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ON THE AGENDA: Fort Walton Beach eyes new rules for boat rentals, downtown growth

Fort Walton Beach Council will tackle $3 million in infrastructure projects and police agreements amid changes to watercraft rental regulations and downtown zoning at Tuesday's meeting.

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider major infrastructure investments and changes to development codes during their regular meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m.

  • The agenda includes more than $3 million in proposed contracts for public works projects, including stormwater improvements and water tank management. Council members will also review new regulations for downtown development and watercraft rentals.

Here’s a look at Tuesday night’s agenda:

  • Student Recognition – Two high school students, Addison Cudney (Choctawhatchee) and William Jourdan (Fort Walton Beach), will receive Student Awards for Civic Excellence.
  • Public Safety Agreements – The council will consider two significant law enforcement items: a Memorandum of Agreement between the Police Department and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and another agreement between the Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • Major Infrastructure Projects – Several substantial public works projects are up for approval, including an $825,125 stormwater pipe replacement on Martisa Road NW, a $2.17 million water tank management program, and a $200,000 utility line locating services contract.
  • Development Code Changes – The council will review three ordinances affecting the city’s Land Development Code: new regulations for livery vessel rentals, updated manufacturing use guidelines, and the creation of a new MX-3 zoning district for high-intensity downtown development.
  • Election Preparation – The council will appoint representatives to serve on the Canvassing Board for the upcoming municipal election.

The meeting will be held at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW. The public is welcome to attend and make comments (limited to 5 minutes per person).

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Community Comments

“And the whole $83million will be under water in the not too distant future.”
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“The county property appraisers site lists market value as $10,486,602 . While the appraisers market value is typically lower than what the property might sell for by law it is...”
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“Another issue , that Governor DeSantis hasn’t considered is is the adjacent property was once owned by the government , Eglin AFB. We have endangered bird and turtle populations they...”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: December 5, 2025
“4 min 13 sec”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: December 4, 2025
“30seconds”
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“Exactly, people that don’t know our area , have no idea … there putting it at the end of a two lane one way in , one way out …...”
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“Tell us about the boat docks, how many parking spaces will be for boaters and will there be a marina?”
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“50% should be handicapped parking spots. There is a bus in place and cycling available.”
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“Well at least 50% handicapped parking spaces.”
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“There is a lot of space for bicycle and e-bike parking. Only allow handicapped parking for people that need to drive. A county bus also goes there. No excuse. It...”
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