The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to name the new Agriculture Extension Office in Fort Walton Beach after Sheila Dunning, the county’s Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent who died unexpectedly in early March.

• The motion, brought forward by Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, required a super-majority vote as Dunning’s passing occurred less than a year ago, in accordance with county policy.

“When Sheila died, a library was lost and volumes of wisdom and knowledge went with her,” Ketchel said during the meeting. “Sheila, you’re gone, but you’ll never be forgotten.”

Dunning served as the Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent in Okaloosa County for 23 years, starting her career in 2002 as the county’s Residential and Environmental Horticulture Agent. She received permanent status in 2008 and was promoted to EA IV in July 2024.

Born in rural Wisconsin, Dunning moved to Brevard County, Florida in 1976. Before joining the Extension service, she had a 22-year career in the nursery industry where she gained extensive knowledge of horticulture.

• Her educational background included three degrees from the University of Florida – a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture, a Master’s in Agricultural Education and Communication, and she was pursuing her Doctor of Plant Medicine degree at the time of her passing.

Dana Stephens, County Extension Director, described Dunning’s impact: “Sheila leaves a huge legacy, not only here, but across the state and internationally. She was driven to serve her community, always ready to help with her extensive knowledge and experience. She is truly irreplaceable.”

Earlier in 2024, Dunning was awarded the prestigious Conservation Award by the Choctawhatchee Bay Daughters of the American Revolution for her outstanding service to the Green Industry.

During the commission meeting, Chairman Paul Mixon shared personal experiences working with Dunning, recalling her willingness to help with agricultural and horticultural questions over the years.

• “Her willingness and desire to help was huge. So much so, that going into the landscaping business for myself at a young age, it was important for me to push my kids in that direction,” Mixon said, noting that two of his children received spray certifications under Dunning’s training.

Ketchel highlighted the significance of the facility, noting that she had requested funding for the new extension office when she was chairman in 2017 after Hurricane Sally damaged the previous building in the south end of the county.

“It feels altogether right that we name this building as a place of learning and gathering for those who share her love of plants and gardening,” Ketchel said.

Construction on the new facility began in July 2024 following a groundbreaking ceremony and is expected to be complete in June. Funds for signage have already been allocated within the building construction budget, requiring no additional funding.