Who Is Impact 100?

โImagine the power of women coming together to create $100,000 grantsโsee how Impact 100 Northwest Florida is changing lives in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.โ
A Champion for Veterans In Niceville

Daquiri Champion, a retired dietician and Air Force wife from Niceville, Florida, has dedicated herself to honoring and supporting veterans. As regent of the Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), she coordinates numerous events and services for veterans, including commemorations, charity work, and outreach to military families.
This is One of the Least Expensive Ways to Help The Hungry in Okaloosa

Destin Harvest, a nonprofit food rescue organization, has distributed 1.9 million pounds of food across Okaloosa and Walton Counties so far in 2024, delivering meals to families struggling with food insecurity. Despite the perception of wealth in Destin, hunger remains a significant issue, with many families depending on donations from food pantries and shelters to make ends meet.
Community Day/Storybook Village to Celebrate Child Care and Early Learning in the Emerald Coast

The Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast celebrates the expansion of child care and early learning with a free, fun-filled Community Day and Storybook Village event on October 26, highlighting local efforts to improve early education in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Man Threatens To Blow Up Niceville Duplex, Starts Standoff in DeFuniak Springs – Details:

Michael Stephen Boone was arrested following a bomb threat, a standoff, and arson after he threatened a local citizen and law enforcement. Multiple agencies responded, and Boone now faces several charges as the investigation continues.
Developer Jay Odom Sues Former Business Partner For Racketeering

Developer Jay Odom Sues Former Business Partner For Racketeering Christopher Saul September 9, 2024 1:50 pm Business, Crime, Walton County In Brief: โขJay Odom filed a RICO lawsuit against former business partner Robert Smith, accusing him of a two-decade-long conspiracy involving fraudulent lawsuits and defamation. โขThe lawsuit alleges Smith manipulated legal and government agencies to […]
A Bed 4 Me Celebrates 3,000th Delivery To Needy Child.

A Bed 4 Me, a Niceville-area non-profit, celebrated the delivery of its 3,000th bed to a child in need during a special event at 3rd Planet Brewing. The organization, which provides beds, bedding, and pillows to children living in poverty, continues to rely on community support as it looks forward to helping even more families.
These Are The Best Local Players in NCAA ’25 Football

Who are the best Okaloosa and Walton County High School Alumni in the new NCAA ’25 video game? We’ve got them right here!
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Family Birth Place Recognized Nationally

For the fourth year in a row, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has earned a place on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals at the highest five-ribbon level. Based on nationwide online surveys, medical key performance indicators, and patient satisfaction data, this distinction highlights facilities that excel in providing exceptional care to mothers, newborns, and their families. Sacred Heart’s facilities have also participated in Florida’s first postpartum wristband initiative, renewed their Baby-Friendly designation, and house the only NICU serving Walton and Okaloosa counties. The Sacred Heart health system has also been named one of the top 15 health systems in the country for 2024 by Fortune and PINC AI.
Okaloosa County Gets Damage Recap After Storm

Residents of Okaloosa County were jolted awake early this morning as a powerful storm system unleashed its fury across the region. With winds reaching speeds of up to 70 mph and lightning illuminating the sky, the community found itself grappling with the aftermath of nature’s wrath.