MAYOR RANDALL WISE
A legacy as enduring as the city he faithfully served for almost half a century, the tale of former Niceville Mayor Randall Wise is one steeped in unyielding commitment and transformative leadership. He was immortalized on Jeopardy! and a vital force behind the city's growth from 4,155 to over 15,772 residents.
His remarkable tenure, spanning from 1972 to 2020, is notable in the history of Niceville, Florida, and nationally, marking Wise as the fifteenth longest-serving mayor in American history. Mayor Wise’s impact on Niceville extends beyond demographics.
His devotion to the community is evident in the city's physical landscape. A testament to his influence is renaming a stretch of Partin Drive/SR-285, now known as the “Mayor Randall Wise Memorial Highway.” This highway connects key city institutions such as Niceville High School, Ruckel Middle School, and the City Hall Complex, a tangible reminder of Wise's indelible footprint on Niceville.
Born in Niceville in 1930, Wise's connection to the city was natural. He graduated from Niceville High School in 1949 and served on the Niceville City Council in the 1950s. A true lover of his city's beautiful local waters, Wise was an “original Boggy Boy,” a term that hints at Niceville's past when it was known as Boggy before the name changed in 1910. He also is a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church.
Wise's leadership sent ripples far beyond Niceville's boundaries. His influence was pervasive as president of the Florida League of Cities. He also served with the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, the Military Affairs Committee, and the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council.
Wise was one of the original Niceville Volunteer Fire Department captains, further exemplifying his enduring commitment to protecting and serving his beloved city. His multifaceted role in the community showed his unwavering devotion to public safety and welfare, and his legacy within the fire department inspires local volunteers today.
Additionally, Wise served as Chairman of the Florida Municipal Health Trust Fund, underlining his dedication to community health and well-being. His unwavering commitment to the service of all cities in Florida was acknowledged when he was honored with the 20th Annual E. Harris Drew Award in 1997. This prestigious award attested to his significant contribution to Florida's municipalities.
Beyond his political life, Wise was also an Honorary Commander at Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, and Duke Field. He was a Friend for Life of the Niceville Public Library and a vigorous participant in local community groups, making him a fixture in the city's social and civic life.
LANNIE CORBIN
Former City Manager
He loved serving the residents of Niceville and had a passion for this community. We are a better city and a better community because of him.
RANDY WISE
It's truly special to see my father's legacy associated with offering the community an opportunity to support our first responders.
Mayor Dan Henkel
Mayor Wise was a beloved Mayor and mentor to many. His love for this city and partnership with City Manager Lannie Corbin helped cast a vision for the growth and development of our city that made Niceville the place to live, work, and play!