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Good morning!
Here’s what we are covering today:
- A unique studio bringing together “all things fancy” opens in Shalimar, while Destin prepares to celebrate the Primrose fishing boat’s 100-year history. The Emerald Coast Theatre announces “Legally Blonde The Musical” for May, FDOT connects students with construction careers, and two organizations offer community events – the School District’s free parenting program and the Woman’s Club’s wine tasting fundraiser.
THINGS TO DO
Historic Primrose fishing boat to mark 100 years with Destin community festival
by Ashley Armacost
The Primrose, a historic seine fishing boat that helped shape Destin’s maritime history, will celebrate its 100th birthday with a free community event on May 3 at the Destin History & Fishing Museum.
- Built in 1925, the Primrose holds the distinction of being both the last seine boat constructed in Destin and the first of its kind to have a motor installed, making a transition between traditional and modern fishing methods.
“She was created in 1925, so she is 100 years old. She is the first seine boat of her kind to have a motor installed in it and the last one ever built in Destin,” said Vivienne Williams, executive director of the Destin History & Fishing Museum.
The centennial celebration will take place from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the museum grounds where the restored boat is displayed. The family-friendly event will feature free admission, a bounce house, cake, and period games from the 1920s and 1930s including hopscotch and hoop rolling.
- To commemorate the occasion, the museum will offer new Primrose merchandise, including specially designed hats and stickers, which will be available for purchase in the gift shop.
The boat was commissioned by Captain John W. Melvin Sr., a local fisherman who knew exactly what features a fishing vessel needed, and built by John George Maltezo, who moved to Destin in 1922. The 36-foot vessel served the fishing community from 1925 to 1968.
Williams noted that the Primrose played a significant role in training local fishermen whose descendants continue to fish in the area today. “A lot of people got their start on the Primrose and vessels like her, and then their descendants are still fishing in this area today,” she said.
According to Williams, the Primrose represents an important chapter in Destin’s identity as a fishing community.
- “We’ve been a fishing community for thousands of years. We have evidence that ties people to fishing back in the ice age here in the museum,” Williams said. “Having the Primrose stand from 1925 to now shows that Destin does fishing, we still do fishing. That’s how we roll here in this town.”
The seine boat was used for a specific type of fishing that involved deploying a long net in a U-shape from the shore to capture fish.
“Seine nets are about five feet tall and about a hundred yards long,” Williams explained. “What you do is you leave one end of the net on shore, take the seine boat out like the Primrose in a U-shape, and bring the other net to the shoreline, then you pull it in, corralling the fish against the shoreline.”
The Primrose has undergone two restoration efforts over the years, with the most recent occurring around 2000. The museum displays several original artifacts from the boat, including its bell and navigational lights.
- The museum and the City of Destin have planned additional preservation work in the future to address issues with the boat’s cradle and repainting needs.
The centennial celebration coincides with the Destin History & Fishing Museum’s 20th Anniversary. The museum is welcoming the community to come join in the celebration.
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THINGS TO DO
‘Legally Blonde The Musical’ comes to Emerald Coast Theatre in May
by Ashley Armacost
Emerald Coast Theatre Company will present “Legally Blonde The Musical” from May 2-8, at its main space in Grand Boulevard Town Center.
- The musical, based on the popular movie, follows Elle Woods as she challenges stereotypes while pursuing her dreams. Performances will run Thursday through Saturday beginning at 7 p.m., with Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
“One of the things I absolutely love about this show is the humor that is woven through every part of the show,” said Anna Fisher, associate artistic/education director at ECTC. “The song lyrics, the writing, and the scenes always bring a laugh or a smile, and yet manage to show depth and character development at the same time.”
The production features memorable songs and dynamic dances while telling the story of a determined sorority girl who defies expectations.
- Tickets range from $30 to $55, plus processing fees, and can be purchased online at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org where patrons can now select specific seats.
ECTC will offer a special field trip opportunity for local school groups on Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m. The performance is rated PG-13. Schools interested in booking should call 850-684-0323.
The theatre company also offers VIP Memberships, which include tickets to shows, early access to reserved seats, VIP lounge access, complimentary drinks, recognition in programs and on the website, and discounts on classes, camps and additional tickets.
For more information about Emerald Coast Theatre Company, including educational programs, volunteer opportunities and donations, visit here or call 850-684-0323.
NEWS
FDOT to connect 1,300 Northwest Florida high school students with construction career opportunities
More than 1,300 high school students will get hands-on experience in the transportation industry at the 5th Annual Northwest Florida Construction Career Days on April 22-23 at the Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds in Milton.
- The event will allow students to operate heavy equipment and learn about various aspects of the construction industry, including bridge inspections, paving, concrete work, traffic control and engineering.
Students will interact with representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation, engineering firms and contractors looking to hire in Northwest Florida. The experience aims to introduce them to the numerous career paths available in transportation, structural, engineering and building industries.
High school seniors attending either in-person or virtually can qualify for a portion of up to $50,000 in monetary awards being distributed this year. The scholarship fund was established to help graduates enrolling in college, trade or vocational programs, or those entering directly into the workforce.
- Local junior and senior students from Santa Rosa, Escambia, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington and Jackson counties are expected to participate.
The initiative comes as FDOT District Three works to build a pipeline of workforce and economic opportunities amid billions of dollars of planned construction activity over the next decade. Entry-level workers are in high demand, giving students a unique opportunity to explore careers that benefit both themselves and their communities.
Students over 18 will have the chance to fill out applications for hiring companies during the event. The Construction Career Days event is limited to participating schools and is not open to the public.
SPONSORED
Join the women making $100,000 impacts on our local community
Changing lives in our community one woman at a time. The idea is simple: 100 women donate $1,000 each to form a $100,000 high-IMPACT grant to help transform local nonprofit organizations.
- Since 2012, Impact100 NWF has given away $4.9 million dollars in grants to local nonprofits in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Area nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for these grants.
Impact100’s goal is to have at least 500 members so that they are able to give away one $100,000 grant in each of the 5 categories: Arts and Culture; Education; Environment, Recreation & Preservation; Family; and Health & Wellness.
The organization is also very grateful for their business sponsors who assist with events as well as sponsoring memberships. If you are not a woman in the local area but want to help, please reach out as well!
Upcoming membership enrollment events:
- April 17th: Join Impact100 at The Pavilion at Eagles Nest, Blackwater Golf Course, Crestview from 5:30- 7:30 pm
- April 22nd: Join Impact100 for our final membership event of the 2025 enrollment period at The Beach House in Miramar Beach from 5:30- 7:30
They also have numerous Pop Up Events in March and April throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Join today and make an IMPACT in your local community! You can also email them at Impactnwf@impactnwf.org with any questions.
EVENTS
Okaloosa School District to offer free parenting event
The Okaloosa County School District will host a free parenting workshop this Friday focused on helping children manage strong emotions.
- “Parenting Through Big Emotions” will take place April 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Beachside Community Church, located at 200 Racetrack Road NW in Fort Walton Beach.
The event, organized by the district’s Title I Department in partnership with Beachside Community Church, aims to provide parents with practical tools to support their children’s emotional well-being.
Three district professionals will lead the session: Tracey Lamb, director of student services; Erika Peterson, intervention coordinator; and Brian Hayes, mental health provider.
Participants will learn strategies to understand what their children’s emotions are communicating, help children self-regulate, and build personalized action plans to strengthen parent-child relationships.
While the event is free and open to the public, space is limited and registration is required. Parents can secure spots by visiting beachsidecc.org/ocsdparents or okaloosaschools.com.
REMINDER
Fort Walton Beach Woman’s Club set to host annual wine tasting fundraiser
The Fort Walton Beach Woman’s Club will host its annual wine tasting fundraiser at a new location this year due to growing popularity.
- The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, from 5-7 p.m. at The Venue on Brooks Street in downtown Ft. Walton Beach.
After five years at Aunt Martha’s Bed and Breakfast, organizers moved to the downtown location for its scenic views of Santa Rosa Sound and increased capacity. Proceeds from the event will benefit the club’s Shell Grant Program, which was launched in October to support community improvement initiatives.
“Since our club started over 100 years ago, the focus for the members has been to improve the quality of lives of the citizens of our city,” said Linda Evanchyk, Ft. Walton Beach Woman’s Club president. “The Shell Grant Program allows us to offer financial support to individuals or groups who have a project that ultimately accomplishes that goal.”
The grant program has already awarded up to $2,000 each to several local organizations: One Hopeful Place for their cold night shelter program, American Legion Post 235 to help restore a World War II Sherman Tank honoring local veterans, and Emerald Coast Pet Rescue for vaccination funding to make dogs eligible for adoption.
- The club aims to award approximately $10,000 in total grants before taking a summer break in June.
“This event is a great way to head into spring enjoying our beautiful area, tasting a fabulous selection of wines with tasty hors d’oeuvres and helping the club help others in our community at the same time,” Evanchyk said.
Tickets cost $40 per person and include tastings of 16 wines and assorted hors d’oeuvres. All featured wines will be available for purchase, and raffle baskets will be offered. Tickets can be purchased from club members, through PayPal-Ft. Walton Beach Woman’s Club, or at the door.
BUSINESS
New creative studio combines ‘all things fancy’ with sewing, balloons, events in Shalimar
Two local crafters have transformed their home-based side hustles into a brick-and-mortar creative studio, offering everything from balloon decorations and sewing lessons to custom prom dresses and children’s birthday parties.
- Sara Morrison, a Shalimar native who specializes in balloon designs and “fairy hair” services, and Codi Bailey, a home economics teacher at Meigs Middle School with 20 years of sewing experience, joined forces to create All Things Fancy.
The creative studio celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, April 5, drawing significant community support including multiple visits from Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks.
For Morrison, opening the creative studio represents the culmination of years of side projects and community support. Morrison began her creative journey making t-shirts before expanding to fairy hair and, about a year and a half ago, balloon designs.
Bailey, who moved to the area three and a half years ago with her former military husband, has been teaching eighth-grade home economics at Meigs Middle School.
- “We really have gotten away from creativity in schools and hands-on learning,” said Bailey. “At All Things Fancy, we really want to bring that back and have a space where everybody can come and be creative.”
The women converted the space into their purple-painted studio, keeping the original walls, glass partitions and black ceiling while their husbands built custom shelving and tables.
Bailey’s grandmother, who taught her to sew at age seven, surprised her by driving nine hours to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The studio offers a wide range of services, including sewing lessons for all ages.
Morrison’s balloon arrangements incorporate a special formula that significantly extends their lifespan compared to typical helium balloons. The venue also addresses what the owners see as a local need for children’s event spaces.
- The business also offers monthly balloon subscriptions for local businesses, with arrangements changed on the first of each month. Balloon delivery is available throughout the area.
Upcoming events include a “bouquet bar” on Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., where Fort Walton Beach High School prom-goers and others can create custom floral arrangements.
All Things Fancy is located at 1191 Eglin Parkway, Suite E, Shalimar. They are open until 6 p.m. on weekdays. For more information, visit their Facebook page or website.
Click here to read the full story and see pictures of their space
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