WebThe quickest way to Destin and the beaches of Okaloosa County and South Walton is the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. 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. 2023 www.thedestinlog.com. 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line. An authentic local recommendation - Tips onthe best time of day to travel - Maybe just a smile. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. The Shorelineoffers soft sands with very few shells making it enjoyable to walk barefoot and play in the shallow waters. 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. 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. Growth Management (Planning & Inspections). Organization: Ledby a Tourism Director and aConvention Center Manager,ateam of experienced and qualified staffperform the mission of the Tourist Development Council (TDC). 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. 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. All of Santa Rosa Island, including what we call Holiday Isle in Destin, was then in Escambia County. Local residents play an important part in making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and hospitality. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. Why would you want to convert from a "lease" to "fee simple title"? Both sites, as well as the Santa Rosa Boulevard accesses, offer ample parking, an amenity that is in short supply in other beach communities. 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. Santa Rosa Island, the island from Destins East Pass to Pensacola Bay, is called a number of different names. 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. Retrieved from, Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative. 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. The Florida Statute 125.104 permits the Board of County Commissioners of Okaloosa County to levy Tourist Development Tax (TDT), and Chapter 20 Article II, Sections 71-78 of the Okaloosa County Ordinances created the Tourist Development Council, established the initial tax rate collection, and identified the special taxing districts with Okaloosa. Because the board's powers are regulatory and policymaking in nature, it does not meet CEgu#fKiKNSZNy$t1ihZ[>A CMQsH@/. [7] is separate from the statewide Toll Relief program and customers may receive credits from both. Shalimar, FL 32579. View Meetings, VisitorWelcome Center 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. To be real without an agenda. And to support a strong local community. Beyond Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island, are several must-see destinations across Okaloosa County. The water is a gorgeous green blue color blending into a deep blue on the horizon. Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. !!O8C9 !M ynB ? 4\5 View our scrapbook of historic photographs. Okaloosa Island has two distinct sides that are separated by the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier and Boardwalkin the middle. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. 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. Everythingyou need to know about the beaches for a day, a weekend, a quiet moment, vacationing, moving or buying in the area. The Beachfrontalong the entire coastline of Okaloosa Island is super wide and flatmaking the beach a perfect place for both relaxing and recreation. AS\7,) V 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. WebOkaloosa Island Attractions. 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. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! :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! 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. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. Okaloosa pioneers gathered often to exchange ideas, goods and news. WebOkaloosa Beginnings Northwest Florida was an untamed wilderness and after the Civil War it became home to a handful of hardy homesteaders. 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE }$!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 With a childrens playground and volleyball courts, picnic tables, a wide beachfront, and fishing pier, it is easy to enjoy a day at the beach that offers something for everyone in your family or group. 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}. These spots are the perfect place to head to the gorgeous beaches. As of 2015,[15] there were 198,664 people and 95,494 households. For every 100 females there were 102.20 males. 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. 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. Okaloosa County was created by an act passed on September 7, 1915,[3] formed from the eastern ranges of Santa Rosa County and the western ranges of Walton County. Pure white sandy beaches line the entire beachfront on Okaloosa Island. 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. They made their way south on foot, ox carts, boats, and mule wagons to establish small sustenance farms. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Recreation Area: Black or African American alone=10.2% (July 1, 2015), American Native and Alaskan Native alone=0.7% (July 1, 2015), Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone=0.3% (July 1, 2015), This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 19:42. 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. Soon, these trading posts became small towns, which in turn, grew into the cities and towns we recognize today. 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. Save time and get to the beach faster! Crestview, FL 32536 Going west the rest is still Santa Rosa Island until you reach Navarre Beach. The 1.3-acre (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. 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. Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542for all departments. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. There is a Brief History of Okaloosa Island on the About Us page. 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. Klein can be contacted directly at klein@aristotle.net. It wasnt until the 1940s that the military and tourism brought modern conveniences such as paved roads, telephones and electricity. 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. WebOriginally, land on Okaloosa Island was "leased" from the Okaloosa Island Authority. [5] Fort Walton Beach and three United States Air Force bases, (Duke Field in the North and Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field are in the south). 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. 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). Northwest Florida State College serves over 10,000 residents of Okaloosa County annually for bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 211,668 people, 79,235 households, and 51,719 families residing in the county. We have provided for the promotion of Fire Safety through our Fire Prevention program and annual inspections. I couldnt find it more convenient, said Doucette. 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. In 1939, the Santa Rosa National Monument was proclaimed by President Roosevelt. Eighteen of those military installations were in Florida. In 1995, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a measure that allowed leaseholders to obtain a "fee simple title" to their property. As of the 2020 census, the population was 211,668. H. C. Hank Klein is a Destin historian, author, and speaker. 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. Web(By virtue of House Bill 2307, Florida Statute Ch. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This can be viewed and printed by clicking on the following Okaloosa County retained its primitive pioneer character for over a century which allowed the small farming and fishing communities to enjoy a quiet and private existence. These resourceful settlers made ends meet by fishing, hunting, and trading. 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. 9'\H.H4fI/8yIc_#`86PRN"AN $+aDHN!9Q23eGG Small outposts sprang up and served as gathering places for these isolated pioneers. We follow the highest standards for listings and our editors will verify and approve all listings before they become active on our site. 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 Crestview, Florida, "Amusement Area Of Tower Beach Is Destroyed By Fire". Perhaps the authoritys most lasting legacy is the public beach accesses that were incorporated into the plan. The remainder of Okaloosa County (recently expanded) "Expansion Area" will collect and remit at the rate of 4%. 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. In 1963, a new quitclaim deed was presented to the island authority. The lease was for 99 years with an automatic renewal for 99 years. 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