J.D. Peacock attended his first Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners meeting as a private citizen Tuesday, where commissioners honored his years of service and contributions to the county.
- During the recognition ceremony, Chairman Paul Mixon highlighted Peacock’s accomplishments, including his four years in the U.S. Army and 25-year career with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office before becoming clerk of courts in 2014.
“It’s been an honor to serve with you, both in your career in the sheriff’s office, and in your career here with the county as a clerk,” Mixon said during the presentation.
Peacock’s tenure included serving as chairman of the Clerk of Courts Operations Corporation from 2019 to 2022. He was named Clerk of the Year in 2020 by the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Association and received the Northwest Florida State College Foundation Chairman’s Award in 2021.
- “We are the jewel of the emerald coast of the panhandle when you look at how governments work to the left of us and to the right of us,” Peacock said during his remarks, crediting his success to his team at the clerk’s office. “The team that I’ve had is who has made the clerk’s office and will continue on serving our community.”
Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel noted her collaboration with Peacock through community service, including their work with the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution on cemetery restoration projects.
Brad Embry, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, assumed the role of Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller on January 1, 2025. During his first report to commissioners Tuesday, Embry paid tribute to Peacock’s signature phrase, telling the board, “In the words of my predecessor, ‘I’m just happy to be here.'”
- He added that he looks forward to serving the county in his new role.
The commissioners presented Peacock with a plaque commemorating his service to the county.
