Sheriff's proposal could disband FWBPD

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (WALA) - For more than 70 years, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department has protected the city's 20,000 citizens.

But with a new budget, all that could change.

“Over the years, we have gotten less and less revenues; and our expenses have gone up,” said Mayor Mike Anderson.

Mayor Anderson and the city council approached Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley to see if his deputies could protect the city for a lower price tag.

The discussion to hear a proposal from the sheriff has Anderson’s phone ringing off the hook.

“The ones that I receive say, ‘I don’t want you to do this; we don’t want to lose our own police department,’“ Anderson said.

But if the price is right, that could be a reality for the city of Fort Walton Beach.

Then it would be a question of who gets to decide who protects its citizens. Should seven councilmen make the decision for 20,000, or do the taxpayers get a vote?

“I’m personally, personally, leaning towards a referendum,” Anderson said.

And so was everyone to whom FOX10 News spoke Wednesday evening.

“I think that the public in the city of Fort Walton Beach the city limits folks, who either enjoy or do not enjoy the services they get from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, ought to have an opportunity to express their desire to either retain or not to retain,” said local business owner Allan Stearns.

“I think the sheriff’s department probably has a lot on their plate as it is. I don’t think that the council members should decide that,” said resident Dianna Teeples.

Officials said decision would also have to be made regarding police department personnel.

“There are 70-something employees who would be without a job working for the city,” Anderson said. “Who they work for next is still up for discussion. I would believe that the sheriff might want to hire some of them himself.”

Sheriff Ashley would not comment at this time.

Mayor Anderson expects the sheriff’s proposal in 45 to 60 days. From there, the council will decide whether to decide the issue itself, or request a referendum.