The Fort Walton Beach City Council initiated steps Tuesday to fill a council seat left vacant by David Schmidt, who resigned by law to pursue a bid for the Okaloosa County School Board that was ultimately unsuccessful.

• The council voted to adopt the same appointment process used to fill a previous vacancy left by Larry Patrick, which involves council members ranking their top three candidates before making a final selection.

“Being elected seven years and seven months ago for the first time, and being elected a couple of years ago again with a strong amount of voter support, I’m advocating to fill that vacancy,” Schmidt told the council during public comments, expressing interest in returning to his former seat to finish his remaining original term.

Schmidt’s resignation became effective Oct. 21, following his revised resignation notice submitted Oct. 17. The initial resignation had been set for Nov. 19.

City Attorney Kimberly Kopp explained that under the city charter, the council must accept nominations during at least two general meetings following the vacancy. The first round of nominations began Tuesday, with Council Member Nic Allegretto nominating Schmidt for the position.

• “I think it’s important that it gives other people an opportunity to be a part of the process,” Allegretto said, while noting his support for Schmidt. He encouraged interested residents to come forward during the nomination period.

The council will accept a second round of nominations at their Nov. 19 meeting, with the final appointment scheduled for Dec. 17. The appointed member will serve until the next city election in March 2025.