Emerald Coast Funeral Home & Reception Center

01/24/2026

Thomas (Tom) Francis Bowers, age 66, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully from stage 3 cancer of the throat on January 16, 2025.
Tom was born June 1, 1959, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the first of six children born to Barbara and George Valentine Bowers. He moved to Fort Walton Beach....

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01/23/2026

Craig Warren McLendon, 55, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away January 22, 2026. A complete obituary will be posted soon. Please keep the McLendon family in your thoughts and prayers.

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01/23/2026

GREEN BERET TOMMY LAZZARO: NatureView, a master-planned community surrounded by more than 50,000 acres of protected conservation land, has donated a homesite and home to Kaley Lazzaro, widow of Staff Sergeant Tommy Lazzaro of the 7th Special Forces Group.

The donation through the NatureView Hero Homez initiative comes nearly a year after Tommy Lazzaro died in a hunting accident on Eglin Air Force Base on December 22, 2024. He was 27.
“Today we’re here to present a homesite to Kaley Lazzaro, the widow of Tommy Lazzaro,” said CSM Chuck Labuda of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) during a recent gathering at the community. “It’s humbling to see the community come together and support the 7th Special Forces Group.”

The tragedy occurred on Kaley’s birthday, less than 18 hours after the couple learned they were expecting their first child. Their son, also named Tommy, was born in September.

DSLD Builders will construct the home in the Freeport community developed by The Jay Odom Group.

“She’s going to have a brand-new home to raise our grandson,” said Tom Lazzaro, Tommy’s father. “The financial burden has been lifted from her shoulders.”
Tom Lazzaro described the moment as life-changing for the family approaching the one-year anniversary of their loss.

“This has been a phenomenal blessing,” he said.

Jay Odom, CEO and President of The Jay Odom Group, said NatureView was designed as a place where families can grow and connect on 300 acres surrounded by permanent conservation land owned by the State of Florida and Nokuse Plantation.

“We were fortunate enough to find 300 acres in the middle of a 50,000-acre nature preserve,” Odom said. “We’re surrounded by permanent conservation land. It’s a perfect place for kids to grow up and for families to grow together.”

Full Story: https://www.getthecoast.com/green-beret-tommy-lazzaros-family-to-receive-donated-home-from-the-jay-odom-group-in-freeport/

01/21/2026

We’re excited to continue our work with Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and their role in supporting the community.

If you have any suggestions or community partnerships you'd like to see from us in the future, please let us know! 😊

01/21/2026

Kimberly Kay (Leach) LaFollette, age 62, of Niceville, Florida went to be with her Heavenly Father on January 14, 2026, surrounded by her doting family. Born on July 31, 1963, in Columbus, Ohio, Kimberly was the daughter of Virgil Leach and Patty Vance, both of whom preceded her in death. From a you...

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01/19/2026

01/19/2026

Michael Anthony Massaro, age 67, of Mary Esther, FL, passed away January 17, 2026. In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated with no formal services held. Please keep the Massaro Family in your thoughts and prayers.

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01/19/2026

We’re happy to share that we will continue our Emerald Coast Hospice breakfasts. These gatherings are one way we support our partnership with Emerald Coast Hospice and stay connected with those who serve our community.

Thank you to everyone who joins us.

01/19/2026

We are saddened to announce the passing of Ms. Bobbi Ann Hart, age 60, of Crestview, Florida. An obituary will be forthcoming. No public services are planned at this time.
The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.

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01/19/2026

Douglas Richard Burgess, 86, of Niceville, FL passed away January 16, 2026 at The Opal assisted living facility. As a youngster, Doug enjoyed such things as being able to fish and hunt and play all sorts of sports. In high school, his sports activities culminated in being awarded a full scholarship ...

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01/19/2026

Dennis Clark Woltz, 76, died in his home in Mary Esther, FL on January 15 after a lengthy illness. His loving wife, daughter and son were with him as he peacefully transitioned into the next life.
Dennis was born in Carlisle, PA on June 12, 1949 to the late Gerald K. and Julia (Clark) Woltz. Denni...

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01/16/2026

Stay tuned for our upcoming events. We welcome your feedback—tell us in the comments what you’d like to see this year.