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Good morning!
Walton County takes steps toward hosting a PGA Tour event with unanimous TDC support, while Fort Walton Beach approves new headquarters for Beast Code at the Freedom Tech Center. The community prepares to honor those who served with a Vietnam Veteran Celebration, the Fire Department dedicates a new engine to retired firefighter Calvin “P-Nut” Pina, and a local art gallery marks a decade of creativity. Meanwhile, Bit-Wizards reminds businesses about critical data protection measures.
- REMINDER: Restylers, an aftermarket automotive customization specialist, is celebrating the opening of its new Crestview location with a grand opening event Saturday. Details here.
BUSINESS
Fort Walton Beach approves new headquarters for Beast Code at Freedom Tech Center
The Fort Walton Beach City Council unanimously approved a major development order last Tuesday for Beast Code’s new headquarters at Freedom Tech Center, bringing a rapidly growing defense technology company’s operations into the city.
- The two-story, 36,000-square-foot building will be constructed at 690 Liberty Lane NW as part of the Freedom Tech Center development on property leased from the Air Force.
Beast Code, which started with seven local founders collaborating around a folding table, has evolved into a significant defense contractor with more than 230 employees. The company specializes in digital transformation solutions and virtual reality environments that allow military personnel to train in simulated settings.
“Beast Code is a homegrown business. The young men that started it and operate it are from Fort Walton Beach,” said Jay Odom, the developer of Freedom Tech Center, during the council meeting. “They’ve got over 200 employees that currently are in the City of Mary Esther. They’ll be moving to their new world headquarters here.”
The company’s origin stems from a project with the U.S. Navy to visualize ship designs. Their software platform, Beast Core, enables engineers and analysts to understand designs before construction, allows operators to qualify for complex tasks through virtual training, and provides maintenance workers with necessary data.
Last year, Beast Code secured a $500 million contract with the Navy. Their technology creates “digital threads” across 3D models, documents and metadata, bringing together previously siloed data sources.
- “They can take in cyberspace — if the Navy is building a new ship, they can develop, design the entire ship, every nut, bolt, screw, the engines, the kitchen, the bathrooms, the navigation, everything,” Odom explained to the council.
Growth Management Director Christopher Frassetti told council members that city staff reviewed the application and found it meets all requirements in the land development code and planned unit development agreement.
The project is part of the multi-phase Freedom Tech Center development, which also includes hotels and planned restaurant space. The property was voluntarily annexed into the city and is being developed on land leased from the Air Force. Construction is expected to begin as soon as building permits are issued, with a target completion date of September 2026.
Several council members praised the development for bringing high-paying technology jobs to Fort Walton Beach.
“Creating standard operating procedures and mission readiness for our country’s national security,” said Councilman David Schmidt. “And then being from here, the developer being from here, these are things that you hope for in communities.”
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Fort Walton Beach Fire Department dedicates new engine to retired firefighter Calvin “P-Nut” Pina
by Ashley Armacost
In a surprise ceremony combining tradition with recognition, the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department dedicated its newest fire engine to retired firefighter Calvin “P-Nut” Pina, who served the department for 32 years before retiring in 2008.
- The department unveiled Engine 7 during a traditional “push-in” ceremony, a practice dating back to the 1800s when fire apparatus was horse-drawn. After unhitching horses, firefighters would wash down the equipment and push it back into the station.
“This is a way that we can honor the past as well as look forward to the future,” Fire Chief Jeremy Morgan said during the morning ceremony.
The new engine, which cost $750,000, weighs 28,000 pounds and carries 1,800 feet of hose, arrived after a two-year wait. Chief Morgan noted that current lead times for new fire apparatus have increased to nearly four years.
Pina, who was completely surprised by the dedication, had been lured to the station under the pretense of attending a routine ceremony following a monthly firefighter breakfast that he organizes. His entire family was in attendance, along with first responders and a host of friends from across the area who came to honor this local legend.
- “I don’t even have the words to explain what this means to me. It’s just unbelievable,” Pina said after learning of the honor. “I’m just overwhelmed seeing all these people.”
During the ceremony, Pina shared a humorous story about accidentally damaging a new fire truck years ago while attempting to back it into the same station. He secretly arranged for repairs before the chief discovered the damage.
“I’m at the [fire] station that I hit the wall at, now you’re getting me to put a plaque on the truck,” Pina told the laughing crowd.
The Massachusetts native moved to Fort Walton Beach in 1975 after “a visit” to escape the cold northern weather. He stayed and built his career with the department, where he said the camaraderie among firefighters created a family atmosphere.
- “The brotherhood, the service to the community, all of that… firefighters are special people,” Pina said. “You’ve got people who just put in their time every day, 24 hours a day, for the community and they help a lot of people.”
Chief Morgan praised Pina’s dedication to both the department and the community.
“If you met him, which you have, you’d love him. He’s a friend to everybody,” Morgan said.
The ceremony concluded with crews washing down the truck before community members helped push it into the station, symbolizing that “this is your truck as well,” according to Morgan.
THINGS TO DO
“Welcome Home”: FWB Chamber of Commerce plans 50th Anniversary Vietnam Veteran Celebration
by Ashley Armacost
The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce will host a three-day tribute to Vietnam veterans April 28-30, marking the 50th anniversary of the conflict’s conclusion.
- “Honoring our Heroes: Welcome Home, a Tribute to Vietnam Veterans” will feature historical presentations, panel discussions and a banquet with notable speakers.
“Our Chamber of Commerce has a long history of planning events honoring our local military heritage,” said Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce President Ted Corcoran. “This event will be much more personal to our community — as we plan to recognize the hundreds of Vietnam Veterans who are our neighbors.”
The first two days will feature free educational programs called “Stories of Service – A Reflection on Vietnam” at the Air Force Armament Museum from 5-8 p.m. Events include book signings, panel discussions and historical presentations from veterans.
The tribute culminates April 30 with the “Heroes’ Tribute Banquet” at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds and Event Center from 5-9 p.m. Featured speakers include Rocky Bleier, a four-time Super Bowl champion and Vietnam veteran; Col. Ed Hubbard; and Dale Dye, an actor, author and military film consultant.
- “Our Chamber — our community — LOVES our military,” Corcoran said. “The Wednesday, April 30 banquet is not to be missed. I intend to bring my grandchildren so they can learn about our military history.”
The Chambers says they aim to ensure all local Vietnam-era veterans can attend, with financial assistance available for those who need it.
While the educational programs are free, tickets for the April 30 banquet are available here.
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Bit-Wizards stresses importance of data backup protocols
Managed IT provider Bit-Wizards is urging companies to evaluate the role backups play in their business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
- Data backups are vital to protecting a company’s longevity when facing data loss from various causes, including device failure or significant weather events, according to the local IT firm.
A 2024 survey from Handy Recovery Advisor found only 33% of people regularly back up their data, while approximately 50% only create backups of financial files, passwords and other important information. The survey also revealed that over 60% incorrectly believe a data sync is the same as a backup.
Sam Blowes, director of solution consulting at Bit-Wizards, uses a Lego analogy to illustrate why testing backups is crucial.
- “Thinking the backup itself will work without restoration is like dumping a box of Lego pieces onto a table and calling it a complete build. All the parts are there, but they are not a solution unless you add the process of incorporating the backups into a new system,” Blowes said.
Simply creating backups is a good start, but doesn’t meet minimum standards for a thorough business continuity and disaster recovery plan, according to the company.
Bit-Wizards recommends that businesses start evaluating their protective measures immediately rather than waiting for a disaster to test their preparedness. The company offers managed IT services that include cloud solutions, backup creation and testing, and disaster preparation.
Click here to get in touch with Bit-Wizards and learn more about backups for your business.
ART+CULTURE
Local Art Gallery celebrates 10 years with community event in Fort Walton Beach
by Ashley Armacost
HH Arts in Fort Walton Beach will mark a decade of supporting local artists with an anniversary celebration featuring demonstrations, refreshments and giveaways on Saturday, April 5.
- The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the gallery located at 100 Beal Parkway SW.
Visitors can meet local artists throughout the day and watch live demonstrations including painting by Pat Robert and Kim Urr, and jewelry making by Norma Supplee.
Roberts, who works in oil, acrylic, encaustic, and watercolor mediums, will showcase her techniques during the event. Her artwork is displayed at both HH Arts and Artful Things Niceville, and she is an active member of the Arts and Design Society and Okaloosa Public Arts.
- Urr’s work focuses on nature, animals, and figurative art, drawing inspiration from exploring wildlife-rich areas. Living in diverse landscapes has deepened her passion for creating art that shares nature’s beauty with others.
Supplee will demonstrate jewelry-making techniques during the celebration. Her work includes “reasonably priced fashionable jewelry, marbled mugs, and other art mediums,” according to gallery materials.
The celebration will include refreshments and free art gifts for attendees throughout the day. A raffle will also be held to benefit Save Our Cats and Kittens (SOCKS), a local animal rescue organization.
HH Arts has established itself as a hub for creative expression in Okaloosa County, offering artwork that showcases the unique perspectives and talents of local artists.
- The gallery regularly hosts events such as artist gallery nights and workshops, providing opportunities for the community to engage with the creative process and connect with fellow art enthusiasts.
“Visiting a local art gallery can be inspiring, educational, and entertaining all at once,” said a gallery representative in promotional materials. “Not only can you get a sense of the range of art and artists in your area, but you can also acquire one–of-a-kind pieces for your home or office, or find the perfect gift.”
The anniversary celebration highlights the gallery’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local creative community in Fort Walton Beach.
For more information about the event or HH Arts, please visit here.
GOLF
Walton County TDC unanimously supports bringing PGA Tour event to the area
The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) unanimously approved a recommendation Tuesday to pursue a partnership with the PGA Tour that could bring a professional golf tournament to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort beginning in 2026. Sandestin owns 4 championship golf courses within the 2400-acre resort.
- The council voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) negotiate a contract for a September PGA Tour event, with terms ranging from two to five years. The proposal calls for a $6 million annual investment with a 5% escalator each year.
Charles Hamrick, Senior Director of Business Development for the PGA Tour, presented the opportunity at the TDC’s February meeting and returned Tuesday to address questions and concerns raised by council members.
“This is a platform that makes a lot of sense for this county,” Hamrick told the council. He cited Myrtle Beach as a compelling example of success, noting their first-year event generated approximately $15 million in direct economic impact to the local economy. The Walton County event could produce similar results while also delivering an estimated $84 million in media value.
The potential tournament would be scheduled during September’s “shoulder season,” when tourism naturally declines in the area. TDC members expressed support for the timing, noting it could help extend employment opportunities for hospitality workers.
Several bed tax funding options were discussed, including using a portion of the $22.4 million currently held in the “New Product/Shoulder Season” reserve fund. Council members also instructed staff to actively pursue potential co-sponsors to offset some costs.
- The meeting featured strong public support for the proposal, with numerous hospitality workers and business owners speaking in favor of the tournament. Several speakers emphasized the benefit to local workers who face reduced hours during slower months.
“I see the struggle, the layoffs, the cut hours,” said one speaker who identified herself as a local hospitality worker. “Anything I can do to keep those employees working and to keep their families fed, I want to do that.”
Another resident called the proposed event “a fantastic opportunity for all of us” and “a no-brainer.” She shared a text message from a local server who had previously waited on professional golfer Lee Trevino, describing how the golfer’s party generated substantial tips and spending during their visit.
The council’s recommendation specifies that negotiations should include a TDC member who is also a bed tax collector. The motion passed 9-0 and now moves to the Board of County Commissioners for final consideration.
- If approved, Walton County would join destinations like Myrtle Beach in hosting PGA Tour events specifically designed to drive tourism during traditionally slower seasons.
Matt Algarin, Walton County Tourism Director, noted that the PGA would establish a local tournament staff of four to five people to handle logistics, working with local government, the sheriff’s department, hoteliers, and other stakeholders.
The contract, if approved by county commissioners, would ultimately return to the TDC as part of their strategic planning and budget process before being finalized.
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