Captain Billy Bowlegs 71 Kent Tinsley is pictured with his wife, Mary. An incorrect photo accompanied last month’s article introducing the new captain. We are pleased to share the correct image and congratulate Tinsley as he prepares to lead the Krewe into the Bowlegs 2027 season.
Young Savers Recognized
Eglin Federal Credit Union joined Okaloosa Saves and six other financial institutions for the annual Teach Children to Save campaign. This year, 189 participants deposited $42,337.39. Since 2004, 2,686 children have saved more than $463,000 through the program. Ten young savers received $50 deposits: Cali Branson (Fort Walton Beach), Kate Kennedy, Titus Kidder, Khai Mays, Alice Morton, David Nelson, Liam Law, Marin Lee, Sofia Simeonova (Fort Walton Beach) and Liam Walbert. More information is available through Okaloosa Saves on Facebook.
DUI Checkpoints Planned
Fort Walton Beach police will conduct DUI checkpoints during the Labor Day holiday period as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Checkpoints are scheduled from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Aug. 28 and Sept. 3 at Wright Parkway and Rogers Street and from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sept. 5 on U.S. 98 at Fort Walton Beach City Hall. Drivers who plan to drink should arrange a designated driver, taxi or rideshare in advance.
City Pickup Programs
Fort Walton Beach sanitation crews will collect large household items from residential customers at no additional charge through Aug. 27. Items should be placed curbside on the regular yard-waste collection day, away from fire hydrants and utility boxes. Construction debris, concrete, bricks, glass, tires and hazardous materials are not accepted.
Free tire collection is Aug. 28. Residents must schedule service by calling 850-833-9655 between Aug. 24 and 28. Both programs are limited to residential sanitation customers within city limits.
For more information, call the City of Fort Walton Beach Sanitation Division at 850-833-9655 or visit fwb.org/285/Residential-Services.
Park Renovation Rescheduled
Renovations at Liza Jackson Park, 338 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, are now expected to begin the week of Sept. 14. The park’s west side and west entrance will close for construction.
The six-month project includes a new 832-square-foot restroom, additional vehicle and boat-trailer parking, a redesigned boat-launch traffic area, sidewalks and storm water improvements. The $3.1 million project is funded by the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, Infrastructure Surtax Fund and a $1 million Okaloosa County Tourist Development Tax contribution.
Students Compete in Civics Bee
Arianna N., Emma C. and Rishi T. represented Northwest Florida at the National Civics Bee state finals June 30 in Tallahassee. The middle school students advanced after placing among the top three at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce’s regional competition in April.
The chamber plans to host the regional program again next year. The bee encourages students to learn about government, civic responsibility and community leadership. The National Civics Bee® State Champion will go on to compete at the National Civics Bee®, taking place in Washington, D.C., on October 13-14, 2026.
Visit fwbchamber.org/national-civics-bee.
United Way Marks $3.1 Million Impact
United Way Emerald Coast reported a community impact valued at $3.1 million during its 2026 Annual Meeting, presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union. The organization reached 48,789 children, individuals and families across Okaloosa and Walton counties through partnerships with businesses, schools, military organizations, nonprofits, donors and volunteers.
United Way welcomed David Deitch as board chair and recognized outgoing chair Sheila Fitzgerald for her service.
The organization also presented its inaugural Hidden Gems Awards to Nic Evans and Shaun Foster of United Fidelity Bank; Paul and Donna Montalvo of A2Z Specialty Advertising; Emily Dahm of the 96th Test Wing Mission Support Group; Dakota Scott of Destin-Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa County; and Coedy Robinson and Noah Scofield of 1Shot Creations.
Workplace Honors
Bit-Wizards and TalkingParents were named among Florida Trend’s Best Companies to Work For in Florida.
Bit-Wizards ranked No. 3 among small companies, marking its 17th consecutive year on the list. TalkingParents ranked No. 8 among medium companies and earned recognition for the third consecutive year. The annual program is managed by Florida Trend and Workforce Research Group.
See the full list at floridatrend.com/best-companies.
