Okaloosa County Okaloosa County School District parents can set up their FOCUS parent accounts at www.okaloosaschools.com and link their students to it if necessary. The OCSD Focus App can be found in the Apple App and Google Play Stores for download. Find it by searching for OCSD Focus Educational Portal. After download, sign in through the orange log-in button, and you will have access to your student’s schedule, grades and attendance. Students can download the same OCSD Focus app to access their grades and attendance without creating an account. They must click on the box marked “Sign in with SSO” and enter their school district email and network password. In November, the district launched a second app to receive school and district updates. Download the OCSD Apptegy App through Apple App or Google Play to access documents, events, news updates and emergency notifications. Okaloosa County School District Teacher of the Year The Okaloosa County School District Teacher of the Year is Royal Preston, construction teacher at Okaloosa Technical College teaching carpentry and building trades. “I always love celebrating our teachers who spend day in and day out going above and beyond to educate our students. They stay after and arrive early to tutor, sponsor clubs, coach sports, and mentor kids. Each teacher recognized this year represents the best of the best at each of our 38 schools, and I am proud to have Mr. Preston represent us at the state level,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. STEMM Academy Nominated for... Read More

  More public beach access in Destin is coming soon. A nearly 340-foot beachfront “Tarpon Beach Park” is now on its way to becoming a reality. The City of Destin, Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, Trust for Public Land and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourist Development Council have partnered to acquire land in Destin to expand the existing Tarpon Beach access. Three parcels adjacent to the Tarpon Beach Trail will be cleared to make way for the park, which will have new, stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico along Scenic Highway 98.“Making our beautiful beaches more accessible to our residents and out-of-town guests is a top priority for the County,” said Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Trey Goodwin. “This is a major step toward that goal, and we are grateful to have a team of partners that understand that commitment.” Added Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner, “These kinds of partnerships are an effective way to move Destin forward in a positive direction for both locals and visitors. I applaud the efforts of our partners and the work of former Mayor Gary Jarvis in making this a reality.” Okaloosa County and the City of Destin have pledged a combined $26.5 million to expand public beach access in Destin. The Tarpon Beach project is Phase II of this endeavor and the cost share is split 50/50 between the city and county. Phase I progress took place with the removal of structures in April 2021 to expand the Crystal Beach Access.... Read More

  By Teresa Halverson, Director of Business Development & Community Relations, The Manor at Blue Water Bay We are all blessed to live on the beautiful Emerald Coast. With more families moving to the area every day, our aging population continues to grow as well. Navigating the senior living and health care options can often be confusing. Our community is fortunate to offer so many different levels of care. Planning ahead, exploring options and taking a facility tour can help avoid crises when you need immediate assistance. There are many services available to choose from and there is no simple answer to which one would be right for you or your loved one. Knowing what is available will help you understand the difference and enable you to choose a service that best meets your family’s needs. The following services in our community provide care levels. Independent Living Facilities (ILF) for Seniors: Private Pay. Most residents are normally fully independent aside from some minor medical needs. ILF’s offer a wide range of social amenities and fine dining. Sometimes we are just ready to downsize without having to care for a larger home. Assisted Living Facilities (ALF): Private Pay. Need a little more assistance? No longer able to live alone? These facilities allow an individual to live in a private room. Assistance includes Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and medication management. Communal dining, housekeeping and recreation programs are typically offered. Many facilities offer transportation to appointments, shopping and medical appointments as well. Some ALF’s... Read More

  By Kevin Gaddie Eglin Air Force Base celebrated Black History Month with this year’s theme “Black Resiliency.” Retired Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Holmes, founder of the African American Heritage Military Society, shared what resiliency means to him during the kick-off ceremony. Holmes, an Army and Air Force veteran, lost a kidney while serving as an explosive ordnance disposal technician. After persevering through 12 years of dialysis and receiving a new kidney, he continued serving the military by founding the society. “There were a lot of people in my life, who blessed me with their strength and helped me become resilient,” he said. “I established the society for them. I feel it serves as a symbol to the African American men and women who served in uniform. It is a symbol of their resiliency.” In his opening remarks, Brig. Gen. Jeff Geraghty, 96th Test Wing commander, spoke about African American engineering aviation battalions, who made significant contributions in the base’s expansion during World War II. “It was these newly formed battalions, while training for war, that transformed Eglin’s landscape,” he said. The battalion personnel dealt with sweltering heat while cutting through dense forests to construct new roads, buildings and bridges, to pave the way for Eglin’s future. Their primary mission was airfield construction and repair. The airfields proved pivotal for Allied aircraft bombers as they returned riddled with bullets, and often broken as they landed. Their contributions and sacrifices played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and securing... Read More

  Remember to be careful as you navigate John Sims Parkway from Edge Ave. to west of Rocky Bayou Bridge. The FDOT $6.2 million resurfacing project is 2.6 miles and includes the following improvements: A grassed median west of Palm Boulevard, which is currently under construction. Widening the roadway in key locations to extend or widen existing turn lanes to improve traffic flow. The structural layer of asphalt is now in place. More paving and preparation are currently in operation. A new sidewalk on the north side of S.R. 20, from the Oak Creek Shopping Center to Rocky Bayou Drive. During construction, drivers may encounter intermittent and alternating lane closures between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights. There will be no lane closures during Niceville High School special school events. The project is estimated for completion this spring! All construction activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. The post John Sims Parkway Project appeared first on Bay Life | News, Events and Community Information.   Read More

  Spring break is a popular time for college students to flock to the beaches of Panama City Beach in Florida. However, in an effort to prevent excessive partying and potential dangers associated with alcohol consumption, an alcohol ban is in place during certain dates. The alcohol ban typically runs from the first weekend in March to the second weekend in April, which aligns with the peak of spring break season. During this time, it is illegal to consume alcohol on the beaches of Panama City Beach. The ban is enforced by local law enforcement officials, who patrol the beach and surrounding areas to ensure that the ban is being followed. Violators may face fines or other penalties. In addition to the alcohol ban, there are other regulations in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all beachgoers. These include restrictions on glass containers, a curfew for minors, and rules regarding noise and trash. These regulations are in effect year-round. It’s important for anyone planning to visit Panama City Beach during spring break to be aware of the alcohol ban and other regulations in place. By following these rules, visitors can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for themselves and others. The alcohol ban during spring break in Panama City Beach is enforced by local law enforcement officials, including the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Panama City Beach Police Department. The officials patrol the beach and other areas to ensure that the ban is being followed.... Read More

  36 Years of Being the Best! Thursday, April 13th – Sunday, April 16th | Friday 5-8 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m. | The Village of Baytowne Wharf Grab your friends and get ready to uncork some wine and fun in the sun in April at The Sandestin Wine Festival! Celebrating 36 years of being the best, the Sandestin Wine Festival is one of the most established and continuously running coastal wine festivals in the region as evidenced by its continued success; thousands know there’s no substitute for this coveted four-day event that takes place in the charming setting of The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin. Regarded as one of the top wine festivals in the country, voted “Best Event” by Visit South Walton and known as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals,” the festival offers wine aficionados a wide range of experiences! The main events, the Grand Wine Tastings, Friday, April 14th, 5-8 p.m., and Saturday, April 15th, 1-4 p.m., showcase more than 500 domestic and international wines throughout the weekend. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to talk to vineyard owners and wine makers about their favorite appellations in all varieties, styles and price ranges, and perhaps try something new. Treat yourself, family and friends to a gourmet experience courtesy of some of the best chefs on the Emerald Coast from your favorite local restaurants who pair delectable bite-sized appetizers with their current glass selections—the Savor South Walton experience! A festival favorite, the Bubbly & Boozy tent, returns to... Read More

  Fishing is in our blood. We wouldn’t be the same without it! Don’t believe us? Spend a day on the water with one of the top fishing charters in Panama City Beach, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find there’s plenty to catch in our Gulf waters.   Read More