Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode of Behind The Print, we sit down with Nick Tomecek, Public Information Officer for Okaloosa County, Florida. With a rich background in photojournalism, Nick shares his journey from newspapers to government communication and how his passion for storytelling continues to shape the way citizens engage with their community.

Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.

11-minute read

“I feel like even though we’re public information… if you’re able to make people smile while also keeping them informed, that’s really something special.” Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County Public Information Officer

Transcripts from Behind The Print with Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County Public Information Officer

Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.

Today’s episode is Photojournalism Meets Public Information. I’m here with the current Public Information Officer from Okaloosa County in beautiful Northwest Florida, Nick Tomecek.

Nick Tomecek: Hi Zoe. Good to see you!

“Calendars…when you have a talented staff of photographers, you get great images and people like to look at great images on their calendars.” Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County Public Information Officer

Zoe Fisher: Good to see you too. Sounds like a beautiful day in Destin and Fort Walton Beach.

Nick Tomecek: Absolutely. Just another gorgeous day here on the Gulf Coast.

Zoe Fisher: Sounds amazing. You must be tempted to head to the beach.

Nick Tomecek: Definitely.

Zoe Fisher: Nick, can you share a bit about your career journey, from journalism to public information?

Nick Tomecek: I started in photography back in Kentucky, fell in love with photojournalism, and wanted to work for newspapers. I studied journalism at the University of Kentucky, worked at the student newspaper, and learned photography with film. I enjoyed telling people’s stories through images and caught the journalism bug early. Over the years, I freelanced and moved between newspapers across the country before deciding I wanted to work and live in Florida.

I applied to as many newspapers as I could and landed here in beautiful Destin and Fort Walton Beach. I worked at a local newspaper for about twenty years. If you stay long enough, they eventually promote you, so I became an editor for digital content. After some time, I felt I was reaching the end of my journalism career. I saw an opportunity with Okaloosa County government, doing similar work in public information, and made the transition. Now, I take photos, promote the county, and deliver information to the public with the help of a great team of creative people.

Zoe Fisher: I love that you have a team all working together. That sounds like so much fun.

Nick Tomecek: It definitely is.

Zoe Fisher: What is your day-to-day like as a public information officer?

Nick Tomecek: Our job is right in the title, we inform the public. We share what their county government is doing and how taxpayer dollars are being spent. We cover everything from water and sewer projects to the library co-op. Many people don’t even know about these services, so we spread awareness using social media, traditional press releases, and live coverage of county meetings. One of the biggest responsibilities is hurricane and storm preparation. Here on the Gulf, hurricane season starts June 1st, and public information is critical before, during, and after any storm. When disaster strikes, people crave information. The more they know, the better they feel and the faster they recover. We also work closely with our five elected county commissioners. Thankfully, here in Okaloosa, they work well together with staff to get things done, which is not always the case elsewhere.

“One of the big things is photos and videos. When you’re on scrolling on social media, you don’t want to read a wall of words. A picture really does say a thousand different things. So, grab the audience and let them know what we’re doing, using our skills as photographers, using our skills as communicators. And writing, is also a big part of it!” Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County Public Information Officer

Zoe Fisher: That is such important work. I love that you all do it as a team.

Nick Tomecek: It definitely takes a village.

Zoe Fisher: You mentioned that some topics can be a little boring for the public. How do you keep those topics engaging?

Nick Tomecek: Photos and videos are key. When you’re scrolling on social media, you’re drawn to visuals, not walls of text. A great photo can tell a story in seconds. We use photography and creative writing to grab attention, making sure the content is informative but also fun and engaging. Our goal isn’t to cause controversy but to keep the public informed in a way that feels approachable and interesting.

Zoe Fisher: I agree. Good visuals are what pull me in too.

Nick Tomecek: Exactly. A strong visual presence helps make even government news feel fresh and accessible.
We also use both digital and print media to reach different audiences.

Zoe Fisher: Speaking of print, one of my favorite pieces you created was your hurricane preparation booklet.
How exactly do you use print?

Nick Tomecek: People really value having a printed hurricane guide. We distribute them through libraries and administrative offices, and during our Hurricane Preparedness Expo, which we call Florida’s Greatest Hurricane Preparedness Party. The booklet includes important phone numbers, shelter locations, evacuation plans, and other essential information. It is small enough to fit in a hurricane kit, so people can still access critical info if power or communications go down. Every year, we update it with fresh information and send it to PrintingCenterUSA for production.

Zoe Fisher: I love how it turned out. It looks amazing.

Nick Tomecek: Thank you. We are proud of it.

“Everybody has a story, as you know. And so telling that story in a way that invites people to learn about it, invites people to experience with you the things that you’re doing…you’re still able to keep people engaged.” Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County Public Information Officer

Zoe Fisher: Are there other print projects that have helped amplify your message?

Nick Tomecek: Calendars have been very popular. We started creating them a few years ago, featuring beautiful photography of local nature and landmarks. Residents love them, especially because they are free. Our team has some very talented photographers, and the calendars showcase the beauty of Northwest Florida, from beaches to woodlands. We also produce an annual report for the county. It highlights the accomplishments of each department with strong visuals and clean design, helping people stay informed about their local government.
Another piece is the Parks Guide, a printed resource listing all the parks and recreational facilities.

Zoe Fisher: I love your calendar, especially the April rainbow photo over the island and the August octopus shot.
They’re adorable and really showcase your team’s talent.

Nick Tomecek: Thank you. The rainbow shot was captured by someone on our tourism team who launched a drone from his office. The octopus photo was taken by a marine biologist on our coastal team. He’s passionate about showcasing less celebrated sea life like octopuses, rather than just the popular dolphins and turtles. Myself and another teammate, Ed Vincent, contribute a lot of the land-based photography you see too.

Zoe Fisher: That is so fun. I love hearing those backstories.
The calendar is free, but how is it funded?

Nick Tomecek: It is funded by our airports department, which operates as an enterprise fund, meaning they generate their own revenue. Tourism taxes also help support projects like these. When people stay in short-term rentals or hotels, they pay an additional tax that helps fund tourism and promotional efforts like our calendars.

Zoe Fisher: That is awesome. What has been one of the most meaningful moments in your career?

Nick Tomecek: It’s not just one moment, but the overall feeling of doing good work. When someone approaches us to say they loved a photo or a video we made, it reminds me why we do this. If we can make people smile while keeping them informed, that’s success to me. It elevates government communication into something positive and impactful.

Zoe Fisher: I completely agree. Keeping people informed in an engaging way makes all the difference.

Nick Tomecek: Absolutely.

Zoe Fisher: What can small businesses or other creatives learn from public communication strategies?

Nick Tomecek: A lot. Marketing and public communication are very similar. It is all about storytelling. If you can invite people to experience your story and engage with your brand in an authentic way, you will build an audience. Use visuals, stay consistent, watch trends, and always aim to connect with people where they are. The same principles that work for government communication work for small businesses too.

Zoe Fisher: That is fantastic advice. Every business can benefit from that mindset.

Nick Tomecek: Definitely.

Zoe Fisher: Now for a fun one. What would your perfect unplugged day look like?

Nick Tomecek: Outdoors, definitely. In 2004, my brother and I hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Backpacking is a big passion of mine. I love camping, kayaking, cooking outdoors, and just listening to the wind through the pine trees. Recently, I went camping alone, caught a fish for once, and just relaxed.
At home, I enjoy watching reruns of old-school Law and Order. Being a dad to my twelve-year-old son is also the best part of my life.
He is into video games and scouting, and we camp together sometimes too. Overall, I live a very full and happy life.

Zoe Fisher: That sounds amazing. Sometimes it’s important to pause and appreciate those moments.

Nick Tomecek: Absolutely.

Zoe Fisher: My CSR mentioned you love our hold music. Is that true?

Nick Tomecek: Yes. I called PrintingCenterUSA before our chat today, and I actually asked the team to put me on hold just so I could hear the music. It is catchy. Most companies have boring hold music, but yours is fun and memorable.

Zoe Fisher: I am so glad you like it. You are not the first person to say that.

Nick Tomecek: It is awesome. I have never asked another company to put me on hold just for the music.

“Use that social media, see what the kids are watching as they say, and implement those tactics and those strategies. And you’re gonna gain an audience every time. Be consistent, keep it visual, keep it engaged, and you’re gonna get your word out and people are gonna learn all about you.” Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County Public Information Officer

Zoe Fisher: Thanks Nick. Where can people follow your work or connect with Okaloosa County online?

Nick Tomecek: We are on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. You can find all the great content we discussed there or on our website.

Zoe Fisher: Perfect! Thanks for being on the show.

Nick Tomecek: Thank you. It was a pleasure.

That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.

Where Storytelling Strengthens Communities

From hurricane prep guides to underwater octopus photos, Nick Tomecek and the team at Okaloosa County are redefining what public communication can look like. By blending visual storytelling with thoughtful print materials, they’re making government feel more human, more local, and more accessible. Whether it’s a calendar that celebrates natural beauty or a booklet that saves lives in a storm, print plays a vital role in keeping communities connected and informed. If you’re ready to turn your own mission into something tangible, explore how high-quality printing can help you inspire, engage, and make a lasting impact. Order today!

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