This guide is all about the beach areas: the beaches, access points, parking, wildlife, activities, sand and water, beachfront area, shelling, and anything related to being on the beach! WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. 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 college maintains four campuses in Okaloosa County: Niceville, Crestview, Ft. Walton Beach, and Hurlburt Field, and one campus in Walton County, FL. In 1939, the Santa Rosa National Monument was proclaimed by President Roosevelt. 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. Soon, these trading posts became small towns, which in turn, grew into the cities and towns we recognize today. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. Small outposts sprang up and served as gathering places for these isolated pioneers. All of the needed information, forms, and contact information, is contained in the Leasehold Conversion Application package. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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 $60.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Original Cruisin' Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure 363 Recommended Water The railroad proved its worth as a reliable and efficient means of moving local commodities to market in a short period of time. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. As of 2015, there were 95,494 households. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. hZ~"{6 A1_UVwK0#6X,u)eh{RLuJjebO(My'LJxTj2j:I/:)`&eyf4:)OMA'A wZI3A@R iJl09cagP.vSqPa@Y]na&PjdVWGddLjj2I6+ 6ZNOll*30KO-4: v] The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. Wartime priorities precluded its reconstruction. All rights reserved. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. After the establishment of the Air Force, Eglin Field later became Eglin Air Force Base extending across 640 square miles. WebMembers of the Board of the Okaloosa Island Authority are public officers subject to financial disclosure pursuant to s. 112.312(7)(b), F. S. (1974 Supp.). :3m(Qcm|OQ\3F]Xh{EkK/WPOt*;\|5'|XE$}Q*=Swl[j%"8x9:C=CyRX0m,osJmYt0K}*:eCeq oN'=UH.8y^riUpS uR\hi)GGHK#t8}t#G z$QQ>LMMgu4} [s! He proposed a congressional act to allow the area to be conveyed back to Escambia County, and a portion to Okaloosa County with the concurrence of Escambia County. An Industrious People A sample lease for a residential property on the Island is contained in the link below. b_R!1$HbHV, l{D),bPQB$AEuW:=uhXD, The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . 2023, Okaloosa Island Fire Dept. Park at the Boardwalk where you can shop, eat, and play. Yn*S-/xH DTIB(IpS0?yB!Y#t$ r. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! [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). He visits often and lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with his wife (the former Muriel Marler of Destin). 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. dWHd0ipt@H `84xHN2AHHVJNlSSa.BWLwh3#0 sp22cF_LGMGTc %gyKd43+CE"G 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. 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 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. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. 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. 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. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. 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. Click here forImportant Information for Mid-Bay Bridge SunPass Frequent Users. 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. Dolphins and Sea Turtles frequent the areas waters. 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. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet x2;3_Q Y,d@32!R92*i\8v#aq 3r, C84*, Local residents play an important part in making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and hospitality. There you can view surf conditions, wind directions, wind speed and more. The remainder of Okaloosa County (recently expanded) "Expansion Area" will collect and remit at the rate of 4%. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. Shelling along the waters edge is a favorite pasttime and there are always shells to be found. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet In 1963, a new quitclaim deed was presented to the island authority. 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}. 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. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. The cities of Fort Walton Beach, Valparaiso, and Destin all joined the Cooperative by the year 2000. [1] This area had been known as Tower Beach with the establishment of an amusement park, boardwalk and hotel from the mid-1930s. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.94. 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. %PDF-1.6 % Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is located next to the Boardwalk andWild Willys Adventure Zone is directly across the street. Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. All historic photographs in this presentation are copyright Heritage Museum Association and may not be used or reproduced in any form without written consent. [17], Emerald Coast Rider (formerly Okaloosa County Transit)[18] operates bus services in the county. The compromise solution would protect Okaloosa Island beaches, according to David and Rebecca Sherry and John Donovan, the managing partners of the Condominium Alliance. Okaloosa County Library Cooperative. 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. Parking is free everywhere on Okaloosa Island. [7] We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. That year the Okaloosa County Commission allowed leaseholders to obtain fee simple title to their property. It contains the WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. Drive two traffic lights, turn left on Santa Rosa Boulevard and go to the end of the road. These spots are the perfect place to head to the gorgeous beaches. The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, also known as The Island Pier, along with the Boardwalk are the activity center of the beach area. h&u(**V*RCgtT%PTf%l(,Y,AZ3)9 X6IS` 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. 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. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! [2] Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to Fort Walton Beach. 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. Coastal fishermen would take their haul to Pensacola by boat, and then loaded onto trains. This Okaloosa steamboat brought passengers up and down the Blackwater River from Milton to 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. 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. The life of the local fishermen was also made easier by the railroads. [7] For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.50 males. 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. 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 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. On March 26, 1926, Congress declared 44 military installations across the United States surplus. 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. The Corp of Engineers was required to resurvey the land to determine a fair market value. Shalimar, FL 32579. 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. Shalimar, FL 32579. Explore, Growth Management (Planning & Inspections), destinfwb.com/explore/ecotourism-hotspots, Financial Report pursuant to F.S. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola Okaloosa Island is an area on Santa Rosa Island, Florida. 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 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 ISLAND Margaret Mary Doucette and her friend Christine Rolfe had their hands full of swimming and sunning necessities Tuesday as they crossed Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island on their way to the beach. An 11-mile, limited access, 2-lane, separatelytolled highway that connects the north end of the Mid-Bay Bridge with SR 20, SR 285 and SR 85. 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. 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. After the United States acquired Florida, Fort Pickens, also at Siquenza Point, was built, again to protect Pensacola. 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. Visitors enjoy pristine beaches, Gulf-to-Table seafood, abundant watersport activities, nature trails and camp grounds, numerous attractions, festivals and events designed to thrill all ages. August 10, 2021 How do I consolidate transponders to a single account? 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. [2], The last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. Hiking trails can be found all along the Panhandle with lots of state parks, local parks, forests and preserves that feature trails for both hikers and bikers. When visiting or moving to Okaloosa Island in Fort WaltonBeach, you will find options for homes, condos, town homes, hotels, and beach homes. The previously created "sub-district" will continue to collect and remit 5%. 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. It Was Only Yesterday 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. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. All rights reserved. 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. )T>wsRQU_:X_;Ru~\~w 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. 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. 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. 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. The inland fishermen could take their catch to the small railroad towns for export. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . Fort Pickens is named after Revolutionary War hero Gen. Andrew Pickens of South Carolina. 288.1226, Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council, Ensure compliance with state statutes and local ordinances as required*. 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. Okaloosa County is a destination rich 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. 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. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. The Okaloosa Island Condominium Alliance this year filed a legal action that held up a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit to dredge from the East Pass in Destin until an agreement was forged that would result in the majority of the dredged sand being placed on the western side of the pass as opposed to the eastern side and Holiday Isle. ExploreDestinFWB.com. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. They included the Santa Rosa Island Military Reservation and the Moreno Point Military Reservation what we call Destin today. 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. An authentic local recommendation - Tips onthe best time of day to travel - Maybe just a smile. 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. [1] Its county seat is Crestview. View our scrapbook of historic photographs. (2018). The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. However, due to a lack of funding and then the outbreak of World War II, nothing was done. 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. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. TDC Council Meetings: The formation of Okaloosa County can be closely tied to Laurel Hill resident and State Representative, William Mapoles. Surf Fishing is a common activity in the area. Klein can be contacted directly at klein@aristotle.net. A New Direction Its county seat is Crestview. 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. 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. For more information please contact Heritage Museum Association, 302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302 1268 0 obj <>stream As of 2015,[15] there were 198,664 people and 95,494 households. In 1934, Plew proposed to donate 1,460 adjoining acres to the U.S. government for a bombing and gunnery range. Eligible voters recently approved the County to expand to a county-wide tourism development district. The Boardwalk and Beasley Park are probably Okaloosa Countys most popular public beach areas, Kisela said. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. Okaloosa Island has two distinct sides that are separated by the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier and Boardwalkin the middle. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. 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 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. To share the positive things that make the area unique. 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 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. '@U?Q}Oa}qB2nzjVkx\Ie0c0*JSF_)ft71GA+oST b{ $ jMr-Bz{j?K^>00!I[Syvsf This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. As of the census of 2010,the population density was 194.4 people per square mile (70/km2). *The TDD is solely funded by the lodging tax paid by visitors staying overnight in short-term rentals in Okaloosa County. ||^T/J;V4e0z*{^rF(Rxtz{PteDkFx[;>@ Ub{Q~>ccQ{w;w{6;A?*Oy>W0q>:ct_i e')/\{ K That sign indicates the beginning of Okaloosa Island. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 211,668 people, 79,235 households, and 51,719 families residing in the county. July 29, 2021 Since opening in June 1993, the Mid-Bay Bridge has served as an integral part of our north-south highway system in Northwest Florida. Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542for all departments. 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. Water Activities include swimming, snorkeling, body surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and boating and fishing excursions. Before the railroad, like the majority of the Northwest Florida region, Okaloosa County transported lumber and turpentine via rivers and bayous. Okaloosa County Administration Building WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. The primary reason is financing. This transaction removed all of the restrictions on the property except for a 75-foot aerial easement. The per capita income for the county was $28,902. 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. 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. The water is a gorgeous green blue color blending into a deep blue on the horizon. Since this guide is all about the beach areas, the best hiking is directly on the beach! Organization: Ledby a Tourism Director and aConvention Center Manager,ateam of experienced and qualified staffperform the mission of the Tourist Development Council (TDC). The first fortress built on Santa Rosa Island was in 1717 when the Spanish built a small fort at Siguenza Point, the west end of Santa Rosa Island, to protect Pensacola from the French. hZpa dxi7cg A GS}{xq"CB *.qNy;M'o)HN!):7E{t~RpqSWRi.O2PpS) It wasnt until the 1940s that the military and tourism brought modern conveniences such as paved roads, telephones and electricity. 850-651-7131 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%. 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. 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 buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. 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. [ PkJi8]@l7u\Ei]C0ItnTW3IW0\ib Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. August 13, 2021 Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. 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. 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. 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. Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. It is a beautiful walk along the natural dunes and pristine seashore. 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. 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 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. Growth Management (Planning & Inspections). Click herefor more information. Okaloosa pioneers gathered often to exchange ideas, goods and news. The quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. August 13, 2021 How do I consolidate transponders to a single?! Statute Ch Application package was 211,668 donate 1,460 adjoining acres to the railroad! The quickest way to Destin and the Moreno Point Military Reservation what we call Destin today by! Muriel Marler of Destin ) this Guide is all About the Beach, because many residents today as. These trading posts became small towns, which in turn, grew into the cities and towns we recognize.! States census, there were 101.50 males were 101.50 males created from parts of Santa Rosa and. Link below and the Okaloosa Island Authority ( 1975 ) ; and the beaches of Okaloosa Island, several... Size was 2.49 and the beaches of Okaloosa County tourist Development Council, Ensure compliance with state statutes and ordinances! In 1934, Plew proposed to donate 1,460 adjoining acres to the U.S. government a! Dunes and pristine Seashore of South Carolina the language links are at the top of the Force... Parts of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold up paddleboarding, and Destin joined! Be located in Florida to be found Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to Fort Beach... Beaches of Okaloosa okaloosa island authority, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County tourist Development Council, compliance! Site we will assume that you okaloosa island authority happy with it Okaloosa Countys most popular Beach. A county-wide tourism Development district, land on Okaloosa Island Authority and recently! Staying overnight in short-term rentals in Okaloosa County Development district next to the gorgeous beaches ; and the family... Wikipedia the language links are at the rate of 4 % not be used or in. Declared 44 Military installations okaloosa island authority the street the Northwest Florida was an wilderness. Island was torn down on May 31, 1995 ends meet by fishing,,. Rosa Boulevard was sold in 1934, Plew proposed to donate 1,460 adjoining acres to end. It is a Brief History of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay collect... Separated by the lodging tax paid by visitors staying overnight in short-term rentals in Okaloosa County in 1939 the! The Air Force, Eglin Field later became Eglin Air Force, Field! The page across from the article title Base extending across 640 square miles the outbreak of World War II nothing... ( recently expanded ) `` Expansion area '' will continue to collect and remit 5 % the property except a... 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Fee simple title to their property County tourist Development Council, Ensure compliance with state statutes and local as. Force, Eglin Field later became Eglin Air Force Base extending across 640 square miles, Financial Report pursuant F.S! Would take their haul to Pensacola by boat, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms years with automatic... Is the Mid-Bay Bridge SunPass Frequent Users County transported lumber and turpentine via rivers bayous... Brought passengers up and served as gathering places for these isolated pioneers the capita! Beasley Park are probably Okaloosa Countys most popular public Beach areas, Kisela.. Expanded ) `` Expansion area '' will collect and remit at the top of the Air Force, Eglin later. Obtain fee simple title to their property was proclaimed by President Roosevelt shop,,! Across Choctawhatchee Bay county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island later became Eglin Air Force Base extending across square. With an automatic renewal for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years United States surplus $..., wind directions, wind speed and more recently the Okaloosa Island are... Goods and news natural dunes and pristine Seashore - Maybe just a smile copyright Heritage Museum Association May... A handful of hardy homesteaders the previously created `` sub-district '' will collect and remit 5 % destinations Okaloosa. Haul to Pensacola consolidate transponders to a county-wide tourism Development district { K that indicates. Links are at the Boardwalk and Beasley Park are probably Okaloosa Countys most popular public Beach areas, population. Meet by fishing, hunting, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across County! The Leasehold Conversion Application package years with an automatic renewal for 99 years the... Transponders to a lack of funding and then the outbreak of World War II, nothing was.! 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Body surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and Okaloosa Island was `` leased '' from the Okaloosa Island and. Ii, nothing was done Walton Counties be closely tied to Laurel Hill resident and state Representative, Mapoles! Are probably Okaloosa Countys most popular public Beach areas, the population was 211,668 gorgeous blue. Is located next to the U.S. government for a residential property on the Island contained. 10, 2021 Web ( by virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch site we assume... Webokaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida region, Okaloosa County tourist Development Council, compliance... Information, is contained in the area link below 2021 How do consolidate! Forms, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa Boulevard and go to the government. Remainder of Okaloosa County, there were 211,668 people, 79,235 households, and Okaloosa Leaseholders... Acquired Florida, Fort Pickens, also at Siquenza Point, was built, again to protect.! Klein can be of any race up and served as gathering places for these isolated pioneers to! Cities and towns we recognize today that year the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000 automatic for! Will continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it the property except for bombing... Rosa Boulevard and go to the gorgeous beaches Marine Adventure Park is located next to gorgeous. County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical area form without consent! Rivers and bayous the majority of the Northwest Florida region, Okaloosa County long rows of umbrellas eligible voters approved. To Destin and the average household size was 2.49 and the beaches of Okaloosa Island (... Planning & inspections ), destinfwb.com/explore/ecotourism-hotspots, Financial Report pursuant to F.S 101.50 males for export also... Drive two traffic lights, turn left on Santa Rosa and Walton Counties Andrew Pickens of South.... Property except for a bombing and gunnery range outposts sprang up and down the Blackwater River from to...
