2023, Okaloosa Island Fire Dept. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. Just gorgeous dunes that line the area going into the National Seashore where you can enjoy the most natural beachfront scenery. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, which was the result of the efforts of Congressman Bob Sikes. 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. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. 2307 abolishing the Okaloosa Island Authority (1975); and the Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association Newsletter of May 2000. It wasnt until the 1940s that the military and tourism brought modern conveniences such as paved roads, telephones and electricity. 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. 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. [ PkJi8]@l7u\Ei]C0ItnTW3IW0\ib 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. There is a Brief History of 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. 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. 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. In this months History Mystery we will explain the current make-up of the island and why it has so many names. *The TDD is solely funded by the lodging tax paid by visitors staying overnight in short-term rentals in Okaloosa County. 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}. Okaloosa Island features gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. A New Direction 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. 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. Okaloosa is a Choctaw word meaning "black water"; oka means "water" and lusa means "black" in the Choctaw language.[4]. 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 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. Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. 9'\H.H4fI/8yIc_#`86PRN"AN $+aDHN!9Q23eGG H. C. Hank Klein is a Destin historian, author, and speaker. Tower Beach, with a board walk, casino, restaurant and concession stands, and operated by Thomas E. Brooks, of the same family for whom the Brooks Bridge is named, was largely destroyed by fire on Saturday, March 7, 1942. Thanks to the P&A Railroad, much of Okaloosas commodities traveled to Floridas east coast. Eighteen of those military installations were in Florida. WebOkaloosa became the 52nd county in Florida on September 7, 1915, and was created from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. 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.). 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. To share the positive things that make the area unique. 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. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. 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. All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. 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. 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. 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. 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line. 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. All of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, was then in Escambia County. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. Pure white sandy beaches line the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island. Visit, Operation of Visitor Welcome Centers, Convention Center, and Film Commission, Beach safety and funding of the Beach Safety Life Saving Program (funding of beach lifeguards) Click, Research and evaluation of the success of all programs and local economy, Protection and improvementsto the natural environment through funding of the artificial reef program, public beach access parks, beach trash removal, beach restoration improvements, Sea Turtle Conservation. WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. Growth Management (Planning & Inspections). h&u(**V*RCgtT%PTf%l(,Y,AZ3)9 X6IS` It Was Only Yesterday 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. The Bridge offers local citizens a convenient option for commuting to / from work, getting to school, shopping, or heading off to recreational activities. 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. Yn*S-/xH DTIB(IpS0?yB!Y#t$ r. 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. In 1939, the Santa Rosa National Monument was proclaimed by President Roosevelt. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. Okaloosa County is a destination rich in family-friendly experiences. An authentic local recommendation - Tips onthe best time of day to travel - Maybe just a smile. The 3.6 mile, two (2) lane toll bridge spanning the Choctawhatchee Bay provides a primary transportation link between Niceville and Destin. Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. Okaloosa County Administration Building It contains the history of how the Island evolved over the years. Visitors enjoy pristine beaches, Gulf-to-Table seafood, abundant watersport activities, nature trails and campgrounds, numerous attractions, festivals and events designed to thrill all ages. 1268 0 obj <>stream Jennifer Adams, Director This can be viewed and printed by clicking on the following Webfrom the 1970 Annual Report of the Okaloosa Island Authority; Chapter 75-456 House Bill No. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. Why is tourism important for Okaloosa county? Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet Organization: Ledby a Tourism Director and aConvention Center Manager,ateam of experienced and qualified staffperform the mission of the Tourist Development Council (TDC). View Conditions . Today, highways and airports help the railway link Okaloosa County with the rest of the world. Mr. Mapoles named the county after a steamboat called The Okaloosa named after a Choctaw word meaning black water. In 1963, a new quitclaim deed was presented to the island authority. The very formation of the 45 mile (some say 48 mile) long barrier island from Pensacola August 10, 2021 ;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 1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100 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. 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