Dale Perkins Honored At Beach Dedication Ceremony

Dale Perkins dedicated his career to serving this community.  

He was elected in 1994 as the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority Board representative for District Four, which includes Pensacola Beach. His term ends in November 2026. To honor his accomplishments and service, ECUA Board members, staff, family and friends gathered at the iconic Pensacola Beach water tanks, November 13 for a celebration and dedication ceremony.

A rendering of commemorative marker was unveiled: “Captain Dale Perkins. Fisherman, environmentalist, fierce protector of the people’s purse, and longest serving member of the ECUA Board from 1994 to 2026.”

In his time on the Board, Perkins has championed large projects like the removal of the sewer plant from Downtown Pensacola to lesser known efforts such as the water fountains on the Pensacola Beach multi-use path. Perkins battled his staff on behalf of beach residents who were opposed to locating a water tank next to the elementary school. He supported and brought to fruition the Beach’s reuse water program, redundant water lines, recycling programs, as well as the utility’s infrastructure upgrades.

ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody thanked Perkins for his leadership and said, “Dale prioritizes environmental responsibility, personal advocacy, and transparency.”

ECUA Board Chairman Lois Benson, who has served with Dale for 21 years,  recapped his career as an educator, charter boat captain, environmentalist, and therapist and described him as “man of many gifts.”

“Dale has spent his career changing the lives of people on the fringes. He has been the voice of those on a fixed incomes. He has been a responsible steward of our infrastructure and guardian of the purse strings,” said Benson. “He has been a servant leader in the great tradition of American democracy. He has led with humor, humility and integrity.”

A permanent marker will be located at the beach’s water tanks in his honor.