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Wednesday, February 22, 2023Okaloosa County Awarded $800,000 by State of Florida for Resilience Planning Efforts
On Feb. 13, 2023, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced that Okaloosa County will receive $600,000 to conduct a Vulnerability Assessment and create an Adaptation Plan. Okaloosa County will partner with its municipalities to evaluate and identify risks from flooding and sea level rise and develop an adaptation plan that prioritizes mitigation projects. Completing the vulnerability assessment will allow the County and its municipalities to be eligible for implementation grants through
Monday, February 13, 2023Destin-Fort Walton Beach Coastal Resource Team assists in unique devil ray research
Okaloosa County’s Coastal Resource Team with Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism recently initiated and assisted a team of researchers in identifying and tagging devil rays in the Gulf of Mexico. While installing three miles of sand fencing on Okaloosa Island in 2021, members of the Coastal Resource team noticed a number of devil rays swimming close to the beach. The Coastal Resource Team’s curiosity into the migratory patterns of these rays prompted them to contact researchers from Mote Marine Laboratory &
Monday, February 06, 2023Tarpon Beach Expansion Celebration
A nearly 340-ft beachfront “Tarpon Beach Park” is now on its way to becoming a reality thanks to the partnership between the City of Destin, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and Trust for Public Land. To celebrate this project, on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at 10 a.m., located at 3310 Scenic Highway 98, the City of Destin hosted ceremony as the current structures on the three parcels adjacent to the Tarpon Beach Trail will be cleared to make way for the park
Thursday, January 26, 2023Okaloosa County Corrections Actively Combats Fentanyl-related issues
In light of the recent national and state increase in fentanyl-related overdoses, officers at Okaloosa County Department of Corrections are taking action to combat this issue within the facility. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has become a major public health concern in recent years. The drug is often mixed with other substances, such as heroin and cocaine, making it even more dangerous. To address this problem, several measures have been implemented to
Tuesday, January 10, 2023Okaloosa Seeks Applicants for Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (“BCC”), with the mutual approval of the Fort Walton Beach City Council, will appoint one or more citizens to the Okaloosa County/Fort Walton Beach Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (“AHAC”). Pursuant to section 420.9076, Florida Statutes, the AHAC serves in an advisory capacity to the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners and the Fort Walton Beach City Council on issues related to affordable housing in Okaloosa County, including the development of
Monday, November 07, 2022Okaloosa County 2022 Community Survey Opens to all Residents
Okaloosa County is pleased to announce that the comprehensive quality of life survey, previously offered to randomly selected residents living in unincorporated areas of the county, is now open to all residents living in Okaloosa County. The open participation survey, found at https://polco.us/okaloosa22op and runs November 1 – 15, 2022. We ask that, if residents received a mailed survey invitation, please respond via that survey link instead of the open participation survey. For those who have already
Monday, October 24, 2022Okaloosa County Seeks Applicants Interested in Serving on the Okaloosa Gas District Board of Directors - Applications Due by November 10, 2022
Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will appoint a citizen to the Okaloosa Gas District Board of Directors to represent the interests of the unincorporated areas of the County and non-member cities. Applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 via email to citizencouncils@myokaloosa.com or via mail to BCC Citizen Councils, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100, Shalimar, FL 32579. Citizens who wish to be considered for appointment to the Okaloosa Gas District
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Wednesday, October 05, 2022Okaloosa County Prepares for Resident Survey
Okaloosa County officials are pleased to announce they will be conducting a comprehensive quality of life community survey beginning in the month of October. In the days to come, randomly selected residents living in the unincorporated areas of the county will receive a postcard invitation to complete the survey online. If the survey is not completed online, a reminder will be sent, along with a paper survey. Soon after, we will announce the survey to open for all residents by visiting the Okaloosa County
Tuesday, August 23, 2022Local Volunteers Needed for International Coastal Cleanup
Saltwater Restaurants and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism is excited to host the International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 8-10AM. For over 35 years, Ocean Conservancy has held the International Coastal Cleanup® which is a global event that prides itself in, “harnessing the power of people to fight ocean trash.” The goal of the cleanup is to remove as much trash and debris from local beaches and there are multiple locations where volunteers of all ages can participate. Join our
Friday, July 01, 2022Okaloosa County EMS Receives National Recognition for its Commitment to Quality Care for Severe Heart Attacks
For the seventh year in a row, Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety – EMS Division has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus achievement award for its commitment to offering rapid, research-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attack, ultimately saving lives. “Okaloosa County is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” said Okaloosa County
Friday, July 01, 2022Okaloosa County Shares Hurricane Preparedness Resources
Okaloosa County has produced a limited supply of Okaloosa County Hurricane Guides. For convenience, the hurricane guides have been distributed to various pickup locations across the county. As hurricane season began June 1 and ends November 30, the county published an online version on June 1, which will remain available year-round at myokaloosa.com. Preparedness is key to successfully weathering the storm. Residents are encouraged to download the online resource to their device or print one to use as a
Tuesday, June 21, 2022Okaloosa County Approved for $7.9 Million in State Funding
Six legislative priorities, proposed by Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, have gained support in the State budget. On Thursday, June 2, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the roughly $112 billion State Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget, confirming the funding for projects totaling nearly $8 Million to benefit Okaloosa County. Approved projects include $750,000 for Overbrook Area Stormwater Improvements, $300,000 for Cinco Bayou Glenwood Park Water Quality Improvement, $2 million for US 98
Thursday, June 02, 2022June 2022 Update from One Okaloosa EDC
By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC While the true start of summer may still be a few weeks away, it only requires a visit to one of our local eateries, a stroll on our beaches or a short drive down Highway 98 to confirm that summer is already in full swing. Here at One Okaloosa EDC, spring went by in the blink of an eye but left many good memories and new opportunities in its wake. Since my last “Director’s Desk” piece in March, One Okaloosa hosted our 5th annual Technology
Thursday, May 26, 2022Lakeshore Drive Interchange Seasonal Road Closure Near Mid-Bay Bridge 2022
White Point Road and Lakeshore Drive will be closed to through traffic on Saturday afternoons beginning May 28, 2022. For the fifth year in a row, the seasonal closure will take place between the approximate hours of noon to 6 p.m., on May 28 - September 3, 2022. The Memorial Day through Labor Day closure takes place each year to maintain traffic safety and relieve those residing along these roadways of congestion as a result of southbound tourism traffic from State Road 293 toward the Mid-Bay Bridge.
Monday, May 16, 2022Okaloosa County Seeks Value Adjustment Board Applications by May 20
Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will appoint a citizen to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) as required by Florida Statute. Applicants should be available to meet during the daytime, and typically meet twice per year, at the beginning of the hearing process and at the end to review the Special Magistrates’ decisions. Appointee will serve a one-year term, which may be extended upon the approval of the Board of Commissioners, beginning immediately upon appointment. The requirement for this
Monday, May 09, 2022Destin-Fort Walton Beach Implements New Beach Safety Measures
Okaloosa County launches new beach safety measures, championed and funded by Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism, in partnership with Okaloosa County Beach Safety and Destin Fire Control District. Administered by Okaloosa County Public Safety, the initiatives include a synchronized beach warning flag selection across all guarded beaches in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, a text alert system and GPS-mapped signage to help first responders reach emergencies most efficiently. “The safety of our residents and guests is
Monday, April 11, 20222022 Okaloosa County Mosquito Control Schedule
The Okaloosa County Mosquito Control Program schedule for treatment by broadcast spraying pesticide for control of adult mosquito populations is detailed below. Maps of showing general treatment area by days of the week are also linked. Broadcast treatment is conducted in the evening and is required by State Law to be justified. Justification is based on mosquito population surveillance data and other methods. Treatments will begin 1 hour before sunset. Map Links available at
Wednesday, March 30, 2022Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida Seeks Volunteers for Dune Stabilization Project
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism continues dune restoration and stabilization on Okaloosa Island beaches. Community volunteers are needed to help with a project, funded by Okaloosa County Tourist Development and a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation matching grant. Volunteers will assist with dune stabilization by helping to plant 200,000 sea oats on Saturday, April 16, at 7 a.m. “The dunes are an important part of our coastal landscape,” said Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mel
Thursday, March 17, 2022Okaloosa County Offers $1.5 Million to Non-Profits Through ARPA Funding
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners has approved $1.5 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID–19 and to address its negative economic impacts. In acknowledgment of the significant challenges which non-profits have faced and in recognition of the critical services that they provide, the county will accept ARPA funding applications from eligible non-profit
Tuesday, March 01, 2022Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Expands “Boat Yard” Artificial Reef Site
Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department (TDD) Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism expands fishing and diving opportunities with the upcoming deployment of a decommissioned tugboat (M/V MISS JOANN). The 64-foot vessel will be an addition to nearly 400 artificial reef sites offshore Okaloosa County. The deployment is scheduled for Wednesday, March 2, 2022, by Morgan Marine with oversight from the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Coastal Resource team. “We are fortunate to have a Coastal Resource Team dedicated
Friday, February 18, 2022Coastal Conservation Association Florida to Restock Redfish in Okaloosa County
A donation, by a private party, to Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida) leads to the first redfish restocking initiative in Choctawhatchee Bay. Because of a $25,000 donation to CCA Florida, the Coastal Resource Team of the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism will assist with the transport of 10,000 juvenile redfish between four and eight inches in length. The release will take place from the shore at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park in
Thursday, February 03, 2022Quality Broadband, a Countywide Possibility with Survey Participation
Okaloosa County is working to improve broadband to areas of North Okaloosa with little to no access at this time. A quick 10-question survey, with integrated speed test is a first step in accomplishing the goal. Participation is critical to the success of this project. “The areas of Okaloosa County, where there is little or no access to internet services, experience significant roadblocks for business expansion, applying for jobs and participating in online education,” said Okaloosa Board of County
Monday, January 24, 2022Boeing Selects Fort Walton Beach for Competitive Expansion Project
One Okaloosa EDC announced today that Boeing Global Services has selected Fort Walton Beach for a competitive expansion project. The anticipated $2,550,000 project involves a 20,000 SF expansion to the company’s existing facility located at 20 Hill Avenue in the Fort Walton Beach Commerce & Technology Park. In addition, Boeing’s current position as one of Okaloosa County’s largest private sector employers will be further reinforced with the creation of 12 new positions at an average salary of $70,000 per
Monday, November 01, 2021Okaloosa County EMS Pay Increases
Okaloosa County leaders have approved an immediate increase for all Emergency Medical Services (EMS) new hires at the County, including an approximate $3 per hour higher rate for EMTs and $5.50 per hour higher rate for Paramedics. The goal is to incentivize those seeking a rewarding, public service career choice, with a more competitive rate of pay. Additionally, the majority of the County’s current EMS team members will also benefit indirectly, as most will also see substantial and immediate pay increases.
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Monday, October 11, 2021Voters Approve Okaloosa County Tourism Development District Expansion
Voters in Okaloosa County have elected to expand the tourism development district countywide. After polls closed on Oct. 5, 2021, Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux shared that, out of the 18,817 votes counted, the unofficial election results ruled 12,296 in favor of expanding and 6,500 opposed. The election will be certified later this week. Beginning March 1, 2022, Okaloosa County will now be one of 59 out of 62 counties in the State of Florida that collect bed tax on overnight stays countywide. The tax
Thursday, October 07, 2021Okaloosa County Hires New Deputy County Administrator
On Sept. 21, 2021, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved the recommendation to hire Sheila Fitzgerald as Deputy County Administrator of Support Services. Fitzgerald has officially joined the team and reported for duty on Oct. 4. She brings 17 years of experience in the areas of budget management, grant administration and project management. She earned a Master of Science Administration, Public Administration from the University of West Florida in May 2008. Deputy County Administrator
Monday, September 27, 2021Vice Chairman Mel Ponder Elected to Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors
We are pleased to announce that Okaloosa County Vice Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Mel Ponder (District 5) was elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Counties. His new role with the FAC will be instrumental in guiding Okaloosa County with fellow commissioners within the state to address the diverse interests of the County, as well as the state. He will spend the next two years supporting and supervising the Association’s efforts. “Commissioner Ponder has been singled out
Monday, September 27, 2021Okaloosa County Adopts TDD Countywide Expansion Ordinance
On Sept. 21, 2021, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved to adopt an ordinance and amend the Tourism Development Plan to the proposed expanded footprint. Should eligible voters elect to expand the tourism district from its current footprint south of the bay, the adopted ordinance will include a monetary set-aside of 12.5% of TDC revenues for all cities as an annual allotment for their tourism-related projects, which could include parks, trails, boat launches, soccer fields and
Thursday, September 09, 2021Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Approves RESTORE Act Subaward for Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary
The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners has approved $437,500 in funding through a RESTORE Act subaward to the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition. The money will be used for supporting consultant services to draft a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan by the Estuary Program. The plan will describe projects and how they should be implemented to restore and protect the integrity of the waterways in Northwest Florida. Okaloosa County is a proud member of this Coalition that includes Walton,
Friday, September 03, 2021Okaloosa County Receives Overwhelmingly Positive Feedback on Santa Rosa Boulevard Improvement Concepts
Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Chairman Carolyn Ketchel received overwhelmingly positive feedback, alongside Public Works Director Jason Autrey and County Engineer Scott Bitterman, at the unveiling of the improvement concept designed for Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island. The county organized a town hall for Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, and invited the community to attend and engage in conversations with Chairman Ketchel and the Okaloosa County Public Works Team. Nearly 100 citizens attended by
Monday, July 19, 2021Chairman Carolyn Ketchel Presented with FAC Presidential Advocacy Award
The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) presented Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Chairman Carolyn Ketchel with the Presidential Advocacy Award at its recent Annual Conference, for her work during the 2021 Legislative Session. “We are thankful to Governor DeSantis for the approval of State funding in all four of our top priorities, totaling over $2.5 million in the 2021 State budget,” said Ketchel. “As an advocate for agriculture and consumer services in Okaloosa County, I am grateful for the
Friday, June 25, 2021Northwest Florida State College’s Aviation Center of Excellence Takes Flight
Northwest Florida State College’s Aviation Center of Excellence (ACE) officially opened June 23, 2021, at the Hsu Innovation Institute North in Crestview. More than 200 members of the local community attended the celebration. With a shared vision for excellence, Northwest Florida State College along with the Hsu Educational Foundation, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, Okaloosa County Airports, Florida Department of Transportation, Triumph Gulf Coast and many more have come together to
Monday, June 07, 2021Okaloosa County Approved for $2.5 Million in State Funding for Priority Projects
Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners top priorities, totaling over $2.5 million in the State budget, have been approved by Governor Ron DeSantis. On Wednesday June 2, 2021, Governor DeSantis signed the roughly $100 billion State budget confirming the funding of all four Okaloosa County priority projects. Projects include $854,100 for a new Okaloosa County Agriculture Center. This achievement is exceptionally rewarding as the previous agriculture center in the South end of the County has suffered
Monday, May 24, 2021Lakeshore Drive Interchange Seasonal Road Closure Near Mid-Bay Bridge
For the fourth year in a row, White Point Road and Lakeshore Drive will be closed to through traffic on Saturday afternoons from May 29 - Sept. 4, 2021. The closure takes place each year between Memorial Day and Labor Day to maintain traffic safety and relieve residents on these roads from congestion brought about, primarily by southbound tourism traffic, on State Road 293 toward the Mid-Bay bridge, taking detours through residential neighborhoods. The Saturday afternoon closures will take place from
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Monday, May 24, 2021Okaloosa County EMS Crew Recognized for Humanitarian Efforts
On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, two Okaloosa County EMS team members were presented with the Okaloosa County H.E.R.O. Award (Humanitarian Efforts Recognized by Okaloosa County) for their heroic actions earlier this year. Paramedic, George Lee and EMT, Devon Hare had begun stabilizing a patient suffering from a medical emergency when the ambulance doors flung open, following a commotion outside. On February 26, 2021, a panicked couple, unfamiliar with the area, happened upon the ambulance while driving down
Tuesday, May 11, 2021Okaloosa County Sinks Retired US Air Force Vessel for Artificial Reef Program
Okaloosa divers and fishermen have a new artificial reef to enjoy as of Friday, May 7, 2021. The large 93-foot US Air Force steel-hull water training vessel BIG DAWG was sunk to the seafloor in 104 feet of water, 14 miles southwest of the Destin Pass. Alex Fogg, Okaloosa County Coastal Resources Manager with Destin-Fort Walton Beach TDD, managed the acquisition, preparation and deployment. After many months of preparation to ensure the vessel was clean and environmentally friendly, a local contractor,
Monday, April 12, 2021Okaloosa County Department of Corrections Employees Reject Union Representation
On Wednesday, April 7, the Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) certified the ballots received in a union election to determine if Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Department of Corrections employees desired to have American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Florida Council 79 (AFSMCE) serve as a bargaining agent on their behalf. Out of 98 eligible employees, 65 participated in the secret ballot process. While 25 participants voted in favor of the union, 40 out of
Monday, April 05, 2021Public Invited to Attend Groundbreaking Ceremony for Shore at Crystal Beach Park Expansion
The “Gateway to Crystal Beach” is now on its way to becoming a reality thanks to the partnership between the City of Destin, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and Trust for Public Land. The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the Shore at Crystal Beach Park Expansion on Monday, April 12, at 10 a.m., located at 2964 Scenic Highway 98. “This initiative is one of the highest priorities for the City of Destin. Our tourist tax dollars are
Monday, March 29, 2021Commissioner Trey Goodwin to Host Town Hall Meeting, Dates Avenue NW Development
Okaloosa County Commissioner Trey Goodwin (District 4) will host a Town Hall Meeting on April 1, 2021, to discuss the Dates Avenue NW Development and Proposed Stormwater Project. The meeting will be held at New Hope Christian Center, located at 311 Lovejoy Road NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, beginning at 6 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the HTG Shoreline LTD intent to acquire certain properties located on the north side of Dates Avenue NW to develop a planned residential apartment complex
Tuesday, October 13, 2020Community Assistance Grants & Programs Now Available to Businesses, Non-Profits & Individuals
Through the Federal CARES Act funding, Okaloosa County and all the cities within it have joined together to offer a variety of grants and other programs to help our communities cope with the effects of COVID-19. This assistance has categories for businesses, non-profits and individuals. For information on upcoming workshops, click here. More workshops will be added. To apply now, visit okaloosacountycares.com. Grant types include the following:1. Small Business CARES Micro Grant 2. Small
