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Incumbents sweep Okaloosa County on Tuesday’s election night

Okaloosa incumbents dominated during Tuesday night’s primary election. District 2 Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel faced off against challengers Matt Turpin and CareySue Beasley. In the end, Ketchel secured the victory with 48% of […]

Okaloosa incumbents dominated during Tuesday night’s primary election.

District 2 Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel faced off against challengers Matt Turpin and CareySue Beasley. In the end, Ketchel secured the victory with 48% of the votes.

  • Ketchel – 18,810
  • Turpin – 14,127
  • Beasley – 6,220

All of the Okaloosa School Board incumbents claimed a win in the District 1, 3 & 5 races. These were probably the most anticipated races in this year’s Primary for Okaloosa County.

District 1:

  • Linda Evanchyk – 23,823
  • Darrel Barnhill – 14,814

District 3:

  • Dr. Lamar White – 20,187
  • Jerry Buckman – 18,580

District 5:

  • Dr. Diane Kelley – 25,280
  • Cara Marion – 13,220

Other wins across the area include Congressman Matt Gaetz with nearly 70% of the votes, Doug BroxsonJay Trumbull, and Joel Rudman.

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Community Comments

“The SRO belongs in the school budget, not the county’s. Furthermore, I’m sure those officers are not earning in excess of $100k a year so where is the rest of...”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 24, 2026
“1:39; 5 attempts”
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“Capn Obvious obviously did not read the article or has no clue what SOCKS is all about. As far as cats on the streets: PEOPLE are to blame. They move,...”
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“Um...did you read the story? Cat market? Trafficking? Organizations such as SOCKS are definitely not making any money. And as far as "cats all over the streets," all their cats...”
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“Niceville Valparaiso Little League going to Wilson NC for the Tournament of State Champions. They won the state championship last weekend.”
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“I am so happy they are doing something with signage at east pass AND need something maybe on the bridge people can read for crab island about that current! It...”
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“I never understood why the anyone wanted to draw people to the worst area for being in the water in Okaloosa county. Most of those going there won't pay attention...”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 23, 2026
“2:08, 5 attempts”
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“There are cats all over the streets everywhere, more than anyone wants. It seems that these cat charities will do anything to resist the contraction of the cat market, even...”
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“The amount of money that the homeowners of our community is”
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