Search
Close this search box.

Okaloosa to purchase 229 acres along Shoal River in Crestview for public access

The Okaloosa County Commission approved buying 229 acres of land along the Shoal River for $757,535 to provide public access to over 2,000 acres of existing county-owned property.

Okaloosa County commissioners voted Tuesday to purchase approximately 229 acres of land along the Shoal River for $757,535, aiming to provide public access to over 2,000 acres of existing county-owned property that is currently inaccessible.

  • The acquisition includes two parcels east of Highway 85, primarily north of the Shoal River. The property features about 27.5 acres of upland area that will be used as a park entrance and to connect with existing county lands.

Deputy County Administrator Craig Coffey presented the proposal, describing it as “the icing on the cake that really opens up the doors of things that you have already done as a board.”

The land purchase is part of a broader county initiative to diversify tourism offerings and provide recreational opportunities for residents. Coffey noted that while tourism infrastructure in the north end of the county is in its “infancy,” this project aligns with plans for nature-based and eco-tourism activities.

  • “This property has large, mature trees and provides a good example of the beauty of north end woodlands,” Coffey said. He added that the site would likely not be suitable for large events due to sewer limitations and restricted vehicle access.

Potential uses for the property include walking and equestrian trails, paddling, river access, land navigation events, and nature races. The site may also accommodate parking, restrooms, and picnic pavilions.

Commissioner Nathan Boyles expressed support for the acquisition, stating, “These types of strategic acquisitions are, I think, an excellent way to continue to work to preserve in perpetuity land in Okaloosa County for a variety of purposes.”

The property consists of two contiguous parcels owned by Haiseal Timber. The purchase price reflects approximately $5,500 per acre for upland areas and $3,000 per acre for wetlands.

Funding for the $850,000 total project budget, which includes property acquisition and master planning, will come equally from tourism development taxes and federal American Rescue Plan Act interest funds.

  • “We’re continuing to make a way for public lands to be accessed by members of our community and guests that come,” said Chairman Paul Mixon. “I see this as a tremendous benefit moving forward.”

The purchase is contingent upon favorable appraisals. Commissioners approved the acquisition unanimously, with closing expected in November.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“All the new WRONG WAY and Do Not Enter signs in the Racetrack Rd median look horrible and confuse everyone. Take them down!”
Respond
“Is this how FWB is "revitalizing" downtown. LOL”
Respond
“85 north was a mess. I left Wright at 6:15 pm going up Lewis Turner. Traffic started backing up about 1 mile before the intersection with 85, so I got...”
Respond
“Was this foul play? Cause of death? Didn't sound like he was dressed to go for a swim when last seen so I wonder why and how did he end...”
Respond
“This sounds like damage control right off??”
Respond
“FWB is dying and it brought it upon itself. The good ol boy system is still in place. We are nothing but a pass thru city. What a joke, these...”
Respond
“You forgot to add tattoo shops, thai restraunts, and smoke shops.”
Respond
“What is the update on this facility?”
Respond
“Another gas station. Just what this crappy city needs. Who is on charge of zoning this crap? All fwb is now is self storage, gas stations, and car washes, and...”
Respond
“It is my understanding that the Earnhardt foundation may be trying to push that track to NASCAR. Right now it features “ car-dominimums” and purchased lot of 440 acres”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.