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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Fort Walton Beach, FL

Home Care Fort Walton Beach, FL

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Fort Walton Historical Marker gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fort Walton Beach, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Fort Walton Beach, FL

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care Fort Walton Beach, FL

Types of Elderly Care in Fort Walton Beach, FL

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
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Respite Care Fort Walton Beach, FL
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
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Caregivers Fort Walton Beach, FL
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Fort Walton Beach Landing Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
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Home Care Fort Walton Beach, FL
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Sealand Restaurant or visit The Mound Historic Marker, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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In-Home Care Fort Walton Beach, FL

Benefits of Home Care in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Fort Walton Beach, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Elderly Care Fort Walton Beach, FL

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your FL's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Fort Walton Beach, FL

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fort Walton Beach, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Respite Care Fort Walton Beach, FL

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Fort Walton Beach, FL

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Bay Port of Fort Walton Beach
  • Belvedere Commons of Fort Walton Beach
  • Meridian at Westwood
  • Brookdale Fort Walton Beach
  • Westwood Retirement Resort
  • Westminster Manor
Home Care Fort Walton Beach, FL

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

In-Home Care Fort Walton Beach, FL

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fort Walton Beach, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Elderly Care Fort Walton Beach, FL

Latest News in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Larry Patrick has resigned from Fort Walton Beach City Council due to health concerns

FORT WALTON BEACH — During Tuesday's Fort Walton Beach City Council meeting, at the beginning of the public comment section, family members representing Councilman Larry Patrick addressed members in attendance and announced that Patrick will be resigning from the council effective immediately."My dad's absence is due to recent health issues," said Jeremiah Patrick. "We ask that you keep him in your t...

FORT WALTON BEACH — During Tuesday's Fort Walton Beach City Council meeting, at the beginning of the public comment section, family members representing Councilman Larry Patrick addressed members in attendance and announced that Patrick will be resigning from the council effective immediately.

"My dad's absence is due to recent health issues," said Jeremiah Patrick. "We ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers during his recovery. We also ask that our privacy is respected during this time of healing."

Patrick has been in the public eye recently due to allegations from the group Voice of Fort Walton. The group filed an elections fraud complaint at the beginning of July that claims Patrick does not reside within the Fort Walton Beach city limits.

"It is with much regret that I must resign my seat on our council," Larry Patrick said in a prepared statement. "My resignation is in no matter related to the recent allegations regarding our residency, as I always have been and hope always to be a resident of this great city. My decision is solely based on very recent health-related events that preclude my participation at the level needed to perform the office to which I was elected.

"I do hope that once my health is restored, that I can begin to become an active participant in the ongoing effort to provide our citizens with a formal government that is representative of the majority, is fiscally conservative, and provides a great quality of life for our residents," he continued. "I will forever be thankful for the many friends and supporters who, once again, entrusted me with the opportunity to serve on this council.

"I am also very appreciative of the cooperation and assistance that the staff has provided to me during my brief tenure. I have also greatly enjoyed the camaraderie with my fellow council members," Patrick concluded.

What's next?

According to City Manager Jeff Peters, nominations to fill the vacated seat will be accepted during the next two council meetings, scheduled for Aug. 22 and Sept. 12. The remaining council members can nominate any current city resident.

The council will decide on the new member on Sept. 26. The new member will hold the seat for the next two years until the next general election.

Stake President Kimball presides over bi-annual conference for Latter-day Saints

The Destin LogOn Aug. 20 at the Destin-Ft. Walton Beach Convention Center the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held their bi-annual conference for the Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake. This conference was the 8-month mark for newly appointed Stake President, Destin local, Spencer Kimball who was called to preside last January.Kimball is an executive coach, who spends the majority of his professional life motivating people from all over the world to improve their lives in a balanced way. He has been applying his profes...

The Destin Log

On Aug. 20 at the Destin-Ft. Walton Beach Convention Center the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held their bi-annual conference for the Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake. This conference was the 8-month mark for newly appointed Stake President, Destin local, Spencer Kimball who was called to preside last January.

Kimball is an executive coach, who spends the majority of his professional life motivating people from all over the world to improve their lives in a balanced way. He has been applying his professional and personal development skills on a more local level as the newly appointed Stake President for the Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake.

Kimball will preside for the next decade over 3,500 church members comprising 10 congregations and five different church meeting houses. Assisting him will be Counselors President Thomas Wilson and President Brooke Hansen. (Appointments to serve in specific positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints come through inspiration and by appointment from church leadership, not from profession, promotion, or campaigning.)

Raised primarily in Cedartown, Georgia, Kimball spent his early teen years in Sweden where his father served as Mission President for the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He returned to Sweden at the age of 19 to serve as a full-time missionary, spending two years serving his church and his Savior Jesus Christ seven days a week.

After returning from missionary service, Kimball attended Southern Virginia University where he was selected as an All-American in basketball, graduated with a degree in legal studies, and most importantly met his wife, Nancy.

Kimball has a deep well of experience and talent in leadership and negotiation that he has used to build businesses in real estate, transportation, and executive coaching.

In 2017, Kimball attended a leadership seminar in California hosted by former New England Patriots defensive end, Setema Gali. The event proved to be transformative and put him on his current path to building the company with Gali in Destin.

"I sat there in that room watching what he was doing, and the voice told me, ‘You need to be doing this and you need to be doing it with him,’" he said.

Kimball faces his new role head-on, aiming to reframe faith in Jesus Christ in a time of general decline in religious belief.

"My goal is to shift the culture from obligation to active engagement. From people coming because they’re ‘supposed to’ to people coming because they want to. I want to create an environment where church is attended because people love the Lord and because coming helps them to be happy," he said.

Kimball’s love of family is evident in his dedication to his wife Nancy and their three children, Will (the calming influence), Anna (the sunshine), and Macie (the family CEO.)

As he undertakes his new role, Kimball appreciates the groundwork laid by Dr. Michael Roberts, his predecessor as Stake President who served for the previous nine years of which Kimball served as his counselor for four years. Kimball recognizes and thanks Dr. Roberts for the sacrifices made during his time in office and for the personal friendship and brotherhood they have created.

Kimball looks to an optimistic future for the Fort Walton Beach Stake, acknowledging the gifted and spiritually driven community.

"There is so much goodness in the hearts of the people here. Honestly, it can be intimidating because I look around and see so many people, I look up to who I think could do a better job in this calling than me. My hope is simply that when my tenure is over, people can say they felt closer to Christ," he said.

Escape to the beach this fall—here’s how to save

SponsoredLooking to catch some sunshine this fall or winter? Check out The Island Resort at Fort Walton for unforgettable holiday fun for everyone. Heading to the beach this season will be the perfect staycation with all the activities The Island has lined up.1. Holiday events are happening at The Island Resort at Fort WaltonGet ready to celebrate big this fall and winter at ...

Sponsored

Looking to catch some sunshine this fall or winter? Check out The Island Resort at Fort Walton for unforgettable holiday fun for everyone. Heading to the beach this season will be the perfect staycation with all the activities The Island has lined up.

1. Holiday events are happening at The Island Resort at Fort Walton

Get ready to celebrate big this fall and winter at The Island Resort at Fort Walton. From trick-or-treating on the boardwalk to pumpkin decorating and an official holiday lighting ceremony, there is guaranteed fun for everyone.

To learn more about the exciting events going on at The Island Resort at Fort Walton, check out their Facebook or Instagram.

2. Plan your trip to The Island Resort now with a fall booking special

Book now and save on your awesome fall vacation. Head over to The Island Resort at Fort Walton’s website and sign up for the Fall Escape Package to secure your spot and enjoy the benefits—including a $50 food + beverage credit. Deals like these can make your vacation more enjoyable and affordable.

Claim this deal by booking online and explore more saving options.

3. Enjoy fun in the sun at The Island Resort at Fort Walton

Spend all day swimming in the pools at the resort. Don’t worry about the water temps being cold. The Island has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub—the perfect setup for enjoying relaxing and comfortable time outdoors.

4. Tripp Tide Beach Bar + more local eats at The Island at Fort Walton

Enjoying delicious food is undeniably one of the highlights of any vacation. The Island Resort at Fort Walton has a variety of dining options, from food trucks to restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for local delicacies, fine dining or refreshing drinks by the pool, The Island has it all.

5. Live music + gorgeous Florida sunsets on the weekends

End a relaxing weekend at the beach at the Tripp Tide Bar. The combination of live music, the beauty of a winter sunset and the beach setting is sure to be a memorable way to end your fall getaway.

Ready to book your trip? Head on over to The Island Resort at Fort Walton’s website and select the Fall Escape Package.

Sponsored by:

Veterans Day events 2023: Guide to what's happening in Okaloosa and Walton counties

With Veterans Day quickly approaching, here is a list of all the scheduled events that will be held this weekend in Okaloosa and Walton counties.CrestviewThe annual Crestview Veterans Day Parade will be held Saturday, Nov. 11, at 9 a.m.The event will be hosted by the Main Street Crestview Association. The parade will begin at Hub City Smokehouse and go north past the courthouse. A ceremony at the Okaloosa County Veteran's Memorial will occur following the parade at 11 a.m.Fort Walton BeachThe Veterans T...

With Veterans Day quickly approaching, here is a list of all the scheduled events that will be held this weekend in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Crestview

The annual Crestview Veterans Day Parade will be held Saturday, Nov. 11, at 9 a.m.

The event will be hosted by the Main Street Crestview Association. The parade will begin at Hub City Smokehouse and go north past the courthouse. A ceremony at the Okaloosa County Veteran's Memorial will occur following the parade at 11 a.m.

Fort Walton Beach

The Veterans Tribute Tower Committee will host a Veterans Day Ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.

The keynote speaker for the event will be Commander of the 96th Test Wing Brig. Gen. Jeffrey T. Geraghty. The event will also recognize Remembrance Day and will see British Royal Navy Cmdr. Chris Wilcox and members of his command and their families stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in attendance, as well.

Attendees are encouraged to bring flowers to the event to place in the Community Wreath. In case of poor weather, the ceremony will be held at American Legion Post 235, located at 105 Hollywood Blvd., at 11 a.m.

Mary Esther

The city of Mary Esther will host its annual Veterans Day celebrations near the Santa Rosa Mall on Saturday, Nov. 11. Activities will begin at 11 a.m. with the parade beginning at 1 p.m.

The parade route will begin on Page Bacon Road, go south on Mary Esther Boulevard and end on Hollywood Boulevard. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office will reroute traffic from 12-2 p.m.

Live music will be provided by KROCK 100.3 and OMNI Broadcasting.

Veterans Day:Emerald Coast Exchange Club begins weeklong Veterans Tribute at Air Force Armament Museum

Destin

AMVETS Post #29 will host its sixth annual BBQ Cook-off at Immanuel Anglican Church on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To participate, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items such as canned goods, dry goods and diapers. After the event, AMVETS Post #29 will host its Veterans Day celebration at 106 Benning Drive #2 from 2-4 p.m.

HarborWalk Village will host a Veterans Day Ceremony on the Main Stage from 4-5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will include a performance by Reid with Autism Sings, a presentation of colors, distinguished speakers and a veteran-owned vendor market.

DeFuniak Springs

The city of DeFuniak Springs will host the 18th annual Veterans Day Program at the Chautauqua Building from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11.

Live music will be provided from Jim Hubbard.

Freeport

The city of Freeport and the town's planter society will host their annual Veterans Day Celebration on Friday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. at the Freeport Veterans Memorial at Casey Park

John Mead selected to fill the vacant seat on the Fort Walton Beach Council

FORT WALTON BEACH — In a 5-1 vote Tuesday, John Mead was selected to fill the seat left vacant by the sudden resignation of Larry Patrick from the Fort Walton Beach City Council. The selection comes after almost two months of...

FORT WALTON BEACH — In a 5-1 vote Tuesday, John Mead was selected to fill the seat left vacant by the sudden resignation of Larry Patrick from the Fort Walton Beach City Council. The selection comes after almost two months of heated exchanges during council meetings at City Hall.

With the nomination, Mead will now serve on the council for the next 16 months until the next general election, where he can run for election.

Here’s what we know.

A controversial beginning

At the beginning of Tuesday’s council meeting, Councilman Travis Smith proposed that the nominee selected to fill the vacant seat be seated immediately instead of waiting for the next meeting.

Nominees John Mead, Jeff Pendleton and Sharon Trenary said that they would be comfortable starting immediately, while Debi Riley and Brandon Bishop said they would prefer to start at the next meeting so they could familiarize themselves with the issues being discussed, including the upcoming final public hearing on the city's budget.

According to Robert's Rules of Order, when there is a motion and a second, the issue is then open for public comment. No such discussion took place after Smith's motion.

Former council member Amy Jamieson told the Northwest Florida Daily News that, in her opinion, the council has already come to a decision on who would fill that vacant seat.

"The whole process in my opinion is wrong," said former councilman Mike Minnick at the beginning of the public comment section of the meeting. "You should have had public comments first."

The voting process

Each council member had the opportunity to vote for their first three picks for the nomination. A first-place vote received three points, a second-place vote received two points, and a third-place vote received one point.

After the first round of voting:

Mead, Riley and Hartman moved on to the second round of voting. Mead received five votes, while Riley received one. That singular vote was cast by Nic Allegretto, while each council member affiliated with the FWB Watch Group and Councilmember Bryce Jeter voted for Mead.

Public reaction

Before the meeting started at 4 p.m., a "Rally for Riley" hosted by the Okaloosa NAACP was held outside council chambers. About 15 people held signs supporting Riley's nomination.

The public comment section of the meeting came after the second round of voting, which showed Mead would receive the nomination. Supporters of Riley gave their final call to action to the current members to choose Riley for the vacant seat.

Almost all of the public comments in support of Riley echoed the same remarks that previous members of the public have made at the past two meetings.

One of the most impassioned speakers who took to the podium was former councilman Kirby Locklear. Noting that his words would fall on deaf ears if spoken to the council members, he turned around and spoke to residents who were in attendance.

His words to the public were akin to a call to action to remember the injustice some community members feel when they see the lack of representation on the council when the next election cycle returns in 2025.

While Locklear spoke, some council members could be seen smirking while his back was turned to the board.

Mead's reaction

During final thoughts from the council members, new Councilman Mead spoke.

"I'm humbled and very appreciative for the vote of confidence to be up here with everyone," said Mead. "I hope to work with staff as we have done in the past and I hope to be of the best service as I can for the short time I am up here."

Riley's reaction

Before getting to Riley's thoughts, Mayor Dick Rynearson shared his thoughts on the nomination process. He noted that he appreciated Riley's dedication and tenacity throughout the process and said that he believes that he will eventually see Riley as a council member at some point in the future.

For Riley, it seemed that, in her opinion, getting the nomination was an uphill battle from the beginning, even though she has had overwhelming vocal support in the chamber for three consecutive council meetings. Riley's name will be seen in the future, as supporters expect her to run for a council position in the next general election.

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