30a News

STEERING IN A NEW DIRECTION; WALTON COUNTY JAIL HEAVY EQUIPMENT GRADUATE LANDS JOB DAY HE’S RELEASED

STEERING IN A NEW DIRECTION; WALTON COUNTY JAIL HEAVY EQUIPMENT GRADUATE LANDS JOB DAY HE’S RELEASED Posted on October 31, 2022 Christopher Carroll poses in front of a skid-steer after attending a ceremony highlighting graduates of the Walton County Jail Heavy Equipment Course. The day he was released from the Walton County Jail a free man, Christopher Carroll walked onto a job site in DeFuniak Springs carrying nothing but a certificate. The next day, he reported for his first shift. “I could have started work that day,” said Carroll. “But I needed steel-toe boots.” Carroll is among 33 inmates to complete the Jail’s Heavy Equipment Operators Course since its inception in 2018. Wednesday, the program celebrated the seventh such graduation ceremony. Inmates are vetted through a selection process to participate in the five-week course which aims to teach the safety, maintenance, and operation of heavy equipment. The partnership with Heavy Equipment Colleges of America focuses on learning five machines: the backhoe, excavator, front-end loader, dozier, and skid-steer. Upon completion, inmates receive an Adaptable Equipment Proficiency Testing (ADEPT) certification. The class is taught by two Walton County Sheriff’s Office Vocational Instructors, Mark Simmons, and Tim Castiglione. “They gave me the confidence to present myself and ask for a job,” said Carroll. “Feeling good about myself is something I’ve never experienced.” He’s been working for Moss, a nationwide, family-owned construction company running a skid-steer on a project in the north end of the county. The business was voted top 400 U.S. Contractors... Read More

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Maker Days: Bubblology Oct 31

Date/Time Date(s) – 10/31/20229:00 am Location Destin FL Categories General Event Maker Days is designed as a drop-off program during the school year, and as such it allows many of our home school students to interact with our educators and other students in a classroom setting. These classes are designed to engage, stimulate, encourage, and challenge young children with hands-on exploration using a typical class arrangement. This program is for ages 5-11. To see the full line up of lessons, visit ecscience.org/makerdays.   Emerald Coast Science Center 31 Memorial Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548       https://30a-tv.com/events/maker-days-bubblology-oct-31/ #30atv #30a @30atv Read More

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Grace Pizza and Shakes Grand Opening on 30A in Santa Rosa Beach

Grace Pizza and Shakes will host a grand opening celebration on Saturday, October 29 at their newest restaurant, located in the old Pickle Factory at 38 Clayton Lane in Grayton Beach. Founded in 2021 by Adrian Hembree and Vincent Nandlal in Alvin, Texas, Grace is the story of their mission and values expressed through the art of food, leadership, and serving others. The name “Grace” comes from a time when both Hembree and Nandlal faced hardships in their personal lives, and turned to their faith for grace, leadership, and love. Nandlal and his father long knew that they wanted to open a pizza restaurant but didn’t have the knowledge or expertise of the business. They turned to their friend Adrian Hembree, who they had become close with through community service work including Hurricane Harvey relief, the Pearland Police Officer Benefit, and volunteering after the Santa Fe School Shooting. Due to their close bond, Hembree decided not only to advise on the business but partner with Nandlal to bring the concept to life. They both share the same passion and idea that food, a love for people, and serving others brings people together. Today, their goal is to extend Grace to the community, one slice of pizza, or one fun shake, at a time. “Adrian had an idea for a pizza concept but wanted to shake it up with something different,” Nandlal said. “I love the milkshake idea, so I was able to help Adrian put together an over-the-top menu, and... Read More

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You can make a difference by helping to stock the toy room for kids

Niceville and DeFuniak Springs, FL (October 28, 2022)…It’s not too early to start planning for this year’s Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) Holiday season to help children in need. This year, ECCAC is creating a toy room for their families and agency partners to “shop” for children from newborn, up to 18 years old.  Bring unwrapped gifts, and Christmas wrapping paper for the gifts, by November 30th, or sooner. Check out gift ideas to purchase for all age groups in the events section of ECCAC’s website, www.eccac.org.  Deliver to either the Pierce Family Center in DeFuniak Springs, 336 College Avenue, or the Niceville Chamber of Commerce office, 1055 John Sims Parkway East. ECCAC is also accepting 2022 year-end tax deductible donations. For further information or assistance with deliveries, email Ana Michalzik at ana@eccac.org to ECCAC, or call her at 850-420-4639.   ECCAC’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, protect children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties, and restore the lives and futures of these impacted children. Both Center’s child-friendly facilities in Niceville and DeFuniak Springs house a multidisciplinary team of child protection personnel, prosecutors, law enforcement, DCF, therapists, and ECCAC staff and volunteers. In the past 23 years, over 15,000 children have received more than 170,000 services to include mental health therapy, crisis intervention, referrals to other community providers, interviews and medicals. Services are provided at no cost by ECCAC, a 501-C-3 non-profit organization. For further information about the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, visit www.eccac.org. If abuse is... Read More

3,000 GRAMS OF COCAINE SEIZED, 21 ARRESTED ON FEDERAL AND STATE CHARGES FOR CONSPIRACY AND DRUG TRAFFICKING

3,000 GRAMS OF COCAINE SEIZED, 21 ARRESTED ON FEDERAL AND STATE CHARGES FOR CONSPIRACY AND DRUG TRAFFICKING Posted on October 27, 2022 October 27, 2022 WALTON COUNTY, Fla— More than 3,000 grams of cocaine is seized during a yearlong investigation into drug trafficking in Walton and Okaloosa Counties resulting in the arrest of 21 people. Operation Hans Gruber began in March of 2021 investigating the drug trafficking activities of Deshawn Brown, Pablo Burgos-Lozada, Aubry Campbell, Jefferey Williamson, and co-conspirators involved in the purchase and sale of large amounts of cocaine. On October 26th and 27th 2022, Federal and State law enforcement arrested 12 suspects charged during the investigation. Five had been previously arrested on state charges and four individuals are still at large who have outstanding warrants. In total, 25 are facing charges in connection to Operation Hans Gruber including four federal arrests and 21 state of Florida arrests. In addition to the cocaine, law enforcement seized four firearms, more than $22,000 in U.S. currency, 50 grams of crack cocaine, and around 2,500 grams of marijuana. Federal Indictments: Deshawn Brown, 51, of Santa Rosa Beach, Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Pablo Burgos-Lozada, 44, of Fort Walton Beach, Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Aubry Campbell, 37, of DeFuniak Springs, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of... Read More

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Restaurant Paradis Announces Seventh Annual Prohibition Repeal Wine Dinner Benefitting Food for Thought Outreach

Restaurant Paradis is proud to present their seventh annual Prohibition Repeal Wine Dinner, presented by 30A Luxury Vacations, on Saturday, December 10, benefitting Food for Thought Outreach. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., guests are invited to delight in a cocktail hour featuring a specialty cocktail made with Distillery 98’s Dune Laker vodka served in a commemorative glass, courtesy of Buddy’s Seafood. Attendees will then be whisked away to the main dining room for a Gatsby, Prohibition-era inspired evening. Guests will experience a special, four-course meal presented by Driftwood Wine and Spirits, Rosemary Beach Realty, SoWal House, and Swiftly Catered, paired with wines by Vineyard Brands. Prepared by Paradis’ award-winning chef, March Eichin, and his culinary team, each course will feature the local produce, fresh Gulf seafood, and fine meats that Paradis is known for. Throughout the night, attendees will be surrounded by live music, sponsored by Inlet Beach Real Estate, and photographed by Jennifer Filippone, courtesy of 30A Cottages. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to Food for Thought Outreach, a local 501(c)3 organization that works to bridge the meal gap in the lives of food insecure children in Walton and Okaloosa counties and empower them to get the most out of their education. Founded by Tiffanie Nelson, Food for Thought’s mission is to remove the negative impacts of hunger and empower a child to get the most out of their education and development by providing them weekly access to healthy, easy to prepare meals. The restaurant will be closed... Read More

WCSO INVESTIGATING SHOOTING ON CASWELL ROAD IN DEFUNIAK SPRINGS; NO INJURIES REPORTED

WCSO INVESTIGATING SHOOTING ON CASWELL ROAD IN DEFUNIAK SPRINGS; NO INJURIES REPORTED Posted on October 27, 2022 October 27, 2022 WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Walton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting off Caswell Road in DeFuniak Springs. Deputies responded following a 9-1-1 call Wednesday evening. Witnesses told investigators they were in a vehicle stopped on Caswell Road when a truck pulled up behind them. They were unable to wave the truck around and pulled to the side of the road then approached the driver of the truck. Witnesses reported words were exchanged with the driver of the truck who then fired one shot and sped down the road firing more rounds in an unknown direction. No one was hit by the gunfire and no residences appear to have been hit. Several casings were found in the roadway. The suspect vehicle is described as a white crew cab pick-up truck possibly a Chevrolet or GMC. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 892-8186 or you can remain anonymous by calling Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 863-TIPS. Submit a web tip at http://www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com/ or send a mobile tip using the P3 Tips Mobile Application or the Walton County Sheriff’s Office smartphone app. You could be eligible for a cash reward.   https://waltonso.org/news/feed/ Read More

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Wednesday Night Bonfire and Live Music Oct 26

Date/Time Date(s) – 10/26/20225:00 pm – 8:00 pm Location Santa Rosa Beach Categories Food Live Music Music Restaurant Join us every Wednesday night from 5-8PM for live music on the beach at The Bay. Come dine, drink and enjoy the sights and sounds of live music right by the water. It’s where the locals love to hang out on Wednesdays. See you soon!   The Bay 24215 Hwy. 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459       https://30a-tv.com/events/wednesday-night-bonfire-and-live-music-oct-26/ #30atv #30a @30atv Read More

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TOC Expanding Orthopedic Care in Panama City

TOC Expanding Orthopedic Care in Panama City 25 Oct  Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic (TOC) is bringing industry leading orthopedic care to Panama City with their first new clinic opening September 12th. TOC’s entry into Panama City marks the start of a broader expansion to improve access to care in Bay County and adjacent areas that include Walton and Gulf counties. A second location is planned for Panama City Beach and is scheduled to be open by the fall of 2024. TOC Panama City will ultimately offer the complete range of comprehensive orthopedic with the aim on better access, better quality and lower cost.Eric A. Branch, MD, a fellowship–trained orthopedic surgeon with special training in sports medicine and arthroscopy, will serve as the lead orthopedic provider for TOC Panama City. Dr. Branch is a native of Florida and completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Andrews Institute for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze, FL. His experience reflects providing care for a wide variety of patients, including professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes, including the University of West Florida Athletics. Dr. Branch, along with Ryan Price, MD, specializing in pediatric orthopedics, and Andrew Borom, MD, specializing in foot andankle surgery, will be fulfilling the practice’s commitment to keeping people healthy, active, and strong through prevention, preservation, and wellness. TOC Panama City will have the only pediatric orthopedic surgeon in the North Florida region, along with “TOC Now” providing the region’s only orthopedic urgent care walk–in clinic. Additional orthopedic specialties will be recruited soon.TOC... Read More

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Taco Tuesday at Shunk Gulley Oct 25

Date/Time Date(s) – 10/25/202211:00 am Location Santa Rosa Beach Categories Food Restaurant Come out to Shunk Gulley to celebrate Taco Tuesday every Tuesday as the lunch special is available until 4 pm while supplies last!   Skunk Gully Oyster Bar 1875 S Co Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459       https://30a-tv.com/events/taco-tuesday-at-shunk-gulley-oct-25/ #30atv #30a @30atv Read More