.

This is a good time in the history of America to discuss the pursuit of happiness, not just for individual reasons, but for the whole of our great nation. When an individual cares more for his duty to his country, public good, than for his own selfish needs, both individual and country win. Sometimes we lose sight of this principle and focus on our own desires. Each generation must learn the meaning of sacrifice and service for the greater good.

In our community, so many have done so much for this nation. We are a military community, and this makes us different. We understand that freedom is not taken for granted. We walk among heroes that have made a difference to our nation. We celebrate you, and those who have lived before you, that have given us the freedom to call America home.

There are many activities in our community to celebrate our nation as we approach the 250th anniversary, some included in the following.

The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution on January 20, 2026, creating the Okaloosa County America250! Commission. This group is charged with developing, coordinating and publishing a series of America250! gatherings in conjunction with other governmental, private and non-profit groups to recognize, remember, and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The 18-member Commission consists of representatives from the following groups:

• Emerald Coast Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
• Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
• West Florida Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
• State of Florida America250! Commission
• Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department
• Okaloosa County School Superintendent’s Office
• Florida State Historical Commission
• Fort Walton Beach Krewe of Billy Bowlegs
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
• Gulf Coast Council of Scouting America
• A mayor of a local municipality to be chosen by the Okaloosa County League of Cities
• A Chamber of Commerce representative to be selected by the leadership of the Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville/Valparaiso, and Destin Chambers of Commerce
• An appointee of the United States military community
• One individual appointment by each of the 5 County Commissioners

Many events have already been scheduled and are well under way in organization:

• On Feb. 20, The All Sports Association will kick off a new Military Award in honor of Patriots and acknowledge America250!
• On Feb. 28, the Fort Walton Beach Chamber will host A HEROES DINNER, honoring our military. For tickets call the chamber at 850-244-8192.
• United for a Good Cause will host an America250! International Festival during the week of March 23.
• June 12 will bring a Patriotic Drone Show at the Rigdon Fairgrounds from 6-10 p.m. with a community tailgate at Freedom Tech Center/Fairgrounds for the show.
• Also on June 12, a Gala will be held (hosted by the Choctawhatchee Bay DAR) in the evening following the drone show. This event is open to anyone with purchased tickets.
• July 4th America250! Fireworks will be held by our local municipalities.
• In October, the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce plans to organize a “Remember 9/11” event with a Patriots focus.
• On Nov. 11 at 9 a.m., a celebration of Veterans Day at the Convention Center on Okaloosa Island, an 11 a.m. ceremony at Beal Cemetery, and a 1 p.m. Veteran’s Day Parade in Mary Esther.

Several other area events are in the planning stages:

• The Okaloosa County School District is organizing a Memorial Day flag ceremony at each school in honor of America250!
• A “WE THE PEOPLE” patch to be affixed to all county school sports uniforms is currently in design.
• Local Scout Troops are in discussion about organizing an outdoor America250! hike at Spanish Trail.
• Constitution Week falls annually in September. This year we hope to organize a bell ringing, reminiscent of the ringing of the Liberty Bell, with our local houses of worship.
• NWFSC hosts a rodeo event in November, and planners are considering making this an America250! event.
• The year will close with a celebration of the many Christmas songs from 1776.

Please mark the above events on your calendar. WE THE PEOPLE need to celebrate our citizenship in this great nation.

Carolyn Ketchel is Okaloosa County Commissioner, District 2. She can be reached at CKetchel@myokaloosa.com or 850-651-7105.

By Lori Smith 

Freeport’s hometown rodeo is back — and it’s more than just a night of bulls, broncs and barrel racing. The 7th Annual Westonwood Ranch Pro Rodeo returns March 27–28 at the Freeport Regional Sports Complex, bringing high-energy entertainment to the community while raising vital support for one of Walton County’s most meaningful nonprofit missions.

Presented in partnership with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Freeport, the two-night event invites families from across the Emerald Coast to gather for live rodeo action, music, food vendors and kid-friendly fun — all while helping teens and young adults with developmental differences build brighter futures.

Doors open at 6 p.m. each evening, with Professional Cowboy Association performances kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Fans can expect classic rodeo events including bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, ladies barrel racing, team roping and bull riding. Children’s activities, bounce houses and local vendors will add to the festive, family-focused atmosphere.

Tickets are sold at the gate only, with proceeds directly supporting Westonwood Ranch programs that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Freeport and throughout Northwest Florida.

More Than a Rodeo: The Heart Behind Westonwood Ranch

While the rodeo has become a beloved local tradition, its true purpose goes far beyond the arena lights. Westonwood Ranch is a Freeport-based nonprofit dedicated to helping teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain life skills, job training and independence through hands-on, real-world experiences.

Located on a holistic ranch campus along U.S. Highway 20, Westonwood provides vocational training, functional learning opportunities and social enterprises that build confidence and prepare participants for meaningful employment. Programs focus on recognizing “ability over disability,” giving individuals the tools they need to thrive and live productive, independent lives.

Through farm-based activities, animal care, vocational training and structured life-skills programs, participants experience daily victories — mastering new tasks, developing friendships and discovering their unique potential.

A Growing Impact

Westonwood Ranch has become a vital resource for families across Walton and Okaloosa counties, filling a critical transition gap between high school and adulthood for individuals with developmental differences.

The organization’s impact continues to expand. Recent investments and community support are helping fund new training spaces and future supportive housing initiatives designed to create inclusive living environments where young adults can work, learn and build lasting friendships.

Events like the annual rodeo play a key role in making that growth possible, bringing neighbors together while raising funds that sustain programs year-round.

Whether you’re a longtime rodeo fan or simply looking for a unique way to spend a spring evening in Freeport, the Westonwood Ranch Rodeo offers something for everyone — from thrilling cowboy competition to community connection.

But at its core, the event is about celebrating inclusion and creating opportunities for individuals who often face barriers to independence.

For more information about Westonwood Ranch or its upcoming rodeo, visit westonwood.org.