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Dr. Dianne Barlar, who is the
director of the University of West Florida’s (UWF) Fort
Walton Beach Campus and Extension Credit Instruction. She served
as President of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
in 2001 where she excelled with membership, Armed Forces Appreciation
and much more. Some of the organizations in which she takes
an active part include the Workforce Development Board and FWB
Senior Center for Lifelong Learning. 2002 Contemporary Inductee.
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| Agnes Catherine Gerlach (1884-1974)
was a pioneer inductee. She came to Fort Walton Beach in 1913,
when the area was known as Camp Walton. Through the efforts
of Gerlach and her family, St. Mary’s Catholic Church
and School were formed. Because of her musical talent, she assumed
the responsibility for the music at the church and bought the
first organ, which had to be operated with a foot pump. Her
other activities included the formation of a garden club and
the Camp Walton Woman’s Club, which was established to
“do everything” - start a health clinic, eradicate
mosquitoes, keep cattle out of the streets, found a library
& bring culture to the area. She organized health care and
established a clinic in Fort Walton Beach. “Aunt D’Aggie”
as she was known, founded Staff’s Restaurant with her
brother-in-law and was the manager of his Gulfview Hotel for
many years. |
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Kate Bagley (1914-1994) who
moved to Fort Walton Beach in 1961 was the owner of this area’s
first McDonald’s restaurant franchise and was also the
first woman to own a McDonald’s franchise. She then went
on to open four others and was a “hands on” owner,
who donated time and money for local charities and schools.
In 1981, she became the first woman mayor of Fort Walton Beach.
Kate was president of the YMCA and on the board of directors
for the Eglin Armament Museum She died in 1994 and was inducted
posthumously in 2002. |
| Donna Kelly - Carolyn Spencer
Humanitarian Award in 2002. She has brought dedication and professionalism
to her volunteer calling. A successful businesswoman yet gives
of herself freely to Shelter House, the Bridgeway Center, the
Abuse Response Team and the Sexual Trauma Team. Much of her
volunteerism involves responding to calls at all hours of the
day and night. She recently founded the Community Task Force
Against Incest and Molestation (AIM). Her financial generosity
is known to many organizations assisting victims. |
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Mattie Mae Kelly (1912-1992)
She was an educator, author & community leader. Her passion
for the arts, education and recreation is evident through Okaloosa-Walton
Community College and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. Cultural
Arts Award, inductee in 2002. |
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