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Good morning!
A new two-story museum store is set to open at the Indian Temple Mound Museum on November 1, while the Niceville–Valparaiso Kiwanis Club celebrates 50 years of community service. An all-you-can-eat BBQ festival returns to Sandestin on November 7, the Okaloosa County legislative delegation meeting will be rescheduled, and check out local events happening around town.
Plus, try today’s WordroW puzzle.
EVENTS
‘All-you-can-eat’ local BBQ festival returns to Sandestin on Nov. 7
Barbecue enthusiasts will gather at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin on Friday, November 7, for the return of the 30A BBQ Festival, an annual event that raises funds for The Sonder Project’s humanitarian work in Africa.
- The festival will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the North Lawn and feature unlimited barbecue samples from more than a dozen regional and local restaurants competing for the title of “Best BBQ.”
Confirmed competitors include 3 Sons BBQ, Auston’s Oyster Bar and Grill, Back Beach Barbecue, Cajun Corner, Cinders and Salt, Evie Mae’s Barbecue, Local Smoke at The Big Chill, Moe’s Original BBQ, Sons of Amvets Post 29, Swiftly Catered, Uncle KÜ’s BBKÜ, The Village Door and Vin’tij Food and Wine.
Attendees will vote for first, second and third place winners, while a panel of judges will select the “Judge’s Choice” and “Most Creative” winners.
General admission tickets cost $60 and include unlimited barbecue samples plus complimentary beer and wine.
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GAMES
WordroW: October 16, 2025
Can you guess today’s 5-letter word in six tries?
WordroW is Get The Coast’s daily word puzzle featuring local words, places, and phrases from our community. You have six guesses to find the mystery word – green letters are correct and in the right spot, yellow letters are in the word but wrong position, and gray letters aren’t in the word at all.
POLITICS
Okaloosa County legislative delegation meeting to be rescheduled
The Okaloosa County State Legislative Delegation has canceled its planned public hearing due to scheduling conflicts and will announce a new date.
- The meeting, originally scheduled for Oct. 30 at the Destin City Council Chambers, will be held at a later date, according to a Wednesday announcement from the office of State Rep. Patt Maney.
“Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, we are no longer able to hold the Okaloosa County Delegation Meeting on October 30th,” the announcement stated. “We will distribute another notice and public announcement as soon as a new date has been selected.”
GAMES
Mini local crossword of the week
A weekly crossword featuring local headlines, history, and hot topics. Test your knowledge of our community, and the stories locals are talking about.
Can you get all 9 correct this morning??
GIVING BACK
Niceville–Valparaiso Kiwanis Club marks 50 years of community service
The Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Club celebrated 50 years of community service last month with an awards banquet at Rocky Bayou Country Club that brought together members past and present to recognize the organization’s impact on local youth programs.
- The club, chartered August 28, 1975, welcomed two original members to the celebration: Jimmy Summerlin and Bill Landsberg. Landsberg, a charter member and past president, delivered the keynote address, sharing reflections from five decades of Kiwanis service.
Outgoing President Bo Arnold reviewed the club’s 2024-2025 year, highlighting more than $41,000 in charitable giving to local youth programs and nonprofits. The club also awarded $11,000 in scholarships to local high school students.
“Fifty years of Kiwanis in Niceville-Valparaiso is more than just a milestone — it’s a testament to the power of community service and the incredible people who make it happen,” Arnold said. “Our members are passionate about helping children and building a stronger, kinder community.”
EVENTS
A few things to do around town
Thursday, Oct. 16 – All Sports Association Casino Night and Raffle Royale – $50.00 – View
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Business After Hours – $40.00 – View
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Planetarium Nights – $12.00 – View
Friday, Oct. 17 – Concerts at The Landing: Jenna McClelland (pop/mom rock) – Free
Friday, Oct. 17 – Greek Festival – Free – View
Friday, Oct. 17 – Family Movie Night – Free – View
Saturday, Oct. 18 – Forge a wizard wand with captured crystal – $99.00 – View
Saturday, Oct. 18 – Saturday Vendor Market – Free – View
Saturday, Oct. 18 – Kid’s Self Protection Clinic – Free – View
Saturday, Oct. 18 – Free Women’s Self Protection Seminar – Free – View
Saturday, Oct. 18 – Greek Festival – Free – View
Sunday, Oct. 19 – Greek Festival – Free – View
Thursday, Oct. 23 – Sip & Paint – $40.00 – View
Saturday, Oct. 25 – Forge a Zombie Apocalypse Hatchet – $130.00 – View
Saturday, Oct. 25 – Sip & Science: Mystery at the Museum – $30.00 – View
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 5th Annual BrunchFest – $40.00 – View
Sunday, Oct. 26 – The Church At Shalimar Annual Fall Festival – Free – View
Thursday, Oct. 30 – 10th Annual Barktoberfest – Free – View
Thursday, Oct. 30 – Planetarium Special Feature: Spooky Secrets of the Stars – $12.00 – View
COMING SOON
New two-story museum store to open at Indian Temple Mound Museum on Nov. 1
The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center will open the Museum Store at the Indian Temple Mound Museum on Saturday, Nov. 1. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in November.
- The store is part of an expansion and renovation project at the Indian Temple Mound Museum. Visitors can browse unique items and artwork for sale in the new 4,800-square-foot building that fronts U.S. Highway 98.
The storefront occupies the ground floor facing Highway 98, while the second story houses office space and storage areas.
The new building will allow more gallery exhibit space to be developed. The museum will open in phases over the coming months as staff and volunteers update exhibits and displays.
Heritage Park & Cultural Center is located at 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach. Heritage Park & Cultural Center is part of the City of Fort Walton Beach, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, Museum Division.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Thursday! Help us shape the future of local news and make a meaningful impact on your community. Click here to learn how you can support us!
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Jared
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