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Natural Gas fuels economic growth in Okaloosa County

This increased economic activity is creating good-paying jobs right here in our community. According to Okaloosa Gas District, over 200 people are currently employed by Okaloosa Gas.
Okaloosa Gas District Employees

Natural gas has become a major driver of economic growth and job creation in Okaloosa County and across Florida. As one of the nation’s top natural gas producing states, Florida is seeing significant investment and expansion in natural gas production, pipelines, and related industries.

This increased economic activity is creating good-paying jobs right here in our community. According to Okaloosa Gas District, over 200 people are currently employed by Okaloosa Gas.

  • And industry leaders expect continued growth, with numerous new positions created over the next 3-5 years if production increases to meet rising demand.

“The natural gas industry is providing stable, good-paying jobs for many Okaloosa residents,” said Okaloosa Gas Vice President Eddie Springle. “These jobs pay well above average and don’t always require a college degree. For lots of folks, it’s an opportunity to build a career and provide for their families.”

Compressed natural gas from Okaloosa Gas at the WM Facility in Fort Walton Beach.

Okaloosa Gas District provides natural gas service to the four major military installations in Okaloosa and Walton Counties which includes Eglin Air Force Base – the largest Air Force Base in the world. In addition, the District supplies natural gas to the Navy Installation, Whiting Field, in Santa Rosa County.

  • Elsewhere, Okaloosa Gas supplies natural gas to the City of Milton in Santa Rosa County, the City of Gulf Breeze in Escambia County, Walton County, and TECO Peoples Gas in Panama City Beach.

Beyond direct jobs in drilling and pipeline construction, the American Gas Association estimates each new natural gas job results in an additional 3-4 jobs created in related industries. This includes increased business for local restaurants, shops, hotels, and other services that support natural gas employees.

The economic benefits trickle down to the community level too, positively impacting residents and local businesses. From lower energy costs for households to increased affordability for local businesses, natural gas helps foster economic development in our region.

  • Natural gas development brings other economic perks as well. Natural Gas companies pay significant fees and taxes to state and local governments, helping fund schools, infrastructure, and community services.

There’s no denying the economic importance of natural gas to Okaloosa County. From job creation and local economic growth to the everyday comfort of heating our homes, natural gas and Okaloosa Gas District are both integral parts of our community.

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“The Big U! The NMU supplied the unlicensed crew and when we lost this ship and its jobs and when U.S. Lines went bankrupt, we were on our way to...”
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“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”
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“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”
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“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
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“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
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“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”
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“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
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“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
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“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”
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