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CRESTVIEW (OKALOOSA COUNTY) · LOCALDecisions and attributed speech publishedPartial coverage

City Council Special Meeting (2026-01-20)

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 · Government meeting record

The 30-second read

Recorded outcome

The Crestview City Council held a special meeting on January 20, 2026, to fill a vacant Precinct 2 Council seat and appoint a new City Clerk. Following interviews with candidates for both positions, the Council unanimously selected Mr. Echols for the Precinct 2 seat and Ms. Natasha Peacock as the City Clerk.

Why it matters

The City Council filled two key leadership vacancies, ensuring full representation for Precinct 2 residents and establishing the permanent leadership for the City Clerk's office.

What happens next

No later meeting or follow-up date is stated in the reviewed record.

City Council Special Meeting (2026-01-20)

Official minutes publish outcomes and identify speakers and the topics they addressed.

Recorded votes

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1 recorded vote0 split

Split votes (0)

Every recorded vote passed unanimously.

Unanimous votes (1)

Voting yes on all of these (3)

Doug Cappsyes

Shannon Hayesyes

Brandon Frostyes

passedRoll call record ↗

1. Approve Agenda

Yes: 3
No: 0

People and votes

Brandon Frost

Open person dossier

1 recorded vote

Recorded voteItem 1
1. Approve Agenda - Voted yes on the motion “motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Capps and seconded by Mr. Hayes to approve the current agenda. Roll Call:”; the record reports passed.
Official record

See all 1 roll call with named votes

What people said

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Commented on how well they interviewed. Mr. Hayes expressed that he was looking for someone interested in the well-being of Crestview and spoke about how each candidate performed in their interview. Mayor Pro Tem Capps shared his thoughts. The Mayor gave closing remarks.
Commissioner Mayor Whitten opened the floor for Council discussion concerning the candidate interviews. Mr. Frost expressed his support for Mr. Echols. Ms. Allison thanked the candidates for their military service and
- City Council Special Meeting (2026-01-20)

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Record text

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Minutes textCity Council Special Meeting (2026-01-20)

CITY OF CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

January 20,2026 4:00 PM Council Chambers

1. Call to Order

The Special Meeting of the Crestview City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor JB Whitten. Council Members present: Mayor Pro-Tem Doug Capps and Council Members Dusty Allison, Shannon Hayes, and Brandon Frost. Also present were City Manager Jessica Leavins Deputy City Clerk Natasha Peacock, City Attorney Jonathan Holloway, and various staff members.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Frost.

3. Approve Agenda

Mayor Whitten called for action to approve the agenda.

A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Capps and seconded by Mr. Hayes to approve the current agenda.

Roll Call: Ayes: Doug Capps, Shannon Hayes, Brandon Frost, Dusty Allison. All ayes. Motion carried.

4. Overview of Ground Rules

4.1. Council Selection Process

Mayor Whitten explained the purpose of the special meeting. He stated that this process is to select an individual to fill the vacancy for the Council Member of Precinct 2, a seat vacated in December. According to the City Charter, if a vacancy on the Council is caused by death, resignation, refusal of any council member to serve, residency changes, or for any other reason, the vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by majority vote of the remaining Council. This must be done within thirty (30) days of the vacated seat. The person selected must meet the same qualifications set in the Charter, including residency within the precinct.

Mayor Whitten stated that applications were received and narrowed to three qualified applicants who would be interviewed that evening, in alphabetical order: Mr. Echols, Mr. Rencich, and Mr Rodriguez. He noted that during interviews, the other two candidates would be asked to step out of the Council Chamber. Once all interviews were complete, all nominees would be called back in for public comments, Council discussion, and the vote. Interview questions would begin with Council Member Allison to maintain consistency.

* * *

5. Council Candidate 1

5.1. Precinct 2 Council Candidate 1 - Mr. Echols

Mr. Echols gave an introduction, proceeded to answer questions asked by the Council, and gave a closing presentation.

6. Council Candidate 2

6.1. Precinct 2 Council Candidate 2 - Mr. Rencich

Mr. Rencich gave an introduction, proceeded to a closing presentation.

swer questions asked by the Council, and gave

7. Council Candidate 3

7.1. Precinct 2 Council Candidate 3 - Mr. Rodriguez

Mr. Rodriguez gave an introduction, proceeded to answer questions asked by the Council, and gave a closing presentation.

8. Council Follow-Up Questions

9. Public Comments

Mayor Whitten asked for public comments. There were none.

Mayor Whitten opened the floor for Council discussion concerning the candidate interviews. Mr. Frost expressed his support for Mr. Echols. Ms. Allison thanked the candidates for their military service and commented on how well they interviewed. Mr. Hayes expressed that he was looking for someone interested in the well-being of Crestview and spoke about how each candidate performed in their interview. Mayor Pro Tem Capps shared his thoughts. The Mayor gave closing remarks.

11. Selection and Vote for Precinct 2 Council Member

Mayor Whitten asked the Council for action.

A motion was made by Mr. Frost to appoint Mr. Echols to fill the vacancy as the Council Member for Precinct 2. Seconded by Ms. Allison.

Roll Call: Brandon Frost, Dusty Allison, Doug Capps, Shannon Hayes. All ayes. Motion carried. The Mayor then called for a recess at 6:00 p.m.

12. Action Items

12.1. City Clerk Interview

* * *

Mayor Whitten resumed the Special Meeting at 6:15 p.m.

Mayor Whitten stated that there were three interviews for the appointed position of City Clerk. He noted that each candidate would have the opportunity to introduce themselves, answer questions from the Council, and give a closing statement, after which the Council would discuss and appoint the next City Clerk.

Ms. Peacock gave an introduction, answered interview questions from the Council, and gave a closing statement.

Ms. Ojeda gave an introduction, answered interview questions from the Council, and gave a closing statement.

Official record

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City Council Special Meeting (2026-01-20)

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