According to legend, Captain Billy Bowlegs hid a king's ransom in treasure somewhere in the Fort Walton Beach area, and he will issue a challenge to local residents to find it. The treasure consists of two rare silver coins hidden somewhere within the area covered by the official Treasure Maps - one for adults (18 years of age & older) and one for juniors (17 and younger).
The Treasure Hunt begins May 19, when the first clue is released on this website and on the radio.
You must have a map to claim the prize if found.....maps are available at the Chamer office. 34 Miracle Strip Parkway.
Click here to view Treasure Hunt rules.
Junior Clue, May 19
Ahoy Buccaneers ye need a treasure map to find the Bowlegs treasure. Sail to the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber Of Commerce 34 Miracle Strip Pkwy Fort Walton Beach. To barter for ye map bring ya 2 doubloons.
Senior Clue, May 19
Avast Matey’s Ol’ Billy Bowlegs treasure is out thar. Ya need a map to find it. Chart ya course to The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, 34 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach. To barter for ye map bring ya 2 doubloons.
Junior Clue, May 21
Captain Billy, like you, was once so small that from the mast it was feared he’d fall. But learn he would on the stout boat of wood that even young pirates could do much good. But to the point of all this prattle, it’s the search for the prize that keeps your eye. So start where Captain Billy does land. Stay off the grass and avoid the sand and within sight your quest will land.
Senior Clue, May 21
Stand on the land he did. With the prize at his knee, he wished he had not the legs of the sea. With much to do, dead north did he move. And though he and his band had been here before, many changes had hit this barren shore.
Congratulations to Sally Reynolds, winner of the 2008 Senior Bowlegs Treasure Hunt! Sally, a 4th grade teacher at Longwood Elementary, found the coin in Sound Park on Wednesday afternoon.
The Junior treasure coin is still waiting to be found! Continue to check this site for new clues!
Junior Clue, May 23
Let’s give it to math and such things past that we walk four times around, but not touch the mound. Take your pace, careful not to race. Remember now, we’re off the grass with small beacons to light our way. Four times around. East or west, it won’t matter. People will think you’re mad as a hatter.
Junior Clue, May 25
Take a break, and pause to refresh. Eating cold ice is always best. Be recalling the rules that say no to the dig, and trust me when I say it’s not very big. Did you check your pace four times around? Not Mom, not Dad will do your quest, but a pace of small legs is always the best.
Ryan Vasquez, who attends Choctawhatchee High School, was at the old snow-cone shack at Pryor Gardens with his mom, nieces and nephews when he looked up and spotted a piece of tape on the window.
“At the park, I followed the steps and found the Billy Bowlegs coin right by the snow cone shop,” he said. “It was there with brown tape.” Ryan and his mother visited the FWB Chamber office on Tuesday afternoon to surrender the coin. Congratulations, Ryan!
