Transportation & Infrastructure
Multi-Modal Transportation Network
Okaloosa County enjoys the benefits of a sophisticated multi-modal transportation network. The county's highway, rail, air, and water transportation systems provide a complete network of competitively-priced shipping options. The ability to combine so many different methods of transportation provides Okaloosa's business community with cost-effective shipping alternatives as well as local, state, and national transportation needs.
Okaloosa County offers a public transportation service, Emerald Coast Rider, which offers bus and trolley transportation services for Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Okaloosa Island, and Destin/South Walton
Air Service
Okaloosa County runs three unique and sophisticated airports to meet different aviation needs.The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport offers commercial transportation for the Gulf Coast region without congestion. The Destin Executive Airport offers first class facilities for pilots and chartered flights. The Bob Sikes Airport features an industrial general aviation airport.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is centrally located in the heart of Okaloosa County and provides commercial transportation for the Gulf Coast region.
- Highway access to the 110,000 SF terminal and other facilities provided by State Route 85, a north-south main thoroughfare
- On-Site Ground Transportation to service customers
- The services of Allegiant, American Airlines, Contour Airlines, Delta Airlines, GLO, United Airlines ensure flexible travel routes which serve approximately 800,000 passengers each year with direct service to Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Bowling Green, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Louisville, Memphis, New Orleans, New York City/Newark, Oklahoma City, Peoria, Pittsburgh, Springfield/Branson, St. Louis / Belleville and Washington DC. Modern Amenities: Wi-Fi, free curbside assistance, ample parking, and complimentary shuttle service
- The Airport has expanded its terminal to include a cargo facility and relocating its rental operation to better serve its customers
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is an outstanding example of efficiency and joint use partnership with the United States Air Force resulting in lower operating costs. The regional airport utilizes two Eglin AFB runways:
- 10,000 feet long and 300 feet wide
- 12,000 feet long and 300 feet wide
These runways are the only ones in Northwest Florida capable of non-stop international operations to Europe. The access taxiway measures 1,600 feet long and 50 feet wide.
Bob Sikes Airport (CEW)
The Bob Sikes Airport, located at the Okaloosa County Industrial Airpark, is owned and operated by Okaloosa County. The Bob Sikes Airport offers an 8,000 foot runway with ILS. It is primarily utilized for industrial application with general aviation facilities.Several privately owned hangars exist along the taxiways.
Destin Executive Airport (DTS)
The Destin Executive Airport located at the south end of Okaloosa County is a community airport that serves general aviation. With a 5,000 foot runway, full service amenities, and close proximity to "the south's most beautiful beaches", Destin Executive Airport (DTS) is an essential transportation resource. Our two fixed base operators offer comfortable first class facilities for travelers and pilots alike.
Sea Ports
Okaloosa County is centrally located between two deep-water ports, the Port of Pensacola and the Port of Panama City. It is also a thoroughfare for the intercoastal waterway.
Port of Pensacola & Foreign Trade Zone #249 is located approximately 40 miles from the Okaloosa County and is accessible via the Intercoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Its channel entrance is 500' wide and is dredged to a depth of 33 feet. Port of Panama City & Foreign Trade Zone #65 is located approximately 55 miles from Okaloosa County and is accessible via the Intercoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. The channel offers a depth of 36 feet. The port's main commodities are forestry, steel and copper products. The Port offers six deepwater berths consisting of 3,240 linear feet, with 32 foot draft.
Utilities
Florida Power & Light is one of the largest investor-owned electric utilities in the United States. Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc., CHELCO, is one of Northwest Florida’s four consumer-owned Touchstone Energy Electric Cooperatives that share membership in the Alabama Electric Generation & Transmission Cooperative. The Okaloosa Gas District provides service throughout Okaloosa and surrounding counties.