May 2017   |   95  

Surgeons (ACS), a scientifi c and educational 
association that improves the quality of care 
for surgical patients. It is now one of only 
seven ACS-verifi ed Level II Trauma Centers 
in Florida. Five of the seven are HCA (parent 
company of FWBMC) facilities.  

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center’s 

trauma center now enters the second phase 
of the approval process with the state’s health 
department. Final designation from the state 
should be received within the month. At that 
time, we will host the community at an event 
where the name and signage are revealed.

The announcement from ACS was made 

to employees today at Fort Walton Beach 
Medical Center (FWBMC). “We thank all 
the physicians, employees, fi rst responders, 
and community leaders who helped make 
this achievement possible”, stated Mitch 
Mongell, CEO of Fort Walton Beach Medical 
Center. “We are proud to be the ONLY Level 
II Trauma Center in the Tri-County area. 
A trauma center is a state-verifi ed facility 
capable of specialized treatment for the most 
critical injuries. This is truly a great asset for 
our community.”

More Shopping Options at Destin 
Commons

 
Destin Commons announced the opening 

of four more new retail launches at their 
premier outdoor lifestyle center in Northwest 
Florida. Coastal Outfi tters, Extreme Sports 
Fan and Munika Karim are now open and Sea 
& Sand Jewelry will open in mid-April.

Coastal Outfi tters was founded by Ryan 

Rasinen and is headquartered in Spanish 
Fort, Alabama. Coastal Outfi tters specializes 

in carrying the fi nest selection of premium 
coastal, outdoor gear and casual lifestyle 
apparel and accessories.

Xtreme SportsFan is home to a wide 

collection of collectibles of team merchandise 
for the NFL, NBA, Nascar, MLB, NHL, 
NCAA and collegiate sports memorabilia. 
Energetic owner, Fabulous Fred, is pleased 
with his new location and offers team branded 
sporting goods apparel. 

Munika Karim, showcases a collection of 

beautifully crafted custom jewelry handmade 
by owner, Munika Karim, who specializes 
in exquisite pearls and fi ne leather necklaces, 
bracelets and earrings. 

Sea & Sand Jewelry will be offering 

another jewelry option for shoppers with the 
opening of their kiosk location in Center Plaza 
by the pop fountains. Owners William and 
Emily Kelly will be showcasing several lines 
of jewelry.

Award-winning Destin Commons is 

anchored by Bass Pro Shops, Belk, H&M, 
Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill, the largest 
Lush in Florida and AMC Destin, a 
14-screen stadium style movie theatre. 
Destin Commons also offers 70,000 square 
feet of Class A offi ce space, free WiFi access, 
interactive pop fountain and Pirate’s Cove 
children’s soft play area. Destin Commons is 
located at the corner of US Highway 98 and 
the Mid Bay Bridge Road.  

For additional information, call (850) 
337-8700. visit www.DestinCommons.com, 
Facebook or Twitter.

The YOLO Board Relay Series 
Returns to The Bay for 10th 
Anniversary

YOLO Board Adventures will host the 

10th installment of the YOLO Board Relay 
Series, a three-part standup paddleboard 
(SUP) race series and family event on May 
18, June 15 and July 20. The celebrated 
community event series will return to The Bay 
restaurant with races held on the beautiful 
Choctawhatchee Bay. The themed races will 

include giveaways, live music, refreshments 
and kids’ activities. 

One of the pioneer SUP events on the 

Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, the YOLO 
Board Relay Series has expanded and evolved 
as the sport’s popularity has grown across 
the area. This year’s edition will feature team 
relay-style competition in three recreational 
divisions: men’s, women’s and coed along 
with the return of a division dedicated to 
Special Olympics Florida-Walton County 
athletes.

Defi ned by a lighthearted and festive 

atmosphere, the series allows participants 
of all skill levels to enjoy being on the water 
and offers the perfect venue for spectators to 
relax and cheer on their favorite teams. The 
Bay offers a picturesque sandy beach along 
the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay with 
seating and refreshments readily available. 
Signature 10th Anniversary 5-shirts will 
be available for purchase at each race, and 
all racers receive a swag bag that includes a 
t-shirt.

Each race series will begin at 4:30pm at The 
Bay, located at 24215 US Highway 331S, 
Santa Rosa Beach. For more information 
please call 850-424-6852 or email info@
YOLOBoard.com.

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