Okaloosa County public meetings in 2024
21 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Tourist Development Council - Regular Meeting
The Tourist Development Council will vote on approving the October 22 meeting minutes and a reimbursement request for public safety expenses totaling $105,453.80. It will also discuss financial updates and interlocal agreements for Destin’s Crosstown Connector, Harbor Dredging, and Fort Walton Beach Landing projects. Additional items are presented for information only, such as quarterly statistics and promotional opportunities.
- Approve Oct 22, 2024 meeting minutes
- Approve public safety reimbursement: Beach Safety $105,453.80, Sheriff expenses $72,924.19
- Financial update presentation
- Discussion of City of Destin Interlocal Crosstown Connector
- Discussion of City of Destin Interlocal Harbor Dredging
Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting (North)
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will consider authorizing a State Revolving Fund loan of up to $16,000,000 for the Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility. The meeting also includes approvals for a $1,233,885 change order to a parking‑lot contract, a $529,585 purchase of a sewer‑cleaner truck, and several transportation grant agreements. A public hearing will consider a Comprehensive Plan amendment.
- Authorization of a State Revolving Fund loan not to exceed $16,000,000 for the Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility
- Change Order 01 adding $1,233,885 to the Gum Creek Farms parking‑lot construction contract and extending the schedule by 90 days
- Purchase of one Vactor 2100I combination sewer cleaner truck from Sansom Equipment for $529,585
- Approval of a $446,500 Florida Department of Transportation public‑transportation grant agreement
- Public hearing on adoption of Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA‑2024‑02
Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting (South)
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will discuss a proposed settlement of opioid litigation with Publix Super Markets, Inc. and approve a proclamation designating November 20‑27, 2024 as Farm‑City Week. The consent agenda also includes votes on contracts such as a $268,416 fairgrounds roof repair, a $245,332 purchase of two Ford F550 trucks, and a $373,782.87 software‑maintenance renewal with Superion, LLC. Updates from the County Administrator, County Attorney, and Clerk of Court will be presented, followed by public comments.
- Approve settlement of opioid litigation with Publix Super Markets, Inc.
- Authorize proclamation for Farm‑City Week (Nov 20‑27, 2024)
- Approve Fairgrounds Roof Repair contract for $268,416.00
- Approve purchase order to Bozard Ford for two Ford F550 trucks totaling $245,332.00
- Approve contract renewal with Superion, LLC for software maintenance at $373,782.87
Tourist Development Council - Regular Meeting
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will consider authorizing a State Revolving Fund loan of up to $16,000,000 for the Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility. The meeting also includes approvals for a $1,233,885 change order to a parking‑lot contract, a $529,585 purchase of a sewer‑cleaner truck, a $1,290,000 lift‑station construction project, and a $125,000 IT task order for broadband expansion. Additional items on the consent agenda cover lease renewals, utility easements, and various grant agreements.
- Approve up to $16,000,000 State Revolving Fund loan for Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility
- Approve Change Order 01 adding $1,233,885 to the Gum Creek Farms parking‑lot construction contract
- Approve purchase of one Vactor 2100I sewer‑cleaner truck for $529,585
- Approve $1,290,000 self‑performed construction of the CIP Lift Station and Force Main Replacement project
- Approve IT Task Order 9 to Halff Associates for up to $125,000 for ARPA broadband expansion
Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting (North)
Commissioners will consider a $7 million contract with Securitecture for planning and design of the Okaloosa County Corrections Facility, along with several large procurement requests for ambulances, heavy equipment, and a passenger facility charge at the Destin‑Fort Walton Beach Airport. The meeting also includes approvals for stormwater project funding, a tourism staff travel request, and a public hearing on an investment policy ordinance.
- Approve $7,000,000 contract with Securitecture for Corrections Facility design services
- Approve purchase of three type‑one ambulances from Frazer LTD for $752,890.00
- Approve $3.00 per passenger Facility Charge application for Destin‑Fort Walton Beach Airport
- Approve $260,000 purchase and sale agreement for stormwater facility for Northwest Crestview Bypass Project
- Approve $4,465 travel cost for Tourism staff to attend The Outdoor Adventure Show in Toronto
Tourist Development Council - Regular Meeting
The Tourist Development Council is meeting to discuss and approve various financial updates, including public safety reimbursements and a budget amendment for a Sheriff boat. The body will also consider the City of Crestview's municipal funding and participation in the Toronto Travel Show.
- Public safety reimbursements: Beach Safety ($83,149.01 plus estimated $2,500), Destin Fire ($217,511.50), Sheriff ($92,142.74), and Code Enforcement ($9,316.54)
- Budget amendment for Cash Carryforward for Sheriff Boat
- FY25 City of Crestview municipal 12.5% funding
- Approval of Toronto Travel Show participation
- Approval of September 24, 2024 meeting minutes
Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting (South)
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will vote on several contract renewals and infrastructure projects. The meeting includes public hearings regarding a planned unit development and the vacation of a portion of 7th Avenue and 3rd Street.
- Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Airports Security Unit contract renewal for $3,466,986
- C.W. Roberts Contracting Inc. contract for Jericho Rd Improvements Phase I for $1,899,974.55
- Proposed $800,000 additional contribution for a new Medical Examiner Facility
- Glaze Communications quote for $130,096.68 to migrate Crestview Courthouse security systems
- Public hearing for Nielsen Place Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting (North)
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will vote on several major contracts, including a $1.4 million purchase and up to $10.1 million funding for a historic ocean liner museum and a $7.228 million contract to place the SS United States as an artificial reef. Additional items include a $450,000 inmate commissary renewal, a $24,000 lease with Avis Budget for fair‑ground storage, and a $722,517 interlocal agreement for marine law‑enforcement services. The meeting also contains routine consent‑agenda approvals, proclamations, subdivision plats, and policy adoptions.
- Approve $7,228,000 single‑source contract with Coleen Marine for SS United States reef deployment
- Approve $1.4 M purchase and up to $10.1 M funding for SS United States museum and related remediation
- Approve $450,000 renewal contract with Oasis Management Systems for inmate commissary services
- Approve $24,000 one‑year lease with Avis Budget Car Rental for 3 acres at Destin‑Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds
- Approve $722,517 interlocal agreement with Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office for FY 2025 marine law‑enforcement services
Tourist Development Council - Regular Meeting
The Tourist Development Council will vote on several approval items, including the FY25 Strategic Marketing Plan, the FY25 Adopted Budget, and interlocal agreements with the sheriff and the Fort Walton Beach Museum. A budget transfer from reserves will also be considered. Additional agenda topics include a partner program, meeting dates for FY25, and public comments.
- Approve FY25 Strategic Marketing Plan
- Approve FY25 Adopted Budget
- Approve FY25 Sheriff Interlocal agreement
- Approve FY25 City of Fort Walton Beach Museum Interlocal agreement
- Approve budget transfer from reserves
Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting (South)
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will consider a range of items, including a $41,571,000 contract with J&P Construction to build the Shoal River Ranch water‑reuse facility. Other agenda items include approvals for health department contracts, transportation grant agreements, and a change order for the Bridge to Bridge Multi‑Use Path project. Several public hearings will be held on rezoning, special assessments for hospitals, and camping regulations.
- Approve $41,571,000 contract with J&P Construction for Shoal River Ranch Water Reuse Facility (Dist. 1 – Mixon)
- Approve $661,827 annual contract C97-0025‑HD with Florida Department of Health for the County Health Department (Dist. All)
- Approve Change Order #1 to contract C24‑3986‑PW with CW Roberts for Bridge to Bridge Multi‑Use Path, $525,915.33 and 76‑day extension (Dist. 2 – Ketchel)
- Approve $300,000 FDOT Section 5310 Capital Public Transportation Grant Agreement (Dist. All)
- Public hearing on rezoning and Small Scale Plan Amendment for the Okaloosa County School District (Dist. 5 – Ponder)
Board of County Commissioners - Budget Public Hearing
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to adopt the final budget and millage rates for Fiscal Year 2024-25. The proposed budget includes a 4% cost of living adjustment for employees and the addition of 46 new positions.
- Final Budget for FY 2024-25 in the total amount of $648,334,971
- Final Countywide Aggregate Millage Rate of 3.9671 mills
- Final Unincorporated Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) Millage Rate of 0.2990 mills
- Approval of 46 new positions across General, Special Revenue, and Enterprise Funds
- Planned construction of Shoal River Ranch Wastewater Plant and new Public Works Facility
Board of County Commissioners - Dorcas Fire Board
The Dorcas Fire Board will discuss financial reports, inventory, and equipment repair. The board is set to select an independent accountant for the FY24 audit and approve an interlocal agreement for fire service response in the Dorcas area.
- Selection of Independent Accountant for FY24 Audit (C.R.I- 30K)
- Approval of Interlocal Agreement for fire service response
- Discussion on spending limit for equipment and building maintenance
- Report on apparatus repair bills and inventory
- Review of financial report and revenue streams
Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting (North)
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will review multiple grant and contract items, including FAA airport grants and a $13.4 million Treasury grant for a water reclamation facility. They will also consider a public‑hearing ordinance for a local hospital assessment fund and approve several contract renewals. The meeting includes routine updates, consent agenda items, and department business.
- Accept FAA AIP Grant of $4,046,422 (plus $449,602 airport match) for Baggage Claim Expansion at Destin‑Fort Walton Beach Airport
- Accept FAA AIG Grant of $5,107,725 for the same Baggage Claim Expansion project
- Approve application for a $13,400,000 U.S. Treasury grant for the Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility (RESTORE Act Direct Component)
- Approve contract renewal and amendment with Core & Main for Sensus meters and software, budgeted at $300,000 annually
- Public hearing to consider an ordinance creating the Okaloosa County Local Provider Participation Fund (hospital assessments)
Board of County Commissioners - Budget Public Hearing
The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to discuss and adopt the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The proposed total budget across all funds is $648,334,971, which is a 3.5% increase over the previous year.
- Proposed total budget of $648,334,971 with no property tax rate increase
- Proposed millage rate of 3.8308 for the County and 0.2990 for the Unincorporated MSTU
- Allocation of $3,500,000 for a new Public Works building
- Proposed 4% cost of living increase for all employees and 46 new positions
- Sheriff's Office budget request of $60,240,402, a 6.9% increase over the prior year
Tourist Development Council - Regular Meeting
The Tourist Development Council will consider approving reimbursement for public safety expenses, including Beach Safety and Sheriff costs, using up to 10% of tourist development taxes.
- Public Safety Reimbursement request
- FY25 Local Events discussion
- Clerk Interlocal agreement
- WTM Travel proposal
- IMM Travel proposal
Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting (South)
At the August 20, 2024 regular meeting, the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will vote on several agenda items. The board will consider approval of a contract with Morse Correctional Healthcare and Consulting, Inc. for inmate medical services at an estimated yearly cost of $5,742,940. Additional items include a $902,000 purchase of four 2025 Kenworth T880 dump trucks, a $1,624,014 state grant for an E911 call‑handling system refresh, and public hearings on water‑sewer projects totaling $9.51 M. The board will also vote on a proclamation designating September 5, 2024 as Northwest Florida Military Officers Association Day.
- Approve contract with Morse Correctional Healthcare and Consulting, Inc. for inmate medical services ($5,742,940 yearly)
- Approve purchase of four 2025 Kenworth T880 Tri‑Axle Dump Trucks for $902,000
- Approve $1,624,014 State of Florida E911 Board grant for Call Handling System Refresh
- Public hearings to authorize $3,520,000 Highway 90 East Water & Sewer Mains project and $5,990,000 Shoal River Ranch WRF Sub‑Projects
- Proclamation establishing September 5, 2024 as Northwest Florida Military Officers Association Day
Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting (North)
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will consider a wide range of items, including a resolution to place a referendum on the November 2024 ballot about continuing property tax exemptions for job‑creating businesses. Other agenda items cover lease approvals, budget resolutions, a $112,192.40 purchase of a John Deere mower, and several public‑works and development projects. The meeting also includes employee awards, departmental updates, and public comment periods.
- Resolution to place a referendum on the Nov 2024 ballot about property tax exemptions for new and existing businesses that create full‑time jobs
- Purchase of one John Deere 325G mower with Limb beaver cutter for $112,192.40 from Beard Equipment Co.
- Allocation of $300,000 FY24 surtax reserves for redesign of the Overbrook Drainage Improvements Project
- Approval of the final plat for South Fairview Townhomes
- Assignment of lease for Block 6, Lot 2 at Destin Executive Airport to Gunnslinger Air, LLC
Tourist Development Council - Regular Meeting
The Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council will consider approval of several items, including the June 25 meeting minutes, a financial update, and multiple contracts and grant projects. A key agenda item is the request to reimburse $76,588.01 for Beach Safety expenses incurred in June. Other items include FY24 Destin Fire Interlocal funding, FY25 municipal expenditure plans, and a contract with St John Design Group.
- Approve June 25, 2024 meeting minutes
- Approve public safety reimbursement of $76,588.01 for Beach Safety (June expenses)
- Approve financial update presented by the department
- Review FY24 Destin Fire Interlocal funding request
- Consider St John Design Group contract
Board of County Commissioners - Budget Review Workshop
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will review the recommended FY 2024‑2025 budget of $645,752,980, which is a $19,339,412 (3.1%) increase over the prior year. The agenda includes departmental budget presentations and documents for Health, Clerk of Court, Property Appraiser, Public Safety, Corrections, Tourist Development, and others. The budget does not propose a property tax rate increase, keeping the millage at 3.8308 with projected total tax revenue of $105,470,768. Specific allocations include a $66,150,064 budget for the Sheriff’s Office and a $86,694,934 budget for the Tourist Development Department.
- Total FY 2024‑2025 county budget: $645,752,980 (3.1% increase)
- Property tax millage remains 3.8308; projected tax revenue $105,470,768
- Sheriff’s Office budget: $66,150,064 (9.7% increase)
- Tourist Development Department budget: $86,694,934 (5.5% increase)
- Public Works new building allocation: $3,500,000
Board of County Commissioners - Special Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners will consider approving the certification of the DR-420 form to set tentative millage rates for the 2025 fiscal year. This action establishes the proposed tax rates for countywide and Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) services.
- Proposed tentative ad valorem millage rate of 3.8308 mils
- Proposed Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) rate of 0.2990 mils
- Budgeted Ad Valorem revenue of $105,470,768 for FY2025
- Budgeted MSTU revenue of $3,751,806 for FY2025
- Public budget hearings scheduled for September 3 and September 17
Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting (South)
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will vote on self‑perform construction of the Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility sub‑projects, estimated at $5.99 M. They will also consider a public‑hearing request to self‑perform the Highway 90 East water and sewer mains project from Jericho Road to Magnolia Blossom Subdivision, estimated at $3.52 M. Additional agenda items include a $740,000 contract for artificial‑reef vessels and purchases of UPS cabinets and a Generac generator.
- Approval of self‑perform construction for Shoal River Ranch WRF Sub‑Projects, $5,990,000 (Item 35)
- Approval of self‑perform construction for Highway 90 East water & sewer mains, $3,520,000 (Item 34)
- Single‑source contract with Coleen Marine Inc. for MV Spirit of Norfolk and Skip‑in‑Sue vessels as artificial reefs, $740,000 plus $42,000 contingency (Item 32)
- Purchase of eighteen Myers UPS Cabinet Assembly units for $102,384 (Item 13)
- Award of purchase order for one 200 kW Generac generator for $116,450 (Item 14)