The City of Freeport would like to thank the wonderful group of students from Freeport High School who came out to volunteer recently. Thanks to their hard work, a new Community Garden has been planted!
Freeport Rotary’s 2nd Annual Fire Truck Pull Kicks Off Heroes for Heroes Benefiting Fisher House
The Freeport Rotary Club hosted its 2nd Annual Fire Truck Pull on Friday, November 7, officially kicking off Walton County Fire & Rescue’s Heroes for Heroes, an exciting community event supporting Fisher House of the Emerald Coast.
Teams from across Walton County competed for the fastest time pulling a fully loaded fire truck 50 feet down the street in front of Props Brewery at The Windmills in Hammock Bay. The event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, uniting local businesses, first responders, students, military groups and families in a shared mission of service. Bill Blanken, President of the Freeport Merchants Association was the Master of Ceremonies and Drea Knotts sang the National Anthem.
Proceeds from Heroes for Heroes totaling over $10,000 will directly benefit Fisher House and their work to provide free lodging and support for military families of hospitalized service members.
“Events like this not only raise vital funds but also build awareness of the families we serve,” said Mia Hughes, Executive Director of Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Walton Fire & Rescue, Freeport Rotary Club and the Walton County community for rallying behind our mission.”
This year’s Fire Truck Pull was made possible through the generosity of sponsors and participants. Lead Sponsors: Magnolia Tribe Chiropractic, Mills Heating & Air, and Emerald Coast Title Services Team Sponsors: Express Oil Change, Circle K, Pets R Family, Doughboy Burgers, Hammock Bay Dental, Koast Builders, Proactive Data, Sherwin Williams, T48 Athletics, and Thin Blue Line
The Chick-fil-A Marketing Team was also onsite showing their support and has pledged to donate a portion of local sales proceeds to Fisher House.
The competition was fierce but friendly! 2025 winners include: 1st Place: EOD School, 2nd Place: Walton County Fire & Rescue Cadets and 3rd Place: Oar House
Special thanks to Freeport High School Baseball Coach Trevin Eubanks for rallying the baseball team and to fitness instructor and Navy veteran Julia Dwyer who once again led the Ash Kickers, the event’s only all-women’s team.
“This is such a fun, high-energy event,” said Michelle Jannazo, Chair of the Freeport Rotary Club. “We’re thankful for the incredible teamwork of Fire Marshal Jeremy Radney and his crew and all of our community partners who help make it all possible.”
Worthy Impact 100 Grant Recipients Receive Awards
By Barbara Palmgren
The Impact 100 Annual Meeting was called to order after a lovely hour of “meet and greet” at the Holiday Inn on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach. After approval of the meeting agenda and necessary reports, two finalists from non-profit organizations gave five-minute speeches asking for the membership to vote for their non-profit to receive a check of $100,000 to fund a specific project for that organization.
Impact 100 is an independent non-profit global organization with chapters in the United States. Impact 100 Northwest Florida is one of those chapters. This group of women who each donate financially also may serve on committees to prepare non-profits to write and submit grant proposals. After a year of this work, ten finalists in five categories were presented at the annual meeting for the final vote. Each organization received a check for $100,000 for their project.
Congratulations to these finalists!
Arts & Culture: Arts and Design Society
Education: Westwood Ranch
Environment, Recreation & Preservation: Healing Footsteps
Family: The Pearl Project
Health & Wellness: Elder Services
Westonwood Ranch Receives $400,000 in State Funding for New Life Skills and Job Training Center
Westonwood Ranch has secured $400,000 in State of Florida Appropriations through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities—a transformative investment championed by Rep. Shane Abbott and Sen. Jay Trumbull. The funding will help construct a new life skills and job training building on campus, marking a major step forward in the organization’s mission to expand learning and employment pathways for individuals with developmental differences.
The new facility will serve as a central hub for vocational training, independent living instruction, and hands-on workforce readiness programs. It also plays a key role in a broader initiative to address a critical regional need: affordable, supportive housing for young adults with developmental disabilities.
Westonwood Ranch extends its deepest gratitude to Representative Shane Abbott (R–District 5) and Senator Trumbull (R–District 2) for their strong advocacy.
“I am proud to support Westonwood Ranch and their mission to empower individuals with developmental differences through education, training, and workforce development. Investments like this not only strengthen our communities but also create pathways for independence and meaningful employment. I look forward to seeing the lasting impact this new facility will bring to District 5 and beyond,” said Rep. Shane Abbott.
Founder and CEO Lindy Wood added: “This funding is a game-changer for our organization and, most importantly, for the individuals and families we serve. We are especially thankful for Representative Abbott and Senator Trumbull’s advocacy and belief in our mission. With this new building, we will be able to expand our training programs, foster greater independence, and create a pipeline of opportunities that help bridge the gap between education and employment.”
This appropriation reflects Florida’s continued commitment to inclusive workforce development and innovative supportive housing solutions. The expansion will help create a true continuum of care—equipping young adults with developmental disabilities with the skills, confidence, and stability they need to thrive.
Green Thumb Garden Club Receives Grant to Support Eden Park Butterfly Garden Restoration
By Kathleen Edge, Publicity & Website Chair
The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs District 1 fall meeting, hosted by Green Thumb Garden Club (GTGC) and DeFuniak Springs Garden Club, brought more than 70 attendees to Sandestin’s Westwinds Conference Center, where grants and awards were presented to clubs across the Panhandle.
Green Thumb received an FFGC grant and will match the funds to support restoration of the Butterfly Garden at Eden Gardens State Park. GTGC volunteers have helped maintain the garden for 35 years and are honored to contribute to this next phase of its renewal.
Members were also recognized for their participation in National Garden Week, held the first week of June each year.
In October, GTGC members donated more than $600 in food and cash to Caring & Sharing to help local families in need. Walton County Sheriff’s Santa Patrol will receive gifts and gift cards for children and teens at the GTGC Holiday Party on Dec. 10, 2025, at Bricktop’s in Grand Boulevard. The club has also selected a well-deserving Walton County family as its 2025 Habitat holiday family, providing monetary donations and gifts to brighten their season.
To learn more about GTGC’s charitable mission, membership, meetings, and activities, visit greenthumbgardenclubinc.org or email greenthumbgardenclubinc@gmail.com. Green Thumb Garden Club, Inc., based in Walton County, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to beautification, gardening education, environmental stewardship and fostering a love of nature in youth.
Each year, children eagerly anticipate waking up on Christmas morning to find gifts from Santa under the tree. In that spirit, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to ensuring a joyful holiday experience for as many children and families in need as possible.
More than $150,000 Raised at the 9th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) announced that its 9th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival, held Oct. 16–19 in WaterColor, raised more than $150,000 to support children in need across Northwest Florida. DCWAF currently partners with 16 charities addressing homelessness, abuse, medical care, and other critical needs.
Ranked among Southern Living’s “15 Southern Festivals Worth Planning Your Trip Around,” this year’s event featured celebrity winemaker dinners, Harvest After Dark, Saturday’s Grand Tasting, and a Sunday cocktail brunch.
More at DCWAF.org or facebook.com/DCWAF.
Tom Glavine’s Field of Dreams Golf Outing Raises $200,000
The 5th Annual Tom Glavine’s Field of Dreams Golf Outing at Camp Creek Golf Course in Inlet Beach raised $200,000 for Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center. MLB Hall of Famer Tom Glavine hosted the Oct. 13 event alongside special guest Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“I’ve always believed sports have the power to bring people together for something bigger,” Glavine said. “The support raised here today directly helps young people in our community gain the skills, education, and confidence they need to build successful futures right here at home.”
Tournament Results
- First Place Gross: Jamey Price, JR Holden, John Davenport & Jeff Roland
- First Place Net: McKenzie Burleigh, Kristy Holditch, Arlease Ciatto & Kevin Rosa
- Longest Drive: Miranda Corchis / Peyton Glavine
- Closest to the Pin: Courtney Fields / David Kapitanoff
- 50/50 Raffle: McKenzie Burleigh
Funds support the multi-phase South Walton Center project, now home to new Seacoast Collegiate High School and NWFSC buildings. “This project is a defining step forward for Seacoast Collegiate High School and for Walton County as a whole,” said Dr. Tom Miller.
More at SeasideSchools.net.
10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival Raises $28,000
The Market Shops’ 10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival, held Oct. 11 and powered by Step One Automotive Group, raised $28,000 for Habitat for Humanity – Walton County. More than 800 attendees sampled creative Bloody Marys from 18 local competitors, all using Distillery 98’s Half Shell Vodka.
Award Winners
- People’s Choice 1st: Café Nola
- 2nd: Down Island
- 3rd: The Gulf Club
- Judge’s Choice: The Perfect Pig
- Best Accoutrement: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa
“Our 10th anniversary festival was the best one yet,” said Bob Duncan, managing partner of The Market Shops.
Since inception, the festival has raised over $278,600 for local nonprofits. This year’s proceeds support Habitat’s next development of nine affordable homes. “The funds raised will go directly to support our next Habitat development,” said Teresa Jones, CEO.
Embrace Florida Kids Receives Funding from United Way Emerald Coast
Embrace Florida Kids was selected as a United Way Emerald Coast funded partner for 2025–26, marking its fourth consecutive year. The support—part of more than $550,000 awarded to 25 organizations—will fund the Family Preservation program in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
“We’re grateful to United Way Emerald Coast and Eglin Federal Credit Union for believing in our mission and investing in the future of our families,” said Ramsey Lawrence, director of development and community relations.
United Way Emerald Coast’s community grants focus on healthy communities, youth opportunities, and financial security.
LECOM Expands Dr. Durrell Peaden Jr. Dental Clinic
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) celebrated the expansion of the Dr. Durrell Peaden Jr. Dental Clinic in DeFuniak Springs, adding 15 treatment stations and 30 student dentists. The $3.2 million project increases access to affordable dental care and enhances clinical training.
LECOM Board Member Nancy Peaden received the President’s Distinguished Service Award during the ceremony. LECOM’s total economic impact in the region now exceeds $4.5 million.
Embrace Florida Kids’ awarded funds are supported by United Way Emerald Coast donors and investments by Eglin Federal Credit Union.
Embrace Florida Kids was awarded $20,000 toward their Family Preservation program. Family Preservation is a licensed and accredited program designed to strengthen and preserve families by teaching, challenging and helping families learn the skills they need to stay together and help each other grow successfully.
“We understand that family is the most fundamental influence on children. Our philosophy is that it is usually best for children to be able to stay with their own families and for families to learn how to handle their own challenges in a healthy, loving way.” said Blake Horne, president and CEO, Embrace Florida Kids. “We have more than a 95% success rate in our Family Preservation program, which means families are staying together in lieu of their children entering the foster care system.”
To learn more about Embrace Florida Kids, please visit embraceflkids.org/. For inquiries about Family Preservation or other Embrace programs, contact Ramsey Lawrence at ramsey.lawrence@embraceflkids.org or 850-533-9968.
To learn more about United Way Emerald Coast, please visit united-way.org/.
