The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved sending a large-scale land use amendment to state officials that would allow the Air Force Enlisted Village to develop a new military retirement community.
- The commissioners voted Tuesday to transmit a request to change nearly 80 acres at the northwest corner of Poquito Road and Sunset Lane in Shalimar from federal reservation to mixed use designation.
The property, purchased from the United States Air Force in June 2024, would become the site of “Victory Village.”
“The new land acquisition will allow us to develop Victory Village,” said Jeffrey McInnis, representing the Air Force Enlisted Village. “It will be a blended residential community comprised of wounded warriors and their caregivers and surviving spouses of retired enlisted soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, Coast Guard, and retired enlisted couples and age-qualified gold star spouses.”
Growth Management Director Elliott Kampert explained that the urban development boundary had not previously applied to this property due to its federal status.
“The urban development boundary had not previously applied to this property because it was part of the Eglin Federal reservation…the federal trumps us. So it would’ve been a moot point,” Kampert said. “But now that this is owned by a private not-for-profit entity, it is appropriate to bring it into the urban development boundary if the future land use map amendment is approved.”
The mixed-use designation would provide flexibility for various residential dwelling types and supporting services.
- The project calls for residential cottages, duplexes and apartments providing both independent and assisted living, along with amenities including an exercise gym, pool, medical offices, restaurant, church and community center.
“This is the essence of mixed use,” Kampert noted. “Otherwise, you’d have a patchwork of zoning districts and whatnot out there. So we really believe mixed use is the most appropriate district.”
Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, who disclosed serving on the Air Force Enlisted Village board, made the motion to approve, which passed without opposition.
The proposal will now be sent to Florida Commerce for state agency review before returning to the county for final approval.
