Latest news with #SouthWaltonTurtleWatch
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Northwest Florida Health Network empowers fathers at 2025 Fatherhood Conference
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Fathers are stepping up to be more present in their children's lives. The Northwest Florida Health Network is designed to empower fathers at the Fatherhood Conference. The program helps incarcerated fathers reconnect with their children. The goal is to help fathers become more confident in their parenting. Participants could grab a passport card and visit different vendors with resources for dads. South Walton Turtle Watch teaches youth about sea turtle care They could also hear personal stories from event speakers, motivating them to make a change. 'I grew up in a broken home with violence and abuse. And I stopped that, what I call a generational curse. I stopped it, created a new way. And yet in all my years working with men who grew up in broken homes, they felt they were doomed to repeat the past. And the reality is, you're not if you make choices today that turn their lives around, not just for your sake, for your kids, for your family, and for the next two generations of generations,' RelateWell Institute Director Richard Marks said. 'There's about 24 million children across the country that do not have a father in their life. And when that is missing, that family unit breaks down. A lot of bad things happen. Education outcomes are worse. Health outcomes are worse. And also, we know that there's a higher incidence of violence and incarceration when there's not that father figure in their lives,' Northwest Florida Health Network CEO Mike Watkins said. There were also counselors who assisted fathers in overcoming substance use and mental health challenges. Event organizers know how important it is for children to have a father in their lives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
South Walton Turtle Watch teaches youth about sea turtle care
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Sea Turtle Wednesday is back in Walton County. South Walton Turtle Watch hosts the event at the Big Chill every Wednesday through the end of July. Visitors can learn how to protect nesting sea turtles by keeping the beach flat, clean, and dark at night. There are also painting stations and merchandise to help raise funds for their mission. All dolphins now transported from Gulf World Marine Park Organizers say it's important to teach young people now, so they grow up knowing how to protect sea turtles for generations to come. 'When you're young, you're a little sponge. And there are definitely things that you learn when you're young that you say, Oh my gosh, I remember this from when I was young, and I have a passion for that. Little kids are coming and they're having a good time and they're seeing these big species and they're just going to take it forward with them, whether it's to participate in helping them survive or teaching others about it,' South Walton Turtle Watch coordinator Valerie Lofton said. Sea turtle nesting season runs through October 31st. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
