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ON THE AGENDA: Fort Walton Beach eyes new rules for boat rentals, downtown growth

Fort Walton Beach Council will tackle $3 million in infrastructure projects and police agreements amid changes to watercraft rental regulations and downtown zoning at Tuesday's meeting.

The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider major infrastructure investments and changes to development codes during their regular meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m.

  • The agenda includes more than $3 million in proposed contracts for public works projects, including stormwater improvements and water tank management. Council members will also review new regulations for downtown development and watercraft rentals.

Here’s a look at Tuesday night’s agenda:

  • Student Recognition – Two high school students, Addison Cudney (Choctawhatchee) and William Jourdan (Fort Walton Beach), will receive Student Awards for Civic Excellence.
  • Public Safety Agreements – The council will consider two significant law enforcement items: a Memorandum of Agreement between the Police Department and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and another agreement between the Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • Major Infrastructure Projects – Several substantial public works projects are up for approval, including an $825,125 stormwater pipe replacement on Martisa Road NW, a $2.17 million water tank management program, and a $200,000 utility line locating services contract.
  • Development Code Changes – The council will review three ordinances affecting the city’s Land Development Code: new regulations for livery vessel rentals, updated manufacturing use guidelines, and the creation of a new MX-3 zoning district for high-intensity downtown development.
  • Election Preparation – The council will appoint representatives to serve on the Canvassing Board for the upcoming municipal election.

The meeting will be held at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW. The public is welcome to attend and make comments (limited to 5 minutes per person).

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Community Comments

“What they have started so far is terrible. Who paves in random 50-300 yard segments. That is not cost effective, nor a good management of time & resources. I am...”
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“Thank you Shalimar Mayor for pushing FDOT's button. We currently have a duopoly on major paving projects which needs to be broken”
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“The contractor has 500+ days from July 2025 to finish. It was baked in the contract. FDOT needs to tighten the elapsed time allowed. In this case it should have...”
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Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: May 13, 2026
“2:36”
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“The last time Eglin Parkway was resurfaced, it was a fiasco. Highway 98 was widened from the east side of Destin into Walton County, only to bottle neck into 2...”
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“This is great news for students and our community!”
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“Do you guys remember all the work being done to expand 98 from about mid-Destin to Santa Rosa Beach? That project took WAY longer than it was originally quoted and...”
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“A system like this already exists; just depends if FDOT enforces it.”
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“FDOT reports directly to the Governor. It’s obvious that they are falling down on the job. I just recommended to Gov Desantis that he terminate the paving contract for default...”
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