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 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 — but not everyone agrees it’s a good idea. Officials say it won’t change local policing, while residents voiced strong opinions on both sides.
Fort Walton Beach delays youth baseball, softball merger with Shalimar Little League
A plan to merge Fort Walton Beach’s youth baseball league into Shalimar’s Little League struck out — at least for now.
Fort Walton Beach Council backs tentative tax hike and $65.2 million budget for upcoming fiscal year
The Fort Walton Beach City Council advanced a $65.2 million budget and tentative millage rate after a tense debate over taxes and spending priorities.
House-passed defense bill sends $300M for Eglin, Hurlburt projects and includes Patronis Amendment
The U.S. House passed its $892.6 billion defense policy bill, authorizing major construction projects at Eglin and Hurlburt, while Rep. Jimmy Patronis claimed a win with his amendment on military vehicles.
Fort Walton Beach Council approves water and sewer rate hikes to prevent utility deficits
The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 4–2 to raise water and wastewater rates over five years to prevent deficits and fund infrastructure upgrades, despite pushback from residents and two councilmembers.
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.
