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 โ 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 โ but he says the allegations are โ100% false.โ
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.
Fort Walton Beach moves to protect Chester Pruitt Park with Florida Historic Designation

Fort Walton Beach moves to protect Chester Pruitt Park with Florida Historic Designation Staff Reports August 13, 2025 2:48 pm Uncategorized In Brief: ๐๏ธ City Council votes 7-0 to seek historic designation for Chester Pruitt Park. ๐ฎ Honors Chester Pruitt, the cityโs first Black police officer, and his groundbreaking service. ๐ Parkโs designation would protect […]
Fort Walton Beach Councilman warns charter review may overturn voter-backed amendments

Fort Walton Beach Councilman Payne Walker is challenging efforts by the Charter Review Committee to reverse voter-backed amendments, calling the move a threat to democratic accountability.
Fort Walton Beach council rejects removal of charter chair over alleged confrontation

A heated clash, physical accusations, and a narrow voteโsee why Fort Walton Beachโs council is divided over this explosive incident.
Fort Walton Beach Council sets hearing after assault claim against Charter Chair

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will hold a hearing on July 8 to decide whether to remove Charter Review Committee Chair Mike Minich after allegations from former Councilman Travis Smith that Minich shoved him following a recent meeting.
Fort Walton Beach sets property tax rate at 4.3282 Mills for 2025-26 Budget

Even though the Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 4-3 to keep the millage rate the same, residents should still expect to pay more in property taxes next year due to rising property values.