Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s annual Winter Wonderland event was held on December 12 and 13, 2025, at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center.  The Winter Wonderland community event was a heartwarming success that brought together families, veterans, and community members in a spirit of unity, hope, and celebration. Sponsored by the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and supported by Panhandle Warrior Partnership along with dedicated community partners, the event

Panhandle Warrior Partnership is proud to share the inspiring journey of a local veteran whose life was transformed through dedicated support, persistence, and community partnership. 

By the end of the day:  -244 people attended (Veterans, public, vendors, volunteers)   -44 organizations exhibited   -93 veterans were served (+ 12 veteran volunteers = 105  veterans)    -8 veteran family members/caregivers were served   -15 Homeless Veterans were housed as a result of the Standdown 

Panhandle Warrior Partnership and the Mental Health Association of Fort Walton Beach and community came together in a powerful act of kindness this week, donating much-needed supplies to the local homeless population. Boxes and bags filled the center’s lobby, each one packed with items that will make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. 

Gulf Coast Career Source generously donated essential items to support a community homeless outreach event. Their contribution, which included clothing, blankets, hygiene kits, helped ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness received much-needed comfort and care. The donation met immediate needs and also demonstrated the organization’s commitment to giving back and uplifting vulnerable members of the community.

On July 23, 2025, 20-year Army veteran Thomas passed away, leaving behind his 17-year-old daughter, Ashlee . Her mother, Maria, was left unsure of how she would manage her daughter’s future.  Ever wondered what $10 could do? It can save the lives of veterans like the one you're reading about in this story. Donate $10 a month and help us reach veterans before a crisis occurs. Together, we can do better. Our veterans deserve better. With the help of Panhandle Warrior Partnershi

Mr. Cooper is a Vietnam War era veteran who served in the Army from June of 1974 to June of 1998 with an honorable discharge. With his age and the service-connected disabilities he faces, he could not make use of his bathtub due to all the surgeries he has had on his back, neck, and feet. He was introduced to case coordinator Rufus, who was able to connect him with two different groups in the community.  One being The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), that offers various g

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