Politics

Riley, Browning and Merrell win Fort Walton Beach council seats; Niceville splits on referendums

Voters in Okaloosa County municipal elections selected three new council members in Fort Walton Beach while Laurel Hill faces a tie requiring a recount.

Jared Williams

Voters have elected three new members to the Fort Walton Beach City Council while Niceville residents approved one charter amendment but rejected another in Tuesday’s municipal elections.

Fort Walton Beach

Debi “Debra” Riley led all candidates in the Fort Walton Beach race with 878 votes (21.59%), followed by Logan Browning with 820 votes (20.16%) and Ben Merrell with 697 votes (17.14%).

Incumbent Travis Smith received 585 votes (14.38%), falling short of reelection. The remaining candidates — Brandon Bishop, Sonya Faison-Vazquez and Jason Harwell — received 445 votes (10.94%), 339 votes (8.34%) and 303 votes (7.45%) respectively.

A total of 4,067 votes were cast in the Fort Walton Beach City Council election.

Laurel Hill recount

In Laurel Hill, where two council seats were available, officials have announced a recount after two candidates tied for the second position. Amanda Rosen received the most votes with 25 (36.23%), while Mike Blizzard and Shawn Cogan each received exactly 22 votes (31.88%).

The tied result in Laurel Hill came from a race where only 69 total votes were cast.

Niceville

Niceville voters decided on two charter amendments with mixed results. Voters rejected a proposal to eliminate the city residency requirement for the City Clerk, with 416 “No” votes (53.82%) against 357 “Yes” votes (46.18%).

However, residents approved a second referendum granting the mayor authority to vote and break ties when filling City Council vacancies. This measure passed with 473 “Yes” votes (61.35%) compared to 298 “No” votes (38.65%).

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Cindy Frakes commented on Fort Walton Beach Chamber to honor Paul Singleton for attending 2,000th event in 50-year streak

“Congratulations Paul, on this milestone event! Your dedication to and support of the Chamber and new businesses are unparalleled.”

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Vern McGraw commented on Fort Walton Beach Chamber to honor Paul Singleton for attending 2,000th event in 50-year streak

“Paul Between the Chamber and the FWB Kiwanis club, your impact our community is beyond measure. I want to thank you for your dedicated support for the Kiwanis sponsored Aktion...”

filftwalton commented on Trespassing on Eglin’s Santa Rosa Island test area climbs in 2026, officials warn of fines and charges

“Well put Gary”

Robert Noel Pinard commented on Fort Walton Beach Chamber to honor Paul Singleton for attending 2,000th event in 50-year streak

“Congratulations Paul for a well deserved recognition! You deserve it! Bob Pinard”

Debbie Dodge commented on Fort Walton Beach Chamber to honor Paul Singleton for attending 2,000th event in 50-year streak

“Thank you, Paul, for ALL that you do for our Chamber members and our community! Your dedication to helping others has made a huge impact on so many of us....”

Alice Cramden commented on Fort Walton Beach City Council declines county’s broader speed camera refund request

“Got a feeling it's a lot of money they don't want to give up.”

“How much money we talking?”

Loree Arrington commented on Fort Walton Beach Council identifies service areas for review and possible cuts ahead of June 16 budget workshop

“I don't blame him for not trusting the watch group. They have proven themselves to be untrustworthy and have wasted so much tax money with their lawsuits to pursue their...”

Mark Smithmarj smith commented on Fort Walton Beach City Council declines county’s broader speed camera refund request

“You sons of bitches owe the money to the people you stole it from NOT from the crooked county. The people paid those fines not the greedy bastards in Crackview.”

Matt S commented on Trespassing on Eglin’s Santa Rosa Island test area climbs in 2026, officials warn of fines and charges

“You just feel free to test that theory, and wander the land you think you own - let us know how that works out for you....”