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Bobby Wagner sworn in as Destin’s new mayor, also new council-members

On Monday night, Bobby Wagner was sworn-in as Destin’s new Mayor , along with Jim Bagby, Torey Geile and Matthew Sweetser as elected city council-members.  Okaloosa Commissioner Mel Ponder (also former Destin Mayor) was on hand to facilitate the swearing in in front of a packed room.  Wagner then thanked the residents who came out to the […]

Image via City of Destin Facebook

On Monday night, Bobby Wagner was sworn-in as Destin’s new Mayor , along with Jim Bagby, Torey Geile and Matthew Sweetser as elected city council-members. 

  • Okaloosa Commissioner Mel Ponder (also former Destin Mayor) was on hand to facilitate the swearing in in front of a packed room. 
  • Wagner then thanked the residents who came out to the meeting, followed by a short speech. 

“A few months ago, I took a leap of faith in a position that I felt very called to do,” said Wagner. “I felt very strongly to run for this position because I, for many years, have called Destin my home and I care deeply about not only where we’ve been, but where we’re at and where we’re going.”

Wagner then told the crowd that he promises them 3 things: 

  • To always listen.
  • To always keep learning.
  • To continue to love the Destin community.

“I want to make sure that you all are heard and understood,” added Wagner. “So even though I look 12-years-old, I appreciate everyone’s support on this road. I could not have done this without the support of my friends, family, and everyone involved, my neighbors, and the community groups.”

Jim Bagby being sworn in by Commissioner Mel Ponder for the Destin City Council. (City of Destin)
Matthew Sweetser being sworn in by Commissioner Mel Ponder for the Destin City Council. (City of Destin)
Torey Geile being sworn in by Commissioner Mel Ponder for the Destin City Council. (City of Destin)

The city also thanked former Mayor Gary Jarvis and former council-member Rodney Braden for their years of service.

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Community Comments

“This article is wrong. There was no privatization of the beaches. Much of the 30A shoreline to the MHWL has been private for decades.”
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“In my town the school day started and ended later. Crime rates went way down! Parents were home when their scholars were home. And scholars aren’t about getting up early!”
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“I wonder just how long the new fencing will last,how long before someone plows into it. I've lived here. For 50 yrs, and can remember the beaches before all the...”
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“The cement wall is ridiculous, just like the wall that use to line the bay side, it will dissappear too, traffic didn't destroy the bay side hurricanes did, to be...”
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“Yea Don Gaetz of all people, he should go!”
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“Why the H... does anyone vote for any politician who is in favor of having the horrible disgusting private beaches? Every resident, every visitor, every tax payer MUST have a...”
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“The air force doesn't own or need the land! It isn't theirs. It was mostly Choctawhatchee National Forest. The air force tried to sell that land in the 2000's but...”
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“Those signs that you recommend have been there for years, just people annoyed them to the point that Eglin has now had to step the game up”
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“Now that Ms. Ketchel has torn down more dunes, plus paved over what was beautiful sand, golf carts can drive from one end to the other. No way to cross...”
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