From The State

Okaloosa County receives more than $7 million in state funding

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state budget Monday, approving funding for infrastructure improvements and mental health programs in Okaloosa County.

Jared Williams

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Okaloosa County has been approved to receive $7,035,000 in state funding after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state’s $115 billion budget Monday. The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners submitted five legislative priorities to the Legislature that were approved in the budget.

The funded projects will help improve infrastructure and build upon the county’s support for mental health and substance abuse diversion.

The approved projects include:

Okaloosa-Walton Mental Health and Substance Abuse Pre-Trial Diversion Program – $325,000
Santa Rosa Boulevard Improvements Phase 1 – $1,000,000
Gap Creek Channel Inventory and Planning Study- $250,000
Okaloosa County Coastal Stormwater Retrofit Program – $1,460,000
Connecting the Collectors Environmental Impact Statement – $4,000,000

“Okaloosa County is fortunate to have legislators like Senators Don Gaetz and Jay Trumbull and Representatives Patt Maney and Nathan Boyles who consistently advocate for the residents of Okaloosa County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “These projects will provide the necessary funding for much-needed improvements and we are appreciative of Gov. DeSantis for recognizing Okaloosa County’s needs.”

The funding represents approval of all five legislative priorities submitted by the county to the state Legislature.

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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 17, 2026

“0:56, 4 attempts”

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SCOTT commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“Susan, pretty much none of that is true. Have you calculated the difference for you personally between current taxes and then with the additional homestead exemption but with additional sales...”

Susan L Hudson commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“This is like taking from Peter to pay Paul. Taxes are already 7%, this will make them 8%. People think about if you have to buy a big ticket item?...”

Wayne Parsons commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“NO, no more taxes”

Susan L Hudson commented on Meigs Park project moving forward as pavilion, restroom facilities take shape in Niceville

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Julia Kearns commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“Oh hell no !!!!”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 16, 2026

“0:39, 4 attempts”

“Isnt this a one PERCENT sales tax? Seems that a one cent sales tax means one cent on each sale... only a penny. One percent is 1/100 of the total...”

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