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30a News April 10, 2023

WCSO DISPATCHER HELPS RECOVER STRANDED BOATER USING NEW RAPIDDEPLOY VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

https://waltonso.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dispatcher-heather-mayo.mp4 April 6, 2023 WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A Walton County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher using a new video streaming technology is credited with helping recover a stranded boater in the Choctawhatchee Bay Wednesday afternoon. At around 12:30 pm on April 5th, Walton County Sheriff’s Office received a frantic 911 call from a woman whose husband had fallen overboard while on their boat in the Choctawhatchee Bay. She told dispatchers she was drifting away from his location losing sight of him and she could not get the boat started. Using the RapidDeploy mapping solution, Walton County Sheriff’s Office Dispatcher Heather Mayo initiated a live 911 video stream and was able to help the caller get the boat started. With the enhanced 911 location feature of RapidDeploy, Mayo was able to help the caller retrace her route back to her husband and get him back on board. “This technology is critical in situations where we need to see what the caller is seeing,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “The bay was choppy that afternoon and had we not been able to walk her through this situation, she may not have been able to retrieve her husband from the water.” “Every second matters when it comes to saving lives. Streamlined access to life-saving data can make all the difference. Heather Mayo was calm in a chaotic situation and was able to guide the caller throughout the entire situation.”  https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More

30a News April 1, 2023

Pink Meanie Jellyfish Spotted in the Gulf

Pink meanie jellyfish (Drymonema larsoni) are a unique species of jellyfish that have been observed in the Gulf of Mexico since 2000. With a bell diameter of up to 60 cm and a distinctive pink color, they are hard to miss. While they are not considered to be highly venomous, their short frilly appendages around the bell can cause mild stinging sensations or irritation if they come into contact with skin. In some cases, they have also been known to cause respiratory problems for people who have inhaled their stinging cells. If you’re planning a visit to the Gulf coast of Florida between Panama City and Destin, it’s important to stay informed about jellyfish sightings and take appropriate precautions to avoid coming into contact with them. When pink meanie jellyfish are present, it’s best to stay out of the water or wear protective clothing or swimwear. If you do get stung by a pink meanie jellyfish, you may experience a burning sensation, itching, or a prickly feeling. In some cases, the area around the sting may become red and swollen. If you experience any difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Pink meanie jellyfish tend to be most common in the Gulf of Mexico during the summer months. While they are not considered to be as dangerous as some other types of jellyfish, they can still pose a risk to swimmers and beachgoers, especially if they are caught off guard or unaware of their presence. By staying... Read More

30a News March 30, 2023

SINFONIA GULF COAST PRESENTS BEETHOVEN V. COLDPLAY

“Visionary conductor/composer Steve Hackman allows us to “rethink how music is connected” SINFONIA GULF COAST PRESENTS BEETHOVEN V. COLDPLAY: A MERGING OF MUSICAL GIANTS, APRIL 29 DESTIN, FL (March 30, 2023) – Sinfonia Gulf Coast once again redefines the symphony experience with Beethoven V. Coldplay: A Merging of Musical Giants, on Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. A merging of musical giants, Beethoven V. Coldplay pairs two composer/artists that deal with universal human themes in their respective music. Visionary conductor/composer Steve Hackman transforms Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony into an anthem, weaving the melodies and lyrics of contemporary rock band Coldplay into Beethoven’s score based on content and context. It is the Eroica Beethoven may have created had he known the music of Coldplay at the time. Awe-inspiring vocalists join Sinfonia Gulf Coast to perform interpolations of many of Coldplay’s most beloved songs, including Yellow, Viva La Vida, and The Scientist. “When you mash up Beethoven with something on the pop scene like Coldplay, it’s unexpected. This concert is a melding of interwoven musical notation with amazing vocalists that makes for a remarkable concert,” says Sinfonia Gulf Coast music & artistic director Demetrius Fuller. “It’s an incredible way to rethink how music is connected. Steve Hackman is a brilliant musician composer and arranger and this piece is totally unique, but also totally accessible.” A multi-hyphenate music powerhouse and visionary producer, Steve Hackman is a daring voice leading the change among... Read More
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30a News March 28, 2023

APPALACHIAN ROAD SHOW TO BRING WORLD-CLASS BLUEGRASS AND FOLK MUSIC TO PERRY, FLORIDA SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST

Visionary ensemble features GRAMMY and IBMA winners Singer and banjoist Barry Abernathy and family featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, and more! PERRY, Fla. – Award-winning super-pickers Appalachian Road Show are set to bring their riveting performance to the Florida State Bluegrass Festival Saturday, April 1st at 6:30 pm in Perry, Fla. Appalachian Road Show is a visionary acoustic ensemble, comprised of GRAMMY and IBMA award winners and nominees, bringing new-generation interpretations of traditional Americana, bluegrass, and folk songs, as well as offering innovative original music, all presented with a common thread tied directly to the heart of the Appalachian regions of the United States. GRAMMY-nominated banjoist Barry Abernathy joins forces with GRAMMY-winning fiddler Jim VanCleve, fresh off of his recent stint touring with multi-platinum country artist Josh Turner, as well as esteemed vocalist and mandolinist Darrell Webb, who has recorded and toured with Dolly Parton and Rhonda Vincent, among many others. The group also includes bassist Todd Phillips, an acknowledged legend in bluegrass music circles, with two GRAMMY wins and four GRAMMY nominations under his belt, along with 23-year-old “old soul” guitarist Zeb Snyder, whose fierce and versatile playing recalls Doc Watson and Norman Blake as readily as it does Duane Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughn. The band recently released their latest album ‘Jubilation’ on which country legend Dolly Parton introduces and is an ode to the life, culture, and lifestyle of Appalachia. Watch/listen to Parton’s introduction HERE. The Tennessean also recently featured the supergroup to... Read More

30a News March 28, 2023

APPALACHIAN ROAD SHOW TO BRING WORLD-CLASS BLUEGRASS AND FOLK MUSIC TO PERRY, FLORIDA SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST

Visionary ensemble features GRAMMY and IBMA winners Singer and banjoist Barry Abernathy and family featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, and more! PERRY, Fla. – Award-winning super-pickers Appalachian Road Show are set to bring their riveting performance to the Florida State Bluegrass Festival Saturday, April 1st at 6:30 pm in Perry, Fla. Appalachian Road Show is a visionary acoustic ensemble, comprised of GRAMMY and IBMA award winners and nominees, bringing new-generation interpretations of traditional Americana, bluegrass, and folk songs, as well as offering innovative original music, all presented with a common thread tied directly to the heart of the Appalachian regions of the United States. GRAMMY-nominated banjoist Barry Abernathy joins forces with GRAMMY-winning fiddler Jim VanCleve, fresh off of his recent stint touring with multi-platinum country artist Josh Turner, as well as esteemed vocalist and mandolinist Darrell Webb, who has recorded and toured with Dolly Parton and Rhonda Vincent, among many others. The group also includes bassist Todd Phillips, an acknowledged legend in bluegrass music circles, with two GRAMMY wins and four GRAMMY nominations under his belt, along with 23-year-old “old soul” guitarist Zeb Snyder, whose fierce and versatile playing recalls Doc Watson and Norman Blake as readily as it does Duane Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughn. The band recently released their latest album ‘Jubilation’ on which country legend Dolly Parton introduces and is an ode to the life, culture, and lifestyle of Appalachia. Watch/listen to Parton’s introduction HERE. The Tennessean also recently featured the supergroup to... Read More

30a News March 28, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS – APRIL 12TH & 26TH

NOTICE OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Collective bargaining negotiation meetings are scheduled to be held Wednesday, April 12, 2023  and Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. (CST). The meetings will be held at the Walton County Sheriff’s Office north administration building in DeFuniak Springs. The purpose of this meeting is collective bargaining between Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Professional Firefighters of Walton County, Local 4413, International Association of Fire Fighters. The meeting will be held in the cypress room at 752 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.   The Walton County Sheriff adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable modifications for access to these meetings upon request. Requests may be made to the Human Resources Manager at 850-892-8111 x.3215 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.The post NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS – APRIL 12TH & 26TH first appeared on Walton County Sheriff’s Office, FL.  https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More
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30a News March 27, 2023

Footprints Gifts: Celebrating 40 years as the “Best Little Shop on the Beach!

Santa Rosa Beach FL – March 1983 marks the humble beginning of Footprints Gifts. A transformed gas station was reimagined into an apartment complex and then eventually converted into a retail store by Janet Reeves for the “Footprints Gift Shop.” This Miramar Beach “Mom and Pop” gift store is a genuine success story! The name came about by a complete family agreement to the Biblical reference in Psalm 77:19, that says, “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.” Janet fulfilled her childhood dream of opening a one-of-a-kind retail store that developed into reality when her father-in-law’s one-bedroom apartment became available. She jumped on the opportunity! Life prepared Janet in her early years to launch this now local treasure. She worked at a local movie theatre and was honored with the title “youngest Confection Manager” at Sears department store! Fast forward to today, Footprints Gifts retails some of the best crafters in the area and is one of the top souvenir destinations in Sandestin/Miramar Beach. This retail haven of all things “beach centric” began with t-shirts, beach supplies, keep sakes, and inflated beach toys (supplied by the former gas station air pump). It evolved into an exclusive representation of local artisan products such as colorful bird sculptures, Sandy Pickle(ball), art prints, and magnets. In addition, including beach style home décor and gift items, or sea turtles, you can find man-cave tiki motifs, golf items, outdoor furniture, shells, and more! This... Read More

30a News March 27, 2023

Footprints Gifts: Celebrating 40 years as the “Best Little Shop on the Beach!

Santa Rosa Beach FL – March 1983 marks the humble beginning of Footprints Gifts. A transformed gas station was reimagined into an apartment complex and then eventually converted into a retail store by Janet Reeves for the “Footprints Gift Shop.” This Miramar Beach “Mom and Pop” gift store is a genuine success story! The name came about by a complete family agreement to the Biblical reference in Psalm 77:19, that says, “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.” Janet fulfilled her childhood dream of opening a one-of-a-kind retail store that developed into reality when her father-in-law’s one-bedroom apartment became available. She jumped on the opportunity! Life prepared Janet in her early years to launch this now local treasure. She worked at a local movie theatre and was honored with the title “youngest Confection Manager” at Sears department store! Fast forward to today, Footprints Gifts retails some of the best crafters in the area and is one of the top souvenir destinations in Sandestin/Miramar Beach. This retail haven of all things “beach centric” began with t-shirts, beach supplies, keep sakes, and inflated beach toys (supplied by the former gas station air pump). It evolved into an exclusive representation of local artisan products such as colorful bird sculptures, Sandy Pickle(ball), art prints, and magnets. In addition, including beach style home décor and gift items, or sea turtles, you can find man-cave tiki motifs, golf items, outdoor furniture, shells, and more! This... Read More

30a News March 24, 2023

Fundraiser for Okaloosa Suicide Prevention & Support

April 13th Benefit to Raise Funds for Suicide Awareness and Resources The Tatissa Foundation for Suicide Prevention in support of Okaloosa Suicide Prevention and Support (Okaloosa SPS) is honored to announce its first fundraiser on April 13, 2023, from 7-9pm, at the Edge Seafood Restaurant and Bar in Destin, FL. This is the group’s inaugural fundraiser and seeks to raise funds for suicide prevention awareness and improved access to support and resources in Okaloosa County. Tickets for the event are $50 per person and may be purchased online at Suicide Prevention Fundraiser. The event will feature a dinner buffet, local and national guest speakers, and a silent auction. Funds from the event will be used to pay for QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) Gatekeeper training and other suicide prevention, intervention and postvention trainings, as well as informational materials, speakers, and other suicide prevention resources and events. Okaloosa SPS was established in collaboration with concerned local residents in January 2023 as a program of The Tatissa Foundation, https://www.thetatissafoundation.org. While many organizations focus on prevention within certain age groups or populations, Okaloosa SPS recognizes the need for broader outreach and suicide prevention activities and is dedicated to raising awareness to everyone in the county. Sabina and Louis Zunguze, founders of the Tatissa Foundation and Okaloosa SPS, said “from our personal experience, suicide is a complex issue that can affect anyone and, as such, it is everyone’s business. We are all touched by suicide in unique ways that require community-wide well-coordinated, affordable and... Read More