By Christopher Manson
On Saturday, June 13, the closely-guarded identity of the incoming Captain Billy—number 71—was revealed at the annual Billy Bowlegs Coronation Pageant held at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. The free public event announced Kent Tinsley as Captain Billy 71, along with his Queen, First Mate and Mistress, Honor Guard consisting of 10 couples, and the theme for Bowlegs 2027.
Keeping the new Captain Billy’s identity under wraps involves a ton of planning months before the Coronation Pageant. Tinsley was made aware of the honor last November, after a group of previous Captains get together and narrowed the candidates down to three. The final decision was made by Rique Gwin, the outgoing Captain Billy. “I was honored to pick Kent, based on knowing him for many years to be a quality, good man,” says Gwin. “I also respect his longtime ties to the community and rich heritage in the Krewe.”
Tinsley, a lifelong Fort Walton Beach resident, is the son of an Air Force veteran—and past Captain Billy (number 36). “It’s a unique perspective, having had my family involved for so many years,” he says. “My dad passed in April, but I was able to share the excitement about being Captain Billy 71.” The Fort Walton Beach High School graduate and University of West Florida alum will be using his father’s Captain Billy medallion and sword as a tribute.
Tinsley calls wife Mary his “right hand lady, the driving force behind me and my family.” She and Tinsley married 20 years ago and joined the Krewe shortly after. Mary is very involved in the community, notably as president of Impact 100.
The 2027 Billy Bowlegs Festival is set for the weekend after Mother’s Day, beginning on Thursday and wrapping up with the Monday evening parade put on by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a busy year, but you plan for it,” Tinsley says. Fortunately, his “real” job has afforded him the flexibility to travel for the remainder of the year and in early 2027. The Krewe currently consists of 170 members, and Captain Billy 71 spends a good part of his week working on all things Bowlegs. “It’s well worth the effort. You only get to be Captain once.”
Come October, Tinsley and some of his mates will attend festivals in Panama City, Apalachicola, and beyond. When I ask him if he ever gets any rest, he says, “Whenever I can find time! What’s the old saying? ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead.’”
Tinsley says his duties as Captain Billy started six to seven months before he officially took over. “There’s a lot of planning, and now it’s time to execute. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time.”
Captain Billy’s Queen is Tade Wolfe, a local speech pathologist. “She and her husband Scott have been in the Krewe for years. We’re great friends and work well together,” says Tinsley. Local business people Jason and Nicole Floyd have been tapped as First Mate and Mistress. “They got into the Krewe five years ago, and our relationship has grown in that time. It was an easy pick.”
The Krewe is a private organization, and to join, hopefuls are required to be sponsored by a current member. There’s limited space in the Krewe, but Tinsley encourages people to volunteer for the May festival.
The theme for Bowlegs 71 is “Whiskey In, Wisdom Out.” Tinsley admits that a minimum of thought went into that. “We all enjoy getting together and enjoying bourbon. We spread wisdom throughout the year, too.”
He adds: “It’s really about spreading the good news about Fort Walton Beach to other communities.”
The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival originated in 1954. Over the years, the Krewe has swashbuckled its way into the hearts of locals and visitors with its devotion to service and civic-mindedness. And fun. Learn more at kreweofbowlegs.com.
PHOTO:
Incoming Captain Billy Kent Tinsley and Queen Tade Wolfe
Photo Courtesy of Krewe of Bowlegs
