DWU Welcomes New General Manager as Wernet Retires After 25 Years
Destin Water Users (DWU) has named Monica Wallis as its new general manager following the retirement of Lockwood Wernet, who served the organization for 25 years and led it through a decade of growth and innovation.
Wernet began his DWU journey in 2000 as a board member, later serving as assistant general manager in 2010 and general manager in 2014. Under his leadership, DWU completed several major infrastructure projects, including a new wellfield and transmission line, construction of hurricane-resistant offices and warehouse space, upgraded water towers and the installation of automated meter readers. DWU also modernized its treatment disinfection process to enhance public safety.
“Not only did we invest in improving our equipment and facilities, but we also invested in the people who carry out the daily operations,” Wernet said. “I am most proud of the people I’ve worked with at DWU and their dedicated professionalism to serve the public health and safety of our community.”
During Wernet’s tenure, DWU received numerous accolades, including multiple Plant Operations Excellence Awards, Tank of the Year in 2020, and repeated Safety Awards for its employee-led program. DWU’s wastewater operators also earned top honors in statewide Operators Challenges, and the utility took home several local awards for its Destin Christmas Parade floats.
Wernet praised his successor, Monica Wallis, as “a natural born leader who possesses the knowledge, education and experience to lead Team DWU into the future.”
Wallis, a longtime DWU engineer and operations manager, is continuing a family legacy—her grandfather was a founding board member, and her mother currently serves on the board. “Continuing in their footsteps and helping chart a vision for a growing community with the most precious resource of water—what better way than to lead DWU,” she said.
Destin Forward Graduates 13 Local Leaders, Honors Allyson Anger
On May 8, the Destin Chamber celebrated the graduation of 13 business professionals from its 16th Destin Forward class—a community education and leadership program designed to develop future city and business leaders.
This year’s Destin Forward Leadership Award, chosen by class vote, was presented to Allyson Anger of Home2 Suites by Hilton for her outstanding leadership throughout the program.
Following an opening retreat in August, the class spent eight months exploring Destin’s waterways, tourism, arts and culture, nonprofits, environment, city services, economic development, and military presence. Class requirements included attending local civic events and completing a group project.
This year’s project focused on preserving Destin’s heritage by creating an interactive audio trail at Captain Leonard Destin Park, celebrating the history of the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”
With this graduating class, 266 professionals have now completed the program. Four class members—Allyson Anger, Alicia Hurwood, Bailey Rathmann and Springer Williams—were selected to serve on the Destin Forward Advisory Board.
Applications for the Destin Forward Class of 2026 are now open. For details, call (850) 837-6241 or email mail@DestinChamber.com.
Gulfarium CARE Center Kicks Off 2025 Turtle Season with First Public Release
Gulfarium Kicks Off Sea Turtle Release Season with Joyful Return to the Gulf
In May, a cheerful crowd gathered on the beach to witness the Gulfarium CARE Center’s first public sea turtle release of 2025. Three rehabilitated juveniles—Rierson, Pee-wee and Peony—were successfully returned to their ocean home.
The release marks a hopeful start to a busy season. The CARE Center has already rescued and rehabilitated over 50 sea turtles this year. Rierson, a green sea turtle, was found cold-stunned in January and spent four months recovering. Pee-wee, a 3.6-pound Kemp’s Ridley, was foul-hooked off the Okaloosa Island Pier in May and quickly released after treatment. Peony, another green sea turtle, was rescued from Pensacola Beach Pier after biting onto mullet bait.
“This was a beautiful way to start our turtle season,” said Tabitha Siegfried, Stranding Coordinator. “The community’s support shows how deeply people care about marine conservation.”
The CARE Center continues its mission to protect marine life and recently expanded its efforts through a new partnership with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, welcoming three rescued manatees to the park’s new Manatee Cove.
To report a distressed or injured sea turtle, call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).
Seaside School Receives $125K Grant to Expand STEM Programs
SEASIDE SCHOOL™ has received a $125,000 grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation to expand STEM education at Seacoast Collegiate High School, located on the Northwest Florida State College South Walton Campus.
The funding will support science and technology infrastructure, targeting 9th and 10th grade students with a 1:1 technology rollout, including Chromebooks, iPads and advanced lab equipment such as microscopes and environmental science tools.
“This grant allows us to not only enrich academic instruction, but also to prepare our students to lead in high-wage, high-need fields like healthcare, renewable energy and sustainable development,” said Dr. Tom Miller, executive director of SEASIDE SCHOOL™.
The initiative addresses regional workforce needs by preparing students for careers in healthcare, STEM, and environmental science. Students will gain hands-on experience and earn industry-recognized certifications—giving them a competitive edge in college and the job market.
Expected outcomes include up to $60,000 in college cost savings through dual enrollment, improved graduation and employment rates, and long-term economic benefits for Walton County through talent retention and workforce development.
Beyond traditional careers, the program emphasizes environmental literacy, preparing students for leadership in fields such as law, public policy and conservation.
The grant also supports teacher training, STEM-integrated extracurriculars and a dedicated technology support specialist. For more information, visit SeasideSchools.net.
Gulfarium Raises $100K for Sea Turtle Rescue at Annual Fundraiser
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park raised more than $100,000 during its second annual CARE on the Coast fundraiser held April 26, 2025, in support of its sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Hundreds attended the event, which featured live music, local food and drinks, a dolphin presentation, silent auction, and animal encounters. Proceeds will benefit the Gulfarium CARE Center, which rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured and endangered sea turtles along the Gulf Coast.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm shown by our community,” said Patrick Berry, director of the CARE Center. “Every dollar raised goes directly to helping our patients, from hatchlings entangled in fishing line to adult turtles battling life-threatening injuries.”
Founded in 2015, the CARE Center has helped return hundreds of sea turtles to the wild each year. Funds from this year’s event will support continued medical care, rehabilitation, and public education aimed at marine conservation.
For more information, visit www.gulfarium.com.
Panhandle Wildlife Rescue Opens New Wildlife Hospital in Freeport
Panhandle Wildlife Rescue (PWR) is celebrating the grand opening of its new full-scale wildlife rehabilitation center and hospital in Freeport. Serving 11 counties from Navarre to Tallahassee, PWR provides critical care and rehabilitation to Florida’s native wildlife.
The state-of-the-art facility—made possible by a generous donation from Ryan Jumonville and Family—marks a major milestone for the nonprofit, which now expects to treat 1,000 to 2,000 injured, sick, or orphaned animals each year. With expanded capacity for medical care, orphan rearing, and rehabilitation, PWR offers Florida’s wild creatures a second chance at life in one of the country’s most ecologically diverse regions.
“The opening of this facility is a huge leap forward for wildlife care along the Emerald Coast,” said Shelby Robinson, founder and executive director.
PWR’s “Respect the Locals” campaign promotes peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife through education and citizen science. “Nothing feeds the soul more than watching a once-broken creature return to the wild,” adds Raven Smith, head of development.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, PWR receives no government funding. All services, including a 24/7 rescue hotline, rely on community support. Learn more or donate at www.panhandlewildliferescue.com.
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