FPRA Honors Walton County Sheriff as Community Person of the Year

Miramar Beach, Fla. – Each year during its annual board installation ceremony, the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) recognizes a professional who has made a significant contribution within the field of public relations to the community.

This year’s “Person of the Year” award was presented to Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson for his use of public relations principles and contributions to the Walton County community not only during the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill, but also by providing citizens with timely and accurate information during many high profile cases.

“Most appropriate, our honoree was a fearless leader during the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Incident, who put the immediate needs of the community first and foremost to protect our beautiful beaches and reinforced that we are a community prepared through national, regional and local media outlets,” said Angela Triplett, public relations manager for Howard Group and the chapter’s immediate past president, during the presentation. “It is because of his 24/7 relentless efforts and use of clear and strategic communications as a means to dispel rumors and speculation, gain trust and minimize anxiety that Sheriff Adkinson was honored with the award.”

The Deepwater Horizon Gulf Incident threatened the beaches and the livelihood of many in Walton County. However, Sheriff Adkinson took the lead both in his role as the Emergency Management Coordinator as well as in overseeing Public Safety. He reached out to government agencies and private sector companies to establish a proactive response in protecting Walton County beaches; he quickly advised the county commissioner’s board to use funds from revenue reserves for a proactive approach, instead of waiting for a BP check; though he sought state approval, he moved forward when the danger became imminent; he researched and reviewed unconventional methods of removing the oil from the Gulf and enacted a proactive action plan in response to the unexpected crisis.

Throughout the development of the response plan, he was accessible to the media 24/7 and made it a priority to inform the community through traditional media, social media and community outreach events. His numerous interviews with regional and national media reflected that Walton County and Beaches of South Walton was a community prepared and that the beaches would be protected.

In June, he educated the FPRA chapter on crisis communications, encouraging dialogue from the community and listening to the ideas presented regarding the oil spill response.

As a result of Sheriff Adkinson’s proactive stance and priority in keeping the public apprised, Walton County led the way in developing and communicating a successful response plan. This swift response and communication helped mitigate fear in a community that is economically dependent upon tourism.

Though the disaster struck just as tourism season arrived, the information sharing policy of the Emergency Management Office allowed all publics – internally and externally – to stay informed and kept all involved parties consistent in messaging, which was critical to communicating the state of our beaches to travelers. Sheriff Adkinson was presented with a framed photo of the area’s dune lake and beach taken by Walton County’s 2010 Artist of the Year, Michael Granberry.

"We were thrilled to be able to honor Sherriff Adkinson for his outstanding communication with all audiences—media, local, state, government officials, BP and, most importantly, the community," said Tracy Louthain, director of communications, Beaches of South Walton TDC. "After the Deepwater Horizon incident, the need for strong leadership and constant communication was paramount. I can speak first hand to Sheriff Adkinson's incredible ability to be the calm in the storm, to make himself available and to keep all parties informed."

The Northwest Florida Coast Chapter also recognized its 2010 Member of the Year, Kay Phelan, and presented the President’s Award to Zandra Wolfgram along with other chapter awards during the ceremony held at Santa Rosa Beach and Golf Club. In addition, the event included installation of the chapter’s new board of directors and ended with the traditional “passing of the gavel” in which the associations’ past presidents pass the gavel between presidents and finally to the newly inducted president.

For more information about the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of Florida Public Relations Association, please visit www.nwfcoastfpra.org or contact Lori Leath Smith at lori_nwflcoastfpra@cox.net.