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Observation Corps: Citizens Observing Government Meetings

Public participation in government decision-making is a vital element of our democratic form of government. County Commissioners and school board members are elected, but there are a number of appointed boards and committees that are also important to Okaloosa county government. The appointed board and committee members ensure our Commissioners have qualified sources to turn to when critical decisions are required.

Our elected and appointed officials meet on a regular basis to discuss matters of importance to our community and make decisions that affect all of us. Thanks to Florida's Sunshine Law, these meetings are open to the public. Unfortunately, members of the public often take little notice of the business being conducted in their name by local government. Let your officials know that you do care about their actions by attending public meetings.

Anyone who wants to learn more about the way our local government is run can join the League of Women Voters of Okaloosa County and be a part of the newly activated Observer Corps. To learn more about the Corps contact us. The Observer Corps is an excellent way for new members to learn about local issues and share information with League members through newsletter articles and League meetings. Observers' reports are factual and non-judgmental, present various sides of an issue and are intended to help members be well-informed before making any decisions concerning possible League or individual action. Some of the meetings to be observed are listed below, and others may be added, based on member interest.

The Okaloosa County Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The meeting's location rotates between Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, and the time and subject of each meeting also varies.

School Board Meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during the school year, alternating between Fort Walton Beach and Crestview. School Board Workshops are held in Fort Walton Beach on the first or second Thursday of each month during the school year.

The Aviation Advisory Commission meets as needed to advise the local Planning Department and contractors of tall structures requesting approval of their impact on air carriers, general aviation and the Air force in this area. To find out when meetings are scheduled, contact the Okaloosa County Airport director at 850-651-7160.

The Board of Adjustment meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month in the 3rd floor conference room of the Water and Sewer building at 1804 Lewis Turner Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach. The board decides whether or not to grant or refuse variances, special exceptions or administrative appeals following a public hearing. For information about specific issues and hearings, contact the Planning and Inspection Department at 850-651-7180.

The Bob Sikes Airport Improvement Committee meets as needed to provide community input into the development of the airport. To find out when meetings are scheduled, contact the Okaloosa County Airport director at 850-651-7160.

The Code Enforcement Board meets at 4:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the 3rd floor conference room of the Water and Sewer building at 1804 Lewis Turner Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach, to hear and decide alleged violations of all codes. For information contact the Planning and Inspection Department at 850-651-7180.

The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women meets at 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the law offices of Fleet, Spencer, Martin & Kilpatrick, 1283 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar (850-651-4006). The OCCSW sponsors the Women's Hall of Fame to recognize and honor women who have made significant contributions to the improvement of the status of women and the quality of life for the citizens of Okaloosa County.

The Construction Board meets at 3:00 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month in the 3rd floor conference room of the Water and Sewer building at 1804 Lewis Turner Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach. The Board determines eligibility and approves licenses for general and residential contracting trades, and hears complaints involving building code violations and contractor licensing. For information contact the Planning and Inspection Department at 850-651-7180.

The Destin Airport Advisory Commission meets monthly or as needed to advise the Destin City Council on matters concerning land use surrounding the airport, operations on the airport itself, and use of the airport by citizens of and visitors to Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County. For information about scheduled meetings, contact the Okaloosa county Airport Director at 850-651-7160.

The Fire Code Advisory Board meets as needed to adopt life safety and fire protection codes to deal with any hazardous conditions resulting from fire, explosion or natural disaster within Okaloosa County. For more information about scheduled meetings, contact the Planning and Inspection Department at 850-651-7180.

The Okaloosa County Planning Commission meets at 5:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Niceville City Hall. This commission hears, decides, recommends and approves or disapproves rezonings, subdivisions and planned unit developments.

The Public Safety Coordinating Council meets every 60 days as set by the Council to assess the status of county detention or corrections facilities, and to develop a 5-year safety plan for future construction needs and a comprehensive county public safety plan. For information about Council meetings, contact the Department of Corrections at 850-689-5690.

The Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council meets at 1:00 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Okaloosa Island Visitor Center. The TDC levies a tourist development tax and spearheads a unified marketing and servicing program to enhance economic growth in south Okaloosa county through tourism. These meetings consider how the bed tax will be used. Concerns include beach replenishment, the Conference Center and traffic congestion, among other issues.