Fort Walton Beach, FL

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

City Council - Workshop

The Growth Management Department is hosting an open-forum workshop for residents and industry professionals. The session focuses on reviewing proposed changes to the Land Development Code to improve clarity and efficiency.

• Public workshop to review proposed changes to the Land Development Code

City Council - Special Meeting

City Council - Regular Meeting

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

City Council - Regular Meeting

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss several administrative approvals, including a police equipment contract and a natural gas franchise agreement. The body is also reviewing a request for a major development order amendment for apartments on Liberty Lane NW.

• Contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for body cameras, in-car cameras, license plate readers, tasers, and FUSUS
• Approval of $134,407 for CRA District grounds maintenance services
• First reading of Ordinance 2226 to renew the Okaloosa Gas District franchise agreement
• Second reading of Ordinance 2227 to allow carts or stands for cottage food law businesses
• Major development order amendment for Freedom Beacon Apartments at 500 Liberty Lane NW

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

The Community Redevelopment Agency will discuss adding a city-owned building to the blight mitigation program for asbestos abatement and demolition. The board will also consider funding for grounds maintenance and a new gateway entrance sign at MSP West.

• Proposed asbestos abatement and demolition of 207 Hospital Drive
• Proposed $134,407 allocation for Grounds Maintenance Services
• Proposed funding for a Gateway Entrance Sign at MSP West
• Guidance on Façade Grant program adjustments for the Downtown Overlay District
• Direction on allocating $754,397 in remaining fund balance to special projects

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

The Special Magistrate will conduct code compliance and police citation hearings. The primary scheduled item is a quasi-judicial hearing regarding a request for a trespass appeal.

• Case # 2026-00022395: Trespass appeal requested by Michael Kuney

The Special Magistrate found that a petitioner violated city code by undressing in a public park. The magistrate ruled that the city followed proper legal procedures in issuing a one-year trespass warning.

• Upheld trespass warning for Michael Kuney (Case # 2026-00022395)
• Found violation of Section 7.05.04(3) regarding dressing/undressing in a park
• Approved agenda as presented
• Approved minutes from September 16, 2026 meeting

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will discuss reducing water and wastewater impact fees by 25% for city properties and 50% for voluntary annexations. The body is also considering a natural gas franchise agreement and updates to wrecker operations and home-based business laws.

• Ordinance 2229 to reduce water and wastewater impact fees by 25% to 50%
• Contract for Indian Mound Parking Renovation awarded to Site and Utility, LLC
• Interlocal Agreement with Okaloosa County for Marine Patrol & Rescue Services for $20,000
• Interlocal Agreement for Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative for $109,517
• Ordinance 2227 to allow carts or stands for cottage food law home-businesses

The City Council approved a reduction in water and wastewater impact fees for city residents and those seeking annexation. The council also updated wrecker operation ordinances and approved several interlocal agreements and grant applications.

• Adopted Ordinance 2229 reducing water/wastewater impact fees by 25% for city properties and 50% for voluntary annexations (Unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2222 amending Wrecker Operations and Services (5-1)
• Approved contract with Site and Utility, LLC for Indian Mound Parking Renovation (Unanimous)
• Authorized $20,000 Interlocal Agreement with Okaloosa County for Inland Waterway Marine Patrol & Rescue Services (Unanimous)
• Authorized $109,517 Interlocal Agreement with Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative for FY 2026-27 (Unanimous)
• Approved amendment to the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Local Housing Assistance Plan for FY 2025-2028 (Unanimous)
• Appointed Council Member Browning to the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (Unanimous)
• Appointed Council Member Riley as member and Council Member Browning as alternate to the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance Estuary Program Steering Committee (Unanimous)

City Council - Workshop

The Fort Walton Beach City Council holds a workshop on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW. The single discussion item is city-owned property: Council requested a special meeting to identify potential properties to consider for surplus and later sale. Staff asks for Council direction on disposing of various properties, with the stated aim of offsetting the debt schedule. No financial figures were provided; a Property List is attached to the agenda packet.

• Discussion of City-Owned Property (item 2.1), requested by Council to identify properties for surplus and possible sale
• Staff recommendation: Council direction for the disposition of various properties
• Stated purpose: surplus properties to offset the debt schedule
• Financial information listed as 'None at this time'
• Attachment: Property List (contents not included in the agenda text)

The City Council held a workshop to identify city-owned properties for further research regarding potential sale or surplus. No formal votes were taken; instead, the Council directed staff to conduct title research and tenant outreach for a formal vote in November 2026.

• Directed staff to research City Hall for potential sale with a two-year lease-back
• Retained Gulfview building on the research list for potential surplus
• Removed Lake Drive Park from the surplus list due to deed restrictions
• Removed 121 Brooks Street SE from the surplus list
• Directed staff to contact tenants at 22 McGriff Street NE and 55 Ferry Road NE regarding purchase interest
• Retained 206 Florida Place SE on the research list despite pending paving contract
• Retained Elder Services Building on the list for surplus consideration
• Directed staff to update the city-owned property list and remove outdated entries

City Council - Special Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council holds a special meeting on Council Member Gloria DeBerry's request to change her vote on the 2026-27 millage rate, which was adopted 5-2 on September 29, 2026 at 4.5600 mills. The City Attorney advises that if her vote changes, the 4.5600 rate loses its required super-majority and a different rate would have to be adopted, but that Florida law may not authorize amending an already adopted and submitted rate. Staff asks the Council to decide whether to grant or deny the request.

• Request by Council Member Gloria DeBerry to change her vote on the 2026-27 millage rate of 4.5600 mills, adopted 5-2 on September 29, 2026
• City Attorney: changing the vote would invalidate the 4.5600 rate because it would no longer have a super-majority
• Millage of 4.5600 exceeds the rollback rate of 4.2546, requiring a super-majority under section 200.065, Florida Statutes
• City Attorney cites Attorney General Opinion 86-100 and RONR 12th Edition sections 45:8 and 45:9 on changing votes
• Staff notes possible consequences including noncompliance, withholding or forfeiture of state revenue sharing funds

The City Council failed to approve the meeting agenda and subsequently voted to adjourn. No action was taken regarding a request to change a previous vote on the millage rate.

• Approval of agenda denied (2-3)
• Motion to move to adjournment adopted (5-1)

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council holds a special meeting on October 6, 2026 to consider Council Member Gloria DeBerry's request to change her vote on the 2026-27 millage rate of 4.5600 mills, which was adopted 5-2 on September 29, 2026. The City Attorney advises that if her vote changes, the 4.5600 rate would no longer have the super-majority support required under Florida law, and a different rate would have to be adopted. The attorney also raises a legal question about whether state law allows amending a millage rate after it was adopted and submitted to the Okaloosa County Property Appraiser and the Florida Department of Revenue. Staff asks the Council to decide whether to grant or deny the request.

• Request by Council Member Gloria DeBerry to change her vote on the 2026-27 millage rate of 4.5600 mills, adopted 5-2 on September 29, 2026
• City Attorney memo: a changed vote would remove the super-majority needed for 4.5600 mills, requiring a different rate
• Legal question raised on whether Florida law permits amending a millage rate after final adoption and submission
• Okaloosa County Property Appraiser indicated it will certify the tax roll on October 2, 2026; Florida Department of Revenue is not taking a position
• Possible consequences cited: noncompliance notice, withholding or escrow, and forfeiture of state revenue sharing funds

The City Council failed to approve the meeting agenda and subsequently voted to move directly to adjournment. No action was taken on a request to change a previous vote regarding the millage rate.

• Approval of agenda failed (2-3)
• Motion to move to adjournment adopted (5-1)

City Council - Special Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council is holding a special meeting to adopt the final FY 2026-27 budget and property tax rate. Resolution 2026-25 adopts a $65,428,491 budget for all funds for the year beginning October 1, 2026, and Resolution 2026-24 sets the millage rate at 4.5600 mills. The agenda also includes carryover amounts: $7,739,139 in grant and capital project carryovers and $12,125,838.73 in encumbrance carryovers. The meeting is scheduled for September 29, 2026, at 5:01 PM in Council Chambers.

• Resolution 2026-25: adopt FY 2026-27 final budget of $65,428,491
• Resolution 2026-24: adopt FY 2026-27 millage rate of 4.5600 mills
• Grant and CIP project carryovers total $7,739,139
• Encumbrance (open purchase order) carryovers total $12,125,838.73
• Public hearings on the budget were held September 9 and September 23, 2026

The City Council approved a $65,428,491 budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The Council also set the final millage rate at 4.5600 mills, which is 7.18% above the rollback rate.

• Approved FY 2026-27 final millage rate of 4.5600 mills (5-2)
• Denied substitute motion to set millage rate at 4.0600 mills (3-4)
• Approved FY 2026-27 budget of $65,428,491 (4-3)
• Approved meeting agenda (Unanimous)

Public Meeting - Misc Event

City Council - Special Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider three resolutions at this special meeting: amending the FY 2026-27 Comprehensive Fee Schedule, adopting a tentative millage (property tax) rate of 4.6801 mills, and adopting the tentative budget for FY 2026-27. These are preliminary steps in the annual budget process, with final adoption expected later.

• Resolution 2026-16: Amends FY 2026-27 Comprehensive Fee Schedule, effective Oct 1, 2026, with changes to police, fire, recreation, golf, growth management, and public works fees.
• Resolution 2026-22: Sets tentative millage rate at 4.6801 mills for FY 2026-27.
• Resolution 2026-23: Adopts tentative FY 2026-27 budget.
• Fee changes include: City Clerk special service charge from $40 to $45; demolition of structure from $25 to $50; illegal burn from $100/hour to $366/hour; flammable liquid tank fees (up to 4,000 gal) from $125 to $175, (4,000+ gal) from $150 to $250.

The City Council adopted a tentative millage rate of 4.5600 mills and a tentative budget of $65,428,491 for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The millage rate is 7.18% above the rollback rate. Both measures are subject to a final public hearing on September 29, 2026.

• Approved agenda (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-16 amending the FY 2026-27 Comprehensive Fee Schedule (Unanimous)
• Adopted tentative millage rate of 4.5600 mills (5-1)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-23 for a tentative FY 2026-27 budget of $65,428,491 (4-2)

Public Meeting - Misc Event

Local Planning Agency - Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider adopting a tentative millage rate of 4.6801 mills and the tentative FY 2026-27 budget, along with an updated comprehensive fee schedule. These are preliminary approvals; final adoption will occur later. The meeting is a special session focused on budget-related resolutions.

• Resolution 2026-16: Amends the FY 2026-27 Comprehensive Fee Schedule, effective Oct 1, 2026, with changes across multiple departments (e.g., police, fire, recreation, golf, growth management, public works).
• Resolution 2026-22: Sets tentative property tax (millage) rate at 4.6801 mills for FY 2026-27.
• Resolution 2026-23: Adopts the tentative FY 2026-27 budget, including expenditures, capital improvements, and indebtedness.
• Fee changes include: special service charge for open charges search from $40 to $45; demolition permit from $25 to $50; illegal burn from $100/hr to $366/hr; pre-inspection from $20 to $100; flammable liquid tank fees up to 4,000 gallons from $125 to $175, and 4,000+ gallons from $150 to $250.

The City Council adopted a tentative millage rate of 4.5600 mills and a tentative budget of $65,428,491 for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The millage rate is 7.18% above the rollback rate. Both measures are subject to a final public hearing on September 29, 2026.

• Approved Resolution 2026-16 amending the FY 2026-27 Comprehensive Fee Schedule (Unanimous)
• Set tentative FY 2026-27 millage rate at 4.5600 mills (5-1)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-23 for a tentative FY 2026-27 budget of $65,428,491 (4-2)
• Denied motion to set millage rate at 4.6801 mills (4-2, failed super majority)
• Denied motion to set millage rate at rollback rate of 4.2546 mills (2-4)
• Denied motion to set millage rate at 4.6800 mills (4-2, failed super majority)
• Denied motion to set millage rate at 4.4215 mills (3-3, failed super majority)
• Denied motion to set millage rate at 4.5999 mills (4-2, failed super majority)

Special Magistrate - Regular Meeting

The Special Magistrate will conduct quasi-judicial hearings on two code enforcement cases and ten RedSpeed police citations, with staff recommending orders and fines. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the August 19, 2026 meeting. Most items are routine enforcement actions.

• Code case CE-25-1213-SA: staff recommends Order II
• Code case CE-26-558-UNO: staff recommends Order I
• RedSpeed citations for 10 individuals, including Emily Jeanne Barber (2 citations) and Dexter George McKnight (2 citations)
• All RedSpeed citations: staff recommends upholding and imposing fines

The Special Magistrate heard six contested school zone speeding citations and upheld all of them, issuing $100 fines plus administrative fees ranging from $30 to $75. One citation was dismissed after the officer withheld evidence. Five other cases were withdrawn or resolved before the meeting, and the agenda and prior minutes were approved.

• Upheld $100 citation + $75 fee for Tysan Evans (school zone speeding)
• Upheld $100 citation + $75 fee for Jamie Heitger (no respondent present)
• Upheld $100 citation + $75 fee for Rebecca Holovack (no respondent present)
• Upheld $100 citation + $30 fee for Britney Lewis (school zone speeding)
• Upheld $100 citation + $50 fee for Dexter McKnight (school zone speeding)
• Dismissed second citation for Dexter McKnight (officer withheld evidence)
• Upheld $100 citation + $50 fee for Lisa Peck (school zone speeding)
• Approved agenda as amended and August 19, 2026 minutes

City Council - Regular Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider several significant items, including a resolution supporting a county half-cent sales tax for capital projects, a moratorium on data center applications, and an ordinance authorizing a $3.87 million loan from the cemetery fund to buy out a reverter clause on City Hall property. The council will also hold first readings on ordinances to reduce water/wastewater impact fees and update wrecker operations, and will discuss license plate readers and photo speed enforcement.

• Resolution 2026-20 supporting Okaloosa County half-cent surtax for capital improvements
• Resolution 2026-21 declaring moratorium on data center applications
• Ordinance 2228 authorizing $3,870,000 loan from Beal Memorial Cemetery fund to General Fund
• Ordinance 2229 reducing water/wastewater impact fees 25% inside city, 50% for voluntary annexations
• Consent item: $209,312.50 contract to Donald Smith Company for Well No. 5 abandonment

The Council authorized a one-time $3.87 million loan from the Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund to purchase the City Hall reverter interest from the Jackson Land Trust. Additionally, the Council enacted a moratorium on data center applications and approved several infrastructure and public safety measures.

• Approved $3.87M interfund loan from Cemetery Fund to General Fund (5-1)
• Approved $3.87M purchase agreement with Jackson Land Trust to resolve lawsuit (5-1)
• Adopted moratorium on data center applications (Unanimous)
• Approved 25-50% reduction in water/wastewater impact fees on first reading (4-1)
• Approved $209,312.50 contract for Potable Well No. 5 demolition (Unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2222 amending wrecker operations with 0% admin fee (4-1)
• Approved major development order for 8-unit townhomes at 102 Fourth Street SE (Unanimous)
• Accepted $4,258.27 grant for bulletproof vests (Unanimous)

City Council - Special Meeting

This is a special meeting of the Fort Walton Beach City Council. The main item is a vote on the Police Officers' Collective Bargaining Agreement. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• Vote on Police Officers' Collective Bargaining Agreement

The City Council held a special meeting to address the Police Officers' Collective Bargaining Agreement. Following a private attorney-client session, the Council voted to approve the agreement.

• Approved Police Officers' Collective Bargaining Agreement (Unanimous)

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners will vote on adopting the FY 2026-27 budget totaling $3,463,311, a $322,325 increase from the prior year. The budget is presented as balanced with sufficient revenues to cover all expenditures and capital improvements.

• FY 2026-27 CRA budget totals $3,463,311, up $322,325 from FY 2025-26
• General wages increase by $67,219 to $358,168
• Professional services decrease by $601,120 to $31,800
• Holiday decorations rental and installation budget rises by $156,227 to $216,227
• Nuisance abatement/demolition projects budget remains at $250,000

The Community Redevelopment Agency adopted CRA Resolution 2026-1, approving its Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, on a 5-1 vote with Payne Walker dissenting. The budget was built on a 4.608 millage estimate and projects roughly $911,000 returned to the CRA fund balance, which sits at about $3 million. Discussion covered the difference between the proposed rate (about $218,573 to the CRA) and the rollback rate (about $49,168), and staff said the budget would be adjusted if the Council adopted a lower millage. The only other vote was approval of the agenda.

• Adopted CRA Resolution 2026-1, the FY 2026-27 CRA budget (5-1; Walker opposed)
• Approved the agenda as presented (unanimous)

City Council - Special Meeting

The City Council will hold a special meeting to consider first reading of an ordinance authorizing a $3.87 million interfund loan from the Beal Memorial Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund to the General Fund, to pay for extinguishing a reverter clause on the City Hall property. The council will also adopt a tentative millage rate of 4.6801 mills and the tentative FY 2026-27 budget.

• Ordinance 2228: $3,870,000 loan from Beal Memorial Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund to General Fund at 3.53% interest, 20-year term, no prepayment penalty
• Resolution 2026-17: Adopt tentative FY 2026-27 millage rate of 4.6801 mills
• Resolution 2026-18: Adopt tentative FY 2026-27 budget
• Loan funds purchase, release, and extinguishment of reverter clause on City Hall property at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW

The Council adopted a tentative $65.39 million budget and a millage rate of 4.6801 mills. It also passed the first reading of an ordinance to authorize a $3.87 million loan from the cemetery fund to purchase a property reverter clause.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 2228 to authorize $3.87M loan from cemetery fund (5-1)
• Adopted tentative FY 2026-27 millage rate of 4.6801 mills (4-3)
• Adopted tentative FY 2026-27 budget of $65,396,485 (4-3)
• Approved meeting agenda (Unanimous)

City Council - Special Meeting

The Fort Walton Beach City Council is holding a special meeting to receive a presentation on the proposed FY 2026-27 comprehensive budget totaling $65,091,224, which is 0.24% less than the prior year's adopted budget. The council will also discuss several major proposals, including restructuring the library, privatizing the golf course, consolidating the police department, outsourcing sports providers, and other property-specific items. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• Proposed FY 2026-27 budget of $65,091,224, down 0.24% from FY 2025-26
• Discussion on restructuring the library (Council Member Jeter)
• Discussion on privatizing the golf course (Council Member Walker)
• Discussion on consolidating the police department (Council Member Walker)
• Discussion on outsourcing sports providers (City Manager Davis)

The City Council voted 5-2 to remove and indefinitely postpone agenda items on restructuring the Library, privatizing the Golf Course, and consolidating the Police Department. The Council also approved directing staff to obtain a quote for digitizing the Library's microfilm collection using the Harvey Trust Fund, and to bring back a vendor recommendation for an out-of-county boat launch fee system using license plate readers. A motion to explore building a new Library near the Tennis Center failed 3-4.

• Removed library restructuring, golf privatization, and police consolidation from agenda (5-2)
• Approved directing staff to get quote for digitizing library microfilm (unanimous)
• Failed motion to explore new library construction near Tennis Center (3-4)
• Approved directing staff to recommend vendor for out-of-county boat launch fee system (unanimous)
• Approved removing sports provider line item from budget, accepting PSO outsourcing (unanimous)

Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

The Community Redevelopment Agency will review project updates and consider new actions, including approving a demolition project for the former Elder Services property with a budget limit of $99,999 and up to $50,000 for asbestos removal. Staff will also provide updates on completed and ongoing projects, such as downtown pressure washing, nuisance/blight mitigation, park lighting, and CPTED upgrades. The board will discuss a possible change order for dumpster enclosures and review designs for the Vandergriff Park Gateway Entrance sign.

• Demolition of former Elder Services property: $99,999 budget, plus $50,000 for asbestos survey/removal
• Dumpster enclosures: consider additional change order costs and adding to Stage Four of The Landing Park project
• Vandergriff Park Gateway Entrance: board to review and provide direction on proposed designs
• Updates on Vandegriff Park lighting, Chester Pruitt Park CPTED upgrades, and Carson Drive CPTED project
• Approval of June 23, 2026 meeting minutes

The Fort Walton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency approved a $99,999 contract with FastSigns for the Vandegriff Park gateway entrance sign and approved change orders for downtown dumpster enclosures. The Board also tabled a demolition project for the former Elder Services property and directed staff to support a new water ferry service connecting the Landing to Okaloosa Island.

• Approved the agenda as presented (6-0)
• Approved the June 23, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved change order expenses for three city-owned property dumpster enclosures, moving total project cost from $110,256 to $130,681.85 (6-0)
• Tabled the CRA Nuisance Abatement Project for the demolition of the former Elder Services property to the October 27, 2026 meeting
• Approved the FastSigns crane design for the Vandegriff Park Gateway Entrance sign at a cost of $99,999 (5-0, with Board Member Logan Browning abstaining)
• Directed staff to work within the CRA district to provide docking at the Landing to support a water ferry service to Okaloosa Island, including potential monetary assistance and permit fee waivers (6-0)

City Council - Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider using $3.87 million from Cemetery Perpetual Care funds to buy out a reverter clause from the Liza Jackson trust, settling litigation and owning the City Hall site outright. The council will also vote on a $95,976 annual janitorial contract, several ordinances including a rezoning, and discuss funding and other items.

• Use of $3,870,000 from Cemetery Perpetual Care funds to purchase reverter clause and settle litigation (13.1)
• Award of $95,976/year janitorial contract to Momshe's Cleaners, LLC (6.1)
• Rezone 102 Fourth Street SE from CF to MX-1 (11.3)
• Ordinance to allow ADA parking spaces in parking tabulation (11.1)
• Discussion of 'A Penny to Save Our County Homes' legislative initiative (13.3)

The City Council approved using Cemetery Perpetual Care funds to purchase the reverter clause on the City Hall property from the Liza Jackson Land Trust, authorizing the City Manager and Attorney to finalize a settlement. The Council also adopted several ordinances, including rezoning 102 Fourth Street SE for workforce housing, and postponed a cottage food ordinance. A motion to reopen the CDBG application process failed.

• Approved use of Cemetery Perpetual Care funds to buy reverter clause and execute settlement (6-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 2225 rezoning 102 Fourth Street SE from CF to MX-1 (5-2)
• Adopted Ordinance 2224 on first reading amending alarm system fees (6-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 2221 allowing ADA parking spaces to count toward required parking (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2223 authorizing registration holds for unpaid parking citations (unanimous)
• Postponed Ordinance 2227 on cottage food carts to October 13, 2026 (4-3)
• Approved Resolution 2026-15 for FDOT utility work contribution up to $26,400 (unanimous)
• Failed motion to reopen CDBG application process (3-4)

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

The Special Magistrate authorized the City Attorney to proceed with foreclosure on a property at 72 Laurie Drive NE for a litter violation, with accrued fines of $89,600 and $650 in administrative fees. Several code compliance and police citation cases were withdrawn or dismissed before the hearing. The magistrate upheld four school zone speeding citations and dismissed four others, including one where the vehicle was stolen and one where the respondent was not the driver.

• Authorized foreclosure on 72 Laurie Drive NE for litter violation with $89,600 in fines and $650 fees
• Upheld $100 citation for Eric Edward Cacho (school zone speeding) with $75 fee
• Dismissed citation for David Ryan Christensen (vehicle stolen)
• Upheld $100 citation for Andrea Leigh Gibson with $75 fee
• Upheld $100 citation for Rebecca Lee Holovack with $75 fee
• Upheld $100 citation for Delores Kathy James with $25 fee
• Upheld $100 citation for Paul Philippou with $25 fee
• Dismissed citations for Christopher Shimeld (one upheld, one dismissed) and Curtis Woodson

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

The City Council adopted several ordinances on first reading, including allowing cottage food businesses to display carts or stands outside residences (5-1), and postponed the wrecker operations ordinance to September 15 after hearing from local operators. The council also approved a $149,347 contract amendment for downtown holiday lighting, awarded bids for well pipe replacement and asphalt paving, and authorized over $968,000 in vehicle purchases.

• Adopted Ordinance 2227 allowing cottage food carts/stands (5-1)
• Postponed wrecker operations ordinance to 9/15/2026 (unanimous)
• Approved $149,347 downtown holiday lighting contract amendment (unanimous)
• Awarded ITB 26-008 Well 3 pipe replacement (unanimous)
• Awarded ITB 26-010 asphalt paving annual bid (unanimous)
• Authorized $968,674 in vehicle purchases (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2221 counting ADA spaces toward parking requirements (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2225 rezoning 102 Fourth Street SE to MX-1 (unanimous)

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

The Local Planning Agency recommended City Council approval of Ordinance 2225 to rezone 102 Fourth Street SE from CF to MX-1 for workforce housing townhomes, and Ordinance 2221 to allow ADA parking spaces to count toward required parking. It also recommended approval of Ordinance 2227 on cottage food stands with a 4-2 vote, despite concerns about traffic and public input. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no public comments.

• Recommended approval of Ordinance 2225 to rezone 102 Fourth Street SE from CF to MX-1 (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance 2221 to allow ADA parking spaces in required parking count (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance 2227 to allow cottage food carts/stands with conditions (4-2)
• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 4, 2026 meeting (unanimous)

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)

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)

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)

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)