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Posted on: November 16, 2023

Thanksgiving holiday hours for city offices and facilities

A graphic image depicting holiday theme that says Thanksgiving holiday hours.

The City of Fort Walton Beach offices and facilities will have modified hours during the week of Thanksgiving to allow our employees to spend time with their families. Changes to normal operating hours for each office or facility are listed below.

All offi...

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Posted on: November 20, 2023

Kids Night Out Saturday, Dec. 9 at Recreation Center

Promotional flyer for Kids Night Out at Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center.

The Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center will hold a Kids Night Out event on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The event is for children in grades 1st through 5th, and will feature arts and crafts, games, music, dancing, cookie decorating, hot...

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News items
Posted on: November 6, 2023

Holiday garbage pick up schedule

Holiday garbage collection schedule.

Our schedule for trash, yard waste, and recyclable pick up will be modified during the upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day holidays. Please note the changes that may affect your regular schedule for collection of these items. We thank you...

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News items
Posted on: November 13, 2023

Fourth annual Winter Wonderland expands to new location; two days

Advertisment for the 2023 Winter Wonderland event by the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department will be holding its 4th Annual Winter Wonderland event Dec. 8-9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds. Come take a tour of our Winter Wonderland village of Christmas houses, each one constructe...

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Posted on: November 22, 2023

Fort Walton Beach’s two cemeteries

Picture of cemetery in Fort Walton Beach.

Did you know that the City of Fort Walton Beach manages two cemeteries within its city limits?

The largest is the 40-acre Beal Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery is named after Dr. James Beal (1861-1945). Born in Ohio, Beal founded the Scio (Ohio) College of...

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News items
Posted on: November 16, 2023

Fort Walton Beach Police, Library participate in Junior League' Chlld Clothing Project.

Fort Walton Beach Police officers talk to young students at a community event.

The City of Fort Walton Beach is proud to have the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and the Fort Walton Beach Public Library representing the city in the Junior League of the Emerald Coast’s annual Child Clothing Project.

The project provides clothing t...

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News items
Posted on: November 16, 2023

City Council summary for Nov. 14

City Manager Jeff Peters unveils the FWB360 logo to the Fort Walton Beach City Council.

The Fort Walton Beach City Council approved a new restroom facility for Jet/Holmes Park and a nature trail following Coral Creek as part of the consent agenda during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. In other business, the City Council took ...

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Posted on: November 11, 2023

Veterans Day Ceremony in Fort Watlon Beach

Fort Walton Beach residents gather to celebrate Veterans Day.

Hundreds of people packed the American Legion Post 235 on Hollywood Boulevard Saturday for the annual Veterans Day observance. The event, hosted by the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee, was moved indoors because of rain.
City of Fort Walton Beach ...
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News items
Posted on: November 11, 2023

Community Bike Ride Saturday in downtown Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach police and residents participate in a Community Bike Ride Saturday.

We’d like to thank all those who turned out Saturday morning to make our first Community Bike Ride a success. It was a little damp, but we had fun. We’d also like to thank the Downtown Fort Walton Beach organization and the Fort Walton...

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News items
Posted on: November 10, 2023

Ferry Park restrooms now open

New restrooms at Ferry Park are now open.

The new restrooms at the Ferry Park are now open. Use the code written below the keypad (code is the same to open all doors). Once inside, be sure to push lock button at top of handle to deactivate keypad while restroom is in use. If you have any question...

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News items
Posted on: November 10, 2023

WEATHER UPDATE: Veterans Day Ceremony moved indoors because of rain forcecast

2023 Veterans Day Ceremony flyer.

UPDATE to Veterans Day Ceremony Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.Because of forecasted rain, the Veterans Day Ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 has been moved indoors to the American Legion Post 235, located at 105 Hollywood Boulevard NW, Fort...

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News items
Posted on: November 9, 2023

Agendas posted for upcoming City Council meetings

The Fort Walton Beach City Hall Chamber.

The City of Fort Walton Beach City Council has two upcoming meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open to the public and held in the City Council Chamber at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW.
  • 4 p.m. - City Counc...
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News items
Posted on: November 8, 2023

Community Bike Ride set for Saturday morning in downtown Fort Walton Beach

Advertisement for the Community Bike Ride in Fort Walton Beach.

Come join us this Saturday morning for the first COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE, hosted by the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and the Downtown Fort Walton Beach, Florida organization!  Ride with our community policing officers as they bicycle through t...

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News items
Posted on: November 6, 2023

Veterans Day office closures

An illustration of two service members in front of a flag.

City of Fort Walton Beach office closures for the Veterans Day holiday on Friday, Nov. 10.

All City Hall offices including Growth Management, Finance and Customer Service, and Human Resources will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, and clo...

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News items
Posted on: November 8, 2023

Fort Walton Beach Christmas tree lighting

Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus will sing carols at the Nov. 24 Christmas tree lighting.

Join us on Friday, Nov. 24 as we "Light Up the Night" with the official lighting of the Christmas tree at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at the Landing with live Christmas music from members of the Fort Walton Beach C...

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News items
Posted on: November 8, 2023

Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade

The Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade is set for Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.

The Fort Walton Beach 2023 Christmas Parade is set for Monday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. If your business or organization would like to have a float in this year’s parade, you can find the application form here. Application deadline is at Noon on Wedn...

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News items
Posted on: November 3, 2023

Upcoming Fort Walton Beach City Council meetings

The Fort Walton Beach City Hall Chamber.

The Fort Walton Beach City Council has the following meetings scheduled for November and December. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held in the City Council Chamber at 107 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW and are open to the public. Agendas are posted before...

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News items
Posted on: November 6, 2023

Always bring a leash for your pet when visiting city parks

Photo Illustration for leash laws.

As a courtesy to others, always remember to keep your pet on a leash while visiting Fort Walton Beach Parks.

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News items
Posted on: October 3, 2023

National Pedestrian Safety Month: Pedestrian Safety is for Everyone - Video #3

A student crosses a school zone crosswalk on his way to school.

The Okaloosa Community Health Improvement Partnership (OCHIP)safety team takes a look at school zone safety in the last of a video series for National Pedestrian Safety Month.

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News items
Posted on: October 31, 2023

Okaloosa County Commission enact 7-day burn ban

A picture of a campfire.

In coordination with the Florida Forest Service, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners enacted a 7-day burn ban Tuesday, prohibiting the outdoor burning of any combustible material, including: bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor firepl...

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News items
Posted on: October 30, 2023

Ferry Park restrooms update

Fort Walton Beach employees pour concrete for new restroom facility at Ferry Park.

City of Fort Walton Beach employees poured concrete sidewalks around the new restroom building at Ferry Park last week. The prefabricated concrete building has four individual restrooms with electronic locks and two water fountains attached to the structu...

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News items
Posted on: October 26, 2023

Police Department promotes three officers

Three police officers were promoted in ceremony this week.

Congratulations to the three officers from our Fort Walton Beach Police Department who received promotions this week. Kendra Stalls was promoted to Lieutenant, Thomas Zbikowski was promoted to Sergeant and Kelly Stanley was promoted to Corporal. They were...
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News items
Posted on: October 28, 2023

Flow Tribe closes out Concerts at the Landing series

New Orleans band Flow Tribe performs Friday at the Concerts at the Landing series.

News Orleans-based Flow Tribe entertain the crowd Friday night during the final show of the Concerts at the Landing series. About a dozen different bands performed this spring and fall as part of the series at the Fort Walton Beach Landing.

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News items
Posted on: October 26, 2023

City Council summary for Oct. 24

City Hall Building

The Fort Walton Beach City Council took the following actions during the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24: 

8. RESOLUTIONS

Item 8.1:  2023-20 Resolution to Amend the FY 2022-23 Budget 

Recommends City Council adoptio...

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News items
Posted on: October 26, 2023

Yard of the Month for October

Fort Walton Beach City Manager Jeff Peters presents the October Yard of the Month award.

Congratulations to our City of Fort Walton Beach Yard of the Month winners for October, Kenwood neighborhood residents Stephanie and Tyler Farris. The couple have transformed their front yard into an elaborate outdoor haunted house for trick-or-treaters t...

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News items
Posted on: October 26, 2023

City recognizes Managers, Employees of the Year

Employee of the Year plaque.

The City of Fort Walton Beach recently recognized its employees and managers of the year as part of Florida Government Week. Those city employees honored were:

CITY CLERK: Amber Ford was recognized by City Clerk Kim Barnes as the clerk’s office employee of...

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News items
Posted on: October 24, 2023

City Council Meeting Tonight at 6 p.m.

City Hall - Distance shot

DON'T FORGET! The City of Fort Walton Beach City Council will meet at 6 p.m. tonight for the regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting agenda and agenda packet can be found here:
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News items
Posted on: October 23, 2023

2023 Fall Carnival was a big success

Trick-or-treaters pose in a Barbie box at the City of Fort Walton Beach's 2023 Fall Carnival.

Thanks to the hundreds of costumed characters who came out Friday night to make our 2023 Fall Festival a success! Here’s a look at the festivities at the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center, which included a trick-or-treat trail, bouncy houses a...

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News items
Posted on: October 16, 2023

Beware this text message scam

A Fort Walton Beach water customer received this fraudulent text message.

FRAUD ALERT: This text was recently received by a City of Fort Walton Beach water customer. We want you to know that the City of Fort Walton Beach will NEVER send you text messages regarding your account.  Please don’t respond to such a message i...

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News items
Posted on: October 23, 2023

City Council meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24

City Hall Building

The next Fort Walton Beach City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, in the City Council Chamber at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW. The meeting agenda and agenda packet can be found at the link below.

Upcoming meetings

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News items
Posted on: September 28, 2023

Fort Walton Beach City Council meeting summary for Sept. 12

Fort Walton Beach City Council Chamber.

The Fort Walton Beach City Council met on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, for three separate meetings. Below are the meetings and official actions taken by the council during each meeting.

 

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING:

8. RESOLUTIONS

8.1. 2023-15 Resoluti...

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Meeting agendas and minutes News items
Posted on: October 17, 2023

Registration for 12U & 14U flag football ends this week

Youth play a game in the City of Fort Walton Beach's flag football league.

Registration for the City’s 12U and 14U flag football league closes this week on Oct. 19, with practice beginning in early November. The cost is $25 for city residents and $45 for nonresidents.

For more information about the program or to sign up...

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News items
Posted on: October 16, 2023

City departments and facilities will have limited hours Wednesday,, Oct. 18

All City departments and facilities will have limited operating hours on Wednesday, October 18 so that employees can participate in a City Government Week event. The following offices will have varying hours of service:

  • Public Works Field Office: Open 6 a....
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News items
Posted on: October 12, 2023

Autumn Poultry entertains the crowd with Concerts at The Landing performance last week

Autumn Poultry perform Friday night at Concerts at The Landing.

We appreciate Autumn Poultry stepping up a week early to perform at last week's Concerts at The Landing. As they say, they’re no “Spring Chickens,” but they did know how to entertain the crowd. Next up is Below Alaba...
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News items
Posted on: October 12, 2023

City Council meeting summary for Oct. 10, 2023

Councilwoman Gloria DeBerry speaks during a Fort Walton Beach City Council meeting on Tuesday.

The Fort Walton Beach City Council took the following actions during the regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.
RESOLUTIONS:

2023-18 Resolution to Accept FDOT Grant for the Coral Creek Nature Trail
Recommends City Council adoption of Resolution 2023-18 a...
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News items
Posted on: October 12, 2023

Youth flag football and basketball registration open now

Youth participate in City of Fort Walton Beach flag football and basketball games.

Registration is now open the City of Fort Walton Beach's co-ed flag football and basketball programs.
Registration for 12U and 14U league flag football closes Oct. 19, with practice beginning in early November.
Registration for 8U basketball is ope...
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For more information News items
Posted on: October 3, 2023

National Pedestrian Safety Month video series: All about roundabouts - Video #2

Pedestrian tries to cross roundabout.

The Okaloosa Community Health Improvement Partnership (OCHIP) safety team takes a look at rules of roundabouts in the second video of a series for National Pedestrian Safety Month.

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News items
Posted on: September 28, 2023

Join us for Concerts at The Landing!

Concerts at the Landing line up.

Concerts at the Landing line up.

News items
Posted on: October 2, 2023

National Pedestrian Safety Month video series: Crosswalk Safety - Video #1

Chance Leavins and Nick Tomecek talk about pedestrian safety in a new video series.

The Okaloosa County Health Department has teamed up with community partners in a campaign to help bring awareness to pedestrian safety.

The campaign includes an elementary school Walk, Bike and Roll-To-School event to be held Oct. 4, a school poster conte...

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News items
Posted on: October 4, 2023

Walk to School at Elliott Point

Students, parents, teachers and law enforcement officers walk to Elliott Point Elementary School.

The City of Fort Walton Beach was happy to be a part of Elliott Point Elementary School's Walk to School Day this morning. Students, their parents, and school faculty were joined by Fort Walton Mayor Dick Rynearson, Council members Gloria DeBerry...

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Posted on: September 28, 2023

New restrooms installed at Ferry Park

 A crane crew installs a new prefabricated restroom facility at Ferry Park.

A crew with Deep South Crane Rentals Inc. places a new, prefabricated restroom building onto its site at Ferry Park Thursday morning. 
The 82,000-pound building is made entirely of concrete and has four individual restrooms and a drinking fountain...
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News items
Posted on: September 28, 2023

City Council appoints John Mead to empty council seat

The Fort Walton City Council appointed John Mead to empty council seat during Sept. 26 meeting.

During the City Council’s Regular Meeting held Tuesday, the Fort Walton Beach City Council voted 6-0 to appoint John Mead to fill the vacant seat left when former City Councilman Larry Patrick resigned in August. In a Special Meeting on the Comprehensive ...

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Posted on: September 28, 2023

MGO portal allows for online permitting, business transactions with city

My Government Online portal allows residents to do business with the city online.

DID YOU KNOW? You don't have to go to City Hall to conduct your city permitting and business transactions?

My Government Online (MGO) is the new City of Fort Walton Beach online portal for Building & Inspection, Planning & Zoning, Business...

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Additional Info... News items
Posted on: September 28, 2023

City's Fire Department helps host Volunteer Firefighter Training Weekend

Volunteer firefighters train during 18th annual Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend.

The City of Fort Walton Beach’s fire department and Okaloosa Technical College recently hosted the Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend. Now in its 18th year, the annual event has expanded to five days of training (Wednesday through S...

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