The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . Just gorgeous dunes that line the area going into the National Seashore where you can enjoy the most natural beachfront scenery. Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. This makes it difficult to obtain financing when selling or re-financing. A sample lease for a residential property on the Island is contained in the link below. Save time and get to the beach faster! 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. About Us. In 1995, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a measure that allowed leaseholders to obtain a "fee simple title" to their property. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was supported by Congressman Bob Sikes . Short-term overnight rentals include hotels, motels, resort motels, apartments, apartment motels, rooming houses, mobile home parks, recreational vehicle parks, condominiums, condominium hotels, timeshare resorts, residential dwellings or campgrounds for a term of 6 months or less. In 1975, legislation was passed by the state of Florida that abolished the Okaloosa Island Authority and transferred all duties to Okaloosa County. A stay at a hotel or vacation home on the beaches of Okaloosa Island is typically along the west side of the Pier area and provides direct access to the beaches with amazing views of the emerald coast shoreline. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. :3m(Qcm|OQ\3F]Xh{EkK/WPOt*;\|5'|XE$}Q*=Swl[j%"8x9:C=CyRX0m,osJmYt0K}*:eCeq oN'=UH.8y^riUpS uR\hi)GGHK#t8}t#G z$QQ>LMMgu4} [s! All of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, was then in Escambia County. WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. Promote tourism sales and increase overall visitation through marketing and advertising of our beautiful area to the outside world, generating a maximum return on investment for the local economy. These spots are the perfect place to head to the gorgeous beaches. There you can view surf conditions, wind directions, wind speed and more. [19], Okaloosa County is one of the most conservative counties in Florida. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. Wartime priorities precluded its reconstruction. Visitors enjoy pristine beaches, Gulf-to-Table seafood, abundant watersport activities, nature trails and camp grounds, numerous attractions, festivals and events designed to thrill all ages. It contains the All images on this page copyright FloridaSmart.com. Dolphins and Sea Turtles frequent the areas waters. Yn*S-/xH DTIB(IpS0?yB!Y#t$ r. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was the result of the efforts of Congressman Bob Sikes. And the best feature of John Beasley Park is the dunes! hZpa dxi7cg A GS}{xq"CB *.qNy;M'o)HN!):7E{t~RpqSWRi.O2PpS) [16] The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative is governed by an independent inter-governmental agency with seven members. 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. 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. 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. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. 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 lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. 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. 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. 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. In 1946, Congress abolished the Santa Rosa National Monument. 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 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. TDC Council Meetings: [7] *The TDD is solely funded by the lodging tax paid by visitors staying overnight in short-term rentals in Okaloosa County. 2023, Okaloosa Island Fire Dept. Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. That sign indicates the beginning of Okaloosa Island. 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 Local Businesses including Food & Drinks, Services, Health & Medical, Education, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment and more, click here. The cities of Fort Walton Beach, Valparaiso, and Destin all joined the Cooperative by the year 2000. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. In 1934, Plew proposed to donate 1,460 adjoining acres to the U.S. government for a bombing and gunnery range. It contains the On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. 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. July 29, 2021 Fort Walton Beach is the home of the prehistoric temple mound that was built between 800-1400AD and is thought to be the largest on salt water and possibly the largest prehistoric earthwork on the Gulf Coast. 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. 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). WebMission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. 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. 288.1226, Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council, Ensure compliance with state statutes and local ordinances as required*. All rights reserved. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. 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. 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. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning your dream vacation. All of the needed information, forms, and contact information, is contained in the Leasehold Conversion Application package. And to support a strong local community. 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. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola In Escambia County, it is known as Pensacola Beach. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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 United States census, there were 211,668 people, 79,235 households, and 51,719 families residing in the county. Explore, Growth Management (Planning & Inspections), destinfwb.com/explore/ecotourism-hotspots, Financial Report pursuant to F.S. 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. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.94. [1] Its county seat is Crestview. There is a Brief History of Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. Okaloosa County is included in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet ]'7M4 3SS)T)jRY;730X$;-F(re;k1g2fd:! WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. 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. 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. 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. '@U?Q}Oa}qB2nzjVkx\Ie0c0*JSF_)ft71GA+oST b{ $ jMr-Bz{j?K^>00!I[Syvsf h&u(**V*RCgtT%PTf%l(,Y,AZ3)9 X6IS` 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. WebThe last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. To share the positive things that make the area unique. Perhaps the authoritys most lasting legacy is the public beach accesses that were incorporated into the plan. 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 water is a gorgeous green blue color blending into a deep blue on the horizon. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. In portions of Santa Rosa County, it is known as Navarre Beach. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. How do I consolidate transponders to a single account? Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. 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. Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. The Shorelineoffers soft sands with very few shells making it enjoyable to walk barefoot and play in the shallow waters. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. It is a beautiful walk along the natural dunes and pristine seashore. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. Okaloosa Beginnings Today, highways and airports help the railway link Okaloosa County with the rest of the world. S?r"k'?4wN )+o'wa?%;s[lg:\Q_f The P&A railroad was chartered and completed by William Chipley and ran between Pensacola and Jacksonville. 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. YY9(MmaeaPf9:rPNcU+KPV-C,@*l0^A@j\im0,AUe!%[rs69yjb99 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. 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. This transaction removed all of the restrictions on the property except for a 75-foot aerial easement. That year the Okaloosa County Commission allowed leaseholders to obtain fee simple title to their property. 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%. The Boardwalk and Beasley Park are probably Okaloosa Countys most popular public beach areas, Kisela said. 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