45-664: The Santa Rosa County Library System is the primary provider of library services in Santa Rosa County, Florida . It is publicly funded and operated by Santa Rosa County. In 2020, the Director of Library Services, the official responsible for the management of the agency, was Gwen Wilson. The budget of the agency for 2020 was $ 1,829,970. See also, Friends of Navarre Library Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064316334646&name= This article relating to library science or information science
90-500: A boardwalk, casino, restaurant, dance pavilion, "40 modernly equipped beach cottages", and concession stands which was largely destroyed by fire on Saturday, March 7, 1942. Wartime supply restrictions prevented a reconstruction. This 875-acre parcel of Santa Rosa Island with three miles of Gulf frontage was conveyed to Okaloosa County on July 8, 1950, in an informal ceremony at the county courthouse in Crestview, Florida . The county paid
135-474: A boost to the local economy because of seasonal human migration . Prehistoric settlement of Fort Walton Beach is attributed to the mound building " Fort Walton Culture " that flourished from approximately 1100–1550 CE. It is believed that this culture evolved out of the Weeden Island culture . Fort Walton also appeared to come about due to contact with the major Mississippian centers to the north and west. It
180-554: A city manager form. A special census conducted in 1956 listed 9,456 residents, which grew to 11,249 by 1960. The last of three county-owned buildings on Okaloosa Island was torn down on May 31, 1995. The buildings had originally housed the Okaloosa Island Authority and more recently the Okaloosa County Council on Aging. The 1.3-acre tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold. Fort Walton Beach
225-481: A female householder with no husband present, and 23.90% were non-families. 19.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.00. In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.60% under the age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 31.10% from 25 to 44, 24.10% from 45 to 64, and 11.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
270-473: A female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% are non-families. 28.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.33 and the average family size is 2.85. In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
315-794: A trace of snow was on January 28, 2014. The last report of freezing rain was on February 11, 2010. The Köppen climate classification subtype for this climate is humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ), Nearby Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (airport code VPS) serves Fort Walton Beach, as well as Valparaiso, Florida . Airlines that currently serve Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport are Allegiant Airlines, American Eagle, Southwest, Delta Air Lines, and Delta Connection. They provide non-stop service to Atlanta, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Knoxville, Memphis, Oklahoma City, and St. Louis. Okaloosa County Transit provides public transportation throughout Fort Walton Beach as well as Okaloosa County . Its main stop and transfer location
360-456: Is Uptown Station located on State Road 85, a little over 1 mile north of US 98. State Road 189 is a north–south highway from State Road 85 to US 98 in downtown Fort Walton Beach. State Road 85 is a north–south highway that leads north 27 mi (43 km) to Crestview , the Okaloosa County seat (also along Interstate 10 ), and ends at US 98 in downtown Fort Walton Beach. US 98
405-478: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Santa Rosa County, Florida Santa Rosa County is a county located in the northwestern portion of the U.S. state of Florida . As of 2020, the population was 188,000. The county seat is Milton , which lies in the geographic center of the county. Other major communities within Santa Rosa County are Navarre , Pace , and Gulf Breeze . Navarre
450-489: Is an east–west highway, which runs through downtown Fort Walton Beach. The Brooks Bridge over the Santa Rosa Sound connects downtown Fort Walton Beach with Okaloosa Island , which is along the route of US 98. US 98 leads east 9 mi (14 km) to Destin and west 41 mi (66 km) to Pensacola . As of the 2020 United States census , there were 20,922 people, 9,246 households, and 5,195 families residing in
495-470: Is described at "40 deaths a day" in a Spanish map dated 1566. In later English and French maps the area was noted as "Baya Santa Rosa" or "Bay St. Rose". A number of Spanish artifacts, including a portion of brigantine leather armor, are housed in the Indian Temple Mound Museum. Contrary to popular belief, there is no documentary evidence of pirates using the area as a base of operations. Piracy
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#1732854745639540-476: Is home to the Air Force Materiel Command 's Air Force Life Cycle Management Center 's Armament Directorate and the 96th Test Wing , Air Combat Command 's 53rd Wing , and Air Education Training Command 's 33rd Fighter Wing . Eglin is geographically one of the largest Air Force bases at 724 square miles (1,880 km ), and thus home to joint exercises, and missile and bomb testing. For example,
585-831: Is located at 30°25′13″N 86°37′00″W / 30.420199°N 86.616727°W / 30.420199; -86.616727 (30.420199, −86.616727). According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 21.3 km (8.2 sq mi), of which 19.3 km (7.5 sq mi) is land and 2 km (0.77 sq mi), or 9.26%, is water. Fort Walton Beach experiences hot and very humid summers, generally from late May to mid-September. Autumns, from mid-September to early December, are generally warm. Winters are very short and mild, from mid-December to late February. Springs are warm, from late February to late May. Fort Walton Beach averages 55.35 inches of rain each year. The wettest season
630-629: Is now Panama City Beach, Florida in 1528 to Texas, "Then we set out to sea again, coasting towards the River of Palms. Every day our thirst and hunger increased because our supplies were giving out, as well as the water supply, for the pouches we had made from the legs of our horses soon became rotten and useless. From time to time we would enter some inlet or cove that reached very far inland, but we found them all shallow and dangerous, and so we navigated through them for thirty days, meeting sometimes Indians who fished and were poor and wretched people". The area
675-711: Is now Fort Walton Beach (the area was originally named "Anderson"). Two of the first settlers were John Anderson and Andrew A. Alvarez, who received land plots in 1838. The name "Anderson" is noted on maps from 1838 to 1884. It was not until 1911 that the name "Camp Walton" appeared on Florida maps. In 1861, Camp Walton was a Confederate Army camp, a fortified post, made up of the "Walton Guards", an independent Company of Florida Volunteer Infantry from Walton County. At this time, Okaloosa County did not yet exist. Walton County received its name from Col. George Walton, who served as secretary of West Florida during Andrew Jackson 's governorship (1821–1822) and whose father, George Walton Sr.,
720-516: Is summer and the driest season is autumn, although flood season continues into autumn. Snow and freezing rain are very rare. Freezing rain occurs about once every 5 to 10 years. Snow occurs about once every 10 to 15 years. The most recent measurable snowfall was on January 31, 1977, when about 1 inch (25 mm) fell in Fort Walton Beach, while 3 inches (76 mm) fell on Crestview , about 27 miles (43 km) inland. The most recent report of
765-519: Is the most populated community with a population of approximately 45,000 residents. Santa Rosa County is included in the Pensacola — Ferry Pass — Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area , which also includes Escambia County . The first European in Santa Rosa County Florida may have been Diego Maldonado, a member of Tristan de Luna's failed expedition. Natives dominated the area until
810-503: Is water. Santa Rosa County can be divided into three distinct sections: South Santa Rosa, Central Santa Rosa, and North Santa Rosa. The sections are centered on the main east–west roads that pass through the county. South Santa Rosa County comprises the area from Holley and Navarre in the east to Gulf Breeze at the western end of the Fairpoint Peninsula , and along U.S. Highway 98 . A section of Santa Rosa Island , containing
855-492: The poverty line , including 12.60% of those under age 18 and 7.50% of those age 65 or over. The Santa Rosa County Library System has five branches located in the following communities: Navarre , Gulf Breeze , Jay, Milton, and Pace. The largest communities are Navarre and Pace. Print: Digital only: 30°42′N 87°01′W / 30.70°N 87.02°W / 30.70; -87.02 Fort Walton Beach, Florida Fort Walton Beach , often referred to by
900-562: The poverty line , including 16.2% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those aged 65 or over. The economy of Fort Walton Beach is driven by two primary factors: tourism and the military. There are two major Air Force bases which border Fort Walton Beach. Hurlburt Field is home to Headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command ( AFSOC ), the 1st Special Operations Wing , and the Joint Special Operations University. Eglin AFB
945-401: The 'Massive Ordnance Air Blast' or 'Mother of All Bombs' ( MOAB ) was first tested at Eglin AFB on March 11, 2003. There is support industry in the area that benefits from the presence of the bases, including military contractors and the service industry. The tourism industry is seasonal, with summer being the primary season, and a smaller peak season during spring break. The area also boasts
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#1732854745639990-425: The 1970s and 1980s, but the field has been depleted and is producing little oil today. The citizens have, for the most part, returned to farming and forestry for their livelihoods. State Road 87 traverses the county from north to south, between U.S. Highway 98 and the border with Escambia County, Alabama near Brewton , where it connects with State Route 41 . This road is a primary emergency evacuation route for
1035-676: The Central Region is best identified by its rural roots, and can be best characterized by traditional Southern culture. The Pace and Milton communities compose the Central Region, with both having populations roughly around 30,000. The county seat, Milton is located where the trail crossed the Blackwater River . To the west of Milton bordering the Escambia River, Pace has experienced exponential growth both residential and commercial. Interstate 10 also passes through this section of
1080-730: The Indian Temple Mound and displaying them at camp. The post was abandoned in August 1862, and the "Walton Guards" were assigned to reinforce the 1st Florida Infantry Regiment, with duty in the Western Theatre on the Tennessee front. On April 11, 1879, John Thomas Brooks purchased at a public auction in Milton , Florida, 111 acres in Section 24, Township 2, Range 24 of Santa Rosa County , a portion of
1125-405: The city is 78.84% White , 13.34% African American , 0.45% Native American , 2.72% Asian , 0.08% Pacific Islander , 1.22% from other races, and 3.36% from two or more races. 4.04% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. In 2000, there are 8,460 households out of which 26.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% are married couples living together, 12.6% have
1170-410: The city. As of the 2010 United States census , there were 19,507 people, 8,657 households, and 4,950 families residing in the city. As of the census of 2000 , there are 19,973 people, 8,460 households, and 5,422 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,036.5/km (2,683.0/mi ). There are 9,007 housing units at an average density of 467.4/km (1,209.9/mi ). The racial makeup of
1215-414: The communities of Navarre , Pace , and Gulf Breeze . The county is a quickly growing tourist destination because of its access to beaches and protected wilderness areas for kayaking, hiking, and camping. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 1,174 square miles (3,040 km ), of which 1,012 square miles (2,620 km ) is land and 162 square miles (420 km ) (13.8%)
1260-578: The county during hurricanes . The Board of County Commissioners serves as the legislative and policy setting body of Santa Rosa County as established under Section 125 of the Florida Statutes. As such, the board enacts all legislation and authorizes programs and expenditures within the county. The board appoints a professionally trained county administrator who is responsible for policy and budget development and implementation. The board comprises five members, elected countywide. Members must reside within
1305-420: The county was 90.72% White , 4.25% Black or African American , 1.01% Native American , 1.30% Asian , 0.08% Pacific Islander , 0.67% from other races , and 1.98% from two or more races. 2.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 43,793 households, out of which 36.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.20% were married couples living together, 10.20% had
1350-441: The county. The U.S. Navy presence is marked by Whiting Field and NOLF Spencer Field . Northern Santa Rosa County is forest and farming country. The only town in the north is Jay . Most development has been along State Road 4 which runs through the northern sections of Escambia , Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties. A large oil and natural gas field around Jay produced a great deal of oil, and made many farmers millionaires in
1395-414: The east. Central Santa Rosa County is the area north of the bays and south of the extensive forests separating it from North Santa Rosa. The central section developed along the so-called Old Spanish Trail that ran from St. Augustine to New Orleans , and further points west. Today, U.S. Highway 90 closely parallels the old trail, and is the main highway that connects the region. Despite recent growth,
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1440-399: The federal government $ 4,000 to complete the transaction, the result of the efforts of Congressman Bob Sikes . The portion of Santa Rosa Island transferred is now known as Okaloosa Island . The remaining Tower Beach summer cottages were removed after the 1955 tourist season as the new Okaloosa Island Authority redeveloped the site with a new hotel and casino. The government was changed to
1485-406: The initialism FWB , is a city in southern Okaloosa County, Florida , United States. As of the 2020 U.S. census , the population was 20,922, up from 19,507 in 2010. It is a principal city of the Crestview −Fort Walton Beach− Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area . Fort Walton Beach is a year-round fishing and beach resort community . Its busiest time of the year is the summer, causing
1530-646: The late 1700s. A Spanish mission serving Apalachees , Nuestra Señora de la Soledad y San Luís, may have been located in Floridatown from 1718 until 1740. Santa Rosa County was created in 1842, when it was divided from Escambia County . It was named after the barrier island along its southern coast, which in turn had been named for the Roman Catholic saint, Rosa de Viterbo . Santa Rosa County repealed its prohibition on alcohol in 2005. Santa Rosa County has seen unprecedented growth in population, specifically in
1575-602: The particular districts for which they seek election. Each year the board organizes itself, selecting a chair and vice-chair from among its members to preside at commission meetings. The commission meets in regular session beginning at 9:00 a.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month in the Commissioner's Board Room in the Administrative Center, 6495 Caroline Street, in Milton . Called meetings and workshops are scheduled periodically and are advertised and open to
1620-511: The property of Henry Penny whose heirs had failed to pay the taxes on the estate. This parcel on the Santa Rosa Sound became what is now downtown Fort Walton Beach. The United States Post Office changed the official name on their cancellations from Camp Walton to Fort Walton on 1 March 1932. The 1940 census counted 90 residents in Fort Walton. Fort Walton was incorporated by a state senate bill effective June 16, 1941. The community's name
1665-442: The public. As of the 2020 United States census , there were 188,000 people, 65,697 households, and 47,876 families residing in the county. As of the census of 2000, there were 117,743 people, 43,793 households, and 33,326 families residing in the county. The population density was 116 inhabitants per square mile (45/km ). There were 49,119 housing units at an average density of 48 per square mile (19/km ). The racial makeup of
1710-492: The unincorporated community of Navarre Beach , is also part of South Santa Rosa County. Major bodies of water including Santa Rosa Sound , Pensacola Bay and East Bay strongly influence the housing and life style of citizens in the southern part of the county. This fast-growing region serves primarily as "bedroom communities" for Pensacola to the west and Hurlburt Field , Fort Walton Beach , and Eglin Air Force Base to
1755-417: Was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.90 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 41,881, and the median income for a family was $ 46,929. Males had a median income of $ 34,878 versus $ 22,304 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 20,089. About 7.90% of families and 9.80% of the population were below
1800-415: Was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males. In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $ 40,153, and the median income for a family was $ 45,791. Males had a median income of $ 29,709 versus $ 21,641 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 21,085. About 7.3% of families and 9.9% of the population were below
1845-466: Was based in Apalachicola . Bowles was never referred to as "Billy Bowlegs" in period documentation; his Creek name was "Estajoca". During the era of Spanish and English colonization, the area of what was to become Fort Walton Beach was noted in several journals but no worthwhile presence was established. Early settlers of Walton County , Florida were the first to establish permanent settlements in what
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1890-574: Was officially changed from Fort Walton to Fort Walton Beach on June 15, 1953, by agreement with the state legislature in Tallahassee , and incorporated a portion of Santa Rosa Island formerly known as Tower Beach. Tower Beach, named for a tall observation tower at the site which was later destroyed by a hurricane, had been an amusement area operated from 1928 by the Island Amusement Company by future-Fort Walton Beach mayor Thomas E. Brooks, with
1935-612: Was rampant in the Gulf of Mexico from pirates working out of Hispaniola, the Caribbean, and the Florida Keys. Notable raids occurred in 1683 and 1687 against the Spanish fort at San Marcos de Apalachee (by French and English buccaneers), a 1712 raid against Port Dauphin (now Alabama) by English pirates from Martinique, and the actions of the late 18th-century adventurer William Augustus Bowles , who
1980-590: Was the 56th signatory of the Declaration of Independence. He is also the namesake of Walton County. Camp Walton was located between the Indian Temple Mound, now known as the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, and the Santa Rosa Sound, its mission was to protect the "Narrows" from Union ships. Although the "Walton Guards" did not see much action, they did keep busy by digging up prehistoric Indian remains buried in
2025-450: Was the most complex in the north-west Florida region. The Fort Walton peoples put into practice mound building and intensive agriculture, made pottery in a variety of vessel shapes, and had hierarchical settlement patterns that reflected other Mississippian societies. The first Europeans to set foot in what is now Okaloosa County and the Fort Walton Beach area were members of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca 's party, who traveled by boat from what
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