Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County approves Shalimar Little League improvements; tables $200,000 courthouse‑protection wall
Summary
Commissioners approved improvements at Port Dixie Park for Shalimar Little League and delayed a $200,000 proposal to build a brick wall in front of a hotel to protect the courthouse, asking staff to explore alternatives.
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners on a consent pull approved funding to support expansion of Shalimar Little League facilities at Port Dixie Park and voted to table a separate $200,000 proposal to build a brick wall in front of a nearby hotel to protect the courthouse while staff examines alternatives.
Shalimar Little League Adam Williams, president of Shalimar Little League, thanked the commission for past and proposed support at Port Dixie Park and outlined growth: the league reported a record 500 children and 42 teams this season and requested more fields to serve low‑income children with year‑round and free programs. Commissioners approved the related item (pulled as item 17) by voice vote, 4‑0.
Courthouse protection proposal Commissioner Goodwin pulled item 23 — a proposal to install a brick wall in front of the Home2Suites hotel as courthouse protection — and asked staff to study alternatives such as reinforcing or replacing windows with ballistic or laminated solutions. He said the estimated cost of $200,000 merited closer review before committing funds. The board voted 4‑0 to table the item and asked staff to return with alternative approaches and cost estimates.
Why it matters: The park improvements respond to a growing youth sports program and include an express purpose to provide free programming for children who cannot afford camp. The wall proposal touches courthouse security and budget priorities; commissioners sought to ensure the county pursues cost‑effective security upgrades.
Motions and votes - Motion to approve Shalimar Little League improvements at Port Dixie Park (item 17): passed 4‑0. - Motion to table the courthouse‑protection wall project (item 23) pending staff review of alternatives, including window reinforcement: passed 4‑0.
Next steps Staff will proceed with the Shalimar Little League project per the approved consent item and will return to the board with alternatives, cost comparisons and recommendations regarding courthouse protection measures before any appropriation of the $200,000 estimate.
Ending Commissioners encouraged public attendance at upcoming veterans and community events and closed the meeting after public comment.
