OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Parker Destin has won the nonpartisan race for Okaloosa County School Board District 2 in the August 20, 2024, Primary Election, defeating David Schmidt with 56.01% of the vote.
Destin received 18,752 votes to Schmidt’s 14,730, securing his place on the board.
Mr Destin, a local businessman and owner of Dewey Destin Seafood Restaurant and other enterprises, campaigned on bringing business acumen and private-sector solutions to the school board. He emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and innovative approaches to education.
His father, Dewey Destin, served on the school board for eight years, and his mother, Rebecca Destin, was an elementary school teacher for 33 years, contributing to the family’s legacy of public service in Okaloosa County.
Mr Schmidt, who finished with 43.99% of the vote, ran on being a conservative, a father, and an educator in the closely watched race.
Incumbent Marti Gardner did not seek reelection.
