After choosing not to seek reelection, Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles attended his final meeting Monday, concluding 12 years of service that saw significant infrastructure improvements and regional development.

• Sherri Cox will succeed him as the District 3 representative.

During his prepared farewell address, Boyles emphasized the challenging nature of public service. “The easy parts of these jobs, they’re easy and they’re fun. The hard parts, when they’re done well, they’re hard. They’re really hard,” Boyles said. “It takes courage to publicly stand for actions that are at times unpopular.”

First elected in 2012, Boyles served alongside nine commissioners, three county administrators, three deputy administrators, and three county attorneys. He noted that Growth Management Director Elliot Kampert is the sole remaining department head from when he began his tenure.

County Administrator John Hofstad, who served as public works director when Boyles took office, highlighted the commissioner’s impact on the county’s development.

• “This county is better off because of your service,” Hofstad said. “Whether it’s the Southwest Crestview bypass, the 50-in-5 program, getting the surtax initiative passed…you had a hand in all of that.”

In his remarks to incoming commissioners, who attended the meeting, Boyles advised against politicizing local government.

“These chambers are the places for real work, a place to get things done. Not a place to grandstand or politicize the hot-button state and national political issues of the moment,” he said. “Our constituents are not often benefited by proclamations and resolutions.”

Chairman Paul Mixon recalled Boyles’ first campaign in his twenties, including a memorable campaign ad that turned his alphabetical position in debates into an advantage. Boyles would go first in the debates that led to his opponents often saying, “like Nathan said.”

• “You came out with something that each one of your opponents were saying, ‘like Nathan said,’….and it worked,” Mixon said.

A North Okaloosa native, Boyles holds degrees in civil engineering and law from Florida State University. Beyond his commission duties, he served on numerous boards including the Northwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Crestview Rotary Club, and the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce.

Boyles thanked his family, including his wife Crystal and children Beau and Quinn, who attended his final meeting. “They have to endure the same slings and arrows that we do that come with political office,” Boyles said. “And even though they didn’t sign up for the job… they have accepted that generously and unwaveringly.”

In a symbolic gesture, Chairman Mixon passed the gavel to Boyles to adjourn his final meeting, ending more than a decade of public service to Okaloosa County.