Category: Featured

By Heather Bennett

We have all been affected by cancer in some capacity, and  too many families are forced to endure childhood cancer. There is a beacon of hope for these families, and it can be found here along the Emerald Coast, at Lighthouse Family Retreat. LFR have been hosting retreats for families living through childhood cancer since 1999. They are a faith-based nonprofit organization founded by an oncologist nurse. Although they are headquartered in Atlanta, many of their retreats are located along the panhandle from Panama City Beach to Fort Walton Beach.

I spoke with Todd Craig, the Regional Director of Gulf Coast Operations. Todd lives here with his family, and like the rest of us, knows what a gift it is. “We live in such a beautiful place. We get to share that with people who are going through really challenging times,” said Todd. “There’s something about standing in front of the ocean that brings perspective and hope.”

Thanks to many generous donors, fund raising and volunteers, families that attend retreats have no costs to them once they arrive. If they have trouble covering travel expenses, they can apply for a scholarship. Different resorts in the area donate space for the families to stay during a retreat. “We have a retreat in Watercolor in the fall, over fall break, and homeowners have donated their houses,” said Todd.

Lighthouse Family Retreat depends on the community here. Todd reaches out to churches, homeowners, resorts, restaurants and beach services and has developed relationships with great community partners.  “It really is a community effort to pull this off,” said Todd. “When restaurants and beach services make in-kind donations, it’s a game changer. It’s such a cool way for our community to be a part of what is happening here.”

What is happening, is a weeklong opportunity for a family to feel like a family once again. Kids have the chance to play with other kids, adults have time to connect with other adults going through similar situations, and spouses have a date night and reconnect with each other.

During the Lighthouse Family Retreat, families are paired with a family partner, volunteers, who help to serve them during their stay and make all these events run smoothly. The family partners help with the kids, serve meals, provide turn down service, etc. They give the families time to relax.

For these retreats, the family partners are just as important as the donations. Some retreat families come back to volunteer as family partners once they are done facing their own struggle. “There’s something about serving that’s not just healing for the person you’re serving, but it’s healing for you as well,” said Todd. “We’re created to bless and serve one another.”

If you would like more information on Lighthouse Family Retreat, please visit their Website www.lighthousefamilyretreat.org, and if you are interested in making a donation or volunteering you can contact Todd at todd@lighthousefamilyretreat.org.

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By Rita L. Sherwood

Walton County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Florida, and the demand for an alternative learning environment is here. Enter South Walton Academy, (SWA) the only school of its kind within a three hour drive on the Emerald Coast. And what makes this school different? Since 2016, SWA has provided individual instruction depending on the child’s needs which range from educational to therapeutic opportunities. They provide guided instruction for behavior, social skills and communication in order to maximize potential for children under the age of 18. On site licensed therapists and certified teachers work together to achieve curriculums for gifted students, special needs students, and neuro-typical students. SWA’s low student to teacher ratio allows one-on-one instruction as well as socialization and group work in each classroom.

Currently, 50 students age 3-13 are enrolled in their academic program, and they also are working with 80 pediatric therapy children. Public programs are available and include aftercare, playgroups, a summer program and a therapy clinic. Art programs for adults and children, as well as parent trainings and a kids night out round out the extra curricular activities.

Speech, Developmental, Occupational and Behaviorial Therapy are used here, as well as tutoring. Groundbreaking new therapies such as the iLS Program, Safe and Sound protocol and Integrative Relex therapy also are practiced here.

And what’s the most rewarding part of being involved with SWA? Founder Callie Middlebrook says, “Celebrating a non-verbal child speaking for the first time, or watching a student surpass their grade level.” She also shares that learning, growth and development in a child starts with movement and sensory exploration. “We take this knowledge and provide targeted movement activities throughout the day for each class which improves motor skills, sensory detection and processing in order to achieve academic success.”

In their third year of operation, SWA has grown more than 300 percent, so the need for a new facility is paramount. On January 1, 2020, SWA will be moving to their new campus on Mack Bayou. SWA is a private, non-profit school that collects tuition and is highly dependent on fundraisers. Please consider donating to their “Dream Big” capital campaign at www.mightycause/story/Southwaltonacademy or by calling (850) 213-4595, emailing Southwaltonacademy@gmail.com, or visiting online at Southwaltonacademy.com, or on Facebook and Instagram. SWA also accepts most insurance carriers, as well as private and state funded scholarships such as Gardiner, McKay, Hope, Florida Tax Credit and more.

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By Lori Leath Smith

Local Special Olympics Florida founder Charlie McFarland has something in common with Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics iconic national founder. Like Eunice, Charlie believes in the spirit and souls of those who have special needs. Even though Charlie passed the “baton”,for 40 years he committed himself to helping our local athletes pursue their dreams.

Charlie remembers when it all began: In 1968, 20 students from Silver Sands School in Ft. Walton Beach attended a national special needs athletic competition established by the Kennedy Foundation. By May 1970, with still no organized sports for special needs athletes in our area, a state game was held in Ft. Walton Beach through the Foundation and 250 athletes from throughout Florida participated. Two months later a state team of 50 Florida athletes, along with 950 additional athletes from the U.S. and Canada, traveled to the first Special Olympics competition held at Chicago’s Soldier Field, the national Special Olympics birthplace founded in 1968. Since then, Okaloosa County has sent delegates to USA, National and World Games. “At first,” says Charlie, “all games were held at one time each year. But, later, due to the increase in the number of participants and the desire for the athletes to compete in different sports, Special Olympics became summer and winter, and then year-round.” The first Florida Winter Games were hosted in Ft. Walton Beach by Eglin Air Force Base.

“In 1985, there was an athlete that wanted to participate in winter games. So, we went to Boone, N.C., and he won a gold medal in Alpine Skiing! He had never skied before, yet won the gold!” chuckled Charlie. “In the early days, we had some celebrities, such the vocal band Alabama, Reba McIntyre, Mickey Mantle and others who assisted me with funding to help Special Olympics get started here,” says Charlie. “We also have the only non-military flag in the world that has flown into space aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1985!”

Special Olympics Walton-Okaloosa County provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with and without intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athlete nor the unified partner. “Locally we offer 18 different sports to athletes ages 8 and up helping to develop their fine and gross motor skills, showcase their talents and help achieve physical fitness—the best of all—athletes never age out,” says Pamela. Local athlete, Ann James, age 61, won her first Gold Medal in 1969 in S.C. and 50 years later she just won another Gold Medal at State Swim this past October. “Special Olympics is their life! With multiple teams per sport, it’s not one event, but sports, games and competitions that occur almost 365 days a year,” Pamela says. “And research shows athletes achieve better academics, gain self-esteem and life skills necessary to be productive, respected and contributing members of our community with increased public awareness of their capabilities and needs.” Currently 510 athletes in Okaloosa County compete in Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Cheerleading, Cycling, Flag Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Pickleball, Powerlifting, Soccer, Softball, Stand Up Paddle, Surfing, Swimming, Tennis and Volleyball and soon to offer Equestrian. Each sports season lasts approximately three to four months with at least eight weeks of training and three levels of competition: County, Area and State Games.

In summer of 2022, Disney World will officially host the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Summer of 2022. “This event will mark the largest humanitarian event in Florida’s history!” says Pamela. “Additionally, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics Florida!”

Special Olympics never charges for participation regardless of demographics or economics. “We provide everything from water, uniforms, equipment, transportation, food and lodging,” says Pamela. “Locally we’re not government funded; we depend on individual and corporate contributions and fundraising; so, every dollar matters and volunteers are vital as we have no paid staff.”

“Fifty years ago, few knew the potential hiding within people with intellectual disabilities,” says Pamela. “Today, our community can witness our athletes thriving, not only on the playing field, but also throughout the community. For more information please visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org/walton or/Okaloosa.

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By Gueary Clendenning

Christmas is just around the corner; after Thanksgiving, the pace quickens toward the big day! We’ll find ourselves in a big rush, always pursuing one more thing we need to get accomplished. We look for the nearest parking spot in the crowded mall, searching for the perfect gift. Expectations heighten as we look for family members to arrive. What’s Christmas without Mom’s chocolate chip cookies! And yes, when Christmas is finally over, we look forward to getting some rest. Ha!

Isn’t it easy, with all the flurry of Christmas to miss the real meaning of Christmas?

The night Christ was born, the inn-keeper was busy with a full house of customers, thanks to the new taxation decreed by Caesar Augustus. The people of Bethlehem were unaware that the couple entering their town were about to give birth to the Son of God! Perhaps even Joseph and Mary wondered how this could be God-directed when the only place they could find shelter was in a smelly stable. But this night would change everything! Micah, a prophet of the Old Testament had prophesied hundreds of years before, that a ruler was to be born in Bethlehem, whose origins were from Eternity. “But you, oh Bethlehem…though you are a small village in Judah, a ruler of Israel shall come from you, one whose origins are from the ancient past.”

Another Old Testament prophet declared “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Immanuel means “God with us.”

That night near Bethlehem, shepherds were working their usual routine of herding sheep into a cave, where, at the enterance, they would keep watch. Just another, long, boring night!

But, out of nowhere, a mighty angel appears in the blackened sky. In a flash, the darkness was expelled with a brilliant light. The shepherd’s are paralysed with a gripping fear. The angel said to them, “don’t be afriad, I bring you good news of great joy for everyone. The Savior, yes-the Messiah has been born tonight in Bethlehem. And this is how you will recognize him: you will hind him in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others- the armies of heaven, praising God, saying “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all of whom God favors.” Luke 2:10-14.

Time and space will not permit me to tell you about a devout man who was told by God that he will not see death until his eyes had seen the Messiah. His story is found in Luke 2:25-33. Nor do I have the space to tell you about the men from the East, who in studying the scriptures were led to follow a star to where Jesus was born. Their story is in Matthew 2:1-12.

The shepherds and the wise men did not miss the meaning of Christmas. God’s gift to the world was His Son, Jesus Christ. Why? The scripture’s give us the answer: ”For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

The truth is that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standards. Yet, now, God in His gracious kindness declares us not guilty. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God’s justice is satisfied. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed His blood, sacrificing his life for us.

Such a great gift! Our sins forgiven and our standing before God made right. So please, don’t miss the true meaning of Christmas. May you have a beautiful and Christ centered Christmas.

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Everyone knows there’s just no place like home for the holidays, and this season there’s no better gift to give a young one but South Walton’s own Theo! This year, Santa’s elves have been busy crafting 100 Giant 36” Theos available exclusively at Pecan Jack’s Candy and Ice Cream in Gulf Place, Clint Eagar Design Studios in Grayton Beach and at the Retail Therapy stores in Santa Rosa Beach and Miramar Beach. Call to pre-order your giant Theo for delivery the week of December 2nd. As you can see from the photos, Giant Theo will be a big hit and unmistakable under the tree! And what better way to educate our children about Sea Turtle conservation and the necessity of keeping our beaches #CleanDarkFlat!

Pecan Jacks 3rd Annual Santa Days

Join Pecan Jacks this December for their 3rd Annual “Santa Days” celebrations December 14th and 21st. With any purchase of $25 or more you can purchase a beautiful Theo Christmas Ornament for just $12, benefiting Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles. Click here for more details.

Theo Themed Christmas Party and Open House with Clint Eagar 

Join Clint Eagar, the 2019 Safari Club International’s Artist of the Year, for a special holiday party on Tuesday December 3rd. Click here for more details.

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On Wednesday, November 6, at 10:00am, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners held a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony for the new Walton County Sports Complex. The Complex is located at 240 MC Davis Blvd, Santa Rosa Beach. The facility is located behind the new Dune Lake Elementary School. This Complex offers a number of amenities to the public that improve the sports and recreational opportunities in the area. The park features:

• A lighted multi-use field complex that features 3 full-sized multi-use fields
• A lighted 3-field baseball/softball complex
• A restroom/concession building
• A separate restroom facility located adjacent to the multi-use complex
• Playground areas
• Greenspace/Picnic Areas
• Large parking area

The Walton County Sports Complex is a project that began in April of 2014 with the purchase of 32 acres of land in the amount of $2.4 million. Following the purchase, the design of the park was awarded to and completed by Lose & Associates. Upon completion of design, the construction contract was awarded to CW Roberts in July of 2017. Construction began in August of 2017 and has now reached it completion. The addition of these fields adds much needed support to South Walton recreational youth sports programs as well as provides an additional opportunity for family recreation south of the bay.

“Healthcare Costs in Retirement”

November 19th, 6:00-7:00 pm

Walton County Coastal Branch Library 

The Walton County Coastal Branch Library Welcomes financial advisor Nancy J. Ungarino for an informative seminar on healthcare costs in your retirement. Because healthcare costs are rising each year, it is imperative to know the right Medicare plan for you as well as potential out-of-pocket costs associated with long-term care. This presentation reviews costs and various plans of Medicare, evaluating insurance options, developing strategies for long-term care and considering health care directives. There is no registration for this free event.

For more information, please call Linda at Coastal Library, 850-267-2809. 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach. www.youseemore.com/walton.

Prescribed Burning on Public Lands

Local agencies from South Walton are inviting the public’s participation in a “town hall” meeting to discuss the annual prescribed burning program on public lands. Cooperating agencies include the Florida Forest Service, Florida Park Service, South Walton Fire District, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Atlanta Botanical Garden Organization and Walton County Emergency Management. Discussions will involve prescribed fire benefits, preparations and evaluations on local state forests and state parks.

The meeting will be held Nov. 14 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the community pavilion at Eden Gardens State Park. 181 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. Entrance fees will be waived for all participants.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FDACS.gov/FLForestService.

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South Walton County Mosquito Control District (SWCMCD) has experienced many changes in 2019 which enhance its presence and commitment to the community.  Director Harley Sampson, Jr. noted, “While the district has always been in the public’s eye, the staff is committed to better serving residents and visitors by participating in many of the area’s activities.”  During June’s Mosquito Control Awareness Week, several employees manned educational displays; and in July, technicians Rich Clark and Mike Yawn participated in Grayton Beach’s 4th of July Parade, proudly displaying the district’s Buffalo Turbine and Pedego Bike. With the addition of a Public Relations Specialist, residents should expect to see SWCMCD more frequently at local area events.

“SWCMCD prides itself in encouraging employees to improve themselves,” said Director Sampson; and in order to keep up-to-date with emerging issues, staff members attend a variety of educational workshops and conferences throughout the year. District employees attended Public Health and Core training in July at the UF/IFAS extension office in Defuniak Springs, and four new employees proudly hold a Public Health Applicator’s License.  While continuing education units are required to maintain these licenses, the district also holds regular in-service training that covers safety and personal development. Currently the district is going through the book, The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon, to learn rules for fueling all areas of life with positive energy.

Earlier this summer, Sampson was promoted to Director, and one of the district’s first hires was Entomologist, Cami Adams. In July and August, Mike Yawn was promoted to Operations Manager and Hallie Oalde was promoted to Public Relations Specialist.  Most recently, the district hired Cheryl Leitgeb as the new Administrative Assistant. Cheryl brings years of administrative and customer service experience and will be a great addition to an already stellar team.

With a busy summer coming to an end, the district looks forward to seeing what fall has in store. SWCMCD is committed to suppressing both pestiferous and disease-carrying mosquitoes; however, everyone plays an important part by implementing the 5 D’s of Protection:

• Drain – empty all containers in the yard.
• Dress – wear light-colored, long, loose clothing.
• Defend – choose good repellent such as DEET.
• Dusk and Dawn –  avoid outdoor activity during these times.

Even though cooler temperatures are on the way, SWCMCD remains vigilant and will be active this fall trapping mosquitoes, treating storm drains, and monitoring mosquito-breeding habitats. Any questions or if anyone would would like an inspection, please call 850-267-2112.

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