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New Okaloosa County extension building named for Sheila Dunning opens in Fort Walton Beach
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Summary
Okaloosa County marked the opening of a new University of Florida–partnered extension office in Fort Walton Beach, named for the late Sheila Dunning, highlighting services such as soil testing, federal grant assistance, 4‑H programming and master gardener classes.
An Okaloosa County extension ceremony Thursday morning in Fort Walton Beach celebrated the opening of a new extension services building named for the late Sheila Dunning, a longtime commercial horticulture agent.
The event brought extension staff, volunteers and elected officials together to showcase the facility and the services it will provide to residents, including soil testing, information on federal grant opportunities and youth programming through 4‑H. An extension presenter described the office as "a 1 stop resource" for both commercial farmers and home gardeners and said the new location will let the program "serve more individuals and better our community in the future."
The speaker announced the facility is named for Sheila Dunning and acknowledged that some of her family attended the ceremony. "This building is named after the late Sheila Dunning," the presenter said, adding that Dunning served for "many, many years" as a commercial horticulture agent in Okaloosa County.
Another presenter highlighted the partnership with the University of Florida, saying the extension "is a partnership with the University of Florida. Go Gators," and noted extension programming ranges from soil testing to helping residents pursue federal grants and participate in 4‑H. Volunteers known as master gardeners were singled out: the speaker thanked them for answering neighbors' questions about lawns and shrubbery and said the volunteers "deserve this wonderful building."
Speakers at the event also placed the opening in local context. One presenter recalled that former Board of County Commissioners chair Carolyn Kachel and other county leaders had prioritized replacing the previous AIFS building, and said the new facility fulfills that earlier goal. The ceremony named Representative Boyles, Chairman Goodwin and County Commissioner Drew Palmer among officials on hand, and speakers expressed hope the new site could help revive Ruth's Farmers Market, long associated locally with Ruth Clark.
The ribbon cutting concluded the short ceremony; organizers invited attendees to tour the new facility and learn about upcoming classes and services.
The extension office operates in partnership with the University of Florida; event organizers encouraged residents to visit the building and consult staff about gardening, grants and youth programs. No formal votes or policy actions were taken at the ceremony.
