About brett hinely for school board dist. 5
Meet Brett Hinely
Brett Hinely is a longtime Niceville resident, business owner, U.S. Air Force veteran, and current member of the Okaloosa County School Board representing District 5.
Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2024 to fill a vacancy on the board, Brett is now seeking election to continue serving students, families, teachers, and the community with focused, informed, and steady leadership.
Brett graduated from Okaloosa County public schools and has deep roots in the local community. He and his wife, Colleen, raised three daughters who also graduated from local public schools, giving their family a lifelong connection to the district and the students it serves.
As both a parent and community leader, Brett believes strong schools are essential to the future of Okaloosa County. He is committed to supporting academic excellence, empowering teachers, protecting taxpayers, and making responsible decisions that keep local schools among the best in Florida.
Veteran
Brett proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he learned the importance of discipline, accountability, teamwork, and mission-focused leader.
His military experience helped shape the practical and steady leadership style he brings to public service today. Brett believes leadership means showing up prepared, solving problems, making informed decisions, and putting people first.
Those values continue to guide his work on behalf of students, teachers, parents, and the broader community.
LJ Schooner's Dockside Restaurant
Business Owner
Brett has spent decades building and growing successful businesses in Northwest Florida through hard work, long-term planning, and responsible leadership.
The Bluewater Bay Marina Complex was originally established in 1980 when Brett’s father, Ray Hinely, leased and operated the marina after retiring from the United States Air Force. The business quickly became a true family operation, with Brett’s parents and siblings all contributing to its success.
After returning to the area in 1992, Brett began managing the marina during a period of major growth and transition for Bluewater Bay. As the original developer stepped back from operations, Brett helped lead the marina through expansion and long-term investment opportunities.
By 1998, Brett spearheaded the purchase of the marina complex from the developer, acquired additional property, and oversaw the construction of a 216-rack dry-storage facility for boats. Over the following decades, the business expanded with the addition of LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant & Oyster Bar, along with several complementary businesses that helped transform the marina into a full-service destination along the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Brett also serves as director of Marina Cove Realty, LLC and Freedom Distributions, LLC, a nationwide retail supplier and distributor serving stores across the United States, including Goodwill locations.
His experience managing businesses, budgets, employees, and large-scale projects provides practical leadership experience that directly translates to public service.
Brett retired from hands-on daily business operations in June 2025, allowing him to dedicate even more time and attention to community leadership and public service.
School Board Leadership
Trusted by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve on the School Board, Brett quickly earned the confidence of his fellow board members and was selected to help oversee major school construction and long-term facility initiatives funded through the voter-approved local-option sales tax.
Those projects include Pineview K-8 School, Destin Elementary School, and improvements at Baker School.
Brett brings a practical, business-minded approach to the board, focused on responsible decisions, accountability, careful budgeting, and maintaining the high standards Okaloosa County schools are known for.
He strongly supports teachers, students, academic excellence, safe learning environments, and transparent leadership that keeps the focus on student success.
Brett has also served on the district’s Teacher of the Year selection committee and believes strong schools require thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship, and leadership that always puts students and families first.
Family & Community
Brett and his wife, Colleen, have deep roots in the Niceville community and have spent years supporting local schools, businesses, and community organizations.
Their three daughters all graduated from Okaloosa County public schools, giving Brett firsthand experience not only as a School Board member, but also as a parent invested in the success of local education.
In addition to his business and School Board leadership, Brett previously served as president of the Marine Industries Association of Florida and currently serves on the Eglin Air Force Armament Museum Foundation Board of Directors.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Auburn University and remains committed to serving the community that has shaped his family’s life for generations
Brett Hinely for School Board Dist. 5
bretthinely@gmail.com
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