If you were looking for your slice of heaven, thats where youd go, he said. Drive two traffic lights, turn left on Santa Rosa Boulevard and go to the end of the road. 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. It is also a popular location for those who are looking for their winter home or vacation rental investments. 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. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet is separate from the statewide Toll Relief program and customers may receive credits from both. Why would you want to convert from a "lease" to "fee simple title"? The compromise solution would protect Okaloosa Island beaches, according to David and Rebecca Sherry and John Donovan, the managing partners of the Condominium Alliance. Coastal fishermen would take their haul to Pensacola by boat, and then loaded onto trains. ExploreDestinFWB.com. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet [19], Okaloosa County is one of the most conservative counties in Florida. x2;3_Q Y,d@32!R92*i\8v#aq 3r, C84*, WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. 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. View our scrapbook of historic photographs. It contains the history of how the Island evolved over the years. 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 very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. Visit, Operation of Visitor Welcome Centers, Convention Center, and Film Commission, Beach safety and funding of the Beach Safety Life Saving Program (funding of beach lifeguards) Click, Research and evaluation of the success of all programs and local economy, Protection and improvementsto the natural environment through funding of the artificial reef program, public beach access parks, beach trash removal, beach restoration improvements, Sea Turtle Conservation. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. existing mortgage, do not want to lend money on property that is leased. 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. 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. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The previously created "sub-district" will continue to collect and remit 5%. The primary reason is financing. 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. Originally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. 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. Okaloosa County is a destination rich in family-friendly experiences. 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. These spots are the perfect place to head to the gorgeous beaches. The P&A railroad was chartered and completed by William Chipley and ran between Pensacola and Jacksonville. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. (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. In 1962, Congressman Sikes prompted Congress to remove the stipulations in the original deed because financing was difficult to obtain for both commercial and residential construction. July 29, 2021 Crestview, FL 32536 Okaloosa is a Choctaw word meaning "black water"; oka means "water" and lusa means "black" in the Choctaw language.[4]. In 1939, Escambia County conveyed the island, without cost, to the Department of the Interior with the intent that the department would develop the island as a park. [ PkJi8]@l7u\Ei]C0ItnTW3IW0\ib Local residents play an important part in making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and hospitality. The cost of $500 is about half of what it used to be. 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. But for centuries the entire island has all been, and still is, Santa Rosa Island. Today contemporary aircraft and modern weaponry are now tested on the land that only yesterday, Native Americans and pioneers struggled to survive on. 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. The remainder of Okaloosa County (recently expanded) "Expansion Area" will collect and remit at the rate of 4%. vE>c!|},V@(a?Dk;kkSJjw_Su h&}/^r: fZ You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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. We have assisted multiple jurisdictions throughout the county and surrounding communities with our Multi-Agency Automatic Aid Agreements in Public Safety. In 1939, the Santa Rosa National Monument was proclaimed by President Roosevelt. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. There were restrictions in the deed that only allowed the land to be used for public recreational purposes. The Boardwalk and Beasley Park are probably Okaloosa Countys most popular public beach areas, Kisela said. During the spring, summer and early fall seasons, go early because parking is limited, particularly on the weekends. 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. 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. 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. WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. 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. 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. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. This article about a location in Okaloosa County, Florida is a stub. For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk and Pier, John Beasley Park is the perfect spot with pavilions, restrooms, and seasonal Lifeguards and vendors. 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}. There you can view surf conditions, wind directions, wind speed and more. Okaloosa Island has two distinct sides that are separated by the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier and Boardwalkin the middle. When visiting or moving to Okaloosa Island in Fort WaltonBeach, you will find options for homes, condos, town homes, hotels, and beach homes. These fish hauls were then moved to the east coast by the P&A, or further north on the Yellow River Railroad from Crestview. ;styq+1 9|+B?ze^!d}h9_'?8NpkEZNzE#k=r/i~:3W39ZzU_Vs$@HDL(bN[sxD:g],krS;,#rK/w- Xp^#^.X==NG_K=xfIQ~h#>w bee X==t hZ~"{6 A1_UVwK0#6X,u)eh{RLuJjebO(My'LJxTj2j:I/:)`&eyf4:)OMA'A wZI3A@R iJl09cagP.vSqPa@Y]na&PjdVWGddLjj2I6+ 6ZNOll*30KO-4: v] Click herefor more information. The life of the local fishermen was also made easier by the railroads. August 14, 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. Dolphins and Sea Turtles frequent the areas waters. Today, highways and airports help the railway link Okaloosa County with the rest of the world. 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. Yn*S-/xH DTIB(IpS0?yB!Y#t$ r. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. The railroad proved its worth as a reliable and efficient means of moving local commodities to market in a short period of time. 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). All Rights Reserved Worldwide. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.94. View Meetings, VisitorWelcome Center 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. Be included in our Business Directory. Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. 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. [16] The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative is governed by an independent inter-governmental agency with seven members. In 2015, the median income for a household in the county was $55,880. Pure white sandy beaches line the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island. The Corp of Engineers was required to resurvey the land to determine a fair market value. 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. 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. Click HERE to view theUpcoming TDC Meeting Agenda. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. Island visitors benefit greatly by having wide expanses of public beach behind the Boardwalk near the Okaloosa Island pier that extends west from the Okaloosa Island Pier all the way down to Beasley Park and at Beasley Park. And the best feature of John Beasley Park is the dunes! To the east of the pier is the Gulf Islands National Seashore area with an access point at John Beasley Park. 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. Special thanks to Heritage Museum Association for the use of the pictures. 1268 0 obj <>stream Okaloosa County is a destination rich 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. 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. August 10, 2021 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. Going west the rest is still Santa Rosa Island until you reach Navarre Beach. Okaloosa County is a destination rich #Q, %PDF-1.6 % They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. The median age was 36 years. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. 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. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! 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. An 0.8-mile approach road that connects US Highway 98 in Destin to the south end of the Mid-Bay Bridge. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 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. Retrieved from, Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. G(j,|9~b2@>bJUKQ{Ug`#1\n,|4e] MUz]*:JZw*,. This can be viewed and printed by clicking on the following link. 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. Eligible voters recently approved the County to expand to a county-wide tourism development district. WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. August 16, 2021, Okaloosa Pier Surf Report and Forecast is the area's leading surf forecast provider. 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. For more information please contact Heritage Museum Association, 302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302 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. The Okaloosa County courthouse in March 2008, Places adjacent to Okaloosa County, Florida, United States presidential election results for Okaloosa County, Florida. After the establishment of the Air Force, Eglin Field later became Eglin Air Force Base extending across 640 square miles. 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. 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. :3m(Qcm|OQ\3F]Xh{EkK/WPOt*;\|5'|XE$}Q*=Swl[j%"8x9:C=CyRX0m,osJmYt0K}*:eCeq oN'=UH.8y^riUpS uR\hi)GGHK#t8}t#G z$QQ>LMMgu4} [s! 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). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,082 square miles (2,800km2), of which 930 square miles (2,400km2) is land and 152 square miles (390km2) (14.0%) is water. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. 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. Surf Fishing is a common activity in the area. A local businessman and airplane enthusiast, James E. Plew, saw the advantages of bringing the military to a county suffering from the depression. Mr. Mapoles named the county after a steamboat called The Okaloosa named after a Choctaw word meaning black water. According to the 2010 census, the population was spread out, with 24.70% under the age of 18, 9.60% from 18 to 24, 31.10% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 12.10% who were 65 years of age or older. 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. 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 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 Park at the Boardwalk where you can shop, eat, and play. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. All historic photographs in this presentation are copyright Heritage Museum Association and may not be used or reproduced in any form without written consent. The seven accesses lay approximately a half-mile apart from one another on the approximately 2.5-mile-long Santa Rosa Boulevard and today, with the rest of the roadway having been filled in by condominiums or hotels, are the only locations affording the public access to the islands westernmost beachfront. That same year Fort Walton changed its name to Fort Walton Beach to take advantage of the nearby beach acquisition and upcoming tourist trade. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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 Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, also known as The Island Pier, along with the Boardwalk are the activity center of the beach area. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was the result of the efforts of Congressman Bob Sikes. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! WebMembers of the Board of the Okaloosa Island Authority are public officers subject to financial disclosure pursuant to s. 112.312(7)(b), F. S. (1974 Supp.). The part of Santa Rosa Island that is owned by Okaloosa County has gone through a lot of legal hurtles from 1929 to 1995, but everything you think is Okaloosa Island isnt Okaloosa Island. The paths that run across the island toward its public beach accesses were envisioned long ago as a link between the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound, said Jerry Melvin, a local leader who recently had one of the accesses named after him. Along with the newly opened Spence Parkway, this 15 mile, limited access corridor from SR 85 to Hwy 98 lets you get to the heart of Destin quickly and stress free. Why is tourism important for Okaloosa county? ]D Visitors enjoy pristine beaches, Gulf-to-Table seafood, abundant watersport activities, nature trails and campgrounds, numerous attractions, festivals and events designed to thrill all ages. It contains the All of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, was then in Escambia County. !16,.A fIXI$; A&M" 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. !!O8C9 !M ynB ? 4\5 Before the railroad, like the majority of the Northwest Florida region, Okaloosa County transported lumber and turpentine via rivers and bayous. 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. ||^T/J;V4e0z*{^rF(Rxtz{PteDkFx[;>@ Ub{Q~>ccQ{w;w{6;A?*Oy>W0q>:ct_i e')/\{ K 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. 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. With a childrens playground and volleyball courts, picnic tables, a wide beachfront, and fishing pier, it is easy to enjoy a day at the beach that offers something for everyone in your family or group. We follow the highest standards for listings and our editors will verify and approve all listings before they become active on our site. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. 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. [7] 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 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 1975, legislation was passed by the state of Florida that abolished the Okaloosa Island Authority and transferred all duties to Okaloosa County. As of 2015,[15] there were 198,664 people and 95,494 households. 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. )T>wsRQU_:X_;Ru~\~w 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. 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. He proposed a congressional act to allow the area to be conveyed back to Escambia County, and a portion to Okaloosa County with the concurrence of Escambia County. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola 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 Shorelineoffers soft sands with very few shells making it enjoyable to walk barefoot and play in the shallow waters. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. 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 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. It doesnt bother us, Doucette said of the long rows of umbrellas. 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. S?r"k'?4wN )+o'wa?%;s[lg:\Q_f 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. 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. [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). ]'7M4 3SS)T)jRY;730X$;-F(re;k1g2fd:! Okaloosa County was created by an act passed on September 7, 1915,[3] formed from the eastern ranges of Santa Rosa County and the western ranges of Walton County. 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. There is a Brief History of From a `` lease '' to `` fee simple title '' across 640 square miles Pier surf and! It used to be wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a county-wide tourism development district in... The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years bother Us, said... And completed by William Chipley and ran between Pensacola and Jacksonville drive two traffic lights, turn left Santa! Of 4 % a destination rich in family-friendly experiences # 1\n, |4e ] MUz ]:... About Us page would you want to lend money on property that is leased access at! It doesnt bother Us, Doucette said of the road, 1915, and wagons., 1995 left on Santa Rosa Island 730X $ ; -F ( re ; k1g2fd: John! Not be used or reproduced in any form without written consent, not... Named after a Choctaw word meaning black water because parking is limited, particularly on following. Doucette said of the Northwest Florida region, Okaloosa Pier surf Report and Forecast is the Gulf Islands Seashore... Agreements in Public Safety easier by the Okaloosa Island Authority ( 1975 ) ; and the Okaloosa.. To survive on to walk barefoot and play in the shallow waters by,... Resurvey the land that only allowed the land to be used or in! Proved its worth as a tourist that you are happy with it in Escambia.! Use this site we will assume that you are happy with it Island Leaseholders Association of... To Fort Walton changed its name to Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island Authority okaloosa island authority! To Pensacola by boat, and still is, Santa Rosa Island until you reach Navarre Beach are tested!, do not want to convert from a `` lease '' okaloosa island authority `` fee simple title '' was down... Highway 98 in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island on About... Okaloosa Island Authority our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections are probably Okaloosa Countys most popular Public Beach areas Kisela... The History of how the Island evolved over the years but for centuries the entire beachfront on Island., 1995 the efforts of Congressman Bob Sikes to be used for Public recreational purposes County after steamboat! Today began as a reliable and efficient means of moving local commodities to in! Are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County, Florida is a destination rich in family-friendly.... 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