Fort Walton Beach, Fla. – Community leaders, Eglin FCU representatives and local residents gathered on Sept. 14, 2026, to celebrate the opening of The Eglin Federal Credit Union Arts and Education Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 189 N. Main Street in downtown Crestview.
The new center is a 3,000-square-foot, inclusive community space offering visual arts, music, theater, dance, tutoring, financial education, STEM programming and more. It will also serve as a venue for performances, family events and civic gatherings, while providing a platform for local artists, educators and leaders to share their talents and expertise. Serving residents of all ages, with a particular focus on under-resourced youth and families, the center is designed to foster creativity, lifelong learning and meaningful connections.
“The Eglin Federal Credit Union Arts and Education Center is an investment in the future of Crestview,” said Crestview Mayor JB Whitten. “By creating a welcoming space for learning, creativity and community engagement, we’re expanding opportunities for our youth and families while contributing to the continued growth and vitality of downtown Crestview. We are grateful for Eglin Federal Credit Union’s partnership and commitment to our community.”
Located in the heart of downtown, the center is expected to bring new energy to the area by generating foot traffic and supporting nearby businesses. Beyond its economic impact, the facility reflects Crestview’s ongoing commitment to growth and opportunity, while providing greater access to arts and educational programs for local youth and families.
“At Eglin Federal Credit Union, our mission extends beyond providing financial services,” said Eglin FCU President and CEO Cathie Staton. “We believe strong communities are built by investing in people. The Eglin Federal Credit Union Arts and Education Center reflects our commitment to expanding access to financial education, lifelong learning and personal development. We are proud to support a space that will empower individuals, inspire creativity and help shape a brighter future for generations to come.”
The Eglin Federal Credit Union Arts and Education Center will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with additional weekend hours available for select programs and events. For information about upcoming classes, activities and community gatherings, visit CityofCrestview.recdesk.com.
“The opening of The Eglin Federal Credit Union Arts and Education Center builds on the strong partnership between Eglin FCU and the City of Crestview,” said Eglin FCU SVP of Membership and Community Development Neko Stubblefield. “From the Eglin Federal Credit Union Skate Park to this new community resource, we are proud to invest in projects that create opportunities for youth and support local families. Together, we’re creating spaces where residents of all ages can learn, grow and thrive.”
Follow Eglin FCU on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn or visit www.eglinfcu.org for news and financial education updates. If you are interested in working at Eglin FCU, check out Careers at Eglin FCU.
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Eglin Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1954 and is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution, federally regulated by the National Credit Union Administration. Membership includes military (active, retired, reserves and veterans), civil service and US Government affiliations on Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Duke Field, Camp Rudder and 7th Special Forces Group. Membership includes anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school within our Geographic Field of Membership and anyone who is related to or lives with an Eglin FCU member. Membership also includes over 1,000 Select Employee Groupsin Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Escambia, FL counties and Escambia County, AL.
The City of Crestview, Florida, is the county seat of Okaloosa County and is known as the “Hub City” of Northwest Florida. With an estimated population of 31,193 residents, Crestview is one of the region’s fastest-growing communities and serves as a center for business, government and transportation in the Florida Panhandle. Located near Eglin Air Force Base, Duke Field and Hurlburt Field, the city is home to a strong military, veteran and defense-connected population. Crestview provides essential public services including public safety, utilities, community development, parks and recreation and library services while supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life for residents and businesses. For more information, visit www.cityofcrestview.org.
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