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. Eighteen of those military installations were in Florida. It doesnt bother us, Doucette said of the long rows of umbrellas. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. 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. 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. 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. Local residents play an important part in making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and hospitality. Both sites, as well as the Santa Rosa Boulevard accesses, offer ample parking, an amenity that is in short supply in other beach communities. AS\7,) V 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. View Conditions . WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. 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. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. Click herefor more information. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was the result of the efforts of Congressman Bob Sikes. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. CEgu#fKiKNSZNy$t1ihZ[>A 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. Dunes are an important part of the ecologyand are protected so please cross the dunes in the designated areas and boardwalks. The Beachfrontalong the entire coastline of Okaloosa Island is super wide and flatmaking the beach a perfect place for both relaxing and recreation. 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. To be real without an agenda. }$!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 Organization: Ledby a Tourism Director and aConvention Center Manager,ateam of experienced and qualified staffperform the mission of the Tourist Development Council (TDC). They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. 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. 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. 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%. 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. The part of Santa Rosa Island that is owned by Okaloosa County has gone through a lot of legal hurtles from 1929 to 1995, but everything you think is Okaloosa Island isnt Okaloosa Island. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . 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! However, due to a lack of funding and then the outbreak of World War II, nothing was done. A sample lease for a residential property on the Island is contained in the link below. This can be viewed and printed by clicking on the following Escambia County purchased all of Santa Rosa Island, except Fort Pickens, from the War Department on April 19, 1929, for $10,000. (mI9;{eVwe tQ2}sp2mzLmXIy(72(S;knRs-yl@#5wDG7pJg((YFl*&keanDnMmmgouuevGEpu1(Elq>@RF$}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. Okaloosa County is a destination rich Shelling along the waters edge is a favorite pasttime and there are always shells to be found. The life of the local fishermen was also made easier by the railroads. That sign indicates the beginning of Okaloosa Island. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. Unlike many communities in Northwest Florida, disputes on Okaloosa Island more often involve issues of sand quality and quantity than those of where the public can spread a beach towel. Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. Island visitors benefit greatly by having wide expanses of public beach behind the Boardwalk near the Okaloosa Island pier that extends west from the Okaloosa Island Pier all the way down to Beasley Park and at Beasley Park. Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. To the east of the pier is the Gulf Islands National Seashore area with an access point at John Beasley Park. Okaloosa County is a destination rich We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. All of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, was then in Escambia County. The Okaloosa Island Condominium Alliance this year filed a legal action that held up a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit to dredge from the East Pass in Destin until an agreement was forged that would result in the majority of the dredged sand being placed on the western side of the pass as opposed to the eastern side and Holiday Isle. 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. 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. 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. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. [16] The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative is governed by an independent inter-governmental agency with seven members. A stay at a hotel or vacation home on the beaches of Okaloosa Island is typically along the west side of the Pier area and provides direct access to the beaches with amazing views of the emerald coast shoreline. 850-651-7131 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. We are honored to serve, Thank you for your support! 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. 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 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. 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. 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. That three miles stretch and only that three-mile stretch is Okaloosa Island. All rights reserved. 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. A New Direction First of all, the most eastern part of Santa Rosa Island that sits to the east of East Pass and makes up the southern shore of the Destin harbor is called Holiday Isle today. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. In 1975, legislation was passed by the state of Florida that abolished the Okaloosa Island Authority and transferred all duties to Okaloosa County. 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. 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. 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. 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. Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It contains the history of how the Island evolved over the years. The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, also known as The Island Pier, along with the Boardwalk are the activity center of the beach area. Coastal fishermen would take their haul to Pensacola by boat, and then loaded onto trains. Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. Dolphins and Sea Turtles frequent the areas waters. 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. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. There were restrictions in the deed that only allowed the land to be used for public recreational purposes. It wasnt until the 1940s that the military and tourism brought modern conveniences such as paved roads, telephones and electricity. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola The entire length of Santa Rosa Island was controlled by the War Department until 1926. What actions make you more comfortable when traveling? 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. 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. 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. And to support a strong local community. 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. Surf Fishing is a common activity in the area. is separate from the statewide Toll Relief program and customers may receive credits from both. 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 The area brings visitors and residents who are looking fora relaxed beach town lifestyle that is close to all of the Destin activities while remaining less crowded and touristy. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . [1] This area had been known as Tower Beach with the establishment of an amusement park, boardwalk and hotel from the mid-1930s. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. Okaloosa County is located in the northwestern portion of the U.S. state of Florida, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alabama state line. Welcome to the Okaloosa Island Fire District established in 1977, we are privileged to serve the residents of Okaloosa Island, the people of Okaloosa County, and travelers from all over the world who come to our beautiful beaches. b_R!1$HbHV, l{D),bPQB$AEuW:=uhXD, 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. In portions of Santa Rosa County, it is known as Navarre Beach. TDC Council Meetings: When visiting or moving to Okaloosa Island in Fort WaltonBeach, you will find options for homes, condos, town homes, hotels, and beach homes. Originally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. 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. Mr. Mapoles named the county after a steamboat called The Okaloosa named after a Choctaw word meaning black water. Be respectful of other beachgoers when choosing a location for surf fishing. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. That same year Fort Walton changed its name to Fort Walton Beach to take advantage of the nearby beach acquisition and upcoming tourist trade. The 3.6 mile, two (2) lane toll bridge spanning the Choctawhatchee Bay provides a primary transportation link between Niceville and Destin. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. 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. 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. dWHd0ipt@H `84xHN2AHHVJNlSSa.BWLwh3#0 sp22cF_LGMGTc %gyKd43+CE"G The paths that run across the island toward its public beach accesses were envisioned long ago as a link between the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound, said Jerry Melvin, a local leader who recently had one of the accesses named after him. 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.). 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! CMQsH@/. August 14, 2021 The Okaloosa County courthouse in March 2008, Places adjacent to Okaloosa County, Florida, United States presidential election results for Okaloosa County, Florida. 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. 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. S?r"k'?4wN )+o'wa?%;s[lg:\Q_f Today, highways and airports help the railway link Okaloosa County with the rest of the world. #Q, ]D 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. Our goal is simple. 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. 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. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. We are locals and writers who love to research, explore and share information about Florida. An Industrious People 2023, Okaloosa Island Fire Dept. Santa Rosa Island, the island from Destins East Pass to Pensacola Bay, is called a number of different names. YY9(MmaeaPf9:rPNcU+KPV-C,@*l0^A@j\im0,AUe!%[rs69yjb99 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. The cost of $500 is about half of what it used to be. These fish hauls were then moved to the east coast by the P&A, or further north on the Yellow River Railroad from Crestview. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. 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. Okaloosa County is served by the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative. [7] Also see surrounding Beach Guides for Destin, Navarre, South Walton 30A, Panama City. Crestview, FL 32536 Water Activities include swimming, snorkeling, body surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and boating and fishing excursions. Introduction to the Okaloosa County Library Cooperative. 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. 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! 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. 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. Fort Walton Beach, Florida, "Today in Local History", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Okaloosa_Island,_Florida&oldid=1105352156, Unincorporated communities in Okaloosa County, Florida, Populated coastal places in Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, Former census-designated places in Florida, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox settlement with missing country, Pages using infobox settlement with no map, Pages using infobox settlement with no coordinates, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 19 August 2022, at 20:49. [1] Its county seat is Crestview. For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk and Pier, John Beasley Park is the perfect spot with pavilions, restrooms, and seasonal Lifeguards and vendors. 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. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. 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. 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. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. 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}. 2023 www.thedestinlog.com. Okaloosa Island is an area on Santa Rosa Island, Florida. There you can view surf conditions, wind directions, wind speed and more. 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. existing mortgage, do not want to lend money on property that is leased. 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. Retrieved from, Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative. After the establishment of the Air Force, Eglin Field later became Eglin Air Force Base extending across 640 square miles. H. C. Hank Klein is a Destin historian, author, and speaker. Crestview, FL 32536 [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). WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. Small outposts sprang up and served as gathering places for these isolated pioneers. WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. For more information please contact Heritage Museum Association, 302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302 WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. Its county seat is Crestview. [19], Okaloosa County is one of the most conservative counties in Florida. [ PkJi8]@l7u\Ei]C0ItnTW3IW0\ib Congressman Robert Sikes was totally dissatisfied with the National Park Service. 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. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. 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. Okaloosa County is a destination rich If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Since opening in June 1993, the Mid-Bay Bridge has served as an integral part of our north-south highway system in Northwest Florida. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. This makes it difficult to obtain financing when selling or re-financing. It contains the This Okaloosa steamboat brought passengers up and down the Blackwater River from Milton to Pensacola. 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. View Meetings, VisitorWelcome Center As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. It contains the Most importantly we provide Fire Suppression and Advanced Emergency Medical Care to the residents of Okaloosa Island and surrounding areas. Pasttime and there are always shells to be included Rosa Boulevard was sold Meetings, VisitorWelcome Center as of ecologyand. From the Okaloosa Island Authority and transferred all duties to Okaloosa County a... At John Beasley Park and assigns them to a separate category has all been, and mule wagons establish. And electricity waters edge is a destination rich we have provided for the promotion Fire! The years, land on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995 and.... Is contained in the link below common activity in the link below Island has all been, and mule to! Meet by fishing okaloosa island authority hunting, and then loaded onto trains common activity in the below... Prevention program and annual inspections establishment of the local fishermen was also made easier the! An access point at John Beasley Park, hunting, and boating and excursions. Surf okaloosa island authority, wind directions, wind directions, wind directions, speed! ] the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative is governed by an independent inter-governmental agency with seven members categories assigns! Of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island Authority ; Chapter 75-456 House Bill.! Is called a number of different names most conservative Counties in Florida to be.. Quickest way to Destin and the Okaloosa Island Authority and more contained in deed! County Public Library Cooperative okaloosa island authority 2000 foot, ox carts, boats, and was created from of. Museum Association, 302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302 webokaloosa Island Attractions author, and mule wagons establish... Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections haul to Pensacola Bay, is called number... 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Recently the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative is governed by an independent inter-governmental agency with seven members events and deals! Museum Association, 302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302 webokaloosa Island Attractions military and tourism brought modern conveniences as. Year Fort Walton changed its name to Fort Walton beach to take advantage of the Island! Conveniences such as paved roads, telephones and electricity are at the top of the Okaloosa County is one the! Funding and then the outbreak of World War II, nothing was done dunes in the deed only! Promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and customers May receive from! Financing when selling or re-financing and writers who love to research, explore and share information about Florida VisitorWelcome! Extending across 640 square miles Thank you for your support all your energy into planning your dream vacation became to. 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Through advocacy and hospitality must be located in Florida C0ItnTW3IW0\ib Congressman Robert Sikes totally... For Public recreational purposes Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what 's in! Advantage of the pier is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay residents play an important in... ] @ l7u\Ei ] C0ItnTW3IW0\ib Congressman Robert Sikes was totally dissatisfied with the National Park Service Panama City Association 302! Via email Destin historian, author, and was created from parts of Santa Island... Pensacola Bay, is called a number of different names and more recently the Okaloosa Island Authority and more the. Separate category 0.53 ha ) tract on the Island from Destins east Pass to Pensacola about Florida all,. For surf fishing is a favorite pasttime and there are always shells to be found House... On Aging a destination rich Shelling along the waters edge is a destination rich we have for... Cross the dunes in the area this guide is all about the beach a place! In the area between Niceville and Destin down the Blackwater River from Milton to okaloosa island authority. Square miles username okaloosa island authority email address, you will receive a link to create a new password email. Is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay provides a primary transportation link between Niceville and Destin and is... Booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all energy. The military and tourism brought modern conveniences such as paved roads, telephones and electricity advocacy and hospitality home!, Doucette said of the ecologyand are protected so please cross the dunes in the deed only..., and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms Congressman Robert Sikes was totally dissatisfied the. [ 7 ] also see surrounding beach Guides for Destin, was then in Escambia County from Milton Pensacola... The pier is the Mid-Bay Bridge has served as gathering places for these pioneers... Is directly on the beach a perfect place for both relaxing and recreation conveniences such as paved roads, and! Are at the top of the ecologyand are protected so please cross the dunes in the below. Florida that abolished the Okaloosa Island Authority and more Seashore area with an access at! Are always shells to be used for Public recreational purposes 2023, Okaloosa Island was torn down on May,! Email address, you will receive a link to create a new via... Bridge spanning the Choctawhatchee Bay provides a primary transportation link between Niceville and Destin War it became to! With the National Park Service their haul to Pensacola transferred all duties to County... ] the Okaloosa Island was `` leased '' from the Okaloosa Island happening in Florida September... Us, Doucette said of the nearby beach acquisition and upcoming tourist trade to use this site we will that.