Fort Walton Beach public meetings in 2024
28 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting
The Local Planning Agency will meet to discuss a variance request to reduce building height compatibility standards at 27 Robinwood Drive SW. The body will also approve the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.
- Variance request to reduce building height at 27 Robinwood Drive SW
- Approval of agenda and minutes for December 5, 2024 meeting
- Public comments period
Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting
The City Council will appoint a candidate to a vacant council seat and consider several land-use changes, including the annexation of 627 Country Club Avenue NE. The body will also vote on infrastructure spending and grant acceptances for road safety and utility work.
- Acceptance of $500,000 from Tourist Development Council for Landing Performance Stage
- Purchase of network infrastructure and software from AVIXUM for $250,137.12
- Acceptance of $292,000 USDOT grant for Safe Streets and Roads for All program
- Authorization of $48,400 for utility work on State Road 85 (Eglin Parkway)
- Annexation and R-1 zoning of 627 Country Club Avenue NE
City Council - Regular Meeting
The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider several approvals, including a $292,000 federal grant for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program and a $250,137.12 purchase of network infrastructure and software. Other items include a $500,000 amendment to accept funding for the Landing Performance Stage, a lease amendment for cellular equipment at 623T Anchors Street NW, and multiple ordinances to annex and rezone properties on Country Club Avenue NE and Brooks Street SE.
- Resolution 2024-17: Accept $292,000 USDOT Safe Streets grant, with $73,000 from the general fund
- Resolution 2024-18: Authorize $48,400 contribution to FDOT utility work on State Road 85 (Eglin Pkwy)
- Amendment No. 5 to Interlocal Agreement: Accept $500,000 Tourist Development Council funding for Landing Performance Stage
- Purchase of network infrastructure and software from AVIXUM for $250,137.12
- Lease Agreement Amendment No. 7 with SprintCom, LLC for cellular equipment at 623T Anchors Street NW
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting
The Local Planning Agency will consider five quasi‑judicial ordinances that amend the Future Land Use Map, rezone properties, and update the Land Development Code. Items include designating 627 Country Club Ave NE as Low‑Density Residential, assigning R‑1 zoning to the same parcel, changing 245 Brooks St SE to Medium‑Density Residential, rezoning 245 Brooks St SE to R‑2 Multi‑Family Residential, and revising LDC regulations for livery vessel rentals. The agenda also includes a Tree City USA update, a planning supervisor presentation, and board member reports.
- Ordinance No. 2171 – amend Future Land Use Map to designate 627 Country Club Ave NE as Low‑Density Residential (LDR).
- Ordinance No. 2172 – assign R‑1 (Single‑Family Residential) zoning to 627 Country Club Ave NE.
- Ordinance No. 2173 – amend Future Land Use Map to change 245 Brooks St SE from LDR to Medium‑Density Residential (MDR).
- Ordinance No. 2174 – rezone 245 Brooks St SE from R‑1 to R‑2 (Multi‑Family Residential).
- Ordinance No. 2159 – amend Land Development Code Section 5.04.32 to update regulations for livery vessel rentals.
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting
The Fort Walton Beach Code Compliance Special Magistrate will hold quasi‑judicial hearings on several pending code‑enforcement cases. Staff will recommend either Order I or Order II for each case. The meeting also includes routine items such as approval of the agenda, minutes, and oath administration.
- CASE CE-24-652-LIT – staff recommends Order I
- CASE CE-24-659-PR – staff recommends Order I
- CASE CE-24-730-NUS – staff recommends Order I
- CASE CE-24-337-LIT – staff recommends Order II
- CASE CE-24-718-UNO – staff recommends Order I
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council - Regular Meeting
The council will vote on several items, including awarding a $638,672.99 contract to GLC Contracting for Phase 3 landing improvements, and authorizing a lease of the city‑owned property at 22 & 24 McGriff Street NE to Lutheran Services for a Head Start program. It will also consider a funding amendment for the Tyler Technology police contract, a photo‑enforcement agreement with RedSpeed Florida, and an amendment to the FY 2023‑24 budget. Additional actions include adopting a cybersecurity framework, several ordinances, and approving easements and a fertilizer bid.
- Award Phase 3 Landing Improvements contract to GLC Contracting, Inc. for $638,672.99
- Lease of 22 & 24 McGriff Street NE to Lutheran Services, Inc. for Head Start program
- Funding amendment for Tyler Technology police contract (five‑year breakdown)
- Agreement with RedSpeed Florida, LLC for School Zone Photo Enforcement
- Resolution 2024‑9 to amend FY 2023‑24 budget (total $82,638,077)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting
The Fort Walton Beach Local Planning Agency will hold quasi‑judicial hearings on two variance requests: one to waive the minimum roof pitch requirements at 9 Bay Drive SE and another to raise the maximum sign height from 12 ft to 24 ft at 221 Carol Avenue NW, both with staff recommendations to deny. The agenda also includes the presentation of Ordinance 2161 to amend the Future Land Use Map for 931 Miracle Strip Parkway SW to a mixed‑use designation. Additional items are routine reports, public comments (none), and the meeting’s procedural steps.
- Variance request to waive minimum roof pitch requirements at 9 Bay Drive SE – staff recommends denial
- Variance request to increase sign height limit to 24 ft at 221 Carol Avenue NW – staff recommends denial
- Ordinance 2161 to amend the Future Land Use Map for 931 Miracle Strip Parkway SW to mixed use (quasi‑judicial)
- Planning Supervisor and Board Member reports
- Public comments (none)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
City Council - Regular Meeting
The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider several consent agenda items, including a five‑year police equipment contract with Axon Enterprise and a turf installation award for the Preston Hood Athletic Complex. It will also adopt multiple growth‑management ordinances to annex and rezone parcels at 931 Miracle Strip Parkway SW and 3 Wedgewood Lane NE, and amend regulations for low‑speed vehicles. Additional agenda items include a fire‑pension trust fund amendment and discussion of the process to fill a vacant council seat.
- Approve contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for body cameras, in‑car cameras, license‑plate readers, tasers, interview‑room recording and FUSUS for the police (5‑year term).
- Waive bidding and award Artificial Sports Turf Installation and Field Reconfiguration for Fields 9 & 10 at Preston Hood Athletic Complex to ForeverLawn Emerald Coast, LLC.
- Adopt Ordinance 2160 to annex 931 Miracle Strip Parkway SW into city limits.
- Adopt Ordinance 2161 to change the Future Land Use Map for 931 Miracle Strip Parkway SW to Mixed‑Use.
- Adopt Ordinance 2166 to amend Code Section 11.13.07, allowing low‑speed vehicles on Eglin Parkway SE and golf carts (with FDOT approval) to cross Perry Avenue SE.
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting
The Fort Walton Beach Code Compliance Special Magistrate will conduct quasi‑judicial public hearings for seven pending code cases. The meeting will also include routine items such as call to order, approval of agenda and minutes, and a pledge of allegiance. All hearings are scheduled to take place in the Council Chambers at 9:00 AM.
- Public hearing – CASE 10-1072
- Public hearing – CASE CE-24-666-PR
- Public hearing – CASE CE-24-611-LIT
- Public hearing – CASE CE-24-667-UNO
- Public hearing – CASE CE-24-613-GHD
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting
The Fort Walton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency meeting will approve routine items such as the agenda and minutes, present the 2024 CRA Quarterly Update Report, and vote to accept the agency’s FY 2024‑25 goals, objectives and performance measures required by House Bill 7013 amendment to Florida Statute 189.0694. Public comments are permitted for up to five minutes.
- Accept FY 2024‑25 goals, objectives and performance measures to comply with House Bill 7013 amendment to Fla Stat 189.0694
- Presentation of the 2024 CRA Quarterly Update Report
- Approval of the meeting agenda
- Approval of minutes from the September 10, 2024 meeting
- Public comments (none submitted) limited to five minutes
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council - Regular Meeting
The City Council will discuss the annexation and zoning of properties at 931 Miracle Strip Parkway SW and 3 Wedgewood Lane NE. Members will also consider updating ordinances to allow low-speed vehicles and golf carts on specific roads. Additional items include contract awards for grounds maintenance and library funding.
- Proposed annexation and zoning of 931 Miracle Strip Parkway SW to Mixed Use (MX-2)
- Proposed annexation and zoning of 3 Wedgewood Lane NE to Single-Family Residential (R-1)
- Ordinance to allow low-speed vehicles on Eglin Parkway SE and golf carts to cross Perry Avenue SE
- Contract award of $109,440 to Edwards Landscape Management for CRA Grounds Maintenance
- Interlocal Agreement of $100,636 for Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative operations
🗳️ How they voted (5 roll-call votes)
Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting
The Local Planning Agency will consider several zoning and land use amendments, including two requests for variances. The body will also elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the 2025 term.
- Ordinance 2161 and 2162: Proposed Mixed Use (MU) and MX-2 zoning for 931 Miracle Strip Parkway SW
- Ordinance 2164 and 2165: Proposed Low-Density Residential (LDR) and R-1 zoning for 3 Wedgewood Lane NE
- Variance request for accessory structure setbacks at 42 Bay Drive NE
- Variance request for fence location requirements at 215 Hood Avenue SE
- Election of LPA Chair and Vice Chair for Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
City Council - Regular Meeting
The City Council will discuss a fire consolidation study with Ocean City and vote on several administrative policies and appointments. The body is also considering the purchase of new city vehicles and the abatement of nuisances at a specific residential address.
- Purchase of 6 Dodge Durango SUVs ($366,866.60), 2 Ford trucks ($68,834.97), and 1 Freightliner Knuckle Boom ($221,688.53)
- Authorization to abate nuisances at 69 Laurie Drive NE
- Decision on RFQ for a Fort Walton Beach/Ocean City Wright Fire Consolidation Study
- Award of RFP 2024-013 for insurance to Risk Management Associates, Inc.
- Appointment of James McPherson, Toan Nguyen, and Janet Wilson to the Local Planning Agency
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
City Council - Special Meeting
The City Council is meeting to decide on the final budget and property tax millage rate for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024. The council will also consider updates to the city's comprehensive fee schedule.
- Resolution 2024-14: Set FY 2024-25 millage rate at 4.6116 mills
- Resolution 2024-15: Adopt the FY 2024-25 final comprehensive budget
- Resolution 2024-13: Update FY 2024-25 Comprehensive Fee Schedule
- Proposed fee increases for Police Services special events (up to $60 per hour per officer)
- Proposed fee increases for parking and fire lane violations (to $40)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting
The Code Compliance Special Magistrate will hold public hearings to review 14 specific cases. Staff is requesting the issuance of orders for violations related to general maintenance, permits, and grass height.
- Case CE-24-560-GHD: Grass Height Developed
- Case CE-24-426-GHD: Grass Height Developed
- Case CE-24-360-PR: Permit Required
- Case CE-24-411-PR: Permit Required
- Case CE-25-562-PR: Permit Required
City Council - Regular Meeting
The City Council is deciding on several ordinances regarding zoning for bus stops, school zone photo speed enforcement, and pension fund amendments. The body is also reviewing several high-value contracts for recreation and infrastructure improvements.
- Award of $8,062,107.15 to Bear General Contractors, LLC for Preston Hood Athletic Complex expansion
- Ordinance 2153 to prohibit commercial bus stops within city limits after September 10, 2024
- Ordinance 2155 to establish photo speed enforcement in school zones
- Change order of $108,527 to Ingram Signalization, Inc. for Hollywood Boulevard SW & Robinwood Drive SW intersection
- Five-year agreement with Property Innovations, Inc. for CRA seasonal decorations at a yearly cost of $69,480
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
City Council - Special Meeting
The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider Resolution 2024-10 to set the FY 2024-25 tentative millage rate at 4.6116 mills. It will also consider Resolution 2024-11 to adopt the FY 2024-25 tentative budget totaling $61,149,983. The budget includes added projects such as a Hollywood Boulevard study, median upgrades, and the Brooks Street parking lot, as well as professional line‑locate services.
- Adopt tentative millage rate of 4.6116 mills (Resolution 2024-10)
- Adopt FY 2024-25 tentative budget of $61,149,983 (Resolution 2024-11)
- Add Hollywood Boulevard study – $150,000
- Add Brooks Street parking lot project – $500,000
- Add line locate professional services – $200,000
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting
The Community Redevelopment Agency board will vote on Resolution CRA 2024‑1 to adopt the fiscal year 2024‑25 budget covering agency expenditures, expenses, and capital improvements. The meeting also includes a discussion on updating the CRA Plan, with an estimated cost of $75,000‑$100,000. Public comments are scheduled before the resolution vote.
- Adoption of CRA Resolution 2024‑1 – FY 2024‑25 budget for expenditures, expenses, and capital improvements
- Discussion on updating the CRA Plan, projected cost $75,000‑$100,000
- Public comments (limited to five minutes per speaker)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting
The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider a police mutual‑aid agreement, a finance resolution, and several ordinances. It will also vote on a $108,527 change order for Hollywood Boulevard and Robinwood Drive intersection improvements and a $69,480 yearly contract for seasonal decorations. The most significant item is the approval of an $8,062,107.15 contract with Bear General Contractors to expand the Preston Hood Athletic Complex.
- Authorize Mutual Aid Agreement between Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (Police)
- Adopt Resolution 2024‑12 amending Fund Balance and Net Assets Administrative Policy (Finance)
- Adopt Ordinance 2158 establishing a Pension Advisory Committee (Finance)
- Approve $108,527 change order for Hollywood Boulevard & Robinwood Drive intersection improvements (Public Works)
- Approve $8,062,107.15 contract with Bear General Contractors for Preston Hood Athletic Complex expansion (Recreation)
City Council - Workshop
Kimley-Horn will present an update on the Downtown Design Guidelines process to the City Council. The body will discuss findings from community surveys and stakeholder meetings to determine next steps for downtown development standards.
- Presentation of Downtown Design Guidelines update by Kimley-Horn
- Review of community charette and online survey findings
- Discussion of downtown parking locations and streetscape amenities
- Review of architectural character and historic preservation guidelines
City Council - Regular Meeting
The council will vote on four ordinances (2152‑2155) that change the Land Development Code to redefine, prohibit, and regulate commercial bus stops and to create photo speed enforcement in school zones. The meeting also includes approvals for design contracts for Lift Station No. 2 ($139,971) and Well No. 3 ($74,284), a $104,244 artificial turf contract for Library Park, and a five‑year lighting services contract for the CRA district at $60,505 per year.
- Ordinance 2152 – amend LDC to remove "Terminals, bus, transit, includes truck stop" from Commercial General and Commerce & Technology Park districts
- Ordinance 2153 – prohibit new commercial bus stops citywide after Sept 10 2024 and phase out existing ones by Sept 10 2025
- Ordinance 2154 – require all commercial bus stops to meet Federal Transit Administration accessibility standards
- Ordinance 2155 – create photo speed‑enforcement program in school zones
- Task Order for design of Lift Station No. 2 with HDR Engineering, Inc. for $139,971
🗳️ How they voted (9 roll-call votes)
Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting
The Code Compliance Special Magistrate will hold public hearings to address various city code violations. Staff are requesting the issuance of orders and administrative fees for cases involving litter, signage, and unpermitted construction.
- Case CE-23-613-PR: Proposed Order II, $250 per diem fine, and $325 administrative fee for a carport built without a permit
- Case CE-24-414-PSG: Proposed Order I and $325 administrative fee for prohibited banner signs
- Case CE-24-389-SPR: Proposed Order I and $325 administrative fee for banner signs and unpermitted signage
- Case CE-24-580-RVC: Proposed Order II and fines for commercial activity and livery vessel rentals in a residential zone
- Public hearings for cases involving paint (CE-24-189-PNT), litter (CE-24-463-LIT, CE-24-337-LIT), and unlicensed items (UNO23-0252, CE-24-103-UNO)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
City Council - Regular Meeting
The Fort Walton Beach Code Compliance Special Magistrate will hold public hearings on a series of code violation cases. Staff is recommending issuance of Order I or Order II for each case, with administrative fees of $325 and, in one case, a per‑diem fine of $250. The meeting also includes routine items such as call to order, pledge of allegiance, and approval of agenda and minutes.
- CASE CE-24-414-PSG – prohibited banner signs, staff recommends Order I and a $325 administrative fee
- CASE CE-23-613-PR – carport built without permit, staff recommends Order II, $250 per‑diem fine and $325 administrative fee
- CASE CE-24-580-RVC – repeat commercial activity in residential zone, staff recommends Order II and fines
- CASE CE-24-389-SPR – prohibited banner signs without permit, staff requests Order I and $325 fee
- CASE CE-24-463-LIT – litter violation, staff recommends Order I
City Council - Special Meeting
The City Council will review several contracts, including design revisions for Landing improvements and emergency debris monitoring. The body is also considering a memorandum of argument for police services and a new provider for employee benefits.
- Task Order with AVCON, Inc. for $78,400 for Landing Improvements Phases 2 & 3
- Award of Emergency Debris Monitoring Services to Tetra-Tech, Inc.
- Award of RFP 24-007 for Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Benefits to Public Risk Management
- Memorandum of Argument between Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Okaloosa County Department of Health, Bridgeway Center, Inc., and Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Council - Workshop
The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold a budget workshop where the City Manager will present the proposed FY 2024-25 comprehensive budget. Staff is seeking Council direction on the budget, which totals $60,453,522 and includes two new special revenue funds. The discussion will cover overall revenue sources, departmental expense allocations, and a list of proposed capital projects and improvements. Follow‑up budget hearings are scheduled for September.
- Proposed FY 2024-25 budget total: $60,453,522
- New special revenue funds: TDC Fund and Half Cent Sales Tax Fund
- Neighborhood Traffic Improvements – $50,000 (Half Cent)
- Water Line Replacement – $85,000 (Utilities)
- Police Facility Improvements – $60,000 (Half Cent)
Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting
The Local Planning Agency will consider two ordinances to amend the Land Development Code regarding bus stops. One ordinance would remove bus terminals as permissible uses in commercial zones, while the other would prohibit all commercial bus stops within city limits after September 10, 2025.
- Ordinance 2152: Amends LDC to remove bus terminals as permissible uses in Commercial General (CG) and Commerce and Technology Park (CTP) districts
- Ordinance 2153: Prohibits new commercial bus stops in city limits after September 10, 2025, and extinguishes grandfathered stops
- Approval of July 11, 2024, Local Planning Agency minutes
- Variance request for 40 Bay Drive NE to reduce side setback and remove easement restrictions
- Public comments and quasi-judicial hearings
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting
The Fort Walton Beach Code Compliance Special Magistrate will conduct quasi‑judicial hearings on a series of code‑violation cases. The magistrate may issue Orders I or II and assess administrative fees or per‑day fines. The meeting follows standard procedural steps including agenda and minutes approval.
- CASE CE-24-312-CA – Order I with a $325 administrative fee for 177 Beal Parkway NW
- CASE CE-24-54-UNO – Litter and unlicensed/non‑operative items case for an Order II
- CASE CE-24-64-LIT – Litter case for an Order II
- CASE CE-24-270-GHD – Grass height, litter, and sidewalk maintenance case for an Order
- CASE CE-24-282-OL – Business Tax Receipt case for an Order I
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting
The Local Planning Agency will consider a variance request for an existing accessory structure at 40 Bay Drive NE. The application seeks to reduce side yard setbacks and remove restrictions on structures within an easement. Staff recommends that the agency deny the request.
- Variance request for 40 Bay Drive NE regarding side yard setbacks and easement restrictions