By Carolyn Newcomer Ketchel
We are blessed to call Northwest Florida home. Even though we live and work in Okaloosa County, we often do not realize how quickly our county is growing. We now have more than 220,000 residents and will continue to grow with many planned infrastructure projects.
To keep pace with that growth and continue improving the many amenities throughout Okaloosa County, a number of projects are coming to fruition in various parts of the county through your Okaloosa County government.
The property on the south end of the Shalimar Bridge became available several years ago. Located across from Eglin Federal Credit Union, old-timers may remember it as Carmichael’s Surf Side 7, “The Academy of Cultured Anatomy.” Okaloosa County purchased the property using tourism development dollars and plans to create a fisherman’s park featuring parking, restrooms, a bait shop and boat docks.
On the north end of the Shalimar Bridge sits what is colloquially known as the Dowd property, which became available after the passing of longtime County Attorney John Dowd. The county, in conjunction with the Town of Shalimar, has entered into both a purchase agreement and an interlocal agreement. Shalimar is utilizing tourism development dollars, and funding is included in the approved state budget pending the governor’s approval. The property is expected to close in October, after which design work will begin.
The intent is to create a passive park with swings, picnic tables and grills. Swimming and fishing will be prohibited. The entrance from Highway 85 at the Shalimar Bridge will be closed in favor of a safer entrance from Clifford Street.
Eglin Parkway is beginning to see paving improvements by the Florida Department of Transportation. The section from Richburg and 12th Avenue to the Shalimar Bridge will be completed first.
Our new south-end Ag Extension Building is now open on Lewis Turner Boulevard near the south-end courthouse annex. Turn into the courthouse parking lot and then right to access Ag Extension parking. Please stop by to learn about the various classes offered. If you would like to become a Master Gardener, now is the time to sign up for the yearlong coursework.
Construction is underway on the Cinco Bayou Boat Parking project, a project funded through tourism development dollars. This partnership with the Town of Cinco Bayou will double boat parking and add bathrooms to a very busy ramp. Improvements also include fencing, landscaping, lighting and security cameras. A second phase, currently in design, will improve the boat ramps and replace the dockage, making it more modern, functional and boater-friendly.
The former BBVA Compass Bank building at the foot of Cinco Bayou Bridge now houses our Tourism Development staff and was purchased using tourism development dollars.
The Rigdon Center, locally known as the old fairgrounds, is undergoing a major renovation and expansion. The county is adding more than 3,000 square feet across two primary event venues with state-of-the-art technology throughout. The upgraded facility will include new restrooms, two catering kitchens and a concession stand. Additional improvements scheduled later this year include enhanced entryways, a covered walkway, a screen wall and landscaping.
The county is also working with the City of Fort Walton Beach on a land exchange involving property near the former downtown hospital site. This exchange will create a larger, continuous parcel for a major pickleball complex, expanding recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Brooks Bridge, named in honor of Thomas Brooks, one of the founding fathers of Fort Walton Beach, is making steady progress. Designed as a simplified suspension bridge, it will replace the existing bridge that has served the community for 75 years.
The new bridge will feature three lanes in each direction separated by a 10-foot median, along with 12-foot-wide multiuse paths on both sides for cyclists and pedestrians. The eastbound bike path will connect to the existing photoluminescent path along Highway 98 on the Gulf side.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2029, providing improved traffic flow, enhanced safety and expanded recreational access for residents and visitors alike.
The Southwest Crestview Bypass opened to motorists on May 1, 2026. Completed in phases, this remarkable project was a joint effort among Okaloosa County, the Florida Department of Transportation, Triumph Gulf Coast and the City of Crestview. The long-awaited bypass has already begun improving traffic flow in and around Crestview.
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is now the largest airport in the Panhandle, serving more passengers than Pensacola and Panama City. With more than 50 direct flights nationwide, VPS is a major economic driver for our county. We are proud of its impact on our economy and community.
Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2026, will be a memorable America250! event recognizing our 250-year history while honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Please join us for a special morning featuring an inspiring guest speaker, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Women Veterans Park expansion, and the dedication of four new statues and several beautiful benches generously contributed by community organizations. Mark your calendar for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 11, 2026, inside the Convention Center. This is a celebration you will not want to miss.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your commissioner.
Carolyn Ketchel is Okaloosa County Commissioner, District 2. She can be reached at CKetchel@myokaloosa.com or 850-651-7105.
