Fort Walton Beach voters to decide on charter amendments in March 2025

Fort Walton Beach City Council has approved six charter-related ordinances that will go before voters in a March 10, 2026, referendum, asking residents to decide on changes to city elections, governance rules, elected official compensation, administrative language, and budget limits.
Fort Walton Beach recommends elevated flyover option for “Around the Mound” project

With billions in traffic, military access, and downtown development on the line, Fort Walton Beach leaders say this may be their one shot to get the U.S. 98 reroute right.
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 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 Charter Review Commission finalizes report, sends suggestions to City Council

The Fort Walton Beach Charter Review Committee has finalized and forwarded sweeping charter amendments to City Council for consideration at its Sept. 30 meeting.
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 Councilmember accused of coercing jailed man into property sale; Jeter denies allegations

A Fort Walton Beach councilmember is at the center of a storm after being accused of pressuring a jailed man into signing away his home β but he says the allegations are β100% false.β
Fort Walton Beach OKs $415K no-bid contract for new downtown parking lot

With downtown parking spots disappearing fast, Fort Walton Beach is skipping the bidding process to get a new lot built in record time.