Chief Bage Elected President of Florida Police Chiefs Association
FWB Police Chief Robert Bage was officially sworn in as President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) in June, one of the largest state police chief associations in the U.S., representing more than 1,000 members from municipal, airport, university, tribal, and other law enforcement agencies across Florida.
Chief Bage, who was first elected as 3rd Vice President in 2022, has served in multiple leadership roles on the FPCA Executive Board. His appointment as President reflects his long-standing commitment to law enforcement excellence statewide.
As FPCA President, Bage plans to focus on expanding wellness programs, strengthening leadership training, and enhancing the association’s public image through positive engagement. He is also committed to continuing programs like the New Chiefs Training Program, which equips new police chiefs with essential leadership tools.
Bage also plans to guide the FPCA through what he calls the Era of Accountability and Innovation, with an emphasis on transparency, public trust, and responsible integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence.
“Policing is more than laws and patrols,” Chief Bage said. “It is the intricate relationships and interactions that determine whether our citizens feel secure or vulnerable, respected or disregarded. Through the FPCA’s strategic leadership, community engagement, and a bold vision for the future, we will elevate the profession and the people who serve.”
A Miami native, Bage graduated from North Miami Senior High School in 1994. After serving in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Border Patrol, he began a 20-year career with the North Miami Police Department, rising to Assistant Chief. In 2019, he was selected as Chief of Police for Fort Walton Beach following a nationwide search. Under his leadership, the department restored accreditation and launched new Traffic Safety and Community Policing units.
In addition to his role as Chief, Bage serves with organizations such as the Okaloosa Health Department, Advanced Sacred Hope Academy,and the FWB Rotary. He is also a Commissioner on the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, a member of the State of Florida’s Immigration Council, and a board member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). He is a graduate of both the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Policing.
City Honors Retiring Fire Chief Jeremy Morgan; Welcomes Chief Thearon Shipman
The City of Fort Walton Beach extends its heartfelt thanks to Fire Chief Jeremy Morgan for nearly 25 years of dedicated service. Chief Morgan officially retired on July 1 after a career marked by leadership, advancement, and community impact.
Morgan began his journey with the department in 1999, following his graduation from the Pensacola Junior College fire academy. He steadily rose through the ranks—from Driver/Engineer in 2008 to Captain in 2012, Battalion Chief in 2017, Deputy Fire Chief in 2021, and ultimately Fire Chief in 2022.
Throughout his career, Morgan earned multiple fire science degrees and a bachelor’s in emergency management. He also served in Okaloosa County’s Special Operations Unit, specializing in rope rescue and hazardous materials response, and has been a certified paramedic since 2003.
Deputy Chief Thearon Shipman will succeed Morgan as the department’s new Fire Chief. A 22-year veteran of the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department, Shipman will make history as the first African American fire chief of a civilian fire department in Okaloosa County.
Shipman began his career in August 2002 and has held numerous leadership roles, including Engineer (2008), Captain (2015), Battalion Chief (2025), and Deputy Chief (February 2025). His commitment to firefighter development has been instrumental—serving as EMS coordinator, working closely with county EMS, and instructing CPR, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support as an American Heart Association instructor.
A change of command ceremony will take place at 4 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2025, at Fire Station 6 on Hollywood Boulevard.
The City thanks Chief Morgan for his extraordinary service and proudly congratulates Chief Shipman on his well-earned promotion.
New Totem Pole Honors 70+ Years of Choctaw Tradition
A new 11-foot, 250-pound polyresin totem pole now stands proudly at the entrance of Choctawhatchee High School, paying tribute to more than 70 years of school history. Designed by alum Mark Forsman and crafted by Icon Poly in Nebraska, the new structure replaces the original wooden totem pole that stood from 1997 until its removal due to age and damage.
“Choctaw is built on tradition, and our new Totem Pole was so carefully designed to tell our 73-year-old story,” said Principal Michelle Heck. “I’m so grateful as well as proud of our alumni who served on the design committee and felt so passionate about the Choctawhatchee standard of excellence with Academics, Athletics, Music and Arts.”
“It’s a symbol of 70+ years of tradition,” added School Board Member Linda Evanchyk. Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the alumni-led effort, calling the installation “absolutely beautiful.”
United Fidelity Bank Names Shaun Foster New Business Development Officer
Shaun Foster Joins United Fidelity Bank as Business Development Officer
United Fidelity Bank has appointed Shaun Foster as Assistant Vice President and Business Development Officer for the Destin/FWB market. A Choctawhatchee High School graduate and longtime local, Foster brings 18 years of banking experience and a passion for building client relationships.
“We’re so excited to have Shaun’s experience and dedication here in the Fort Walton Beach area,” the bank stated. “If you’re looking for someone who is committed to understanding your individual banking needs… Shaun is your guy!”
A Fort Walton Beach native, Foster earned degrees from Northwest State College and Troy University. Currently residing in Niceville with his wife and two children, Shaun actively volunteers with A Bed 4 Me and serves on the boards of ECF and CALM.
United Fidelity Bank operates banking centers in both Fort Walton Beach and Destin.
For more info, visit www.unitedfidelity.com.
PenAir Breaks Ground on New Fort Walton Beach Branch
PenAir Credit Union celebrated a major milestone with the ceremonial groundbreaking of its new Fort Walton Beach branch, set to open in early 2026 at 80 Elgin Parkway.
“This groundbreaking is about more than a new building—it’s about building relationships, trust and a stronger financial future for the people of Fort Walton,” said CEO Lee Morgan.
Ted Corcoran of the FWB Chamber added, “Fort Walton Beach has been waiting 90 years for PenAir to come across the bridge—and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them. PenAir’s reputation for giving back and investing in the communities it serves is exactly the kind of partnership this city values. We’re grateful to Lee Morgan and the entire PenAir team for bringing their mission and momentum to Fort Walton.”
The branch will feature modern banking tech and community-inspired design. Visit PenAir.org to learn more.
Downtown Museums Open and Free During Construction
While the Indian Temple Mound Museum undergoes construction of a new 4,800-square-foot addition, the rest of Fort Walton Beach’s Heritage Park and Cultural Center remains open—and admission is free!
Visit the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Garnier Post Office Museum, and Civil War Exhibit Building Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Stop by 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE or call 850-833-9595 for more information. You can also visit fwb.org/museum.
Scouts Hit a Home Run at Blue Wahoos Scout Night
The Gulf Coast Council and Pensacola Blue Wahoos knocked it out of the park once again with their annual Scout Night, which hosted 318 Scouts from across Northwest Florida. Now in its 10th season, this cherished event saw Scouts step up to the plate in various ways – assisting with the flag presentation during the National Anthem and starting the game with some first pitches that would make any major leaguer proud. But the real MVP moment came after the final out, when the outfield was transformed into a camping paradise, pitching tents under the lights for a unique overnight adventure. “It’s been super exciting for us to be able to grow our partnership with the Scouts over the past decade,” said Emily Mann, Group Sales and Community Relations Manager for the Blue Wahoos. This annual tradition remains a favorite for both organizations, bringing together America’s favorite pastime with the timeless spirit of Scouting.
ECCAC Launches Back-to-School Drive for Local Students
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) have kicked off their annual back-to-school supply drive across Okaloosa and Walton Counties, running through August 4.
“We are asking people to support our communities by helping ECCAC fill the backpacks with donations of school supplies,” said CEO Julie Porterfield. “We have many drop off locations for the supplies at our Centers, as well as area businesses and churches in Destin, Niceville, Ft. Walton Beach, Crestview and DeFuniak Springs. We also need volunteers to help us sort and distribute the supplies to ensure they will reach the students who need it the most to thrive in the classroom.”
Donations can be dropped off at ECCAC centers, local businesses and churches. An Amazon Wishlist is also available. Supplies can be shipped directly to the Centers, or dropped off in person to the Centers or designated community partner drop off locations. Visit https://eccac.org/back-to-school-campaign/ for more information, a link to the Amazon Wishlist page, drop off locations or to donate. All donated items will be distributed to local schools and community centers before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Visit eccac.org for info or to donate.
To volunteer, contact Kate McDougall-Mason, 530-392-0802, or kate@eccac.org. If abuse is suspected, report it by calling the anonymous Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
Okaloosa County Approved for more than $7 million in State Funding
Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners has been approved to receive $7,035,000 in state funding following the signing of the State’s $115 billion budget by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday. Okaloosa County submitted five legislative priorities to the Legislature that were approved in the budget. The projects will help improve infrastructure and build upon the County’s support for mental health and substance abuse diversion.
Projects include:
Okaloosa-Walton Mental Health and Substance Abuse Pre-Trial Diversion Program – $325,000
Santa Rosa Boulevard Improvements Phase 1 – $1,000,000
Gap Creek Channel Inventory and Planning Study- $250,000
Okaloosa County Coastal Stormwater Retrofit Program – $1,460,000
Connecting the Collectors Environmental Impact Statement – $4,000,000
Total: $7,035,000
LadyWorld Festival Returns to Seascape Resort
LadyWorld, the immersive entertainment retreat by The LadyGang podcast, returns to Seascape Resort Sept. 26–28, 2025. This three-day event blends podcasting, music, and comedy with wellness activities, pop culture panels, and signature cocktails from 21Seeds Infused Tequila. Newly announced headliners include comedian Hannah Berner and the Girls Gotta Eat podcast duo, Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg. Other performers include Kaitlyn Bristowe, Stassi Schroeder, Rachel Lindsay, and Justin Sylvester.
Attendees can choose from several pass levels and accommodation options. For tickets, visit www.ladyworld.co. VIP perks include reserved seating, exclusive merch, and access to a private planning group.
Applications Open for Class IV of Leadership Northwest Florida
Florida’s Great Northwest is now accepting applications for Class IV of Leadership Northwest Florida, a regional leadership program designed to cultivate informed, collaborative leaders across all industries. Participants will explore key economic development topics such as business vitality, talent, infrastructure, innovation, and quality of life—while building a strong network of regional changemakers. Applications are due by August 21, 2025. For details, contact Kasey Killebrew at (334) 790-4557, kkillebrew@fgnw.org or visit floridasgreatnorthwest.com/lnwfl.
