Commissioner Ketchel Recognized for Mental Health Advocacy
Okaloosa County, Florida – Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel was among three community leaders recently recognized by Bridgeway Center for her decades of service to advocate for improved access to mental health. The Mental Health Hero Award was presented to Vice Chairman Ketchel, State Representative Patt Maney, and Crestview Mayor J.B. Whitten during the Bridgeway Mental Health Celebration & Walk event at Liza Jackson Park on Friday, May 16, 2025. “I truly appreciate this recognition,” said Vice Chairman
Cox Recognizes Inspirational Students in Okaloosa County
Niceville, FL - Cox Communications hosted the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards yesterday at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. The 37 students honored were selected by a committee of school leaders to honor their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome the loss of a family member, medical issues, difficult family situations, or other hardships, they have done so with optimism while continuing to encourage and inspire those around them. "Cox is proud to
Okaloosa County Proclaims April 2025 as ‘Second Chance Month’
Okaloosa County, Florida – In an effort to support the successful reintegration of individuals back into the community following incarceration, Okaloosa County Commissioners unanimously passed a proclamation designating April 2025 as “Second Chance Month.” Each year, about 687,102 individuals are released from incarceration into supervision in Florida. Their success following their time in criminal justice facilities depends on effective support by reentry service providers from community stakeholders,
Okaloosa Saves Week and America Saves Week proclaimed for April 7-11, 2025 by the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April 7-11, 2025 Okaloosa Saves and America Saves Week at their Board meeting Tuesday, March 18. The theme for 2025 is Saving for Your Past, Present and Future. Since 2007 America Saves Week has been an annual celebration as well as a call to action for everyday Americans to commit to saving successfully. Through the support of thousands of participating organizations, together we encourage individuals to do a financial check-in that allows them
SS United States Takes Major Step Forward in Becoming World’s Largest Artificial Reef
Okaloosa County and Destin-Fort Walton Beach are excited to announce the arrival of the SS United States (SSUS) in Mobile, Ala., following an epic 1,800 nautical mile journey from Philadelphia, Penn. The next phase of her journey to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef will include about six to 12 months of work to prepare her for an environmentally safe deployment before she is submerged into the Gulf. This includes removing all non-metal items, wiring and fuel. All of the preparations in Mobile are
SS United States Set to Depart Philadelphia to Begin Journey to Become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
*UPDATED Feb. 7. 2025* -------------------------------------------- Plans to move the SS United States from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Mobile, Alabama have been delayed due to follow-up details requested by the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure a proper tow from Pier 82 to Pier 80. Because of the delay of the pier transition, the departure tow out of Philadelphia originally planned for Feb. 8, 2025 has been delayed. A new date has not been set for departure. We understand the frustration for those who made
Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel Awarded Prestigious Mike Mitchell Award
Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel was recently awarded the coveted Mike Mitchell Award for a second time by the Okaloosa County Republican Club. She remains the only woman to have been recognized with this distinction. “I am deeply humbled to have received this honor again,” said Okaloosa County Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel. “Mike Mitchell did so much for Okaloosa County in the years he served this community, and I am thankful to the Okaloosa County Republican Club for this incredible
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
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
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
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 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 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
