DHS Board Member Wins Statewide Charter School Award!
Destin High School’s own Heidi LoCicero has been named a 2025 Charter School Champion of the Year by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS).
LoCicero is one of only three governing board members statewide to earn the prestigious honor, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the success of their charter schools. The award covers contributions made during the 2024–2025 school year.
Now in its 12th year, the FCPCS Charter School Champions program highlights outstanding teachers, school leaders, board members, pioneers, and innovators from across Florida’s charter school system, spanning kindergarten through high school. This year’s recipients include nine teachers, three school leaders, three board members, two pioneers, and one innovator.
LoCicero’s recognition brings pride not only to Destin High but to the entire local charter school community.
Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club Earns Prestigious ICONIC Rating
Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club has been awarded the elite ICONIC status for 2025 by THE BOARDROOM magazine in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide—an honor given to only the top 1% of clubs worldwide for outstanding ambiance, service, and guest satisfaction. Known for its luxury amenities, championship-level course designed by Robert C. Walker, and superior hospitality, Regatta Bay offers a private-club caliber experience to both members and guests.
“We are honored to be recognized,” said General Manager Michael Giammaresi. “This achievement reflects our dedication to providing world-class facilities, exceptional service, and unforgettable moments on the course.”
Developed by Legendary LLC, Regatta Bay remains one of the Gulf Coast’s top golf destinations.
Visit RegattaBay.com or contact Courtney Geiger at CKing@RegattaBay.com.
DMS’s Noah Finkler Wins Florida Civics Title, Heads to Nationals
Destin Middle School 8th grader Noah Finkler has been named the Florida State Champion of the 2025 National Civics Bee. Noah claimed first place at the state finals held May 31 at Florida State University, earning a $1,000 prize and a spot at the National Championship in Washington, D.C. this fall, where he’ll represent Florida against top students from across the country. Noah’s journey began with a win at the inaugural local National Civics Bee hosted March 11 by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. He was joined by two finalists from Northwest Florida Ballet Académie, and received a $500 prize. The local competition, held at Gregg Chapel Life Center and supported by Eglin Federal Credit Union, Cox Communications, Chesser & Barr and SportClips, was Florida’s first. “The U.S. Chamber Foundation has given students a tremendous opportunity to engage in civic education,” said Ted Corcoran, Chamber CEO. Superintendent Marcus Chambers added, “We couldn’t be prouder of Noah. His dedication speaks volumes.”
Learn more at civics.uschamberfoundation.org.
Graffiti Pizza – Destin Opens in Destin Commons
Locally owned and operated, Graffiti Pizza in Destin has opened its doors, specializing in New York-style pizza, with dough made from scratch. You may enjoy pizza by the slice or pie. This family-friendly restaurant, located in Destin Commons, offers indoors and outdoor dining, with a full outdoor bar and 20 TVs. Check out the full menu at DestinGraffitiPizza.com and stop by the restaurant to see local artwork from local artist Kelly Pierre.
Bayside Café Now Open at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has unveiled its newest dining experience—Bayside Café, a full-service restaurant open to the public and resort guests. Located along the scenic shores of Choctawhatchee Bay near the Bayside Inn, the café blends Southern hospitality with coastal-inspired flavors in a welcoming, laid-back setting. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner indoors or relax with light bites and cocktails at the poolside bar.
Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Menu and more: sandestin.com/bayside-cafe
Walton Chamber Seeks Speakers for “The Next BIG Thing” Conference
The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting speaker applications for its 2025 “The Next BIG Thing” Annual Conference, set for October 6 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. Presented by Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast and Eglin Federal Credit Union, the event will feature dynamic sessions focused on Leadership Development, Entrepreneurship and Women in Business. Over 200 professionals are expected to attend the one-day event, which includes TED Talk-style presentations, breakout workshops, networking, complimentary headshots, and more. Speaker applications are due by midnight August 9 at waltonareachamber.com.
To register or sponsor, visit waltonareachamber.com/the-next-big-thing or contact Gabrielle Hamilton at (850) 892-3191 or Gabrielle@WaltonAreaChamber.com.
ContractHER Connect to Host Women in Construction Summit in Destin
ContractHER Connect announces the inaugural Built to Lead: Women in Construction Summit, set for August 21, 2025, at the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village in Destin. Presented by Builders FirstSource, this one-day event brings together women across the construction, design, and development industries for networking, leadership training, and expert-led discussions.
Keynote speaker Sarah Stein, founder of Sarah Stein Homes, will share her vision for homebuilding rooted in tradition and innovation. Tickets are $150 and include lunch and complimentary admission to the Contractor’s Connect meetup at AJ’s on the Harbor. Sponsorships are still available. Learn more at contractors-connect.com/contracther-connect or email info@beespokeconsulting.com.
Applications Open for Class IV of Leadership Northwest Florida
Florida’s Great Northwest is now accepting applications for Class IV of Leadership Northwest Florida, a regional leadership program designed to cultivate informed, collaborative leaders across all industries. Participants will explore key economic development topics such as business vitality, talent, infrastructure, innovation, and quality of life—while building a strong network of regional changemakers. Applications are due by August 21, 2025. For details, contact Kasey Killebrew at (334) 790-4557, kkillebrew@fgnw.org or visit floridasgreatnorthwest.com/lnwfl.
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club Hosts First-Ever AJGA Tournament
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club successfully hosted its first American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournament May 27–30, drawing top junior golfers from across the U.S. and beyond to Santa Rosa Beach.
Local standout Neely Kight, a rising high school sophomore, tied for second place, while Puerto Rico native Krishny Elwin—now living in Orlando—won the girls division, praising the course for its player-friendly design. The tournament featured 54 holes of championship play, a practice round, and strong community and business involvement. Santa Rosa’s grounds crew earned high marks for preparing a tournament-ready course, making the event a hit with players and spectators alike. With positive feedback from AJGA officials, the event positions Santa Rosa Beach as a rising destination for junior golf.
For more information, visit santarosaclub.com, call (850) 267-2229, or follow on Instagram and Facebook. Media inquiries: zach@santarosaclub.com.
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