Okaloosa County accepts donated Charters of Freedom, approves $40K–$60K to install displays and asks staff to seek a second set

The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners on May 5 accepted a donation of a seven‑panel “Charters of Freedom” display — reproductions of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the civil‑rights amendments — and approved $40,000 to $60,000 to fund an appropriate, permanent installation.

The display, presented by Jeff Peters, facilities and parks director, arrived as a community gift from Foundation Forward and includes stainless steel panels, mounting plates, a dedication plaque, and construction prints. Peters told the board the kit arrived without an invoice; counties are free to accept or decline the donation.

Commissioners debated placement, weighing two practical considerations: public visitation and long‑term maintenance. Several public commenters — including members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and community volunteers — urged siting the display at the county’s Women’s Veterans Memorial Park, saying the park draws school groups and community tours. Commissioner Ketchel said she favored that location for its educational value.

Others, including Commissioner Palmer, expressed concern about coastal exposure and corrosion at the park and supported locating the panels in the county seat at the Crestview courthouse, where pedestrian traffic and maintenance resources are concentrated. “It would make it much easier for us to maintain,” Palmer said of placing the panels in Crestview, while acknowledging the park’s strong public‑engagement record.

The board voted unanimously to accept the donation and then approved the $40,000–$60,000 installation budget, directing County Administrator Hoffstead to identify budget sources. Commissioners also asked staff to explore whether a second set could be obtained or purchased so both north and south county visitors — and school field trips on each end — can access the display; staff were asked to report back with cost and procurement options.

Commissioners said the county will seek to balance historical preservation, public access and avoid unnecessary exposure to coastal conditions. Jeff Peters indicated the county had one set on hand and would coordinate installation timing with other park improvement work.

The board’s action authorizes staff to move forward on acceptance and installation planning; the county will return with precise site plans and funding allocations once staff identify a funding source and (if needed) options for acquiring a second set.