On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners approved the appointments of the Fairgrounds Advisory Committee members during their regular meeting.
This committee was created unanimously by the Board on July 18, 2023 to provide guidance on enhancing and refurbishing the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds property, which was purchased by the County from the City of Fort Walton Beach in June.
The seven-person volunteer committee is comprised of five appointees nominated by the individual County Commissioners, as well as an appointee nominated by the Northwest Florida Fair Association and another by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.
The appointments approved at Tuesday’s meeting include:
- Sandra Wilson for District 1
- Gloria Frazier for District 2
- Nathan Kelly for District 3
- Bernard Johnson for District 4
- Jason Belcher for District 5
- Charles Rigdon was appointed as the nominee from the Northwest Florida Fair Association.
- Ted Corcoran was selected as the Chamber of Commerce’s nominee.
Additionally, Fort Walton Beach City Manager Jeff Peters will serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member on the committee.
The committee will play an advisory role in providing recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners related to improving the existing structures and maximizing future use of the Fairgrounds property. Their guidance will be key as the County looks to create a premier venue for various events and clients.
The Fairgrounds Advisory Committee’s first meeting has been scheduled for September 27th to begin their work. Establishing this group was the next step laid out by the County to create a hallmark destination at the Fairgrounds that highlights its history while meeting the needs of residents and visitors alike.
