Four Appointed to NWFSC Board
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Todd Jackson and Jonathan Ochs and reappointed Megan Harrison and Dr. Jon Ward to the Northwest Florida State College District Board of Trustees.
Jackson serves as CEO of HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital. Ochs is Coastal Region President of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company. Harrison is president and CEO of the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce and owner of TailGrayton Beach Outfitters. Ward is a dermatologist with Dermatology Specialists of Florida.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
OCSD Launches Aerospace Career Program
The Okaloosa County School District and Space Florida recently launched the Space Florida Academy Program, designed to help students earn industry-recognized credentials and prepare for high-demand careers in aerospace and related fields.
The partnership was formalized during TeCMEN Industry Day in Fort Walton Beach with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long and Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
The program supports career pathways in aviation and aerospace, advanced manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity and IT, logistics and semiconductors. Learn more at SpaceFlorida.gov/workforce-initiatives.
Billy Bowlegs Parade Winners Announced
The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 70th annual Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade held May 18 in Fort Walton Beach, marking a milestone year for one of the Emerald Coast’s longest-running community traditions.
Winners included The 5 Ride, Inc. (Truck/Car/Van), 850 Social Babes (Float), Krewe of Dominique Youx (Krewe) and Panhandle United Roller Derby (Walkers).
Life Media’s Denise David served as judge liaison during the parade at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, helping coordinate the judging process and celebrate the creativity and community spirit on display throughout the evening. “One of my favorite parts was seeing generations of families lining the streets together and cheering on the participants,” Denise said. “You could really feel the pride, tradition and sense of community that make Billy Bowlegs so special. It was such an honor to help celebrate a tradition that has brought people together for generations.”
Toastmasters Celebrates Successful Year
The Destin-South Walton Toastmasters Club will celebrate its 2025-26 accomplishments during its “Finishing Strong Together” meeting on June 16.
Toastmasters International helps members build leadership and public speaking skills through prepared speeches, impromptu speaking exercises and evaluations. The club meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at South Walton Utility Company, 369 Miramar Beach Drive. Guests are welcome. For information, visit dsw.toastmastersclubs.org.
