School

Ernest Hebson, former Fort Walton Beach High School Band Director, has passed away

On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Ernest Hebson, former band director at Fort Walton Beach High School, passed away. Mr. Hebson started the band program at Fort Walton Beach High School when the school was built in 1969 with grades 7-10. When the school became 7-12, grades 7-9 moved to the newly built […]

Get The Coast

On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Ernest Hebson, former band director at Fort Walton Beach High School, passed away.

Mr. Hebson started the band program at Fort Walton Beach High School when the school was built in 1969 with grades 7-10.

When the school became 7-12, grades 7-9 moved to the newly built Max Bruner JR. High. The symphonic, jazz and marching bands have never received less than a superior rating at FBA district assessments and were consistently rated superior at FBA state events.

Mr. Hebson retired in 1999 and continued to work as an adjudicator of instrumental music assessments and taught several students privately.

In 2004, was inducted into the Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

“To God be the Glory! Thank you for sharing your story. God blessed you with two amazing sons who have both helped you to LIVE your PURPOSE.”

Respond

Angela Rowden commented on Local trauma nurse finds healing through helping others after losing son in motorcycle accident

“Thank you for sharing your story.”

Jackie Tuttle commented on Local trauma nurse finds healing through helping others after losing son in motorcycle accident

“Thank you for this story of Bryce. What an amazing person. I wish I could have meet him. Lakesha is very strong for wanting to help others even though she...”

Bud Boggy commented on Mullet Festival plans to return to Niceville in 2025

“You hit the nail on the head, sad, but true. Greed and lawyers took the fun away.”

Ron Rich commented on Okaloosa County approves $1M for Liza Jackson Park boat ramp renovation in Fort Walton Beach

“So the park will become a million dollar parking lot for the entitled and the homeless will continue being shuffled off to parts unknown?”

Laura L Melendez commented on Fort Walton Beach approves next steps for Liza Jackson Boat Launch expansion plans

“I wish that they would also bring in fill dirt to raise the level of the entire park. The ground is always soggy and mushy. A lot of the soil...”

Ms. Rich commented on Okaloosa Tourism Director outlines potential impacts of proposed tourism tax bill

“Although HB 1221 passed the House on April 25, the Senate has Indefinitely Postponed it and withdrawn it from consideration as of May 3, 2025. The bill to watch is...”

Ron commented on Okaloosa approves purchase of old Red Lobster building in Fort Walton Beach

“3437 AUBURN Rd., CRESTVIEW, FL 32539”

Elizabeth Anne Gosnell commented on The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island donates over $10,500 to Rock by the Sea’s charitable mission

“Thank you coming out to Al's this morning! Rock by the Sea is ecstatic to be able to return to this beautiful coast and amazing venues next year! It's going...”

Amber commented on Destin’s Joe’s Bayou project timeline unveiled, construction expected to start September

“This would be nice to be dog friendly. As we have nowhere that is dog friendly. We have two parks and not one of them are dog friendly even on...”

Ernest Hebson, former Fort Walton Beach High School Band Director, has passed away

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Vikings’ signing day features 12 athletes across six programs

Lady Vikings punch ticket to Final Four with extra-inning thriller

Lady Vikings host Arnold tonight in 4A regional softball finals

FWBHS theatre students to present ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ in May

Join Our Newsletter

Community Comments

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER