EFCU Earns National DOSE Award for Veteran Saves
Eglin Federal Credit Union was one of just five credit unions nationwide to receive the Designation of Savings Excellence (DOSE) Award for its leadership and outreach during Veteran Saves Week 2025, held Nov. 4–7. The industry-recognized honor celebrates financial institutions that promote effective saving strategies and financial readiness within the veteran community. Launched by America Saves in 2023, Veteran Saves Week encourages veterans and transitioning service members to build financial stability through practical, achievable saving habits and real-life financial check-ins. “We are proud to serve a thriving military and veteran community with services, support and solutions that simplify their financial lives,” said Cathie Staton, Eglin FCU president and CEO. “Our Field of Membership includes active and retired military personnel assigned to or receiving services from Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Duke Field, Camp Rudder or the 7th Special Forces Group. Veterans residing in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties are also eligible for membership. Partnering with Veteran Saves Week was a natural fit, as we share a commitment to helping veterans, transitioning service members and their families build financial readiness for life after service.”
Through the efforts of Eglin Federal Credit Union and more than 900 participating organizations nationwide, Veteran Saves Week 2025 generated nearly $1.9 million in deposits into new and existing savings accounts and $370,000 in pledged deposits toward personal savings goals. Outreach included educational resources, community engagement and social media campaigns encouraging veterans to take the Veteran Saves Pledge. “At its core, Veteran Saves Week encourages a financial check-in so Veterans and transitioning service members can better understand their day-to-day finances,” said Krystel Spell, program manager of Veteran Saves. “This year, we were especially mindful of the moment we were in. Many households are making tough decisions, adjusting priorities and responding to unexpected financial changes. The organizations recognized this year helped make saving feel realistic for Veterans and service members, even during uncertain times.”
Walton County Launches Geocaching Program
Walton County has decided to launch a Geocaching program. What, you might ask, is Geocaching? It is a kind of real-life treasure hunt and adventure is the key! Geocaching is an outdoor activity where people use a GPS device or smartphone to find hidden containers, called geocaches or simply caches, at specific coordinates. There are more than three million active cache sites worldwide and now Walton County has decided to join in the adventure. https://youtu.be/jr2WsUm5GSc
Most caches are small, waterproof containers that hold a logbook and sometimes a pen or pencil. Some larger caches, like big plastic containers or ammo boxes, may also include small items or trinkets you can trade. These objects are usually more sentimental than valuable, but they add a fun element to the adventure.
Many caches are on trails or in areas not normally explored. ADA accessible caches are also available.
Geocaching Rules & Etiquette:
- Sign the logbook with your username and date
- Be respectful of others using the park
- Trade items responsibly—no food, and family-friendly items only
- Log and move trackable items according to their mission
- Return caches exactly as found
- Log your find online without spoilers
- Stay on marked trails and protect natural areas
- Cache In, Trash Out—help keep our parks clean
- Geocache at your own risk; Walton County is not responsible for interactions with nature or wildlife
How to Get Started:
- Sign up at Geocaching.com (free accounts can access all county-maintained caches)
- Most county parks now have caches, including ADA-accessible options • Visit username WaltonCountyParks on Geocaching.com to see our caches • Visit MyWaltonFL.gov for more information on caches and events
Get outside, explore Walton County Parks, and start your geocaching adventure!
Visit this link to learn more: https://youtu.be/jr2WsUm5GSc
Seacoast Collegiate High Launches Entrepreneur & Leadership Program
Seacoast Collegiate High School, the high school of THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™, officially launched its new Entrepreneur & Leadership Program on Jan. 23, 2026, with a dynamic event bringing together students, educators and more than 20 regional business leaders for a morning centered on value creation, leadership and the future of work.
Held at the Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center, the kickoff marked the start of a year-long initiative that will culminate in an internal Shark Tank-style competition and an end-of-year student entrepreneurship conference. Students participated in structured networking sessions and discussions modeled after professional meetups and Chamber-style gatherings, designed to place them at the center of real-world conversations. The program is sponsored by The Tucker Family, longtime supporters of education and youth development in the region. “Our goal is to equip students for any path they choose,” said Dr. Tom Miller, Executive Director of THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™. “That means giving them access to real leaders, real conversations, and real expectations. Students don’t rise to low ceilings and this program intentionally removes them.”
Following the launch, students will begin developing business ideas, refining pitches and working alongside mentors as they prepare for the upcoming Shark Tank-style competition. Community leaders will have opportunities to serve as speakers, mentors, judges, ambassadors and micro-investors in student ventures. “At THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™, we believe students become extraordinary by walking alongside extraordinary people,” added Miller. “This event was the first step in building an ecosystem where that happens consistently.”
For more information or to get involved in the Entrepreneurship & Leadership Program, visit SeasideSchools.net or email Dr. Tom Miller at millert@seasideschools.net.
Green Thumb Garden Club Offers Student Scholarships
The Green Thumb Garden Club is now accepting applications for its long-standing Mercer Scholarships, available to Walton County students pursuing studies in agriculture, biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, forestry, horticulture, landscape design or related fields. For more than 40 years, the club has supported local students through scholarships funded by member donations, fundraising efforts and community support.
A total of $4,000 will be awarded, with individual amounts based on applicants’ qualifications. Scholarships are for tuition only and will be paid directly to the student’s college, university or technical school. Applications and requirements are available at greenthumbgardenclubinc.org, and must be submitted by April 30, 2026. Questions may be directed to Scholarship Committee Chair Debbie Michel via the contact information listed on the application or by emailing greenthumbgardenclubinc@gmail.com.
A Walton County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Green Thumb Garden Club promotes education, conservation, community beautification and a love of gardening throughout the region.
