By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher
Yes, our world has changed, at least temporarily.
Okaloosa and Walton Counties are currently in a state of emergency due to COVID-19. Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order effective April 3 for 30 days directing persons in Florida to limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services and activities. A health advisory for ages 65 and older and those with serious “underlying medical conditions” asks them to stay in their homes.
Schools remain closed through May 1, and all school activities, events and testing have been cancelled until further notice. Education for students is conducted from home.
Masses and church services have been canceled, though many are offering online services.
Local public parks, playgrounds and pavilions in both Okaloosa and Walton Counties are closed through April 30. State and national parks are temporarily closed at this time as well. And all beaches in Okaloosa and Walton counties are currently closed.
All restaurants and food establishments have closed their dining rooms, though many are offering to-go and delivery options. (See page 7 for a comprehensive list.) Area bars, nightclubs, gyms and fitness centers are closed, elective surgeries are postponed, and public gatherings such as weddings have had to be cancelled or rescheduled. Lobbies for several city and county departments and businesses are closed; business is conducted by email and phone.
With the exception of those working at essential jobs or participating in essential activities, most other locals ARE heeding the guidelines and staying at home to help prevent their families, friends, coworkers and neighbors from contracting the virus.
The Good News?
In the midst of hoarding toilet paper and hand sanitizer, maybe we’re rediscovering that our lives are gifts—that we’re blessed to be here in the first place. Everything we have in life is a blessing. Our families. Our friends. Our homes. Our jobs.
There’s still the necessities and simple things in life. Our local grocery stores are open and restocking as products become available. A number of hiking trails within our parks have also remained open including Veterans Park at Baywalk and Don & Susan Stillwell Park.
Boating is permitted and most boat ramps are currently open as are some fishing charters and water sports; just make sure the number of people on board, including crew, does not exceed 10.
And our communities are rising to the occasion! Within the deepest longings of our hearts (and needing a respite from COVID-19 media fatigue), we are being convicted to live life all the more, even in this time of crisis, biding time by engaging in experiences to help others.
From encouragement to “buy local,” to companies donating funds for business grants or food to feed the hungry, to locals purchasing gift certificates for future dining or shopping, all contributes to cash flow and keeps our economy moving.
And some are simply doing their best to cheer folks up! After finishing homeschool work, local resident Diana Graham (aka Nana) and her grandson, Conor, were discussing how people are feeling during the negative Corona “chatter” and some of the little things people are doing to help others feel better. “When I told him about kids up north doing chalk messages, he immediately started making up his own and drawing ideas on the driveway,” said Diana. The result? An uplifting message that gave passersby by a comforting pause. “Nana” noticed that almost all letters were capitalized, except the t’s. “They stood out to me like crosses and I’m sure Conor brightened the day for anyone who drove by and waved.” Mission accomplished!
Gregory Dedicke, a local author, copywriter for the Frances Roy Agency and co-founder of survival apparel brand American Renegades, is using his 3D printer to make surgical mask straps for frontline medical professionals. Using a borrowed design, he prints and provides the mask straps to local professionals at no cost.
Gwen Hornsby, a local photographer in Hammock Bay, is helping the community with her talent. “I know there are many heart-broken High School seniors that might not be able to get their yearbook headshots (or other graduation pics) and sad parents of Pre-K kiddos, because they may not get their graduation pics done,” she says. So, she’s offering a complimentary 5-10 minute, contact free photo shoot (by appointment) on the Green in Hammock Bay with a FREE digital download of the photo(s). Email gwen@expressionsbeachportraits.com.
Fudpucker’s received a generous donation of over $2000 that is feeding First Responders and hospital staff. If you’d like to contribute, Fudpucker’s will be matching all donations at fudpucker.com. Pizza by the Sea is hosting a benefit night for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast on Wednesday, April 29. They will be giving 20% of all carry-out orders back to the Boys and Girls Clubs. Timber Creek Distillery is giving away hand sanitizer free to the community.
Destiny Worship Center is feeding hospitals by sending more than 200 healthcare workers a meal each week. If you know of a healthcare worker, someone age 60+ in need of assistance or someone who needs prayer, visit DestinyWorshipCenter.com. To help the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) in Niceville and the Pierce Family Center in DeFuniak Springs, Distillery 98, located in Santa Rosa Beach, donated five gallons of sanitizer. Velia Lala, an ECCAC board member and owner of Velia Lala Designs in Ft. Walton Beach, along with her team, have been making face masks and have donated over 70 facemasks in the past several weeks.
Not only are schools providing virtual education for your children through in-home learning, both Walton and Okaloosa County School Systems are providing food for students, several meals on a weekly basis.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is providing extra patrol and security checks for closed businesses to deter crime and burglaries. Contact Ashley Bailey at abailey@sheriff-okaloosa.org.
Chambers, such as the Walton Area Chamber, have partnered with a new initiative, Save Florida Business. By visiting savefloridabusiness.com, you can choose a business from which to purchase a gift card. For $75, you’ll receive a $100 gift card for later use.
Yes, we are indeed experiencing community like never before—this is but a small sampling of the fortitude, generosity and willingness to help. We’ve been forced to stop. And think. Period. We are making room for one another with more sensitivity. And though quarantined physically, I believe we actually are enlarging our territory. I believe we are being changed, formed and forced to think in new ways. And though our physical security has been threatened, I believe many are discovering something more inside their hearts, drawing strength from their creator, and, thus, bravely are helping others stand. I humbly hope I am. Thank you for allowing Bay Life to continue to serve our communities.
