“However, I do need to get to a point where I can build a depth within our structure to where we’re not in a situation when we lose one individual,” Stage noted concerning staffing difficulties. “Those duties are set up on somebody else that has already set up on a number of other duties. So I need staff.”

That’s why the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners – the elected body responsible for the airport’s operation – approved more than $600,000 for nine new positions in the airports department at the commission meeting on Tuesday June 21st. 

The new employees will include an airport operations manager, airport financial services supervisor, four airport operations coordinators and three airport maintenance technicians. This will bring the budgeted staffing level to 40 positions, according to Okaloosa Airports Director Tracy Stage.  

“We’re in a wonderful position to be able to afford these new positions, or additional positions because we are debt-free,” Noted Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, who is running for re-election this year. “So thank you for that bringing this forward. I, I know you could probably use 20 new staff.”

The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport provides almost 50 direct flights, most of them to the southeastern and midwestern United States. 

The Okaloosa County Airports Department also operates Crestview Airport (CEW) and Destin Executive Airport (DTS).