North Okaloosa is about to see massive growth. In fact, we are already seeing new subdivisions popping up around the County. A consultant hired by the County Commission to investigate growth management in North Okaloosa has found that “..it appears that allowing growth to occur based on existing entitlements will result in a worst case urban sprawl scenario in which it will be nearly impossible to provide services in a cost effective or orderly manner”. Okaloosa County is on an unsustainable path and it must fundamentally change its growth management strategy.

Many areas of the County are suffering from infrastructure related issues such as stormwater runoff and congested roads. Infrastructure Fees are charges levied on new development projects to help reduce the impact the new development has on the community.

There is a gap in communication and transparency between the County government and its residents. One of the key findings by the consultant hired by the County Commission to conduct the North Okaloosa Planning Study was the communities “Alarm regarding a lack of transparency and inadequate coordination in managing growth”.

I firmly believe it is the Commissioners’ responsibility to take the initiative and actively inform Constituents when there is legislation that impacts Constituents’ major interests.

In 2018, voters approved a 0.5% Infrastructure Surtax to be used to fund infrastructure improvements in Okaloosa County. We know it as the “half cent tax” and it sunsets on December 31, 2028. The surtax has at an accelerated pace funded many infrastructure projects in the County. Overall, the surtax has been a benefit to the County.