Meet Jonathan Brown, Fort Walton Beach native, married to another local FWB native, Samantha Brown. For Jonathan, the water has been a calling since childhood — from fishing trips with his dad to managing the local surf shop and later serving as a Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer. Samantha has been right by his side, building a business with The Salty Hut while raising their three children, Oakley, Otto, and Ocean.

• Today, the Brown’s boat days are a reflection of that shared passion for the local waters: a cooler packed with snacks (and cervezas on ice), a launch from Poquito, and a day that doesn’t end until the sun dips below the horizon.

The family loves mixing it up — some days heading to Redneck Beach or the nearby cold water springs, other days chasing offshore fishing trips. Unforgettable moments include swimming alongside a 30-foot whale shark with their daughter, Oakley, and still stopping to marvel at dolphins no matter how many times they appear. Every outing is about family, adventure, and a deep respect for the coast they call home.

Who’s part of your boat crew?

Family! Samantha, Oakley, Otto and Ocean. My ride or dies friends you know who you are.

How long have you been boating locally?

I got my first boat at 10yrs old. But I have been on the water since as long as I can remember from fishing off shore with my Dad to dock fishing since I was 2.

What do boat days mean to your family — relaxing, adventure, a little bit of both?

A little bit of both. We like to hit our favorite spots but we are always up for an adventure.

Do you have a slip, or do you launch from a specific ramp?

I launch from my neighborhood ramp in Poquito.

Where’s your favorite spot to anchor and spend the day?

Anything from Redneck beach to the Cold Water spring.

What kind of boat do you have (if you want to share)?

Robalo R235 24′ Walkabout.

What’s your typical timeline — quick morning ride or full-day outing?

You can always expect us to be on the water around noon and coming in as the sun is falling. But for offshore days early rise and quick return.

What’s packed in your cooler or boat bag every time?

A load of drinks and snacks for the kids, then buried in ice are a hand full of ice cold cervezas.

What’s your go-to playlist or favorite boat-day song?

We like to mix it up! But Drake is always a fam favorite.

What’s the best part about being on the water?

Enjoying time with my family on the most beautiful thing that Mother Earth has supplied us with!

Have you had any “can’t believe this happened” moments while boating?

A couple, but the best was a day when my wife, my 8 year old, Oakley and I we were coming in from a successful fishing day. We came across a 30+ ft whale shark. I was able to jump with my daughter and share an amazing moment with her swimming with the whale shark.

Do you still stop and stare when you see dolphins?

Always! Dolphins are one of the smartest and most entertaining creatures around.

Do you prefer exploring new areas or sticking to the same spot?

We do it all from local water ways to exploring hidden areas.

Are you the captain, the snack person, the DJ… or all three?

Irish, I am the Captain!

Do you ever do sunset cruises?

Of course, this is a great way to relax and realize we truly live on the most beautiful coast.

What makes a boat day better than a beach day for your crew?

The diversity you get to experience on the boat. Don’t get me wrong the beach is great but you only get to experience what is within your 70-yard bubble.

What are some local events you always head to the water for? (ie. Bowlegs, etc) or do you always avoid those days?

We enjoy watching the summer fireworks from the boat. On big boating days with a lot of water traffic, we are tucked away in the bayous.

Any advice for people looking to do their first boat day around here?

Be smart and wise, the Gulf and its surrounding waterways are extremely beautiful but that also comes with a price. The local water ways here can house some of the gnarliest rip tides and current swings on the Florida coast. Pay attention to the weather, always have your head on a swivel and make sure you watch the water in critical areas. The water will be the first to let you know its attitude. Always keep a close eye on friends and family while enjoying our beautiful waterways.

Anything else you want to add?

As a Fort Walton beach native, it has called me to be a waterman. It has inspired my passions from surfing, fishing and boating. It has carved my life’s path from working at our local surf shop for 5 years to joining the Navy and serving as an Aviation Rescue swimmer. The water is my calling and passion. I care for this coast, the community and the people that call it home. I continue to support our local community as the Search and Rescue Coordinator for our local disaster relief organization, Emerald Coast United.