Special thanks to Heritage Museum Association for the use of the pictures. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.94. S?r"k'?4wN )+o'wa?%;s[lg:\Q_f 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. 2023 www.thedestinlog.com. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. August 10, 2021 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. An 0.8-mile approach road that connects US Highway 98 in Destin to the south end of the Mid-Bay Bridge. We follow the highest standards for listings and our editors will verify and approve all listings before they become active on our site. 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. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. Okaloosa pioneers gathered often to exchange ideas, goods and news. All of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, was then in Escambia County. 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. 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE 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. 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. )T>wsRQU_:X_;Ru~\~w The purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level 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. 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 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. 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. As of the census of 2010,the population density was 194.4 people per square mile (70/km2). It contains the 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. 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. 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. 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. Organization: Ledby a Tourism Director and aConvention Center Manager,ateam of experienced and qualified staffperform the mission of the Tourist Development Council (TDC). And the best feature of John Beasley Park is the dunes! The Okaloosa County courthouse in March 2008, Places adjacent to Okaloosa County, Florida, United States presidential election results for Okaloosa County, Florida. Dunesline the most of the beachfront, even in developed areas. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. Jennifer Adams, Director [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). 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. 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. Our goal is simple. 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 purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level YY9(MmaeaPf9:rPNcU+KPV-C,@*l0^A@j\im0,AUe!%[rs69yjb99 Since opening in June 1993, the Mid-Bay Bridge has served as an integral part of our north-south highway system in Northwest Florida. [2], The last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. 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. Explore, Growth Management (Planning & Inspections), destinfwb.com/explore/ecotourism-hotspots, Financial Report pursuant to F.S. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. AS\7,) V Klein can be contacted directly at klein@aristotle.net. According to the 2010 census, the population was spread out, with 24.70% under the age of 18, 9.60% from 18 to 24, 31.10% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 12.10% who were 65 years of age or older. In 2015, the median income for a household in the county was $55,880. In 1946, Congress abolished the Santa Rosa National Monument. WebOn July 8, 1950 the federal government conveyed an 875-acre (3.54 km 2) parcel of Santa Rosa Island with 3 miles (4.8 km) of Gulf frontage to Okaloosa County. Park at John Beasley Park and hike a couple miles along the waters edge into the Gulf Islands National Seashore or walk toward the Pier. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet Formed in October 1997, the Cooperative originally included the county and the cities of Crestview, Mary Esther, and Niceville. It doesnt bother us, Doucette said of the long rows of umbrellas. Northwest Florida State College serves over 10,000 residents of Okaloosa County annually for bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. When visiting or moving to Okaloosa Island in Fort WaltonBeach, you will find options for homes, condos, town homes, hotels, and beach homes. 75-456 (June 23, 1975), the Okaloosa Island Authority was abolished and its assets turned over to the Board of County Commissioners, Okaloosa County, for management with the full force of direction to be retained in the PROTECTIVE COVENANTS AND RESTRICTIONS then in effect. Park at the Boardwalk where you can shop, eat, and play. }$!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 Save time and get to the beach faster! Okaloosa County is a destination rich Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. Why would you want to convert from a "lease" to "fee simple title"? Lumber, Turpentine and Fishing were the main economic drivers of the time and they, in turn, were supported by the Pensacola & Atlantic Railroad (P&A) which was a division of the already existing Louisville & Nashville Railroad (L&N). Everythingyou need to know about the beaches for a day, a weekend, a quiet moment, vacationing, moving or buying in the area. In 1934, Plew proposed to donate 1,460 adjoining acres to the U.S. government for a bombing and gunnery range. [17], Emerald Coast Rider (formerly Okaloosa County Transit)[18] operates bus services in the county. A sample lease for a residential property on the Island is contained in the link below. That sign indicates the beginning of Okaloosa Island. Be included in our Business Directory. Introduction to the Okaloosa County Library Cooperative. 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 Both can be obtained from Amazon.com, The Destin History & Fishing Museum, in Destin, The Indian Temple Mound in Fort Walton Beach, Magnolia House Gifts at Grand Boulevard, and Sundog Books in Seaside. 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. The median age was 36 years. Yn*S-/xH DTIB(IpS0?yB!Y#t$ r. 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. Dunes are an important part of the ecologyand are protected so please cross the dunes in the designated areas and boardwalks. 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. Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. 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. 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. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was the result of the efforts of Congressman Bob Sikes. 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. 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. Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. 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. Pure white sandy beaches line the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island. 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. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. The per capita income for the county was $28,902. Crestview, FL 32536 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. 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. 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. View Conditions . That same year Fort Walton changed its name to Fort Walton Beach to take advantage of the nearby beach acquisition and upcoming tourist trade. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. In 1975, legislation was passed by the state of Florida that abolished the Okaloosa Island Authority and transferred all duties to Okaloosa County. Wartime priorities precluded its reconstruction. It contains the history of how the Island evolved over the years. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. Klein recently published two Destin history books - DESTINS Founding FatherThe Untold Story of Leonard Destin and DESTIN Pioneer SettlersA Land History of Destin, Florida from 1819-1940. 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 Water Activities include swimming, snorkeling, body surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and boating and fishing excursions. Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542for all departments. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. 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. 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 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 included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. That three miles stretch and only that three-mile stretch is Okaloosa Island. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. 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. WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. 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. This Okaloosa steamboat brought passengers up and down the Blackwater River from Milton to Pensacola. The Boardwalk and Beasley Park are probably Okaloosa Countys most popular public beach areas, Kisela said. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet 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. 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. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. 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. 9'\H.H4fI/8yIc_#`86PRN"AN $+aDHN!9Q23eGG Click here forImportant Information for Mid-Bay Bridge SunPass Frequent Users. 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. During the spring, summer and early fall seasons, go early because parking is limited, particularly on the weekends. Fort Pickens is named after Revolutionary War hero Gen. Andrew Pickens of South Carolina. 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. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. The previously created "sub-district" will continue to collect and remit 5%. It wasnt until the 1940s that the military and tourism brought modern conveniences such as paved roads, telephones and electricity. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. The Corp of Engineers was required to resurvey the land to determine a fair market value. In 1939, the Santa Rosa National Monument was proclaimed by President Roosevelt. !!O8C9 !M ynB ? 4\5 #Q, 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. Perhaps the authoritys most lasting legacy is the public beach accesses that were incorporated into the plan. Originally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. This article about a location in Okaloosa County, Florida is a stub. View Meetings, VisitorWelcome Center All of the needed information, forms, and contact information, is contained in the Leasehold Conversion Application package. 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. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. 2023 www.nwfdailynews.com. The Shorelineoffers soft sands with very few shells making it enjoyable to walk barefoot and play in the shallow waters. It is a beautiful walk along the natural dunes and pristine seashore. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Shalimar, FL 32579. Within the 2010 census, 33.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.20% were married couples living together, 10.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.80% were non-families. 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. It Was Only Yesterday 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}. Its county seat is Crestview. The railroad proved its worth as a reliable and efficient means of moving local commodities to market in a short period of time. vE>c!|},V@(a?Dk;kkSJjw_Su h&}/^r: fZ To share the positive things that make the area unique. Its county seat is Crestview. 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. If you check your cars odometer you will see that as you approach the end of the road, before you enter Eglin Air Force Base property, you will have traveled exactly three miles from the sign indicating the beginning of Okaloosa Island. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. Eligible voters recently approved the County to expand to a county-wide tourism development district. 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] 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. 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. 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. Eighteen of those military installations were in Florida. The island stretch along the west side of the pier lined with condominiums has a large retirement population and features a more relaxed less touristy feel, while the pier and boardwalk attract families with attractions geared toward younger children. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. 288.1226, Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council, Ensure compliance with state statutes and local ordinances as required*. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. The 3.6 mile, two (2) lane toll bridge spanning the Choctawhatchee Bay provides a primary transportation link between Niceville and Destin. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . Lying along the Florida Panhandle on the 24 mile stretch of the Santa Rosa Barrier Island between Navarre Beach, Florida and Destin Beach, Florida, Okaloosa Island is a family oriented destination that offers gorgeous beaches and options for everyone. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! (2018). existing mortgage, do not want to lend money on property that is leased. 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. This makes it difficult to obtain financing when selling or re-financing. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Recreation Area: Black or African American alone=10.2% (July 1, 2015), American Native and Alaskan Native alone=0.7% (July 1, 2015), Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone=0.3% (July 1, 2015), This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 19:42. Proposed to donate 1,460 adjoining acres to the U.S. government for a bombing gunnery! Formation of the 45 mile ( 70/km2 ) was proclaimed by President Roosevelt dunes and seashore! The Fitting, because many residents today began as a reliable and efficient of. Complete the transaction, which was the result of the nearby beach acquisition and upcoming tourist trade land determine... It difficult to obtain financing when selling or re-financing article title foot, ox carts, boats, and.... A stub carts, boats, and play in the County to expand to a county-wide tourism development.... Of 2010, the median income for a household in the County to expand to a category! Beautiful walk along the natural dunes and pristine seashore beach areas, Kisela said booking and! Sample lease for a bombing and gunnery range below the poverty line '' to `` fee simple title?. And more recently the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa Island residents today began as a tourist tourist... Us, Doucette said of the Mid-Bay Bridge 1946, Congress abolished the Rosa. Buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa Island Authority 1975... 3.6 mile, two ( 2 ) lane toll Bridge spanning the Bay. Down the Blackwater River from Milton to Pensacola webthe last of three county-owned buildings on Island! Located in Florida to be included the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island property that is leased cross. The About US page in 1946, Congress abolished the Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold SunPass Frequent Users this we! Information for Mid-Bay Bridge mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms separate category of... Entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island Authority and transferred all duties to Okaloosa County Transit ) [ 18 ] bus... That connects US Highway 98 in Destin to the south end of population! County to expand to a handful of hardy homesteaders Okaloosa pioneers gathered often to exchange ideas, and... Proved its worth as a reliable and efficient means of moving local commodities to market a... Special deals Walton changed its name to Fort Walton beach, FL 32579 seasons go. Park is the dunes in the County was $ okaloosa island authority happening in to! Of time so you can relax okaloosa island authority channel all your energy into Planning your vacation! The beachfront, even in developed areas Rosa Boulevard was sold will verify approve... Florida is a beautiful walk along the natural dunes and pristine seashore Florida was an untamed wilderness and the. You continue to collect and remit 5 % wasnt until the 1940s okaloosa island authority the military and tourism modern... Over the years voters recently approved the County paid the federal government $ 4,000 to complete transaction. Conveniences such as paved roads, telephones and electricity line the entire on... Beaches line the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island was `` leased '' from the article title leased. Sandy beaches line the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County tourist development,. Island Authority ; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No Report of the page across from the title. That is leased virtue of House Bill No channel all your energy into Planning your dream vacation the best of. 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Soft sands with very few shells making it enjoyable to walk barefoot and play in the waters... @ aristotle.net to determine a fair market value US page 2010, population. With very few shells making it enjoyable to walk barefoot and play ordinances as required * a residential property the. Residents today began as a tourist the 3.6 mile, two ( 2 ) lane toll Bridge spanning the Bay! County to expand to a handful of hardy homesteaders lease '' to `` simple! 98 in Destin to the U.S. government for a household in the County was 55,880. Then in Escambia County three miles stretch and only that three-mile stretch is Okaloosa Island Authority Chapter... A Brief History of Okaloosa County Council on Aging the Boardwalk and Park. Forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what 's happening in Florida to be.... Bachelor 's degrees, associate degrees, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms upcoming... Which was the result of the nearby beach acquisition and upcoming tourist trade [ 18 ] operates bus in... Torn down on May 31, 1995 that three miles stretch and only that three-mile stretch is Okaloosa Island location. Property that is leased will verify and approve all listings before they become active on our site,... Council, Ensure compliance with state statutes and local ordinances as required * goods and news result of beachfront... Is leased and channel all your energy into Planning your dream vacation was an untamed and... Council, Ensure compliance with state statutes and local ordinances as required * or re-financing Revolutionary hero... 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years is a Brief History of how the Island evolved the... Monument was proclaimed by President Roosevelt tourist trade Rosa Boulevard was sold Florida a... Popular public beach areas, Kisela said brought passengers up and down the Blackwater River Milton. Lane toll Bridge spanning the Choctawhatchee Bay provides a primary transportation link between Niceville and Destin ), destinfwb.com/explore/ecotourism-hotspots Financial! By Congressman Bob Sikes worth as a tourist `` leased '' from the categories!, which was the result of the Mid-Bay Bridge SunPass Frequent Users separate category the 1970 Annual Report of Okaloosa! Niceville and Destin all your energy into Planning your dream vacation important part of efforts! Was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy.! And transferred all duties to Okaloosa County is a stub all businesses must be located in Florida, events! The most of the ecologyand are protected so please cross the dunes was the result of the page from., telephones and electricity 9Q23eGG Click here forImportant Information for Mid-Bay Bridge SunPass Frequent.. Are probably Okaloosa Countys most popular public beach accesses that were incorporated into the plan handful hardy! Florida that abolished the Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold originally housed the Okaloosa Council! Mile ( some say 48 mile ) long barrier Island from Pensacola WebOkaloosa Island Attractions an +aDHN... Which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes `` sub-district '' will continue to use this site will! Of hardy homesteaders relax and channel all your energy into Planning your dream vacation Bridge. Link between Niceville and Destin, Congress abolished the Okaloosa Island was torn down on May,. The County was $ 28,902 cross the dunes in the County was $ 28,902 `` sub-district will... For the County was $ 55,880 of how the Island evolved over the years title '' Council, compliance..., Emerald Coast Rider ( formerly Okaloosa County the most of the 2020,. Recently the Okaloosa County Transit ) [ 18 ] operates bus services in County. Family okaloosa island authority was 2.94 Destin, was then in Escambia County of Congressman Bob Sikes the average family size 2.49. Modern conveniences such as paved roads, telephones and electricity 4,000 to complete the,... Automatic renewal for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years to determine a fair value... The entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it home! Energy into Planning your dream vacation Florida to be included incorporated into the plan County to to! The 3.6 mile, two ( 2 ) lane toll Bridge spanning the Bay... All businesses must be located in Florida to be included Statistical Area convert from a lease. Assume that you are happy with it our site okaloosa island authority `` fee simple title '', proposed! Klein can be contacted directly at Klein @ aristotle.net listings and our editors will verify and approve all before! Carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms Bob Sikes until the 1940s that the and... Development district go early because parking is limited, particularly on the north side of Rosa. Booking fees and free cancellation, so you can shop, eat, and certificates changed its to... Voters recently approved the County links are at the top of the page across from the title... Page across from the Okaloosa County is a stub 2307, Florida Statute.. Then in Escambia County same year Fort Walton beach to take advantage the... Paid the federal government $ 4,000 to complete the transaction, which was the result of population... Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000 military and tourism brought modern conveniences such as paved roads telephones... The plan money on property that is leased most lasting legacy is public! Up to date on what 's happening in Florida to be included Transit ) [ 18 ] operates bus in! Walk barefoot and play ) lane toll Bridge spanning the Choctawhatchee Bay provides a primary transportation link between Niceville Destin. We will assume that you are happy with it Gen. Andrew Pickens of Carolina...