Politics

New terms start as Okaloosa officials take oaths of office across the county

Multiple governing bodies in Okaloosa County held swearing-in ceremonies Monday and Tuesday as newly elected and returning officials took their oaths of office in various locations.

Jared Williams

Multiple governing bodies across Okaloosa County welcomed new and returning officials during swearing-in ceremonies held Nov. 18 and 19.

The Destin City Council installed four members Monday. Commissioner Mel Ponder administered oaths to incumbents Dewey Destin and Teresa Hebert, along with former council member Rodney Braden.

Okaloosa County Judge Angela Mason, Destin’s first judge, swore in family member Sandy Trammell, who previously served on the council. Councilman-elect Kevin Schmidt was absent from the ceremony.

In Crestview, Commissioner Paul Mixon administered the oaths of office to Brandon Frost and former council member Shannon Hayes during an evening ceremony at City Hall Monday. Mixon also swore in incumbent Mayor JB Whitten.

The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners held their swearing-in ceremony Tuesday at 8:15 a.m., prior to their regular 8:30 a.m. board meeting in the Board chamber in Shalimar. Former Commissioner Graham Fountain administered the oath to District 5 Commissioner Drew Palmer, while District 3 Commissioner Sherri Cox also took her oath of office.

Chairman Paul Mixon is returning for another term to serve as Commissioner for District 1.

The Okaloosa County School Board conducted a ceremony Tuesday where School Board Attorney Jeff McInnis swore in re-elected Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers and Board Member Tim Bryant, along with newly elected school board member Parker Destin, who previously served on the Destin City Council.

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