Longtime ECUA Board Member Dale Perkins Passes Away

September 8, 2026

Longtime Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 4 Board Member Walter “Dale” Perkins died Sunday, September 6. He was 64.

Perkins served on the ECUA Board for 32 years, having first taken office in 1994. His final term was scheduled to conclude in November after he chose not to seek reelection.

Earlier in 2026, a commemorative plaque honoring his tenure was dedicated near the entrance to Pensacola Beach, placed in front of the ECUA water tanks. The plaque notes his background as a fisherman and environmentalist, citing him as the longest-serving member of the ECUA Board from 1994 to 2026.

Outside of his public service with the utility authority, Perkins worked professionally as a social worker, a substance abuse counselor, and a military and family life counselor. He also worked as a local fishing boat captain.

Perkins is survived by his daughters, Jade Perkins and Stacey Livingston; his mother, Marcia Perkins; and seven siblings: Bill, Mike, Jeff, Melanie, Libby, Sandi, and Patti.

Pictured top: Dale Perkins at an August 25 ECUA board meeting. Pictured below: A plaque honoring Perkins on Pensacola Beach. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FRONT TOP