Politics

New terms start as Okaloosa officials take oaths of office across the county

Multiple governing bodies in Okaloosa County held swearing-in ceremonies Monday and Tuesday as newly elected and returning officials took their oaths of office in various locations.

Jared Williams

Multiple governing bodies across Okaloosa County welcomed new and returning officials during swearing-in ceremonies held Nov. 18 and 19.

The Destin City Council installed four members Monday. Commissioner Mel Ponder administered oaths to incumbents Dewey Destin and Teresa Hebert, along with former council member Rodney Braden.

Okaloosa County Judge Angela Mason, Destin’s first judge, swore in family member Sandy Trammell, who previously served on the council. Councilman-elect Kevin Schmidt was absent from the ceremony.

In Crestview, Commissioner Paul Mixon administered the oaths of office to Brandon Frost and former council member Shannon Hayes during an evening ceremony at City Hall Monday. Mixon also swore in incumbent Mayor JB Whitten.

The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners held their swearing-in ceremony Tuesday at 8:15 a.m., prior to their regular 8:30 a.m. board meeting in the Board chamber in Shalimar. Former Commissioner Graham Fountain administered the oath to District 5 Commissioner Drew Palmer, while District 3 Commissioner Sherri Cox also took her oath of office.

Chairman Paul Mixon is returning for another term to serve as Commissioner for District 1.

The Okaloosa County School Board conducted a ceremony Tuesday where School Board Attorney Jeff McInnis swore in re-elected Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers and Board Member Tim Bryant, along with newly elected school board member Parker Destin, who previously served on the Destin City Council.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Military

1st SOW Commander adds mental health to Hurlburt Field’s top priorities in county update

Events

40th annual Destin Christmas Parade to celebrate city’s founding with ’80s theme

School

Okaloosa’s newest K-8 campus in Crestview to be called Pineview School

Traffic

Sidewalk closures coming to Highway 98 in Destin as part of the Utility Underground Conversion Project

Lynn commented on FWB Cub Scouts fundraising to display an American flag at homes in NWFL

“Is program still available?”

Respond

William Stanley commented on Okaloosa School District unveils plans for new two-story K-8 school in Crestview

“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”

Ken Frame commented on 80ft and 75ft former scuba dive boats to become artificial reefs off Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast

“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”

Carol re commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”

Fred commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”

Bruce Johnson commented on FDOT renderings show proposed changes to Highway 98 across Okaloosa Island

“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”

Ray Sullivan commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”

LC commented on SS United States to begin final journey from Philadelphia to become the world’s largest artificial reef

“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”

Jerome Karnowski commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting

“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”

David Freni commented on Eglin Federal Credit Union announces 100,000 sqft Operations Center in Fort Walton Beach

“Will there be a new traffic signal on Beal Parkway for the new Eglin Credit Union Ops Center on Beal Parkway?”