CRESTVIEW—The Okaloosa County Commission voted to approve the purchase of 229 acres along the Shoal River for $850,000 to provide more public access opportunities.
Here is what you need to know.
Where is this land?
Located in Crestview, east of Highway 85 and north of the Shoal River, the property is part of an ongoing push for more recreational opportunities in the northern end of Okaloosa County. The purchase comes a few weeks after the county approved the purchase of 297 acres in Baker for recreational activities.
The county says the purchase will provide vehicular access and connectivity to more than 2,000 county-owned acres.
What will this land be used for?
According to Deputy County Administrator Craig Coffey, the uses for this land are centered around ecotourism. They will include walking and equestrian trails, paddling, Shoal River access, land navigation events, nature/endurance races and other passive uses. The plans also include parking, bathrooms and picnic pavilions.
Coffey notes that the land also features large, mature trees and will provide a good example of the beauty of the county’s northern end.
Because of sewer limitations and restricted vehicle access, the property is not ideal for large events. However, there is an opportunity to connect to a 8,000 acres on the north side of the Shoal River, which could be done through coordination with other conservation entities, such as the Jackson Guard.
How was this afforded?
The land was purchased from funds from the tourism tax and interest funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Of the $850,000, the purchase price is $780,000, including $22,465 for closing costs. Another $70,000 will be used for master planning and connecting various county properties, possibly by purchasing more lands.
The purchase is contingent upon favorable appraisals. Once completed, the county expects to close on the purchase in November.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Okaloosa County buys 229 acres in Crestview for more recreation
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