Search
Close this search box.
Subscribe

Okaloosa’s 75.9% voter turnout powers decisive local election results

More than 114,000 Okaloosa County residents cast ballots Tuesday, deciding state and local races while backing economic development incentives and government reforms.

Okaloosa County recorded 114,643 ballots cast in Tuesday’s election, representing 75.9% of the county’s 151,054 registered voters.

In the State Representative District 4 race, Patt Maney won with 73.50% (67,643 votes) over Samuel Chang’s 26.50% (24,383 votes).

The county’s Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption program won renewal with 70.28% support (76,092 votes). The program, first adopted in 1981, provides temporary property tax exemptions to businesses that invest in facilities and create jobs paying above 110% of the county’s average wage.

Fort Walton Beach voters approved three charter amendments. The first, ending elected official compensation, passed with 53.58% (5,162 votes). The second, requiring property owner approval for special assessments, received 67.62% support (6,437 votes). The third, limiting annual budget increases to 3% or the Consumer Price Index change, passed with 60.82% (5,820 votes).

Destin voters selected five new city council members: Dewey Destin (22.98%), Kevin Schmidt (15.14%), Teresa Hebert (13.84%), Sandy Trammell (13.31%) and Rodney Braden (12.86%).

  • In Destin Fire Commission races, Travis Glaze won Group 2 with 53.35% (4,759 votes) over Rick Moore’s 46.65% (4,161 votes). Tommy Green secured Group 4 with 54.22% (4,763 votes) against John Bitler’s 45.78% (4,021 votes).

Crestview voters chose Shannon Hayes as their new city council member for Group 1. Hayes received 59.26% (5,773 votes) while Frederick Jackson Butts III received 40.74% (3,969 votes).

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Bell

Join Our Newsletter

Join the best local newsletter read by thousands of locals each weekday morning. Best of all, it’s free!

Facebook Instagram Youtube Twitter Linkedin
© 2024, Get The Coast LLC. All Rights Reserved
Free Newsletter Signup
Search
CloseMenu

Community Comments

Steve Reicher commented on Okaloosa County to acquire SS United States for world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach
“The Big U! The NMU supplied the unlicensed crew and when we lost this ship and its jobs and when U.S. Lines went bankrupt, we were on our way to...”
Respond
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.”
Respond
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....”
Respond
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?”
Respond
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...”
Respond
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...”
Respond
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?”
Respond
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”
Respond
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...”
Respond