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Check out what's happening around Okaloosa County, Florida
Where you can find superior lifestyle, leading technology and boundless opportunity!
May 2026
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By Nathan Sparks, CEcD
Regardless of what the calendar may say about June 21st being the “official” start of Summer, those of us who are fortunate enough to call the Emerald Coast home need only to look at the roadways, waterways and restaurants to know that Summer has arrived. While some may occasionally gripe about the increase in traffic – or an extended wait at a favorite restaurant – it is important to remember that the visitors we welcome bring their hard-earned dollars to town. Not only do these dollars translate to local jobs (more than 50,000 according to our friends at the Okaloosa County Tourism Development Department), they also benefit local schools and infrastructure projects thanks to two voter-approved half-cent surtax initiatives. In doing so, those of us who live here are able to enjoy the “fruits” (i.e. school enhancements, transportation improvements, etc.) that come with a regular infusion of visitor spending without having to shoulder the full cost of these projects. As a result, Okaloosa County is consistently able to punch above our weight class while maintaining the lowest per capita property tax burden in the state.
Speaking of “punching above our weight class”, I suspect that by now many of you may have heard the news that One Okaloosa EDC was recently honored by the Florida Economic Development Council with the 2026 Deal of the Year Award for the $1.04 billion Williams International gas turbine engine manufacturing facility that is currently under construction at the Shoal River Industrial Park. Given Okaloosa’s population of approximately 221,000, we were competing in the “Urban” category – which meant we were up against projects in much larger counties.
Suffice it to say, we were ecstatic to receive this statewide recognition on behalf of our many state, regional and local partners who really came together to secure Williams International in our community. To be clear, without the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (including County administrators and key staff), FloridaCommerce, Triumph Gulf Coast, Space Florida, the University of West Florida, Northwest Florida State College, Okaloosa County School District, Florida’s Great Northwest, FPL and Okaloosa Gas, the “Deal of the Year” would not have happened. Simply put, we owe all of these individuals and organizations a tremendous debt of gratitude.
Finally, I want to personally thank each and every one of you who joined us for the 9th annual TeCMEN Industry Day on May 13. This year’s event proved to be the biggest one yet, and whether you were among our nearly 500 attendees, 43 exhibitors, 18 sponsors, or 14 speakers, we greatly appreciate the part you played in making the event a resounding success!
| | | | Defense Support Initiatives Committee | |
By Garry Haase, Chairman
The DSI leadership group had a fruitful visit to Washington D.C. in April to discuss our annual military priorities paper and advocate for local military needs. Of note, in addition to visiting Senator Moody and staff, Senator Scott’s staff, Representative Jimmy Patronis and staff, Representative Dunn’s staff, and House Armed Services Committee senior staff, we were able to visit with Assistant Secretary of War for Energy, Installations & Environment, Honorable Dale Marks. All were favorable for supporting the DSI’s priority requests. Our number one priority remains protecting the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range from encroachment by oil drilling and other related energy exploration.
Word is, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has completed their review of the public comments submitted following the release of their first draft drilling plan; which included a large section of the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range off of Florida’s coast. It is our understanding that they have now completed their second draft plan and it is in final review before being released. We remain hopeful that the EGTTR is no longer included in the drilling lease plan. However, if it is, the DSI will once again ask our community to provide their support for our military by providing public comment on BOEM’s web portal and /or by writing letters of support.
The Washington Post recently released an article, Military Officials are Worried about Trump’s Oil Drilling Plan, emphasizing that BOEM’s first draft proposal would allow for drilling off the California and Florida coasts, including two of the largest areas used for ocean-based military training. In addition, the first plan drew immediate backlash from politicians in California and Florida who feared oil spills that would affect communities reliant on tourism and fishing.
Florida’s congressional delegation, led by GOP Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, wrote President Donald Trump in December that they oppose “any attempts to expand offshore oil and gas drilling off Florida’s coasts.” The Gulf Test Range is the largest multi-domain military training and testing complex in the country, and its unique geographic characteristics enable critical preparation for real-world contingencies, the letter said.
While significant offshore oil drilling takes place in the western and central planning areas of the Gulf of America, these areas do not contain a military test and training range like the one that exists in the Gulf’s eastern planning area. It is critical that we ensure we can meet both our national security and energy security goals; not sacrificing one for the other.
| | Technology Coast Manufacturing & Engineering Network | |
By Travis Hill, Chairman
The Technology Coast Manufacturing and Engineering Network (TeCMEN) was founded by the One Okaloosa Economic Development Council to serve as the leading business advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) industries. TeCMEN members meet monthly to focus on promoting sustainment, growth and advancement within the STEM-based business community and ecosystem.
During TeCMEN's April meeting, Jorge Arce—Director and Senior Trade Specialist at the U.S. Commercial Service—gave an overview titled "Is Your Company Assessing Export Readiness? The World Is Growing. So Are Your Prospects." Key points included: Product or Service Readiness, focusing on competitiveness; Organizational Readiness, emphasizing company-wide consensus about exporting; Company Readiness, assessing success, growth, website, shipping, and payments; and Financial Readiness, determining if the company has adequate resources for international expansion.
A standout TeCMEN project was the TeCMEN Industry Day, held on May 13th. This event is the Gulf Coast’s top one-day expo for technology, engineering, and manufacturing, offering a prime opportunity for networking and collaboration within STEM industries to advance their ecosystem. On behalf of TeCMEN members, we extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to TID—including the Planning Committee (who did a fantastic job), sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, educators, and all attendees! Survey comments from attendees have been extremely positive. Photo’s from the event can be found at: Photo Gallery | TeCMEN Industry Day
| | Business Retention & Expansion | | |
By Filipe Wollinger, Project Manager
One Okaloosa EDC recently hosted a multi-day prospect visit highlighting the workforce, partnerships, infrastructure, and quality of life that continue to make Okaloosa County a desirable place to invest and grow a business. As someone new to the economic development field, what stood out to me most during the entire visit was experiencing firsthand how invested, connected, and collaborative our community really is.
We started by visiting my alma mater, Northwest Florida State College, where we discussed academic programs, workforce readiness, and the importance of higher education in cultivating the region’s future workforce. We then stopped by Okaloosa Technical College and saw hands-on training programs that prepare students for careers in high-demand industries throughout the region.
The visit continued at CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, where discussions focused on workforce incentives, hiring support, and training initiatives to help businesses recruit and retain skilled employees. It was encouraging to see the level of interest surrounding the region’s strong military presence and the value that transitioning service members bring to the local workforce, further strengthening the workforce pipeline. We later met with leadership at the Okaloosa County Administration Office to discuss economic growth, infrastructure investment, and the region’s long-term vision.
The following morning, our prospect experienced another facet of Okaloosa County. The relationships that help define this community are what tie it all together. One Okaloosa EDC Treasurer and legendary fishing Captain Gary Jarvis treated our prospects, along with Chairman Nic Dezinski and Executive Director Nathan Sparks, to a fishing trip on the Gulf, fostering partnerships and conversations that continue outside the boardroom. Before the first fish was caught, the collaborative spirit and investment potential of Okaloosa County had already hooked our prospect.
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The City of Destin was ranked No. 7 on Southern Living's list of the Top 20 best small towns in the south. The ranking was determined by an online survey of over 17,000 Southern Living readers.
Northwest Florida State College has received the 2026 CLEP Honors Military Achievement Award from the College Board, the fourth consecutive year the college has earned the national recognition. The College-Level Examination Program allow individuals to earn college credit for knowledge they already possess by passing a single exam, rather than taking a full semester course. The award recognizes top CLEP testing centers nationwide based on the number of exams administered.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites at Freedom Tech Center has been named a recipient of the 2025 IHG Newcomer Award, placing it among just 15 newly opened hotels recognized nationwide out of thousands of IHG Hotels & Resorts properties across the country.
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Our Executive Director, Nathan Sparks, has been inducted into the Southern Economic Development Hall of Fame. This is a meaningful honor in our field and reflects the impact he has made not only here in Okaloosa County, but across the broader economic development community.
Nathan’s leadership, consistency, and commitment have helped position One Okaloosa as a high-performing and respected economic development organization. This recognition is well earned and it speaks not only to Nathan, but to the strength of One Okaloosa as a whole.
Please join us in congratulating Nathan on this monumental recognition!
| | Executive Committee Members and Staff | | |
Officers
Nic Dezinski, Chairman; Bonnie Barlow, Vice-Chair; Gary Jarvis, Treasurer; Alex Barthé, Secretary; Wayne Bernheisel, Member-at-Large; Neko Stubblefield, Past Chairman
Ex Officios
CareerSource: Michele Burns
County Commissioner: Paul Mixon
Educational Partners: President Mel Ponder, Director Nicole McDonald, Superintendent Marcus Chambers
Utility Partners: Steve Rhodes, Gordon King, Bernard Johnson
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Employees / Contractors
Nathan Sparks CEcD, Executive Director
Kay Rasmussen CEcD, Associate Director / DSI Manager
Filipe Wollinger, Project Manager
Natalia Germany, Administrative Assistant
Linda Sumblin, TeCMEN Manager
Penny Mercer/Alexis Allen, Accounting Department
Monica Earley, Event Coordinator
John Schuliger, TCPI Facilitator
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Post Office Box 4097
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549
850-362-6467
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