Fort Walton Beach Welcomes New City Manager
The City of Fort Walton Beach has named Jason Davis, currently Deputy County Administrator for St. Lucie County, as its new City Manager. Davis, who brings two decades of public service experience, will step into the role on June 2. He holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, along with an MBA and a bachelor’s in criminology from Florida State University. Davis succeeds interim City Manager Dennis Reeves, who has been leading the city during the search process.
Two Local Veterans Nominated for Florida Veterans Hall of Fame
With great pride, the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee announces the nomination of former U.S. Navy Yeoman Terry James Jenrich and U.S. Air Force Captain Reuben Manasco for the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Established in 2011 by the Florida Legislature, the Hall of Fame honors veterans who have made lasting civic, business, and public service contributions to the State of Florida.
Yeoman Terry Jenrich has been a guiding force behind the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee, playing a key role in the creation of the Veterans Memorial at Beal Memorial Cemetery. Her tireless advocacy extends to the Eglin Fisher House, where she led the charge on founding fundraising efforts for this 12-bedroom support home for military families. Terry’s dedication has been recognized by the Salvation Army, the American Legion, and Wreaths Across America for her remarkable volunteer work.
Captain Reuben Manasco has spent decades serving his community, raising millions through the Emerald Coast All Sports Association to benefit youth programs, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Special Olympics of Okaloosa County, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Named to the All Sports Association Hall of Fame in 2008, Reuben is fondly known as “coach” by countless local youth whose lives he has touched through sports and mentorship.
Nominees will be considered by the Governor and Florida Cabinet, with induction ceremonies held this Veterans Day. If selected, Jenrich and Manasco will join nine other distinguished Okaloosa County honorees in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.
Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Demetrius Fuller Accepted into Florida Chapter of the Recording Academy; Takes Leadership Role in Music Education
Demetrius Fuller, Founder and Music & Artistic Director of Sinfonia Gulf Coast, has been named a Professional Member of the Florida Chapter of the Recording Academy—currently the ONLY professional member from Northwest Florida. He has also been appointed to the chapter’s Education Committee, helping guide statewide music education and scholarship initiatives supported by MusiCares.
Fuller founded Sinfonia in 2004 at just 24 and joined the Academy in 2024. His appointment comes as Sinfonia prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary season in 2025–2026.
“Joining the Florida Chapter of the Recording Academy is an honor that places Sinfonia Gulf Coast within an influential global network of music industry professionals,” said Fuller. “This affiliation aligns perfectly with our mission to redefine the symphony experience while supporting music education and professional growth in our community and beyond.”
Demetrius also mentors through GRAMMY U, connecting music professionals with college students pursuing careers in the music industry. He has commissioned and premiered numerous works, helping shape both regional and international music culture.
“We are beyond proud of this stellar accomplishment,” added Elizabeth Boswell, board president. “Demetrius is not only a distinguished music professional, but a relevant and engaged industry leader.”
The Recording Academy’s Florida Chapter, founded in 1995, represents artists and professionals throughout Florida and Puerto Rico and includes icons like Gloria Estefan, DJ Khaled and Bad Bunny, reflecting Florida’s rich musical heritage and dynamic contemporary scene. SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.
New Speed Cameras Record More Than 3,000 Violations During 30-Day Trial Period
The City of Fort Walton Beach has partnered with RedSpeed USA to implement photo enforcement in school speed zones at nine schools throughout the city. During a recent 30-day warning period, school zone safety cameras recorded more than 3,000 speeding violations –with some drivers exceeding 60mph in 15/20mph school zones.
Citations began being issued May 7 in accordance with Florida State Statute 316.1896, which permits automated enforcement of school zone speed limits.
Registration Open for 850 Angel League Special Needs Softball
Registration is now open for the 850 Angel League, a summer softball league for special needs individuals ages 10–18 (age flexible). Practices run Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., at Chester Pruitt Park starting May 14 through July. Cost: $50/month.
Returning athletes can register online; new athletes must register in person at the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center (132 Jet Dr NW). A parent or guardian may register on their behalf.
The Rec Center is open Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–8 p.m., and Sat, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Coach Jewel LaCross returns this season, and volunteers are welcome!
Questions? Contact Wendy Riggs at 850-833-9582 or wriggs@fwb.org.
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One Okaloosa EDC Launches New Website
One Okaloosa EDC has unveiled its next-generation website, www.oneokaloosa.org, developed by Pensacola-based agency Appleyard Duncan McCall. This launch replaces the organization’s previous site, which had been in place since 2017, and follows One Okaloosa’s rebranding from the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County in late 2020.
As the first stop for many prospective companies and site selectors, the new site delivers key information on workforce, demographics, and available properties, while also offering resources for entrepreneurs, overviews of local schools, healthcare, recreation, arts, and a “Preferred Service Provider” directory—helping showcase Okaloosa County as a vibrant place to live, work, and invest.
