Michael Beedie’s connection to Fort Walton Beach goes back nearly his entire life. Born at Eglin Air Force Base and raised in the city from age 1, the Fort Walton Beach High School graduate eventually returned home after college and went on to serve more than a decade as Fort Walton Beach City Manager.

• Today, he remains involved in the community while working as Senior Manager of Government Affairs for WM, a role that keeps him frequently traveling.

Outside of work, Beedie is taking on a new challenge after turning 50 in January: training for his first half marathon. Inspired by his wife’s health journey, he plans to run the race alongside her this November.

In this edition of How I Work, Beedie talks about life on the road, his favorite Fort Walton Beach spots, lessons from his career, his continued involvement in the community — and he still plans on going to law school.

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

I was born at Eglin AFB and moved into the City of FWB with my parents at Age 1. I attended Edwins Elementary, Bruner Middle & Fort Walton Beach High School (graduating in 1994). I moved away for college in 1994 and moved back to the area in 2005.

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

Senior Manager of Government Affairs for WM

What’s your morning routine?

When I turned 50 in January 2026, I set a goal of running a half marathon this year; my training started in August for a half marathon in November; my mornings now include running four days a week (including Saturdays) as I prepare for that race. On non-running days, I wake up and go straight into my workday. I don’t drink coffee!

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

My job requires me to travel a significant amount. For example, this summer, I will have traveled out of town for 8 out of 12 weeks between June & the end of August. I am on the road a lot as most of my travel is between Louisiana and Tallahassee. When I am in town, I do work from home a lot to catch up on e-mails and tasks I am responsible for. I do have an office in FWB that I try to visit once a week.

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

I turn on my laptop and check e-mails.

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

Definitely my phone as I can do a lot of my work and personal stuff on there. I’m not too active on social media other than surfing Facebook, TikTok & X to keep up with the latest news and events.

Apple or Android?

Android for Life

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

Not a coffee drinker, but I do like hot tea (any kind of mint flavor)

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

Pho Eva, Thai Kitchen, Sax Grille

What’s one local business you love supporting?

Anything in Downtown FWB, especially Cantina (Burrito Del Sol), Sura, Soundside & Papa Joe’s Hideaway

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

Respect is earned not given

Leaders practice what they preach; don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty

You can never make everyone happy

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

Go to law school; one of my biggest regrets is not doing that after getting my undergraduate & MBA degrees; my son has a goal of going to law school after undergrad, and I have committed to going with him.

How do you unwind after a long day?

I love a good happy hour hangout spot, but I’m also good with relaxing on the couch and watching TV with my wife.

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

Even though I was born and raised in FWB, I have lived in Alabama, Texas & Connecticut and still participate in Mardi Gras in Mobile (for over 20 years); I attended FWBHS but my son attended Choctaw (graduated in 2025); I’ve got a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (1998) & an MBA (2003) from the University of South Alabama.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

Bowlegs Festival (I’ve been a member of the Krewe of Bowlegs for 5 years)

Mardi Gras in Mobile (I’m a member of two krewes in Mobile and have been for over 20 years

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

My wife – she set off on a personal weight loss and health journey a little over a year ago and has far exceeded her goals; she continues to amaze me by continually setting higher goals and committing to them; this helped me set my goal at age 50 of running a half marathon, which she is going to run with me.

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl

Most used emoji?

Laughing face while crying

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

No

Favorite motivational quote?

Live life to the fullest

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?

Find a career that makes you happy; make sure you maintain a healthy and happy work-life balance; continuously improve yourself and don’t settle for mediocrity.

Are you a member of the FWB Chamber of Commerce?

Yes. I’ve been involved with the FWB Chamber since I started working for the City of FWB in 2005; I’ve been a part of numerous community initiatives, such as Community Solutions (One Hopeful Place), relocation of the Gulfview Hotel, Downtown Master Plan, Brooks Bridge, Half Cent Surtax, etc. This Chamber is proactive and not afraid to take on big initiatives to improve our community.

Anything we missed that you want to add?

I have a special place in my heart for the FWB community as I was born and raised here and was lucky enough to be the City Manager for over 10 years, accomplishing a lot of positive things while I was there. Even in my new position at WM, I am able to stay involved.