From The State

Okaloosa County receives more than $7 million in state funding

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state budget Monday, approving funding for infrastructure improvements and mental health programs in Okaloosa County.

Jared Williams

Okaloosa County has been approved to receive $7,035,000 in state funding after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state’s $115 billion budget Monday. The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners submitted five legislative priorities to the Legislature that were approved in the budget.

The funded projects will help improve infrastructure and build upon the county’s support for mental health and substance abuse diversion.

The approved projects include:

Okaloosa-Walton Mental Health and Substance Abuse Pre-Trial Diversion Program – $325,000
Santa Rosa Boulevard Improvements Phase 1 – $1,000,000
Gap Creek Channel Inventory and Planning Study- $250,000
Okaloosa County Coastal Stormwater Retrofit Program – $1,460,000
Connecting the Collectors Environmental Impact Statement – $4,000,000

“Okaloosa County is fortunate to have legislators like Senators Don Gaetz and Jay Trumbull and Representatives Patt Maney and Nathan Boyles who consistently advocate for the residents of Okaloosa County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “These projects will provide the necessary funding for much-needed improvements and we are appreciative of Gov. DeSantis for recognizing Okaloosa County’s needs.”

The funding represents approval of all five legislative priorities submitted by the county to the state Legislature.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Business

Okaloosa County to break ground on new Tax Collector’s Office in Crestview

Business

Northeast Okaloosa County gains Rural Area of Opportunity designation for new job creation

Business

Okaloosa County proposes $687 million budget, holding property tax rate steady for ninth year

Parks+Rec

Destin, Okaloosa officials break ground on Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park

Robin commented on Walton County shark attack survivor returns to local hospital, shares recovery story

“Why are we talking about menstrual cycle. It is a story of true grit and determination to move forward and find joy in day to day interaction in spite of...”

Respond

M Smith commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“This is correct. Base Commander ordered my husbands shop (Heavy Equipment Shop) to close it off because people would not adhere to the rules. People continued to ferry others from...”

Clyde M Pence MD commented on A Hometown Healer: Dr. Lee Thigpen’s 40-year legacy of healthcare in Crestview

“Lee, may your retirement be as rewarding as your life of service. If you are ever in our area of Tennessee please stop by and visit. We’d love to see...”

Jessie commented on Walton County shark attack survivor returns to local hospital, shares recovery story

“There is no evidence supporting the theory that sharks are attracted to period blood. They actually aren't attracted to human blood anyway. There is, however, evidence that they're attracted to...”

Jacob commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“It was closed off by one of the previous base commanders here at Eglin. The reason for it was out of safety concerns, according to the vice commander. Drug activity,...”

Kyle commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“They tried that, they let the public access it and what did the public do? Trash it, didn’t take care of it. We were warned what would happen and nobody...”

Dennis Ray commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“Merwin you're correct! The EPA would lock them up! I have a different version of this story told by Chat Holly, who was born and raised in the area east...”

Nick Jones commented on Okaloosa County deputies join statewide crackdown on speeding, aggressive driving

“They aren't trying to hard in my neighborhood. They'd fund their donut campaign for fifteen years ticketing the drivers who run stop signs and race the residential streets in my...”

Michael Farrell commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“Eglin is a terrible neighbor. Closing off all the property it does. Look at the pass in Panama City and what has been done to it. Public access walking trails...”

Merwin Chambers commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“I had heard part of the story when visiting the Destin History and Fishing Museum (highly recommend), but not all the details. Thanks for the rest of the story. Can...”