William “Boots” McCormick Announces re-election bid for District 1 Board of County Commissioners
The Republican Primary is August 20
William “Boots” McCormick is a third-generation Walton County resident, unwavering in his community service. McCormick began his career as a Deputy Sheriff of Walton County and served for over 30 years, the last 14 years as a criminal investigator while also serving as a volunteer fireman. Upon retirement, he began a new career in politics at Freeport City Council, after which he won the election and was voted in as a Commissioner for Walton County, District 1.
McCormick now presides along with four other commissioners over a $69 million budget. Money is not allocated or spent without the approval of at least two other commissioners. Walton County has an approximate population of 75,000 between full and part-time residents, and the “only county in the State of Florida that has reduced the ad valorem tax,” he notes.
Boots’ pride and joys is the attention in the part of the general budget attributed to Parks and Recreation. Particularly, the purchase of the 130-acre Defuniak Springs Golf course in 2019 has also stirred some sentiment. The purchase price was a mere $50,000 with the only stipulation that it otherwise not be developed (The property must remain “green”).
Shane Supple, a former parks director from Freeport headed up improvements at a cost of $2 million dollars. The Eagle Springs municipal course is open for business and boasts some of the lowest greens fees in the area, and the Clubhouse dues are quite moderately priced.
“Shane is well qualified in this role and has done an excellent job,” notes McCormick. However, McCormick would like to see marketing include that it is a regional Parks and Recreation property that happens to have a golf course. There are two county commissioners who say it is costing too much money. These and some other citizens say it should be shut down. In any event, Boots envisions a ball field, pickle ball courts, basketball courts, and perhaps an Olympic Pool complex and a senior center in the near future.
Much has gone on in the past four years, from the death of his high school sweetheart, Barbara, from cancer in 2021 to a hang-gliding accident that almost took his life. The Walton County Commissioners election is November 5, 2024. Boots would like to continue serving his community for one more 4-year term and then retire.
Regarding the beach access controversy Boots noted,” Walton County is the only county in Florida that has this controversy where approximately 1,400 beachfront parcels are preventing access to the beach. I find it odd
that for the past seven years this has been going on, as soon as it gets close to a hearing in Tallahassee, there is a motion filed which results in a further delay. There have been 360 motions filed so far. The state of Florida has thirty-six attorneys at the cost to taxpayers of an estimated $90 million dollars, whereas Walton County has only five attorneys. The opponents to beach access are clearly trying to wear us down. But it won’t work,” he said.
Boots wanted to make a few things clear that the only way he will leave his position as commissioner is: one, if he is voted out by the citizens of Walton County or two, the Governor of Florida removes him. “I believe in community service, and as long as I’m a Commissioner that’s what I’ll do.”
Author: Sowal Editor
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