Lawsuit seeks to block Fort Walton Beach Charter Amendments, claims ballot language misleads voters
A legal challenge now threatens to derail Fort Walton Beach’s sweeping charter overhaul, with critics warning voters could be asked to approve major power shifts and spending changes without fully knowing what’s at stake.
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 Beach’s City Council 🏙️ — 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. Here’s what it all means for residents 👇
Fort Walton Beach school-zone cameras slash speeding by 95% in first year
Fort Walton Beach’s 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 6–1 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 — 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 TrackMan golf upgrade to driving range, backed by user fees
The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 5-1 to lease high-tech TrackMan golf equipment for the city’s driving range, a move officials say will modernize the facility, attract new users, and generate additional revenue — all without taxpayer burden.
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.
