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

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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.

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Charles commented on Okaloosa County orders Hollywood Boulevard speed cameras removed after title search confirms county ownership

“I'd say take them to civil court. The county already said in the meeting that they were put up illegally by being on county right of way. Then go after...”

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Keith commented on WordroW: September 22, 2026

“30 seconds”

Angel Alvarez commented on Former AFSOC command chief found guilty of child pornography charges, sentenced to 10 years

“Linda, I agree 100 % with you. But the life of his wife is destroyed! That woman lost everything!, I mean everything. Life ain’t fair, pardon my grammar. I sat...”

James K Baughman Sr. commented on Okaloosa County orders Hollywood Boulevard speed cameras removed after title search confirms county ownership

“I am so proud of our County Commissioners in their active and determined response against these abusive, robot arrest/ticket, foreign owned, cameras. Per my long City Hall experience, I deeply...”

DDouglas commented on Publix-anchored shopping center in Fort Walton Beach sells for $8.4 million

“Are your heads in the sand? Prices have grossly increased because TRUMP is playing games with foreign countries…gas and diesel costs have skyrocketed because of the ridiculous back and forth...”

W Taylor commented on Destin, Okaloosa County reach agreement on 4-acre Holiday Isle State Park management

“Seems to me Destin residents have a decision to make at the voting booth this year regarding their county council representation.”

Gary M Brown commented on Okaloosa County orders Hollywood Boulevard speed cameras removed after title search confirms county ownership

“Yes, the wording intimidates you into paying the fine without disputing it. One of my 2 tickets mentioned the school zone's "all day long" maximum speed and when I Googled...”

J. Williams commented on Okaloosa County orders Hollywood Boulevard speed cameras removed after title search confirms county ownership

“How will we know if our refunds will be refunded from the city. 3 tickets in the same day like a minute of so of the first ticket. I can...”

Kevin L Smith commented on Publix-anchored shopping center in Fort Walton Beach sells for $8.4 million

“I'm a bit surprised it's value was just $8M but I agree, pricing in general is absolutely ridiculous! Publix and most other retailers have used every excuse under the sun...”

Elizabeth E Sabin commented on Publix-anchored shopping center in Fort Walton Beach sells for $8.4 million

“Do not get rid of our Waffle House and lower grocery prices at Publix. THEY are going up not down...Biden is gone and so is covid. STOP GOUGING LOCALS.”