Okaloosa County: Highway 98 connector, Santa Rosa Boulevard improvements, new ambulances

Big moves in Okaloosa County this week: commissioners voted to partner with Santa Rosa County on a regional road study that could create a new east-west corridor off Highway 98 — plus approved a $1 million grant to upgrade Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island.
Destin renews PAWS contract; Mary Esther hesitates amid stability concerns

Destin renewed its annual animal control contract with PAWS for $92,761, while Mary Esther delayed its decision amid doubts about the nonprofit’s financial stability and contract terms.
Okaloosa County Commission approves conceptual plans for new park

Okaloosa County Commission approves conceptual plans for new park Staff Reports October 8, 2025 12:32 am Uncategorized In Brief: 🏞️ County unveils concept for 1.6-mile community park 👨👩👧👦 Residents helped design features and layout 🐾 Trails, playgrounds, and river overlooks planned Share This Story! CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County officials unveiled conceptual plans Tuesday for a […]
Okaloosa County approves $687M budget with flat millage, rising tax bills

Flat millage rate, bigger tax bills, and a AAA bond rating — here’s what’s inside Okaloosa County’s $687 million budget.
Okaloosa Commission approves $4M contract for VPS fuel farm expansion

Okaloosa County approved a $4 million expansion of Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport’s fuel farm, doubling storage capacity to keep pace with surging airline traffic.
Okaloosa Commission approves $250K for Gap Creek study to address flooding, water quality

Okaloosa County is putting $250,000 toward a long-awaited study of Fort Walton Beach’s Gap Creek watershed, matching state funding to address chronic flooding and water quality issues
Okaloosa Commission approves $1.7M contract for new multi-use path in Niceville

From Palm Drive to Rocky Bayou — a new 2.5-mile path in Niceville is finally moving forward with a $1.7M contract.
Okaloosa Commission begins deliberation on 2026 legislative priorities

Okaloosa County is asking the state for nearly $200 million to widen State Road 85 while also pushing policy stances on gun rights, mental health diversion, and homestead exemptions.
Do you think these should be the county’s top priorities?
Okaloosa County backs Rotary proposal to expand beach rescue tube program

Okaloosa County is considering a low-cost but potentially lifesaving project to expand rescue tube stations along local beaches — do you think these flotation devices could make a difference?
Okaloosa County approves $824K PAWS contract, considers in-house animal control

Okaloosa County secures another year of animal control services with PAWS — but commissioners are already planning for a future where the county takes the reins.