“Growth!” That is how Scott Burt of the Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show described this year’s event, which returns to Panama City Beach March 6th-8th.

Boating, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as those who love living the Coastal Lifestyle, will notice the show’s growth, with dealers expanding their footprints and showcasing new brands and models. The Grand Lawn portion of the show will feature 50% more boats this year than in previous years, as Ashley Marine will join longtime Grand Lawn dealers MarineMax and Grander Marine.

Also joining the show this year is Bill Cramer Chevrolet GMC as the Official Truck of the 2026 Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show. The local dealer will be featuring Chevrolet and GMC trucks at Aaron Bessant Park for those who will need a new tow vehicle to match their new boat purchase.

Guests at the show will also notice the growth at the show’s venue, Aaron Bessant Park. The 70-acre, meticulously maintained green space has added a new 4,800-square-foot pavilion, new fencing, enhanced landscaping, and a new lighting and sound system.

“The park has never looked better,” said Burt. “The city has done a great job with all the new enhancements, and I know they will be well received by those coming to the show.”

Again this year, the top dealers in the Southeast will display more than 400 boats, which is more than 40 million dollars’ worth of bay boats, pontoons, cruisers, personal watercraft, and center consoles, from 17’ to those well over 40 feet, along with the latest marine electronics and innovations.

This on-site collection of dealers and manufacturers allows buyers to compare boats side by side while taking advantage of the best discounts and incentives available exclusively at the show.

In addition to boats, a curated lineup of Coastal Lifestyle exhibitors and vendors will showcase the best of Gulf Coast living. Boating accessories, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, electric carts, product demonstrations, seminars, beach furniture, coastal artists, condo and beach house furnishing, kids’ activities, live music, food trucks, craft beer, and cocktails are all part of the show.

Parking for the show is always free at the adjacent Pier Park. The show will once again honor military members and first responders on Sunday. For the most up-to-date information on the show, including dealers, brands, exhibitors, and vendors, or to purchase tickets in advance to ‘skip the line,’ visit EmeraldCoastBoatShow.com.

Show Dates & Time:

Friday March 6 “Red Carpet Opening Day” 10 a.m. to Sunset

Saturday, March 7 “Locals Day” 10 a.m. to Sunset

Sunday, March 8 “Military Appreciation Day” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.*

* Active and Retired service members enter free with Valid ID (Sunday Only)

Ticket Prices:

Pre-Sale Online Only (1 Day Pass – Valid until March 5th): $15

General Admission (1 Day Pass): $20

Platinum Admission (3 Day Pass): $35

Kids (12 and under): Free

By Kimberly Cole

When a loved one passes away, families often expect a clear set of next steps. Instead, many Florida families are met with unanswered questions, emotional strain, and a legal process that rarely unfolds as simply as anticipated. The Florida probate process is not just a legal procedure. It is an adjustment period, and understanding that reality can make the early days far less overwhelming.

Families navigating a death often say they wish they had known how quickly certain decisions would be expected of them—and how slowly estate administration itself actually moves. Many are surprised to learn that bank accounts may be frozen shortly after a death, access to funds can be limited, and even relatively straightforward estates rarely resolve as quickly as assumed. Others are caught off guard by the fact that having a will does not avoid probate in Florida, or that informal promises made by a loved one, however sincere, do not override statutory requirements.

Grief plays a significant role in early probate decision-making. In the days and weeks following a loss, families may be asked to choose a personal representative (often called an executor), decide whether to sell property, address creditor claims, and manage family expectations—all while emotionally exhausted. In probate court, rushing these decisions can create long-term consequences. Choices made under emotional strain may lead to family conflict, unnecessary expense, or actions that are difficult to undo once the court-supervised process is underway.

Many of the most stressful moments arise from what families believe probate should look like. It is often expected to be quick, private, and largely administrative. In reality, Florida probate is a court-supervised process with formal notices, required filings, creditor deadlines, and judicial oversight. These requirements apply regardless of estate size. While this structure can feel frustrating, it exists to protect beneficiaries, creditors, and the integrity of the estate itself.

There is also frequently a gap between expectations and reality after a death. Families may anticipate immediate access to property, clear financial answers, and unity among loved ones. Instead, they encounter waiting periods, unanswered questions, and differing interpretations of what the deceased “would have wanted.” Even in close families, grief and stress can magnify misunderstandings—particularly when legal timelines do not align with emotional readiness.

Many families expect clarity to arrive quickly after a death, only to discover that probate moves according to court deadlines rather than emotional timelines. Certain filings must be made within specific timeframes, even when families do not feel ready. At the same time, the overall probate process may take months or longer, leaving families feeling stuck in limbo. Recognizing this mismatch early can help reduce frustration and set more realistic expectations.

This article is the first in a year-long series exploring the realities families face after a death—from the earliest decisions to the issues that commonly arise later in probate and trust matters. Each installment will build on these themes, offering practical insight into how probate works in Florida, why misunderstandings are common, and how families can navigate the process with greater clarity and confidence.

With proper guidance, probate can be managed in a way that reduces stress, protects family relationships, and honors the wishes of the person who passed away. An experienced probate attorney’s role is not simply to manage filings and deadlines, but to help families understand what lies ahead, make informed decisions at the right time, and move through this transition with steadiness and care.

Kimberly Cole is an attorney with The Cole Law Firm in Niceville, focusing on estate planning and Florida probate matters. Call her at (850) 610-0185. Visit colelawfl.com on the web.

ECTC Hosts “La Vie en Rouge” French-Themed Fundraiser

March 6 | Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Grand Boulevard

Emerald Coast Theatre Company invites the community to an evening of Parisian-inspired elegance at La Vie en Rouge, a French-themed fundraiser on Thursday, March 6, at 6 p.m. at ECTC (560 Grand Blvd., Suite 200, Miramar Beach). The immersive event features bottomless craft cocktails, curated French-inspired cuisine and live performances by ECTC artists, all supporting the organization’s youth education programs, artistic initiatives and community outreach. Presented by Blue Water Oral Surgery Center, the evening includes offerings from Ovide, Vin’tij Food & Wine, P.F. Chang’s, Fleming’s, Kilwin’s, Cantina Laredo, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Beignets & Brew and more. Tickets are $250. Call (850) 684-0323 or visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org for details.

Ward Cove/Rocky Bayou Clean-Up Day Returns to Bluewater Bay

March 7 | Bluewater Bay Marina & LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant

Help preserve the beauty of Rocky Bayou during the 15th Annual Ward Cove/Rocky Bayou Clean-Up Day on Saturday, March 7, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Bluewater Bay Marina. Sponsored by Bluewater Bay Marina and LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant & Oyster Bar, volunteers will collect trash along the shoreline and waterways in preparation for the busy boating season, with special attention given to oyster shells in the swimming area. Participants are encouraged to bring paddle boards, canoes, kayaks or jon boats, along with gloves, water shoes, buckets and grabbers. A limited number of paddle boards will be available. Meet on the beach at LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant. For details, call (850) 897-2821 or visit bluewaterbaymarina.com.

E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Night Hike March 7 | 5–8 p.m.

Discover the magic of Florida after dark during the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center’s Night Hike on Saturday, March 7. This family-friendly evening adventure features a guided walk along scenic trails to the Center’s bat house, where guests can watch native bats emerge at dusk, plus interactive educational stations highlighting nocturnal wildlife and conservation.

Food vendors will be on site, and guests are encouraged to bring flashlights and dress for an outdoor evening. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4–12, with VIP access available for members. Enhance the experience with the Fireside Owl Experience add-on ($5), featuring a native ambassador owl encounter, marshmallow roasting, hot cocoa and a kid-friendly craft. For more information, contact the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center.

CALM Celebrates “Decade of Difference” Fundraiser | March 5

Home2 Suites, Fort Walton Beach

Crisis Aid for Littles and Moms (CALM) invites the community to celebrate 10 years of impact at its Decade of Difference fundraiser on Thursday, March 5, at Home2 Suites (1930 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach). The evening honors a decade of serving local children and moms through vital support programs while raising funds to continue CALM’s compassionate outreach. A 5 p.m. cocktail hour is scheduled for sponsors, with general admission doors opening at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear cocktail attire. Proceeds benefit CALM’s ongoing mission of helping families in crisis. For information, registration or sponsorship opportunities, visit nicevillecalm.com or email calm@nicevillecalm.com.

ECCAC Gala & Golf Weekend | March 7-8
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center will host its 28th annual signature Gala & Golf Weekend on March 7–8, bringing the community together to support children in need. The Gala takes place Saturday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa and includes dinner, music, a wine pull and live auction led by DawnMarie Kotsonis, “The Gavel Girl,” with former ECCAC client Isabella Rose as the featured speaker. The weekend continues Sunday, March 8, with a noon shotgun-start Golf Tournament at Kelly Plantation Golf Club. Proceeds benefit ECCAC’s mission to provide free services to child victims of abuse. Gala and golf reservations are available at eccac.org. For details, contact Kate McDougall at 530-341-0802 or kate@eccac.org.

Northwest Florida Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland | March 7 at 7:30 p.m. | March 8 at 2:30 p.m. | Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Northwest Florida Ballet closes its 2025–2026 season with the premiere of Alice in Wonderland, an imaginative full-length ballet choreographed by Jill Eathorne Bahr. This original adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic features NFB company dancers alongside international guest artists, brought to life through immersive projections, elaborate costumes and a dynamic musical score by renowned French composers. Audiences will follow Alice’s whimsical journey through vivid garden landscapes, surreal scenes and larger-than-life characters in a visually stunning production perfect for families and ballet lovers alike. Tickets are $48 for adults and $22 for children 12 and under. Learn more at NFBallet.org/alice-in-wonderland or call the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office at (850) 729-6000.

7th Annual International Festival Celebrates Culture, Food and Music | March 21 | The Landing, Fort Walton Beach

Celebrate the USA’s 250th anniversary while experiencing cultures from around the world at the 7th Annual International Festival on Saturday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Landing (139 SE Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach). Organized by Conexión Media Group to benefit United for a Good Cause Inc., the family-friendly event features international music, food, folklore and art, bringing “The World UNITES in the Emerald Coast.” The festival also welcomes singers, bands, clubs and folkloric groups, along with vendors and business sponsors. Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber members receive a 25% discount on vendor rates. For details or participation opportunities, email conexionflorida@gmail.com, call 850-368-3505 or visit conexionflorida.com.

Run4Health 5K & Walk Supports Early Learning Programs

April 18 | The Golf Club at Bluewater Bay, Niceville

Lace up and join the fun at the Run4Health 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, April 18, at The Golf Club at Bluewater Bay (2000 Bluewater Blvd., Niceville). The family-friendly event begins at 8 a.m. and invites participants to run or walk — community helper costumes encouraged — while supporting early learning initiatives across Okaloosa County. Registration is $25 (price increases after March 13) and includes chip timing and scoring, event T-shirts while supplies last, age-group awards, a Kids’ Fun Zone and breakfast specials from The Blue Tee Restaurant. Presented by the Okaloosa County Health Improvement Partnership in support of the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast, proceeds benefit early learning programs and the SAFE Start Grant, helping childcare providers enhance safety and security. Register at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Niceville/2025Run4Health.

Don’t Miss This Year’s TurtleFest! | April 18 | Gulfarium

Celebrate conservation and coastal fun at the 3rd annual CARE on the Coast TurtleFest, an all-inclusive evening benefiting sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, unforgettable animal encounters, raffles, and delicious all-you-care-to-enjoy food and drinks from participating vendors.

Hosted by the Gulfarium CARE Center, this family-friendly event honors the more than 1,000 sea turtles the organization has helped heal and release back into the Gulf. Presale tickets are encouraged before prices increase. Whether you come for the music, the mission or the marine life, TurtleFest offers a meaningful way to support local conservation while enjoying a fun coastal celebration. Purchase tickets and learn more at gulfarium.com/cotc/.

Veterans & First Responders Appreciation Lunch | April 21 | Niceville Community Center

A Superior Mechanical will host its inaugural Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Lunch on Tuesday, April 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Niceville Community Center (204 Partin Drive N., Niceville). The community-focused event honors local veterans, active military and first responders with a catered hot lunch from Swiftly Catered, special presentations and an AC system giveaway to one deserving service member or first responder in need. Eligible participants include members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, EMT/Medics, Police, Sheriffs and Firefighters. Register for the HVAC giveaway at ASuperiorMechanical.com  under ABOUT US > HVAC GIVEAWAY. Supported by the City of Niceville, Niceville Community Center, Niceville High School, Rocky Bayou Christian School and several local sponsors, the event also welcomes business partners to contribute door prizes. For sponsorship details, call Marta Thorpe at (850) 814-3822.

EFCU Earns National DOSE Award for Veteran Saves

Eglin Federal Credit Union was one of just five credit unions nationwide to receive the Designation of Savings Excellence (DOSE) Award for its leadership and outreach during Veteran Saves Week 2025, held Nov. 4–7. The industry-recognized honor celebrates financial institutions that promote effective saving strategies and financial readiness within the veteran community. Launched by America Saves in 2023, Veteran Saves Week encourages veterans and transitioning service members to build financial stability through practical, achievable saving habits and real-life financial check-ins. “We are proud to serve a thriving military and veteran community with services, support and solutions that simplify their financial lives,” said Cathie Staton, Eglin FCU president and CEO. “Our Field of Membership includes active and retired military personnel assigned to or receiving services from Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Duke Field, Camp Rudder or the 7th Special Forces Group. Veterans residing in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties are also eligible for membership. Partnering with Veteran Saves Week was a natural fit, as we share a commitment to helping veterans, transitioning service members and their families build financial readiness for life after service.”

Through the efforts of Eglin Federal Credit Union and more than 900 participating organizations nationwide, Veteran Saves Week 2025 generated nearly $1.9 million in deposits into new and existing savings accounts and $370,000 in pledged deposits toward personal savings goals. Outreach included educational resources, community engagement and social media campaigns encouraging veterans to take the Veteran Saves Pledge. “At its core, Veteran Saves Week encourages a financial check-in so Veterans and transitioning service members can better understand their day-to-day finances,” said Krystel Spell, program manager of Veteran Saves. “This year, we were especially mindful of the moment we were in. Many households are making tough decisions, adjusting priorities and responding to unexpected financial changes. The organizations recognized this year helped make saving feel realistic for Veterans and service members, even during uncertain times.”

Niceville Fire Installs Free 24/7 Narcan Distribution Box

The Niceville Fire Department has installed a free Narcan (naloxone) distribution box at Niceville Fire Station, located at 216 Partin Drive North. The Narcan box, located directly in front of the building, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing community members with no-cost access to naloxone, a life-saving medication proven to reverse opioid overdoses when administered correctly. This initiative aims to increase access to naloxone as a critical bystander intervention tool and to reduce preventable overdose deaths within the community. “Our mission is to protect life, and this is one more way we can do that,” said Niceville Fire Chief Alex Kukulus. “By placing Narcan directly into the hands of the community, we are increasing the chances that an overdose can be reversed before it becomes fatal. Every second matters, so we want this medication to be widely available.”

The Narcan distribution box contains easy-to-use nasal spray doses, step-by-step instructions for administration, and information on local treatment and recovery resources.

The Niceville Fire Department encourages anyone who may encounter an overdose situation to take advantage of this life-saving resource. This program is made possible through a partnership with Okaloosa County EMS.

Niceville Breaks Ground on Old Town Landing Dock and Pier Project

The City of Niceville recently marked a major milestone in the revitalization of the Niceville Landing area with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new dock and pier at Old Town Landing. Held Feb. 13, the event celebrated the official start of construction on the long-anticipated project. Funded through the Niceville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) along with Okaloosa County Tourist Development Funds, the dock and pier represent a key piece of the CRA’s broader Niceville Landing Rehabilitation Project. Plans for the area include a new splash pad, commercial upland development and additional community-focused amenities designed to enhance the waterfront experience for residents and visitors. Learn more about the redevelopment plan at cityofniceville.org/481/Community-Redevelopment-Agency-CRA.

Okaloosa Schools Earn National AP Honor Roll Recognition

The Okaloosa County School District announced that Choctawhatchee High School, Fort Walton Beach High School and Niceville High School have been named to the 2025 College Board AP School Honor Roll, a national distinction recognizing schools that expand access to Advanced Placement coursework while supporting strong student outcomes.

• Choctawhatchee High School earned Gold recognition.
• Fort Walton Beach High School earned Silver recognition.
• Niceville High School earned Silver recognition.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes high schools that meet rigorous benchmarks in college readiness and student achievement, based on data from their most recent graduating class. Schools are evaluated on broad access to AP coursework, student success on AP exams, and sustained participation in advanced academics.

“Recognition on the AP School Honor Roll is a testament to the dedication of our students, teachers, and school leaders,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Choctawhatchee High School’s Gold distinction and the Silver recognition earned by Fort Walton Beach and Niceville High Schools reflect our district’s continued commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for future success.”

Choctawhatchee Audubon March 5 Evening Presentation: Endangered Beach Mice in the Southeastern United States

Jordan Wingate, Natural Resources Coordinator for Destin-Fort Walton Beach, will present a free public program on endangered beach mice in the southeastern United States on March 5. The event will be held in Room 800 on the second floor of the Chandler Center (northwest door, 519 Helms St.) at Crosspoint Church in Niceville. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

Snowbirds Honored by Fort Walton Snowbird Club

By Barbara Palmgren

“There’s no place like home,” Dorothy once said, as the red slippers carried her back to Kansas from the land of Oz.  While more true words could not be spoken, home for residents of the northern states and Canada is Okaloosa County each winter. Area snowbird groups welcome them back and yes, bid a fond farewell, as our friends return back up north to welcome spring.

This was the scenario one morning in Fort Walton Beach in mid-February at the First Baptist Church in Fort Walton where organizations and vendors shared information before a general meeting and entertainment. Tom Rice and Magnolia Grill provided the necessary coffee and snacks as did other groups like Saltwater Restaurants with a tuna salad sample for each person.

The Emerald Coast Community Band performed songs from musicals such as Mama Mia. Conductor Nathan Frymire led this talented volunteer group of musicians as snowbirds listened and applauded their approval.  Ken Walsh and Barb Palmgren, trustees of the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, also performed a short skit about life in the 1920’s in Valparaiso. Ken was James Plew, a major developer of the area, and Barb was Lula Edge, postmistress and school board member. The audience laughed while this comedy team argued about where to put pickleball courts in Valparaiso.

All this doesn’t magically happen. The officers and staff of the Fort Walton Snowbird Club coordinated this and other meetings and events to keep visitors happy and busy.  With volunteers like this in our community, we should all be proud!

Farewell, snowbird friends. until next year when silver sands, specialty restaurants, pickleball courts, golf games, and shopping await you once again. And yes, for a few months you will be saying, “There’s no place like Fort Walton.”

It’s our favorite time of year again! March 14 marks another math holiday to celebrate the mathematical constant pi (π), reminding us that math is fun and applicable outside the math classroom.

Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference (C) to its diameter (d). In other words, the distance around a circle divided by the distance across the circle is always the same number: π = C⁄d. You can take any perfect circle and divide these two measurements to get ~22⁄7 or ~3.14. Since pi is an irrational number, it goes on forever and ever without repeating a pattern!

Just like its digits, pi’s uses extend infinitely. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has told us that pi’s uses go beyond Earth, from operating a parachute on Mars and getting new perspectives on Saturn, to talking to spacecraft. But mathematicians, physicists, and engineers are not the only ones to recognize the beauty of pi. Artists have taken this irrational number and created stunning pieces to display its wonder.

Now, it is you and your child’s turn to explore pi.

Stop by Mathnasium Niceville to pick up copies of Pi Day March 14 activities to discover as many digits of pi as you can and create your own pi art pieces. Collect circular objects and find the ratio between their circumference and diameter. Record your child’s measurements in the table provided and calculate the approximation of pi. Vary the sizes of circles. For example: a coin, cookie, and a hula-hoop. Invite friends and family members to join the fun!

Here are some more facts about this mathematical wonder.

π is a Greek letter p.

Several methods exist for approximating pi, with origins extending as far back as 3000 B.C., and evidence suggests that Egyptians attempted to approximate pi in pyramids and the surface area of a hemisphere. Greek and Chinese mathematicians later independently approximated pi by inscribing and circumscribing multi-sided polygons with circles. Indian and Arabic mathematicians followed afterward to calculate numerous digits of pi. Now, the Madhava-Gregory-Leibniz infinite series is an exact formula for pi.

NASA requires only 16 digits of pi to precisely calculate distances for orbiting spacecraft and only about 39 digits to calculate the circumference of the visible universe.

While NASA may not require more digits of pi, computer scientists use many digits of pi to check the processing power of computers, similar to a stress test.

Pi can now be calculated to over 60 trillion decimal places.

Pi never ceases to amaze us. Just like the digits of pi, we hope your love for and curiosity about math goes on forever and ever!

Contact us at Mathnasium of Niceville at 850-987-MATH (6284) to find out more on celebrating pi. Whether you spend the day eating circle-shaped foods, memorizing the digits of pi, or making pi art, be sure to follow us on social media, tell us how you marked this special day, and don’t forget to tag us. We’ll be watching for your posts!

Mathnasium of Niceville serves students from Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Shalimar, Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach. Local schools include Niceville High School, Bluewater Bay Elementary School, Plew Elementary School, Ruckel Middle School and Rocky Bayou Christian School.

Mathnasium of Niceville | 1538 E. John Sims Pkwy. | 850-987-MATH (6284)

By Barbara Palmgren

In late January, several trustees removed the Vietnam Refugee Camp exhibit panels that had been on display in 2025 to make room for the Celebrate America 250! American Revolution. This new exhibit is one of two in the area to develop an historical exhibit honoring the birthday of our nation, the Signing of the Declaration of Independence.

That being said, Ken Walsh, Mike Weaver and myself encountered the worst imaginable scenario. Using blow dryers and then trying a heat gun, removal began. Apparently, these panels wanted to stay a little longer and additional implements had to be used and when they finally came off the wall… so did the paint and part of the drywall. The panels had been attached with two-sided tape that was easily removed when several panels were used at the college years ago.  Ace Hardware came to the rescue and donated spackling compound to fill the holes and the trustees applied and sanded what they could.

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A professional painter, James Roberts, then retextured and repainted the walls. Next, Chris and crew from CJ Signs installed descriptive panels, a large copy of John Trumbell’s famous painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and a valuable colonial paper money collection display in a large decorative frame.  Flora Kerr, donated her time and expertise with years of experience at Jo Ann Fabrics, to make a replica of the drape viewed in the Trumbell painting. The drape covers a window and a nearby table with quill and pen adds to the ambiance of being with those heroes 300 years ago.

Special thanks go to Dr. Kristina Duffy, Arthur Edgar, and Dr. Marie Hallion who helped arrange the exhibit panels in this order; British Florida on one wall, the original thirteen British colonies located on the main wall, main events on several walls, and the Trumbell painting and colonial money on a wall that viewers see immediately upon entering the exhibit hall from the museum. The exhibit honors the history of events, places and people prominent prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  A tent replica and movie are also part of the exhibit as well as a Children’s Corner where interactive experiences will delight and inspire young people.

Words alone don’t describe this journey but a few photos may help! Please come this year to a special tribute that is now on display in your local community and view the other exciting exhibits at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida located in old downtown Valparaiso.