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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).

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Community Comments

“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
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“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
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“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
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“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
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“Where do you park? Should run a shuttle for HI owners”
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“They have served great food items and the staff is friendly and ready to make the Sandpiper owners and guests feel welcome and appreciated! I heard the Saturday music is...”
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“Interesting Risk, limiting your customer base. Wishes for success.”
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“Beulah & I extend heartfelt gratitude and congratulations for your decades of highly skilled, compassionate care for our community and my family. We love you & Cathy and pray God’s...”
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“I've lived in the area all my life and we use to go arrowhead hunting in the area & use to find them.”
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“I've lived in the area all my life and we use to go arrowhead hunting in the area & use to find them.”
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