Every March, the Florida Panhandle hosts thousands of spring break students of all ages and from all areas of the country. While most come to our state to enjoy the surf and sand, other spring breakers arrive to volunteer. In March, multiple groups worked with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance...
By Dave White
Steve Vaggalis, lead Pastor of Destiny Worship Center (DWC), along with his wife, Jackie, are the founders of a multi-campus church with locations in Destin, Panama City Beach, Freeport, Crestview, and soon, Fort Walton Beach. Beginning in 2001, Destiny has grown from 100 in attendance at their...
By Whitney Lee
What do you know about Shelter House? The name and logo might give you a clue, but providing shelter is just one service provided by the state-certified domestic violence and sexual assault center that has been serving Okaloosa and Walton counties since 1985. All of Shelter House’s...
By Lori Leath Smith
For years and years, one of Destin’s most vital assets, Norriego Point, functionally and aesthetically, was losing its battle against nature. Multiple thousands of dollars have been spent trying to clear the Harbor so that recreational boats, as well as the charter fishing fleet, could get...
By Heather Bennett
Harvest House is a Christian based nonprofit organization, and Executive Director Lori Joyner believes they are doing God’s work for the community. They continue to pray for those in need, helping people from all walks of life and situations. “We are God’s hands and feet. Everybody who’s...
By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher
What began as a twinkle of an idea five years ago is now becoming a reality. “Local artist-created banners will soon be displayed in the medians on Main Street,” says Ron Sandstead, Flutterby Antiques owner. “It’s a beautiful thing to see your baby finally born.”...
By Heather Bennett
Zig Ziglar said, “Success is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” and Sharing Hands Network’s (SHN’s) steady growth over the last several years prepared them to answer the call to help with relief efforts following Hurricane Michael. I had the pleasure of speaking with SHN’s founder Esther...
By Lori Leath Smith
Our December Hometown Heroes are students! And, yes, they're heroes for tons of parents who have no way to provide a Christmas for their children. These are Fort Walton Beach High School Leadership students who stand at the forefront of Okaloosa County's community service volunteers and...
