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The Eternal Flame is burning once again at Fort Walton Beach City Hall

On Tuesday, August 23, 2022, a large group gathered at City Hall in Fort Walton Beach to witness the relighting of the Eternal Flame monument. The monument was originally erected in Fort Walton Beach on November 11, 1973. It is dedicated to the veterans of all wars of the United States and was donated by the […]

On Tuesday, August 23, 2022, a large group gathered at City Hall in Fort Walton Beach to witness the relighting of the Eternal Flame monument.

The monument was originally erected in Fort Walton Beach on November 11, 1973. It is dedicated to the veterans of all wars of the United States and was donated by the Rogers-Hinson American Legion Auxiliary Unit 235.

  • The flame has been out for a number of years.
The new Eternal Flame at City Hall in Fort Walton Beach

City Manager Michael Beedie introduced Rep. Patt Maney, who was instrumental in getting this eternal flame fixed.

“When I moved to Okaloosa county, this flame was burning and I was so impressed that this community honored its veterans and honored the deceased veterans by having an eternal flame,” said Rep. Maney. “I noticed a bit ago that the flame had gone out and it troubled me, and I wanted to see about how to get it re-lit.”

Representative Maney originally made his request during a meeting at The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Okaloosa Gas District’s Gordon King was in attendance at this meeting and immediately offered to help.

(left) Rep. Patt Maney and Okaloosa Gas District CEO Gordon King (right)

“The FWB Chamber is an organization that gets things done and so we volunteered as our organization to make it happen,” said King. “We’re happy to have it back in an operating order today to honor those veterans past, present and future.”

  • King went on to thank his staff at Okaloosa Gas for making it all come to life. From the fabrication shop, to the welders, to their technicians, this was a project they undertook and got completed. 

Not only did Okaloosa Gas fix and relight the eternal flame in Fort Walton Beach, but they also fixed the one in Crestview too. 

“This is so important to me and to those who come behind us, to show that we have not forgotten,” added Maney. “And so a huge thank you to Okaloosa Gas.”

Okaloosa Gas crew who worked to get the eternal flame relit in Fort Walton Beach

“This is a momentous day because it’s a day we can honor our veterans,” added Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson. “All the veterans that went before us, who gave up their lives, and all of our living veterans as well. This flame is for each and every one of you.”

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Community Comments

“Please, please don’t do any construction during the summer months!”
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“I think a landmark bridge would provide a wonderful introduction to all that Destin has to offer.”
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“If you do not have the design key next too it 99% of people driving by will not understand the sign. You are welcoming people to downtown. The skyline should...”
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“Sad thing is that most health care givers don't look healthy or fit themselves. I think you should represent health if thats your job same with any employee It sure...”
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“I wish the mayor could get with FDOT about putting a sign on the crab island side of the bridge that warns people about the strong current through there that...”
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“Pcola bridge is 6x the length as Destins.... so where is it going to start and end? 2miles west of the CG station and 2 mies east of the Bos...”
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“If we're going to make it something iconic go BIG. What do you think of when someone says San Francisco? The Golden Gate Bridge. Saint Louis? The Gateway Arch. Paris?...”
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“Thanks for the update..such as it appears.to be...sounds like another, typical of Okaloosa County cheesy, tacky and poorly planned out endeavor! A bait shop? With bathrooms( sounds like porta potties)?...”
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“Dear City Council Members, I am writing to express my support for allowing bonfires on the beaches of Destin and to highlight the numerous benefits this tradition could bring to...”
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“Dear City Council Members, I am writing to express my support for allowing bonfires on the beaches of Destin and to highlight the numerous benefits this tradition could bring to...”
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