Politics

Candidate Forum set for upcoming Fort Walton Beach City Council election

Seven candidates will meet with residents at The Venue on Brooks Street for a public forum featuring meet-and-greet and Q&A sessions.

Jared Williams

Seven candidates vying for 3 seats on the Fort Walton Beach City Council will participate in a public forum featuring a meet-and-greet session followed by a question-and-answer period.

The forum, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4 at The Venue on Brooks Street in Fort Walton Beach, will begin with a meet-and-greet at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Q&A session at 6:00 p.m.

Candidates running for election include:

Travis Smith (incumbent)
Brandon Bishop
Logan Browning
Debi “Debra” Riley
Benjamin Merrell
Sonya Faison-Vazquez
Jason Harwell

In a separate race, Councilman David Schmidt ran unopposed for the two-year seat previously held by former councilman Larry Patrick, who resigned in August 2023. Councilman John Mead currently holds the seat, having served since September 2023.

Additionally, Councilman Nic Allegretto will become the next mayor of Fort Walton Beach after running unopposed in the qualifying period that ended on January 3 at noon.

The event is jointly hosted by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and Beach Weekend.

Residents unable to attend in person can watch the forum via live stream at EmeraldCoastTV.com, where the recording will also be available for viewing after the event.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Events

Concerts at the Landing returns May 8 to Downtown FWB with free Friday night shows

Events

Construction Junction returns to Fort Walton Beach on May 23

Traffic

Fort Walton Beach awaits title survey before addressing county’s speed camera refund request

Parks+Rec

Fort Walton Beach Landing reopens April 24 after multi-year renovation

Peggy R. Mitchell commented on Okaloosa Commissioners approve master plan for 392-lot River Park subdivision in Crestview

“I would be concerned about clear cutting the trees! It's very sad to lose all those trees. Aren't we supposed to be concerned about global warming, sufficient drainage and air...”

Respond

Patricia Wright commented on Rocky Bayou makes history, Sloan shatters javelin record at 1A state track and field championships

“Congratulations to the team and coaches at Rocky Bayou! what a fantastic job!!”

crownalmostc30da776af commented on Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant to be featured in FOX Weather segment on hurricane resilience

“Thank you for sharing your family history and valuable insights on being prepared. God bless you and thank you for creating such a peaceful place to visit. I love sitting...”

Margo MacFarlane commented on HOW I WORK: An inside look at how Nick Tomecek blends storytelling, public service, and local connection in Okaloosa County

“Nick is a genuine, kind and caring man. That shines through in his work and in his family. Okaloosa County is very fortunate to have him working on their behalf....”

Chris commented on Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant to be featured in FOX Weather segment on hurricane resilience

“Seriously!”

Andy Falleur commented on HOW I WORK: An inside look at how Nick Tomecek blends storytelling, public service, and local connection in Okaloosa County

“This was awesome. I want to meet this guy.”

D Barlow commented on Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant to be featured in FOX Weather segment on hurricane resilience

“Keep your political comments to yourself, Gifford. You are way outnumbered in Florida.”

“Very cool story. Thanks. I am watching now hoping to see the Dewey Destin segment.”

H Gifford commented on Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant to be featured in FOX Weather segment on hurricane resilience

“Dewey, I hate to hear you are dealing with the King Wannabe network.”

Peggy Mitchell commented on Okaloosa Academic Team wins state championship in Commissioner’s Academic Challenge

“Well done Academic Team and coaches!! So many hours after regular school. No small feat to be NUMBER ONE in the state in their division! Congratulations to all!”