By Kelly Murphy-Redd
Maureen Bierman says her primary focus is making an impact on people’s lives. She hopes to expand that impact as the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Chair in 2023.
Originally from New York, Maureen left for New Orleans at 18 years old to attend Newcomb College which was later absorbed into Tulane University. She worked for 15 years as the marketing director for Lakeside Shopping Center, rated one of the top 25 malls in the U.S. during the 1980s.
Maureen’s first visit to the Emerald Coast was a trip to Fort Pickens. Camping on the beach, she had never seen anything more beautiful. She and her husband purchased a condo in Okaloosa County and kept coming over to stay in it instead of making money from it. So they decided to move here.
Her marketing career in Fort Walton Beach began in 2006 with Lee Automotive. After 12 years, the dealership was sold to Step One Automotive. Maureen has been the marketing director for Step One for six years.
One way she is involved in making an impact is by facilitating a car donation each year to a family in need. A car can change a life. An example of this life-changing event is a single mom from Savannah who obtained employment but had no transportation. With the donation, she was able to travel to her job and attend college to earn a degree.
The new focus for Maureen to make an impact is the exciting redevelopment of downtown Fort Walton Beach and the new infrastructure projects connected to that effort. Maureen wants to help create a groundswell of excitement and ongoing support for these projects.
As the incoming chair, Maureen approached our ever-enthusiastic leader, Ted Corcoran with the idea of implementing the “I love FWB” concept. Ted immediately embraced the idea and created a committee of the same name.
The idea behind the committee is to be the hub of information for the Brooks Bridge Replacement Project, the Around the Mound Rerouting Hwy. 98 project, the Bridge to Bridge Bike Path, The Landing Park Renovations, and the Santa Rosa Blvd. Construction Project. The committee will also serve as the catalyst to build and maintain momentum and keep the business and local community engaged in downtown development overall.
The Brooks Bridge Replacement project replaces the existing bridge with a new, modern bridge that will improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the area. The new bridge will feature wider lanes, pedestrian walkways, and bike lanes, and will be designed to withstand the impact of hurricanes. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of this year.
The Around the Mound project would help to make downtown Fort Walton Beach a destination. All of the traffic passing through would be re-routed enabling downtown to become a pedestrian-friendly area. The project is being studied by FDOT.
The Landing Park Renovations will include the construction of a new playground, the installation of new seating and shade structures, and a splash pad and interactive fountain. The park will also feature improved lighting, landscaping, and walkways to enhance the overall experience for visitors. The renovations will help to transform The Landing into a central gathering place for the community, and a destination for tourists visiting Fort Walton Beach.
The Bridge-to-Bridge Bike Path will create a dedicated bike path along Okaloosa Island. The path will stretch from the Brooks Bridge to the Destin Bridge and will provide a safe and convenient way for people to bike or walk between these two points. The path is designed to accommodate a variety of modes of transportation, including bikes, scooters, and skateboards, and will feature amenities such as benches, water fountains, and shade structures. It will provide a scenic route for people to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and will help to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
The Santa Rosa Blvd. construction project will involve the reconstruction of the roadway, the installation of new sidewalks, and the addition of bike lanes. The project is expected to improve access to the island’s popular beaches and enhance the overall experience for both residents and tourists.
The link for I Love FWB is https://www.getthecoast.com/ilovefwb/.
Maureen believes these projects represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a new foundation and identity for Fort Walton Beach. Everyone involved in supporting these projects will be creating something special for future generations. Residents from Destin to Fort Walton Beach will actively participate in an improved quality of life for themselves, their families, and their neighbors. Creating destinations improves tourism which improves the economy resulting in a win-win for all.
