SS United States Departure Delayed
Operations to move the SS United States (SSUS) have been delayed to ensure logistical details and procedures maintain ideal conditions for the move. Okaloosa County is also monitoring a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that could impede safe delivery of the vessel to its destination in Mobile, Alabama. The vessel was originally scheduled to depart Philadelphia on Nov. 15, 2024 at low tide. A new date has not been set. The County understands that there is considerable interest in the SS United
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Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Coastal Conservation Association Florida Release 30,000 Redfish into the Choctawhatchee Bay
Destin-Fort Walton Beach, in collaboration with the Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA), released 30,000 juvenile redfish into the Choctawhatchee Bay on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at Lion’s Park in Niceville. This multi-year collaborative effort seeks to address the issue of declining redfish populations across Northwest Florida fisheries and enhance the population with stocking initiatives for one of Florida’s most popular inshore fish species. “This species is very important to the health of the
SS United States Set to Depart Philadelphia and Begin Journey to Become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
Okaloosa County’s Tourist Development Department, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has concluded the necessary requirements by local, state and federal agencies to move the SS United States (SSUS) from her current docking area at Pier 82 in south Philadelphia to a docking area in Mobile, Ala., where preparations to ready the ship to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef will commence. Operations to move America’s Flagship will begin Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 and will continue through the day on Friday,
Okaloosa County to hold Groundbreaking for State-of-the-Art Reclaimed Water Facility
Okaloosa County’s Water & Sewer Department is excited to announce that a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Shoal River Ranch Water Reclamation Facility (SRRWRF) will be held on Nov. 1, 2024, at 10 a.m., located at the corner of Jericho Road and U.S. Highway 90. “Okaloosa County has steadily worked to improve infrastructure as our population grows,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “This new facility recognizes the forward-thinking of our Water & Sewer staff and it will provide the
Destin-Fort Walton Beach and the SS United States Conservancy Take First Step Toward World's Largest Artificial Reef
Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and the SS United States Conservancy announced today that the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners has approved a contingent contract to acquire the SS United States that could see the historic ocean liner converted into the world’s largest artificial reef. Part of the deal would also include funding from the county to support the Conservancy’s establishment of an innovative landbased museum that will provide divers, local residents and visitors an opportunity to
Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon Appointed to Multiple FAC Committees
Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon was recently appointed to serve as a policy leader in Florida Association of Counties’ (FAC) Health, Safety & Justice and Agriculture & Rural Affairs policy committees. FAC’s policy committees are responsible for proposing, debating and adopting policy positions that focus on improving and preserving home rule of Florida’s counties. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Okaloosa County’s representative to help guide public policy at the state level,”
Okaloosa County EMS achieves Gold Status Recognition for 10th Consecutive Year
Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division recently received the Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold achievement by the America Heart Association for excellence in delivering rapid care for heart attack and stroke victims. This is the 10th consecutive year Okaloosa County has achieved Gold status. “This achievement reaffirms the County’s commitment to delivering quality, timely care for stroke and heart attack patients,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon.
Construction begins on Historic Bridge-to-Bridge Path Containing Photoluminescent Stone
Okaloosa County officials and local leaders gathered at the entrance of John Beasley Park for a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, July 8, 2024, to celebrate the beginning of construction for an approximate 4-mile multi-use path between Brooks Bridge and Marler (Destin) Bridge. “This new path will be transformational for the health and safety of residents and visitors looking for recreational opportunities on Okaloosa Island,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel. “I am so thankful to our
North Okaloosa Planning Study Baseline Conditions Analysis Report Published on June 3, 2024
On June 3, 2024, a draft Baseline Conditions Analysis Report was published on the North Okaloosa Planning Study website: https://www.inspire-engagement.com/north-okaloosa-plan. The report is available to the public for comment for two weeks and is one of several tasks outlined within the Scope of Work associated with the overall Planning Study as included in the recently published Public Input Calendar. The draft Baseline Conditions Analysis Report includes an analysis of County and Study area
Okaloosa Announces New Efforts in Opioid Epidemic with Revive Awareness Day Event
Okaloosa County, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County, will host a press conference for Revive Awareness Day on Thursday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Chambers at the Okaloosa County Administration Building located at 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Shalimar, FL 32579. During the press conference, the County, Department of Health, and several community partners will recognize the importance of Revive Awareness Day and announce plans to take additional action in the opioid
Okaloosa County to Hold 2nd Women Veterans’ Day Celebration
Okaloosa County is inviting the public to attend the 2nd Annual Women Veterans’ Day ceremony on June 12, 2024, at 8 a.m. to celebrate the service of women who have served our nation. The event will include an indoor ceremony at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the nearby Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park. Women Veterans Day was recognized by the State of Florida by proclamation from Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021. “This event focuses on a group of
World’s Largest Lionfish Tournament Celebrates Another Successful Year, Records Record-breaking Largest Lionfish
Divers in the Emerald Coast Open lionfish tournament were able to successfully remove 7,411 invasive lionfish despite rough weather in the Gulf of Mexico during the May 17-19 weekend event. Including the pre-tournament, 11,844 lionfish were removed for the entire event. Lionfish have few predators due to their venomous spines and cause negative impacts to the native ecosystem. “These divers put in a lot of effort to help our ecosystem against this invasive species,” said Okaloosa County Vice Chairman
Okaloosa County to Collect Organic/Vegetative Storm Debris
Beginning May 28, 2024, Okaloosa County will begin removing organic/vegetative storm debris beyond the normal services offered by the County. This action is intended to provide immediate relief to residents following the May 10 storms which caused damage to homes and toppled trees in the area. This process will take place on County-maintained roads and is expected to take about one week. Residents are encouraged to remain patient as Public Works crews make the debris collection. The level of damage
More than 275 Artificial Reefs Recently Deployed off of Destin-Fort Walton Beach
Marine life in the Gulf of Mexico now has hundreds of additional underwater habitats thanks to a $1.26 million artificial reef project funded by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund. The project included 133 different reef sites and the deployment of 279 total reef structures ranging from 6-25 feet. The project was managed by the Coastal Resources team of Destin-Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County’s Tourism Development Department. The reefs include some of the deepest modules ever deployed by
Okaloosa County to hold Town Halls for North Okaloosa Planning Study
Okaloosa County is moving forward with the next phase of a planning study to address the needs of the north end of the County as it continues its rapid growth. In addition to the public town hall meeting in 2023, two more town hall meetings have been scheduled in March 2024 as part of this process. “We are excited to move forward with the next step of this study that will address how we can responsibly manage growth and progress in the County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “We want to
Okaloosa County Jail Celebrates Inmate Success with ‘Anchored’ Program
On March 5, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved within the walls of the Okaloosa County Jail as 34 men successfully completed Phase I of the transformative "Anchored" program, administered by the Emerald Coast Life Center. This faith-based initiative is designed to equip participants with the tools and mindset necessary to break the cycle of recidivism and substance abuse. “While we are committed to ensuring the safety of our inmates while they are in the jail, we can also make an effort to better
Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite recognized with prestigious ‘Select Site’ distinction by CSX Railroad
Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite has joined an elite group of locations across the country as a “Select Site” at the Bronze Level by CSX Railroad, the leading supplier of freight transportation in North America. Shoal River Ranch is one of 19 sites nationwide that received “Select Site” status which positions the County to attract significant economic development. “We are excited to receive this distinction and are proud of the work One Okaloosa EDC has done to achieve this national
Okaloosa Extension Agent Recognized by DAR for Decades of Conservation Service
Okaloosa County UF/IFAS Extension Services Agent Sheila Dunning was awarded the prestigious Conservation Award by the Choctawhatchee Bay Daughters of the American Revolution during a ceremony on Feb. 1, 2024. The award recognizes volunteers with distinguished conservation efforts which include sustained accomplishments that improve the environment and educate the public on conservation issues while exceeding job expectations. “We are fortunate to have such a devoted and passionate agent like Sheila,” said
Large Research Vessel Deployed as Artificial Reef in Northwest Florida through Wide-Reaching Tourism Collaboration
The northern Gulf of Mexico has a new addition to its extensive artificial reef system with the deployment of the 239-foot R/V DEEP STIM III. The vessel, deployed on Jan. 30, 2024, joins hundreds of other artificial reefs already deployed off the shores of Northwest Florida and will serve as a haven to support various marine species while simultaneously providing the fishing and diving industry with an additional resource. The successful deployment of R/V DEEP STIM III was accomplished through a Tri-County
January 2024 Update from One Okaloosa EDC
By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC We sincerely hope that each of you are experiencing a healthy and prosperous New Year thus far, and hopefully your New Year’s Resolutions are all still intact! While I won’t comment on the status of my ill-fated Resolutions (exercise – really?), I am happy to share that the One Okaloosa team picked up right where we left off in 2023. In fact, the first three weeks of the New Year have brought forth a diverse and gratifying workload. From
Okaloosa County Enacts Burn Ban
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners passed a local State of Emergency on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, giving it the authority to enact a burn ban for Okaloosa County, effective immediately. After coordination with the Florida Forest Service, Commissioners agreed that the danger posed by the existing and forecast weather conditions that include low humidity, increased wind, and a lack of precipitation, justify an appropriate response in the best interest and safety of Okaloosa County
Okaloosa County Celebrates Reclaimed Water Pipeline with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Okaloosa County will be celebrating the completion of an 11.6-mile reclaimed water pipeline with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 20, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Mullet Festival site in Niceville. The new pipeline will allow residents and businesses to use reclaimed water, or treated wastewater, to irrigate their lawns instead of having to drill more wells into the aquifer. “We are proud of the work performed by our Water and Sewer Department and are excited for the positive environmental and economic
Okaloosa County Commissioner Mel Ponder Appointed to FAC Board of Directors and Committees
We are proud to announce that Okaloosa County Commissioner Mel Ponder was recently appointed to serve a third consecutive year as an at-large member on the Board of Directors for the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). Additionally, Commissioner Ponder was appointed to serve on the Finance, Tax, and Administration Policy Committee (FTA) and as Co-Vice Chairman of the Presidential Select Committee on Preemption. “I truly appreciate being able to serve on the Board and these committees, working with my
Okaloosa County Recognized with Prestigious Award by the Daughters of the American Revolution
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners was recently honored as the recipient of the 1776-2026 Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) America 250! Commendation Certificate and Medal. The award was presented to the Board during the Tuesday, September 19, 2023, regular meeting by the Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. “I am thankful and humbled that the DAR would recognize the entire County with this distinction,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn
Okaloosa County Commissioner Paul Mixon Appointed to Florida Association of Counties Committee
We are proud to announce that Okaloosa County Commissioner and Vice Chairman Paul Mixon was recently appointed to the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Health, Safety & Justice Policy Committee by the association’s president, Bill Truex of Charlotte County. “I’m honored to be chosen to work on this committee,” said Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Vice Chairman Paul Mixon. “Healthcare, public safety, and substance abuse treatment are all topics that I am passionate about. I think that this
Okaloosa County Seeks Applicants Interested in Serving on the Northwest Florida Health Council
Okaloosa County Seeks Applicants Interested in Serving on the Northwest Florida Health Council Applications Due by September 5, 2023 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (“BCC”) will appoint three citizens to the Northwest Florida Health Council. Pursuant to section 408.033, Florida Statutes, this health council was established in accordance with the Health Facilities and Services Development Act as a private non-profit organization serving Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The
Okaloosa County Launches Community Survey on Housing Issues
Okaloosa County is seeking public input via a community survey to assist in the development of an Attainable Workforce Housing Strategy. The questions in this survey will help local leaders to better understand public opinions about housing affordability, needs, and types of development. “Hearing from our residents is a critical component of our planning efforts to address affordable housing in Okaloosa County.” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “We want to address housing needs for all
July 2023 Update from One Okaloosa EDC
By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC What a month it has been for economic development in Okaloosa County! First, on June 21, Boeing held a ribbon cutting for its new 20,000 SF F-18/A landing gear maintenance and repair facility in the Fort Walton Beach Commerce and Technology Park. For those keeping track, this is Boeing’s third facility in Okaloosa County, and our workforce’s continued ability to meet the exacting standards of a company like Boeing are particularly noteworthy.
Okaloosa County EMS Achieves National Recognition for 10th Consecutive Year
Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services Division was recently recognized by the America Heart Association on achieving Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold status for 2023. This is the ninth consecutive Mission Lifeline Gold award and 10th year with Mission Lifeline recognition. Okaloosa EMS achieved Silver status in 2014. “We are proud and honored to receive this continued achievement through the AHA and reassured that our Emergency Medical Services team is prepared to react when
Okaloosa County Creates Committee to Improve Northwest Florida Fairgrounds
In an effort to make needed improvements to the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, to create the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds Advisory Committee that will provide guidance to the Board on the enhancement and refurbishment of the property. The County closed on the property from the City of Fort Walton Beach in June 2023, with an intended purpose to preserve the history of the Fairgrounds and improve infrastructure, while
Okaloosa County Approved for Nearly $9M in State Funding
Four of the legislative priorities submitted by the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners to the Florida Legislature were approved in the State’s $115 billion budget that was signed Thursday by Gov. Ron DeSantis, for fiscal year-2023-24. Okaloosa County’s projects total $8,975,000 in state funding. Projects include: • $350,000 for continued support of the Okaloosa-Walton Mental Health and Substance Abuse Pre-Trial Diversion Program • $1.25 million for a special needs ball field and park • $7
Okaloosa County Completes Required Annual Report for Local Mitigation Strategy
Okaloosa County has completed the annual report for the Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) that was adopted in 2021 by the County and municipalities. The LMS includes a comprehensive analysis of the County’s and municipalities’ floodplain areas and floodplain management strategies, as well as a review of all other hazards by which the County is threatened. The LMS is revised every five years as required by the federal Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (amended by the Disaster
Okaloosa County Works to Improve Public Transportation
Okaloosa County is working to improve the Emerald Coast (EC) Rider Transit System and has initiated a Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA). This analysis is taking place with support from the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and will be an in-depth evaluation that includes public input. We encourage the public to utilize EC Rider and participate in an online or in-person survey of their experience. EC Rider has routes throughout the County to serve your transportation needs at
Okaloosa County Shares 2023 Hurricane Preparedness Resources
Okaloosa County has compiled a variety of resources with information to help households and families prepare for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season which begins June 1, 2023. Hurricane GuidesThe County has printed a limited number of Hurricane Guides. The guide is a comprehensive document containing important phone numbers, checklists, information about evacuation zones and other storm-related information. The 2023 Hurricane Guide can be found online and downloaded here. While supplies last, physical
Okaloosa County to Celebrate Women Veterans Day
The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners is continuing its tradition of celebrating veterans with a Women Veterans Day event and wreath laying at 8 a.m. on June 12, 2023. An indoor ceremony will take place inside the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the base of the Margaret Corbin statue at Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans’ Park. Women Veterans Day was recognized by the State of Florida by proclamation from Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021. “Florida has the
Cox Recognizes Inspirational Student Heroes in Okaloosa County
Yesterday, Cox Communications hosted the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards in Okaloosa County, recognizing 37 students who have overcome extreme hardships in their lives. The Heroes were recognized at a ceremony on Wednesday, May 10, at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. “Hearing the struggles these students have endured reminds us how difficult life can be, but our response to those adversities is what really matters,” said Cox Gulf Coast Market vice president David Deliman. “It’s
2023 Okaloosa County Mosquito Control Schedule
The Okaloosa County Mosquito Control Program schedule for treatment by broadcast spraying pesticide for control of adult mosquito populations is detailed below. Maps of showing general treatment area by days of the week are also linked. Broadcast treatment is conducted in the evening and is required by State Law to be justified. Justification is based on mosquito population surveillance data and other methods. Treatments will begin 1 hour before sunset. Map Links: North Okaloosa County - Crestview Area
Okaloosa County Partners with Thomas P. Miller & Associates on Attainable Housing Strategic Plan
In an effort to evaluate and further develop strategies around attainable housing needs, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners has hired consulting firm Thomas P. Miller and Associates to undertake the creation of a Countywide Comprehensive Attainable Workforce Housing Strategic Plan. Thomas P. Miller and Associates will work with County staff and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to perform economic research and analyses, conduct engagement sessions, and formulate recommendations designed
Okaloosa County acts to comply with FAA compliance order
On Thursday, April 13, 2023, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners approved an operating agreement with Timberview Helicopters allowing them to resume commercial operations out of Destin Executive Airport (DTS) due to a ruling by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this year. The vote took place following an Executive Session during a Special Meeting at the Okaloosa County Administration Building. In 2021, in an effort to address various concerns related to Timberview tour helicopter
Okaloosa County Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism Seeks Volunteers for Earth Day Cleanup
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism and Saltwater Restaurants is excited to host the Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 8-10 a.m. Volunteers from businesses, government agencies, communities and families are all welcome to attend. The goal of the cleanup is to remove as much trash and debris from local beaches. There are multiple locations where volunteers of all ages can participate. Join this local effort at any of the below cleanup locations by registering here. • The Boardwalk on Okaloosa
March 2023 Update from One Okaloosa EDC
By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC Whew! What a fantastic – and incredibly busy – month it has been so far! The annual FPL Northwest Florida Economic Symposium at Sandestin got things kicked off, and the pace certainly hasn’t slowed since then. In the past two weeks alone, One Okaloosa’s Business Leadership Council (BLC), Defense Support Initiatives (DSI) committee, TeCMEN committee and Tri-County Community Partnership Initiative (TCPI) committee all held productive meetings.
Okaloosa County Seeks Applicants Interested in Serving on the Code Enforcement Board - Applications
Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (“BCC”) will appoint one or more citizens to serve as a volunteer on the Okaloosa County Code Enforcement Board. Pursuant to Section 11-607 of the County Code as well as Chapter 162 of Florida Statutes, the Code Enforcement Board is tasked with enforcing various provisions of the County Code, the Okaloosa Island Covenants, and appeals of administrative decisions. Members of the Code Enforcement Board serve without compensation and will be required to complete a
Okaloosa County Making Preparations for Possible Sargassum Accumulation
We understand there have been reports of a large amount of Sargassum seaweed headed towards Florida. There is currently no Sargassum on Destin-Fort Walton beaches, but we are making preparations if seaweed accumulations reach excessive levels. As you are probably aware, algae and seagrasses are naturally occurring in the marine environment worldwide. They are also an important ecosystem for marine life like sea turtles and small fish. While we have typically allowed nature to dispose of Sargassum on our
Okaloosa County Awarded $800,000 by State of Florida for Resilience Planning Efforts
On Feb. 13, 2023, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced that Okaloosa County will receive $600,000 to conduct a Vulnerability Assessment and create an Adaptation Plan. Okaloosa County will partner with its municipalities to evaluate and identify risks from flooding and sea level rise and develop an adaptation plan that prioritizes mitigation projects. Completing the vulnerability assessment will allow the County and its municipalities to be eligible for implementation grants through
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Coastal Resource Team assists in unique devil ray research
Okaloosa County’s Coastal Resource Team with Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism recently initiated and assisted a team of researchers in identifying and tagging devil rays in the Gulf of Mexico. While installing three miles of sand fencing on Okaloosa Island in 2021, members of the Coastal Resource team noticed a number of devil rays swimming close to the beach. The Coastal Resource Team’s curiosity into the migratory patterns of these rays prompted them to contact researchers from Mote Marine Laboratory &
Tarpon Beach Expansion Celebration
A nearly 340-ft beachfront “Tarpon Beach Park” is now on its way to becoming a reality thanks to the partnership between the City of Destin, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and Trust for Public Land. To celebrate this project, on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at 10 a.m., located at 3310 Scenic Highway 98, the City of Destin hosted ceremony as the current structures on the three parcels adjacent to the Tarpon Beach Trail will be cleared to make way for the park
Okaloosa County Corrections Actively Combats Fentanyl-related issues
In light of the recent national and state increase in fentanyl-related overdoses, officers at Okaloosa County Department of Corrections are taking action to combat this issue within the facility. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has become a major public health concern in recent years. The drug is often mixed with other substances, such as heroin and cocaine, making it even more dangerous. To address this problem, several measures have been implemented to
Okaloosa Seeks Applicants for Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (“BCC”), with the mutual approval of the Fort Walton Beach City Council, will appoint one or more citizens to the Okaloosa County/Fort Walton Beach Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (“AHAC”). Pursuant to section 420.9076, Florida Statutes, the AHAC serves in an advisory capacity to the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners and the Fort Walton Beach City Council on issues related to affordable housing in Okaloosa County, including the development of
Okaloosa County Seeks Applicants Interested in Serving on the Okaloosa Gas District Board of Directors - Applications Due by November 10, 2022
Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will appoint a citizen to the Okaloosa Gas District Board of Directors to represent the interests of the unincorporated areas of the County and non-member cities. Applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 via email to citizencouncils@myokaloosa.com or via mail to BCC Citizen Councils, 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100, Shalimar, FL 32579. Citizens who wish to be considered for appointment to the Okaloosa Gas District
