This transaction removed all of the restrictions on the property except for a 75-foot aerial easement. The entire length of Santa Rosa Island was controlled by the War Department until 1926. The water is a gorgeous green blue color blending into a deep blue on the horizon. 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. For every 100 females there were 102.20 males. 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. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. Also see surrounding Beach Guides for Destin, Navarre, South Walton 30A, Panama City. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet July 29, 2021 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. Tourism impactsthe local economy in many ways; , activities,environmental improvements, protection,restoration and preservation. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. 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. That same year Fort Walton changed its name to Fort Walton Beach to take advantage of the nearby beach acquisition and upcoming tourist trade. It is a beautiful walk along the natural dunes and pristine seashore. August 10, 2021 View Conditions . Explore, Growth Management (Planning & Inspections), destinfwb.com/explore/ecotourism-hotspots, Financial Report pursuant to F.S. Hutchinson, Leonard Patrick, "History of the Playground Area of Northwest Florida", Great Outdoors Publishing Co., St. Petersburg, Florida, 1st ed., 1961, no Library of Congress card number, no ISBN, page 41. On July 8, 1950, a three-mile strip on Santa Rosa Island - the old Tower Beach area and Holiday Isle, the eastern most piece of the original Santa Rosa Island where the old East Pass had been - was deeded to Okaloosa County for $4,000 by the federal government. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. About Us. The formation of Okaloosa County can be closely tied to Laurel Hill resident and State Representative, William Mapoles. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola What actions make you more comfortable when traveling? Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. 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] Congressman Robert Sikes was totally dissatisfied with the National Park Service. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. The per capita income for the county was $28,902. 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 vE>c!|},V@(a?Dk;kkSJjw_Su h&}/^r: fZ 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 this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Growth Management (Planning & Inspections). 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. 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}. Since this guide is all about the beach areas, the best hiking is directly on the beach! We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. Surf Fishing is a common activity in the area. An 875-acre (354ha) parcel of Santa Rosa Island with 3 miles (4.8km) of Gulf frontage was conveyed to Okaloosa County on July 8, 1950, in an informal ceremony at the county courthouse in Crestview, Florida. Mission: The mission of theTourism Development Department(TDD)is to make time spent here, whether visitingliving or working, more valuable to all. H. C. Hank Klein is a Destin historian, author, and speaker. Shalimar, FL 32579. dWHd0ipt@H `84xHN2AHHVJNlSSa.BWLwh3#0 sp22cF_LGMGTc %gyKd43+CE"G Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. Perhaps the authoritys most lasting legacy is the public beach accesses that were incorporated into the plan. We are locals and writers who love to research, explore and share information about Florida. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! 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. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. [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). 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. 2023 www.nwfdailynews.com. That year the Okaloosa County Commission allowed leaseholders to obtain fee simple title to their property. To the east of the pier is the Gulf Islands National Seashore area with an access point at John Beasley Park. During the spring, summer and early fall seasons, go early because parking is limited, particularly on the weekends. Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. Crestview, Florida, "Amusement Area Of Tower Beach Is Destroyed By Fire". Okaloosa County is a destination rich in family-friendly experiences. Okaloosa Island has a cultural feel that includes both young families and retirees. All rights reserved. And to support a strong local community. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. [17], Emerald Coast Rider (formerly Okaloosa County Transit)[18] operates bus services in the county. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The small communities that grew around the lumber and turpentine camps found themselves more mobile and had better access to large stands of virgin timber and pine. They included the Santa Rosa Island Military Reservation and the Moreno Point Military Reservation what we call Destin today. 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. Park at John Beasley Park and hike a couple miles along the waters edge into the Gulf Islands National Seashore or walk toward the Pier. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. The purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level [2] Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. 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. [16] The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative is governed by an independent inter-governmental agency with seven members. link. This article about a location in Okaloosa County, Florida is a stub. The median age was 36 years. It wasnt until the 1940s that the military and tourism brought modern conveniences such as paved roads, telephones and electricity. An authentic local recommendation - Tips onthe best time of day to travel - Maybe just a smile. To share the positive things that make the area unique. Why would you want to convert from a "lease" to "fee simple title"? He visits often and lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with his wife (the former Muriel Marler of Destin). 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 Okaloosa County courthouse in March 2008, Places adjacent to Okaloosa County, Florida, United States presidential election results for Okaloosa County, Florida. All of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, was then in Escambia County. On August 1, 2017 the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 17-123 which defined the new process for Leasehold Conversions. 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. This Okaloosa steamboat brought passengers up and down the Blackwater River from Milton to Pensacola. [7] (2011). Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. Klein can be contacted directly at klein@aristotle.net. Okaloosa County is a destination rich All Rights Reserved Worldwide. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 211,668 people, 79,235 households, and 51,719 families residing in the county. Introduction to the Okaloosa County Library Cooperative. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. We have assisted multiple jurisdictions throughout the county and surrounding communities with our Multi-Agency Automatic Aid Agreements in Public Safety. 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