October 2015 Business Briefs / Member News Part 2

Live. Shop. Dine. Play. Never Leave Regatta Bay
Find out why Regatta Bay has all the amenities you need in this four-minute lifestyle video from Destin Custom Home Builders, LLC. 

BOTE Announces New Product
BOTE Board innovators have found the missing link in the new patent pending Travelink™ Carry System. The Travelink™ system was designed to get you to your paddling spot more easily, comfortably and without ‘dead arm’ syndrome. By simply clicking in the Travelink™ adjustable carry strap to the latch points in the rail of the board, you remove all weight from your hands and carry the board more safely and ergonomically with your shoulders and back. After a few sand dune climbs and gusts of wind you’ll wonder how you ever carried your SUP without Travelink™. The best part is it’s permanently flush mounted into the rails of the board - when you aren’t using it, you won’t notice it. There is zero effect on the paddling dynamics. Travelink™ latch points can also be used to lock and secure your board.

Children’s Advocacy Center’s Walton County Construction Site Making Great Progress
The excitement was visible as the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s CEO Julie Hurst took Jim and Tammy Pierce on a tour of the construction progress for the new Center in Defuniak Springs, slated to open in spring 2016. The project is being managed by board member Terry Jones of Compass Builders, architect Allen McGinnis, and JP Engineering. The Pierce Family Children’s Advocacy Center, currently under construction to serve Walton County kids, is named after the Pierces in honor of their generous $1 million donation. To date, an impressive $2.1 million has been raised and/or pledged towards the $3 million capital campaign.

Sacred Heart to Host Community Education Classes in October
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is offering community education/support group opportunities throughout October.

October 20: Breast-Cancer Support Group
(850) 278-3980

October 21: Blood Drive
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at front entrance

October 22: “Medicare Update: Coverage and Choices” Financial Matters Seminar
(850) 416-1620 or 877-416-1620

October 27: Alzheimer’s Support Group
(850) 499-3390

October 29: “Gynecology for Women Ages 55 and Above” 
(850) 416-1620 or (877) 416-1620

Niceville Tax Office Moving
The Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Niceville Branch office on Highway 85 will be moving to a new location on John Sims Parkway. Due to the relocation, the current Niceville Branch will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and will reopen on Monday, Oct. 26, in its NEW LOCATION – 701 John Sims Parkway at the corner of Partin Drive. 

Jet Ski FudPoker Run Challenge Raises Funds for Children
The 2nd “Around-The-Bay” Jet Ski Classic FudPoker Run hosted by Children in Crisis (CIC) and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Star Charity was a complete success!  The event was presented by Fudpucker’s Beachside Grill of Okaloosa Island with more than 90 jet ski entries and 140 participants.  The event surpassed all expectations and raised more than $25,000 combined for the two charities. Seen here representing the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Star Charity, Undersheriff Don Adams, Sgt. DJ Folley, Major Arnold Brown, and Captain Larry Ward presented a check for almost $13,000 to CIC President and CEO Ken Hair. 

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Supports Breastfeeding through Baby-Friendly Initiative
The Family Birth Place at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is on the pathway to Baby-Friendly designation, a highly coveted breastfeeding support standard of care. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global effort to implement practices that protect and promote breastfeeding. To date, only 183 U.S. hospitals and birthing centers have earned the Baby-Friendly designation, including Sacred Heart’s Maternity and Women’s Center in Pensacola, FL. In order to achieve the status, each hospital must verify that it has implemented the American Academy of Pediatrics-endorsed Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding program. Hospitals with the designation also eliminate the distribution of commercially-sponsored discharge bags with formula samples to new mothers in its maternity unit.