🏗️ Sidewalks coming to Crestview and Laurel Hill — improving access and safety near schools and neighborhoods.
⚾ Shalimar’s Little League fields get turf upgrades — cutting maintenance costs and expanding playtime.
🎡 Meigs Park Miracle League playground approved — making recreation more inclusive for all residents.
SHALIMAR — County commissioners on Oct. 7 approved a series of contracts and agreements ranging from sidewalk construction to playground upgrades while adopting their 2026 state legislative priorities ahead of the upcoming legislative session.
Here is what you need to know.
The Okaloosa County Commission adopted its 2026 state legislative priorities on Oct. 7, setting the stage for funding and policy requests ahead of the legislative session that begins Jan. 13. The list reflects input from commissioners and department heads and will guide the county’s advocacy efforts in Tallahassee.
Among the new policy positions are the consolidation of two gun rights statements into one, a request to restore full rights to individuals aged 18 and older, and a proposal to extend Medicaid eligibility to cover inmate medical care.
The county is also seeking clarification on homestead exemption entitlements to help prevent confusion for property owners.
The finalized list will be presented to lawmakers at the Okaloosa County Legislative Delegation meeting scheduled for Oct. 30 at Destin City Hall.
Okaloosa County commissioners approved a $458,725 contract with Foreverlawn Inc. to renovate two existing fields at the Shalimar Park/Port Dixie Little League complex. The project represents Phase II of the park’s ongoing improvement plan and will replace the infields on fields 3 and 4 with synthetic turf.
The county’s Facility and Parks Department budgeted the project and will utilize a cooperative piggyback purchasing agreement with Sourcewell, allowing the county to use previously bid terms through Foreverlawn’s request for proposal. The contract includes provisions for advance payments of up to 25 percent and progress-based billing as the work proceeds.
Officials said the turf conversion will reduce maintenance costs, improve field conditions, and expand playable hours during rainy weather. Shalimar Park serves hundreds of youth baseball players annually and is a central venue for Little League activity in south Okaloosa County.
Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Crestview for Phase 2 of its sidewalk construction program, backed by a $674,507 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. The project will build or extend more than 5,700 feet of sidewalks across several major streets.
The work includes 4,244 feet along Industrial Drive from Stillwell Boulevard to U.S. 90 East, 800 feet on Long Drive from McArthur Street to Brackin Street, and 695 feet on Commerce Drive connecting to the city library. All sidewalks will be 5 feet wide and compliant with ADA accessibility standards. County engineers said the project will improve pedestrian access between residential areas, businesses, and public facilities.
FDOT’s funding does not cover the full cost of inspection and contingency needs, leaving a shortfall of roughly $75,000 to $106,000. To cover that gap, Crestview will use $88,170 in remaining funds from a prior road-widening project, with any remaining costs shared under the new agreement.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026 once contracts are finalized.
The Okaloosa County Commission approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Laurel Hill for the construction of sidewalks around Laurel Hill School, funded by a $610,489 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. The project stems from a Safe Routes to Schools initiative first approved by the board in 2018.
The new ADA-compliant sidewalks will run along the west side of 4th Street from Sunnyside Avenue to State Road 85, and along the north side of Sunnyside Avenue connecting to the school via pedestrian crosswalks. All work will take place within existing rights-of-way. County officials said the improvements will make walking routes safer for students and families who currently rely on roadside paths.
Although FDOT’s grant covers most project costs, it does not fully fund construction inspection services or contingencies. Laurel Hill has agreed to contribute up to $83,000 to address the shortfall, ensuring the project can move forward without delay. Okaloosa County will continue to administer the grant on behalf of the city.
Okaloosa County commissioners approved a $468,321.95 purchase order to GameTime for new playground structures and equipment at Meigs Park in Niceville. The project is part of a joint effort with the city to build an ADA-accessible “Miracle League” sports and recreation complex designed for individuals with special needs.
Plans for Meigs Park include a 6,180-square-foot playground, a Miracle League baseball field, a multipurpose field, a walking path, a pavilion with a concession area, and a quiet sensory-friendly room. The county received a $1.25 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to fund much of the project, which aims to make outdoor recreation more inclusive for all residents.
The approved contract covers playground structures, benches, safety surfacing, and shade sails. To take advantage of early-purchase discounts, the county will make an advance payment of about $103,000 before installation begins. Construction is expected to move forward this fall, with completion projected for 2026.
Commissioners accepted a $27,866 grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to fund the removal and disposal of two derelict vessels within county waters. The ship, located in Jones Bayou and Destin Harbor, has been deemed a navigation hazard and an environmental risk.
The funds come through the state’s Derelict Vessel Removal Program, which reimburses local governments for cleanup and disposal costs. Before these grants became available, the county had to cover these expenses through its general fund.
Officials say in meeting documents that the grant not only offsets local costs but also supports ongoing efforts to protect coastal habitats and promote boating safety.
Under the terms of the agreement, County Administrator John Hofstad will serve as the authorizing official and oversee the project’s implementation. The initiative is expected to improve water quality and reduce hazards in busy recreational waterways ahead of the 2026 boating season.
The Okaloosa County Commission voted Oct. 7 to approve a $240,000 contract with St. John Design Group LLC to complete new tourism exhibits and installations at both the Crestview Welcome and Adventure Center and the Okaloosa Island Welcome Center.
The new contract will cover the final design, construction, and installation of a media room in Crestview and a series of interactive displays in Fort Walton Beach.
St. John Design was originally selected through a competitive bidding process to create adventure-themed interactive exhibits at the Crestview Center. These exhibits were completed successfully and helped enhance the county’s tourism brand. A second, more minor contract for $60,000 allowed the firm to develop design concepts for additional features, including an educational theater and marine exhibits. Those plans have now been approved by staff and will move into full implementation.
The new installations include a theater room for showcasing tourism videos, a redesigned reception area, two large touch tanks for marine conservation education, and an interactive stage for presentations such as “Turtle Talks.” The Tourist Development Council endorsed the expansion at its Sept. 30 meeting.
Commissioners also agreed to waive standard procurement procedures to streamline completion, citing continuity and cost effectiveness.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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