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FWB council to vote on $7.1M recreation expansion, ICE grant acceptance, election changes

Fort Walton Beach City Council meets tonight to consider a $7.1 million recreation complex expansion, acceptance of a $152,500 federal grant for the 287(g) immigration program, and a proposal to move city elections to November.

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will meet tonight, Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW.

Here’s what’s on tap for tonight’s City Council meeting:

Big Ticket Items

  • Recreation Complex Expansion – Council will vote on awarding a $7.1 million contract to Gum Creek Farms, Inc. to expand the Preston Hood Athletic Complex.
  • ICE Grant Acceptance – A resolution to accept $152,500 in federal funding for the Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s participation in the 287(g) immigration program.
  • Moving City Elections – Discussion on a proposed referendum that would shift city elections to the November general election date.

Community Matters

  • PAWS Animal Control Contract – Approval of the annual contract with Panhandle Animal Welfare Society for animal control services.
  • Field Use Fees – Follow-up discussion on fee structures for athletic field usage.
  • Mayor Compensation – Council Member Logan Browning will lead a discussion on compensation for the Mayor’s position.

Quick Hits

  • Council to consider accepting $500,000 from Tourist Development Council for The Landing performance stage improvements.
  • Purchase of a new 23-foot patrol boat for the Police Department up for approval.
  • Resolution to support Police Chief Robert Bage’s candidacy for international police leadership board.
  • Council will vote on accepting a $20,000 grant for distracted driving prevention efforts.

Special Presentations The FWB Bucs will be presenting the Battle of the Bridge trophy, and One Hopeful Place will give a community update.

Meetings are recorded and available at www.fwb.org

6 Responses

  1. Fort Walton Beach Police is saying our immigrants are “gangbangers” and “the worst of the worst.”
    Who in our community are seeking better lives for their children by doing the roofing, landscaping and room-cleaning?
    Keep ICE violence away from our community—reject the $152,500 payoff.
    PLEASE instead focus on drunk drivers, red light runners, and speeders.

  2. Agreed! Don’t Let ICE Take Over Fort Walton Beach!

    Tonight, City Council is voting on whether to accept a $152,500 federal grant that would turn our local police into immigration agents under the 287(g) program.

    This small payout would come at a huge cost: racial profiling, community fear, and weakened public safety. It’s a federal invasion into local policing — and it doesn’t belong in Fort Walton Beach.

    Tell City Council: Reject 287(g). Protect our community — not ICE’s agenda.

  3. Do not fall for the ICE ploy! Don’t turn this community into a war zone! Our immigrants bring so much to the community, want to provide for their families, and live the American dream.

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Community Comments

“We know Samantha and her children personally. What a blessing this is for her family. I can attest to the fact that the Brown family is certainly deserving of these...”
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