EFCU Honors Jerry Williams with President Emeritus Title
Eglin Federal Credit Union (EFCU) board of directors has honored Jerry Williams with the prestigious title of President Emeritus, recognizing his exemplary service and leadership over the past decade as President/CEO. Jerry officially retired on Jan. 3, 2025. Jerry’s new title as President Emeritus was effective Jan. 6, 2025.
Under Williams’ leadership, assets grew by over $1 billion to nearly $2.9 billion with 124,000 members worldwide. He is well known for his involvement in several area chambers of commerce, economic development councils and nonprofit organizations. He served as an Honorary Commander, 24SOW, Hurlburt Field and as a Civic Leader, 33FW, Air Education and Training Command. In recognition of his extensive support of local military installations, he was presented with the General Lewis H. Brereton Award by the Air Force Association Hurlburt Chapter.
EFCU Freeport Receives Scenic Walton’s Design Excellence Award
Eglin Federal Credit Union’s (EFCU) Freeport branch recently received the prestigious Scenic Walton Award for design excellence for fourth quarter 2024. Scenic Walton, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes increased property values, a robust business environment and safe and beautiful surroundings for all, works to preserve, protect and enhance the beauty and safety of Walton County.
Since its inception in 2008, Scenic Walton has collaborated with community members and elected officials to ensure that the region’s charm remains intact for future generations.
One way you can support is through Scenic Walton charity license plates. $25 from each initial sale and ongoing renewal fee goes directly to Scenic Walton and can be purchased at any tax collector office or online. The Walton County Tax Collector’s offices have the plates in stock. Citizens with a car, RV, trailer, or golf cart/LSV registered in Florida can pick up their plate there or order online at scenic.org/walton-plate.
To learn more about Scenic Walton or sign up for the newsletter, visit scenicwalton.org.
The EFCU branch is located at 16970 US-331, Freeport, FL 32439.
The Dawson Group Acquires Three Local, Popular Restaurants
The Dawson Group (known for its signature Seaside restaurants: Pickle’s, The Shrimp Shack, Wild Bills, and many more!) has acquired three LEGENDARY South Walton establishments – Red Fish Taco, Stinky’s Bait Shack, and Stinky’s Fish Camp – from longtime local, Jim Richard of Word of Mouth Restaurant Group.
The Beechers, along with their operating partners Baron and Courtney Fields, are planning a careful evolution of these iconic restaurants, ensuring that the heart and soul of each location remains intact.
Tourism Director Appointed to Two International Tourism Committees
Matt Algarin, Walton County Tourism Director, has been appointed to serve on two advisory committees through Destinations International (DI). Algarin, who has been with Walton County Tourism since 2017, was selected to serve on the destination association’s Advocacy and Professional Development committees for 2025. From shaping new tools and research to overseeing accreditation programs and recommending industry best practices, Algarin will help these committees plan for the future and provide insight on industry issues and opportunities. The Advocacy Committee works directly with DI staff and industry colleagues to recommend partnerships, best practices and resources to communicate the value and impact of destination organizations to their leadership, stakeholders and the community.
The Professional Development Committee creates, provides and reviews session proposals and curates concurrent sessions content for DI’s Annual Convention that is engaging, relevant, and valuable to the industry. DI is the world’s largest and most reliable resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors’ bureaus and tourism boards, with more than 8,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations.
For the Love of Shorebirds!
Join Choctawhatchee Audubon for a shorebird talk by Brian Cammarano, Audubon Florida’s Shorebird Stewardship Coordinator of the panhandle, Thursday, February 6. Brian will be discussing the importance of bird stewardship at active shorebird nesting sites throughout the summer and how you can get involved locally! Program begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. Room 800, 2nd floor Chandler Center (NW door of 519 Helms St.), Crosspoint Church, Niceville.
The Daughters of the American Colonists (DAC), a civic organization dedicated to historic preservation, will hold its quarterly meeting at The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida located at 115 Westview, Wednesday, February 5.
The program will feature Ellen Lea of Pensacola who will discuss early 1800 antique French porcelain. Delicate, ornate and colorfully hand-painted pieces from a collection of family heirlooms will be showcased on site.
Meeting begins at 9:30 with a social followed by the general meeting and the Featured Speaker at 10 a.m. The public is cordially invited to attend.
Mid-Bay Rotary Supports the Salvation Army
Mid-Bay Rotary supported the Salvation Army. Mid-Bay hosted Okaloosa and Walton Salvation Army’s Lt. James Milner (Fort Walton Beach Rotarian) at one of its meetings, donated $500, and rang the Salvation Army Bell Fridays and Saturdays throughout December 2024. Fifty-Six volunteer one-hour shifts made up of Mid-Bay Rotarians, Rotary Partners and Rotary Children). Mid-Bay collected just over $3,826 for the Army. Mid-Bay thanks Winn-Dixie in Bluewater Bay for “use” of their grocery market entry for the bell ringing.
