PUBLIC SAFETY

Bruner Middle School’s School Resource Officer recognized by Department of Education

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Deputy Jeramy Dobkins received a certificate of appreciation from the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Safe Schools for developing a QR code for the FortifyFL Suspicious Activity Reporting App. 

In 2018, the Florida Legislature created and funded FortifyFL as part of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. The QR code has been adopted throughout the State of Florida and is posted in every school across the state for students to have rapid access in submitting tips regarding threats in their schools.

• Students can provide a description of the threat, share pictures and videos anonymously or may choose to submit their contact information.
• All information is instantly relayed to the appropriate law enforcement agency as well as school officials.

“The partnership between the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the school district has been used as a model for districts across the state and nothing is more important than the safety of our students and employees,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers.

In November of 2021, Dobkins received a Certificate of Commendation on behalf of Superintendent Marcus Chambers recognizing him for his “profound innovation” and “exceptional dedication to the safety and security” of the district.

The FortifyFL app is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Tips can also be submitted online at GetFortifyFL.com.

GIVING BACK

Step One Automotive Group announces 25 Days of Giving

Starting December 1, 2022 Step One Automotive Group will dedicate 25 Days of Giving within the communities they serve in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.

• Throughout the month, expect to see Step One Automotive Group team members spreading holiday cheer to those in need. 

“At Step One Automotive Group this is our favorite time of year,” Maureen Bierman, Marketing Director, Step One Automotive Group. “We get to go out as a team and make an impact in our communities. We cannot think of a better way to spend the month of December.”

Here’s a rundown of their planned community event participation for our local area:

• December 2, 2022: Highway 98 Country’s Bikes or Bust
• December 3, 2022: Christmas Car Show and Pet Adoption Day
• December 6, 2022: Cruisin’ into Christmas 
• December 8, 2022: Eglin Air Force Base Winterfest and St. Jude Rocks! Radiothon
• December 9, 2022: Brentwood Elementary School Angel Tree Donations and Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus presents “keep a Little Christmas in Your Heart”
• December 10, 2022: OCSO Angel Tree Donations, Destin Christmas Parade, and Yule of Yesteryear
• December 15, 2022: Maserati Masters 
• December 17, 2022: Manna Food Drive with the Krewe of SWAT and Blood Drive
• December 22, 2022: FWB Fire Department’s Santa’s Firehouse Toy Drive
• December 24, 2022: FWB Fire Department’s Santa’s Firehouse Toy Drive

THE WEEKENDER

A few things to do around town

December 1, 2022 (multiple dates) – Photos with Santa Claus at the Henderson – Free – View

December 1, 2022 – Holiday Kick-off at the Henderson – View

December 2, 2022 – Sip N’ Stroll Gallery Night at J.Leon Gallery – View

December 2, 2022 (multiple dates) – 12 Nights of Lights at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

December 2, 2022 – Ice Skating Extravaganza – Free – View

December 3, 2022 – Step One Automotive Hosts the Saving with Soul Adoption Event – Free – View

December 3, 2022 – A Beachy Little Christmas – Free – View

December 4, 2022 – Jingle Jet Movie Matinee – $7.00 – View

December 4, 2022 – Tuba Christmas – Free – View

December 7, 2022 – Holiday Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

December 7, 2022 – Visits with Santa at Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

December 9, 2022 – Maxine Orange Studio Gallery 1 year Anniversary & Holiday Market Party – – View

December 9-11, 2022 – Keep a Little Christmas in Your Heart – – View

December 9, 2022 – Holiday Pops featuring The Doo Wop Project – – View

December 10, 2022 – Breakfast with Santa – Free – View

December 10, 2022 – Downtown FWB Farmers Market – View

BUSINESS

Fokker’s Pub in FWB changing ownership

On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, Fokker’s Pub owners Bill & Laura Avery announced that they would be stepping away from the restaurant as new owners would be taking over.

“16 years ago, we made a lifelong dream come true of owning a restaurant,” they wrote in the announcement.

The husband and wife duo stated that while they anticipated many things (as it wasn’t their first business), what they didn’t expect to discover was a community, along with friendships that became family.

“We have been able to be a part of your lives in so many ways,” said Laura Avery. “We witnessed your joy when your team won, catered your weddings, helped pull off surprise parties, celebrated Billy Bowlegs together, and broke records collecting food for zombie walk. We rang in several New Years, served the best food you ever had at a company holiday party, and we catered your favorite comfort food at funerals.”

• She added that in a lot of ways, “we saw you on your best and worst days and that privilege will never be lost on us.”

Avery went on to write that she and Bill will be passing the torch to new owners, and assured patrons that they would be in good hands.

“We would love to see all of you before our last day, December 24th, to share a final pizza, beer, or hug,” she added. “We’d also love to hear about your favorite Fokker’s memories.”

On a personal note, when my wife and I got engaged back in 2010, we were in college and regulars at Fokker’s when they were located on Brooks Street. They had taken over the upstairs location that was used as overflow, and for events.

We decided that we would host a super casual engagement party at Fokker’s that turned into a night of partying with some of the best people on the planet. Bill and Laura were incredibly gracious and made sure we had everything we needed that night to celebrate.

Good luck on your next adventure 🙂

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARDWALK

The Grinch’s holiday toy drive and photo op at the Crab Trap on Okaloosa Island

‘Load up the kids, load up the car, 
get to The Boardwalk, we’re not very far.

Bring your festive cheer and holiday joy,
and an unwrapped gift for a good girl or boy! 

Come hungry or grumbly, a crab feast does the trick. 
And while here, snag a pic, with that naughty Saint Nick. 

The season of green brings holiday cheer, 
let your heart grow 3 sizes when you donate this year.’

This weekend, the Crab Trap on Okaloosa Island will be hosting photos with the “Mean & Green One,” along with a Holiday toy drive. 🎁

• Saturday, December 3 from 3-6pm
• Sunday, December 4 from 12-3pm

📸 Photos are FREE, and the Crab Trap asks that guests bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation for Toys for Tots. Enjoy a FREE KIDS MEAL for the Crab Trap restaurant with each donated toy!

So stop by the Crab Trap this weekend and get your pic taken with the Grinch, all while supporting Toys for Tots and our area kids 🙂