JULY 28, 2021
For your quick, weekly nugget of chamber knowledge from
President/CEO Ted Corcoran
Click the video/photo below.
THIS THURSDAY!!
The Susan Myers Fort Walton Beach Historic Walking Trail was a project developed by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, and the State of Florida.

The Gulfview Hotel, which anchors the trail, is the oldest remaining original structure in downtown Fort Walton Beach and is one of the sixteen sites highlighted on the downtown trail along with the Native American Indian Temple Mound, the Civil War Camp Walton, and Brooks Landing. Self-guided tours are available for the Trail, as well as a video on the History of Fort Walton Beach, also produced by the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.  

The public is invited to a ribbon cutting and dedication on July 29, 2021 to commemorate the official opening of the trail. The event will take place at the Gulfview Hotel at 5:00PM.
MEMBER APPLAUSE!!
Junior Lifeguard Program
Above is a photo from this year's pier jump that was a part of the Junior Lifeguard program with Okaloosa Beach Safety. Okaloosa County's Junior Lifeguard Program is designed to reach out to the community through our youths, to educate beach patrons about beach safety. The program teaches Juniors water rescues, self rescues, rip current anatomy, and hands only CPR. Junior Lifeguards also take trips to Okaloosa Island Fire Department, EMS as well as Gulf Flight Helicopter tours.

At the end of the two weeks they have the opportunity to jump off of the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. For more photos click HERE.

Learn more about Okaloosa Beach Safety and the Junior Lifeguard Program HERE.
Congratulations Regina Samy, Hampton Inn & Suites Destin,
for being awarded
Ambassador of the Quarter!!
Arc of the Emerald Coast Thanks FWB Police Department
The Arc of the Emerald Coast presented a plaque to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department for their assistance with their annual Burning up the Beach event which raised $15,000. FWBPD were honored to assist with their efforts.
COMMUNITY NEWS
CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH NEWS
FY 2021-22 Budget Meetings
Are you interested in how your City prioritizes tax dollars? The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold three public meetings to discuss the FY2021-22 budget. This is where you can provide your input. You can also email the City Council anytime at citycouncil@fwb.org. The meetings will take place at City Hall, are open to the public and will be streamed live HERE.

· Budget Workshop: August 3rd at 5:30 p.m.
· Budget Hearing #1: September 8th at 5:30 p.m.
· Budget Hearing #2: September 27th at 5:30 p.m.
Fall Sports League
Registrations Now Open
Registration for fall sports leagues at the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center has begun. See details and register HERE
Youth Council Applications
The City is still seeking applicants for the Youth Council. Do you live within the FWB city limits and have a child in 10th, 11th or 12th grade that is interested in learning about local government? This is a great opportunity for youth to participate in City government, take an active role in shaping the future of the City, and become leaders in the community. The August 1st deadline will be extended in order to fill vacant seats. The application includes all details and can be found HERE 
Summer Exhibit at the Indian Temple Mound Museum
Pirates: Last Scourge of the Gulf is now on display at the Indian Temple Mound Museum in the Lazarus Education Room through Labor Day. The summer exhibit tells the story of the last golden age of piracy in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 1800s and how political upheaval in the Old and New World led to an opportunity for lawlessness in the Gulf. READ MORE...
Message from Mayor Rynearson
The City of Fort Walton Beach has had an action-packed summer so far, and it’s not over just yet. The City recreation staff has been busy hosting baseball and softball tournaments at the Preston Hood Athletic Complex for hundreds of teams traveling in from all over the country. Our museum exhibits and library programs are full each week with residents and visitors eager to learn and have fun. Despite the heat, I see people enjoying our beautiful parks daily. And, our Rec Center is bustling with kids camp, racquet ball, senior activities, basketball and more. I am extremely proud of the amenities our great City provides. I encourage you to visit one of our many parks or facilities, learn something new, see something you didn’t know was here, and love living in Fort Walton Beach!
CHAMBER BOARD NOMINATIONS
You are invited to nominate yourself or another Chamber member for a three-year term on our Board of Directors. Any Chamber member in good standing is eligible to nominate themselves or another Chamber member to serve on the Board of Directors. 

Any questions regarding the process or qualifications, contact Seth Luttrell at the FWB Chamber: 850-244-8191 or seth@fwbchamber.org
Download Board Nomination Form and Instructions Here: Board Nomination Form
Department of Health-Okaloosa’s Okaloosa County Health Survey is now live. The survey is an important part of our next Community Health Assessment (CHA) cycle. The answers we receive will shape what data is highlighted in the CHA document and what Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) groups are developed by the community. Please take a few minutes of time to help define the needs of our community.
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
For the complete list of JULY CHAMBER Events CLICK HERE
For the complete list of JULY COMMUNITY Events CLICK HERE