Fort Walton Beach, Florida | |
|---|---|
City | |
 Fort Walton Beach City Hall, September 2014 | |
 Seal | |
| Nicknames: "The Emerald Coast", "The Camellia City", "The Sonic City"[N 1] | |
| Motto: "A City On The Move!" | |
 Location inOkaloosa County and the state of Florida | |
| Coordinates:30°25′13″N86°37′0″W / 30.42028°N 86.61667°W /30.42028; -86.61667 | |
| Country | United States |
| State |  Florida |
| County | Okaloosa |
| Incorporated (city) | 1941 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Nic Allegretto |
| • City council |
|
| Area | |
• Total | 7.72 sq mi (20.00 km2) |
| • Land | 7.64 sq mi (19.79 km2) |
| • Water | 0.077 sq mi (0.20 km2) |
| Elevation | 6.6 ft (2 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 20,922[1] |
| • Density | 2,737.6/sq mi (1,056.99/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 32547-32549[4] |
| Area code | 850 |
| FIPS code | 12-24475[5] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0282710[6] |
| Website | http://www.fwb.org |
Fort Walton Beach, often referred to by the initialismFWB, is a city in southernOkaloosa County, Florida, United States. As of the2020 U.S. census, the population was 20,922,[7] up from 19,507 in 2010.[8] It is a principal city of theCrestview−Fort Walton Beach−Destin, FloridaMetropolitan Statistical Area.
Fort Walton Beach is a year-round fishing and beach resort community. Its busiest time of the year is the summer, causing a boost to the local economy because of tourism.
 | This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(August 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
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 theWeeden Island culture. Fort Walton also appeared to come about due to contact with the major Mississippian centers to the north and west. It 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 ofÁlvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's party, who traveled by boat from what is nowPanama 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 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 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 atSan Marcos de Apalachee (by French and English buccaneers), a 1712 raid againstPort Dauphin (now Alabama) by English pirates from Martinique, and the actions of the late 18th-century adventurerWilliam Augustus Bowles, who was based inApalachicola. 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 ofWalton County, Florida, were the first to establish permanent settlements in what 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 duringAndrew Jackson's governorship (1821–1822) and whose father, George Walton Sr., was the 56th signatory of the Declaration of Independence. He is also the namesake of Walton County.[9]
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 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.[9]
On April 11, 1879, John Thomas Brooks purchased at a public auction inMilton, Florida, 111 acres (45 ha) in Section 24, Township 2, Range 24 ofSanta Rosa County, a portion of the property of Henry Penny whose heirs had failed to pay the taxes on the estate.[10] This parcel on theSanta 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 March 1, 1932.
The 1940 census counted 90 residents in Fort Walton.[11] Fort Walton was incorporated by a state senate bill effective June 16, 1941.[12]
The community's name was officially changed from Fort Walton to Fort Walton Beach on June 15, 1953, by agreement with the state legislature inTallahassee, and incorporated a portion of Santa Rosa Island formerly known as Tower Beach.[13] 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,[14] with a boardwalk, casino, restaurant, dance pavilion, "40 modernly equipped beach cottages",[15] and concession stands which was largely destroyed by fire on Saturday, March 7, 1942. Wartime supply restrictions prevented a reconstruction.[16] This 875-acre (354 ha) parcel ofSanta 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 inCrestview, Florida. The county paid the federal government $4,000 ($52,277 in2024) to complete the transaction, the result of the efforts of CongressmanBob Sikes.[17] The portion ofSanta Rosa Island transferred is now known asOkaloosa 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 a city manager form.[12]
A special census conducted in 1956 listed 9,456 residents, which grew to 11,249 by 1960.[18]
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 (0.53 ha) tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold.[19]
Fort Walton Beach is located at30°25′13″N86°37′00″W / 30.420199°N 86.616727°W /30.420199; -86.616727 (30.420199, −86.616727).[20] According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.3 km2 (8.2 sq mi), of which 19.3 km2 (7.5 sq mi) is land and 2 km2 (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 (140.6 cm) of rain each year. The wettest season 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 significant snowfall in the city's history was on January 21, 2025, during the2025 Gulf Coast blizzard, when 7.5 inches (19 cm) fell on the city.[21] Other significant winter precipitation events that affected the city includeJanuary 1977,[22] and on January 28, 2014,[23] during theJanuary 2014 Gulf Coast winter storm.
TheKöppen climate classification subtype for this climate ishumid subtropical climate (Cfa),
| Climate data for Fort Walton Beach, Florida (Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1996–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 89 (32) | 81 (27) | 86 (30) | 89 (32) | 98 (37) | 102 (39) | 99 (37) | 100 (38) | 100 (38) | 93 (34) | 91 (33) | 85 (29) | 102 (39) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 74.1 (23.4) | 74.3 (23.5) | 79.6 (26.4) | 83.3 (28.5) | 91.1 (32.8) | 94.5 (34.7) | 95.2 (35.1) | 95.2 (35.1) | 93.5 (34.2) | 88.7 (31.5) | 81.1 (27.3) | 77.2 (25.1) | 97.3 (36.3) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 63.1 (17.3) | 65.8 (18.8) | 70.7 (21.5) | 76.2 (24.6) | 83.5 (28.6) | 88.9 (31.6) | 90.9 (32.7) | 90.6 (32.6) | 88.5 (31.4) | 80.9 (27.2) | 72.1 (22.3) | 65.6 (18.7) | 78.1 (25.6) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 54.2 (12.3) | 56.9 (13.8) | 62.2 (16.8) | 68.1 (20.1) | 75.8 (24.3) | 81.5 (27.5) | 83.6 (28.7) | 83.2 (28.4) | 80.5 (26.9) | 72.1 (22.3) | 62.6 (17.0) | 56.6 (13.7) | 69.8 (21.0) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 45.3 (7.4) | 47.9 (8.8) | 53.6 (12.0) | 60.1 (15.6) | 68.0 (20.0) | 74.1 (23.4) | 76.2 (24.6) | 75.8 (24.3) | 72.4 (22.4) | 63.2 (17.3) | 53.0 (11.7) | 47.5 (8.6) | 61.4 (16.3) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 28.6 (−1.9) | 33.2 (0.7) | 38.8 (3.8) | 49.5 (9.7) | 57.9 (14.4) | 69.3 (20.7) | 72.2 (22.3) | 72.5 (22.5) | 64.5 (18.1) | 49.0 (9.4) | 38.7 (3.7) | 35.0 (1.7) | 27.1 (−2.7) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 20 (−7) | 23 (−5) | 30 (−1) | 41 (5) | 49 (9) | 62 (17) | 66 (19) | 66 (19) | 55 (13) | 42 (6) | 30 (−1) | 22 (−6) | 20 (−7) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 4.52 (115) | 4.96 (126) | 4.70 (119) | 4.55 (116) | 3.22 (82) | 4.70 (119) | 5.77 (147) | 6.08 (154) | 5.18 (132) | 2.82 (72) | 4.13 (105) | 4.72 (120) | 55.35 (1,406) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 10.0 | 9.4 | 8.7 | 7.9 | 6.4 | 9.7 | 11.2 | 12.4 | 8.2 | 6.1 | 8.9 | 10.6 | 109.5 |
| Source: NOAA (mean maxima and minima 2006–2020[24][25] | |||||||||||||
NearbyDestin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (airport code VPS) serves Fort Walton Beach, as well asValparaiso, 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 asOkaloosa County. Its main stop and transfer location is Uptown Station located on State Road 85, a little over one mile (1.6 km) north of US 98.
State Road 189 is a north–south highway fromState Road 85 toUS 98 in downtown Fort Walton Beach.State Road 85 is a north–south highway that leads north 27 miles (43 km) toCrestview, the Okaloosa County seat (also alongInterstate 10), and ends atUS 98 in downtown Fort Walton Beach.US 98 is an east–west highway, which runs through downtown Fort Walton Beach. TheBrooks Bridge over theSanta Rosa Sound connects downtown Fort Walton Beach withOkaloosa Island, which is along the route of US 98. US 98 leads east 9 miles (14 km) toDestin and west 41 miles (66 km) toPensacola.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 2,463 | — | |
| 1960 | 12,147 | 393.2% | |
| 1970 | 19,994 | 64.6% | |
| 1980 | 20,829 | 4.2% | |
| 1990 | 21,471 | 3.1% | |
| 2000 | 19,973 | −7.0% | |
| 2010 | 19,507 | −2.3% | |
| 2020 | 20,922 | 7.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[26] | |||
| Race | Pop 2010[27] | Pop 2020[28] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 14,245 | 13,777 | 73.03% | 65.85% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 2,331 | 2,284 | 11.95% | 10.92% |
| Native American orAlaska Native (NH) | 104 | 65 | 0.53% | 0.31% |
| Asian (NH) | 618 | 828 | 3.17% | 3.96% |
| Pacific Islander orNative Hawaiian (NH) | 54 | 20 | 0.28% | 0.10% |
| Some other race (NH) | 31 | 122 | 0.16% | 0.58% |
| Two or more races/Multiracial (NH) | 586 | 1,382 | 3.00% | 6.61% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,538 | 2,444 | 7.88% | 11.68% |
| Total | 19,507 | 20,922 |
As of the2020 United States census, there were 20,922 people, 9,246 households, and 5,195 families residing in the city.[29]
As of the2010 United States census, there were 19,507 people, 8,657 households, and 4,950 families residing in the city.[30]
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/km2 (2,683.0/mi2). There are 9,007 housing units at an average density of 467.4/km2 (1,209.9/mi2). The racial makeup of 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 areHispanic orLatino 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 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 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 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) and the1st Special Operations Wing.[35]Eglin AFB is home to theAir Force Materiel Command'sAir Force Life Cycle Management Center's Armament Directorate and the96th Test Wing,Air Combat Command's53rd Wing, andAir Education Training Command's33rd Fighter Wing.[36] Eglin is geographically one of the largest Air Force bases at 724 square miles (1,880 km2), and thus home to joint exercises, and missile and bomb testing. For example, 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 a largesnowbird population, which includes the Fort Walton Beach Snowbird Club.[37] The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival is held annually in May.[38]
According to Fort Walton Beach's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[39] the top employers in the city were:
| # | Employer | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eglin Air Force Base | 16,476 |
| 2 | Hurlburt Field | 11,171 |
| 3 | Okaloosa County School District | 3,278 |
| 4 | Okaloosa County | 1,383 |
| 5 | Fort Walton Beach Medical Center | 1,305 |
| 6 | DRS Technologies | 875 |
| 7 | InDyne | 786 |
| 8 | Northwest Florida State College | 763 |
| 9 | ResortQuest | 750 |
| 10 | BAE Systems | 700 |
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
Media from Commons
Travel information from Wikivoyage| Topics |  Map of North Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Counties | ||
| Major cities | ||
| Cities and towns 50k–100k | ||
| Cities and towns 10k–40k | ||
| Metro areas | ||
| Regions | ||
Municipalities and communities ofOkaloosa County, Florida,United States | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cities |  | |
| Towns | ||
| CDPs | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Ghost towns | ||
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
