Acting Chief of Police, Bill Royal has announced his retirement from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. Royal had over 20 years of law enforcement service. His position will be filled by Robert Lovering, the former Chief of Police for the Port Richey Police Department and is said to have over 30 years of experience in law enforcement. Fort Walton Beach Police Department will begin their search for a new Police Chief on October 1st and anticipate a new Chief of Police will be selected within six months.