It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Fort Walton Historical Marker gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fort Walton Beach, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Fort Walton Beach Landing Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Sealand Restaurant or visit The Mound Historic Marker, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Fort Walton Beach, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fort Walton Beach, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fort Walton Beach, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Fort Walton Beach, FL (May 12, 2025) – A collision resulting in injuries and a roadway obstruction was reported Monday morning at the intersection of Freedom Way and Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Fort Walton Beach. The crash caused a partial roadblock and brought emergency response teams to the scene to assist those involved.Authorities received reports of the crash shortly before 9:45 a.m., prompting immediate dispatch of medical personnel and traffic control units. Individuals involved in the incident suffered various i...
Fort Walton Beach, FL (May 12, 2025) – A collision resulting in injuries and a roadway obstruction was reported Monday morning at the intersection of Freedom Way and Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Fort Walton Beach. The crash caused a partial roadblock and brought emergency response teams to the scene to assist those involved.
Authorities received reports of the crash shortly before 9:45 a.m., prompting immediate dispatch of medical personnel and traffic control units. Individuals involved in the incident suffered various injuries, and paramedics worked on-site to assess and provide initial treatment. The specific number of victims and severity of injuries have not yet been released by local agencies.
The intersection of Freedom Way and MLK Jr Blvd serves as a vital local connector for residential and business traffic in Fort Walton Beach. The roadblock caused delays and detours, and officials urged drivers to use caution in the area. Traffic flow was impacted throughout the late morning as crews worked to stabilize the scene, clear wreckage, and support injured parties.
Local law enforcement has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, including interviews with witnesses and review of any available surveillance footage from surrounding areas. No further details about the vehicles involved have been confirmed at this time.
Our thoughts are with those recovering from this morning’s crash.
This morning’s crash in Fort Walton Beach is a reminder of the heightened risks present at urban intersections. The junction of Freedom Way and Martin Luther King Jr Blvd is surrounded by homes, schools, and small businesses—making it a high-traffic area where any collision can have immediate ripple effects.
Intersections are among the most common sites for vehicle accidents in Florida. Whether caused by failure to yield, red-light running, or distracted driving, these crashes can lead to serious injury even at moderate speeds. In this case, a roadblock was required, signaling that the crash involved significant impact and possible vehicle immobility, which adds complications for both victims and emergency responders.
Local traffic safety initiatives often focus on such intersections, encouraging better lane discipline, signal compliance, and pedestrian awareness. Still, accidents continue to occur, especially during high-traffic periods like mid-morning and late afternoon.
For individuals injured in these events, the road to recovery involves more than physical healing. Victims must often navigate complex processes involving medical documentation, police reporting, vehicle repair, and sometimes long-term care. These situations can be overwhelming without trusted support.
If you or a loved one were affected by this crash, Local Accident Reports is here to help you find clarity and direction. We connect accident victims with trusted professionals, help you access vital reports, and provide guidance throughout the recovery process. Reach out today to take the first step toward peace of mind and support.
The Florida Panhandle is a treasure trove of cheery seaside towns that are perfect for your next beach vacation. From Destin to the famous 30A communitie...
The Florida Panhandle is a treasure trove of cheery seaside towns that are perfect for your next beach vacation. From Destin to the famous 30A communities, there’s an ideal destination for your next trip—whether you’re planning a reunion with the girlfriends or romantic getaway for two. One of the area’s best family-friendly spots is Okaloosa Island. Located on the 24-mile Santa Rosa Island, just across the bridge from bustling Destin, Okaloosa Island is a three-mile stretch of beach that also contains the oceanfront community of Fort Walton Beach. With white sand and emerald water, there’s honestly not much else required for an excellent beach vacation, but the destination overdelivers with a long list of attractions, great restaurants, and beautiful stays. Here are the 12 best things to do on Okaloosa Island, Florida.
You can spend your entire trip at this dining and entertainment hub and never have a reason to leave. Located directly on the Gulf, the Boardwalk not only includes four restaurants where you can get anything from fresh seafood to great burgers or tacos, plus shops and beachfront accommodations, but it’s also home to a county park and public beach access point. Swing by on Wednesdays during the summer for weekly fireworks shows starting at 9 pm.
theboardwalkoi.com; 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Another of Okaloosa Island’s most iconic destinations, The Island Pier (formerly known as the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier) stretches 1,262 feet into the Gulf and is one of the best places in the area to take in a magnificent sunrise or sunset. If you’re just looking for a stroll, be on the lookout for dolphins or sea turtles in the water below and herons or pelicans flying overhead. Anglers can purchase a daily fishing pass (that includes a license) at the tackle shop and try their luck at catching large tarpon, king mackerel, cobia, and more.
theislandpier.com; 1030 Miracle Strip PKWY SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-244-1023
There’s lots to learn and see inside this museum and science center that offers more than 45 touchable, workable exhibits that teach kids about various natural phenomena and basic scientific principles. Exhibits range in subject matter from dinosaur fossils to reptiles to boating.
ecscience.org; 31 SW Memorial Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-664-1261
With three miles of Gulf-front beach and minimal crowds, Okaloosa Island isn’t the type of beach destination where you’ll feel like your chairs and umbrella are sitting right on top of another family. (Though, it does pay to stake your claim earlier in the day if you want a prime spot without anything or anyone in your way of the water.) Choose from 10 different public beach access points spread across the island. Several have public restrooms, parking, shaded picnic tables, and showers to make your experience even easier.
Since 1955, this attraction has been drawing guests of all ages to learn about and have up-close encounters with all kinds of marine life. A general admission ticket gives access to all exhibits, shows, and training demonstrations, while separate “encounter” tickets give guests the opportunity to do everything from snorkel with stingrays to swim with penguins. The all-new Dolphin Oasis habitat provides even more exciting dolphin shows than ever before.
gulfarium.com; 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-243-9046
It’s not uncommon to see a line out the door at this seafood joint and its next-door market. What started as local-favorite inland spot in Fort Walton expanded to include a location closer to the water, and now it’s a popular spot for yearly beachgoers in addition to its loyal locals. Order fresh or fried fish, plus Southern sides like fried okra, grits, and hushpuppies at prices that are hard to match anywhere on the beach. The steamer and seafood market next door offers steamed dinners (grouper, snow crab, Red Royal shrimp, mussels) with sausage, corn, potato, and butter, as well as sandwiches.
stewbys.com; 235 Santa Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547; 850-586-7001
It’s hard to miss the iconic shipping containers and reclaimed, recycled, and salvaged building materials that make up this one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar perched on the edge of the bay. Head to a window to order shareable appetizers like smoked tuna dip and coconut fried fish bites, plus island-inspired fare ranging from Jerk Surf ‘N’ Turf Bowls to Mahi Mahi Tacos with pineapple slaw and Cajun aioli. Then, hit up the bar for tropical drinks like seasonal berry mojitos and spicy palomas, then choose a picnic table, dig your feet in the sand, and enjoy.
thegulf.com; 1284 Marler Ave., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-387-1300
Located on the Boardwalk, AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar has been a hot spot for visitors since it opened in 1984. Stop in for an extensive menu of seafood favorites, including fried baskets, charbroiled oysters, and an award-winning gumbo. Come early for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., or choose a night when there’s live music on the expansive outdoor deck.
ajsoystershanty.com; 108 Santa Rosa Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-226-8108
Another must-visit Boardwalk stop is The Crab Trap, a massive restaurant that sits up high on the sugar beaches, offering an unbeatable view of the water. Seafood arrives daily straight from the harbor, so you know your meal—whether grouper, snapper, shrimp, or wahoo—is as fresh as can be when it arrives at your table. Of course, you can’t eat at the Crab Trap without ordering some crab. Choose from a variety of wild Alaskan crab legs or domestic crab claws.
crabtrapflorida.com; 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-301-0959
If you’re looking to start your day with a hearty meal, Asiago’s Skillet is your spot. Open daily starting at 6 a.m., this beloved morning destination offers every breakfast food under the sun—and then some. There’s a huge array of skillets and omelets (including special ones filled with bay shrimp and crabmeat), plus fluffy buttermilk pancakes, French toast, burritos, biscuit sandwiches, Benedicts, and more. Pro tip: Ask your server to “Shipwreck” your potatoes and they’ll come covered with bacon, sauteed onions, cheese, and gravy.
asiagoskillet.com; 110 Amberjack Dr., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-586-7998
Appropriately named The Island, this full-service resort has had a long history as a favorite spot for tourists, starting as a Ramada Inn back in 1966. In 2018, the property underwent a massive transformation to become The Island Resort, where you get the same access to sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear emerald water but this time with modern rooms, five food and beverage options (including the Emerald Coast’s only swim-up bar at the Grotto Pool), and daily resort events like live music and movies by the Cabana Pool.
theislandfl.com; 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 800-874-8962
One of the island’s newest accommodations, Beal House is part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, so you know to expect modern, well-designed rooms; excellent service; and amenities like a gym, pool, and dining. Onsite restaurant The Remedy specializes in coastal fresh cuisine with a dash of Cajun flair. The coastal cool dining room opens up onto the beach, putting you right on island time. Menu items range from anytime favorites like burgers or a daily catch sandwich to morning specials like beignets or a FloriBama Benedict with grilled shrimp, mushroom crawfish sauce, and loaded cheesy potato cakes.
hilton.com/en/hotels/fwbbhup-beal-house-fort-walton-beach; 380 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; 850-243-9444
The City of Fort Walton Beach finalized its search for a new city manager Friday, signing an employment agreement with Jason Davis following the City Council’s approval of the contract earlier this week.The agreement states Davis will receive an annual base salary of $220,000 paid in bi-weekly installments, along with benefits including medical, dental, and life insurance. He will also receive either a city-supplied vehicle or a $500 monthly vehicle allowance and a $100 monthly cell phone allowa...
The City of Fort Walton Beach finalized its search for a new city manager Friday, signing an employment agreement with Jason Davis following the City Council’s approval of the contract earlier this week.
The agreement states Davis will receive an annual base salary of $220,000 paid in bi-weekly installments, along with benefits including medical, dental, and life insurance. He will also receive either a city-supplied vehicle or a $500 monthly vehicle allowance and a $100 monthly cell phone allowance.
Davis brings more than 20 years of public service experience to Fort Walton Beach. His career includes extensive work in Palm Beach County from 2007 to 2023, where he served as a division director managing 12,000 full-time employees with a budget of $7.8 billion. Since 2023, he has worked as Deputy County Administrator in St. Lucie County, overseeing a staff of 942 employees and a budget of $760 million.
In his application materials, Davis identified several challenges facing Fort Walton Beach, including managing growth and density, preparing for extreme weather events, fostering community engagement and trust, and handling large capital projects that require creative budget concepts.
As for his reason for leaving his current position, Davis stated in his application, “I love the west coast of Florida and saw the opportunity. Opportunities like this do not come along very often… The possibility of working my next 30 years in Fort Walton Beach is too appealing for me not to apply.”
Davis holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, as well as an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University.
“It’s an exciting time for our great city,” said Mayor Nic Allegretto on Friday afternoon. “As we enter a new chapter with our city’s newest leader, we look forward to working together to give our residents the best version of Fort Walton Beach!”
The city’s employment agreement includes a $5,000 relocation reimbursement, participation in the city’s retirement plan, and professional development opportunities. The contract specifies that Davis will serve at the pleasure of the City Council as an at-will employee.
Davis replaces the interim city manager, Dennis Reeves, who has been serving in the position while the city conducted its search.
Television personality Mark Consuelos shared fond memories of visiting Fort Walton Beach during his childhood on Thursday’s episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark.”“I would then go to Fort Walton Beach, Florida,” Consuelos said on the April 24 broadcast. “There was an Air Force base there...
Television personality Mark Consuelos shared fond memories of visiting Fort Walton Beach during his childhood on Thursday’s episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark.”
“I would then go to Fort Walton Beach, Florida,” Consuelos said on the April 24 broadcast. “There was an Air Force base there, Eglin Air Force Base.”
Consuelos explained that his father would schedule meetings at the base to coincide with spring break, allowing the family to travel from Illinois to Florida for vacation.
Consuelos shared nostalgic memories of the amenities at these hotels, including coin-operated vibrating beds, swimming pools, and the distinct smell of cigarette smoke that was common in hotel rooms during that era.
His co-host and wife Kelly Ripa added context about how attitudes toward indoor smoking have changed, noting that “smoking indoors with children was not a concern” at that time.
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The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday to designate the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds as the “Rigdon Center” in honor of Charles Hutton “Bull” Rigdon, Jr., who passed away in December 2014.Rigdon served in World War II and the Korean War before beginning a 43-year civil engineering career at Eglin Air Force Base. His civic involvement included serving on the Fort Walton Beach City Council from 1964 to 1981, where he held the posit...
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday to designate the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds as the “Rigdon Center” in honor of Charles Hutton “Bull” Rigdon, Jr., who passed away in December 2014.
Rigdon served in World War II and the Korean War before beginning a 43-year civil engineering career at Eglin Air Force Base. His civic involvement included serving on the Fort Walton Beach City Council from 1964 to 1981, where he held the position of Mayor Pro-Tem multiple times.
After retiring from Eglin, Rigdon took over operations of the Okaloosa County Fair. He also served three decades on the Okaloosa County Gas Board and was the first Chairman of the West Florida Regional Planning Council, now known as the Emerald Coast Regional Council.
The initiative was spearheaded by Chairman Paul Mixon, who requested the Board consider the resolution honoring Rigdon. County Administrator John Hofstad supported the naming request in the agenda materials, stating that “Mr. Rigdon’s character and contributions to Okaloosa County merit the naming of the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds in honor of Mr. Rigdon.”
Charles Rigdon, Bull Rigdon’s son, attended the meeting and offered emotional remarks about his father.
“My dad came from humble upbringing. I think he told me he was born 1929, so he was raised during the depression. My grandfather was on a bridge building crew and he moved 17 times in 12 years and never really had a place that he called home,” the younger Rigdon said. “When him and my mother moved to Fort Walton Beach in 1956, he found his home and he never moved again.”
This is not the first public recognition of Rigdon’s service. In 2009, the Fort Walton Beach City Council named their fairgrounds in his honor as C.H. “Bull” Rigdon Fairgrounds.
According to the resolution, the name change takes effect immediately.
850.797.8710
