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Click on event below to register NOW for our Upcoming Chamber Events.
Don't forget to apply your discount, Click here
(Discount only applies to First Friday Coffee, Nothing But Networking, & Business After Hours)
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Upcoming Committee Meetings: Are you seeking opportunities for professional development and personal growth. Come to one or all nine of our chamber committees to see what the buzz is about! | |
Check out these short tutorial videos that provide a step-by-step guide on how to navigate through the online Member Information Center (MIC). These instructional videos will show you how to update your profile, add keywords, add job postings, register for chamber events/add your benefit discount, add events to chamber community calendar, pay invoices and much more! | |
Promoted to Glory
“Promoted to Glory” was the subject line emailed by the men’s lunch group leader announcing my Dad, Larry Murphy, went to heaven February 18, 2024. Everyone said he was the youngest 89-year-old they had ever seen. He strove to walk a mile every day and ride his three-wheeled electric bike around the neighborhood. Neighbors I don’t know emailed condolences. Known for riding his “trike”, one lady said her four-year-old would always wave to her “friend” when Dad rode by.
Lawrence Murphy was born in Antigo, Wisconsin. A West Point Grad, he served the United States Air Force for 29 years. Molly Murphy was born in Springer, New Mexico. She and Dad met in Phoenix, Arizona during Dad’s training in the F-86 Saber Jet at Williams AFB.
Married in 1959, Mom and Dad had a three-day honeymoon in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dad was stationed four years at Vance AFB teaching US and foreign students to fly jets. Read more...
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Multiple agencies, to include Okaloosa EMS, gathered for a tabletop exercise recently held by the Emerald Coast Healthcare Coalition to be prepared in the event a Mass Opioid Overdose in our area. ONE PILL CAN KILL - Learn about the dangers of drug/opioid use and fentanyl at https://www.dea.gov/onepill. Get Narcan at Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County locations in both north and south Okaloosa County.
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Last week, the Okaloosa County Artificial Reef Program received another large vessel to the growing list of artificial reefs offshore Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The 360-foot MV MONARCH COUNTESS is a former roll-on roll-off vessel that was used in a U.S. Air Force (USAF) demonstration that resulted in the vessel sinking. Resting upright in 180 feet of water, this vessel has 100 feet of relief and will be an outstanding fishing and diving spot. We look forward to more projects like this. View the coordinates and other artificial reef locations at https://www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/artificial-reefs/
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REMINDER: Properly dispose of your lithium batteries and other household hazardous waste .
A lithium battery was the suspected cause of a recent fire at the Baker Landfill that forced a temporary closure of the transfer station. While the fire was expertly contained by Firefighters and Public Works staff, these items do not belong in your regular household trash. (These photos show crews inspecting the source location of the fire and ensuring the affected contents of the container were properly extinguished.)
FREE Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
You may drop your household hazardous waste (batteries, electronics, oil, etc.) at two locations in Okaloosa County:
• In Fort Walton Beach (south), 80 Ready Ave: FREE Drop-off for local residents every Tuesday - Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., no appointment necessary. For information call 850-301-2013.
• In Crestview, (north county) 1759 S. Ferdon Blvd.: Hazardous waste can be dropped off Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m., for information call 850-301-2013.
View a full list of items that are accepted >> https://myokaloosa.com/pw/environmental/hazardous-waste
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FORT WALTON BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT IS HIRING
The City of Fort Walton Beach Fire Department has several openings available for the position of firefighter. Starting pay is: $48,000/year for Firefighter/EMT, $56,000/year for Firefighter/Paramedic and up to $1,000 in specialty pay. 100% paid medical for employees and paid continued education to include paramedic school. Come join the fire department that is “Second to None Since ‘41.” For more information, visit fwb.org/jobs.
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NEW FITNESS COURT AT FERRY PARK
A crew with the National Fitness Campaign has completed the assembly of a new fitness court at Ferry Park. The approximately 32-foot square fitness court is located near the childrens’ playground and basketball court. The outdoor gym has a circuit that directs users through seven separate zones designed to provide a full-body workout in only seven minutes. The facility also has an Apple and Android App that users can download to access a library of workouts. Although the court is complete, we still need to add some sidewalks and landscaping to the project and expect to open it soon.
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DAVID TRIMM RETIRES AS FORT WALTON BEACH GOLF CLUB MANAGER
We bid farewell in July to City of Fort Walton Beach Golf Club Manager David Trimm, who is retired after 15 years with the city. David has roots in the area’s golf community that run almost as deep as the oak and pine trees that dot the city’s two 18-hole golf courses. David joined the city in 2009, coming from the Bluewater Bay Golf Course in Niceville.
“I went to work there a month or two before it opened,” said David. “I was there for 28 years, first as a golf pro and the last four years as the general manager.”
And while he may have spent much of his career in Niceville, he has a special spot in his heart for the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club.
“I learned to play golf here,” said David. First, as a young boy, and then later with the golf teams of Choctawhatchee High School and Okaloosa-Walton Junior College.
He has many fond memories of the course, including hitting several holes in one. But David said what he’ll cherish most are the relationships he’s made over the years at the course.
We’ve just got a great group of people here; the members that play here are great,” said David. “They really support the place and that’s what makes it nice.”
Replacing David as Golf Club Manager is Jacob Hill, former general manager at Shalimar Pointe Golf Club. Please join us in welcoming Jacob to the City of Fort Walton Beach.
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CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH LOSES TWO LONGTIME PUBLIC SERVANTS IN JULY
Mike Anderson served as Fort Walton Beach Mayor from 2005 to 2017. Before that, he served as a city councilman from 2001 to 2005. Mike Anderson had careers in both the U.S. Air Force and Civil Service at Eglin Air Force Base before retiring in 2005.
Mike served on numerous boards and committees in his capacity as council member and mayor and most recently was serving on the Fort Walton Beach Firefighters' Retirement Fund Board of Trustees.
“Mike was a good friend and always an ambassador for our city,” said current Mayor Dick Rynearson. “After leaving office, he continued to share his thoughts and perspectives at numerous council meetings. He truly loved Fort Walton Beach.”
Carole Jones joined the City of Fort Walton Beach in 1994 and worked nearly 28 years in the offices of Finance, City Clerk and City Manager before retiring in 2022.
“Carole made sure that things were done correctly, and she had a heart of gold,” said Human Resources Director Tarey Franxman. “She was diligent, she was professional, and she genuinely cared about the city.”
Both Carole and Mike were instrumental in getting Tree City USA designation for the city in the early 2000s. Tree City USA is a national program that recognizes communities committed to preserving and protecting their urban trees with an active tree management program. The city will be planting two trees at Ferry Park in their memory.
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Superintendent Marcus Chambers Welcomes Students and Families Back to the 2024 – 2025 School Year
Hello Students and Parents,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we embark on another exciting academic year, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you. Whether you’re returning students or new faces, we’re thrilled to have you as part of our Okaloosa County family. Having been an educator for over two decades, I understand the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for our students. As a parent myself, I share your hopes and dreams for our children’s success. Together, we can make this school year memorable and impactful.
For those who may not know me, my name is Marcus Chambers, and I have the privilege of serving as your Superintendent. My commitment to excellence in education drives me every day, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our schools provide the best possible learning experiences possible. Read more...
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An online must-attend for small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the funding options available for your local business. Don't miss this chance Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. for an hour to connect with industry experts, ask questions, and help secure financial support for your business. Reserve your spot, and join your Florida SBDC at UWF online for a conversation on building bridges to opportunities in the world of small business financing. https://tinyurl.com/connect-to-cash | |
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Press Release: August 6, 2024
Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women
Contact: Jeanne Rief
The Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame will be presented to the community by the Commission on the Status of Women. The event will take place on Monday, August 26 at 6pm at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. Here is a brief bio on this year’s inductees: Read more...
Since 1995, 140 women have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. This award was created to honor and recognize women who have made important contributions to Okaloosa County. For more information visit the website at occsw.com. Or call Jeanne Rief at 850-685-8027
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