Fort Walton Beach City Council approves rec center expansion, ballot amendment wording and representation changes

Busy night for Fort Walton Beachβs City Council ποΈ β leaders approved a $7.5 million recreation complex expansion, agreed to study a new form of city government, and advanced charter amendments toward the 2026 ballot. Hereβs what it all means for residents π
Fort Walton Beach Council delays $7M rec complex, approves new PAWS contract, advances charter changes

Fort Walton Beach officials approved a new PAWS contract, postponed a recreation complex expansion, and advanced two charter amendments on election timing and mayoral pay.
Fort Walton Beach accepts $152k ICE grant under 287(g) program

Fort Walton Beach will take $152,500 in federal ICE funds to support its 287(g) immigration partnership β but not everyone agrees itβs a good idea. Officials say it wonβt change local policing, while residents voiced strong opinions on both sides.
Fort Walton Beach City Council puts charter reforms back to voters, rekindling debate over ‘will of the people’

Fort Walton Beach voters could soon decide again whether city officials should be paid and how much City Hall can spend each year. The council says itβs about fixing flaws β critics say itβs about ignoring the will of voters.
Fort Walton Beach delays youth baseball, softball merger with Shalimar Little League

A plan to merge Fort Walton Beachβs youth baseball league into Shalimarβs Little League struck out β at least for now.
Fort Walton Beach school-zone cameras slash speeding by 95% in first year

Fort Walton Beachβs school-zone speed cameras cut speeding by 95% in their first year, collecting $183,675 in fines. Most violators received only one ticket, and city leaders say the revenue is being reinvested into safety improvements.
Fort Walton Beach seeks Attorney General opinion on voter-approved budget cap

Fort Walton Beach is asking the Florida Attorney General to review whether its new charter amendment capping annual budget growth conflicts with state law, after the council approved the request in a 6β1 vote.
Fort Walton Beach considers voter referendum to move city elections to November

Fort Walton Beach leaders want residents to decide when local elections are held β would you support moving them to November alongside statewide races?
Fort Walton Beach eyes voluntary state “DOGE” audit amid $8M budget gap

Fort Walton Beach is requesting a voluntary state DOGE audit while navigating an $8 million budget shortfall and working within new voter-imposed spending caps ahead of finalizing its 2025-26 budget.
Fort Walton Beach approves interlocal agreement with Okaloosa County for ‘Around the Mound’

A major plan to divert U.S. 98 traffic around downtown Fort Walton Beach just got a funding boost, and leaders say it could clear the cones from your commute in less than a decade.