Member News: ResortQuest Names Top Producers, Hilton Offers "Sun-sational" Stay, & More

ResortQuest Real Estate® Congratulates Top Producers
ResortQuest Real Estate announced the December top producers for its offices from Perdido Key to Panama City Beach, FL. Lauren Cottrell of the Destin office received highest honors for top closed sales and Rick and Dale Martinez of the Miramar Beach office received highest honors for top closed listings out of more than 100 ResortQuest REALTORS® in Northwest Florida. For the latest information on real estate in the resort and residential markets throughout Northwest Florida, be sure to visit us on the web at RQEmeraldCoastRealEstate.com and search current real estate listings, or follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ResortQuestGulfCoast. 

Hilton Sandestin Making “Sun-sational” March Offer
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa has created a new Sun-sational Spring package that includes a special rate and complimentary extras, as well as a variety of springtime activities for the whole family. Available March 1-31, the Sun-sational Springpackage starts at just $339* per night for a three-night minimum stay. For reservations, call toll-free 800-559-1805 and use booking codes mentioned above. For additional resort information, visitHiltonSandestinBeach.com.

Adagio by Southern
Southern Vacation Rentals has partnered with Adagio Resort in Blue Mountain Beach to become the on-site rental management company and to assume the management of more than 50 Adagio condos. The Adagio property is an exclusive community resting directly on the white sandy beach with two pools, fitness room, and seven condo buildings, three of which face the Gulf of Mexico. Also overlooking the Gulf is one of their pools, a stunning 1,700 square-foot infinity edge pool. The other four buildings surround a magnificent center pool stretching more than 8,000 square feet with three tiers, fountains and cascading waterfalls. For details, visitwww.southernresorts.com/?NCK=dcc.

Beaches, Resorts & Parks Magazine Gains 45 Additional Chains of Newsstand Distribution
Destin, Florida based Beaches, Resorts & Parks magazine has recently been granted paid newsstand distribution into an additional 45 major retail chains. These chains are in addition to the magazine already being for sale nationally at every location of the country's two largest book chains: Barnes & Noble, and Books A Million, as well as smaller booksellers, and affiliates of these chains. These chains include: Academy, BiLo, Bruno's, Circle K, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Harvey's, Ingles, Kerr Drug, Kroger, Lowes, Piggly Wiggly, Publix, Family Market, Sweetbay, Ukrops, and White's. Find out more about the magazine here.

Niceville HS Leadership Donates Blankets to CIC Kids
The Niceville High School Leadership donated more blankets for the kids of Children in Crisis, just in time for the COLD weather! Thanks to their generous donations, the kids and teens at the Children’s Neighborhood will have a warm blanket to enjoy the rest of the winter and beyond. To learn more about Children in Crisis call 850-864-4242 or visit www.childrenincrisisfl.org. 

Odin Berg named Covenant Hospice Interim CEO
With the recent retirement of former CEO Dale Knee, Odin Berg has been appointed as Interim CEO by the Board of Directors of Covenant Hospice. Berg will concurrently maintain his position as senior vice president/chief financial officer for the not-for-profit organization. Covenant Hospice is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate services to patients and loved ones during times of life-limiting illnesses. For more information about Covenant Hospice or to make a hospice inquiry, contact the local branch office at (850) 729-1800 or visit www.covenanthospice.org.

Emerald Coast Science Center's Girls Night Out
Enjoy the Emerald Coast Science Center’s Girls Night Out on Feb. 22, from 6 – 10 p.m., at the Ramada on Okaloosa Island! Free food, wine, hair styling, manicures, massages, and more... Come join us as we kick-off our year-long 25th anniversary. Founded by the Junior League of the Emerald Coast, it is only fitting that we begin with a celebration for the ladies! Tickets are $50 through February 14 and $75 at the door. Tickets available at the Science Center or order online at www.ecscience.org. All proceeds go to the Emerald Coast Science Center Building Fund.

ERA American Realty Up for National Award
American Realty has been named a 2013 Circle of Light for Community Leadership Award finalist for consistent commitment to both community service and business. The Circle of Light for Community Leadership Award recognizes companies who do extraordinary things for communities and people in need. ERA American Realty (with 6 offices locally), was chosen as one of three finalists for the Community of Leadership Award from more than 2,300 ERA Real Estate offices. The winner with be announced in March. For more information about ERA American Realty, visitwww.era-american.com.

“Name That Garden” Contest 
The Valparaiso Garden Club is conducting a “Name That Garden” contest for its upcoming new garden exhibit in the backyard of the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. The garden will provide additional opportunities for education and enhance the Museum’s mission to promote the rich heritage of our region by featuring native Florida plants and herbs that have been important in the history of our state. Email your idea with your name, address, and phone number to backyardgarden2014@gmail.com before April 1, 2014. The winner will receive a $100 gift card, compliments of Walmart-Niceville, and be recognized at Saturday in the Park Heritage Festival on April 26. For details, call (850) 678-2615.

Spring Fest Call to Artists
On the Coast Magazine and Okaloosa Arts Alliance have joined together to host Spring Fest at HarborWalk Village. Spring Fest will be held on Sat, May 17, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., at HarborWalk Village benefiting the Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA). Spring Fest is a free, family friendly lively event unmatched on the Emerald Coast. Live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, free family activities, live animals, face painting, hands on art activities, a silent auction, and a display of posters from the talented students in our area. For more information on becoming a sponsor, vendor, or the OAA Okaloosa Schools Poster Contest, please contact Amy atamybaty1@gmail.com. 

Lieutenant April McQueen Earns National Certification
Lt. April McQueen received the national designation of Certified Jail Manager through the Jail Manager Certification Commission (JMCC), by authority of the American Jail Association (AJA). McQueen is one of 503 jail professionals nationwide to have achieved this designation. McQueen has served in the Okaloosa County Department of Corrections since 2005, with the past two and a half years leading the Support Services Division. Lt. McQueen is also a FDLE certified firearms instructor and assists the department in the annual training of certified officers.

SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS Recognized for Destin Florida Weddings for the 5th Consecutive Year by the Knot
SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS announced they have been selected as a 2014 winner in the Knot Best of Weddings. Winners represent the top one percent of reviews from recently married couples. This is the fifth consecutive year SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS has been recognized by the Knot for their Destin Florida weddings. For more information on Destin wedding packages and to download a wedding e-brochure, visit www.SunQuestCruises.com or call the SOLARIS wedding planners at (850) 650-2519. 

Charlie Shackelford Named 2014 Taylor Haugen Trophy Winner
Senior Charlie Shackelford of Fort Walton Beach High School has been named the 2014 winner of the prestigious Taylor Haugen Trophy, an award presented each year by the Taylor Haugen Foundation in conjunction with the All Sports Association. The award wapres ented to Charlie on Feb. 7, at the Buck Smith Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Prayer Breakfast based on his unwavering commitment to his Christian faith, athletics, community service, academics, and leadership. For more information about the award, please visit www.taylorhaugen.org.

Multi-Lingual Agent Joins World Impact Real Estate
World Impact Real Estate announced its first Crestview agent, Haroula Turner. She is fluent in Greek and Spanish. Turner has helped many military families relocate to the Emerald Coast. Being the wife of a service member herself, she understands first-hand the frustrations of moving and finding a place to call home. Her expertise includes new construction homes, VA short sales, and foreclosures. Turner has worked with many first time buyers, sellers, and investors. Contact her at (850) 612-5167 or email homesbyharoula@gmail.com. 

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