[[{“value”:” By Kay Phelan For a quarter of a century, the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) has been dedicated to providing hope, healing and justice to child abuse victims and their families in Florida’s Okaloosa and Walton Counties. ECCAC has two centers—the Pierce Family Children’s Advocacy Center in DeFuniak Springs and the Julie Sacco Porterfield Children’s Advocacy Center in Niceville. ECCAC is an accredited part of the National Children’s Advocacy Center non-profit organization. There are 900 Centers across the country, with 28 of them located in Florida. How ECCAC Works The centers don’t house children, but instead provide many needed services 24/7 in a child-friendly environment where children can safely tell their stories. Along with ECCAC’s staff and volunteers, both of our local centers house a multidisciplinary team of child protection representatives from the Florida Department of Children and Families, Child Protection Team, State Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement and licensed mental health counselors. In ECCAC’s 25-year history, over 33,000 children have received more than 200,000 services at no cost. The single most important hallmark of ECCAC’s process is the fact that the impacted child, dealing with the immediate trauma and stress of their situation, can tell their story in one room, just one time. They do not have to repeat it numerous times at different places to different people. In other words, all pertinent parties that can help the child victim are all there at the centers at the same time. Once the child tells their story, action... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Helen Petre Our home here in the Panhandle is a paradise of animals and plants, perfect weather, dune lakes, pine savannahs, springs and creeks, and miles of beach. Our parks and wildlife management areas are teaming with life. Our highways are full of traffic, tourists, and not much wildlife, other than the occasional deer during the rut. We are building residential and commercial projects faster than our endangered animals can escape. Here are the names and habitats of some of our endangered species. They share our paradise. They were here first. If you see them, please protect them. The fact that they are endangered means you probably will not see them. St. Andrew’s Beach Mouse (Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis) St. Andrew’s Beach Mouse. FWC. The St. Andrew’s beach mouse is a subspecies of beach mouse (P. polionotus). It lives in the dunes in Gulf and Bay Counties. The St. Andrew’s Beach Mouse is six inches long with a two-inch white tail. Beach mice eat invertebrates and seeds from dune plants. They are monogamous and sexually mature at 30 days. Females have four pups after a gestation of 23 days. They are ready to breed again in 24 hours. With that great breeding record, it seems like they should not be endangered, but they are federally endangered due to beach development, destruction of dunes, and fragmentation of their habitat. Other threats include predation from cats, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons. Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse (P. polionotus allophrys) Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse. FWC. Another... Read More

Jelly Roll’s Inspiring Weight Loss Journey Since starting his health and fitness journey in 2022, Jelly Roll has lost an impressive amount of weight. Most recently, the singer confirmed that he has lost 275 pounds. On January 2nd, Jelly even hit a milestone goal of landing on the cover of Men’s Health. The achievement was a longtime coming, after back in […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

 [[{“value”:” Before the first streaks of sunrise settle over Inlet Beach, one member is already at the gym — stretching, lifting, moving with a quiet determination. “I wake up at 4:30,” he says with a shrug, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. “I work out, head back for breakfast, and then I decide: golf simulator… or swimming?” He smiles. “I feel better than I have in years.” Across the community, the day opens at its own gentle tempo. A woman clips a leash on her dog and walks toward one of the community’s dog-friendly outdoor areas, grateful for the easy routine they’ve settled into. Not long ago, she was living with her daughter in Alys Beach, watching Watersound Fountains being built across the highway. She never imagined it would one day be home. “I thought, Those places aren’t for me,” she admits. But when her daughter insisted she come take a look, everything shifted — the bright, thoughtfully designed apartments, the welcoming outdoor spaces for her dog, the light, the openness, the surprising sense of possibility. “After the first week,” she says, “there was no going back.” The beauty of a morning here is that everyone’s version looks a little different. Some head to the balance studio for physical therapy. Others meet friends on the walking trails that curl through Watersound and 30A. Some hop on a bike. Some linger over coffee. Each person finds their own pace. By mid-morning, the community hums with activity. One... Read More

 [[{“value”:” Farmers Markets Grand Blvd. Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Grayton Locals Market Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hibiscus Guest House Seaside Amphitheater Saturdays and Tuesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Peddlers Pavilion Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rosemary Beach at North Barrett Square Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Biophilia Center Kids Craft Day Jan. 17 Join the Biophilia Center for a joyful celebration of art and imagination at Kids Craft Day from 9 a.m. to noon. Young artists will get hands-on with three fun, kid-friendly crafts, all guided by talented local artists. This event is designed for children ages 2-12, and each child must be accompanied by an adult. While adults won’t receive their own craft supplies, they’re encouraged to help and cheer on their little creators as they bring their artwork to life. Get tickets at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/nokuseeducation/event/biophiliaartfestivalkidscraftday. Hops For Hounds Jan. 18 Get ready to grab your leash and raise a glass! Dog-Harmony announced the sixth annual Hops for Hounds dog walk and after party, happening from 1 to 3 p.m. at Props Brewery in Hammock Bay in Freeport. This paw-some event promises fun, furry friends, and craft beer for humans 21 and older. The day kicks off with a scenic, short stroll, followed by a lively after-party at Props Brewery featuring craft beer, live music, vendors, food trucks, and more. All proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships will support Dog-Harmony and its efforts to help local pups and their families. To register, visit https://dog-harmony.org/hops-for-hounds-2026. Coastal Branch Library Winter Program Jan. 21, Feb.... Read More

 [[{“value”:” As we say goodbye to 2025, the Walton County School District reflects on a year marked by Keeping the Charge through Excellence, Professionalism, Innovation, and Collaboration. The district celebrated achievements that reinforced a shared vision: preparing students for real-world success while fostering a culture of EPIC. January marks the beginning of the new year, a time for moments of appreciation and reflection. School Board Appreciation Month recognizes the service and leadership of the Walton County School Board, whose guidance helps shape the district’s direction and priorities. The district also looks forward to celebrating excellence in education with the announcement of the 2025 Walton County Teacher of the Year on January 15 at 6 p.m. This annual recognition honors an outstanding educator whose passion, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting impact on students and school communities. We also celebrate the Educational Support Professional of the Year. January is also a time for remembrance and purpose. Schools will observe the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday, honoring Dr. King’s legacy of service, equality, and unity—principles that continue to guide learning and leadership throughout Walton County. There will be no school on MLK Day, January 19.  The post Walton County School District: Reflecting on 2025, Looking Ahead to January appeared first on South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information. “}]]  South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information  Read More