The Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation, a veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring fallen warriors, first responders, and their K9 partners through sustainable underwater memorials, is proud to announce a series of meaningful  Celebration of Life events. These extraordinary tributes feature the deployment of cremated remains into specially designed artificial reefs in the Gulf of  America, creating vibrant marine habitats that serve as eternal, visitable tributes while supporting ocean restoration.

The upcoming events highlight the legacies of four distinguished Navy divers whose service advanced underwater operations, explosive ordnance disposal,  and human endurance beneath the sea. Two will receive salt urn deployments, as requested by the families. While the other two will involve aluminum urns placed within the interring area of their individual artificial reefs, followed by the securing of personalized markers bearing their epitaphs.

The series begins, in unison with the Man in the Sea Museum, with salt urn tributes to two icons of naval diving history:

On May 2, 2026 SEALAB Legend Bernie Campoli, the last surviving member of the historic SEALAB I underwater habitat team. A renowned underwater photographer and diver, Campoli documented the U.S. Navy’s early saturation diving missions in the 1960s, capturing award-winning images that advanced man-in-the-sea programs, naval special warfare photography, and ocean exploration. His contributions extended to support for NASA, Ocean Systems Inc.,  and Naval Special Warfare. He earned the Meritorious Civilian Service Award and remained a senior board member of the Man in the Sea Museum until his passing.

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One week later, on May 9, 2026, Legion of Merit Recipient Master Diver Ronald William Mebust, a highly decorated Master Chief and Navy Master Diver whose exemplary career included leadership in underwater operations at Submarine Development Group 1 and beyond, will be placed at the foot of the  Military Diver Memorial.

Bernie Campoli’s event will be an all-day celebration, beginning at approximately 7:30 a.m. at the Man in the Sea Museum (17314 Panama City Beach  Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL), the world’s oldest military diving museum, and a fitting tribute site, given Campoli’s deep personal connection as a senior board member and SEALAB pioneer. A formal escort will depart the museum around 8:30 a.m., arriving at the Point South Marina at Bay Point at approximately 9 a.m. for boat departures to the Gulf deployment sites. Due to the expected large gathering honoring this legendary figure, attendees are encouraged to arrive early.

Ronald Mebust’s tribute will follow the same schedule and coincide with the Master Diver Reunion. The Foundation warmly invites community participation through lining the escort route, joining the memorial gathering, or gathering along the harbor to sound horns and fly flags high in salute to these fallen warriors.

“These… Navy divers dedicated their lives to service under some of the most demanding conditions imaginable, all while pioneering saturation diving,  clearing ordnance, and pushing the boundaries of human capability beneath the waves,” said Joe Theodorou, Founder and President of the Warrior Memorial  Reefs Foundation. “Through these Celebration of Life tributes, we honor their sacrifices by creating living memorials that families and the diving community can visit for generations. At the same time, we restore marine habitats in the Gulf they loved. This work blends remembrance, healing, marine  conservation, and community connection in a truly unique way.”

The Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation operates as a 100% volunteer organization, relying entirely on donations, sponsorships, and grants to create and maintain these eco-friendly memorials at no cost to families. Previous partnerships include collaborations with the Man in the Sea Museum for the military diver memorial, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to preserving diving history, while honoring our MilitaryVeterans and advancing ocean conservation.

Northwest Florida Beaches International  Airport (ECP) thanks the community for its overwhelming support of Transportation  Security Administration (TSA) officers during the partial federal government shutdown that left many officers working without pay for 45 days.

As TSA officers at ECP continued reporting for duty during the busy Spring Break travel season, the Airport asked the community to help by donating essential items, including dry goods, baby food, pet food and gift cards for gas and personal necessities. The goal was simple: help relieve the burden on local TSA officers and their families so they could remain focused on their mission of keeping travelers safe.

The community responded with generosity and compassion.

Donations poured in from individuals, businesses and community partners across the region. In addition to food and gift cards, several local businesses donated meals for  TSA officers who continued to report for duty each day despite the financial uncertainty.

ECP also extends special thanks to Bill Cramer Chevrolet for providing a convenient local donation drop-off location. Airport staff coordinated daily pick-up and delivery of donated items directly to TSA, helping ensure support reached those who needed it most.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport extends its sincere thanks to every individual, business and organization that contributed to the effort and helped support  ECP’s TSA team.

By Dr. Karen DeVore, Tortoise Clinic

What if I told you there would be a period in your life, one that could last up to 10 years, that would fundamentally shift how your body feels and functions?

Imagine a season marked by persistent fatigue, disrupted sleep, weight gain that no longer responds the way it once did, and emotional shifts that feel unfamiliar. And that you would be expected to carry all of this while maintaining a career, supporting a family, and showing up for your community. For many women, this isn’t theoretical. It is the reality of perimenopause and menopause.

For years, this transition was rarely discussed openly. That is changing, as it should. Many women are still navigating this blindly without understanding what is happening, what to expect, or what options they have to support themselves.

This is a natural progression, but it is not always easy, and most women are never taught how to navigate it. With the right understanding and guidance, this phase can shift from something reactive and uncertain to something far more stable and intentional.

Here’s what I would share with every woman, regardless of where she is in her transition:

Build Your Team

You do not have to navigate this phase alone. When you understand what is happening in your body, your decisions, and your outcomes, improve. Your health deserves the same level of support as every other area of your life.

Build a team that will explore this transition with you—one that listens, collaborates, and individualizes your care. The right support shifts this experience from reactive to intentional.

Explore Your Options

Menopause is not a uniform experience, and your care should not be either.

Support may include nutrition and lifestyle changes, targeted supplementation, hormone therapy when appropriate, and restorative therapies. The goal is not to push through symptoms. It is to understand them and respond appropriately. If something feels off, it is worth addressing.

Rethink How You Fuel Your Body

Hormonal shifts increase sensitivity to blood sugar fluctuations, driving energy instability, cravings, weight gain, and brain fog.

Focus on stability: prioritize protein and hydration, include healthy fats and limit highly processed carbohydrates. When blood sugar is stable, energy, mood, and metabolic function follow.

Build Strength—Not Just Endurance

Muscle becomes increasingly important during this phase of life. Hormonal changes contribute to muscle loss, reduced bone density, and slower metabolic function. Resistance training is one of the most effective ways to counter this.

Build up to strength training 2–4 times per week. This not only preserves muscle, but it places necessary stress on long bones, helping maintain bone density and reduce the risk and progression of osteoporosis.

Address Sleep Directly

Sleep disruption is common and often one of the most impactful symptoms. Difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night, and non-restorative sleep affect everything from mood to metabolism. Support sleep with a consistent routine, a cool, dark environment, and mindful use of caffeine and alcohol.

For some women, declining progesterone may contribute to sleep disruption. In those cases, targeted support, including progesterone when clinically appropriate, can help restore more consistent, restful sleep. Quality sleep is a cornerstone of hormonal and cognitive health.

Support Your Nervous System

This transition affects both hormones and the brain. Increased anxiety, irritability, and emotional variability reflect real neurological shifts. Daily regulation, through movement, time outdoors, breathwork, or meaningful connection, supports resilience and emotional stability.

These are not luxuries. They are essential tools for navigating this phase well.

Menopause is not the end of your vitality. It is a significant physiological transition that deserves attention and support, not dismissal. These changes are not random. They are signals.

When you understand what your body is doing and respond accordingly, you move through this phase with greater stability, clarity, and long-term health in mind.

Shannon Richmond joins the Board of Directors as current board members Bruce Naylor and Matt Milliron are elected to key leadership roles.

Scenic Walton is pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Richmond, Vice President and Director of Membership Services for the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, to its Board of Directors. The organization also announces the election of Bruce Naylor as Vice President and Matt Milliron as Treasurer, further strengthening its leadership during a time of continued growth and opportunity across Walton County.

Richmond brings nearly a decade of experience connecting businesses and fostering community engagement through her work with one of the most active chambers in the region. A longtime Panama City Beach resident, her passion for supporting local communities is both professional and deeply personal. Known for her energy, relationship-driven approach, and commitment to championing local businesses, Richmond adds a valuable regional perspective to Scenic Walton’s mission.

“Joining Scenic Walton is an incredible opportunity to be part of something that truly shapes the future of our communities,” said Richmond. “This region is so special, and I’m passionate about preserving what makes it unique while supporting thoughtful, responsible growth. I’m excited to work alongside this dedicated group to continue making a positive impact.”

In addition to welcoming Richmond, Scenic Walton has elected Bruce Naylor as Vice President. A long-time DeFuniak Springs resident and owner and broker of Naylor Realty & Associates, Naylor brings more than three decades of experience in real estate, marketing, and community leadership throughout Walton County. His deep understanding of the region, combined with his longstanding commitment to preserving its character, makes him a natural fit for this leadership role.

Also elected to a leadership position, Matt Milliron will serve as Treasurer. An ISA Certified Arborist and Branch Manager for SavATree in Santa Rosa Beach, Milliron brings a strong background in environmental stewardship, urban forestry, and sustainable land management. His experience spans wildfire management with the Florida Forest Service, ecosystem restoration, and municipal arboriculture, providing Scenic Walton with valuable expertise in preserving and enhancing natural landscapes.

“As Walton County continues to grow, it is more important than ever to have strong, thoughtful leadership guiding our efforts,” said Leigh Moore, Executive Director of Scenic Walton. “Shannon, Bruce, and Matt each bring a unique perspective and a deep commitment to this community. Together, they strengthen our ability to advocate for projects and initiatives that protect our scenic beauty, enhance safety, and ensure a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

These leadership additions reflect Scenic Walton’s ongoing commitment to collaboration, regional engagement, and proactive planning. By bringing together expertise in business development, real estate, and environmental stewardship, the organization is well-positioned to continue advancing initiatives that support both economic vitality and the preservation of Walton County’s distinctive character.

For more information about Scenic Walton and its initiatives, visit www.scenicwalton.org.

By Teahna Stephens, Director, Beach Mosquito Control District, and Cindy Mulla, Public Relations/Education, Beach Mosquito Control District

In the ongoing fight against mosquito-borne disease, innovation is no longer optional- it is essential. This spring, our program took a significant step forward by launching an eight-week Sterile Insect Technique (S.I.T.) trial targeting Aedes aegypti, one of the most medically important mosquito species in the world. Aedes aegypti is known for carrying dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and other vector-borne pathogens.

Aedes aegypti is an old-world mosquito, believed to have arrived in the United States on board slave ships. In the 1980s, another mosquito, the Aedes albopictus, entered the United States from overseas in cargo ships and outcompeted Aedes aegypti– pushing them south. Over the last four to five years, Aedes aegypti has slowly been showing up in traps set by our surveillance teams and spreading throughout the Panama City Beach area.

These mosquitoes can turn into a big problem for our local area. They are urban mosquitoes that lay eggs around people’s homes. The females prefer to feed on humans for their blood source and prefer to bite during the daytime. Studies have also shown that they are becoming more or more resistant to mosquito control insecticides. Mosquito control districts all over the state have been investigating other techniques to combat these potentially dangerous mosquitoes.

Another eco-friendly method is the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). It is a non–GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) ecological safe pest control method that uses sterilized male mosquitoes. Why male mosquitoes? Because they do not bite or spread disease. It is the female that requires a blood meal to develop her eggs. How do the males become sterile? They go through a special machine, exposed to a low dose of radiation like an x-ray machine, and become sterile. It is the same concept of neutering a dog to prevent puppies.

The next step is the release of sterile male mosquitoes into predetermined areas where we located Aedes aegypti during our routine surveillance sessions. The males will mate with wild females, producing nonviable eggs that do not hatch, reducing population density. It specifically targets disease-carrying species like Aedes aegypti. The Sterile Insect Technique does not kill mosquitoes, but it does prevent them from reproducing successfully.

Early in April 2026, our team received its first batch of sterile male Aedes aegypti and initiated weekly releases as part of the trial. This effort marks a shift toward integrating advanced biological control methods into routine mosquito management. The control method of larval habitat reduction, ovitrap surveillance, and targeted treatments remains essential. The purpose of Sterile Insect treatments is to serve as a proactive layer, reducing populations before they reach levels of public health concern.

Early trials around the world have shown promising results, with significant reductions in Aedes aegypti populations. Locally, this pilot program represents an opportunity to evaluate how SIT performs under our specific environmental conditions and operational framework. This trial is more than just a short-term project; it is part of a broader movement toward sustainable, science-driven vector control. Sometimes, the most effective way to fight mosquitoes is not by increasing chemical applications, but by outsmarting their biology. By ensuring the next generation never hatches, sterile insect techniques may help redefine the future of mosquito control – one release at a time.

Beach Mosquito Control District is dedicated to keeping everyone safe through education and mosquito prevention. Panama City Beach residents remember that your tax dollars support this service. To place a service request for all your mosquito concerns, contact us at (850) 233-5030 or visit www.pcbeachmosquito.org.