Write-in candidate Caleb Boudreaux has withdrawn from the race for the Santa Rosa County District 1 seat, leaving Sam Parker of Pace to fill the vacancy left by that district’s former commissioner — newly elected Florida House District 3 Representative Jayer Williamson.
Parker won the Aug. 30 primary by a 60-40 margin, defeating fellow realtor Mark Cotton. So Boudreaux’s departure means Parker will take office in November.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Santa Rosa County,” Parker said.
Parker is a former law enforcement officer who received a Purple Heart after being injured by gunfire in the line of duty while working for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. He went on to start a real estate company before running for office.
He graduated from Milton High School and earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Troy University.
Parker has been married to his wife, Candace, for eleven years, and they have two children. He has been a member of Pace Assembly of God Church since 2003.
“I think it’s a huge honor, and I’m extremely thankful the countless number of people who helped during this campaign – especially for those who volunteered and contributed financially so that we could run a successful campaign,” Parker said Tuesday morning.
This week’s county commission agenda includes scheduling the Oath of Office for Parker and the board’s annual reorganization meeting, which is tentatively planned for November 15.
Other items on the agenda include:
Discussion of the failed courthouse referendum;
Revising beach lease amendment request procedures to provide more public notification;
Offering a 10 percent discount on annual fishing passes at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier Oct. 1 & 2;
Adding an additional median to the U.S. 98 landscape annual maintenance contract;
Camden Drive drainage improvements;
Re-roofing Navarre Library for $47,007;
Request from Pirates of the Panhandle to use Navarre Park for the 2nd Annual First Responders Appreciation Rally planned for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Because of the Labor Day holiday, the commission committee meeting (discussion) is taking place Sept. 6. The regular commission meeting will be Sept. 8. Both meetings start at 9 a.m. and can be watched or replayed at www.santarosa.fl.gov (click on calendar and select meeting).
