DAR Honors Destin Middle Student with Civics Award
The West Florida Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently presented the Patti Kroeger Excellence in Civics Award to Destin Middle School eighth-grade graduate Colton Romeo.
Established in 2022 in memory of longtime Destin Middle civics teacher Patti Kroeger, the award recognizes a student who demonstrates civic knowledge, community service and school leadership. Colton was selected by eighth-grade teachers for exemplifying those qualities through his leadership, integrity and positive impact on fellow students and faculty.
West Florida DAR Regent Robbie Carroll welcomed members of Patti Kroeger’s family, including her husband, Chester, and son, Austin, to help preserve her legacy and commitment to civic education. The West Florida Chapter serves Destin and Walton County, supporting historic preservation, education and patriotism.
Rotary Club of Destin’s Clayton Hicks Begins Service as District Governor
Congratulations to Rotary Club of Destin member Clayton Hicks, who officially began his term as Rotary District Governor on July 1, serving Rotary clubs throughout Northwest Florida and beyond.
A longtime Rotarian and dedicated community leader, Hicks will spend the coming year supporting local clubs, strengthening community impact and advancing Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self.
“As I begin my year serving as District Governor, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and express how honored I am to have the opportunity to work alongside each of you,” Hicks said. “I am excited about what we can accomplish together in support of our clubs and the communities we serve.”
Hicks emphasized the importance of communication, collaboration and partnership among Rotary leaders and members across the district, adding that his goal is to help clubs and communities thrive through service and shared purpose.
The Rotary Club of Destin congratulates Hicks on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to supporting his leadership throughout the coming year.
NWFSC Wins Statewide America 250 Welding Challenge
Northwest Florida State College has earned the Commissioner’s Choice Award among Florida College System institutions in the Florida Department of Education’s Statewide Welding & Fabrication Challenge commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
The winning project, a handcrafted B-25B Mitchell bomber replica known as the “Mighty Mitchell,” was created by students in the college’s Welding Technology Program. The aircraft honors the historic Doolittle Raiders, who trained at nearby Eglin Field before their famed World War II mission.
The project required more than 2,000 hours of design, fabrication and finishing work, bringing together students and faculty from both the Welding Technology Program and Art Department. Led by Skilled Trades Department Director Scott Bennett and welding faculty, the installation showcases technical skill, craftsmanship and historical significance.
The Mighty Mitchell remains on display outside Building 320 on the Niceville campus as part of the college’s America 250 initiatives.
Applications Open for Wayne Werner Memorial Scholarship
The Gulf of America Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance is accepting applications through July 31 for the Wayne Werner Memorial Scholarship.
Created in honor of the late commercial red snapper fisherman Wayne Werner, the scholarship recognizes his dedication to collaboration between fishermen, scientists and policymakers. One scholarship of up to $5,000 will be awarded for the 2026-27 academic year.
Eligible applicants must be upper-level undergraduate or graduate students studying marine science, fisheries management, oceanography, communications, journalism or a related field at institutions in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana or Texas. For information, contact Ashford Rosenberg at ashford@shareholdersalliance.org.
Emerald Coast Title Services Announces Merger with Osprey Title
Emerald Coast Title Services (ECTS), an attorney-run title and escrow company serving Northwest Florida since 1983, has announced the merger of Osprey Title into Emerald Coast Title Services.
The merger combines two established title companies committed to personalized service and local expertise. Existing Osprey Title clients will continue working with familiar professionals while gaining access to expanded resources and support.
As part of the transition, Licensed Title Agent Lindsay Roberts joins the ECTS team. Roberts has worked in the Florida title insurance industry since 2003 and earned her Florida Licensed Title Agent certification in 2017.
ECTS serves residential and commercial real estate clients throughout the Emerald Coast, with offices in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Freeport and Santa Rosa Beach.
