General News

General News April 10, 2023

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

  ECCAC is There for the Kids “Every year we try to create awareness of April being National Child Abuse Prevention month and the services that ECCAC can offer to child victims. It is imperative that everyone does their part to help protect children. Prevention is the best protection against child abuse.” ~ Julie Porterfield, ECCAC CEO National abuse statistics are alarming. According to the National Children’s Alliance, the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers, nearly 700,000 children are abused in the U.S. annually. Neglect is the most common form of maltreatment with 75% suffering from neglect, 17.2% from physical abuse and 8.4% from sexual abuse. Roughly four out of five abusers are the child victim’s parents. With National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, it brings to light the fact that many do not realize the peril our children can experience and have to deal with right here in Northwest Florida. There are approximately 1,100 cases of child sexual and physical abuse reported annually in Okaloosa and Walton Counties, an average of three per day. Despite those big numbers, nearly 2/3 of the actual needs to help child victims go unmet due to lack of reporting to authorities. It is estimated that for every one child ECCAC helps, there are two children out there who are not helped. Enter the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC), a multi-disciplinary team with all support services and personnel under one roof. They provide services 24/7 in a child-friendly environment... Read More

General News April 10, 2023

Journey Bravely: The Life Changing Shift from Victimhood to Empowerment

  By Stephenie Craig, Journey Bravely Ever find yourself feeling like life is happening to you and you have no control? Maybe a person did something that was unfair or hurtful. Maybe a storm disrupted your home or event. Maybe airlines canceled your flight. Maybe a health condition is making your life difficult. Living life inevitably results in discomfort. It can often feel like things are being done to you and you are a victim of people, your environment, or conditions you can’t control. Human nature extends us a tempting invitation to see ourselves as victims because victimhood lets us off the hook for taking responsibility for what we can control and casts the blame onto someone or something else. For a moment, embracing victimhood can feel comforting because it keeps you from having to self-reflect or take meaningful action toward change. However, in the long-term, victimhood ends up creating helplessness, hopelessness, bitterness, and resentment. In reality, life throws curve balls and there are many things outside our control. But, even when the curve balls come, there is a helpful alternative to seeing yourself as a victim. Regardless of what is happening in your environment, you have been granted the gift of self-control. When someone does something unkind and when hard things happen, you have a choice about how you will respond. You can slide into victimhood, blame others, feel helpless, harbor resentment. Or, you can acknowledge the pain of your situation and then shift toward using your self-control to... Read More

General News April 10, 2023

Off the Hook: Tight Lines

  By Cali Hlavac Crystal LaFosse had a vision of starting a fishing club through all her work in the fishing industry, and 2022 was the year she brought that dream to life: The Emerald Coast Big Game Fishing Club was born. As the Founder and Director of the Emerald Coast Big Game Fishing Club (ECBGFC), Crystal has experience running marinas, tackle shops, tournaments and events, boat provisions and is passionate about all things fishing. “The momentum of ECBGFC is going strong and it’s exciting to see my vision come to life,” LaFosse said. Last year was an incredible first year for ECBGFC, with more than 225 members and many supporting sponsors. They held four themed club meeting events for members to get together and discuss hot fishing topics, stories and upcoming events. They also kicked off the year with a Billfish Extravaganza tournament, including 15 boats participating and paying out more than $100,000. A Youth Tournament was next, with more than 60 youth anglers participating and tons of prizes awarded. Then Hit the Gulf, a month-long tournament where teams compete by picking two consecutive days to fish with a payout over $20,000. They concluded the year with a black-tie Sportsman’s Ball hosted at the Destin FWB Convention Center, with more than 300 attendees and an awards presentation to top teams and anglers. ECBGFC’s mission is more than just bringing anglers together. It is the only group hosting tournaments on the Gulf Coast that are catch and release for the... Read More
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General News April 10, 2023

Local Dining, Drinks and Coffee April 2023

  JoJo’s Coffee and Goodness Owner and operator Angela “JoJo’’ Stevenson invites you to enter a cafe and relaxed coffee shop atmosphere for a daily dose of “goodness.” Feel free to work on site (free WiFi) or meet up with friends or family. Stop in for cinnamon rolls; scones: cranberry orange, chocolate caramel and cheddar thyme; strawberry coffee cake; cranberry orange muffins; red velvet cookies; brownies with espresso ganache or caramelitas. Try a breakfast special with a piece of quiche or kolache-hashbrown casserole. Breakfast burritos are rolled and ready daily. Choose from andouille, bacon, chorizo or veggie. Or tantalize your taste buds with a made-to-order breakfast sandwich on croissants or bagel with two eggs and cheese and then choose if you want to add Jojo’s homemade smoked jalapeño beef bologna, bacon, house smoked barbecue or ham. Cinnamon rolls and kaloches still hold the top spot for sell outs. Stop in for featured muffins, coffee cake or pound cake–great with maple cinnamon latte or caramel macchiato. Some of Jojo’s most popular coffees are COLD. Nitro, Cold Brew, fruit smoothies and frozen affogatos are the way to go. Of course, there’s always freshly roasted coffee. Order ahead and pick up some for all your celebrations! Hours 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday (850) 737-6194 4652 Hwy. 20 East, Nicevillebigorangehousedesigns.com LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant Welcome to LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant located at the spectacular Bluewater Bay Marina Complex. Named after “LJ Schooner” (the LJ is for Lazy Jack), a cherished four-legged... Read More

General News April 10, 2023

Grab the Sunscreen! Spring Break 2023 Runs Through April 23

  From the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Spring Break seems to bring a wide-ranging combination of emotions to residents of Okaloosa County. However, there’s no getting past the fact that our beaches continue to be a major Spring Break hot spot for college and high school students, families and locals. The influx brings an economic boost to local businesses, but also the stereotypical crowded beaches and roadways. Reservation numbers for the 2023 Spring Break season appear to indicate Spring Break activity will meet or surpass 2022 levels. Okaloosa County focuses on attracting families during the two-month period but is also a popular spot for high school and college Spring Breakers. In an effort to ensure visitors enjoy our area in a safe, respectful, and lawful manner, we have a plan that includes multiple public safety goals and objectives each Spring Break. That plan begins with designated units monitoring beach and vacation rental areas for unlawful activities and using proactive patrol methods to detect and apprehend anyone involved in criminal activity – which can range from underage possession of alcohol to open house parties, or possession of controlled substances, to violations of Okaloosa County and City of Destin ordinances. Another top priority is to assist Okaloosa County and City of Destin lifeguards with the prevention of drowning incidents. During the 58 days of Spring Break in 2022, 659 Notices to Appear (NTA) were issued for violation of Underage Possession of Alcohol. The 659 issued NTA’s during Spring Break 2022 was the... Read More

General News April 10, 2023

Do the Math: 100 Men Who Care Emerald Coast

  By Christopher Manson Scott Rude calls himself “the founding member” of 100 Men Who Care Emerald Coast. Rude (pronounced Rudy) is “semi-retired” and spent three years teaching business management at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. After leaving the university, he worked for Shell Oil in New Orleans. He and his family visited our beaches on the weekends and decided this is where they wanted to live. Jean, Rude’s wife of 24 years, was very happy with the choice they made. In Iowa, Rude was a member of the Hawkeye chapter of 100 Men Who Care. Upon relocating, he looked for a local chapter, but there wasn’t one around. “The only thing to do was start one,” he says. In 2021, 100 Men Who Care Emerald Coast launched with considerable help from Fort Walton Beach’s 100+ Women Who Care honcho Kelly Bomar-Fuller. Rude recently attended a check presentation for Healing Hoof Steps. “I hadn’t heard of them,” he says. “I had no idea how many organizations there were in Okaloosa and Walton counties that are trying to help people in our community.” The Crestview-based nonprofit offers horse therapy to veterans with PTSD, as well as young children who have autism. The 100 Men Who Care have given to Crossroads Medical Center, too. The Valparaiso free clinic serves homeless people and folks trying to make ends meet. “They do an unbelievable service,” says Rude. “We gave them a little over $3,000 and they showed us how they could turn... Read More

General 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... Read More