Weeks after beach restoration completion, director steps down
By Gabriel Tynes
The Walton County Tourist Development Council announced the resignation Wednesday of Brad Pickel, the director of beach management. Pickel, who held the position for nearly seven years, will leave March 31.
?Brad has been an incredible asset to our team,? said Kriss Titus, executive director of the TDC. ?We wish him much success as he moves on to the next phase of his life and career.?
Pickel and his wife will be moving to South Carolina where they will pursue new career opportunities. Pickel is interested in starting a business in coastal management, an area in which he holds a PhD. However, he will continue to serve as a consultant for the TDC indefi nitely, specifi cally to continue with beach restoration efforts along County Road 30A.
?With the knowledge and experience I?ve gathered, [my wife and I] decided it was time to move ahead,? Pickel said. ?But as a consultant I can assure that [the county] won?t miss a step with beach restoration.?
On Jan. 19, Pickel announced the completion of the fi rst phase of county beach restoration, an area stretching nearly six miles from Destin to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. The second phase, which would continue from Stallworth Lake to Inlet Beach, remains in the permitting and funding process with no clear indication of a timeline.
In his time with the TDC, Pickel also oversaw the construction of more than 40 dune walkovers destroyed by tropical weather.
?Two big things I?ll be taking with me are the management skills I?ve learned from working with everybody and these complex issues,? Pickel said. ?I?ve also learned of the true love people have for the beaches in South Walton and that everybody has a stake.?
According to the TDC, with Pickel remaining as a consultant there will be no advertisement to fill his position. But in addition to beach restoration issues, the TDC may continue to rely upon Pickel for post storm recovery efforts and federal shore protection matters. Daily maintenance obligations will be the responsibility of Dave Sell, the TDC beach maintenance manager.
?[Brad?s] knowledge and expertise in working with Walton County?s beaches is invaluable, and we?re delighted that he will continue to work on our behalf as one of our premier consultants,? Titus said.
That's right. How will I ever get it. We will have to set-up some other arrangement ;-) . Good luck and remember everyone comes back!!! It's like Hotel California, "You can check out anytime you like but you may never leave."
You know it is true that with every negative, there is a positive. Brad is leaving, and the Dargs have arrived. Brad, we wish you the best in South Carolina, but if those Atlantic Hurricanes get too bad for you, you can always come back to SoWal. I know the extent of your love for the beach, and greatly appreciate your dedication to trying to protect it.