Walton County Commissioners Johns and Glidewell say their goodbyes
After years of fireworks, petty squabbles, fuming soliloquies on Facebook from supporters and detractors, and meetings that ran longer than five hours, two Walton County commissioners said their goodbyes to the dais after losing their election bids in August.
RELATED: Commissioners clash on discretionary funds
Commissioners Donna Johns and Danny Glidewell lost their Republican primary elections in tense contests that made headlines all summer. Their defeats make way for Former Tourism Department Director and Destin City Councilman Jim Bagby to replace Johns and Political Newcomer Warren Whitaker to take Glidewell’s seat at the table starting the second meeting of November.
Bu they weren’t the only ones preparing to exit the stage. County CFO Melissa Thomason also announced her imminent departure at the meeting.
RELATED: Walton leaders deadlock on path forward for tourism department
In their outgoing messages at the Walton County Commission meeting in DeFuniak Springs, Johns and Glidewell expressed their appreciation for county staff, top officials and department heads they’d worked with over the last half-decade.
In a surprising turn of events, they were also gracious in their remarks to their fellow commissioners. They thanked them for their efforts, but didn’t sugarcoat their political, and sometimes personal, enmity. Mercifully, it was a tamer message than in months past.
Commissioner Tony Anderson fondly recalled his service with both commissioners. He highlighted the eight years he spent on the dais with Glidewell, saying, “We fought wars together, and we fought wars apart.”
Johns received a tribute of encouragement and reflection on her four years in service to the county by her daughter, Jennifer Johns, who served as a champion and supporter for her most recent campaign. Commissioner Brad Drake also thanked her for her time leading the county and commended her for her fairness and ability to change her mind on decisions. He reflected that her heart was focused on what was best for her constituents and the county.
Commissioner Glidewell remained composed in his parting statement as Walton County District 2 commissioner. He expressed his greatest appreciation for the county staff that helped him prepare for BCC meetings every other Monday. He specifically thanked his family for their support and reflected that during his 8 years of service, he lightheartedly encouraged them to “stay off of Facebook and keep their mouths shut.” He thanked his personal aide, and he referred to the County Attorney as “the smartest man in the room.” In closing, he said that he had given 50 years of his life to government service – starting when he was 14 years old at the “Road Department.” He reflected that the County Commission role was his “Last Hurrah.” He ended by amending a quote from General Douglas MacArthur after President Harry Truman fired him during the Korean War, saying “old politicians don’t die – they fade away.”
CFO Prepares to Leave Her Post
Preparations are underway in the county to fill the Chief Financial Officer role in Walton County. Melissa Thomason has served 14 years in the head financial role and gave notice that she has accepted a new position. Her tenure at the County will end in late December. With consistent praise for her excellence in the role, she will be missed. Brian Kellenberger, County Administrator, reviewed the process that will be used to review, interview, and select the best qualified applicant for Thomason’s replacement.
Warren Whitaker Jim Bagby. will be sworn in to office as county commissioners at a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the DeFuniak Springs Boardroom, 571 Nelson Rd. in DeFuniak Springs. The public is welcome.
