Fort Walton Beach rallies with community convoy to support firefighter after family tragedy
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – This weekend, local businesses and community groups in Fort Walton Beach are joining together to support one of their own by showing their support and caring in public.
On Saturday, January 17, a “Community Convoy” will be held in honor of firefighter David Leonard. The convoy will help his family during a very hard time.
The event is meant to help Leonard and his new daughter, Marlow, while also remembering his wife, Crysta, who died last month because of problems that came up after giving birth.
Organizers say the convoy is meant to give both emotional and practical help, as well as let the community show their support for a firefighter who has served the city for a long time.
The Block nightclub at 113 Eglin Parkway SE will start the activities at 9 a.m. There will be live music and brunch for guests, and there will be a place for people to leave donations for the family. The first part of the event is meant to give people in the community time to get together, talk, and express their support before the convoy starts.
The Community Convoy will leave The Block at 11 a.m. People will drive north on Eglin Parkway, turn west onto Hollywood Boulevard, and past Fort Walton Beach Fire Station No. 6. The path then goes north to Beal Parkway, where the procession ends at Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson at 788 Beal Parkway NW.
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Upon arrival, additional activities will begin around 11:30 a.m. Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson will have live music, free food, and booths for vendors, making it a great place for people to hang out after the ride. People who are putting on the event say that all kinds of motor vehicles are welcome and that people don’t have to sign up to take part.
The Block, Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson, Fast Signs of Fort Walton Beach/Destin, and Motorcycle Riding Events of America are all sponsoring the Community Convoy. The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department is helping to coordinate it.
If you want to know more, you can call Fort Walton Beach Battalion Chief Matthew Baxley at 850-758-5437.
