Okaloosa County NAACP to host workshop on proposed district representation in Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – A public discussion about how Fort Walton Beach elects its leaders is set for Monday evening, as the Okaloosa County NAACP hosts a workshop centered on a proposed change to the city’s governance structure.
The organization will present a plan that would shift four of the city council’s current at-large seats to district-based representation. Under the proposal, voters would elect four council members from specific geographic districts, while three council members and the mayor would continue to be chosen at large. The city would also retain its existing council–manager form of government.
Now, all seven council members and the mayor are elected at large. That means each serves the entire city rather than a defined neighborhood. Supporters of the proposal say the change would create clearer neighborhood representation while still preserving citywide accountability through the remaining at-large seats and the mayor’s role.
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The proposed Representative Governance Model is designed, according to organizers, to strengthen ties between elected officials and the communities they serve. By establishing district-based seats, the plan aims to give residents in specific areas a more direct voice on the council, while maintaining a balanced structure that reflects the interests of the broader city.
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Monday’s workshop will begin with a formal presentation outlining the proposal in detail. Afterward, attendees will have an opportunity to share comments, ask questions, and engage in open discussion. Organizers are encouraging broad participation from residents who want to better understand how the potential changes could affect local leadership and representation.
The public workshop is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Growth Management Office/City Hall Complex, located at 105 Miracle Strip Parkway SW.
All Fort Walton Beach residents are invited to attend and take part in the conversation.
