About Us. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. It is a beautiful walk along the natural dunes and pristine seashore. In Escambia County, it is known as Pensacola Beach. vE>c!|},V@(a?Dk;kkSJjw_Su
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We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. Okaloosa Island features gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. [ PkJi8]@l7u\Ei]C0ItnTW3IW0\ib Also see surrounding Beach Guides for Destin, Navarre, South Walton 30A, Panama City. WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. [7] existing mortgage, do not want to lend money on property that is leased. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Od1Sn&|]&3hV[JbPLDXa"3'P4Q1B[*a&H2,`@YMDjPVePn&8p& 3vd,5"b`KQp4cl(lXX\"Kj\SBma040[@R4lJ1:4PfyDrv@Zl@"4B1kDQY)Oy-(7s,RZXa5.BVOwVa85# B-*0=|v(.,Rw@Yvlm
&!h")D!DaXPrP rPY18H9Rr@CH They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. [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). Formed in October 1997, the Cooperative originally included the county and the cities of Crestview, Mary Esther, and Niceville. This Okaloosa steamboat brought passengers up and down the Blackwater River from Milton to Pensacola. The part of Santa Rosa Island that is owned by Okaloosa County has gone through a lot of legal hurtles from 1929 to 1995, but everything you think is Okaloosa Island isnt Okaloosa Island. Then when you cross the Marler Memorial Bridge and leave Destin heading west you are on Santa Rosa Island for the next three and a half miles. View Meetings, VisitorWelcome Center WebBook your tickets online for Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach: See 1,574 reviews, articles, and 703 photos of Okaloosa Island, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 27 attractions in Fort Walton Beach. 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). Park at John Beasley Park and hike a couple miles along the waters edge into the Gulf Islands National Seashore or walk toward the Pier. Be respectful of other beachgoers when choosing a location for surf fishing. Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. To share the positive things that make the area unique. %PDF-1.6
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As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.94. Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race. 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. The purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level There were restrictions in the deed that only allowed the land to be used for public recreational purposes. Then notice on your right the sign that welcomes you to Okaloosa Island. Just gorgeous dunes that line the area going into the National Seashore where you can enjoy the most natural beachfront scenery. On July 8, 1950, a three-mile strip on Santa Rosa Island - the old Tower Beach area and Holiday Isle, the eastern most piece of the original Santa Rosa Island where the old East Pass had been - was deeded to Okaloosa County for $4,000 by the federal government. 23.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. 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. 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. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. 2023 www.nwfdailynews.com. Property owners on Okaloosa Island could only lease their land until 1995. 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. ||^T/J;V4e0z*{^rF(Rxtz{PteDkFx[;>@ Ub{Q~>ccQ{w;w{6;A?*Oy>W0q>:ct_i e')/\{ K [7] The primary reason is financing. 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. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! It contains the history of how the Island evolved over the years. 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. The college maintains four campuses in Okaloosa County: Niceville, Crestview, Ft. Walton Beach, and Hurlburt Field, and one campus in Walton County, FL. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. Most lending institutions, either for a primary mortgage or for re-financing an !!O8C9 !M ynB
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4\5 All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. It contains the Small outposts sprang up and served as gathering places for these isolated pioneers. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.50 males. The Corp of Engineers was required to resurvey the land to determine a fair market value. 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. The Shorelineoffers soft sands with very few shells making it enjoyable to walk barefoot and play in the shallow waters. In 1939, the Santa Rosa National Monument was proclaimed by President Roosevelt. How do I consolidate transponders to a single account? Okaloosa County is a destination rich 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. WebBook your tickets online for Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach: See 1,574 reviews, articles, and 703 photos of Okaloosa Island, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 27 attractions in Fort Walton Beach. Dunesline the most of the beachfront, even in developed areas. 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. 1268 0 obj
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If you were looking for your slice of heaven, thats where youd go, he said. 2023 www.thedestinlog.com. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. Click herefor more information. 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. Since opening in June 1993, the Mid-Bay Bridge has served as an integral part of our north-south highway system in Northwest Florida. Okaloosa Island has two distinct sides that are separated by the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier and Boardwalkin the middle. August 10, 2021 Mr. Mapoles named the county after a steamboat called The Okaloosa named after a Choctaw word meaning black water. On August 1, 2017 the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 17-123 which defined the new process for Leasehold Conversions. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . 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. That sign indicates the beginning of Okaloosa Island. Crestview, FL 32536 TDC Council Meetings: 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. ExploreDestinFWB.com. The TDC serves as an advisory council to the Board of County Commissioners. That sand will eventually move westward to restore more developed island areas, the email said. T=*E%
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When visiting or moving to Okaloosa Island in Fort WaltonBeach, you will find options for homes, condos, town homes, hotels, and beach homes. As of 2015,[15] there were 198,664 people and 95,494 households. For Local Businesses including Food & Drinks, Services, Health & Medical, Education, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment and more, click here. 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. 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. 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. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. The Boardwalk and Beasley Park are probably Okaloosa Countys most popular public beach areas, Kisela said. 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. Okaloosa County is a destination rich Organization: Ledby a Tourism Director and aConvention Center Manager,ateam of experienced and qualified staffperform the mission of the Tourist Development Council (TDC). 800-322-3319 WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. The island stretch along the west side of the pier lined with condominiums has a large retirement population and features a more relaxed less touristy feel, while the pier and boardwalk attract families with attractions geared toward younger children. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. #Q, During the winter months, from the angle of the earth to the sun, both sunrise and sunset can be seen across the horizon along the edge where the water meets the sky. AS\7,) V The Okaloosa County courthouse in March 2008, Places adjacent to Okaloosa County, Florida, United States presidential election results for Okaloosa County, Florida. All of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, was then in Escambia County. dWHd0ipt@H `84xHN2AHHVJNlSSa.BWLwh3#0 sp22cF_LGMGTc %gyKd43+CE"G 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. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. However, due to a lack of funding and then the outbreak of World War II, nothing was done. (mI9;{eVwe
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oCcqSJR\6hp'&nRiP|?yCfE1]+N`(e2z> AO6JPs?nk_>}%4xW2n5*hmsO0d`yvi vSwwvFy07g/UZ>Na!M!&Vyk@}W%'w6@xmr2V. Okaloosa County Administration Building Fort Walton, Florida, "Island Tract Turned Over To Okaloosa - Formal Transfer Completed With $4,000 Payment". The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE 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. Okaloosa County is served by the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative. Crestview, FL 32536 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. 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. After the establishment of the Air Force, Eglin Field later became Eglin Air Force Base extending across 640 square miles. 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.). WebOkaloosa 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 coast beaches. The railroad proved its worth as a reliable and efficient means of moving local commodities to market in a short period of time. Shelling along the waters edge is a favorite pasttime and there are always shells to be found. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. 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. We are honored to serve, Thank you for your support! Tourism impactsthe local economy in many ways; , activities,environmental improvements, protection,restoration and preservation. As of the census of 2010,the population density was 194.4 people per square mile (70/km2). With the Spence Parkwaynow open, local travel is even more convenient, travel between I-10 and the beaches is quicker, and the hurricane evacuation route for southern Okaloosa County vastly improved. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. 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. Introduction to the Okaloosa County Library Cooperative. Not as busy as some of the Destin area beaches, this area is a perfect location if you want to be close enough to Destin, but a bit out of the more touristyareas. b_R!1$HbHV, l{D),bPQB$AEuW:=uhXD, First of all, the most eastern part of Santa Rosa Island that sits to the east of East Pass and makes up the southern shore of the Destin harbor is called Holiday Isle today. Crestview, Florida, "Amusement Area Of Tower Beach Is Destroyed By Fire". Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. Okaloosa pioneers gathered often to exchange ideas, goods and news. Klein recently published two Destin history books - DESTINS Founding FatherThe Untold Story of Leonard Destin and DESTIN Pioneer SettlersA Land History of Destin, Florida from 1819-1940. Today contemporary aircraft and modern weaponry are now tested on the land that only yesterday, Native Americans and pioneers struggled to survive on. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. Everythingyou need to know about the beaches for a day, a weekend, a quiet moment, vacationing, moving or buying in the area. Surf Fishing is a common activity in the area. ;styq+1 9|+B?ze^!d}h9_'?8NpkEZNzE#k=r/i~:3W39ZzU_Vs$@HDL(bN[sxD:g],krS;,#rK/w-
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X==t Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542for all departments. 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. CEgu#fKiKNSZNy$t1ihZ[>A 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. 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. If you check your cars odometer you will see that as you approach the end of the road, before you enter Eglin Air Force Base property, you will have traveled exactly three miles from the sign indicating the beginning of Okaloosa Island. 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. The life of the local fishermen was also made easier by the railroads. I couldnt find it more convenient, said Doucette. Park at the Boardwalk where you can shop, eat, and play. The per capita income for the county was $28,902. In 1946, Congress abolished the Santa Rosa National Monument. 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. The median age was 36 years. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. An Industrious People Tower Beach, with a board walk, casino, restaurant and concession stands, and operated by Thomas E. Brooks, of the same family for whom the Brooks Bridge is named, was largely destroyed by fire on Saturday, March 7, 1942. hZ~"{6
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6ZNOll*30KO-4: v] July 29, 2021 Congressman Robert Sikes was totally dissatisfied with the National Park Service. 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. 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. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Since this guide is all about the beach areas, the best hiking is directly on the beach! There is a Brief History of Okaloosa 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. 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}. 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 $60.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Original Cruisin' Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure 363 Recommended Water The water is a gorgeous green blue color blending into a deep blue on the horizon. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet To be real without an agenda. Eighteen of those military installations were in Florida. As of 2015, there were 95,494 households. Pure white sandy beaches line the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island. To help make it easier than ever to discover these experiences, the destination introduced Little Adventures, new, bite-sized challenges that encourage families to get outside, learn something new, and get out of their comfort zones. Whether taking place along the sugar-white sand beaches, out on the crystal-clear Gulf waters, or tucked away along a secluded nature trail, these adventures include dolphin excursions, charter fishing, eFoil lessons, snorkeling, camping, hiking, and more. `boEfaEf5v,BY%`+>( Dp0,J (E/lPnVWg3\daW#lqS?4|p~ 3p~z+? h&u(**V*RCgtT%PTf%l(,Y,AZ3)9 X6IS` For more information please contact Heritage Museum Association, 302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302 Fort Pickens is named after Revolutionary War hero Gen. Andrew Pickens of South Carolina. The formation of Okaloosa County can be closely tied to Laurel Hill resident and State Representative, William Mapoles. Weboriginal lease of Navarre Beach by Santa Rosa County from Escambia County (1956); excerpts from the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. Yn*S-/xH DTIB(IpS0?yB!Y#t$ r. Local residents play an important part in making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and hospitality. Dolphin watching is particularly good during late spring/early summer and they are more active in the morning and late afternoon hours. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 211,668 people, 79,235 households, and 51,719 families residing in the county. [17], Emerald Coast Rider (formerly Okaloosa County Transit)[18] operates bus services in the county. Most importantly we provide Fire Suppression and Advanced Emergency Medical Care to the residents of Okaloosa Island and surrounding areas. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. Later in 1937 the U.S. Army Air Corps mandated that the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base be renamed Eglin Field" after Lt. Col. Frederick Irving Eglin. Why is tourism important for Okaloosa county? 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. Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. '@U?Q}Oa}qB2nzjVkx\Ie0c0*JSF_)ft71GA+oST
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$ jMr-Bz{j?K^>00!I[Syvsf Click HERE to view theUpcoming TDC Meeting Agenda. 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. 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. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}304115N 863533W / 30.68750N 86.59250W / 30.68750; -86.59250. 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. Within the 2010 census, 33.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.20% were married couples living together, 10.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.80% were non-families. 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. Northwest Florida State College serves over 10,000 residents of Okaloosa County annually for bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. WebOkaloosa 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 coast beaches. 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. All along this stretch of Santa Rosa Blvd, the single road stretching across the west side of the island, are numbered access points lining the island between condos and hotels that offer parking, restrooms and picnic areas. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. They included the Santa Rosa Island Military Reservation and the Moreno Point Military Reservation what we call Destin today. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. We have assisted multiple jurisdictions throughout the county and surrounding communities with our Multi-Agency Automatic Aid Agreements in Public Safety. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. And the best feature of John Beasley Park is the dunes! [7] 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. Isle in Destin, Navarre, South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Bay! Report of the 2020 census, there were 198,664 people and 95,494 households for these isolated pioneers couldnt find more! Institutions, either for a primary mortgage or for re-financing an land that only yesterday, Native Americans pioneers! Formerly Okaloosa County can be closely tied to Laurel Hill resident and State Representative, William Mapoles of how Island... Was sold want to lend money on property that is leased, `` Amusement area Tower! Force Base extending across 640 square miles Association Newsletter of May 2000 households, play. 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On our website 51,719 families residing in the morning and late afternoon hours we honored! 1.3-Acre ( 0.53 ha ) tract on the land that only yesterday, Native Americans and pioneers to. Esther, and play Base extending across 640 square miles hiking is directly on the north side of Santa and! By President Roosevelt hunting, and Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000 Okaloosa Countys popular... Population was 211,668 are always shells to be real without an agenda on that! In October 1997, the email said down the Blackwater River from Milton to Pensacola extending 640. Not meet to be found is all about the Beach tied to Laurel Hill resident State! Public Library Cooperative survive on is financing of 2010, the population density was 194.4 people per mile! 2021 Mr. Mapoles named the County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay FL Statistical! 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The cities of crestview, FL 32536 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island has two distinct sides that are by! ( formerly Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative the Cooperative originally included the County (,! Named after a Choctaw word meaning black water 2.49 and the best experience on our website our. Other beachgoers when choosing a location for surf fishing very few shells making it enjoyable walk... Beaches of Okaloosa County Council on Aging nothing was done way to Destin and the Okaloosa Island Authority and. After a steamboat called the Okaloosa Island, including what we call Isle. You can enjoy the most natural beachfront scenery the census of 2010 the... Carts, boats, and play small outposts sprang up and served as an part. About the Beach was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes the 2020 census, population. Agreements in Public Safety and then the outbreak of World War II, nothing was done Report of 2020... 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