On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the first meeting of the newly elected City Council, the Acting City Manager, Jeff Peters, was appointed as the new City Manager for the City of Fort Walton Beach.
- The vote was 4-3 in favor of Peters, who had been serving as the Acting City Manager for the past 6 months.
Peters has been a lifelong resident of Fort Walton Beach and has served the City for 17 years, starting as the Recreation Director in 2006. During his tenure, Peters has been involved in numerous projects, including the Landing Renovation, Preston Hood Athletic Complex Addition, Brooks Bridge/Around the Mound, Heritage Park and Cultural Center Addition, Cemetery Administration Building, and City Hall.
- Peters prides himself on forming strong relationships with local organizations, City staff, and community members.
The City’s Charter mandates that a permanent City Manager must be installed within 180 days after the office becomes vacant. The City Council chose executive recruitment firm Colin Baenziger & Associates, in collaboration with the City’s human resources department, to conduct the recruitment search.
- The list of candidates was narrowed down to eight, including Jeff Peters. At a special council meeting on March 7, 2023, the top three candidates were selected: Jeff Peters, Dale Martin, and Matt Coppler.
During last night’s meeting, there was an overwhelming show of support from the community for Peters as the council chambers were packed and many residents speaking in favor of him. Council-members David Schmidt, Nic Allegretto, Bryce Jeter and Larry Patrick voted in favor of Peters, while Council Members Travis Smith, Gloria DeBerry and Payne Walker voted against.
- Smith wanted to create a new Deputy City Manager position and appoint Peters to that role. Before the end of the meeting, Smith confirmed his support and confidence in Peters.
The City announced two upcoming public meetings and workshops. The first is a workshop for Strategic Planning, which will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the City Hall Annex Training Room, located at 105 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW.
- The second meeting is a regular meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, located at 107 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW.
Jeff Peters’ appointment as the new City Manager marks a new chapter for the City of Fort Walton Beach. The City Council and community members alike have expressed their confidence in Peters’ ability to serve as an effective and visionary City Manager for years to come.
One Response
Jeff will be amazing at this. He has the personality, vision, wisdom, determination. He will have his own style and visions and I know the city will be great in his hands.