Nick Tomecek came to Okaloosa County in 2005 from Kentucky with what he describes as “a buzz cut and a dream” to work as a photojournalist in Florida.

• Over the years, he built a career documenting the people, places, and stories that shape the local community — first through journalism and now through public service.

Today, Nick serves as the Public Information Officer for Okaloosa County, where no two workdays are ever the same. From monitoring headlines and producing public information to taking photos, creating videos, and engaging with residents online and in person, his role keeps him closely connected to the county he’s spent years covering.

Are you a life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

Jokingly, I pretend to be a life-long local. But I really moved here in 2005 from Kentucky with a buzz cut and a dream to live and work in Florida as photojournalist. I was hired by the Northwest Florida Daily News to document and tell stories of this wonderful area using my camera as my main tool.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

I am currently employed by the best County in Florida as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners

What’s your morning routine?

Most mornings I will camel-up and drink a half-quart of water, make a cup of coffee and walk the dog. Then I will go for a 3-5 mile run in the neighborhoods of Mary Esther where I live. I make my teenage son his lunch for the day, wish my bride of 17 years a lovely day and drive my kiddo to school.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

Before I get sucked into the abyss of my inbox, I scan the local headlines from the trusted news sources, and some of the untrusted news sources. Part of informing people is staying informed myself. I’m able to compile these headlines into a report for County leadership each morning.

After that, you can shake the magic 8 ball to know exactly what might happen that day. It changes daily and that’s what makes it interesting for me.

I am able to do a lot of what I did for a daily newspaper like take photos and video, make social media posts, interact in-person and online with the public and of course, ensure the statutory requirements regarding public notices are met.

Despite the naysayers hiding behind their keyboards and making inaccurate comments, the County is a well-organized agency with safeguards that ensure responsible spending with the goal of providing first-class government services to residents. Going from journalism to government work, I feel confident in making that statement.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

Read Get The Coast, of course! Joking aside, I do read Get The Coast and all other local news stories to the best of my ability. It helps me get ahead of any possible information that may need to be corrected and it also Informs me and my fellow staff members of the successes of our great County.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

I have to have a camera on me at all times. I am currently shooting with a Nikon Z9 but many times a smartphone gets the job done.

Apple or Android?

Android

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

Small latte- no flavors and I have to take the lid off to enjoy the froth while it exists.

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

I don’t want to play favorites as a County employee, but there’s there’s great burger joint across from Dodges that rhymes with Max.

What’s one local business you love supporting?

You guys ask tough questions. I can’t pin it down to one except to say I always try to eat at local restaurants.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

You can’t make everyone happy but do your best to say YES when you can. Customer service extends beyond the business and into our personal lives.

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Your parents were right, you don’t really know everything.

How do you unwind after a long day?

I will sometimes take another jog or sip an adult beverage with dinner while watching Law & Order reruns.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

In 2004, my brother and I walked from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail. It was an unforgettable adventure stemming from our experience in Scouting as kids.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

I enjoy the spring and fall Emerald Coast Volleyball Week, aka, Fuds. It’s on the beach during the best weather months of the year and everyone is happy and enjoying life. It reminds me of the beach movies I would watch as a young Kentucky wishing for sand in my shoes.

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

Shameless plug for the County’s history podcast FLASHBACK Okaloosa. Find it wherever you listen. I’m also inspired by my wife Maggie who always thinks of others before herself and how my kid shows his heart to everyone he meets. And of course our pup.

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird. I’m old

Most used emoji?

👍

Music while working — yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)

No. I have the news going in the background

Favorite motivational quote?

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take – Gretzky

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

Sitting

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

Be confident but remember to listen and always use your talents to the max to serve others.

Are you a member of the FWB Chamber of Commerce?

Yes, as a County employee, I am a member that appreciates the hard work this and other Chambers do. The team at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber does so much good work behind the scenes that people don’t see all for the benefit of our local businesses and overall community.

Anything we missed that you want to add?

I can’t wait to see you all around town.