Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542for all departments. 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. Water Activities include swimming, snorkeling, body surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and boating and fishing excursions. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. 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. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. 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 purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level 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. The inland fishermen could take their catch to the small railroad towns for export. The Okaloosa County courthouse in March 2008, Places adjacent to Okaloosa County, Florida, United States presidential election results for Okaloosa County, Florida. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! 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. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . Shelling along the waters edge is a favorite pasttime and there are always shells to be found. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. [2] Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is located next to the Boardwalk andWild Willys Adventure Zone is directly across the street. A New Direction If you were looking for your slice of heaven, thats where youd go, he said. Each of these access points are ideal spots for accessing the beach and are very nicely designed, somewith boardwalk lookouts and covered areas leading to the beachfront. 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. [ PkJi8]@l7u\Ei]C0ItnTW3IW0\ib Santa Rosa Island, the island from Destins East Pass to Pensacola Bay, is called a number of different names. 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 We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. 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. 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. WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. But for centuries the entire island has all been, and still is, Santa Rosa Island. Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. Special thanks to Heritage Museum Association for the use of the pictures. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. Most lending institutions, either for a primary mortgage or for re-financing an [17], Emerald Coast Rider (formerly Okaloosa County Transit)[18] operates bus services in the county. Escambia County purchased all of Santa Rosa Island, except Fort Pickens, from the War Department on April 19, 1929, for $10,000. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. Lumber, Turpentine and Fishing were the main economic drivers of the time and they, in turn, were supported by the Pensacola & Atlantic Railroad (P&A) which was a division of the already existing Louisville & Nashville Railroad (L&N). We have assisted multiple jurisdictions throughout the county and surrounding communities with our Multi-Agency Automatic Aid Agreements in Public Safety. I couldnt find it more convenient, said Doucette. Okaloosa County retained its primitive pioneer character for over a century which allowed the small farming and fishing communities to enjoy a quiet and private existence. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. endstream endobj 1269 0 obj <>stream To help make it easier than ever to discover these experiences, the destination introduced Little Adventures, new, bite-sized challenges that encourage families to get outside, learn something new, and get out of their comfort zones. It contains the ]'7M4 3SS)T)jRY;730X$;-F(re;k1g2fd:! These spots are the perfect place to head to the gorgeous beaches. The compromise solution would protect Okaloosa Island beaches, according to David and Rebecca Sherry and John Donovan, the managing partners of the Condominium Alliance. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. Dunes are an important part of the ecologyand are protected so please cross the dunes in the designated areas and boardwalks. It doesnt bother us, Doucette said of the long rows of umbrellas. That sign indicates the beginning of Okaloosa Island. 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. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet In a joint response to an email, the Alliance members said they were confident dredged sand placed on the western side of Destin Pass will naturally restore beach to severely eroded areas on Okaloosa Island that belong to Eglin Air Force Base. In 2015, the median income for a household in the county was $55,880. 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. 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 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. 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. Be respectful of other beachgoers when choosing a location for surf fishing. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. Okaloosa Island features gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. 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. Crestview, FL 32536 Okaloosa County is served by the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative. [19], Okaloosa County is one of the most conservative counties in 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. Park at the Boardwalk where you can shop, eat, and play. There you can view surf conditions, wind directions, wind speed and more. 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 quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. The water is a gorgeous green blue color blending into a deep blue on the horizon. Small outposts sprang up and served as gathering places for these isolated pioneers. And to support a strong local community. View Conditions . !!O8C9 !M ynB ? 4\5 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. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. Fort Walton, Florida, "Island Tract Turned Over To Okaloosa - Formal Transfer Completed With $4,000 Payment". On August 1, 2017 the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 17-123 which defined the new process for Leasehold Conversions. 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. This article about a location in Okaloosa County, Florida is a stub. 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. 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. A local businessman and airplane enthusiast, James E. Plew, saw the advantages of bringing the military to a county suffering from the depression. All of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, was then in Escambia County. Most importantly we provide Fire Suppression and Advanced Emergency Medical Care to the residents of Okaloosa Island and surrounding areas. 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. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. 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. Going west the rest is still Santa Rosa Island until you reach Navarre Beach. hZpa dxi7cg A GS}{xq"CB *.qNy;M'o)HN!):7E{t~RpqSWRi.O2PpS) Since opening in June 1993, the Mid-Bay Bridge has served as an integral part of our north-south highway system in Northwest Florida. The Shorelineoffers soft sands with very few shells making it enjoyable to walk barefoot and play in the shallow waters. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! Jennifer Adams, Director Our goal is simple. 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. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Okaloosa County is a destination rich in family-friendly experiences. 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. Okaloosa County is a destination rich 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. 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. Pure white sandy beaches line the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island. 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. Wartime priorities precluded its reconstruction. The life of the local fishermen was also made easier by the railroads. Why is tourism important for Okaloosa county? ||^T/J;V4e0z*{^rF(Rxtz{PteDkFx[;>@ Ub{Q~>ccQ{w;w{6;A?*Oy>W0q>:ct_i e')/\{ K An authentic local recommendation - Tips onthe best time of day to travel - Maybe just a smile. Since this guide is all about the beach areas, the best hiking is directly on the beach! The entire length of Santa Rosa Island was controlled by the War Department until 1926. 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. 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 Tourist Development Department isrequiredto promote the areaand meet the following objectives below: Located in Northwest Florida, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is not only an ideal place to unwind, but discover natural beauty, encounter wildlife and ultimately uncover the adventurous side within. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. ExploreDestinFWB.com. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola Okaloosa County is a destination rich 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Northwest Florida State College serves over 10,000 residents of Okaloosa County annually for bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. It wasnt until the 1940s that the military and tourism brought modern conveniences such as paved roads, telephones and electricity. WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. 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. 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. #Q, And the best feature of John Beasley Park is the dunes! 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. [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). 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! 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. H. C. Hank Klein is a Destin historian, author, and speaker. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. vE>c!|},V@(a?Dk;kkSJjw_Su h&}/^r: fZ An 0.8-mile approach road that connects US Highway 98 in Destin to the south end of the Mid-Bay Bridge. Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. Everythingyou need to know about the beaches for a day, a weekend, a quiet moment, vacationing, moving or buying in the area. 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. 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 Introduction to the Okaloosa County Library Cooperative. 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. Drive two traffic lights, turn left on Santa Rosa Boulevard and go to the end of the road. That year the Okaloosa County Commission allowed leaseholders to obtain fee simple title to their property. July 29, 2021 In portions of Okaloosa County, it is known as Okaloosa Island. 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. Click herefor more information. Okaloosa Island is the beach destination in Destin-Fort Walton Beach Florida that offers 3 miles of sugar white super soft sand and the clear emerald green waters of the emerald coastbeaches. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet Both sites, as well as the Santa Rosa Boulevard accesses, offer ample parking, an amenity that is in short supply in other beach communities. WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. We follow the highest standards for listings and our editors will verify and approve all listings before they become active on our site. 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}. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola 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 railroad proved its worth as a reliable and efficient means of moving local commodities to market in a short period of time. G(j,|9~b2@>bJUKQ{Ug`#1\n,|4e] MUz]*:JZw*,. 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. During the spring, summer and early fall seasons, go early because parking is limited, particularly on the weekends. }$!5Uls% 7z#SKc,ya]/Q-SjamgkOxm_Erw.|U88Ren[+'%.uN5^ugc{~Nn(EtWf_{K.ARnP:|`vcv9Kyf"mPC]Nrz[Cf.glqEz eDxTE'5%6ea,]Mmx:Z U>Ze9 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. 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. The remainder of Okaloosa County (recently expanded) "Expansion Area" will collect and remit at the rate of 4%. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. 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 lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. [7] 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. Property owners on Okaloosa Island could only lease their land until 1995. Dunesline the most of the beachfront, even in developed areas. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. 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. 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.). 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. A sample lease for a residential property on the Island is contained in the link below. 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. 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 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. Sea Turtle season runs from Mayto October and is the perfect time to go on a turtle walk with volunteers who teach the respect for these immense creatures. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race. Okaloosa Island has two distinct sides that are separated by the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier and Boardwalkin the middle. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. Growth Management (Planning & Inspections). 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. 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. All rights reserved. Mr. Mapoles named the county after a steamboat called The Okaloosa named after a Choctaw word meaning black water. Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542for all departments. In this months History Mystery we will explain the current make-up of the island and why it has so many names. 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