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. Its county seat is Crestview. These fish hauls were then moved to the east coast by the P&A, or further north on the Yellow River Railroad from Crestview. 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. As of 2015,[15] there were 198,664 people and 95,494 households. The life of the local fishermen was also made easier by the railroads. Our goal is simple. Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. CEgu#fKiKNSZNy$t1ihZ[>A 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. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola 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}. Wartime priorities precluded its reconstruction. But for centuries the entire island has all been, and still is, Santa Rosa Island. 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. 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. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. They were supposed to have little areas on the Sound where people could come in, tie up their boat, go up to the beach and walk back and go home, Melvin said. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 211,668 people, 79,235 households, and 51,719 families residing in the county. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. 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. 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. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. The authority presented the Corp of Engineers a check for $55,000. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. www.destinfwb.com, 302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302 WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. Dolphin watching is particularly good during late spring/early summer and they are more active in the morning and late afternoon hours. Formed in October 1997, the Cooperative originally included the county and the cities of Crestview, Mary Esther, and Niceville. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. For moreinformation on the SunPass Frequent Customer Rebate Program, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Department of Economic Opportunitys Special District Accountability Program. 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. 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). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The median age was 36 years. hZpa dxi7cg A GS}{xq"CB *.qNy;M'o)HN!):7E{t~RpqSWRi.O2PpS) 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. Hiking trails can be found all along the Panhandle with lots of state parks, local parks, forests and preserves that feature trails for both hikers and bikers. The original tourism district collects a 5% Tourist Tax from overnight guests and includes the cities of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Mary Esther and Cinco Bayou. 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 authentic local recommendation - Tips onthe best time of day to travel - Maybe just a smile. I couldnt find it more convenient, said Doucette. Board of Commissioners Special Meeting 9/21/22. 800-322-3319 This Okaloosa steamboat brought passengers up and down the Blackwater River from Milton to Pensacola. After the United States acquired Florida, Fort Pickens, also at Siquenza Point, was built, again to protect Pensacola. 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. 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. Growth Management (Planning & Inspections). 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. 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. August 10, 2021 :3m(Qcm|OQ\3F]Xh{EkK/WPOt*;\|5'|XE$}Q*=Swl[j%"8x9:C=CyRX0m,osJmYt0K}*:eCeq oN'=UH.8y^riUpS uR\hi)GGHK#t8}t#G z$QQ>LMMgu4} [s! There is a Brief History of 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. Coastal fishermen would take their haul to Pensacola by boat, and then loaded onto trains. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. Crestview, Florida, "Amusement Area Of Tower Beach Is Destroyed By Fire". 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.). [16] The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative is governed by an independent inter-governmental agency with seven members. The water is a gorgeous green blue color blending into a deep blue on the horizon. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. What actions make you more comfortable when traveling? [7] 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. 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. Shalimar, FL 32579. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. Okaloosa County is a destination rich in family-friendly experiences. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. 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. 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. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. August 14, 2021 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. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. (2018). GT:Wguk+#u=bRd;;5xvhyy#LO6Q'{^FKr9e[-g:"HU7RE*=W8'U;*eBK.|*{'1HSd.Q3%sz:On~mC'7Q89&&>La.ly]zL8f9i2c `agcz pct7WX|s9M:7o}YOsQR 21XzSR.&,! The per capita income for the county was $28,902. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. Promote tourism sales and increase overall visitation through marketing and advertising of our beautiful area to the outside world, generating a maximum return on investment for the local economy. To share the positive things that make the area unique. To be real without an agenda. Sea Turtle season runs from Mayto October and is the perfect time to go on a turtle walk with volunteers who teach the respect for these immense creatures. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. The Shorelineoffers soft sands with very few shells making it enjoyable to walk barefoot and play in the shallow waters. Dolphins and Sea Turtles frequent the areas waters. WebMembers of the Board of the Okaloosa Island Authority are public officers subject to financial disclosure pursuant to s. 112.312(7)(b), F. S. (1974 Supp.). After the establishment of the Air Force, Eglin Field later became Eglin Air Force Base extending across 640 square miles. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. Organization: Ledby a Tourism Director and aConvention Center Manager,ateam of experienced and qualified staffperform the mission of the Tourist Development Council (TDC). July 29, 2021 We find plenty of space on the beach.. A local businessman and airplane enthusiast, James E. Plew, saw the advantages of bringing the military to a county suffering from the depression. T=*E% 0hxN.lKnSl, 9YF>Un0 ;$@vn)H{pG'={w'8pw`+]IAl)xRlgTlo=uTpsC A6d+j| sGojfH0;x1UyV4"[8a,4#+P0Wm|LvUJ'We?+CEV}HC:!Ktxd=Mady#yWCK7bRW8 Eighteen of those military installations were in Florida. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. 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. It Was Only Yesterday We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. The TDC serves as an advisory council to the Board of County Commissioners. We are honored to serve, Thank you for your support! WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. 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. [17], Emerald Coast Rider (formerly Okaloosa County Transit)[18] operates bus services in the county. All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. The quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. 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. 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. ;styq+1 9|+B?ze^!d}h9_'?8NpkEZNzE#k=r/i~:3W39ZzU_Vs$@HDL(bN[sxD:g],krS;,#rK/w- Xp^#^.X==NG_K=xfIQ~h#>w bee X==t 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. Be included in our Business Directory. 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 previously created "sub-district" will continue to collect and remit 5%. Not as busy as some of the Destin area beaches, this area is a perfect location if you want to be close enough to Destin, but a bit out of the more touristyareas. Okaloosa County Administration Building Perhaps the authoritys most lasting legacy is the public beach accesses that were incorporated into the plan. Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. How do I consolidate transponders to a single account? And the best feature of John Beasley Park is the dunes! 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 !!O8C9 !M ynB ? 4\5 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. Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. Click herefor more information. 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. It contains the Fort Pickens is named after Revolutionary War hero Gen. Andrew Pickens of South Carolina. 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. 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. Click here forImportant Information for Mid-Bay Bridge SunPass Frequent Users. 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 Dunesline the most of the beachfront, even in developed areas. All historic photographs in this presentation are copyright Heritage Museum Association and may not be used or reproduced in any form without written consent. Retrieved from, Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative. All rights reserved. `boEfaEf5v,BY%`+>( Dp0,J (E/lPnVWg3\daW#lqS?4|p~ 3p~z+? There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! 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 $4,000 by the federal government. !16,.A fIXI$; A&M" The purpose of Okaloosa County Government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level 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. Also see surrounding Beach Guides for Destin, Navarre, South Walton 30A, Panama City. 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. 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}. It is also a popular location for those who are looking for their winter home or vacation rental investments. 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. existing mortgage, do not want to lend money on property that is leased. 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. Crestview, FL 32536 The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. ExploreDestinFWB.com. 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. View Meetings, VisitorWelcome Center [ PkJi8]@l7u\Ei]C0ItnTW3IW0\ib Mr. Mapoles named the county after a steamboat called The Okaloosa named after a Choctaw word meaning black water. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet Drive two traffic lights, turn left on Santa Rosa Boulevard and go to the end of the road. 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. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. It contains the history of how the Island evolved over the years. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 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. 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. 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 Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. Pure white sandy beaches line the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island. This makes it difficult to obtain financing when selling or re-financing. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. S?r"k'?4wN )+o'wa?%;s[lg:\Q_f 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. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet 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. 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. 1268 0 obj <>stream Since this guide is all about the beach areas, the best hiking is directly on the beach! It contains the When visiting or moving to Okaloosa Island in Fort WaltonBeach, you will find options for homes, condos, town homes, hotels, and beach homes. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. The seven accesses lay approximately a half-mile apart from one another on the approximately 2.5-mile-long Santa Rosa Boulevard and today, with the rest of the roadway having been filled in by condominiums or hotels, are the only locations affording the public access to the islands westernmost beachfront. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.50 males. Introduction to the Okaloosa County Library Cooperative. 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. 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. YY9(MmaeaPf9:rPNcU+KPV-C,@*l0^A@j\im0,AUe!%[rs69yjb99 The P&A railroad was chartered and completed by William Chipley and ran between Pensacola and Jacksonville. An 0.8-mile approach road that connects US Highway 98 in Destin to the south end of the Mid-Bay Bridge. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. Eligible voters recently approved the County to expand to a county-wide tourism development district. As of the census of 2010,the population density was 194.4 people per square mile (70/km2). '@U?Q}Oa}qB2nzjVkx\Ie0c0*JSF_)ft71GA+oST b{ $ jMr-Bz{j?K^>00!I[Syvsf The cities of Fort Walton Beach, Valparaiso, and Destin all joined the Cooperative by the year 2000. 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. In portions of Santa Rosa County, it is known as Navarre Beach. 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. 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. 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. The remainder of Okaloosa County (recently expanded) "Expansion Area" will collect and remit at the rate of 4%. The Okaloosa County courthouse in March 2008, Places adjacent to Okaloosa County, Florida, United States presidential election results for Okaloosa County, Florida. Most importantly we provide Fire Suppression and Advanced Emergency Medical Care to the residents of Okaloosa Island and surrounding areas. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, also known as The Island Pier, along with the Boardwalk are the activity center of the beach area. )T>wsRQU_:X_;Ru~\~w That sign indicates the beginning of Okaloosa Island. 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. On August 1, 2017 the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 17-123 which defined the new process for Leasehold Conversions. H. C. Hank Klein is a Destin historian, author, and speaker. }$!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 Dunes are an important part of the ecologyand are protected so please cross the dunes in the designated areas and boardwalks. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. 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. Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. Since opening in June 1993, the Mid-Bay Bridge has served as an integral part of our north-south highway system in Northwest Florida. 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! 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. 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. Local residents play an important part in making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and hospitality. Why would you want to convert from a "lease" to "fee simple title"? Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. 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