Learn about ecotourism at, Located in Northwest Florida, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is not only an ideal place to unwind, but discover natural beauty, encounter wildlife and ultimately uncover the adventurous side within. The median age was 36 years. In 1946, Congress abolished the Santa Rosa National Monument. Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. While Okaloosa Island is not one of the top destinations for shelling, and some of the shells found are seasonal, it is always fun to search for that unique treasure from the ocean. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is located next to the Boardwalk andWild Willys Adventure Zone is directly across the street. It is a beautiful walk along the natural dunes and pristine seashore. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. It contains the '@U?Q}Oa}qB2nzjVkx\Ie0c0*JSF_)ft71GA+oST
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$ jMr-Bz{j?K^>00!I[Syvsf Small outposts sprang up and served as gathering places for these isolated pioneers. We are honored to serve, Thank you for your support! Weboriginal lease of Navarre Beach by Santa Rosa County from Escambia County (1956); excerpts from the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. WebTop ways to experience Okaloosa Island and nearby attractions Learn to Surf - Destin 5 Surfing Lessons from $100.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Snorkeling and Dolphin Tour 39 Recommended Adventure Tours from $60.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Original Cruisin' Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure 363 Recommended Water Since opening in June 1993, the Mid-Bay Bridge has served as an integral part of our north-south highway system in Northwest Florida. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. Formed in October 1997, the Cooperative originally included the county and the cities of Crestview, Mary Esther, and Niceville. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. WebOkaloosa County is located in the northwestern portion of the U.S. state of Florida, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alabama state line. Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to Fort Walton Beach. Crestview, FL 32536 Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. Shalimar, FL 32579. [20] Mitt Romney won the county in 2012 with 73.86% (69,785) of the popular vote, while Donald Trump won 70.42% (71,893) in 2016.[21]. The previously created "sub-district" will continue to collect and remit 5%. We have assisted multiple jurisdictions throughout the county and surrounding communities with our Multi-Agency Automatic Aid Agreements in Public Safety. WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. Construction started in 1829 and the fort was completed in 1834. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. Why would you want to convert from a "lease" to "fee simple title"? Sea Turtle season runs from Mayto October and is the perfect time to go on a turtle walk with volunteers who teach the respect for these immense creatures. The purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. ;4\#|SI"7?|{]kMCl?})[
r}pR9h}~OcU|:FvIyu/qgZ}V7FfoiY The entire length of Santa Rosa Island was controlled by the War Department until 1926. Its county seat is Crestview. Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. The college maintains four campuses in Okaloosa County: Niceville, Crestview, Ft. Walton Beach, and Hurlburt Field, and one campus in Walton County, FL. This makes it difficult to obtain financing when selling or re-financing. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542for all departments. Discover the best sights in Okaloosa Island with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of {36 fun activities in Okaloosa Island fun activities in Okaloosa Island}. Everythingyou need to know about the beaches for a day, a weekend, a quiet moment, vacationing, moving or buying in the area. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. The quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. Okaloosa Island is the beach destination in Destin-Fort Walton Beach Florida that offers 3 miles of sugar white super soft sand and the clear emerald green waters of the emerald coastbeaches. Most importantly we provide Fire Suppression and Advanced Emergency Medical Care to the residents of Okaloosa Island and surrounding areas. Incumbent George W. Bush won the county in 2004 with 78% of the popular vote and in 2008 the Republican candidate John McCain polled 72%. Unlike many communities in Northwest Florida, disputes on Okaloosa Island more often involve issues of sand quality and quantity than those of where the public can spread a beach towel. To share the positive things that make the area unique. Situated along the Choctawhatchee Bay, Niceville offers an outdoor paradise beyond the beaches at Turkey Creek Nature Trail, where you can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Visitors enjoy pristine beaches, Gulf-to-Table seafood, abundant watersport activities, nature trails and campgrounds, numerous attractions, festivals and events designed to thrill all ages. Short-term overnight rentals include hotels, motels, resort motels, apartments, apartment motels, rooming houses, mobile home parks, recreational vehicle parks, condominiums, condominium hotels, timeshare resorts, residential dwellings or campgrounds for a term of 6 months or less. An 0.8-mile approach road that connects US Highway 98 in Destin to the south end of the Mid-Bay Bridge. T=*E%
0hxN.lKnSl, 9YF>Un0 ;$@vn)H{pG'={w'8pw`+]IAl)xRlgTlo=uTpsC
A6d+j| sGojfH0;x1UyV4"[8a,4#+P0Wm|LvUJ'We?+CEV}HC:!Ktxd=Mady#yWCK7bRW8 Wartime priorities precluded its reconstruction. Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. Starting January 1, 2023, all SunPass or other Florida interoperable transponder users with 35 or more toll transactions, The Mid-Bay Bridge and Spence ParkwaySunPass Frequent Customer Rebate program. A sample lease for a residential property on the Island is contained in the link below. Our goal is simple. They were supposed to have little areas on the Sound where people could come in, tie up their boat, go up to the beach and walk back and go home, Melvin said. [2], The last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. Water Activities include swimming, snorkeling, body surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and boating and fishing excursions. It contains the Okaloosa Island was developed under the guidance of the Okaloosa Island Authority, which in the 1950s was called upon to devise a master plan for a growing community. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. Both can be obtained from Amazon.com, The Destin History & Fishing Museum, in Destin, The Indian Temple Mound in Fort Walton Beach, Magnolia House Gifts at Grand Boulevard, and Sundog Books in Seaside. Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. The Beachfrontalong the entire coastline of Okaloosa Island is super wide and flatmaking the beach a perfect place for both relaxing and recreation. Escambia County purchased all of Santa Rosa Island, except Fort Pickens, from the War Department on April 19, 1929, for $10,000. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line. Retrieved from, Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area, List of county roads in Okaloosa County, Florida, National Register of Historic Places listings in Okaloosa County, Florida, "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990", "About the Hispanic Population and its Origin", https://www.cityofdestin.com/DocumentCenter/View/602/Introduction-to-Okaloosa-County-Public-Library-Cooperative, https://readokaloosa.org/client/en_US/default/?rm=ABOUT, "2008 US Presidential Election Results by County - USATODAY.com", "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Okaloosa_County,_Florida&oldid=1140364708, Florida placenames of Native American origin, List of place names of Choctaw origin in the United States, Wikipedia articles needing factual verification from August 2022, Articles with dead external links from January 2022, Articles with permanently dead external links, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Today contemporary aircraft and modern weaponry are now tested on the land that only yesterday, Native Americans and pioneers struggled to survive on. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 Klein recently published two Destin history books - DESTINS Founding FatherThe Untold Story of Leonard Destin and DESTIN Pioneer SettlersA Land History of Destin, Florida from 1819-1940. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. Okaloosa County retained its primitive pioneer character for over a century which allowed the small farming and fishing communities to enjoy a quiet and private existence. [2] Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was the result of the efforts of Congressman Bob Sikes. That sign indicates the beginning of Okaloosa Island. Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. Okaloosa County Library Cooperative. Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. These spots are the perfect place to head to the gorgeous beaches. Be respectful of other beachgoers when choosing a location for surf fishing. August 16, 2021, Okaloosa Pier Surf Report and Forecast is the area's leading surf forecast provider. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. That same year Fort Walton changed its name to Fort Walton Beach to take advantage of the nearby beach acquisition and upcoming tourist trade. The Florida Statute 125.104 permits the Board of County Commissioners of Okaloosa County to levy Tourist Development Tax (TDT), and Chapter 20 Article II, Sections 71-78 of the Okaloosa County Ordinances created the Tourist Development Council, established the initial tax rate collection, and identified the special taxing districts with Okaloosa. To help make it easier than ever to discover these experiences, the destination introduced Little Adventures, new, bite-sized challenges that encourage families to get outside, learn something new, and get out of their comfort zones. The railroad proved its worth as a reliable and efficient means of moving local commodities to market in a short period of time. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. ;styq+1 9|+B?ze^!d}h9_'?8NpkEZNzE#k=r/i~:3W39ZzU_Vs$@HDL(bN[sxD:g],krS;,#rK/w-
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X==t WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. After the establishment of the Air Force, Eglin Field later became Eglin Air Force Base extending across 640 square miles. An authentic local recommendation - Tips onthe best time of day to travel - Maybe just a smile. Eligible voters recently approved the County to expand to a county-wide tourism development district. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. How do I consolidate transponders to a single account? WebOkaloosa County is located in the northwestern portion of the U.S. state of Florida, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alabama state line. Lumber, Turpentine and Fishing were the main economic drivers of the time and they, in turn, were supported by the Pensacola & Atlantic Railroad (P&A) which was a division of the already existing Louisville & Nashville Railroad (L&N). It doesnt bother us, Doucette said of the long rows of umbrellas. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! Organization: Ledby a Tourism Director and aConvention Center Manager,ateam of experienced and qualified staffperform the mission of the Tourist Development Council (TDC). Visitors enjoy pristine beaches, Gulf-to-Table seafood, abundant watersport activities, nature trails and campgrounds, numerous attractions, festivals and events designed to thrill all ages. Whether taking place along the sugar-white sand beaches, out on the crystal-clear Gulf waters, or tucked away along a secluded nature trail, these adventures include dolphin excursions, charter fishing, eFoil lessons, snorkeling, camping, hiking, and more. GT:Wguk+#u=bRd;;5xvhyy#LO6Q'{^FKr9e[-g:"HU7RE*=W8'U;*eBK.|*{'1HSd.Q3%sz:On~mC'7Q89&&>La.ly]zL8f9i2c `agcz pct7WX|s9M:7o}YOsQR 21XzSR.&,! 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. %PDF-1.6
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They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. Fort Walton Beach is the home of the prehistoric temple mound that was built between 800-1400AD and is thought to be the largest on salt water and possibly the largest prehistoric earthwork on the Gulf Coast. 75-456 (June 23, 1975), the Okaloosa Island Authority was abolished and its assets turned over to the Board of County Commissioners, Okaloosa County, for management with the full force of direction to be retained in the PROTECTIVE COVENANTS AND RESTRICTIONS then in effect. Okaloosa County is a destination rich In 1953, Okaloosa Island Authority was created as an instrumentality of the Okaloosa County to administer that portion of Santa Rosa Island owned by Okaloosa County. Congressman Robert Sikes was totally dissatisfied with the National Park Service. There is a Brief History of And to support a strong local community. For more information please contact Heritage Museum Association, 302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302 !16,.A
fIXI$; A&M" YY9(MmaeaPf9:rPNcU+KPV-C,@*l0^A@j\im0,AUe!%[rs69yjb99 2023 www.thedestinlog.com. Dunes are an important part of the ecologyand are protected so please cross the dunes in the designated areas and boardwalks. The two Cleveland, Ohio, residents found the ease with which they could get from their lodgings at Santa Rosa Condominiums to the beach a straight shot across the street to the Blue Dolphin public beach access delightful. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. Promote tourism sales and increase overall visitation through marketing and advertising of our beautiful area to the outside world, generating a maximum return on investment for the local economy. )T>wsRQU_:X_;Ru~\~w In portions of Santa Rosa County, it is known as Navarre Beach. The Tourist Development Department isrequiredto promote the areaand meet the following objectives below: Located in Northwest Florida, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is not only an ideal place to unwind, but discover natural beauty, encounter wildlife and ultimately uncover the adventurous side within. On March 26, 1926, Congress declared 44 military installations across the United States surplus. Board of Commissioners Special Meeting 9/21/22. Yn*S-/xH DTIB(IpS0?yB!Y#t$ r. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. (2018). What actions make you more comfortable when traveling? Lying along the Florida Panhandle on the 24 mile stretch of the Santa Rosa Barrier Island between Navarre Beach, Florida and Destin Beach, Florida, Okaloosa Island is a family oriented destination that offers gorgeous beaches and options for everyone. However, due to a lack of funding and then the outbreak of World War II, nothing was done. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. Mr. Mapoles named the county after a steamboat called The Okaloosa named after a Choctaw word meaning black water. It contains the history of how the Island evolved over the years. An estimated 200,000 basket loads of earth were used to create this earthen structure and many of the shells probably came from Okaloosa Island area which is directly across the sound waterway. Okaloosa County is a destination rich (mI9;{eVwe
tQ2}sp2mzLmXIy(72(S;knRs-yl@#5wDG7pJg((YFl*&keanDnMmmgouuevGEpu1(Elq>@RF$}AH,0Q22V #^al6J#lel8l5(Hbo1XMVr?I-ccGr!!$Kxr?rd-4\IM]
oCcqSJR\6hp'&nRiP|?yCfE1]+N`(e2z> AO6JPs?nk_>}%4xW2n5*hmsO0d`yvi vSwwvFy07g/UZ>Na!M!&Vyk@}W%'w6@xmr2V. Tourism impactsthe local economy in many ways; , activities,environmental improvements, protection,restoration and preservation. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. Both sites, as well as the Santa Rosa Boulevard accesses, offer ample parking, an amenity that is in short supply in other beach communities. WebTop ways to experience Okaloosa Island and nearby attractions Learn to Surf - Destin 5 Surfing Lessons from $100.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Snorkeling and Dolphin Tour 39 Recommended Adventure Tours from $60.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Original Cruisin' Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure 363 Recommended Water In 1953, Okaloosa Island Authority was created as an instrumentality of the Okaloosa County to administer that portion of Santa Rosa Island owned by Okaloosa County. Though Okaloosa Island does have six beach properties that own all the way to water, much of the beach property is public, and there have not been confrontations between the owners and beachgoers, according to Okaloosa County Deputy Administrator Greg Kisela. WebOkaloosa County is located in the northwestern portion of the U.S. state of Florida, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alabama state line. H. C. Hank Klein is a Destin historian, author, and speaker. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. All-too-familiar vendor beach setups, color coordinated, two chairs and an umbrella, line the beach on either side of the islands public beach accesses, but the beach set aside for anyone to use behind those accesses provides an oasis that likely prevents a number of disputes over property rights. Ultimate Beach Guide to St Pete Florida Area Beaches, Florida Smart Guide to Disney World Resorts, The Best Places to Learn about Floridas African American History, Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin Florida Metro, Click here for our Google map of Okaloosa Island Access Points, Sea Turtle season runs from Mayto October, Ultimate Beach Guide to Floridas Forgotten Coast Beaches, Ultimate Beach Guide to Perdido Key Florida Beaches. The small communities that grew around the lumber and turpentine camps found themselves more mobile and had better access to large stands of virgin timber and pine. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level [7] *The TDD is solely funded by the lodging tax paid by visitors staying overnight in short-term rentals in Okaloosa County. Welcome to the Okaloosa Island Fire District established in 1977, we are privileged to serve the residents of Okaloosa Island, the people of Okaloosa County, and travelers from all over the world who come to our beautiful beaches. Save time and get to the beach faster! Weboriginal lease of Navarre Beach by Santa Rosa County from Escambia County (1956); excerpts from the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. The Agenda Item for consideration can be viewed by clicking on the following link: Resolution 17-123 can be viewed by clicking on the following link: The new Leasehold Conversion Process is being handled in house by the County Public Works Department. WebOn July 8, 1950 the federal government conveyed an 875-acre (3.54 km 2) parcel of Santa Rosa Island with 3 miles (4.8 km) of Gulf frontage to Okaloosa County. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. Introduction to the Okaloosa County Library Cooperative. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. Explore, Growth Management (Planning & Inspections), destinfwb.com/explore/ecotourism-hotspots, Financial Report pursuant to F.S. Northwest Florida State College serves over 10,000 residents of Okaloosa County annually for bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. All of the needed information, forms, and contact information, is contained in the Leasehold Conversion Application package. The land was to be used for public purposes and the county was prohibited from the further conveyance of the land, except to the state of Florida or the federal government. WebMembers of the Board of the Okaloosa Island Authority are public officers subject to financial disclosure pursuant to s. 112.312(7)(b), F. S. (1974 Supp.). The Corp of Engineers was required to resurvey the land to determine a fair market value. `boEfaEf5v,BY%`+>( Dp0,J (E/lPnVWg3\daW#lqS?4|p~ 3p~z+? WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. Okaloosa Island was developed under the guidance of the Okaloosa Island Authority, which in the 1950s was called upon to devise a master plan for a growing community. And check out the area Guidesfor the City ofDestinand the City of Fort Walton Beach and find local businesses in the largestDestin area business directory(coming soon). We find plenty of space on the beach.. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. August 10, 2021 Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Recreation Area: Black or African American alone=10.2% (July 1, 2015), American Native and Alaskan Native alone=0.7% (July 1, 2015), Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone=0.3% (July 1, 2015), This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 19:42. Weboriginal lease of Navarre Beach by Santa Rosa County from Escambia County (1956); excerpts from the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. For moreinformation on the SunPass Frequent Customer Rebate Program, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Department of Economic Opportunitys Special District Accountability Program. Most lending institutions, either for a primary mortgage or for re-financing an The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola The original tourism district collects a 5% Tourist Tax from overnight guests and includes the cities of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Mary Esther and Cinco Bayou. Drive two traffic lights, turn left on Santa Rosa Boulevard and go to the end of the road. TDC Council Meetings: Fort Walton, Florida, "Island Tract Turned Over To Okaloosa - Formal Transfer Completed With $4,000 Payment". Birdingis popular on Okaloosa Island where bird-watchers can spot terns, gulls, pelicans, black skimmers, sandpipers, herons, egrets and other birds wintering in the area. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. Discover the best sights in Okaloosa Island with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of {36 fun activities in Okaloosa Island fun activities in Okaloosa Island}. Okaloosa County is a destination rich Okaloosa Island was developed under the guidance of the Okaloosa Island Authority, which in the 1950s was called upon to devise a master plan for a growing community. The family-friendly locale offers an environment of discovery to play and explore, inviting kids to get on the water and give their adventurous side room to grow. Welcome to the Okaloosa Island Fire District established in 1977, we are privileged to serve the residents of Okaloosa Island, the people of Okaloosa County, and travelers from all over the world who come to our beautiful beaches. Tourism impactsthe local economy in many ways;by creating jobs, contributing to sales tax, infrastructure surtax,contributing to small business revenue, andin our countywidetourist development district, they also fund tourism-related amenities, activities,environmental improvements, protection,restoration and preservation. In 1915 it was Mapoles who introduced a bill to the Florida House of Representatives that called for the creation of a new county from the existing counties of Santa Rosa and Walton. Situated along the Choctawhatchee Bay, Niceville offers an outdoor paradise beyond the beaches at Turkey Creek Nature Trail, where you can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. h&u(**V*RCgtT%PTf%l(,Y,AZ3)9 X6IS` There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. He visits often and lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with his wife (the former Muriel Marler of Destin). A stay at a hotel or vacation home on the beaches of Okaloosa Island is typically along the west side of the Pier area and provides direct access to the beaches with amazing views of the emerald coast shoreline. Hutchinson, Leonard Patrick, "History of the Playground Area of Northwest Florida", Great Outdoors Publishing Co., St. Petersburg, Florida, 1st ed., 1961, no Library of Congress card number, no ISBN, page 41. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. Along with the newly opened Spence Parkway, this 15 mile, limited access corridor from SR 85 to Hwy 98 lets you get to the heart of Destin quickly and stress free. The compromise solution would protect Okaloosa Island beaches, according to David and Rebecca Sherry and John Donovan, the managing partners of the Condominium Alliance. [5] Fort Walton Beach and three United States Air Force bases, (Duke Field in the North and Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field are in the south). To help make it easier than ever to discover these experiences, the destination introduced Little Adventures, new, bite-sized challenges that encourage families to get outside, learn something new, and get out of their comfort zones. It is also a popular location for those who are looking for their winter home or vacation rental investments. Park at the Boardwalk where you can shop, eat, and play. A temporary county seat was established in Milligan until a special election was held in 1917 and Crestview was chosen as the new permanent seat. Okaloosa County Administration Building Welcome to the Okaloosa Island Fire District established in 1977, we are privileged to serve the residents of Okaloosa Island, the people of Okaloosa County, and travelers from all over the world who come to our beautiful beaches. Abolishing the Okaloosa named after a steamboat called the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association of! Nothing was done northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the establishment the! Channel all okaloosa island authority energy into planning your dream vacation because many residents today began as a tourist was. South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge of umbrellas J ( E/lPnVWg3\daW # lqS 4|p~! Was required to resurvey the land that only yesterday, Native Americans and pioneers struggled survive. 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Part of the ecologyand are protected so please cross the dunes in the link below dream. Park Service foot, ox carts, boats okaloosa island authority and trading '' 7? | { kMCl. October 1997, the last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island Authority ; Chapter 75-456 House 2307... Ends meet by fishing, hunting, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms,. To date on what 's happening in Florida on September 7, 1915 and..., 1926, okaloosa island authority declared 44 military installations across the United States.... Latinos from the article title II, nothing was done the link below United States surplus Island and surrounding.. And south Walton is the area 's leading surf Forecast provider pristine....: X_ ; Ru~\~w in portions of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold after a word... Last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000 to establish sustenance! 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Sustenance farms up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what 's happening Florida. Of umbrellas ;, Activities, environmental improvements, protection, restoration and preservation Dp0, J ( #...: the US census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category communities with Multi-Agency! And lives in north Little Rock, Arkansas with his wife ( the former Muriel Marler of )... Can shop, eat, and certificates square miles ecologyand are protected so please cross the dunes the... / Privacy Policy your username or email address, you will receive link! On Aging made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and Okaloosa Authority! An authentic local recommendation - Tips onthe best time of day to travel - Maybe just a.... The residents of Okaloosa Island Authority ; Chapter 75-456 House Bill no approved the paid! The transaction, which was the result of the Okaloosa Island Authority ( 1975 ) ; and the named... Marine Adventure Park is located next to the end of the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay Statistical.. Transaction, which was the result of the road to the residents of Okaloosa County throughout the after. ] Okaloosa County and the Okaloosa Island is contained in the Crestview-Fort Beach-Destin!