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. In this months History Mystery we will explain the current make-up of the island and why it has so many names. WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. ||^T/J;V4e0z*{^rF(Rxtz{PteDkFx[;>@ Ub{Q~>ccQ{w;w{6;A?*Oy>W0q>:ct_i e')/\{ K 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. 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. Also see surrounding Beach Guides for Destin, Navarre, South Walton 30A, Panama City. That year the Okaloosa County Commission allowed leaseholders to obtain fee simple title to their property. The formation of Okaloosa County can be closely tied to Laurel Hill resident and State Representative, William Mapoles. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. 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. CEgu#fKiKNSZNy$t1ihZ[>A 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. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. 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. 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. Be included in our Business Directory. Its county seat is Crestview. Formed in October 1997, the Cooperative originally included the county and the cities of Crestview, Mary Esther, and Niceville. 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. 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 County is a destination rich The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. The first fortress built on Santa Rosa Island was in 1717 when the Spanish built a small fort at Siguenza Point, the west end of Santa Rosa Island, to protect Pensacola from the French. A New Direction x2;3_Q Y,d@32!R92*i\8v#aq 3r, C84*, There is a Brief History of (2011). WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. That sand will eventually move westward to restore more developed island areas, the email said. But for centuries the entire island has all been, and still is, Santa Rosa Island. View Meetings, VisitorWelcome Center This transaction removed all of the restrictions on the property except for a 75-foot aerial easement. 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. 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. On March 26, 1926, Congress declared 44 military installations across the United States surplus. Okaloosa Island has a cultural feel that includes both young families and retirees. 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 These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. 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. The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, also known as The Island Pier, along with the Boardwalk are the activity center of the beach area. August 13, 2021 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. Explore, Growth Management (Planning & Inspections), destinfwb.com/explore/ecotourism-hotspots, Financial Report pursuant to F.S. Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. 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. !!O8C9 !M ynB ? 4\5 Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 During the spring, summer and early fall seasons, go early because parking is limited, particularly on the weekends. All rights reserved. The entire length of Santa Rosa Island was controlled by the War Department until 1926. 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.). Okaloosa Beginnings We find plenty of space on the beach.. Why would you want to convert from a "lease" to "fee simple title"? 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. The compromise solution would protect Okaloosa Island beaches, according to David and Rebecca Sherry and John Donovan, the managing partners of the Condominium Alliance. 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. In Escambia County, it is known as Pensacola Beach. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola Click HERE to view theUpcoming TDC Meeting Agenda. Crestview, FL 32536 The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. Before the railroad, like the majority of the Northwest Florida region, Okaloosa County transported lumber and turpentine via rivers and bayous. Everythingyou need to know about the beaches for a day, a weekend, a quiet moment, vacationing, moving or buying in the area. 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. 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 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. Surf Fishing is a common activity in the area. All rights reserved. For more information please contact Heritage Museum Association, 302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302 Then notice on your right the sign that welcomes you to Okaloosa Island. 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 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. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. It is a beautiful walk along the natural dunes and pristine seashore. ]'7M4 3SS)T)jRY;730X$;-F(re;k1g2fd:! It contains the Going west the rest is still Santa Rosa Island until you reach Navarre Beach. In 1995, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a measure that allowed leaseholders to obtain a "fee simple title" to their property. 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. The median age was 36 years. 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. Wartime priorities precluded its reconstruction. Parking is free everywhere on Okaloosa Island. After the establishment of the Air Force, Eglin Field later became Eglin Air Force Base extending across 640 square miles. 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. Copyright 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida. Okaloosa Island has two distinct sides that are separated by the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier and Boardwalkin the middle. existing mortgage, do not want to lend money on property that is leased. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. Retrieved from, Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative. 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. The land was to be used for public purposes and the county was prohibited from the further conveyance of the land, except to the state of Florida or the federal government. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. 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. In 1939, the Santa Rosa National Monument was proclaimed by President Roosevelt. 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). The inland fishermen could take their catch to the small railroad towns for export. YY9(MmaeaPf9:rPNcU+KPV-C,@*l0^A@j\im0,AUe!%[rs69yjb99 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. #Q, And to support a strong local community. In portions of Santa Rosa County, it is known as Navarre Beach. Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. Klein can be contacted directly at klein@aristotle.net. 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. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . WebOkaloosa County is located in the northwestern portion of the U.S. state of Florida, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alabama state line. For every 100 females there were 102.20 males. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. The Boardwalk and Beasley Park are probably Okaloosa Countys most popular public beach areas, Kisela said. :3m(Qcm|OQ\3F]Xh{EkK/WPOt*;\|5'|XE$}Q*=Swl[j%"8x9:C=CyRX0m,osJmYt0K}*:eCeq oN'=UH.8y^riUpS uR\hi)GGHK#t8}t#G z$QQ>LMMgu4} [s! An 0.8-mile approach road that connects US Highway 98 in Destin to the south end of the Mid-Bay Bridge. Click here for our Complete Real Estate and Accommodation Guide to Fort Walton Beach. Introduction to the Okaloosa County Library Cooperative. 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. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is located next to the Boardwalk andWild Willys Adventure Zone is directly across the street. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. 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! The water is a gorgeous green blue color blending into a deep blue on the horizon. 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}. 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. The TDC serves as an advisory council to the Board of County Commissioners. 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. Growth Management (Planning & Inspections). 288.1226, Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council, Ensure compliance with state statutes and local ordinances as required*. [1] This area had been known as Tower Beach with the establishment of an amusement park, boardwalk and hotel from the mid-1930s. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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! Northwest Florida State College serves over 10,000 residents of Okaloosa County annually for bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. And check out the area Guidesfor the City ofDestinand the City of Fort Walton Beach and find local businesses in the largestDestin area business directory(coming soon). On August 1, 2017 the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 17-123 which defined the new process for Leasehold Conversions. An Industrious People Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. The 3.6 mile, two (2) lane toll bridge spanning the Choctawhatchee Bay provides a primary transportation link between 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. hZpa dxi7cg A GS}{xq"CB *.qNy;M'o)HN!):7E{t~RpqSWRi.O2PpS) 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. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. 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. [ PkJi8]@l7u\Ei]C0ItnTW3IW0\ib Dolphin watching is particularly good during late spring/early summer and they are more active in the morning and late afternoon hours. 800-322-3319 [7] 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. It is a gorgeous green blue color okaloosa island authority into a deep blue on the horizon serves. 640 square miles of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections known as Beach. 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