Fort Walton Beach Aims to Become ‘Cleanest City on the Emerald Coast’
The City of Fort Walton Beach is challenging residents to help it earn the title of “Cleanest City on the Emerald Coast.” Beginning in August, the city will roll out a series of beautification and litter-reduction efforts, including volunteer cleanups, an “Adopt-a-Road” program for businesses and civic groups, and recognition for local properties that shine.
City crews will also conduct the Biannual Neighborhood Cleanup now–Aug. 28, picking up large household items such as furniture, mattresses and appliances placed curbside. Residents can report areas needing extra attention through the “Report a Concern” feature at fwb.org or via the city’s SeeClickFix app on both Apple and Google Play app stores. “These are just a few of our ideas; we’re working on more,” city officials said in announcing the campaign. “We’d also like to hear from you. What ideas do you have and would you like to help us make Fort Walton Beach the Cleanest City on the Emerald Coast?” Read more detailed information at https://www.fwb.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=505.
Cleanup Ends with 107 Pounds of Debris — and a Proposal
In an impressive display of teamwork and environmental stewardship, at 7 a.m. on Aug. 3, 120 divers from across the Panhandle — including an extraordinary coalition of local teams such as the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and Visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources — dove into the usually off-limits waters, and over the course of a few hours, cleared out 107 pounds of debris. Led by Cory Mitrenga of Gulfarium, the team recovered fishing rods, lures, tangled lines and even a stray piece of roofing. These dives not only improve safety for marine life like sea turtles, tiger sharks, seahorses and spiny lobsters, but also give divers a rare glimpse of the thriving ecosystem beneath the pier. Zookeeper Lionfish provided specialized collection devices for divers and Captain Shelby with Okaloosa Beach Safety helped ensure diver safety. The day ended on a high note — with an underwater engagement! Congratulations to Taryn and Brett on making cleanup history with the first-ever pier-dive proposal. This year’s event saw a significant decrease in collected debris—a promising sign that ongoing conservation efforts and community awareness are reducing the amount of waste accumulating beneath the pier. Source: Okaloosa Island Pier Cleanup – Facebook
Boys 2 Men Seminar Set for Sept. 13
The Rho Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will host its annual Boys 2 Men Seminar on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Okaloosa County School District office, 202 FL-85, Niceville. The free seminar is open to male high school students for the 2025–26 school year and includes lunch.
Topics will focus on furthering education, keys to success, financial management, interacting with law enforcement and health awareness, encouraging open discussion and practical skills for young men preparing for adulthood. Presenters represent diverse fields including medicine, engineering, law enforcement, marketing and the military.
The seminar is part of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Go-to-High School, Go-to-College national program, which promotes scholarship and leadership among youth. Space is limited to 30 students; interested participants should consult their parents and contact Finley Woods at (478) 919-5923 by Aug. 31 to reserve a spot.
Photo Speed Enforcement Resumes for Back-to-School
As Okaloosa County students head back to class, the City of Fort Walton Beach reminds motorists that Photo Speed Enforcement in school zones will resume. The program operates at multiple schools within city limits, including Choctawhatchee High, Pryor Middle, Liza Jackson Prep, Bruner Middle, Silver Sands, Fort Walton Beach High, Edwins Elementary, Elliott Point Elementary and Saint Mary Catholic School.
Using radar and cameras, the system flags vehicles traveling more than 10 mph over the posted limit. After police verification, a $100 civil citation is mailed to the registered owner. Enforcement is active 30 minutes before school starts, during the school day and 30 minutes after dismissal; hours vary by school. Drivers are urged to observe posted school zone speeds to protect students’ safety. Details: fwb.org/565/Photo-Speed-Enforcement
Fort Walton Beach Launches Citizens Academy in October
The City of Fort Walton Beach will introduce a new Citizens Academy this fall, offering residents a hands-on look at city government operations. The five-week program runs Wednesdays from Oct. 8 to Nov. 5, 6–8 p.m., with sessions led by department directors and staff at rotating city locations.
Open to adult residents of Fort Walton Beach, the academy will cover topics including city management, public safety, parks and recreation, growth management and public works. Class size is limited to 20 participants, and applicants are encouraged to commit to all sessions. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony on Nov. 5 at City Hall.
To apply, email your name, phone number and address to Public Information Officer Devon Ravine at dravine@fwb.org.
United Way Emerald Coast Celebrates Annual Meeting
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) gathered more than 100 donors, volunteers, community leaders and partners at The Place on Beal in Fort Walton Beach on July 29 for its sold-out Annual Meeting, presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union. The evening highlighted the organization’s achievements over the past year and celebrated the power of collaboration in addressing local needs.
In 2024–2025, UWEC coordinated 17,135 volunteer hours, impacted 56,000 lives, and distributed $700,000 through 63 grants to 34 vetted nonprofit programs, resulting in a $2.6 million total community impact—up more than $200,000 from the previous year. Awards included the President’s Circle, honoring top corporate partners Eglin Federal Credit Union and Forever Warriors by Step One Automotive Group. Leaders shared inspiring stories, thanked supporters and reaffirmed their commitment to uniting resources to create lasting change across Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Learn more at united-way.org or follow @uwemeraldcoast on social media.
