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Yulee, Florida

Yulee is a census-designated place (CDP) located within Nassau County, Florida, in the United States. Positioned in northeastern Florida, Yulee lies directly south of the Florida-Georgia state line, marked by the St. Marys River. Furthermore, it is situated 24 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, Florida. The population at the 2020 United States Census was 14,195, up from 11,491 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses an estimated population of approximately 1.68 million individuals as of 2022. Presently, Yulee serves as a residential bedroom community for individuals commuting to Jacksonville, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, and various locations in Southeast Georgia. It is also actively engaged in efforts to broaden its tax base for economic diversification.

Yulee is strategically located within a 15-mile radius of significant landmarks, including Amelia Island, Jacksonville International Airport, Florida State College at Jacksonville's Nassau Center, White Oak Conservation, two renown golf courses, Jimmy; the Cheater, Florida Fish and Nassau Wildlife Management Area managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Robert M. Foster Justice Center, Four Creeks State Forest, Yulee Branch Library, Nassau County Sheriff's Office Headquarters, and the Florida Welcome Center situated along Interstate 95 in Florida. In addition, the Yulee CDP is provided regional services by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.

History
A post office called Yulee has been in operation since 1893. The community of Yulee was named after David Levy Yulee, who was known for his role as the builder of the Florida Railroad, a significant railway in the state. Additionally, David Yulee served as a United States Senator from Florida.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau Population and Housing Counts report, the Yulee CDP has a total area of 23.18 mi2 (60.04 km$2$). It is covered by the 904 and 324 area codes and the 32041 and 32097 ZIP codes.

Neighborhoods near the Yulee CDP and/or CCD include:

• Blackmon/Haddock

• Blackrock

• Chester

• Flood Acres

• Heron Isles

• Hickory Village

• Hideaway and Pinewood Pointe

• Lofton Oaks

• Meadowfield Bluffs

• North Hampton

• Pirate's Wood

• Plummers Creek

• River Glen

• Roses Bluff

• Timber Creek Plantation

• Wilson Neck

• Yulee Hills

• WildLight

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 14,195 people, 5,337 families and living arrangements, residing in the CDP. The population density was approximately 613 inhabitants per square mile (237/km2). There were 5,754 housing units at an average density of 248 per square mile (96/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 83.58% White, 5.64% African American, 0.35% Native American, 1.26% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.77% from other races, and 7.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.71% of the population.

There were 5,337 households, out of which 48.8% were married couples living together, 23.1% had a female householder with no spouse present, 19.5% had a male householder with no spouse present. The average household size was 2.96.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.6 years. For every 100 males, there were 86.9 females. For every 100 males age 20 and over, there were 92.2 females. The median income for a household in the CDP was $79,818, and the median income for a family was $87,566. About 12.0% of the population was below the poverty line, including 18.3% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.

Climate
Similar to many areas in the southern Atlantic region of the United States, Yulee experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers, designated as Köppen 'Cfa.' The region typically sees concentrated rainfall during the warmest months, spanning from May through September, while the driest period occurs between November and April. Yulee's geographical location near the coast and its lower latitude contribute to minimal cold weather, resulting in generally mild and sunny winters.

Economy
Yulee hosts several outdoor festivals and events, with the most notable being the annual Holiday Festival and Parade. Additionally, the area boasts a variety of dining establishments, including restaurants, cafes, and a selection of bars. During the evening hours, Yulee provides a nightlife scene that attracts a diverse range of patrons, including local residents, young professionals, college students from the nearby institution, and tourists. Furthermore, Yulee features a sports complex and gymnasium to cater to recreational and fitness needs.

Yulee is home to two world-class golf courses: The Golf Club at North Hampton was designed in part by Arnold Palmer, and is over 7,000 acres, has 18 holes and a 72 par. Additionally, the Amelia National Golf & Country Club, designed by Tom Fazio, offers 18 holes with a par of 72.

Yulee serves as the headquarters for the Nassau County Economic Development Board, responsible for promoting Nassau County as an attractive destination for business relocation or expansion. The Nassau County Sheriff's Office is also headquartered in Yulee. In November 2017 it was announced that the University of Florida will be building two health and fitness facilities. In January 2018 the large energy company Florida Public Utilities announced that they will be relocating to Yulee and will be building a new 55,000 square foot corporate headquarters.

The Florida Welcome Center located in northern Yulee is a "tourist information house", located near the Florida/Georgia state line on I-95. This center provides incoming visitors with a variety of information on travel, highways, sports, climate, accommodations, cities, outdoor recreation, and attractions. In tribute to the citrus industry (which historically has been a major part of Florida's economy), every visitor is offered a free cup of Florida citrus juice (orange or grapefruit).

In 2017 Rayonier established a new corporate headquarters within the Yulee Census County Division (CCD). Additionally, Rayonier outlined plans for the development of a 24,000-acre pine forest in Yulee, envisioning a comprehensive community encompassing residential areas, office spaces, medical facilities, shopping centers, light industrial facilities, and educational institutions. This development initiative, initially spanning 4,200 acres, is known as Wildlight. In collaboration with Nassau County, Rayonier worked with the county in the development of the Wildlight Elementary School, with an estimated cost of $26 million. The school commenced operations at the beginning of the 2017–2018 academic year and accommodated over 600 students.

Fire and rescue
The Yulee CDP is served by its own fire department and two additional regional fire stations, the all-career Nassau County Fire Rescue Stations 30 and 70. The Yulee Volunteer Fire Department is dispatched along with the County department to all fire calls in the Yulee area.

Police services
The Nassau County Sheriff's Office serves the residents of the Yulee CDP and Nassau County, Florida. Their primary responsibilities include upholding the Florida Constitution, enforcing state laws and statutes, and ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of the community. These objectives are achieved through law enforcement services, the management of the Nassau County Jail and Detention Center, and the provision of court security. The headquarters of the Nassau County Sheriff's Office is situated at 76001 Bobby Moore Circle, Yulee, FL 32097.

Judicial complex
The Robert M. Foster Justice Center, formerly referred to as the Nassau County, Florida Judicial Complex, is situated in Yulee. It was inaugurated in 2004 with the purpose of supplementing the historic Nassau County Courthouse situated in Fernandina Beach, Florida. This facility spans over 111,000 square feet in size and involved an expenditure of more than $20 million for its construction.

Higher Education
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, operates the Betty P. Cook Nassau Center in Yulee. FSCJ is part of the Florida College System. This campus serves Nassau County residents, providing a range of academic offerings, including courses, certificates, and degree programs across various fields. Notably, this campus houses FSCJ's 16-acre Outdoor Education Center, a natural space.

Also in the area are the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University in Jacksonville.

Library
The Yulee Branch Library of the Nassau County Public Library System is situated within the Nassau Campus of FSCJ in Yulee.

K-12 Education

Public primary and secondary schools in Yulee and Nassau County are administered by Nassau County Public Schools, which is governed by a six-member Nassau County School Board. In total 21 total schools comprise the Nassau County Public Schools and the system currently enrolls 11,155 students.

Public secondary schools:
 * Yulee High School (9-12)
 * Yulee Middle (6-8)

Public primary schools:
 * Wildlight Elementary School (Kindergarten-5 and ESE)
 * Yulee Elementary (3-5)
 * Yulee Primary (Pre Kindergarten-2)

Private schools:
 * Faith Christian Academy (Pre Kindergarten-12)

Continuing Education
Yulee provides adult education in a variety of subjects at the FSCJ Nassau Center and at the Yulee Public Library.

Healthcare
There are 14 hospitals in or near the Yulee CDP.

Parks
Yulee showcases three separate parks:
 * Goffinsville Nassau River Park & Boat Ramp, providing amenities such as fishing, parking, pavilions, recreational areas, restroom facilities, and places for picnics
 * John Muir Ecological Park, which features a 1/4 mile trail commemorating John Muir's 1867 journey across Florida
 * Yulee Sports Complex & Gymnasium, encompassing lighted baseball and softball fields, football fields, a designated structure, parking facilities, play equipment, restroom accommodations, picnic tables, and tennis and basketball courts.

Notable people

 * George Crady - (b 1931) former member of the Florida House of Representatives
 * Kyle Denney - (b 1977) former Major League Baseball catcher for the Cleveland Indians.
 * Derrick Henry - (b 1994) is a Heisman Trophy Winner football running back for the Baltimore Ravens football.
 * Apple Pope - American rugby league player who currently plays for the United States national rugby league team.
 * Tom Schwartz - Entrepreneur, 'mactor' and star of Bravo's 'Vanderpump Rules'
 * D. J. Stewart - (b 1993) is a professional baseball outfielder for the New York Mets, and previously played for the Baltimore Orioles
 * Zack Taylor - (1898–1974) was a professional baseball player, coach, scout and manager. In addition, he was a Major League Baseball player and manager for the St. Louis Browns

title: Yulee, Florida


text:
Cinco Bayou, Florida

Cinco Bayou is a town in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. The Town of Cinco Bayou is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 457 at the 2020 census, up from 383 at the 2010 census.

History
Cinco Bayou was incorporated on July 3, 1950, at a meeting held at the Cinco Bayou garage, attended by about 60 people. Gordon Gibson was elected the first mayor. At this time there were about 250 residents in the area between the Fort Walton city limits and the Cinco Bayou, an east-west oriented finger of water on the west end of the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Geography
The exact coordinates for the Town of Cinco Bayou is located at 30.42167°N, -86.60917°W (30.421748, –86.609120).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.2 sqmi, all land. The town is completely surrounded by the city of Fort Walton Beach.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Cinco Bayou has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 457 people, 288 households, and 171 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 383 people, 194 households, and 56 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 377 people, 212 households, and 82 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,116.0 PD/sqmi. There were 248 housing units at an average density of 1,392.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 81.17% White, 12.73% African American, 0.80% Native American, 3.98% Asian, 0.27% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.71% of the population.

In 2000, there were 212 households, out of which 15.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 27.8% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 61.3% were non-families. 46.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.77 and the average family size was 2.43.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 12.5% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 43.0% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $28,036, and the median income for a family was $28,750. Males had a median income of $33,750 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $22,425. About 9.9% of families and 15.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.4% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Cinco Bayou, Florida


text:
Crestview, Florida

Crestview is the largest city in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. The population was 27,134 at the 2020 census, up from 20,978 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Okaloosa County. With an elevation of 235 ft above sea level, it is one of the highest points in the state.

Crestview is a principal city of the Crestview—Fort Walton Beach—Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Crestview was largely an outgrowth of the coming of railroad service to the west Panhandle of Florida.

The Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad Company, chartered in 1881, opened its line between Pensacola and Chattahoochee in January 1883. Soon two express passenger trains, the Atlantic Express and the Gulf Express, and a local accommodation train that stopped everywhere, were in daily operation. The expresses took about six hours to make the run, the local, thirteen hours. When the railroad company was unable to cover the interest owed bondholders, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad covered the shortfalls until 1885, and then foreclosed, merging the route into their system as the L & N's Pensacola and Atlantic Division.

In 1894, sawmill operator W. B. Wright opened the 26 mi Yellow River Railroad between Crestview and Florala, Alabama via Auburn, Campton, and Laurel Hill. The L & N supplied the line with freight cars, and in 1906, purchased the operation, as the Yellow River Branch. This line, without any major shippers on it to make it profitable, was used for freight car storage for a time in the early 1980s and then was abandoned with 25.3 miles of the route lifted after May 1985, although the right of way still exists, with some portions paved as local streets.

Crestview was officially incorporated as a city in 1916. The 1920 US Census for the City of Crestview showed that the population consisted of 500 residents.

On July 23, 1920, Crestview hosted the first public hanging for Okaloosa County. Robert Blackwell was convicted of killing Nancy and Bud Davis in 1917, and received the death penalty. One week prior to the date of his hanging, Blackwell confessed, and his confession was printed in area newspapers on his hanging day. The second and last Okaloosa County hangings took place in Crestview, Florida on September 23, 1921. Thousands of curious onlookers came from surrounding states. Putnam Ponsell and Jacob Benjamin Marin were publicly hanged for killing John F. Tuggle. This double hanging in 1921 was the last public hanging in Florida.

Smith-Johnson Company, Inc. opened a garment factory in Crestview in 1937 that utilized 250 machines and employed "around 300 persons".

A modern bus terminal served by the Greyhound Lines' Jacksonville-Los Angeles route, as well as connections north to Atlanta, Memphis and New York, featuring waiting rooms, lounge, smoking rooms, restaurant, and loading concourse, opened on the corner of Ferdon and Pearl Streets on Friday 9 May 1941. As per the standards of the era, it was segregated.

As nearby Eglin Field was expanded into a major testing base, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad laid a long sidetrack in Crestview in the spring of 1941 to handle the number of oil tank cars required to supply the Asphault Products Company with material for the vast paving job of the ten new airfields. A fleet of trucks were operated round the clock to offload an estimated 180 car loads of petroleum product for the task.

A recreation center for enlisted men at the expanding Eglin Field was opened in Crestview on Saturday, June 21, 1941, through the efforts of the Community Recreation Council, the Works Progress Administration, and the Okaloosa Progressive Association.

In late January 1943, a "misunderstanding" by the constabulary of Crestview put the community off limits to military personnel from Eglin Field. The Pensacola News Journal reported on 31 January that the town was off the "black list." According to the front-page report, "The out-of-town bounds restrictions that had been imposed on Crestview by Eglin field [sic] authorities were lifted at noon today [30 January], after a conference of town officials and Eglin authorities, and it was stated that soldiers from the field may visit the town. Billy Powell, town marshal, whose arrest of a soldier for reckless driving and an Eglin officer for interference, precipitated the trouble during the week, has been suspended by the town council. Powell was himself put in the county jail by an MP detachment from Eglin field and stayed there until his attorney, John M. Coe, Pensacola, released him through circuit court action." The servicemen involved had taken a convoy of newly trained Aviation Engineering Battalion personnel to load on a train at Crestview when the over-zealous marshal tried to arrest a black jeep driver for a U-turn, thus leading to the unpleasantness. After Eglin Commanding Officer Brigadier General Grandison Gardner explained the economics of wartime to the city fathers, they chose a more reasonable replacement for town marshal.

On July 31, 1949, the L&N inaugurated the Gulf Wind streamliner through Crestview between New Orleans and Jacksonville, in conjunction with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, replacing the heavyweight New Orleans-Florida Limited. It operated until April 30, 1971, when Amtrak took over most U.S. rail passenger service and discontinued this route.

In the 1960s, Crestview was the location for the studio of the Apache Records label.

As part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure round, Crestview experienced further population growth as the U.S. Army's 7th Special Forces Group relocated from Fort Bragg, North Carolina to a newly built cantonment facility on the northern end of the Eglin Air Force Base reservation, approximately six miles south of the city.

In 2007, George Whitehurst, who had been mayor for nearly 20 years, resigned, leading to the election of David Cadle. Cadle had retired in 2006 as the long-time director of the Crestview High School band, The Big Red Machine. Cadle was replaced in 2019 by a retired member of the US Air Force, former high school teacher and city council member, JB Whitten, as the city switched to a council-manager form of government.

In September 2022, two planes owned by Vertol, a Destin, Florida corporation with ties to congressman Matt Gaetz and Governor Ron DeSantis transported 50 Venezuelan asylum seekers from San Antonio, Texas to Crestview airport, en route to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. The passengers did not disembark from the planes. DeSantis had received an appropriation of $12 million to transport migrants out of the state, funding under the purview of attorney Larry Keefe, DeSantis' public safety czar, who was in charge of immigrant affairs. Vertol was paid $615,000 on September 8 for the transport, and received another $980,000 less than two weeks later. The immigrants had been solicited by a recent U.S. Army retiree, Perla Huerta, to travel to Massachusetts where those so recruited had been misled to believe they would receive English lessons, funds, legal services, jobs and housing at their destination. Notification had not been given to the destination community regarding their impending arrival and needs.

Topography
Crestview is located halfway between Destin and Pensacola.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.8 sqmi, of which 12.8 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.23%) is water.

Climate
Crestview's climate is officially described as humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa). In summer, Crestview has some of the hottest temperatures in the state, with an average summer high of 92 °F. Lows in summer average in the high 60s to low 70s, with each year seeing a handful of 100 °F+ days. The all-time record high is 105 °F, recorded on July 14, 1980. On average, the city receives 63.6 in of rainfall annually.

Winters compare to those of interior Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. Highs average in the lower to mid 60s (16°-19 °C), and lows average upper 30s (almost 4 °C). The all-time record low is 8 °F, on January 13, 1981; however, nearby areas such as DeFuniak Springs and Tallahassee hit 0 F and -2 F respectively before the airport records for Crestview began. The city lies within the USDA Hardiness Zone 8, the coldest temperature of the season is typically between 10 °F and 20 °F. On average there are 38.5 nights where the temperature falls below freezing, with the average window for freezes being November 10 through March 23. Snowfall occurs every three years on average, however, significant amounts only happen once every 10 years.

Vegetation here consists of typical Floridian vegetation as well as several deciduous species from further north. Some palm trees are found here, although only cold-hardy varieties like the state tree, the Sabal palmetto, as well as types of dogwood, maple, hickory, and sweet gum. Blueberries are a native crop raised for sale locally, in addition to Strawberries. In 1919, M.A. Sapp reported shipping his blueberries from May 10 until the end of August, netting $605.85 for his crop, in addition to that which he shared with friends and family. Fall foliage can be seen in November and December, and Spring blossoms occur from early March through May. Summer typically lasts from late April to early October, and winter lasts from mid-December through mid-February.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 27,134 people, 8,984 households, and 5,971 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 20,978 people, 7,319 households, and 5,150 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 14,766 people, 5,297 households, and 3,893 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,153.7 PD/sqmi. There were 5,918 housing units at an average density of 462.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 74.71% White, 18.41% African American, 0.60% Native American, 2.28% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 1.22% from other races, and 2.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.26% of the population. The population estimate for 2005 was 17,707 people.

In 2000, there were 5,297 households, out of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.5% were married couples living together, 16.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.09.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $23,122, and the median income for a family was $31,824. Males had a median income of $27,829 versus $19,261 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,479. About 45.2% of families and 59.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 56.2% of those under age 18 and 30.4% of those age 65 or over.

Library
The city's first library was founded in the 1940s. In 2002, the Crestview Robert L. F. Sikes Public Library opened. The library is part of the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative.

Education
The public schools in Crestview are served by Okaloosa County School District.

Public high school

 * Crestview School, the first school for African-Americans in Crestview, was built in 1926. In 1944, a city block was purchased for a new high school for black students. In 1945, Crestview Colored High School was built on School Avenue. Later, it was renamed after George Washington Carver, and eventually was renamed Carver-Hill School in honor of the efforts of Ed Hill.

 * After integration in 1966, high school students were transferred to the previously all-white Crestview High School and Carver-Hill was utilized for younger students until 1982, when it was converted to administrative use.

Public middle schools

 * Davidson Middle School and Shoal River Middle School are located at the north and south ends of the city, respectively.

Public elementary schools

 * Northwood Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School are located at the north south ends of the city.

Transportation
Bob Sikes Airport is a public-use airport located 3 mi northeast of the central business district. It was established in 1941.

Major highways through Crestview are:
 * U.S. Route 90
 * Florida State Road 85
 * I-10
 * FL-85

From early 1994 through August 2005, Crestview was served by the tri-weekly Amtrak Sunset Limited, but service east of New Orleans to Jacksonville and Orlando was suspended due to damage to the rail line of CSX by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This was previously the route of the Gulf Wind streamlined passenger train, operated by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.

Sister cities

 * 🇫🇷 Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, France

title: Crestview, Florida


text:
Destin, Florida

Destin is a city located in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is a principal city of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 13,931 at the 2020 census, up from 12,305 at the 2010 census.

Located on Florida's Emerald Coast, Destin is known for its white beaches and emerald green waters. Originating as a small fishing village, it is now a popular tourist destination. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, over 80 percent of the Emerald Coast's 4.5 million visitors each year visit Destin. The city styles itself "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and claims to have the largest fishing vessel fleet in the state of Florida.

The city is located on a peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico from Choctawhatchee Bay. The peninsula was originally a barrier island. Hurricanes and sea level changes gradually connected it to the mainland. In the 1940s, it technically became an island again with the completion of the Choctawhatchee-West Bay Canal.

History
Destin is named after Leonard Destin, a New London, Connecticut fishing captain who settled in the area between 1845 and 1850. He built a New England colonial home at the location of the Moreno Point military reservation. Captain Destin and his descendants fished the area for decades.

Condominiums were first built in Destin during the 1970s, although Destin was not incorporated as a municipality until 1984. The city has experienced rapid growth since the 1980s.

Geography
The city is located on a peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico from Choctawhatchee Bay. The peninsula was originally an island; hurricanes and sea level changes gradually connected the island to the mainland.

Destin is near several other cities in the region. The city of Fort Walton Beach is located to the west at the inlet of Santa Rosa Sound into Choctawhatchee Bay. North of Destin, across the bay is Niceville, with the Mid-Bay Bridge linking the two by road. U.S. Route 98 is the main route through the city, running from west to east. U.S. Route 98 leads east 56 mi (90 km) to Panama City and west 48 mi (77 km) to Pensacola.

At the western tip of the peninsula is East Pass (also known as Destin Pass), separating it from Santa Rosa Island to the west. East Pass is the only outlet of Choctawhatchee Bay into the Gulf of Mexico, Many sources claim that the current pass was dug by hand with an inrush of water widening it within hours. The early pass appears (at the East end of Destin Harbor) in early maps and surveys from Spanish, French, and English surveyors, such as Thomas Jefferys's 1775 map The Coast of West Florida and Louisiana. Frequent dredging is required to keep East Pass navigable.

"Crab Island," was actually two islands made from sand that the Army Corps of Engineers dredged up from the East Pass. These islands were large enough to inhabit sea grass, small shrubs and nesting seabirds. It has been reduced to a significant sandbar, which appears only when the tide is out. It has become a popular anchorage in the area. The entrance to Destin Harbor, a lagoon between the beaches and the main body of the western portion of the peninsula, is located just north of the East Pass jetty. The lagoon is formed by a sand spit named Holiday Isle; many condominiums have been built along the harbor since the 1970s. Norriego Point protects the harbor and was doubled in size in order to protect against coastal erosion.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.2 sqmi, of which 7.5 sqmi is land and 0.6 sqmi (7.95%) is water.

Environmental issues
A 2013 study identified the city as one of the cities in Florida most at risk of inundation. A 2019 report by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection listed sections of the beach as "critically eroded".

The city received $11 million from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement. This was used to address coastal erosion on Norriego Point, which protects the important harbor. Otherwise, the city has not developed a plan to address sea level rise and coastal erosion.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 13,931 people, 6,377 households, and 3,576 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 12,305 people, 5,148 households, and 3,452 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 11,455 people, 4,437 households, and 3,135 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,477.1 PD/sqmi. There were 10,599 housing units at an average density of 1,408.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.21% White, 0.37% African American, 0.40% Native American, 1.03% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 1.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.66% of the population.

In 2000, 24.8% of households had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.0% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.7% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.72.

In 2000, the median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.4 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $53,042, and the median income for a family was $60,498. Males had a median income of $42,218 versus $26,146 for females. The per capita income for the city was $32,048. About 3.0% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 2.0% of those age 65 or over.

Tourism
The white beaches and emerald waters of the Destin area draw many tourists. Florida's Department of Environmental Protection estimates that more than 80 percent of the Emerald Coast's 4.5 million yearly visitors travel to the region to visit Destin. Visitors can charter fishing vessels from the harbor, and there are 12 beach access points in the city. Among the access points is Henderson Beach State Recreation Area. A portion of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the Okaloosa Day Use Area, is just across East Pass on Santa Rosa Island.

The sand on Destin's beaches is some of the whitest in the world. The sand comes from the Appalachian Mountains, and is made of finely ground quartz crystal giving the appearance of sugar. Residue flows down the Apalachicola River and is deposited into the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the currents the sand drifts west along the Gulf Coast and settles from east of Panama City to the Alabama coast.

Several events also take place throughout the year as well. For the month of October, the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo draws anglers to Destin each year since 1948. Also in the month of October is the Destin Seafood Festival, where fresh seafood and local artists gather for one weekend every October.

In addition to an assortment of hotels and motels, many high-rise condominiums are located in Destin. The first condominiums in Destin were built in the 1970s, and construction continues today. Visitors play a large part in Destin's economy – the city's population of around 12,000 balloons to 40,000 during the tourist season.

Real estate in Destin, Florida, is comprised in large part by privately owned vacation rentals, consisting of condominiums, beach homes, townhomes, resorts, studios, cottages, and a few bungalows. Most vacation properties are found on the south side of US Hwy 98 near the Gulf, while most locals live on the northern side of US Hwy 98 by the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Destin's surroundings include other popular tourist destinations. Sandestin, located to the east in Walton County, is a popular golf and beach resort. Further east along the coast are the master-planned community of Seaside, filming location of the 1998 movie The Truman Show; Grayton Beach, Florida; and Rosemary Beach, Florida. To the west are Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach, and the Civil War fortification Fort Pickens is located at the western end of Santa Rosa Island. Many celebrities own homes in the area.

Libraries

Destin Library was founded in 1940. It is part of the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative.

In popular culture
The city is mentioned in the song "Florida!!!" by Taylor Swift featuring Florence and the Machine on Swift's eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department.

Government
The city has a Council-Manager form of government that consists of a mayor, seven-member city council, city clerk, city manager, and a city attorney.

Education
Okaloosa County School District operates public schools, including:
 * Destin Elementary School
 * Destin Middle School
 * Destin High School (which is a public charter school)

Notable people

 * Emeril Lagasse, celebrity chef
 * Joe A. Rector, artist
 * Jerry Jones, businessman, Dallas Cowboys owner

title: Destin, Florida


text:
Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Fort Walton Beach, often referred to by the initialism FWB,is a city in southern Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 U.S. census, the population was 20,922, up from 19,507 in 2010. It is a principal city of the Crestview−Fort Walton Beach−Destin, Florida Metropolitan 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 seasonal human migration.

History
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 the Weeden 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 of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's party, who traveled by boat from what is now Panama 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 at San Marcos de Apalachee (by French and English buccaneers), a 1712 raid against Port Dauphin (now Alabama) by English pirates from Martinique, and the actions of the late 18th-century adventurer William Augustus Bowles, who was based in Apalachicola. 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 of Walton 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 during Andrew 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.

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.

On April 11, 1879, John Thomas Brooks purchased at a public auction in Milton, Florida, 111 acres in Section 24, Township 2, Range 24 of Santa Rosa County, a portion of the property of Henry Penny whose heirs had failed to pay the taxes on the estate. This parcel on the Santa 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 1 March 1932.

The 1940 census counted 90 residents in Fort Walton. Fort Walton was incorporated by a  state senate bill effective June 16, 1941.

The community's name was officially changed from Fort Walton to Fort Walton Beach on June 15, 1953, by agreement with the state legislature in Tallahassee, and incorporated a portion of Santa Rosa Island formerly known as Tower Beach. 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, with a boardwalk, casino, restaurant, dance pavilion, "40 modernly equipped beach cottages", and concession stands which was largely destroyed by fire on Saturday, March 7, 1942. Wartime supply restrictions prevented a reconstruction. This 875-acre parcel of Santa 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 in Crestview, Florida. The county paid the federal government $4,000 to complete the transaction, the result of the efforts of Congressman Bob Sikes. The portion of Santa Rosa Island transferred is now known as Okaloosa 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.

A special census conducted in 1956 listed 9,456 residents, which grew to 11,249 by 1960.

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 tract on the north side of Santa Rosa Boulevard was sold.

Geography
Fort Walton Beach is located at (30.420199, −86.616727). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.3 km2, of which 19.3 km2 is land and 2 km2, or 9.26%, is water.

Climate
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 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 recent measurable snowfall was on January 31, 1977, when about 1 in fell in Fort Walton Beach, while 3 in fell on Crestview, about 27 mi inland. The most recent report of a trace of snow was on January 28, 2014. The last report of freezing rain was on February 11, 2010.

The Köppen climate classification subtype for this climate is humid subtropical climate (Cfa),

Airports
Nearby Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (airport code VPS) serves Fort Walton Beach, as well as Valparaiso, 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 as Okaloosa County. Its main stop and transfer location is Uptown Station located on State Road 85, a little over 1 mile north of US 98.

Major highways
State Road 189 is a north–south highway from State Road 85 to US 98 in downtown Fort Walton Beach. State Road 85 is a north–south highway that leads north 27 mi to Crestview, the Okaloosa County seat (also along Interstate 10), and ends at US 98 in downtown Fort Walton Beach. US 98 is an east–west highway, which runs through downtown Fort Walton Beach. The Brooks Bridge over the Santa Rosa Sound connects downtown Fort Walton Beach with Okaloosa Island, which is along the route of US 98. US 98 leads east 9 mi to Destin and west 41 mi to Pensacola.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 20,922 people, 9,246 households, and 5,195 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 19,507 people, 8,657 households, and 4,950 families residing in the city.

2000 census
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 are Hispanic or Latino 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.

Notable people

 * John C. Acton, retired United States Coast Guard rear admiral who serves as the director of operations coordination for DHS
 * Aric Almirola, NASCAR driver with three Cup Series wins
 * Glen Coffee, running back for Alabama Crimson Tide and in NFL; San Francisco 49ers drafted Coffee with 74th overall pick of 2009 NFL draft
 * Richard Covey, astronaut
 * Bud Day, retired U.S. Air Force colonel, Marine Corps, Army and Air Force veteran, Vietnam prisoner of war, Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross recipient
 * Jason Elam, NFL kicker, two-time Super Bowl champion with Denver Broncos
 * Scott Fletcher, MLB baseball infielder
 * Scott Frank, screenwriter
 * Matt Gaetz, American politician
 * Shane Gibson, internationally known heavy metal guitarist, most notable as touring guitarist for Korn
 * E. G. Green, NFL wide receiver, Indianapolis Colts
 * D. J. Hall, Alabama and NFL wide receiver
 * Edward L. Hubbard, retired Air Force officer, author, artist, motivational speaker and Vietnam Prisoner of War
 * Michael Johnson, South Carolina politician
 * Nancy Kenaston, journalist, public relations director, court reporter at Nuremberg trials
 * Rick Malambri, actor
 * Brian Marshall, bass player for rock bands Creed and Alter Bridge
 * Demetria McKinney, actress
 * Maurice McLaughlin, politician
 * Lonnie R. Moore, Korean War Double Ace
 * Matt Moore, pitcher for the Texas Rangers
 * Carolyn Murphy, internationally acclaimed model (born in Panama City, Florida)
 * Preston Shumpert, basketball player, Syracuse forward and guard
 * Akeem Spence, NFL (Miami Dolphins) defensive tackle, University of Illinois defensive tackle
 * Joe Stanley, retired U.S. Air Force colonel, commander of Eglin Air Force Base during 1950s
 * Danny Wuerffel, 1996 Heisman Trophy winner for Florida and quarterback for New Orleans Saints
 * Mike James (baseball) (born 1967), Major League Baseball pitcher for the California Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Colorado Rockies

Economy
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), the 1st Special Operations Wing, and the Joint Special Operations University. Eglin AFB is home to the Air Force Materiel Command's Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Armament Directorate and the 96th Test Wing, Air Combat Command's 53rd Wing, and Air Education Training Command's 33rd Fighter Wing. Eglin is geographically one of the largest Air Force bases at 724 sqmi, 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 large snowbird population, which includes the Fort Walton Beach Snowbird Club. The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival is held annually in June.

Top employers
According to Fort Walton Beach's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city were:

Sister cities

 * Quezon City, Philippines (since October 1977)

title: Fort Walton Beach, Florida


text:
Lake Lorraine, Florida

Lake Lorraine is a census-designated place (CDP) in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. The population was 7,142 at the 2020 census, up from 7,010 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. It carries a Shalimar postal address and zip code. Lake Lorraine was originally a fresh-water body, but at some point in the 1990s the narrow sandbar that separated it from the Choctawhatchee Bay was breached and the former drainage channel to the tip of Black's Point became blocked by silt.

The residential neighborhood originally developed along circumferential Country Club Road, surrounding a golf course, in the 1970s. The recession of 1976 left a number of properties in the interior of the golf course U in an unfinished and abandoned state. These parcels were later reconstructed. Further growth took place in the 1990s and 2000s, when the formerly wooded Black's Point area was developed with streets bearing the names of famous golfers. A "backdoor" gate onto Eglin Air Force Base, adjacent to base housing, accessed by Davis Court off of the northeast corner of Country Club Road, was closed amidst tightened base security and concerns about traffic routing through residential neighborhoods in the mid-1970s.

During World War II, adjacent Eglin Field anchored a battleship-size target float in the Choctawhatchee Bay, just south of Black's Point, the southernmost point of the Lake Lorraine area, an area designated during the war as Eglin water range 60.

Geography
Lake Lorraine is located at 30.44167°N, -86.57028°W (30.441648, -86.570152).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.4 sqmi, of which 2.0 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi (13.56%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,106 people, 2,937 households, and 2,029 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,483.2 PD/sqmi. There were 3,149 housing units at an average density of 1,543.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 82.70% White, 8.53% African American, 0.41% Native American, 3.22% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 1.86% from other races, and 3.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.39% of the population.

There were 2,937 households, out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.9% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $47,437, and the median income for a family was $54,613. Males had a median income of $32,483 versus $21,688 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,695. About 4.7% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * General Chuck Horner - Air commander during Desert Storm

title: Lake Lorraine, Florida


text:
Laurel Hill, Florida

Laurel Hill is a city in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 584 at the 2020 US Census, up from 537 at the 2010 census.

History
The area which is now Laurel Hill was one of the first post-American annexation, English-speaking settlements in Florida. There had been settlements by English-speaking loyalists in Florida during the American Revolution. Settlers were documented establishing a community, originally known as "Almirante", soon after Florida's acquisition by the United States in 1821.

In the 1880s, railroad access to north-west Florida opened up a booming lumber industry, with the Yellow River Railroad reaching the Almirante (Laurel Hill) area by 1892. In 1895, Almirante, then just a small logging and farming community, was platted and renamed Laurel Hill, the name purportedly inspired by a large laurel tree which grew in the center of the community. Growing rapidly, the community was officially incorporated as the "City of Laurel Hill" by the Florida Legislature in 1905.

Although in 1915, Laurel Hill was the largest community in newly created Okaloosa County, the town lost out becoming Okaloosa's county seat to the more centrally located town of Crestview. Laurel Hill's economic fortunes went into a decline after World War I, a waning intensified by the Florida land speculation collapse of the 1920s, which resulted in the closing of Laurel Hill's only bank. In order to install infrastructure improvements and to re-stimulate the community, Laurel Hill was officially reincorporated as a municipality in 1953.

Once served by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, which purchased the Yellow River Railroad in 1906, the line was abandoned and lifted in the 1980s.

First held in 1992, the Laurel Hill Hobo Festival is an annual event scheduled for the first Saturday in October.

Historic churches in the city include South Ebenezer Baptist Church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, Laurel Hill First Baptist Church, and Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the City of Laurel Hill is located at 30.96537°N, -86.45915°W (30.965369, –86.459149).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.1 sqmi, all land. It is the northernmost incorporated city in the state of Florida.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Laurel Hill has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 584 people, 225 households, and 125 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 537 people, 204 households, and 178 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 549 people, 223 households, and 158 families residing in the city. The population density was 174.9 PD/sqmi. There were 254 housing units at an average density of 80.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 77.23% White, 21.68% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.73% from other races, and 0.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09% of the population.

In 2000, there were 223 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 17.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.93.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.3 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $25,385, and the median income for a family was $28,281. Males had a median income of $25,809 versus $17,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,949. About 18.0% of families and 21.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.2% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
All public schools located within the City of Laurel Hill are served by the Okaloosa County School District.
 * Okaloosa Comprehensive Head Start
 * Laurel Hill School The team name for the Laurel Hill School is the Hoboes, allegedly the only school in the US with this team name.

title: Laurel Hill, Florida


text:
Mary Esther, Florida

Mary Esther is a city in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 3,982 at the 2020 US census, up from 3,851 at the 2010 census.

Etymology
Mary Esther gets its name from its first postmaster, John Newton, who named it for both of his daughters.

Geography
Mary Esther is located at 30.41227°N, -86.65904°W.

U.S. Route 98 is the main route through the city, leading east 4 mi (6 km) to Fort Walton Beach and west 37 mi (60 km) to Pensacola.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.5 sqmi, all land.

Climate
Climate is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. This climate type is found on the eastern sides of the continents between 20° and 35° N and S latitude. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Cfa" (C = mild temperate, f = fully humid, and a = hot summer), which is a humid subtropical climate zone.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,982 people, 1,573 households, and 1,149 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 3,851 people, 1,770 households, and 1,071 families residing in the city.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 4,055 people in 1,623 households, including 1,147 families, in the city. The population density was 2,635.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,732 housing units at an average density of 1,125.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 83.65% White, 6.46% African American, 0.96% Native American, 3.77% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 1.21% from other races, and 3.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.09%.

Of the 1,623 households in 2000, 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.3% were non-families. 21.7% of households were one person and 7.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.93.

In 2000, the age distribution was 23.4% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.1 males.

In 2000, the median household income was $42,647 and the median family income was $47,917. Males had a median income of $31,030 versus $20,319 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,488. About 4.1% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 1.0% of those age 65 or over.

Libraries
The idea of a public library was first proposed on February 4, 1974, to the then Mayor Tom Pryor. The library was first named the Mary Esther Community Library. It was run by volunteers and not tax supported. The original building was only 585 square feet, with annual fees ranging from $1.00 per person to $5.00 for a family. The building was later able to get an expansion to 810 square feet. The Mary Esther Community Library was then renamed in October 1976 to the current name of the Mary Esther Public Library. In 1988 when the space for the library was deemed too small, the Friends of the Library group created a petition for the citizens calling on the City Council to build a newer, bigger library. On February 6, 1989, the City Council approved the new site and size of the library. While the new library was being built the state of Florida also elected to give $175,000 in matching funds to help with construction. Ground was broken on February 28, 1991, and the new Mary Esther Public Library opened to the public on March 9, 1992. Throughout the history of the Mary Esther Public Library there was talk of an Okaloosa County Library System, but it was repeatedly denied. The Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative eventually formed in 1997 with Mary Esther as one of the member libraries. The library received its most recent renovation in 2004 after receiving a $350,000 grant, adding an additional 2,000 square feet.

title: Mary Esther, Florida


text:
Niceville, Florida

Niceville is a city in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States, located near Eglin Air Force Base on Boggy Bayou that opens into Choctawhatchee Bay. It is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 15,772 at the 2020 census, up from 12,749 at the 2010 census.

History
When mail service began on July 21, 1868, the city was known as Boggy, and on November 5, 1910, the name was officially changed to Niceville. The name Niceville was selected by the postmaster's daughter. In 1915, Niceville became part of newly formed Okaloosa County after previously being in Walton County. It is a twin city along with Valparaiso, which borders it on the west side of the city.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.3 sqmi, of which 10.9 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi is water.

The exact coordinates for the City of Niceville is located at 30.51611°N, -86.47167°W.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 15,772 people, 5,454 households, and 4,153 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 12,749 people, 5,245 households, and 3,933 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of census of 2000, there were 11,684 people, 4,637 households, and 3,385 families living in the city. The population density was 1,069.8 PD/sqmi. There were 4,907 housing units at an average density of 449.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 87.25% White, 4.58% African American, 0.74% Native American, 3.20% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.14% from other races, and 2.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.71% of the population.

Of the 4,637 households in 2000, 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 21.8% of households were one person and 7.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.89.

In 2000, the age distribution was 23.0% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.1 males.

In 2000, the median household income was $45,685 and the median family income was $51,627. Males had a median income of $34,583 versus $20,987 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,175. About 7.2% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.8% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.

Schools

 * Bluewater Elementary
 * James E. Plew Elementary
 * Lula J. Edge Elementary
 * Addie R. Lewis Middle School
 * C.W. Ruckel Middle School
 * Niceville High School
 * Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College
 * Northwest Florida State College
 * Rocky Bayou Christian School

Arts and culture
The Boggy Fest, previously known as the Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival, was held annually in Niceville.

Notable people

 * Anna Banks, author
 * Jason Craig, comic book artist
 * Roy Finch, football player
 * Matt Gaetz, U.S. Representative for Florida's 1st congressional district, lives here
 * Rece Hinds, baseball player
 * Shin Hyun-joon, South Korean diplomat, military officer and the first Commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, retired here
 * Jarret Johnson, football player
 * Cris Judd, actor
 * Louis C. Menetrey, Army general
 * Jimmy Nelson, baseball pitcher
 * Pam Oliver, sportscaster
 * Julian Pittman, football player
 * Conrad Ricamora, actor
 * Alan Ritchson, actor
 * Tony Sipp, baseball player
 * Toby Turner, Youtuber known as Tobuscus

title: Niceville, Florida


text:
Ocean City, Florida

Ocean City is a census-designated place (CDP) in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. The population was 6,314 at the 2020 census, up from 5,550 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Ocean City is located at 30.43972°N, -86.60694°W (30.439798, -86.607079).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.9 sqmi, of which 1.6 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi (16.23%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,594 people, 2,478 households, and 1,479 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,493.5 PD/sqmi. There were 2,693 housing units at an average density of 1,681.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 83.98% White, 7.01% African American, 0.64% Native American, 3.24% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.59% from other races, and 3.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.31% of the population.

There were 2,478 households, out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.8% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 20.9% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $35,759, and the median income for a family was $43,625. Males had a median income of $27,472 versus $23,049 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,418. About 5.9% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Ocean City, Florida


text:
Shalimar, Florida

Shalimar is a town in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 737 at the 2020 census, up from 717 at the 2010 census.

History
Originally an area called "Port Dixie", the town "sprang up out of the woods" in 1943–1944 as a community of 160 houses to be used as housing for military officers by developer Clifford H. Meigs.

During the Civil War [sic- First World War], 130 Germans operated a "dye" plant at Port Dixie, "actually an explosives factory and probably a submarine base as well." Costly machinery was smashed when they fled and the records were thrown into Garnier's Bayou.

"In February 1927, the Choctawhatchee and Northern Railroad was chartered 'To construct, acquire, maintain, lease, or operate a line of railroad or railroads from a point between Galliver and Crestview on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in Okaloosa County, to a point in said county on Choctawhatchee Bay, a distance of approximately twenty-eight miles.' On Garnier's Bayou near the present Eglin (Air Force Base) housing development of Shalimar, a $29,000,000 Port Dixie Harbor and Terminal Company was chartered to build wharves for liners, a rail line north, and a city of one square mile, with streets 100 feet wide." These ambitious plans would not see fruition.

Badly needed new homes were constructed beginning in 1942 by Clifford Meigs and his associates to provide adequate facilities for commissioned officers assigned at the rapidly expanding Eglin Field, immediately north of what was initially referred to as "Shalimar Park". This land was acquired from James E. Plew. The first 50 homes were almost complete by May, with another 25 underway, with the entire project costing approximately $350,000. The Plew Heights housing project near Valparaiso, Florida had been erected in 1941 to take care of civil service employees and enlisted personnel, but the government made no provision for commissioned officers.

A new post office opened in Shalimar on July 1, 1943, with Clifford H. Meigs serving as the first postmaster. Previously, mail for the new community was handled through Valparaiso, Florida.

The "Town of Shalimar" was officially incorporated as a municipality in June 1947, and Clifford Meigs served as its first mayor. The incorporation was directly related to state law that prohibited clubs in unincorporated areas from staying open from midnight Saturday until Monday morning, which would negatively impact the gambling operations at the casino of the Shalimar Club, the opening of which "was the social event of 1947." The Fort Walton Beach [sic - Fort Walton did not become Fort Walton Beach until June 1953] places were doing a booming business on the weekends while there were rumors that the sheriff might enforce the law in Shalimar and close the place there," Meigs told the Playground News in 1959. "The owner came to me and suggested incorporation, and while I didn't think I had much to gain then, I agreed. With only about three other freeholders in the area, it was a simple matter to get incorporated." The reprieve on gambling would be temporary, however. "The collapse of Okaloosa gambling was brought about by the glare of outside publicity, reform zeal from within and the direct intervention of Gov. Fuller Warren. The first wind of adversity was blown by the Tampa Tribune's exposé of gambling in Fort Walton." The 1949 article led to the governor suspending Okaloosa County Sheriff Isle Enzor and two constables in 1950 for failure to enforce the state gambling laws. The popular Enzor was reelected in 1952 but gambling was on the way out. "Back on the job and converted to the cause, Sheriff Enzor began cracking down, and soon even the Shalimar Club was turning to more 'legitimate' forms of entertainment. But without gambling, it was just another nightspot. The Shalimar closed for good in 1956."

In 1948, the town features included the Shalimar Store, the Shalimar Service Station, and lumberman and Shalimar resident Roger Clary's Shalimar Club. The 160 residences were rented through Shalimar Homes and Meigs Homes corporations.

In 1950, the 280-car capacity Florida Drive-In Theatre, erected at a cost of ~$40,000, at the junction of Ferry Road and State Road 85, later Eglin Parkway, the main road between the air force base and Fort Walton, Florida, opened on Thursday, June 15, with an Esther Williams picture, "On an Island with You". Operated by the James K. Tringas family, that also built the Tringas Theatre in Fort Walton in 1940 (which is, ironically, still in business and being refurbished to its former glory in 2019), the drive-in would close in the fall of 1973. This property is now occupied by the Shalimar United Methodist Church family life center and a furniture store, which property is also owned by the church.

The Louis Woodham Concrete Company, which would provide construction materials for the growing Shalimar area, was established at Dixie Point at the end of Ferry Road by 1956, and would survive into the late 1970s before being replaced by condominiums. It was regularly supplied by towboats with barges of raw materials which transited across the Choctawhatchee Bay from the Intracoastal Waterway on the south edge of the bay. A Coast Guard tripod navigation marker in the bay just offshore of Meig's Beach, Port Dixie, was removed after merchant commerce ceased to Ferry Point. The end of water deliveries to Ferry Point marked the last gasp of "Port Dixie" as once envisioned.

Clifford Meigs served as mayor until his death in 1960, and was succeeded by his brother Clyde Meigs in November, who had served as a councilman. The first elected mayor was James P. Tras, in 1965, followed by Sarah Tras for a two to three-year term. She had been married to Clifford Meigs at the time of his death, and is the wife of Jim Tras,. Residential Meigs Drive, parallelling the Choctawhatchee Bay, Clifford Drive and Sara Drive are all named for the town's founding family. Carl Brandt Drive and Gardner Drive are named for former Eglin AFB commanders.

During World War II, Eglin water range 60 was located in the bay immediately south of Port Dixie, with a battleship-size target float anchored off of Black’s Point.

The Lake Lorraine area at Black's Point to the east of the incorporated Shalimar community was developed in the 1970s, but carries a Shalimar postal address.

The Poquito Bayou area north of the incorporated Shalimar also carries a Shalimar postal address.

The mostly residential area of Okaloosa County between Shalimar and Lake Lorraine continues to be referred to as Port Dixie.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the Town of Shalimar is located at 30.44444°N, -86.58194°W (30.444398, –86.581904).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.3 sqmi, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Shalimar has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 737 people, 329 households, and 206 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 717 people, 358 households, and 281 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 718 people, 288 households, and 209 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,441.6 PD/sqmi. There were 311 housing units at an average density of 1,057.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 89.42% White, 5.85% African American, 0.42% Native American, 2.51% Asian, 0.84% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.81% of the population.

In 2000, there were 288 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.6% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. 21.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.94.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.6 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $63,068, and the median income for a family was $70,250. Males had a median income of $51,250 versus $27,143 for females. The per capita income for the town was $29,261. About 2.9% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.

Commerce
Shalimar has one commercial artery, Eglin Parkway, and most business enterprises are located within a block of State Road 85. A mix of office parks (many occupied by military contractors), restaurants, convenience stores with fuel islands, a furniture store, a Fairfield Inn by Marriott hotel, and other assorted small firms comprise the short business corridor. For a time in the 1960s–1970s, the Central Intelligence Agency had "front" offices in Shalimar. This office may have been involved as a test project office for the Lockheed U-2, with which Fort Walton Beach resident, World War II exile Polish pilot, and CIA officer, Ksawery Wyrożemski was involved, but which was a cover for CIA flight operations out of Duke Field. Okaloosa County Sheriff's offices are located in Shalimar. An Okaloosa County courthouse annex, erected in 1975 on land made available by the Meigs family, was razed in the last week of June 2014, after standing vacant for several years. Ground was broken on 29 September 2014 for a new $12 million 64,000 square foot 3-story Okaloosa County Administration Building on the former courthouse annex site. The new facility, under construction by Lord and Son, will house a variety of services, including a large space for County Commission meetings, Supervisor of Elections events, a gross management department, information systems, as well as facilities for the tax collector and supervisor of elections.

Education
Some of the land that Clifford Meigs owned was donated to Okaloosa County for the establishment of a school. When it was finished it was named Choctawhatchee (Choctaw for short) High School, opening September 22, 1952. In 1969 the area needed a middle school, so Okaloosa School District built a new high school in Fort Walton Beach. The previous school was renamed to Clifford Meigs Junior High School, later Clifford Meigs Middle School (Meigs Middle School for short). The football field is known as Meigs Stadium (which is now named in honor of a passed coach). Meigs Middle School, Shalimar Elementary School and Longwood Elementary School are currently (2009) A Schools according to the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Clifford Meigs Middle School is now an A+ school (2013) In fact, most schools in the Okaloosa County School District are A schools in 2009.

Library
The Shalimar Library was established in 1996 when resident Janet Casanova gathered residents interested in opening a non-profit library for the town. Founding member Velma Bruner rented out a small log cabin behind the Aegean restaurant off Eglin Parkway, which the volunteers turned into a library-thrift shop. In 2017, the library was moved to a larger facility at 115 Richbourg Avenue, where it still stands in 2021.

The building was designed by retired architect Allen Hemmer, who took on the task as a volunteer. The new location is thought to be the final resting place of a founder of the Fort Walton Beach community, Augustus "Gus" Tart. A former slave, Tart became a known hunting and fishing expert in the community, and the library has created a memorial for Tart with a fenced off area and new headstone.

As per their official website, the volunteers and members of the library "are concerned citizens who share the belief that a strong library is a valuable intellectual, cultural, educational, and recreational resource in the community." The library is run entirely by volunteers which number over 50 as of 2020. It is supported by membership fines and earnings from the thrift store hosted within the building. The thrift store runs off of donations from the Shalimar community, including clothing, shoes, toys, excess books, and more.

Library membership may be acquired with a $15 fine renewable yearly, and is available to any resident of Okaloosa County. The membership includes access to a growing collection of books, CDs and magazines, eligibility to participate in the adult book discussion and children's programs, as well as Internet Access.

Notable people

 * George E."Bud" Day, former Medal of Honor Recipient, Prisoner of War, Vietnam, Colonel, USAF
 * Leroy J. Manor, former U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General

title: Shalimar, Florida


text:
Valparaiso, Florida

Valparaiso is a city in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 4,752, down from 5,036 at the 2010 census.

History
Valparaiso was named after Valparaiso, Indiana (which in turn, was named after Valparaiso, Chile) and is a twin city also with its neighboring city, Niceville. The name of the city is Spanish, and translates to "paradise vale" or "paradise valley".

Chicago businessman James E. Plew, who relocated to the Florida Panhandle of Northwest Florida in 1922, became "one of Northwest Florida's pioneer developers," and settled on Valparaiso "as the most likely spot for development.

In 1924, he founded the Bank of Valparaiso, constructed the Valparaiso Inn, organized the Chicago Country Club which constructed the Valparaiso Country Club golf course, and was instrumental in many other development activities in the community."

"Other interests of Mr. Plew included the founding of the Shalimar Winery, which was established to use the surplus grape crop of the county. He also founded the Valparaiso Novelty Company, helped to establish a knitting mill in the community and was interested in a number of other enterprises to which he made investments to help their development."

Plew thought that a military payroll would boost the depression-stricken economy of the region. He leased from the city of Valparaiso the Valparaiso Airport, an arrowhead-shaped parcel of 137 acre cleared in 1933 as an airdrome.

In 1934, Plew offered the U.S. government 1460 acre contiguous land for a bombing and gunnery base. This leasehold became the headquarters for the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base activated on June 14, 1935, under the command of Captain Arnold H. Rich. This was the founding of Eglin Air Force Base. The field was assigned the ICAO airport code VPS for Valparaiso, which Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport retains to this day. In Niceville, there is an elementary school named in his honor.

Geography
Valparaiso is located at 30.5°N, -86.5°W (30.5070, –86.4970).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.8 sqmi, of which 11.9 sqmi is land and 0.8 sqmi (6.35%) is water.

Climate
The climate is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. Temperatures are high and can lead to warm, humid nights. Summers are usually somewhat wetter than winters, with much of the rainfall coming from convectional thunderstorm activity. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,752 people, 1,876 households, and 1,335 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 5,036 people, 1,700 households, and 899 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,408 people, 1,928 households, and 1,284 families residing in the city. The population density was 536.8 PD/sqmi. There were 2,023 housing units at an average density of 169.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 80.77% White, 9.91% African American, 0.64% Native American, 2.67% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 3.00% from other races, and 2.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.18% of the population.

In 2000, there were 1,928 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.1% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.87.

In 2000, in the city the population was spread out, with 16.8% under the age of 18, 20.1% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 164.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 181.6 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $39,521, and the median income for a family was $46,411. Males had a median income of $22,267 versus $18,781 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,934. About 3.1% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

Museums and other points of interest
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located in Valparaiso.

Transportation
Commercial aircraft fly into nearby Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, which also serves the cities of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Located within Eglin Air Force Base, the airport code VPS is taken from the city of Valparaiso, which is adjacent to the base.

title: Valparaiso, Florida


text:
Wright, Florida

Wright is a census-designated place (CDP) in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. The population was 26,277 at the 2020 United States Census, up from 23,127 at the 2010 United States Census. It is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Wright is located at 30.44639°N, -86.63556°W (30.446373, -86.635420).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.5 sqmi, of which 5.5 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (1.26%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 21,697 people, 9,134 households, and 5,507 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,967.0 PD/sqmi. There were 10,004 housing units at an average density of 1,829.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 76.01% White, 19.03% African American, 0.59% Native American, 3.40% Asian, 0.19% Pacific Islander, 1.53% from other races, and 4.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.24% of the population.

There were 9,134 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 12.4% from 18 to 24, 34.1% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $36,940, and the median income for a family was $43,802. Males had a median income of $26,870 versus $21,646 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,746. About 8.4% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.2% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Wright, Florida


text:
Cypress Quarters, Florida

Cypress Quarters is a census-designated place (CDP) in Okeechobee County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,215 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Cypress Quarters is located at 27.24773°N, -80.81378°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.7 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,150 people, 420 households, and 291 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 425.0 PD/sqmi. There were 469 housing units at an average density of 173.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 29.22% White, 65.83% African American, 0.61% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 3.04% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.48% of the population.

There were 420 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.2% were married couples living together, 24.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 30.7% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $29,565, and the median income for a family was $38,125. Males had a median income of $31,103 versus $17,411 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,046. About 25.4% of families and 30.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.1% of those under age 18 and 16.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Cypress Quarters, Florida


text:
Okeechobee, Florida

Okeechobee is a city in and the county seat of Okeechobee County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 US census, the city's population was 5,254.

The Lake Okeechobee area was severely damaged in the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, the first recorded Category 5 hurricane in the North Atlantic. This was one of the deadliest hurricanes ever to strike the US.

Okeechobee is served by the Okeechobee County Airport.

History

Okeechobee is close to the site of the Battle of Lake Okeechobee, a major battle of the Second Seminole War, fought between forces under the command of Zachary Taylor and Seminole warriors resisting forced removal to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River in the 1830s. (This territory was later admitted as the state of Oklahoma in 1907.)

From 1918 to 1929, the international drink company Coca-Cola had a plant to bottle their drinks in Okeechobee in the current location of Jersey Mike’s Subs .Damages sustained from the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane was the primary reason they stopped bottling in Okeechobee.

In the 1930s, Okeechobee was the commercial center for the surrounding area, shipping hundreds of train cars of winter vegetables annually. It had poultry farms, a catfish shipping plant, and a bullfrog breeding industry.

The Florida guide described bullfrog breeding in the Okeechobee region:"Frog legs, or 'saddles,' bring high prices in the winter when frogs usually hibernate and are difficult to capture. Frog farmers enclose bottom lands, ponds, or swamps; as frogs live on insects, breeders strew the runs with rotting meat to attract blowflies. Some plant flowers and shrubs to lure bugs, and occasionally install electric lights to attract moths, beetles, and other nocturnal insects. A female frog lays from 10 to 30 thousand eggs a year; tadpoles appear from 60 to 90 days later, but frogs are seldom marketed before they are two years old."

Geography
The exact coordinates for the location of City of Okeechobee is at 27.24389°N, -80.82139°W.

Okeechobee is located just north of Lake Okeechobee. Taylor Creek flows through the east side of the town. The area is served by US routes 98 and 441 and state routes 70, 700 and 15.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.2 sqmi, of which 4.1 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.96%) is water.

Climate
Okeechobee has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), bordering within one degree of a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm, drier winters.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 5,254 people, 1,814 households, and 1,316 families residing in the city.

Of the city's population in 2020, 6.7% were under 5 years old, 22.5% were under 18 years old, and 17.0% were 65 years and over. 47.7% of the population was female. There were 383 veterans living in the city and 14% were foreign-born persons.

In 2020, the median household income was $40,149 with a per capita income of $21,449. 21.8% of the population lived below the poverty threshold.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 5,621 people, 1,839 households, and 1,152 families residing in the city.

Points of interest
On 25 December 1837, Lake Okeechobee became the site of an important battle in the Second Seminole War, fought between a number of Seminole Native American groups, the United States government, and allied militias. The battlefield is now the site of a 145 acre park, and annual reenactments.

In 2016, the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival was organized for the first time. This multi-day, multi-genre music festival attracted approximately 30,000 people to the city in its first year. The annual festival has continued since then, and is planned for 2023.

Notable people

 * Janet Bonnema, civil engineer
 * Kutter Crawford, MLB baseball player
 * Evan Neal, NFL football player
 * Lonnie Pryor, NFL football player
 * Reggie Rembert, NFL football player
 * Thomas Rooney, U.S. House of Representatives, Florida's 17th congressional district

title: Okeechobee, Florida


text:
Taylor Creek, Florida

Taylor Creek is a census-designated place (CDP) in Okeechobee County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,348 at the 2010 census.

Geography
The community lies along the north side of Lake Okeechobee. The area is served by US routes 98 and 441 and state routes 700 and 15.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.2 sqmi, of which 4.0 sqmi is land and 0.2 sqmi (3.61%) is water.

History
In 1855, Taylor Creek was the site for a meeting of Seminole. The aim of the meeting was to discuss how the confederation should respond to increasing pressure from the United States government, and the result was the start of the Third Seminole War.

In October 1896, the first Euro-American settlers, Peter and Louisiana Raulerson, moved down to the area from Fort Basinger, Florida.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,289 people, 2,022 households, and 1,277 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,073.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,775 housing units at an average density of 694.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.54% White, 0.26% African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.12% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.15% of the population.

There were 2,022 households, out of which 14.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.54.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 14.6% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 18.2% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 33.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 55 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $24,919, and the median income for a family was $28,260. Males had a median income of $23,810 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,754. About 10.1% of families and 15.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.8% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Taylor Creek, Florida