Course Description: Mary Esther Community Garden encourages residents to grow organic produce, and employs the practices of composting, collecting rainwater, recycling and the use of environmentally safe pest management. They give back to the community by inviting residents, schools, community centers, and food banks to manage a garden plot for their needs. Ten garden plots are designated for charity donations. Come see this exciting work and learn how you can join in. This one-time tour will meet on October 10, 9:00 to 10:00, at the Mary Esther Community Garden in Springdale Park on Mary Esther Drive.

Class Leader Bio(s): Ruth Sykes is the Community Garden Coordinator. Ruth has managed the Community Garden since 2013 and, with the help of Master Gardeners, educates the member gardeners about the growing process and best practices for plant production. The Community Garden members have harvested and donated over 2000 pounds of vegetables to local charities and food banks.

Notes: This one-time tour will meet on October 10, 9:00 to 10:00, at the Mary Esther Community Garden in Springdale Park on Mary Esther Drive (not ME Cutoff) next to the water tower. Ample parking is available Participants are encouraged to wear gardening clothing.

Course Description: This one-time class will meet on Tuesday, October 14 at UWF. Jessica Valek, Natural Resources Manager, will cover general sea turtle information and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team’s Sea Turtle Program.

Class Leader Bio(s): In March of 2021, Jessica Valek became the Natural Resources Manager for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team where her main focus is running the County’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Nesting Program. She also manages marine debris removal efforts and assists the team with lionfish removal, research and restoration projects, as well as education and outreach efforts.

Notes: This one-time class will meet on Tuesday, October 14 at 10:15 at UWF.

Course Description: This tour of Fort Walton Beach Fire Station #6 is your opportunity to learn how the missions to provide protection of life, property and the environment from the effects of fires, medical emergencies and hazards is accomplished through training, highly technical equipment and the dedicated men and women who serve as firefighters. Fire fighters are trained paramedics, often arriving on the scene before the EMS to instantly begin medical attention to save lives. Following this tour, you will depart with a new appreciation and understanding of our local fire station and firefighters. This tour will meet on Wednesday, October 15, 10:30 to 12:30.

Class Leader Bio(s): Fort Walton Beach Fire Chief Jeremy Morgan began his career with the department over 22 years ago. He oversees two fire stations and approximately 40 personnel. During his career, he served in Okaloosa County’s Special Operations Unit which included rope-based rescue and hazmat response teams. Chief Morgan has been a paramedic for 20 years and has earned numerous state certifications and multiple fire science degrees.

Notes: This one-time tour will meet on Wednesday, October 15, 10:30 to 12:30, at: FWB Fire Station #6 5 Hollywood Boulevard Fort Walton Beach Park in the Fort Walton Beach Police Station parking lot which is adjacent to the Fire Station. Use the parking lot walkway, walk to the west and enter through the door into the Fire Station receiving area.

Course Description: This exclusive tour with the staff of NBSTCC will begin with Sweet Pea, the resident green sea turtle and continue in the Shanna Litterist Education portion of the center to meet other aquatic marine species, terrestrial and aquatic reptiles, and learn more about the unique natural resources of the Florida panhandle. This one-time tour will meet on Wednesday, October 22, 9:00 to 11:00.

Class Leader Bio(s): Cristen Weaver is the Outreach Coordinator for NBSTCC. Darby is the Volunteer Support Team member who will conduct the tour.

Notes: This one-time tour will meet on Wednesday, October 22, 9:00 to 11:00. Participants are to arrive no later than 8:30 at: Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center 8740 Gulf Blvd Navarre, FL

Course Description: This one-time class will meet on October 23rd at UWF. Ashley Bailey from the Crime Prevention Unit will discuss how AI is currently being used in frauds and scams and ways to prevent being a victim.

Class Leader Bio(s): Ashley Bailey is the Crime Prevention Manager with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. She has been working for the Sheriff’s Office for over 20 years educating citizens, business owners, and tourists in Okaloosa County. In addition, she started and continues to manage numerous programs and services for residents.

Notes: This one-time class will meet on Thursday, October 23, at 1:00 at UWF.

Course Description: Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) is growing! Join us for a terrific opportunity for an update and tour of the extended programs. OTC offers quality post-secondary programs featuring state-of-the-art training facilities and professional, industry-experienced instructors. OTC programs provide nationally recognized industry certifications that will qualify you to enter the workforce or continue your education. CLL tour attendees will take a walking tour of the on-site programs OTC currently offers and plans for future programs. This one-time tour will meet on Wednesday, October 29 at 9:00 to 11:30.

Class Leader Bio(s): Jon Williams is the Okaloosa Technical College Director.

Notes: This one-time class will meet on Wednesday, October 29, 9:00 to 11:30 at: Okaloosa Technical School 1976 Lewis Turner Blvd Fort Walton Beach Parking for CLL Tour attendees will be identified and marked off.

Course Description: We are surrounded by water here. Have you ever wondered what is below the surface? Have you thought about scuba diving? Jeff Herman has over 6,700 dives all over the world and will share his pictures and stories to show you how it's done. Whether you want to learn to dive, vicariously tour the world’s oceans and bays, or just share your diving adventures with others, this class is for you. This one-time class will meet 1:00 to 2:30, on Thursday, October 30.

Class Leader Bio(s): Jeff has been diving for decades all over the world, operated a dive shop for 26 years, was a course director for Scuba Schools International, and taught divers for about 20 years. He brings a wealth of experience and will encourage everyone to enjoy the water.

Notes: This one-time class will meet 1:00 to 2:30, on Thursday, October 30.