The Covington County Commission appointed Robert Thomas to the Florida Airport Board Authority at its Sept. 23 meeting after confirming that Mr. Gardner is retiring and will not seek reappointment.

The commission discussed the length of the appointment and reviewed prior practice. A commissioner said the appointment term is a five-year term that would expire in September 2031. "After many years of dedicated service, Mr. Gardner is retiring and therefore does not request appointment," one commissioner said.

A motion to appoint Robert Thomas, identified in the meeting as the assistant chief of the county fire department, was moved and seconded and carried unanimously. The commission did not record additional conditions or a separate vote tally in the transcript beyond the standard "all in favor" confirmation.

The commission asked the district commissioner (Miss Lynn) to comment because the appointee represents her area; no other nominees were presented at the meeting.