Fort Walton Beach, FL

City Council - Regular Meeting

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

City Council - Special Meeting

City Council - Special Meeting

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

City Council - Regular Meeting

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

City Council - Special Meeting

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

City Council - Regular Meeting

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

City Council - Regular Meeting

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

City Council - Regular Meeting

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

City Council - Regular Meeting

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach Special Magistrate will hold a regular meeting to conduct quasi-judicial hearings on code enforcement violations and police citations. The agenda includes one case where staff requests foreclosure proceedings, several cases where staff recommends issuance of an Order I, and multiple RedSpeed school zone speeding citations where staff recommends upholding fines. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Case CE-24-19-LIT: staff requests approval to proceed with foreclosure on property
• Cases CE-26-279-MAN, CE-26-602-UNO, CE-26-627-UNO, CE-26-688-PR: staff recommends issuance of Order I
• 13 RedSpeed citations: staff recommends upholding citations and imposing fines
• Approval of minutes from July 15, 2026 meeting

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider awarding a $473,850.35 contract for Well No. 3 pipe replacement and a $149,347 contract for downtown holiday decorations. First-reading ordinances include allowing ADA parking spaces to count toward parking requirements, rezoning 102 Fourth Street SE to mixed-use, and updating home-based business rules for cottage food stands. Second-reading ordinances cover utility deposit updates, mayor/council benefits, and a five-year DROP option for police pensions.

• Award of ITB 26-008 Well No. 3 Pipe Replacement to Utility Service Co., Inc. for $473,850.35
• Downtown holiday decorations contract amendment with The Lighting Company for $149,347 (total $216,227)
• Ordinance 2221 amending parking standards to include ADA spaces in required parking tabulation
• Ordinance 2225 to rezone 102 Fourth Street SE from CF to MX-1 (Mixed-Use Medium)
• FY 2026-27 vehicle purchases: one vehicle for $424,812.31 and ten vehicles for $543,861.96

City Council - Workshop

The City Council will discuss two items: a recommendation to outsource sports provider operations to Playground Sports Officials (PSO) to save $160,000, and the proposed FY 2026-27 comprehensive budget totaling $64,354,410, which is 1.37% less than the previous year. No final decisions will be made at this workshop.

• Discussion on outsourcing sports provider operations to PSO, with a potential $160,000 operating cap consideration
• Proposed FY 2026-27 budget of $64,354,410, based on a revised maximum millage rate of 4.6801 mills
• Police department budget of $9,365,252, including $366,603 for capital software
• IT department budget of $2,202,510, including $450,000 for server infrastructure update
• Fire department budget increase of $205,680 in general wages

The City Council held a workshop to discuss the proposed FY 2026-27 budget, which is balanced under the 3% cap but requires a $3 million draw from reserves. The Chamber of Commerce voluntarily withdrew its $20,000 funding request. No formal votes were taken, as workshops do not allow motions; the sports provider outsourcing item will be placed on a future regular meeting agenda.

• Chamber of Commerce withdrew FY 2026-27 $20,000 grant request
• Discussed outsourcing sports provider operations to PSO; no action taken
• Proposed FY 2026-27 budget presented; no formal approval
• Library hours adjusted to maintain grant eligibility; no vote
• Agreed to place sports provider outsourcing on future agenda

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency will review a request to rezone a property for townhomes and discuss two ordinances regarding parking and home-based businesses. The body will also consider an amendment to allow shipping containers for commercial use under cottage food laws.

• Ordinance 2225: Rezone 102 Fourth Street SE from CF to MX-1 for workforce housing townhomes
• Ordinance 2221: Amend LDC Section 6.04.02 to include ADA parking spaces in required parking totals
• Ordinance 2227: Amend LDC Section 5.01.01 to allow carts or stands for cottage food law businesses

Public Meeting - Misc Event

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

The Special Magistrate will hold quasi-judicial hearings for five code enforcement cases and fifteen RedSpeed police citations. Staff recommends issuing compliance orders for four code cases and approving foreclosure proceedings for one property. For the citation hearings, staff recommends upholding the speeding violations and imposing fines on the registered vehicle owners. These hearings determine compliance orders, property liens, and traffic fines for local residents.

• Code enforcement case #CE-24-19-LIT: staff requests approval to proceed with property foreclosure.
• Five code enforcement hearings where staff recommends issuing Order I compliance orders.
• Fifteen RedSpeed citation hearings recommending upholding fines for registered vehicle owners.
• Approval of minutes from the June 17, 2026 Special Magistrate meeting.

The Special Magistrate heard code enforcement and police citation cases, issuing orders for five code violations with $325 administrative fees and compliance deadlines. In police citation hearings, eight school zone speeding citations were upheld with $25 or $75 administrative fees, one citation was overturned due to signage visibility doubts, and one citation was upheld with the fee waived pending investigation of a second notice.

• Order I issued for 20 Bishop Ave NW code violations, $325 fee, compliance by July 30, 2026
• Order I issued for 219 Moriarty St NW code violations, $325 fee, compliance by July 25, 2026
• Order I issued for 8 Pryor Rd SE code violations, $325 fee, compliance by September 16, 2026
• Order I issued for 208 First St SE Unit D code violations, $325 fee, compliance by August 15, 2026
• Item 7.4 continued to August meeting due to representation conflict
• School zone citation for Clarence Due J Fleming overturned, no fines or fees
• School zone citations upheld for 8 respondents, with $25 or $75 administrative fees
• School zone citation for Jose Antonio Zapata Ayala upheld, fee waived pending investigation of second notice

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Special Magistrate will conduct quasi-judicial hearings to resolve code enforcement violations and police citations. The body will consider staff recommendations for orders in five code cases and the upholding of 15 RedSpeed citations.

• Case # CE-24-19-LIT: Staff request to proceed with property foreclosure by the City Attorney
• Case # CE-25-1213-SA: Staff recommendation for issuance of an Order I
• Case # CE-26-444-UNO: Staff recommendation for issuance of an Order I
• Case # CE-26-484-GHD: Staff recommendation for issuance of an Order I
• 15 RedSpeed citations with staff recommendations to uphold fines

The Special Magistrate heard code enforcement cases and police citation appeals. Five code enforcement orders were issued with $325 administrative fees and compliance deadlines, one case was continued, and five cases were withdrawn for compliance. In police citation hearings, eight school zone speeding citations were upheld, one was overturned due to obscured signage, and one administrative fee was waived.

• Issued Order I for 20 Bishop Ave NW with $325 fee and 15-day compliance (7.1)
• Issued Order I for 219 Moriarty St NW with $325 fee and 10-day compliance (7.2)
• Issued Order I for 8 Pryor Rd SE with $325 fee and 60-day compliance (7.3)
• Continued case CE-24-19-LIT to August meeting (7.4)
• Issued Order I for 208 First St SE Unit D with $325 fee and 30-day compliance (7.5)
• Upheld $100 citation for Brooke Lynn Booth-Morgan with $25 fee (8.1)
• Overturned citation for Clarence Due J Fleming, no fines (8.3)
• Upheld $100 citation for Jose Antonio Zapata Ayala, waived administrative fee (8.15)

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

The Community Redevelopment Agency will vote on approving a $110,256 dumpster enclosure project and review bid proposals for the Steamboat Landing demolition. The board will also discuss a community engagement scope for the Walter Martin Streetscape project and consider a proposal for downtown holiday decorations. Updates on the Vandergriff Park gateway entrance and nuisance/blight mitigation are on the agenda.

• Recommend approval of Dumpster Enclosure project for $110,256
• Review bid proposals for Steamboat Landing demolition
• Discuss Walter Martin Streetscape Community Engagement and Concept Design scope from Kimley Horn
• Consider proposal from The Lighting Company for downtown holiday decorations
• Update on nuisance/blight mitigation at 230, 232, 240 Miracle Strip Parkway SW

The Board approved $149,347 for downtown holiday decorations and $110,256 for dumpster enclosures, including an addition for the Landing parking lot. A $166,860 base bid for the Steamboat Landing demolition was approved, while a streetscape design project was delayed until after the November election.

• Approved $149,347 for holiday decorations from the Lighting Company (Unanimous)
• Approved $110,256 for dumpster enclosures at the Library, Heritage Park Museum, and Gulfview, plus an estimated $20,000 for a double enclosure at the Landing (Unanimous)
• Approved $166,860 base bid from Demolition Pros for Steamboat Landing demolition (Unanimous)
• Rejected three bid submissions for Vandergriff Park Gateway Entrance and ordered re-solicitation (4-0)
• Delayed decision on Kimley Horn Walter Martin Streetscape design until after November election (Unanimous)
• Approved April 28, 2026 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (Unanimous)

City Council - Special Meeting

The City Council will discuss and set the proposed maximum ad valorem millage rate for FY 2026-27 and schedule the required public hearings. Based on preliminary assessments, the city's taxable value increased 3.75% to $2,511,529,806. Maintaining the current rate of 4.3282 mills would generate a 3.48% revenue increase in the General Fund and 5.16% in the CRA Fund. The rates set at this meeting are the maximum allowable for the coming fiscal year.

• Set proposed maximum millage rate for FY 2026-27 (current rate 4.3282 mills)
• Schedule public hearings on millage and budget: Sept 9 & 23, 2026 at 5:01 p.m.
• Projected taxable value increase of 3.75% ($90,868,717) to $2,511,529,806
• Revenue increase of $288,801 in General Fund and $84,832 in CRA Fund if rate unchanged
• Preliminary tax roll assessments attached for review

The City Council approved a maximum proposed millage rate for FY 2026-27 to fund capital projects. To address budget compliance, the Council voted to outsource daycare, aftercare, and senior programming, and remove funding for fireworks, concerts, and parades.

• Set maximum proposed FY 2026-27 ad valorem millage rate at 5.692 mills (4-3)
• Approved transitioning daycare and aftercare services to a third-party vendor (5-1)
• Approved outsourcing senior programming (5-1)
• Approved removing costs for fireworks, concerts, and parades from City books (5-1)
• Denied transition of recreational sports services to outside providers (2-4)
• Denied removal of City funding for Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, and One Okaloosa EDC (2-4)
• Approved the meeting agenda (6-0)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will vote on a major development order for a 100-unit senior living center at 27 Robinwood Drive SW, along with a related amendment to the Bayside Breeze workforce housing agreement. Other items include ordinances to allow commercial use of shipping containers, adopt the FY 2026-27 CDBG Annual Action Plan, and add a five-year DROP option for police officers' pensions. Consent items include up to $250,000 for the Steamboat Landing demolition and acceptance of a $5,550 Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant for the library.

• Major development order for 100-unit senior living center at 27 Robinwood Drive SW
• First amendment to Bayside Breeze Apartments development agreement
• Up to $250,000 for Steamboat Landing demolition project
• Ordinance 2218 amending mayor and council benefits in City Code Section 6.03
• Ordinance 2219 adding five-year DROP option for police officers' pension fund

Council approved a $166,860 demolition project for Steamboat Landing and adopted a first reading of an ordinance creating a five-year DROP period for police officers. The board also approved the FY 2026-27 CDBG Annual Action Plan and authorized the conveyance of surplus property to Okaloosa County.

• Approved Steamboat Landing demolition project not to exceed $166,860 (5-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 2219 (first reading) for police five-year DROP pension period (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-11 for FY 2026-27 CDBG Annual Action Plan (4-2)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-12 accepting $5,550 Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant (Unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2214 for conveyance of surplus property to Okaloosa County (Unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2215 allowing commercial use of shipping containers (Unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2216 exempting pole barns under 500 sq ft from full development order process (Unanimous)
• Approved Major Development Order for FWB Housing Authority at 27 Robinwood Drive SW (Unanimous)

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

The Special Magistrate will conduct quasi-judicial hearings on one code enforcement case (CE-25-34-PR, where staff recommends issuance of an Order II) and ten police citation hearings for school zone speeding violations detected by RedSpeed cameras, with staff recommending each citation be upheld and fines imposed. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and withdrawal of complied cases.

• Code enforcement case CE-25-34-PR – staff recommends issuance of an Order II
• RedSpeed citation hearing for Duane Jerome Davis (Notice 2032400088842585)
• RedSpeed citation hearing for Jordan Albert Hadley (Notice 2032400074688387)
• RedSpeed citation hearing for Melissa Jean Johnson (Notice 2032400094259712)
• RedSpeed citation hearing for Haley Waddell Letcher (Notice 2032400091671594)

The Special Magistrate addressed several code compliance and police citation hearings. Decisions included issuing a property lien for an unpermitted greenhouse and upholding multiple school zone speeding citations.

• Issued Order II for 211 Florida Place SE: $325 fee and $250 daily fine via property lien
• Upheld $100 citation and issued $50 administrative fee for Duane Jerome Davis
• Upheld $100 citation and issued $10 administrative fee for Jordan Albert Hadley
• Upheld $100 citation and issued $75 administrative fee for Haley Waddell Letcher
• Upheld $100 citation and issued $75 administrative fee for Shakeria Lavedia Noland
• Upheld $100 citation and issued $75 administrative fee for Jazmine Meshell Powe
• Upheld $100 citation and issued $75 administrative fee for James Jay Wilde

City Council - Workshop

The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss the 2026-27 budget, including potential outsourcing or elimination of services such as sports providers, daycare, senior programming, fireworks, and the library. They will also consider revenue generation ideas like parking fees, rec center fee increases, a municipal rental property enterprise fund, and a fire assessment. A list of city properties will be reviewed for surplus or sale.

• Discussion of eliminating or outsourcing sports providers, daycare, senior programming, fireworks, concerts, parades, chamber, EDC, pool, online billing, and library
• Revenue generation topics: parking/ramp usage, rec center fees for residents, municipal rental property & brokerage enterprise fund, rate study, fire assessment/MSBU/MSTU
• Review of surplus property list for potential sale
• Concepts: P3 for library and other sites, enterprise fund fee increases, millage cap discussion (CPI + 3%, flat 6%)
• List of city properties attached with deed restrictions and uses

The workshop addressed a projected $500,000 budget gap under the voter-approved spending cap. No formal votes were taken; council directed staff to return with additional information on outsourcing youth sports, daycare, and senior programs, as well as exploring fees and operational changes. Council unanimously supported remaining in the library business and exploring relocation or public-private partnerships.

• Unanimously supported continuing library operations and exploring relocation/partnerships
• Directed staff to bring back outsourcing model for youth sports (soccer, baseball, football)
• Directed staff to bring back outsourcing model for daycare program
• Directed staff to bring back outsourcing model for senior programming
• Directed staff to return with total overtime costs for fireworks, concerts, and parades
• Directed staff to bring back funding options for Chamber/EDC/grant agreements
• Directed staff to return with implementation details and savings for online-only utility billing
• Directed staff to bring back information on increasing non-resident recreation fees and exploring parking/boat ramp fees

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold public hearings on several land-development code amendments, including allowing commercial uses of shipping containers and removing minimum roof pitch requirements. The council will also consider a response to a county letter requesting refunds of school speed zone fines, and discuss consolidation efforts and budget caps for the upcoming fiscal year. A consent agenda item includes awarding a $150,000 sanitary sewer lining contract.

• Award of FY 2025-26 sanitary sewer lining services to Gulf Coast Underground, LLC for $150,000
• First reading of Ordinance 2215 to allow commercial uses of shipping containers
• Second reading of Ordinance 2211 to remove minimum roof pitch and overhang requirements
• Conveyance of surplus property north of Lewis Turner Boulevard to Okaloosa County
• Response to county letter recommending denial of school speed camera fine refunds

The City Council approved a $150,000 sanitary sewer services contract and directed staff to schedule a discussion regarding the reinstatement of impact fee waivers. A motion to request a dispatch service proposal from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office failed.

• Approved agenda as amended (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda (7-0)
• Awarded $150,000 sanitary sewer services contract to Gulf Coast Underground, LLC (7-0)
• Approved request to discuss sidewalk budget at future meetings (7-0)
• Failed motion to request a dispatch service proposal from Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office (3-4)
• Approved request to place reinstatement of impact and connection fee waivers on future agenda (5-2)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency will consider a variance request to reduce building height compatibility standards at 27 Robinwood Drive SW, with staff recommending denial. The board will also recommend two ordinance amendments: Ordinance 2215 to allow commercial uses of shipping containers, and Ordinance 2216 updating development permit requirements. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and public comments.

• Variance request to reduce height compatibility standards at 27 Robinwood Drive SW (staff recommends denial)
• Ordinance 2215: amending Land Development Code to allow commercial uses of shipping containers
• Ordinance 2216: amending Land Development Code regarding development permits and exemptions
• Approval of minutes from May 7, 2026 meeting
• Public comments (none recorded at previous meeting)

The agency approved a building height variance for a four-story structure at 27 Robinwood Drive SW, allowing it to sit closer to adjacent single-family homes. It also recommended two land development code amendments to City Council: one permitting commercial shipping containers and another removing development order requirements for pole barns under 5,000 square feet. Procedural motions to approve the agenda and prior minutes passed unanimously.

• Approved building height variance at 27 Robinwood Drive SW (4-1)
• Recommended Ordinance 2215 for City Council to allow commercial shipping containers (5-0)
• Recommended Ordinance 2216 for City Council to exempt pole barns under 5,000 sq ft from development orders (5-0)
• Approved meeting agenda unanimously
• Approved May 7, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously

City Council - Workshop

This is a workshop meeting of the Fort Walton Beach City Council. The only substantive item is a townhall discussion regarding park ordinances and the use of electric outlets at city parks. No votes or final decisions are scheduled.

• Townhall discussion on park ordinances and electric outlet usage at city parks

The City Manager presented the systematic locking of electrical outlets at city parks to prevent unauthorized utility use and theft. No policy changes were decided as only one council member was present; the session served as a townhall for public discussion.

• No substantive decisions made; workshop was for discussion only

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

The Special Magistrate will hear four code enforcement cases, including a request to authorize a nuisance abatement, and 15 police citation hearings for school zone speeding violations. Staff recommends upholding all citations and imposing fines. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Code enforcement case CE-26-302-NUS: staff recommends authorization for nuisance abatement
• Code enforcement case CE-24-730-NUS: staff recommends issuance of Order II
• Code enforcement case CE-25-1213-SA: staff recommends issuance of Order I
• Code enforcement case CE-26-223-FA: staff recommends issuance of Order II
• 15 RedSpeed citations for school zone speeding, including multiple citations for Kory Ikaika Wiggins and Steven Arthur Campbell

The Special Magistrate upheld 10 school zone speeding citations and declared a Sullivan Street property a public nuisance, authorizing the City to abate it and place costs on the property owner. Several cases were dismissed or resolved prior to the hearing.

• Declared 405 Sullivan Street NW a public nuisance (authorized abatement)
• Upheld $100 citation for Benton (school zone, 34.2 mph)
• Upheld $100 citation for Buddie (school zone, 36 mph)
• Upheld $100 citation for Campbell (school zone, 32.5 mph)
• Upheld $100 citation for Crowe (school zone, 36 mph)
• Upheld $100 citation for Garrett (school zone, 33.1 mph)
• Upheld $100 citation for Hawkins (school zone, 38.6 mph)
• Dismissed Notice 2032400084388681 as a courtesy

City Council - Special Meeting

The City Council holds a special meeting to consider and vote on a settlement in the lawsuit Tosha Lowery-Vanderford vs. City of Fort Walton Beach (Case No. 2025-CA-001252). The agenda includes an executive session before the vote. No other substantive business is scheduled.

• Vote on settlement of Tosha Lowery-Vanderford lawsuit (Okaloosa County Case No. 2025-CA-001252)

The City Council held a special meeting to discuss pending litigation in executive session. Upon returning to public session, they voted unanimously to authorize settlement of the Tosha Lowery-Vanderford lawsuit for $42,500, with the plaintiff releasing all claims and dismissal with prejudice. The council also unanimously approved the agenda.

• Approved $42,500 settlement for Tosha Lowery-Vanderford lawsuit (5-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will vote on Resolution 2026-10 committing $2,700,000 from half-cent surtax revenues to FDOT for design of the Around the Mound transportation alternative. Other items include first readings of ordinances to convey surplus property north of Lewis Turner Blvd to Okaloosa County and to remove minimum roof pitch/overhang requirements from the Land Development Code. The Council will also consider awarding a five-year auditing contract to Warren Averett, LLC and authorizing an extension of a workforce housing funding agreement for 28 and 30 Windham Avenue SE.

• Resolution 2026-10: $2,700,000 commitment to FDOT for Around the Mound design
• Ordinance 2214: conveyance of surplus property north of Lewis Turner Blvd to Okaloosa County
• Ordinance 2211: removing minimum roof pitch and overhang requirements from residential design standards
• Award of annual auditing services to Warren Averett, LLC for five years (June 2026–May 2031)
• Authorization to draft extension of workforce housing funding agreement for 28 and 30 Windham Avenue SE

The City Council adopted Resolution 2026-10, committing $2.7 million from half-cent surtax revenues to the Florida Department of Transportation for design of the Around the Mound transportation alternative, with $675,000 to be reimbursed by Okaloosa County. The vote was 6-1. The Council also unanimously approved the consent agenda and an agenda amendment. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included proclamations, recognitions, and public comments.

• Adopted Resolution 2026-10 committing $2.7M to FDOT for Around the Mound design (6-1)
• Approved consent agenda including April 21 and 28 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Amended agenda to move Item 13.4 after Item 10.1 (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency will hold quasi-judicial hearings on two land development code amendments. Ordinance 2211 would remove minimum roof pitch and overhang requirements from residential design standards. Ordinance 2213 would update pre-application conference rules to comply with new Florida statutes. The board will also approve prior meeting minutes and hear public comments.

• Ordinance 2211: removes minimum roof pitch and overhang requirements from LDC Section 4.01.02 Residential Design Standards
• Ordinance 2213: amends LDC Section 9.01.02 to add pre-application review provisions per Florida Statutes §163.3169
• Approval of minutes from the April 2, 2026 regular meeting

The Local Planning Agency voted unanimously to recommend two ordinance changes to the City Council. Ordinance 2211 removes minimum roof pitch and overhang requirements from residential design standards, citing modern alternatives. Ordinance 2213 amends pre-application conference rules to comply with a new state law. Both recommendations were forwarded without opposition.

• Recommended Ordinance 2211 removing minimum roof pitch (3:12) and 3-foot overhang requirements from LDC Section 4.01.02 (unanimous 4-0)
• Recommended Ordinance 2213 amending LDC Section 9.01.02 for pre-application conferences to comply with Florida HB 927 (unanimous 4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of April 2, 2026 meeting (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold second reading votes on ordinances to re-establish maximum height standards in mixed-use zoning districts and update permissible uses in Community Facilities and Mixed Business/Manufacturing districts. They will also consider accepting a $295,866 state immigration enforcement grant, updating utility deposit requirements, and approving a sole-source purchase of $109,577 for underground power lines at 132 Miracle Strip Parkway SW. Discussion items include a proposal to contract with the Sheriff's Office for dispatch services and the school zone photo enforcement ordinance.

• Second reading of Ordinance 2209 to re-establish maximum height standards in mixed-use zoning districts
• Second reading of Ordinance 2208 updating permissible uses in Community Facilities and Mixed Business/Manufacturing zones
• Acceptance of $295,866 FDLE immigration enforcement grant (Resolution 2026-07)
• Sole source purchase of $109,577 for relocating power lines underground at 132 Miracle Strip Parkway SW
• Discussion of contract with Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office for full-time dispatch service

The City Council rescinded a previous motion to request full-time dispatch services from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. They also failed to initiate the repeal of the school zone photo enforcement program. However, they approved a contract for animal control services and a resolution to accept an FDLE immigration grant.

• Rescinded motion to request dispatch services from Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office (4-3)
• Failed to initiate repeal of school zone photo enforcement program (3-4)
• Approved PAWS contract for animal control services (unanimous)
• Approved Election Services Agreement with Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections (unanimous)
• Authorized award of ITB 26-004 for resurfacing tennis and pickleball courts (unanimous)
• Passed motion to contact special interest groups for 2027 budget input (6-1)
• Directed staff to identify a financial expert for cemetery care fund analysis
• Adopted Resolution 2026-07 to accept FDLE Immigration Grant Award Funding

City Council - Special Meeting

The City Council will convene an executive session to discuss the pending lawsuit FWB Watch Group v. City of Fort Walton Beach (Case No. 2025 CA 000115). Following the closed session, the council will reconvene and vote on a proposed settlement of the litigation.

• Executive session to discuss lawsuit FWB Watch Group v. City of Fort Walton Beach, Case No. 2025 CA 000115
• Motion to vote on settlement of the same lawsuit

The City Council unanimously adopted a motion to settle a pending lawsuit involving the FWB Watch Group and authorize the filing of a stipulated motion to end the case. The settlement includes a permanent injunction on the results of specific ballot questions.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• Executive session held regarding FWB Watch Group v. City of Fort Walton Beach
• Settlement of FWB Watch Group v. City of Fort Walton Beach adopted unanimously
• Litigation attorney authorized to file stipulated motion and order

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

The Community Redevelopment Agency will receive updates on several projects, including the patriotic fire hydrant project, downtown pressure washing, dumpster enclosures, power line relocation at 132 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, Vandergriff Park lighting, Chester Pruitt Park CPTED upgrades, and Steamboat Landing demolition. The board will also consider proposals for the Vandergriff Park Gateway Entrance and review the 2025 CRA Annual Report.

• Status update on CRA Patriotic Fire Hydrant Project
• Update on CRA Downtown Pressure Washing Services
• Update on Relocation of Power Lines at 132 Miracle Strip Parkway SW
• Presentation and discussion of proposals for Vandergriff Park Gateway Entrance
• Presentation of the 2025 CRA Annual Report

The Community Redevelopment Agency accepted the 2025 Annual Report and approved routine procedural items. Staff updated the board on several downtown and park projects, including a fire hydrant art installation, dumpster enclosures, and power line relocation funding. The board voted unanimously to send the Vandergriff Park Gateway Entrance sign design back out for bid after discussing cost, durability, and maintenance concerns.

• Approved agenda unanimously
• Approved February 24, 2026 minutes unanimously
• Accepted 2025 CRA Annual Report unanimously
• Voted to re-bid Vandergriff Park Gateway Entrance sign unanimously
• Noted power line relocation funding agreement to be presented to City Council
• Delayed Steamboat Landing demolition bid opening pending clarification

City Council - Special Meeting

The City Council will hear a proposal from the NAACP to amend the city charter and change how council members are elected, with options for three or four district seats (plus a possible five-district option). The council will decide whether to bring back a formal ordinance at the April 28 meeting.

• NAACP Okaloosa Branch #5633 presents a Representative Governance Model Proposal
• Three-district and four-district charter amendment ordinances are attached
• A five-district option may also be presented by the NAACP
• City attorney requests direction on whether to proceed with an ordinance at the April 28 meeting

The City Council heard a presentation from the NAACP Okaloosa Branch proposing a hybrid single-member district and at-large council system, but took no formal action. The meeting included extensive public comment and council discussion, with some members expressing support for the current at-large model and others raising concerns about representation. No vote was taken on the charter amendment or any related ordinance.

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

The Special Magistrate will conduct quasi-judicial hearings on two code enforcement cases and ten police citation hearings for RedSpeed school zone speeding violations. Staff recommends upholding all citations and imposing fines. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from the March 18 meeting.

• Code enforcement case CE-25-201-PR – staff recommends Order II
• Code enforcement case CE-26-223-FA – staff recommends Order I
• RedSpeed citation hearing for Philip Morton Carroll (3 notices)
• RedSpeed citation hearing for Jaymie Lee Greek
• RedSpeed citation hearing for Richard Brian Hawkins

The Special Magistrate adjudicated several code enforcement cases regarding unpermitted structures and prohibited animals. Multiple school zone speeding citations were upheld, though one was dismissed and another was continued for further documentation.

• Issued Order II and $100 daily fine for unpermitted structures at 35 Perry Ave SE
• Imposed $325 administrative fee for 35 Perry Ave SE case
• Allowed 10 days for compliance regarding prohibited farm animals at 521 Mooney Road NW
• Imposed $325 administrative fee for 521 Mooney Road NW case
• Upheld $100 citation and issued $30 fee for Philip Morton Carroll (Case 1)
• Upheld $100 citation and issued $30 fee for Philip Morton Carroll (Case 2)
• Upheld $100 citation and issued $30 fee for Philip Morton Carroll (Case 3)
• Upheld $100 citation and issued $35 fee for Jaymie Lee Greek

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will hold first readings of two ordinances amending the Land Development Code: one updates permissible uses in Community Facilities and Mixed Business/Manufacturing districts, and the other re-establishes maximum height standards for all mixed-use zoning districts. The council will also consider awarding a $227,082.60 contract for Fire Station 7 roof replacement and discuss purchasing the reverter clause for City Hall. Other items include a mutual aid agreement with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and a response to a county letter regarding a school zone camera.

• First reading of Ordinance 2208 amending permissible uses in Community Facilities and Mixed Business/Manufacturing districts
• First reading of Ordinance 2209 re-establishing maximum height standards for all mixed-use zoning districts
• Award of ITB 26-002 for Fire Station 7 roof replacement to Bel-Mac Roofing, Inc. for $227,082.60
• Authorization to negotiate purchase of reverter clause associated with City Hall at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW
• Law enforcement mutual aid agreement between Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

The City Council approved two ordinances amending the Land Development Code regarding zoning uses and height standards. Additionally, the council approved a lease renewal for a Verizon Wireless site on Lewis Turner Boulevard.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Verizon Wireless lease renewal at 1915T Lewis Turner Boulevard (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 2208 amending permissible uses in zoning districts (6-1)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency will hold a quasi‑judicial hearing on a variance request to remove the accessory dwelling size limit at 607 Country Club Avenue NE, with staff recommending denial. The board will also consider Ordinance 2208 to update permissible uses in the Community Facilities and Mixed Business and Manufacturing zoning districts, and Ordinance 2209 to re‑establish maximum height standards for all mixed‑use districts. An additional item will review a proposed update to the agency’s rules and regulations.

• Variance request to remove accessory dwelling size limit at 607 Country Club Avenue NE – staff recommends denial
• Ordinance 2208 – amendment to LDC Table 2.03.02 to update permissible uses in Community Facilities and Mixed Business and Manufacturing districts
• Ordinance 2209 – amendment to LDC Table 4.02.01 to re‑establish maximum height standards for mixed‑use zoning districts
• Review of proposed update to Local Planning Agency Rules and Regulations

The Local Planning Agency elected James McPherson as temporary chair and adopted the agenda and prior minutes unanimously. It approved a variance allowing an accessory dwelling at 607 Country Club Avenue NE. The board recommended City Council adopt Ordinance 2208 to expand permissible uses in Community Facility and Mixed Business zones (4‑1) and Ordinance 2209 to set mixed‑use building height limits (unanimous). The agency also approved its updated Rules and Regulations.

• Elected James McPherson as Temporary Chair (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved March 5 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved variance for 607 Country Club Ave NE accessory dwelling (unanimous)
• Recommended City Council adopt Ordinance 2208 amending zoning use table (4‑1)
• Recommended City Council adopt Ordinance 2209 amending mixed‑use height standards (unanimous)
• Approved LPA Rules and Regulations as presented (unanimous)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will vote on annexing and rezoning a property at 353 Beal Parkway NW for single-family residential use. The body is also considering a contract award for park improvements and discussing the disposition of former city ballfields.

• Award of ITB 25-010 for Liza Jackson Park Improvements to H&T Contractors, LLC for $3,139,269.93
• Ordinance 2205 to annex 353 Beal Parkway NW into city limits
• Ordinance 2206 to amend Future Land Use Map for 353 Beal Parkway NW to Low-Density Residential
• Ordinance 2207 to assign R-1 (Single-Family Residential) zoning to 353 Beal Parkway NW
• Discussion on the disposition of approximately 1.85 acres of former City Ballfields

The City Council adopted the meeting agenda and the consent agenda unanimously. A motion by Council Member Schmidt to request a proposal from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office for full‑time dispatch services was voted down 4‑3 because a super‑majority is required for items not on the agenda. The council will place the dispatch proposal on the April 28, 2026 agenda for future consideration.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda (unanimous)
• Motion to request full‑time dispatch proposal failed 4‑3 (lack of super‑majority)

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

The Special Magistrate will conduct quasi-judicial hearings to resolve code enforcement violations and police citations. Staff is recommending the upholding of multiple RedSpeed citations and the issuance of orders for two code enforcement cases.

• Code Enforcement Case # CE-24-45-ROF: Staff recommends issuance of Order I
• Code Enforcement Case # CE-26-171-RVC: Staff recommends issuance of Order II for a Repeat Violation
• 13 RedSpeed citations for individuals including Austin Edwards Grubb, Timothy Isaiah Patenaude, and Kory Ikaika Wiggins
• Review and approval of minutes from the February 18, 2026 meeting

The Special Magistrate reviewed and decided on multiple school zone speeding citations. Each citation was upheld with a $100 fine, and administrative fees were either issued or waived as noted. No citations were dismissed. The agenda and prior meeting minutes were also approved.

• Uphold $100 citation for Kory Ikaika Wiggins (Notice 2032400081785446) and issue $25 admin fee
• Uphold $100 citation for Kory Ikaika Wiggins (Notice 2032400081786187) and waive $75 admin fee
• Uphold $100 citation for Austin Edward Grubb (Notice 2032400074495772) and issue $75 admin fee
• Uphold $100 citation for Austin Edward Grubb (Notice 2032400074110651) and waive $75 admin fee
• Uphold $100 citation for Lamercie Valentine Monestime (Notice 2032400076516193) and waive $75 admin fee
• Uphold $100 citation for Timothy Isaiah Patenaude (Notice 2032400080403636) and issue $25 admin fee
• Uphold $100 citation for Eric Michael Russell (Notice 2032400082022544) and issue $25 admin fee
• Uphold $100 citation for Linda Sapienza (Notice 2032400080881218) and issue $25 admin fee

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss the annexation of 353 Beal Parkway NW and propose changing its future land use to Low-Density Residential and its zoning to R-1 Single-Family Residential. The body will also consider a grant for a library garden and the rejection of bids for CRA wayfinding signs.

• Annexation and rezoning of 353 Beal Parkway NW to R-1 Single-Family Residential
• Resolution 2026-06 to accept a $550.00 Florida Wildflower Foundation grant for a library garden
• Proposed rejection of bids for ITB 25-013 regarding Wayfinding Signs for the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)
• Acceptance of a utility easement at 34 Temple Avenue SW

The council adopted Ordinance 2205 to annex the 2.85‑acre parcel at 353 Beal Parkway NW, passing 4‑1. It also approved Ordinance 2206 to amend the Future Land Use Map to Low‑Density Residential for the same property, also 4‑1. The council accepted a utility easement at 34 Temple Avenue SW as part of the consent agenda. Additionally, the council unanimously adopted Resolution 2026‑06 to accept a $550 grant from the Florida Wildflower Foundation for a library garden.

• Adopted Ordinance 2205 annexing 353 Beal Parkway NW (4‑1)
• Adopted Ordinance 2206 amending FLUM for 353 Beal Parkway NW to Low‑Density Residential (4‑1)
• Accepted utility easement at 34 Temple Avenue SW (consent agenda, unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026‑06 to accept $550 Florida Wildflower Foundation grant for library garden (unanimous)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Local Planning Agency will hold quasi-judicial hearings regarding land use and zoning amendments for a property on Beal Parkway NW. The body will also review two variance requests for setbacks and easements at Anchors Street NW and L'Ombre Circle NE.

• Ordinance 2206: Amend Future Land Use Map for 353 Beal Parkway NW to Low-Density Residential (LDR)
• Ordinance 2207: Assign R-1 (Single-Family Residential) zoning to 353 Beal Parkway NW
• Variance request for 627 Anchors Street NW to reduce side setback from 10 feet to 3.5 feet
• Variance request for 578 L'Ombre Circle NE to reduce setbacks to 2 feet and remove easement restrictions for a pool deck and enclosure

The Local Planning Agency unanimously approved a variance request for 578 L'Ombre Circle NE, allowing reduced setbacks and easement modifications. The board also unanimously recommended City Council adopt Ordinance 2206 to amend the Future Land Use Map, designating 353 Beal Parkway NW as low‑density residential. Additionally, the board unanimously approved Ordinance 2207 to zone the same property as R‑1 single‑family residential. The agency further approved a variance for 627 Anchors Street NW and changed the September meeting date to the third Thursday of the month.

• Approved variance for 578 L'Ombre Circle NE (unanimous)
• Recommended City Council adopt Ordinance 2206 to amend FLUM for 353 Beal Parkway NW to low‑density residential (unanimous)
• Recommended City Council adopt Ordinance 2207 to zone 353 Beal Parkway NW as R‑1 single‑family residential (unanimous)
• Approved variance for 627 Anchors Street NW to reduce side setback to 3.5 ft (unanimous)
• Changed September Local Planning Agency meeting from first to third Thursday (unanimous)