2023 www.thedestinlog.com. WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. Mr. Mapoles named the county after a steamboat called The Okaloosa named after a Choctaw word meaning black water. 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. Then notice on your right the sign that welcomes you to Okaloosa Island. Be respectful of other beachgoers when choosing a location for surf fishing. Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. It Was Only Yesterday Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! [20] Mitt Romney won the county in 2012 with 73.86% (69,785) of the popular vote, while Donald Trump won 70.42% (71,893) in 2016.[21]. !16,.A fIXI$; A&M" 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. 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. It doesnt bother us, Doucette said of the long rows of umbrellas. 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 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. 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. 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. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. Whether visiting the winding rivers flowing through north county tree lines,parks and recreational points of interestor spending a few days at the white sandy beaches reflecting upon the Gulf of Mexico shoreline, the TDD promises to get kids outside on the water to give their adventurous side room to grow! Also see surrounding Beach Guides for Destin, Navarre, South Walton 30A, Panama City. 850-651-7131 ]D 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. The Bridge offers local citizens a convenient option for commuting to / from work, getting to school, shopping, or heading off to recreational activities. 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. For every 100 females there were 102.20 males. Click herefor more information. Okaloosa is a Choctaw word meaning "black water"; oka means "water" and lusa means "black" in the Choctaw language.[4]. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. 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. An estimated 200,000 basket loads of earth were used to create this earthen structure and many of the shells probably came from Okaloosa Island area which is directly across the sound waterway. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. These spots are the perfect place to head to the gorgeous beaches. Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. There were restrictions in the deed that only allowed the land to be used for public recreational purposes. 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. [19], Okaloosa County is one of the most conservative counties in Florida. All of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, was then in Escambia County. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. To be real without an agenda. 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. It contains the 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. 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. Okaloosa County is a destination rich Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. It contains the history of how the Island evolved over the years. As of 2015,[15] there were 198,664 people and 95,494 households. The railroad proved its worth as a reliable and efficient means of moving local commodities to market in a short period of time. [7] There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. We find plenty of space on the beach.. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. 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. hZpa dxi7cg A GS}{xq"CB *.qNy;M'o)HN!):7E{t~RpqSWRi.O2PpS) 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. In this months History Mystery we will explain the current make-up of the island and why it has so many names. The TDC serves as an advisory council to the Board of County Commissioners. The purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level And the best feature of John Beasley Park is the dunes! 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] WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. 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. 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. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet endstream endobj 1269 0 obj <>stream Crestview, Florida, "Amusement Area Of Tower Beach Is Destroyed By Fire". The purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level 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. During the winter months, from the angle of the earth to the sun, both sunrise and sunset can be seen across the horizon along the edge where the water meets the sky. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. Mission: The mission of theTourism Development Department(TDD)is to make time spent here, whether visitingliving or working, more valuable to all. Growth Management (Planning & Inspections). 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. Both sites, as well as the Santa Rosa Boulevard accesses, offer ample parking, an amenity that is in short supply in other beach communities. 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. )T>wsRQU_:X_;Ru~\~w 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. Crestview, FL 32536 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. %PDF-1.6 % WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. Soon, these trading posts became small towns, which in turn, grew into the cities and towns we recognize today. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. 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. 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. 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. Small outposts sprang up and served as gathering places for these isolated pioneers. A temporary county seat was established in Milligan until a special election was held in 1917 and Crestview was chosen as the new permanent seat. #Q, 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. Shalimar, FL 32579. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. Going west the rest is still Santa Rosa Island until you reach Navarre Beach. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . As of the 2020 United States census, there were 211,668 people, 79,235 households, and 51,719 families residing in the county. The P&A railroad was chartered and completed by William Chipley and ran between Pensacola and Jacksonville. 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. Save time and get to the beach faster! 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. Crestview, FL 32536 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. And check out the area Guidesfor the City ofDestinand the City of Fort Walton Beach and find local businesses in the largestDestin area business directory(coming soon). Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. G(j,|9~b2@>bJUKQ{Ug`#1\n,|4e] MUz]*:JZw*,. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. The 3.6 mile, two (2) lane toll bridge spanning the Choctawhatchee Bay provides a primary transportation link between Niceville and Destin. 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 1995, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a measure that allowed leaseholders to obtain a "fee simple title" to their property. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. Pure white sandy beaches line the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island. Yn*S-/xH DTIB(IpS0?yB!Y#t$ r. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. 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. The water is a gorgeous green blue color blending into a deep blue on the horizon. In 1975, legislation was passed by the state of Florida that abolished the Okaloosa Island Authority and transferred all duties to Okaloosa County. As of the census of 2010,the population density was 194.4 people per square mile (70/km2). 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. August 13, 2021 Our goal is simple. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. In 2015, the median income for a household in the county was $55,880. ]'7M4 3SS)T)jRY;730X$;-F(re;k1g2fd:! is separate from the statewide Toll Relief program and customers may receive credits from both. Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542for all departments. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The per capita income for the county was $28,902. Okaloosa 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. 1268 0 obj <>stream 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. 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. The cost of $500 is about half of what it used to be. 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. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. 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