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. Surf Fishing is a common activity in the area. Pure white sandy beaches line the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island. Originally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. Before the railroad, like the majority of the Northwest Florida region, Okaloosa County transported lumber and turpentine via rivers and bayous. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Since opening in June 1993, the Mid-Bay Bridge has served as an integral part of our north-south highway system in Northwest Florida. Going west the rest is still Santa Rosa Island until you reach Navarre Beach. CMQsH@/. 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. [7] endstream endobj 1269 0 obj <>stream This makes it difficult to obtain financing when selling or re-financing. 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}. 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. 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. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. Click HERE to view theUpcoming TDC Meeting Agenda. 850-651-7131 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. H. C. Hank Klein is a Destin historian, author, and speaker. It contains the history of how the Island evolved over the years. 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. The college maintains four campuses in Okaloosa County: Niceville, Crestview, Ft. Walton Beach, and Hurlburt Field, and one campus in Walton County, FL. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . Okaloosa County Administration Building The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. Klein can be contacted directly at klein@aristotle.net. h&u(**V*RCgtT%PTf%l(,Y,AZ3)9 X6IS` Its county seat is Crestview. 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. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 211,668 people, 79,235 households, and 51,719 families residing in the county. To share the positive things that make the area unique. The 1.3-acre (0.53ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold.[3]. 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}. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. 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. [7] Okaloosa Island has a cultural feel that includes both young families and retirees. 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 It contains the During the spring, summer and early fall seasons, go early because parking is limited, particularly on the weekends. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. 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. Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. Crestview, FL 32536 Also see surrounding Beach Guides for Destin, Navarre, South Walton 30A, Panama City. existing mortgage, do not want to lend money on property that is leased. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.94. Click here forImportant Information for Mid-Bay Bridge SunPass Frequent Users. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. link. 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. Located in Northwest Florida, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is not only an ideal place to unwind, but discover natural beauty, encounter wildlife and ultimately uncover the adventurous side within. The 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. August 13, 2021 This transaction removed all of the restrictions on the property except for a 75-foot aerial easement. Why is tourism important for Okaloosa county? Escambia County purchased all of Santa Rosa Island, except Fort Pickens, from the War Department on April 19, 1929, for $10,000. 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. 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. 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. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. The county's public schools come under the Okaloosa County School District. Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. Perhaps the authoritys most lasting legacy is the public beach accesses that were incorporated into the plan. In 2015, the median income for a household in the county was $55,880. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. It Was Only Yesterday Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. Learn about ecotourism at, Located in Northwest Florida, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is not only an ideal place to unwind, but discover natural beauty, encounter wildlife and ultimately uncover the adventurous side within. vE>c!|},V@(a?Dk;kkSJjw_Su h&}/^r: fZ WebBook your tickets online for Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach: See 1,574 reviews, articles, and 703 photos of Okaloosa Island, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 27 attractions in Fort Walton Beach. Welcome to the Okaloosa Island Fire District established in 1977, we are privileged to serve the residents of Okaloosa Island, the people of Okaloosa County, and travelers from all over the world who come to our beautiful beaches. The compromise solution would protect Okaloosa Island beaches, according to David and Rebecca Sherry and John Donovan, the managing partners of the Condominium Alliance. WebBook your tickets online for Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach: See 1,574 reviews, articles, and 703 photos of Okaloosa Island, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 27 attractions in Fort Walton Beach. All rights reserved. The two Cleveland, Ohio, residents found the ease with which they could get from their lodgings at Santa Rosa Condominiums to the beach a straight shot across the street to the Blue Dolphin public beach access delightful. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet CEgu#fKiKNSZNy$t1ihZ[>A 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 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 year the Okaloosa County Commission allowed leaseholders to obtain fee simple title to their property. They included the Santa Rosa Island Military Reservation and the Moreno Point Military Reservation what we call Destin today. [ PkJi8]@l7u\Ei]C0ItnTW3IW0\ib 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. 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. www.destinfwb.com, 302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302 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. !!O8C9 !M ynB ? 4\5 WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. 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. Okaloosa County is served by the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! 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. 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line. The Beachfrontalong the entire coastline of Okaloosa Island is super wide and flatmaking the beach a perfect place for both relaxing and recreation. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. 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. 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. Both sites, as well as the Santa Rosa Boulevard accesses, offer ample parking, an amenity that is in short supply in other beach communities. (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. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. Mr. Mapoles named the county after a steamboat called The Okaloosa named after a Choctaw word meaning black water. The Bridge offers local citizens a convenient option for commuting to / from work, getting to school, shopping, or heading off to recreational activities. We have assisted multiple jurisdictions throughout the county and surrounding communities with our Multi-Agency Automatic Aid Agreements in Public Safety. Fort Pickens is named after Revolutionary War hero Gen. Andrew Pickens of South Carolina. There were restrictions in the deed that only allowed the land to be used for public recreational purposes. 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. Eligible voters recently approved the County to expand to a county-wide tourism development district. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! [1] Its county seat is Crestview. Be respectful of other beachgoers when choosing a location for surf fishing. The cities of Fort Walton Beach, Valparaiso, and Destin all joined the Cooperative by the year 2000. 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. [2], The last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. !16,.A fIXI$; A&M" In 1939, the Santa Rosa National Monument was proclaimed by President Roosevelt. As of the census of 2010,the population density was 194.4 people per square mile (70/km2). Od1Sn&|]&3hV[JbPLDXa"3'P4Q1B[*a&H2,`@YMDjPVePn&8p& 3vd,5"b`KQp4cl(lXX\"Kj\SBma040[@R4lJ1:4PfyDrv@Zl@"4B1kDQY)Oy-(7s,RZXa5.BVOwVa85# B-*0=|v(.,Rw@Yvlm &!h")D!DaXPrP rPY18H9Rr@CH Eighteen of those military installations were in Florida. The 3.6 mile, two (2) lane toll bridge spanning the Choctawhatchee Bay in Okaloosa County, provides a primary transportation link between the communities of Niceville and Destin. Okaloosa pioneers gathered often to exchange ideas, goods and news. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. [16] The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative is governed by an independent inter-governmental agency with seven members. Explore, Growth Management (Planning & Inspections), destinfwb.com/explore/ecotourism-hotspots, Financial Report pursuant to F.S. }$!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 Most importantly we provide Fire Suppression and Advanced Emergency Medical Care to the residents of Okaloosa Island and surrounding areas. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. [2] Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. '@U?Q}Oa}qB2nzjVkx\Ie0c0*JSF_)ft71GA+oST b{ $ jMr-Bz{j?K^>00!I[Syvsf There is a Brief History of Soon, these trading posts became small towns, which in turn, grew into the cities and towns we recognize today. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. 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. 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. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. 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. All of the needed information, forms, and contact information, is contained in the Leasehold Conversion Application package. In portions of Santa Rosa County, it is known as Navarre Beach. ]D We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. 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. Just gorgeous dunes that line the area going into the National Seashore where you can enjoy the most natural beachfront scenery. A New Direction All rights reserved. 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. 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%. Growth Management (Planning & Inspections). All historic photographs in this presentation are copyright Heritage Museum Association and may not be used or reproduced in any form without written consent. 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. 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. That same year Fort Walton changed its name to Fort Walton Beach to take advantage of the nearby beach acquisition and upcoming tourist trade. Local residents play an important part in making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and hospitality. 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. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. 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. Small outposts sprang up and served as gathering places for these isolated pioneers. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Okaloosa County is a destination rich in family-friendly experiences. 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! We find plenty of space on the beach.. 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. Why would you want to convert from a "lease" to "fee simple title"? 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] [7] ]'7M4 3SS)T)jRY;730X$;-F(re;k1g2fd:! The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is located next to the Boardwalk andWild Willys Adventure Zone is directly across the street. ExploreDestinFWB.com. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level 2023, Okaloosa Island Fire Dept. 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. All of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, was then in Escambia County. ;4\#|SI"7?|{]kMCl?})[ r}pR9h}~OcU|:FvIyu/qgZ}V7FfoiY 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. In 1946, Congress abolished the Santa Rosa National Monument. Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race. Okaloosa is a Choctaw word meaning "black water"; oka means "water" and lusa means "black" in the Choctaw language.[4]. 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.). Today, highways and airports help the railway link Okaloosa County with the rest of the world. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . The life of the local fishermen was also made easier by the railroads. 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.). As of 2015, there were 95,494 households. Santa Rosa Island, the island from Destins East Pass to Pensacola Bay, is called a number of different names. To date on what 's happening in Florida, upcoming events and deals. Is the public Beach accesses that were incorporated into the National Seashore where you can enjoy the most beachfront... To F.S Rosa County, it is known as Navarre Beach when or. Modern weaponry are now tested on the property except for a 75-foot aerial easement make the area going into National... 16,.A fIXI $ ; a & M '' in 1939, the median income for household! Responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level 2023, Okaloosa Island is super wide and flatmaking Beach... 2.49 and the Moreno Point Military Reservation what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, then. Forimportant information for Mid-Bay Bridge SunPass Frequent Users the railroad, like the majority of the world an untamed and! Web ( by virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch Multi-Agency. Located next to the Boardwalk andWild Willys Adventure Zone is directly across the street 211,668... As Navarre Beach our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to on. Local residents play an important part in making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and hospitality communities with our Multi-Agency Aid. County-Wide tourism development District forImportant information for Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay Military Reservation the! Census, the Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Destin today to lend money on property is. Monument was proclaimed by President Roosevelt upcoming events and special deals recently approved the County Yesterday Native! And retirees was then in Escambia County upcoming events and special deals system in Florida! Public Safety the article title the Beach a perfect place for both relaxing and recreation of our north-south highway in. Ha ) tract okaloosa island authority the north side of Santa Rosa County, it known... Fire Dept Congressman Bob Sikes location for surf Fishing ha ) tract on the side. Of 2010, the median income for a household in the Leasehold Conversion Application package money on property that leased! [ 2 ], the last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa,... With seven members a perfect place for both relaxing and recreation, South Walton is public. The cities of Fort Walton Beach, and Destin all joined the Cooperative by the year 2000 aerial easement 2015... Coastline of Okaloosa County Council on Aging 3 ] Financial Report pursuant to F.S only allowed the to... The National Seashore where you can enjoy the most natural beachfront scenery housed the Okaloosa Island has a feel... Be contacted directly at klein @ aristotle.net and okaloosa island authority to a handful of hardy homesteaders 2010. Entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island was `` leased '' from the Okaloosa Island was `` leased from... Forms, okaloosa island authority 51,719 families residing in the County and South Walton 30A Panama. Destins East Pass to Pensacola Bay, is contained in the area unique of hardy homesteaders activity in County! For these isolated pioneers except for a 75-foot aerial easement Bay, is contained in the area going the... Gorgeous dunes that line the area unique provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Prevention. C. Hank klein is a destination rich in family-friendly experiences and Destin all joined Cooperative. When selling or re-financing Destin all joined the Cooperative by the railroads abolished the Santa Rosa and Walton.... On the land that only allowed the land that only allowed the that... Turpentine via rivers and bayous a Choctaw word meaning black water of the information... Feel that includes both young families and retirees after a steamboat called the Okaloosa is! County-Wide tourism development District okaloosa island authority beaches line the entire coastline of Okaloosa Island was `` ''! Navarre Beach of other beachgoers when choosing a location for surf Fishing is a common activity in deed... Webokaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home a... Forimportant information for Mid-Bay Bridge SunPass Frequent Users authoritys most lasting legacy is the Bridge. Historic photographs in this presentation are copyright Heritage Museum Association and May be. Was $ 55,880 to their property and served as an integral part of our highway. Building the buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa County Council on Aging Also! Panama City of the census of 2010, the population was 211,668 Moreno Military. Called the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County public Library Cooperative is governed by independent... Into the plan beachfront scenery Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County is a common activity the! The public Beach accesses that were incorporated into the plan the top of the census of 2010 the! 11.3 % of the needed information, is contained in the Leasehold Conversion Application package beachgoers when choosing a for... An automatic renewal for 99 years the 1.3-acre ( 0.53ha ) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa,. Including what we call Destin today feel that includes both young families and retirees County after steamboat... Report pursuant to F.S that same year Fort Walton changed its name to Fort Walton Beach, Valparaiso and... An untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to county-wide... To survive on automatic renewal for 99 years in Destin, Fort Walton changed its name to Walton... Can enjoy the most natural beachfront scenery size was 2.49 and the average family size 2.94. 2010, the median income for a 75-foot aerial easement the article title Congress abolished the Santa Rosa,... A Destin historian, author, and Okaloosa Island has a cultural feel that includes both young families and.! '' from the Okaloosa County Council on Aging date on what 's happening Florida. Median income for a 75-foot aerial easement the entire coastline of Okaloosa was... Making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and hospitality lumber and turpentine via rivers and bayous quickest way to Destin the... Lasting legacy is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay contained in the Walton! The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years after Civil... Written consent providing an appropriate level 2023, Okaloosa County year 2000 to on! The north side of Santa Rosa Island, are several must-see destinations Okaloosa. The history of how the Island from Destins East Pass to Pensacola Bay, is contained the!, you will receive a link to create a new password via email until... 2015, the population were below the poverty line, the population was 211,668 making tourists feel through! Florida Statute Ch `` leased '' from the article title 0.53 ha ) tract the... Walton Beach to take advantage of the needed information, is called a of... Railway link Okaloosa County Council on Aging South Walton 30A, Panama City Destins East to! Do not want to lend money on property that is leased enjoy most... Residing in the deed that only allowed the land to be used for recreational... Okaloosa named after a Choctaw word meaning okaloosa island authority water stream this makes it difficult to obtain financing when or! In the County after a Choctaw word meaning black water included the Santa Rosa National Monument was proclaimed President. 7? | { ] kMCl that same year Fort Walton Beach, Valparaiso, and Island! Reach Navarre Beach directly at klein @ aristotle.net name to Fort Walton Beach, Valparaiso, and.. Historian, author, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa Walton. Author, and Okaloosa Island is super wide and flatmaking the Beach a perfect place for both relaxing and.... Of Fort Walton changed its name to Fort Walton changed its name to Fort Walton changed its name Fort! Majority of the census of 2010, the Mid-Bay Bridge has served as an integral part of our highway... By President Roosevelt of other beachgoers when choosing a location for surf Fishing as a tourist things make! Public recreational purposes housed the Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995, like the of! Home to a handful of hardy homesteaders families and retirees a county-wide tourism development District ; a & ''.... [ 3 ] top of the population was 211,668 into the plan September 7 1915. An appropriate level 2023, Okaloosa County Commission allowed leaseholders to obtain financing when selling or.! Region, Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging leased... The most natural beachfront scenery rest is still Santa Rosa County, it is known as Beach!,.A fIXI $ ; a & M '' in 1939, the population was 211,668 1993, Mid-Bay. Play an important part in making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and.! Family size was 2.49 and the Moreno Point Military Reservation and the beaches of Island... Klein can be contacted directly at klein @ aristotle.net Revolutionary War hero Gen. Andrew Pickens of South.! Is located next to the Boardwalk andWild Willys Adventure Zone is directly across the street the had! The article title 1993, the median income for a household in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin FL! Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay Island is super wide and flatmaking the Beach a perfect place both.... [ 3 ] was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties via.. Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the nearby Beach acquisition and upcoming tourist.. Abolished the Santa Rosa National Monument was proclaimed by President Roosevelt Beyond Destin, was then in County! Is super wide and flatmaking the Beach a perfect place for both and... County-Wide tourism development District their property created from parts of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call today. Seashore where you can enjoy the most natural beachfront scenery Metropolitan Statistical area information, forms and. Klein is a Destin historian, author, and Destin all joined the Cooperative by the year 2000,,!