On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to create the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds Advisory Committee that will provide guidance to the Board on the enhancement and refurbishment of the property. 

• This is all part of an effort to make needed improvements to the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds.

The County closed on the property from the City of Fort Walton Beach in June 2023, with an intended purpose to preserve the history of the Fairgrounds and improve infrastructure, while exploring future opportunities to benefit residents and visitors in the County. 

“Okaloosa County is excited about the opportunity to enhance and update the Fairgrounds so that it will be a long-lasting asset for our residents and visitors,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “There is no better way to make sure we get this right than to have a community stakeholder advisory committee and I am proud we established that today.”

The seven-person volunteer committee will be made up of five appointees nominated by individual County Commissioners, an appointee nominated by the Northwest Florida Fair Association and an appointee nominated by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. 

• Additionally, the County hopes that the Fort Walton Beach City Manager will serve as an ex officio, non-voting member.

Each appointee will be approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The committee will serve in an advisory role that will make recommendations to the Board related to maximizing the existing and future use of the property, as well as any additional modifications or structures that need to be created.

According to the county, establishing an advisory committee is the next step in creating a hallmark venue that is accessible to suit the needs of a variety of clientele and event opportunities.