Mayor Russ Barley

Russ Barley was elected Mayor of Freeport in 2013 becoming the 11th Mayor for the city. Russ is a native of Freeport, attended Freeport School grades 1-12 and attended Okaloosa-Walton Community College for two years before going into the US Navy where he served for 5 years. He continued his studies in Business Administration at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi and lived in Jackson and Jacksonville Florida for a total of 25 years before returning to his home town. He has one son and two granddaughters who also live here in Freeport and he is the owner of Emerald Coast Flowers & Gifts and Kathryn Nikole Ladies Clothing Boutique in Freeport.

As Mayor, Russ manages a city staff of 30 plus, a budget of around $4,750,000.00 and works with members of the City Council to set policy and the city budget. Mayor Barley serves on the Walton County Economic Development Board, The North Walton TDC Board, the Community Veterans Memorial Board for the City of Freeport, Director of the Northwest Florida League of Cities.  Mayor Barley was awarded the 2017 NWFLC Municipal Official of the Year.