Fort Walton Beach: Fort Walton Beach City Council Meeting
Summary. The Fort Walton Beach City Council held its regular meeting on March 10, 2026, beginning with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. The most significant agenda item was the first presentation of the city's first-ever key to the city, awarded to Dr. Paul Hsu in recognition of his contributions through the Hsu Educational Foundation and his embodiment of the American dream after arriving from Taiwan in 1976 with $500. The council addressed three related ordinances for the annexation of 353 Beal Parkway Northwest, a 2.85-acre property seeking to join the city primarily for sewer connection access. All three ordinances passed on first reading with 4-1 votes. The council also approved a $550 Florida Wildflower Foundation grant for a library garden and rejected bids for CRA wayfinding signs due to cost concerns and labor requirements.
Agenda Items
5. Recognitions - Key to the City Presentation
First-ever key to the city presented to Dr. Paul Hsu for his contributions to the community through the Hsu Educational Foundation
- Dr. Hsu arrived from Taiwan in 1976 with $500
- Built successful technology career and gave back to community
- Foundation addresses workforce development through education
- Recognition reflects collective work of foundation and community
6. Consent Agenda
Routine items approved unanimously
- No discussion
8. Public Comments
Two main public comment presentations
- Craig Ewing spoke on behalf of performing arts groups about auditorium future
- Multiple theater and arts organizations use the facility
- Building provides unique performance capabilities not available elsewhere
- Mr. Williams provided update on representational government proposal
- NAACP working team developing hybrid district system proposal
9. Resolution 2026-06 - Florida Wildflower Foundation Grant
Resolution to accept $550 grant for library garden wildflower project
- Grant will create wildflower garden in front of library
- Will replace existing butterfly garden in disarray
- Library staff wrote and submitted the grant application
10.1-10.3. Annexation Ordinances for 353 Beal Parkway Northwest
Three related ordinances for property annexation, future land use, and zoning designation
- Property owners need sewer connection due to failing septic system
- Wetlands make county connection cost-prohibitive
- City will pay Ocean City Right Fire District portion of ad valorem for 10 years
- Property valued at $410,564, generating approximately $1,770 in ad valorem
- City must pay $1,129.05 annually to Ocean City Right for 10 years
11.1. Rejection of Bids for CRA Wayfinding Signs
Formal rejection of all bids for ITB 25-013 wayfinding signs project
- CRA board decided to shelve project due to costs
- Bids required substantial labor and concrete work
- Project not turnkey as expected
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve tonight's agenda
Moved by Councilman Jeter, seconded by Councilman Merrill
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve tonight's consent agenda
Moved by Councilman Jeter, seconded by Councilwoman DeBary
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve Resolution 2026-06 to accept Florida Wildflower Foundation grant for library garden
Moved by Councilwoman DeBary, seconded by Councilwoman Riley
Passed 5-0
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2205 for annexation of 353 Beal Parkway Northwest
Moved by Councilman Jeter, seconded by Councilwoman DeBary
Passed 4-1
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2206 to amend future land use map for 353 Beal Parkway Northwest to low density residential
Moved by Councilman Jeter, seconded by Councilman Merrill
Passed 4-1
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2207 to assign R1 zoning to 353 Beal Parkway Northwest
Moved by Councilman Jeter, seconded by Councilwoman DeBary
Passed 4-1
Motion to reject all bids for ITB 25-013 for wayfinding signs for CRA
Moved by Councilman Jeter, seconded by Councilwoman DeBary
Passed unanimously
Action Items
NAACP working team to finalize hybrid district proposal
Assigned to Mr. Williams and NAACP working team · Due Next 30 days
Present hybrid district proposal to city council
Assigned to Mr. Williams · Due March 24, 2026 council meeting
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Fort Walton Beach City Council held its regular meeting on March 10, 2026, beginning with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. The most significant agenda item was the first presentation of the city's first-ever key to the city, awarded to Dr. Paul Hsu in recognition of his contributions through the Hsu Educational Foundation and his embodiment of the American dream after arriving from Taiwan in 1976 with $500. The council addressed three related ordinances for the annexation of 353 Beal Parkway Northwest, a 2.85-acre property seeking to join the city primarily for sewer connection access. All three ordinances passed on first reading with 4-1 votes. The council also approved a $550 Florida Wildflower Foundation grant for a library garden and rejected bids for CRA wayfinding signs due to cost concerns and labor requirements.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 6 agenda items: Recognitions - Key to the City Presentation; Consent Agenda; Public Comments; Resolution 2026-06 - Florida Wildflower Foundation Grant; Annexation Ordinances for 353 Beal Parkway Northwest; Rejection of Bids for CRA Wayfinding Signs.
How many motions were voted on?
7 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
2 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
13 members were recorded as present: Mayor, Councilman Jeter, Councilman Merrill, Councilwoman Riley, Councilwoman DeBary, Councilman Walker, City Manager Davis, City Attorney Burns, Tim Gibson, Daniel Payne, Dr. Paul Hsu, Craig Ewing, Mr. Williams.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Fort Walton Beach in?
Fort Walton Beach is located in Okaloosa County, Florida. Browse other Okaloosa County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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