Destin High Ushers in New Leadership
Destin High School has named Jill McNamara principal and Matt Means assistant principal as Dr. Diane Kelley retires after more than 45 years in public education.
The school’s Governing Board of Directors unanimously appointed McNamara and Means. McNamara was recommended by Executive Director Dr. Willy Williams and endorsed by Kelley, while Means was promoted from within the tuition-free public charter school. The new leaders signed commitment letters during a press conference in the Shark Tank.
Kelley began her career in an Okaloosa County classroom in 1979. She spent 36 years with the Okaloosa County School District as a teacher, principal and district administrator, then served on the Okaloosa County School Board from 2018 to 2024. She became principal of Destin High School in 2024.
In retirement, Kelley plans to spend more time with her family. Her husband, Dr. Bill Smith, retired from the school district in February, and their grandson will begin kindergarten this year.
Destin Elementary to Celebrate New Grades 3-5 Center
The Okaloosa County School District will celebrate the completion of Destin Elementary School’s new Grades 3-5 Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.
The expansion includes a 30-classroom addition, multipurpose building and administrative wing. The new instructional space will serve students in grades three through five and welcome fifth-grade students back to the elementary campus from Destin Middle School.
The project is designed to increase student capacity, reduce the school’s reliance on portable classrooms and provide modern learning spaces for students and teachers. District leaders said the expansion reflects ongoing efforts to plan for community growth while making strategic use of capital resources.
Destin Elementary Principal Amy Morgan expressed excitement about welcoming students, families and staff into the new center and thanked the community partners whose planning and support helped bring the project to completion.
Community members, families, elected officials and media representatives are invited to attend the ceremony at Destin Elementary School, 630 Kelly St. Advance arrival is recommended to allow time for check-in. To RSVP, email catherine.card@okaloosaschools.com.
City of Destin Recognizes Civil Rights Attorney Charles Morgan Jr.
The Destin City Council posthumously recognized civil rights attorney and former Destin resident Charles Chuck Morgan Jr. as a Legacy Walk of Fame recipient. Representatives Williams and Jennings of the NAACP joined the council for the presentation.
Morgan earned national recognition for his courage during the Civil Rights era. On Sept. 16, 1963, one day after the bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church, he addressed the city’s white business leaders and challenged the silence that had allowed racial violence to continue.
He later litigated landmark cases involving voting rights, equal protection and civil liberties across the country. Morgan also chronicled his experiences in his book, A Time to Speak.
Morgan lived in Destin until his death in 2009, and his family’s contributions remain part of the community. His son, Charles Morgan III, founded Harbor Docks Seafood Restaurant in 1979. Now owned by Eddie Morgan, the longtime harbor restaurant continues its tradition of supporting local fishermen, serving residents and welcoming visitors.
Morgan’s grandson, Destin City Councilman Chatham, continues the family’s legacy of public service through his work on the council.
The Legacy Walk of Fame recognition honors Morgan’s influence on the national pursuit of justice and celebrates his enduring connection to Destin.
United Way Celebrates $3.1 Million Community Impact
United Way Emerald Coast celebrated a year of service and recognized several community partners during its 2026 Annual Meeting, presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union.
The organization reported a total community impact valued at $3.1 million during the past year, reaching 48,789 children, individuals and families across Okaloosa and Walton counties. That work was made possible through partnerships with local businesses, schools, military organizations, foundations, community leaders, nonprofits, donors and volunteers.
During the meeting, United Way welcomed David Deitch as its new Board Chair and recognized outgoing Board Chair Sheila Fitzgerald for her service.
The organization also presented its inaugural Hidden Gems Awards, honoring individuals whose work has helped strengthen the Emerald Coast community. Recipients were 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.
United Way Emerald Coast President and CEO Kelly Jasen credited the year’s accomplishments to the many people and organizations that contribute their time, talents and resources. Through those collaborative efforts, the organization continues working to connect residents with support, create volunteer opportunities and build brighter futures throughout our two-county area.
