Fort Walton Beach’s colorful heritage includes prehistoric settlements, Civil War encampments and a rich military history. The Indian Temple Mound located in the center of town, houses 4,000 Native American artifacts dating back to a time when migrating Indians built mounds that served as community centers for religious ceremonies and political discussions. Local legend also records frequent visits from a pirate rogue, William Augustus Bowles (aka Billy Bowlegs). An annual Sprint Billy Bowlegs Festival, relives his adventures with a week of simulated water battles, parades and treasure hunts.
Eglin Air Force Base (originally known as the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base) was established in Fort Walton Beach in 1935. The largest Air Force installation in the free world, Eglin AFB, is recognized for state-of-the-art testing and research warfare systems. Hurlburt Field, to the west of the city, is home to America’s Air Commandos. Both military operations play the most significant role in the economy of Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County.
For many years, Fort Walton Beach remained largely undiscovered as a tourism destination. Today that quiet status has changed. Tourism represents the second largest economic impact for the area. Many visitors purchase a second home or retirement home in the area. Property values continue to grow, unemployment is low and economic growth exceeds national averages. Named the in the Top Ten Places to Live by Money Magazine and Number One Beach in the South by readers of Southern Living Magazine, Florida’s Emerald Coast and Fort Walton Beach rank high for both visitors and residents.
Fort Walton Beach Jobs 