FLORIDA FORT WALTONDESTIN HOSPITAL AWARDS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

Hca

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

has awarded a $15,000 scholarship to Okaloosa Technical College to support efforts to strengthen and expand the state’s health care workforce. The funding is part of HCA Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to partnering with organizations to help develop a diverse pool of future health care leaders and is designed to ensure that students have the opportunity to graduate and attain a high-quality degree or industry certification. Students enrolled in the nursing program at Okaloosa Technical College complete a year of clinical training at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital while working toward their Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certification.

daily operations, implementing strategic goals and ensuring the delivery of quality customer service to clients and associates. Since joining the agency in 2011 as an agent coordinator, Sirmans has played an integral role in the company’s growth and expansion, assuming the role of director of operations in 2017 and vice president of operations in 2019. Prior to working in real estate, Sirmans accrued extensive experience in the banking industry, giving her insight into all sides of transaction management.

» Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the reappointment of Katie Spear, O.D., J.D., M.P.H. to the Board of Optometry.

Spear, of Pensacola, is the owner of The Vision Hub and Dr. Katie Gilbert Spear, PLLC. She is a member of the Florida Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association and is a former co-editor of Women in Optometry

Spear earned her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, her master’s degree in public health from the University of Alabama, her doctorate of optometry from the University of Alabama and her juris doctor from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

Bay Local Honors

» Bill and Mary Kay Thompson have been named recipients of Bay County’s 2022–23

Teacher of a Lifetime award

As husband and wife, the two were music educators for more than 30 years. The award was established seven years ago to recognize and honor teachers who have greatly impacted their students and contributed to the community. Mary Kay was a music educator at Hiland Park Elementary School, A.D. Harris High School, Oscar Patterson Academy and Mowat Middle School. She retired from Hiland Park in 2010. Bill was a band director at Mosley High School, Rosenwald High School, and Merrit Brown Middle School and ended his career in 2010 at Mowat Middle School.

NEW & NOTABLE

» HCA Florida Gulf Coast has announced that the opening of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Center with an expansion of rehabilitation services. The $20.5 million, 22,000-square-foot addition includes 20 additional private patient rooms, a gym and a dining area. The center specializes in treating patients who have experienced strokes, cardiac and pulmonary issues, orthopedic fractures, amputations, brain, back and spinal injuries, neuromuscular disorders and other health issues.