Local Beaches Frommer's Top Global Destinations for 2010

Northwest Florida residents who want to visit one of the top destinations in the world for 2010 need only step outside.  Frommer's Travel Guide, one of the best-selling travel guides in the world with more than 75 million books sold, recently named the beaches of Northwest Florida as one of its top world-wide travel destinations for next year.

Other areas that made Frommer's list are Tunisia in North Africa; Hanoi, Vietnam; and Melbourne, Australia.  The only other American locale that made the list was Hawaii's Big Island.

Frommer's list of top tourist destinations for next year will be seen by people from all over the world and will help draw new visitors to the area, said Darrel Jones, Executive Director of Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council. 

"It's a great thing for opening this area up to the world, " Jones said.  "Advertising like this, you couldn't pay for.   

 USO Center Opening at Northwest Florida Regional Airport

Eglin AFB, Fla. – A new USO Center will be opening in early 2010 at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport. Partnering with the Northwest Florida Regional Airport and the area Military Affairs Committee’s, the USO will be located in a 1,000 square foot area by the ticketing counter. Nicknamed the “Freedom Lounge”, the new USO will have a full range of core services including computer connectivity, snacks and beverages.

"The USO is the premier military care and support agency for the military." Airport director Greg Donovan said "we are excited to have the USO at Northwest Florida Regional Airport."

"With so many of our military utilizing this airport we are looking forward to providing a safe and secure place for our nation’s heroes to wait and greet." Heidi Blair, director USO Pensacola stated. "This is a great partnership and a wonderful way to lift the spirits of the military while they are travelling."

The new center is looking for financial support and volunteer assistance to staff the center. Financial support can be sent to PO Box 33135 Pensacola FL 32536. If you are interested in volunteering call Kathy Karsten, program manager at 850-455-8280 ext 4 or e-mail info@usopensacola.org.

Volunteers will staff the USO Freedom Lounge providing a touch of home to our nations military. Job functions include: checking in military guests, ensuring the environment is fun, friendly and safe, answering questions, keeping the facility neat, administrative work and keeping snacks available to the troops. Volunteers must 18 years old, have the ability to pass a background check, fill out an application, supply references, interview and complete training before becoming eligible to volunteer. Training and orientation are provided to ensure you the best volunteer experience possible.

Add 1: USO Pensacola serves the Panhandle of Florida. There are currently two physical locations in the Panhandle for our military to find a touch of home. They are located at the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport and on Naval Air Station. The location at Northwest Florida Regional Airport will be the third location for USO Pensacola.