Fort Walton Beach City Manager Jeff Peters submitted his resignation Monday to pursue his passion for recreation as Okaloosa County’s new Facility and Parks Director, describing the career move as an opportunity to expand his impact across the region.

• “My passion has always been recreation,” Peters said. “This opportunity with Okaloosa County is something that is right up my alley and something that I feel is an important move for me and my family.”

Peters, who began his career with Fort Walton Beach in 2006 as a 32-year-old recreation director, awaits approval from the Board of County Commissioners at their January 7th meeting. If approved, he hopes to begin his new role in early February.

During his tenure as recreation director from 2006 to 2022, Peters spearheaded numerous projects including Sound Park, City Hall Athletic Complex, Ferry Park amenities, and the construction of 24 pickleball courts. His vision transformed four older recreation facilities into the Preston Hood Sports Complex, which he says has “ignited the Emerald Coast with Sports Tourism.”

• “When I first got here, we built Sound Park right across the street from City Hall,” Peters said. “I drew the Preston Hood Athletic Complex on a napkin with a walking wheel in the heavily overgrown areas back there. Watching that getting finished along with all of the amenities of Ferry Park that we’ve done has been awesome.”

Peters stepped into the city manager role in late 2022, first as interim, driven by his commitment to serving the city at a time when the city needed a manager. 

In his letter to the mayor and council, Peters requested to remain involved with The Landing Park renovations, the new Indian Temple Mound Museum, and Liza Jackson Park projects, which are partially funded with county dollars. He plans to work through January 24th if the schedule works out.

Vice-Chair Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel expressed support for the appointment of the man she has known for 35 years.

• “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him to enhance the County Parks and Recreation Department,” Ketchel said. “As most residents know, I have put a huge emphasis on our Parks and Recreation during my tenure as a county commissioner. I’m excited to work with Mr. Peters in this capacity as we continue to enhance the beauty of the parks in our county.”

Looking ahead to his county role, Peters expressed enthusiasm about the growth opportunities. “I think the thing that most excites me about the new position is just the growth in recreation that the county is wanting to do.”

Peters emphasized that while he’s leaving the city after nearly two decades, he remains committed to the community. “Although I am moving on from the City of Fort Walton Beach as an employee after twenty years, I am still a resident and I will work hard to continue to create great recreational opportunities for our community.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Peters credited his approach to relationship-building. “My dad always said, ‘build relationships, and then you’ll be successful’. The relationships that I’ve built over the 19 years with the city is something that I’ll never forget and hopefully continue to use in the future.”