School

Ernest Hebson, former Fort Walton Beach High School Band Director, has passed away

On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Ernest Hebson, former band director at Fort Walton Beach High School, passed away. Mr. Hebson started the band program at Fort Walton […]

Get The Coast

Add Get The Coast on Google

On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Ernest Hebson, former band director at Fort Walton Beach High School, passed away.

Mr. Hebson started the band program at Fort Walton Beach High School when the school was built in 1969 with grades 7-10.

When the school became 7-12, grades 7-9 moved to the newly built Max Bruner JR. High. The symphonic, jazz and marching bands have never received less than a superior rating at FBA district assessments and were consistently rated superior at FBA state events.

Mr. Hebson retired in 1999 and continued to work as an adjudicator of instrumental music assessments and taught several students privately.

In 2004, was inducted into the Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Sports

Vikings dominate in 41-6 season-opening win over Pensacola

Sports

Week 1 football recap: Area teams deliver big wins, tough losses to open the season

School

FWBHS biomedical student Micah Johnson selected as delegate to national medical congress

Sports

Week 1 football schedule and predictions

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: August 24, 2026

“1:19, 5 attempts”

Respond

Kappy commented on New health advisory issued for Cinco Bayou days after previous one lifted

“We also need to be alerted when these advisory are issued. How are we supposed to find out about them? We were in the water over the weekend since the...”

Harold Carr commented on Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks elected President of Florida League of Cities

“Congrats Mayor Franks! Shalimar has always been a leading small town, in Fla, and you have been a fantastic Mayor, that really mingles with the people! Congrats”

Roger L Schaeffer commented on New health advisory issued for Cinco Bayou days after previous one lifted

“Has a cause been identified? What action is being taken? Is the county sewer system defective or broken? Our citizens deserve full disclosure!”

Juliane Russell Dardeau commented on Driver found guilty of DUI manslaughter in crash that killed Fort Walton Beach lab tech

“The sadness of this community and the patients of Magnolia Medical Clinic and Demetrius Thomas family and friends will never cease. Just over 3 years since his senseless and tragic...”

Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: August 19, 2026

“3,14”

Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: August 18, 2026

“2 min 17 sec”

Mary O'Daniels commented on Okaloosa Administrator outlines mandated, quality-of-life aspects of county budget

“Please consider, brown flag. To ensure people are warned ahead of existing pathogens and bacteria. TDC has funds available. Thank you.”

“Brown flag, is needed. Please get on this.As for public safety. Thanks for your dedication.”

Brock Allen commented on Fort Walton Beach City Council approves Steamboat Landing demolition

“My family had a time share there. How do I access the services now?”