Only the devil and I know the whereabouts of my treasure, and the one who lives the longest should take it all.
--Blackbeard
Only the devil and I know the whereabouts of my treasure, and the one who lives the longest should take it all.
--Blackbeard
Only the devil and I know the whereabouts of my treasure, and the one who lives the longest should take it all.
--Blackbeard
Each year a new Captain Billy is selected to sail the Blackhawk and the Krewe into uncharted seas. The new Billy is selected by the current Captain after receiving the secret nominations from a committee of the last seven Billys. The new Billy remains a secret for the next several months as he prepares for his year. He has many decisions to make, he will choose the colors, and create a logo and theme to represent his vision for the year.
A MESSAGE FROM THE DESK OF CAPTAIN BILLY BOWLEGS LXIX
Citizens of the Emerald Coast,
Captain Billy Bowlegs LXIX, Michael Castleberry, has a true passion for supporting the local businesses and non-profits in Okaloosa County. He has a long history of community involvement and has always been a champion for the underdog. Although no one should ever trust a pirate.
Captain Billy LXIX
Michael Castleberry
Captain Billy LXIX
Michael Castleberry
and
Zabrina Horne
First Mate & First Mistress
Matt and Kacy Turpin
Matt and Kacy are honored to be the First Mate and First Mistress for the 69th year of Bowlegs. They moved to Fort Walton Beach in 2010 from their native hometown of Birmingham, AL. They were on Honor Guard 59 where "Old Pirates Never Die".
Kacy is a graduate of the University of Alabama and an accomplished interior designer with an innovative spirit and passion for aesthetics. Known for her creative flair and attention to detail, Kacy thrives on transforming spaces into inspiring environments. Outside of work, Kacy enjoys being on the water, diving into a good book, experimenting with new recipes, and crafting unique recipes.
Matt is a graduate of Auburn University and is a Certified Public Accountant along with being the local CFO for the Bank of England Mortgage. Matt has served as the treasurer for the Krewe for Captain Billy 63, Charlie Potts and Captain Billy 64 Andy Corbin. He was the 2nd VP for Captain Billy 65 and 65.2, Buddy Carter and 1st VP for Captain Billy 68, Bill Kilpatrick. Matt has also served on the Board of the William A. Bowles foundation as a board member, Treasurer, VP and President for multiple terms. Matt enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking, most of all waking up each morning to see the beautiful and talented First Mistress LXIX.
Matt and Kacy attend the Church of Highlands based out of Birmingham, AL.
Honor Guard LXIX
Shane & Jessica Atkinson
Shane Atkinson was born in Bainbridge, Georgia and moved to the area in 1984 when he was in 7th grade. He attended Bruner Junior High School and Fort Walton Beach High School graduating with the class of 1990. He is the owner of a very successful auto recycling business, Garry's Auto Recycling, Inc. located in Crestview, Fl. Jessica Atkinson was born in Memphis, Tennessee and also moved to this area in 1984 when she was in elementary school. She attended Destin Elementary School, Bruner Junior High School and Fort Walton Beach High School graduating with the class of 1992. She earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Political Science with a minor in Economics at Troy University. She is currently a Financial Planner with Independent Retirement Associates at Raymond James Financial Services. She loves what she does and has enjoyed helping her clients with their finances for over 24 years. Shane and Jessica joined the Krewe in the Fall of 2023 but became official members in January of 2024. They have two sons, Dylan, 27 and Zachary, 23, and a granddog, Marlo. When he's not working, Shane enjoys all types of saltwater fishing and bow hunting at his camp in Alabama. Jessica is a worship leader at Beachside Community Church and a vocalist in her local band, The Rowdies.
Ben & Jaris Buehler
Benjamin and Jaris Buehler moved from Alaska to Shalimar in September of 2020. Both are USAF Veterans and both continue to work in the aviation industry for Lockheed Martin. Benjamin grew up in Tempe, Arizona and Jaris in Rushville, Illinois. They have 3 children, Olivia, Trenton, and Drew. They enjoy vacations, traveling, parading, hosting, and partying with a purpose! They joined the Krewe of Bowlegs in 2023 while being proud Parrot Heads of Destin, and Krewe of Mystic Mafia of Pensacola members.
Creed & Elizabeth Burkhart
Creed and Elizabeth Burkhart moved to the area in March of 2024 after visiting the Emerald Coast on an annual basis for many years. Creed is originally from Hoover, Alabama and Eilzabeth is originally from Owensboro, Kentucky. Creed is in the steel supply industry while Elizabeth is the Senior Director of Risk Management for PWC. They have a daughter, Abby, a sophomore at Penn State and a Jack Russell Terrier named Zoe. Creed enjoys golf and boating. Elizabeth enjoys Olympic Weightlifting.
David & Remi Densmore
David and Remi live in Destin, FL. David is a native of the area born in Fort Walton Beach and Remi is from Jackson, MS and moved to Destin from Atlanta prior to getting married in 2023. They are both graduates of Ole Miss. David is a financial advisor with Kline Densmore Wealth Management and Remi is a RN with Ascension Sacred Heart. They have a new puppy named Dolly Parton and a cat named Louie. In their free time they enjoy boating, fishing, and attending Ole Miss sporting events.
Scott & Regina Groundwater
Scott hails from Buffalo, New York and is an Air Force veteran with over 20 years of service. He spent most of those years at Hurlburt Field as a sensor operator on the AC-130 Gunship. Scott obtained his degree in aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He currently works for a defense contractor ensuring today's warfighters have the airframes and capabilities needed to execute their missions. Regina also served 20 years in the Air Force as a medic and obtained her master's degree in counseling from Troy. She currently works for a major insurance company in clinical quality. They married in 1995 and have four children. The oldest two have grown and flown and have given them six beautiful grandchildren. They also have twin 19-year-old sons who just started their sophomore year at UWF. Finally, rounding out their family, is their crazy chocolate lab, Bailey. When not working, cheering for the Bills, or spending time with family and friends, you can find them on the water, golfing, or cruising the coast in their 911. They feel blessed to call the Emerald Coast home and are ecstatic to be part of KOB 69 Honor Guard.
Larry & Donita Messinger
Larry and Donita moved from Atlanta, Georgia to Fort Walton Beach in 2021. Larry is originally from Baton Rouge, La. and Donita is from Fort McMurray, Alberta. Larry has been reƟred for the past 5 years and Donita has been working for Home Depot out of their corporate office in Atlanta for the past 33 years. Combined, they have 3 daughters, Michaila, Caitlin and Adriane, and a son, Nathan who all live out of state. Larry and Donita love boaƟng and biking. You will oŌen see them sailing in the Choctawhatchee Bay on his 30 Ō catamaran - Five O'clock Somewhere - or on one of the many bike trails this area has to offer. Since moving to the beauƟful Emerald Coast, Larry and Donita have enjoyed following the local music scene and becoming engaged in much of the local social life in DesƟn and Fort Walton Beach. Becoming a part of the Krewe of Bowlegs in 2023 and now in HG69 begins their next great step forward in their reƟrement dreams here in Fort Walton Beach. Larry and Donita enjoy being part of DesƟny Worship Center and contribute to many veteran causes.
Joe & Tammy O'Gallagher
Joe & Tammy O'Gallagher are natives of Fort Walton Beach having lived in the local area since the late 60, early 70's. Both attended local elementary schools, Bruner Jr, and graduated Ft Walton Beach HS in 1982. After high school Joe spent 20+ years in the United States Air Force as a Contracts Specialist before retiring in 2005. Upon retirement, he joined the civil service where he continues to serve as a Contracting Officer. Tammy is a Registered Nurse who has worked for the Emerald Coast Cancer Center for over 22 years. She is an amazing person who has provided exceptional care and has emotionally touched many people in our local community over the years. After High School, they were reacquainted after many years and married in 2013. Together they have 4 children, 7 grandchildren, in addition to their Golden Retriever fur-babies. During their free time, they both enjoy everything the Emerald Coast has to offer and can always be found at the beach or around the water. They both have fond memories as kids listening to the clues and searching for Billy Bowlegs hidden treasures in the sand dunes between FWB and Destin. They are both humble and honored to represent Captain Billy Bowlegs 69 as part of his Honor Guard Krewe for 2024-2025.
MaƩ & Becky Scaringe
MaƩ (from Tallahassee, FL) met Becky (from Alexandria, VA) while aƩending the University of Florida serving drinks and Gator-tails at Joe's Deli. Avid Gators, they love gameday in the Swamp returning as much as possible. GraduaƟng in exercise science, Becky began work while MaƩ finished his engineering degree. AŌer graduaƟon and along with their golden “Casey” they moved to Alexandria for a short Ɵme where they married 28 years ago. Returning to Tallahassee as newlyweds, Becky returned to school for physical therapy and MaƩ began his career at H2Engineering. CompleƟng her PT degree Becky started work as a pediatric therapist; enthusiasƟcally helping her “kids” for the past 24 years. MaƩ became a partner and later president of the construcƟon engineering firm of H2Engineering where he has worked for 27 years. MaƩ and Becky are proud parents of Lindsey (22) studying exercise science at UWF, Madelyn (20) a nursing student at UF, and Luma their 8-year-old black lab. AŌer graduaƟon Lindsey plans to go to chiropracƟc school in Kansas City; Madelyn plans on geƫng her master's at UF. As SpringƟme Tallahassee members since 2007 and past president and general chair, MaƩ and Becky made many memories building lifeƟme friendships. AŌer buying a place in FWB those friendships led them to join Bowlegs in 2022. When not traveling to fesƟvals they love experiencing new places, listening to live music, hanging out on a sandbar and spending Ɵme with their girls.
John & Channa Schuster
Channa and John, proud natives of the Emerald Coast, joined the Bowlegs Krewe in 2023 and are absolutely thrilled to serve as members of Honor Guard 69! Channa, originally from Shalimar, and John, from Gulf Breeze, bring their local roots and love for adventure to everything they do. Channa holds a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Florida State University and went on to build her business, Harbor Speech Pathology, which now boasts locations across multiple states. John, a University of Florida graduate with a degree in Communication and Marketing, has enjoyed a dynamic career in radio and television, traveling throughout the Southeast. Today, Channa continues to lead her thriving practice, while John splits his time as a successful Regional Sales Manager for Great American RV and a local real estate agent. Together, Channa and John share five adult children and love living on Cinco Bayou, where they make the most of life on the water—fishing, boating, golfing, tennis, biking, and taking in the beauty of our coastal paradise. They can't wait to dive deeper into Krewe life and continue making memories as part of the Bowlegs family!
Michael Voit & Angela Hassell
Michael Voit and Angela Hassell met in high school in San Diego. Prior to that, Mike was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin and shortly after moved to Fort Walton Beach. Angela was born in Jacksonville and her family was then stationed at Naval bases in Sicily and Spain. They both made their way to San Diego during their school years. After graduating from high school, they moved to Wisconsin and started two businesses while going to college - an environmental remediation company, ReSolution Partners, and a general contracting and maintenance company, Property Image. After living in Wisconsin for over 15 years they found themselves back in Florida again. With a love of the Emerald Coast, they bought a home in Fort Walton to be closer to family in the area and enjoy the beautiful beaches and warmer weather. In 2021, they opened a Property Image satellite office in Fort Walton adding marine construction to its service offering. Mike and Angela enjoy hiking, traveling, and playing on the water. Mike's hobbies include playing pool, old cars, holding hands with Angela and long walks on the beach. He is a brilliant marine and building contractor and mechanic. Angela's hobbies include arts & crafts, pickleball, and solo walks on the beach (Mike has sweaty palms, ick!). They are looking forward to representing the 69th Krewe of Bowlegs on Honor Guard!
Princesses and Privateers
Bailey Elizabeth Scheel
Attending: Choctawhatchee High School
Heritage: Great Granddaughter of Fred and Pamela Cooke, Honor Guard XXV. Niece of Blake and Susan Costabile, Honor Guard LXVI
Education and Social Affiliations: National Honors Society, Music Honors, Madrigals, Link Crew Leadership, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hope Squad, and Choctaw's 2023 Princess of War.
Future Plans: Wants to attend Florida State University to study psychology and become a child psychologist.
Hallie Raye Nelson
Attending: The Bolles School, Jacksonville, FL
Heritage: Granddaughter of Bobbi Nelson, First Mistress XLVIII and Queen LIV, and the late Dan Nelson, First Mate XLVIII, daughter of Reed Nelson, Privateer for Captain Billy XXXVIII, and the niece of Mark and Ashley Siner, Captain Billy LVII and Queen LXIII, and First Mate and Mistress LII
Education and Social Affiliations: National Honors Society Invitee, National Spanish Honors Society, Joe Berg Scholar, Student Council Representative, Students for Students Tutor, Bolles Girls Varsity Soccer
Future Plans: Attend a prestigious university to further cultivate her passion for math and science.
Campbell Leigh Hipsh
Attending: Fort Walton Beach High School
Heritage: Daughter of Scott and Whitney Smith, who have served on Honor Guards LIV and LVIII, and as Queen of Bowlegs 66 and Queen's Lackey 66. She is also; the granddaughter of Keith and Pam Amiel, Captain Billy LI. Campbell served on the Children of the Court under Gerry Chalker, Captain Billy LXII
Education and Social Affiliations: Vikings Scholar, National Honors Society, Stars Dance Team
Future Plans: Wants to go to college and ultimately become a dentist.
Payton Isabelle Blumer
Attending: Crestview High School and Northwest Florida State College
Heritage: Granddaughter of Philip Blumer Captain Billy XLVI and Jean Blumer, Queen of Bowlegs XXXVII, Honor Guard XXVIII, and First Mate and Mistress XLI. Payton served on the Children of the Court under Tony Gilligan, Captain Billy LVI.
Education and Social Affiliations: Class President (9, 10, 11), Student Government, National Honor Society, The Hope Squad Medical Academy, Varsity Cheerleader Crestview H.S.
Future Plans: Wants to attend Auburn University and study Neuroscience.
Frances Darlene Rukse
Attending: Fort Walton Beach High School
Heritage: Niece of Joe and Catherine Garvie, Honor Guard LII; granddaughter of Bill and Martha Garvie, Honor Guard XLVI; great-granddaughter of Docie Bass, Captain Billy Bowlegs IV, and Agnes Staff Bass Queen of Bowlegs VII
Education and Social Affiliations: Fort Walton Beach High School and dual enrolled at FlVS, attends Saint Mary Catholic Church
Future Plans: Attend Northwest State College
Greyton Lawrence Beedie
Attending: Choctawhatchee High School
Heritage: Son of Michael and Katherine Beedie, Honor Guard LXIX
Education and Social Affiliations: Indian Scholar; Member of International Baccalaureate Program, Varsity Soccer, Key Club, and Soccer Club
Future Plans: Plans to attend Florida State University and pursue a Law Degree
William James Tinsley
Attending: Fort Walton Beach High School
Heritage: Son of Kenneth and Mary Tinsley, Honor Guard LVI; Grandson of William H (Herb) Tinsley & Amaryllis (Dolly) Tinsley, Honor Guard XXIII, First Mate and First Mistress XXX, & Captain Billy XXXVI.
Education and Social Affiliations: Fort Walton Beach High School Marching Band, Fort Walton Beach High School Symphonic Band & Fort Walton Beach High School Jazz Band, 1st Chair Trumpet.
Future Plans: William plans to attend Florida State University to major in Finance.
Taylen Amari Brooks
Attending: Oak Park River Forest High School, Chicago, IL
Heritage: Taylen is the son of Lauryn Henley and Timothy Brooks. Taylen is the grandson of the late Crawford “Bear” Henley and Mitzi Henley, Honor Guard LX Captain Todd Bolger, and Queen Sue Laushine.
Education and Social Affiliations: Taylen is a proud member of the Chicago GroupChat and he loves basketball and baseball.
Future Plans: Taylen is interested in attending the University of Alabama and is considering the GAP Studies Abroad Program after his 2025 Graduation
Grayson Aldrich Wood
Attending: Fort Walton Beach High School
Heritage: Son of Drew and Stacey Wood who was the train bearer for Captain XXXV C. LeDon Anchors and Queen Deborah Roberts; Princess for Captain XLII Sam Burkett; Grandson of Mike and Darlene Raim Honor Guard XXXIV.
Education and Social Affiliations: Viking Scholar, Leadership, FWBHS Soccer, Boys State
Future Plans: Grayson hopes to attend Florida State University and pursue a degree in business.
Roman Ryan Leibold
Attending: Fort Walton Beach High School
Heritage: Son of Kevin and Andrea Leibold, First Mate and Mistress LXII and Honor Guard LVIII. Served on Children of the Court under Captain LIX Don Hutson, and Captain LXII Gerry Chalker.
Education and Social Affiliations: Viking Scholar, Leadership, Cofounded the Surf Club, Swim Team
Future Plans: Hopes to attend the University of Mississippi and pursue a degree in Finance
Hayes Edward Wright
Attending: Destin High School
Heritage: Son of Ronnie and Leigh Wright, Honor Guard XLVIII, Grandson of Del Dunn, Honor Guard XLIV
Education and Social Affiliations: Hayes played travel soccer for 6 years, and is a competitive video gamer. He is an entrepreneur, and owner of HYZA, LLC working as a content creator.
Future Plans: To continue having a successful gaming career.
Alexander Sorensen
Attending: Niceville High School and Dual Enrolled at Northwest Florida State College
Heritage: Son of Nathan and Melissa Vannatter, Honor Guard LXIV. Brother of Colin Sorensen, Privateer LXIX.
Education and Social Affiliations: Fellowship of Christian athletes, Group Leader at Crosspoint Church, Niceville High School Varsity Basketball athlete, Golf at Rocky Bayou country club.
Future Plans: Plans to continue playing basketball on the Varsity team for Niceville high school and work towards joining the Golf team my senior year. Alexander is currently in ground school and is excited to begin his journey in learning to fly airplanes. He plans to attend Charleston Southern University Seminary School.
Jameson LeFrank Dewrell
Attending: Fort Walton Beach High School
Heritage: Son of Bobby and Cathy Dewrell, Honor Guard LXIII
Education and Social Affiliations: Viking Scholar, National Honor Society, National Youth Leadership Forum Representative at Emory University, FWBHS CTE Institute - Engineering, FWBHS Viking Band, FWBHS Symphonic Band, FWBHS Jazz Band, FWBHS Band Leadership Team - Drum Captain
Future Plans: Pursue a degree in engineering from a prestigious university.
Children of the Court
Alora Josephine Throgmorton
Duty: Captain's Fav LXIX Peep Bearer
Bowlegs Heritage: She is the daughter of Joe and Terra Throgmorton, Honor Guard 64; goddaughter of Michael and Tonya Castleberry, Captain Billy Bowlegs and Fav 69.
Interesting Facts: She attends Montessori School and loves playing with her friends. Her favorite food is ice cream, and she would like to be a mermaid when she grows up.
Brooks Costabile
Duty: Captain Billy Bowlegs' Sword Bearer.
Bowlegs Heritage: He is the son of Blake and Susan Costabile, Honor Guard 66 and she was Princess 49. Brooks is also the great, great grandson of Fred and Pamela Cooke, Honor Guard 25.
Interesting Facts: He attends Liza Jackson Preparatory School, loves to play football and video games and eat cheeseburgers. He would like to be a 2nd grade teacher when he grows up.
Colson Foster
Duty: First Mate LXIX Redneck Yeti Bearer.
Bowlegs Heritage: He is the son of Bryan and Lauren Foster, Honor Guard 61; grandson of Gary and Becky McCoy, Honor Guard 55; nephew of Charlie and Cindy Potts, Captain and Lackey 63, First Mate and Mistress 57 and Honor Guard 49.
Interesting Facts: He attends Liza Jackson Preparatory School and loves playing basketball. His favorite food is Chinese and drinking cherry ICEE. He would like to be a builder, like his daddy, when he grows up.
Gia Ryan
Duty: First Mistress LXIX Chicken Water Bearer.
Bowlegs heritage: She is the daughter of Steve Ryan and Brooks Brown, Princess 54; granddaughter of French Brown 3rd, Captain 44 and Cissy, Queen 40, First Mate and Mistress 50; great granddaughter of the late Charles and Lynne Mathews, Queen 16, First Mate and Mistress 22; great granddaughter of the late French Brown Jr. Captain 13 and Sug, Queen 11; great niece of the late Scotty Foster, Captain 40, and Carlee Foster, Queen 36; great-great granddaughter of the late Louise and Tom Brooks, Captain 6.
Interesting Facts: Gia loves playing with her granddaddy, French and her favorite food are donuts. She would like to be an alien when she grows up.
Hannah Hauer
Duty: Queen LXIX Medallion Bearer.
Bowlegs Heritage: She is the daughter of Matt and Jennifer Hauer, granddaughter of Gary and Becky McCoy, Honor Guard 55; niece of Charlie and Cindy Potts, Captain and Lackey 63, First Mate and Mistress 57 and Honor Guard 49; niece of Bryan and Lauren Foster, Honor Guard 61.
Interesting Facts: Hannah attends Buck Lake Elementary School in Tallahassee. She loves jumping on her trampoline, eating daddy's pizza and wants to be a dancer, singer and violinist when she grows up.
Arelia Needler
Duty: Captain Billy Bowlegs' Medallion Bearer.
Bowlegs Heritage: She is the daughter of Jon and Ashley Needler, Honor Guard 61.
Interesting Facts: She attends Van Butler Elementary School. Her favorites are running, drinking pink lemonade and eating macaroni & cheese. She would like to be a veterinarian when she grows up.
Logan Hauer
Duty: Queen's Lackey LXIX Dolly Llama Bearer.
Bowlegs Heritage: He is the son of Matt and Jennifer Hauer; grandson of Gary and Becky McCoy, Honor Guard 55; nephew of Charlie and Cindy Potts, Captain and Lackey 63, First Mate and Mistress 57, Honor Guard 49; nephew of Bryan and Lauren Foster, Honor guard 61.
Interesting Facts: He attends Buck Lake Elementary, in Tallahassee, and says, "I'm so fast". He loves playing with his cars, and favorite food is macaroni & cheese. He would like to be a deep diver explorer when he grows up.
Raegan Geiger
Duty: Queen LXIX Crown Bearer.
Bowlegs Heritage: She is the daughter of Drew and Courtney Geiger, Honor Guard 68.
Interesting Facts: She attends RMeigs Middle School. She loves playing softball and eating Chick Fil A. She would like to be a marine biologist when she gets older.
Krewe of Bowlegs
PO Box 1077
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549-1077
