North Okaloosa County growth plan divides commissioners

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. ( WKRG ) — The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners was divided Tuesday over the proposed growth plan for North Okaloosa County.

While some commissioners support the plan, others raised concerns about the quick timeline for its implementation.

The plan aims to manage growth in the rural areas of North Okaloosa County by directing development toward areas with existing infrastructure while preserving agricultural land and the rural character of the community. It proposes the creation of urban development boundaries to limit where new residential and commercial developments can occur. This is intended to prevent urban sprawl and maintain green spaces.

However, some commissioners worry the plan, set to take effect on April 1, 2026, may be moving too quickly. District 4 Commissioner Trey Goodwin expressed hesitation about committing to the timeline.

“I’m not ready to commit to a timeline yet because the darn thing is huge and the implications are enormous,” Goodwin said during the meeting.

Locals have voiced concerns over the potential impact of the development.

“My concern is this: Okaloosa County is being transformed right before our eyes, and I don’t really think a lot of people understand what’s going on,” a local farmer Shannon Nixon said. “At one time, Okaloosa County had a lot of farmland that has now been converted into things other than agriculture.”

Nixon supports the efforts of the group Inspire, which has hosted nine town hall meetings to gather community input and advocate for preserving the rural character of the area.

“I think what Inspire has conveyed is just a reflection of what people that are actually active and getting out, you know, letting their voices be heard,” Nixon said.

The plan also emphasizes the need for adequate infrastructure, including roads, water and sewer services, to support the anticipated growth. This is crucial as the county prepares for population increases projected over the next few decades.

This debate follows concerns raised earlier about the Possum Ridge housing development in Crestview, where residents opposed a large housing project, citing potential environmental and traffic impacts. Like Possum Ridge, the current plan has sparked fears about overdevelopment in rural areas.

Opponents of the plan voiced concerns about the community’s ability to adapt to the changes in time. They also pointed to potential challenges with implementing new zoning and land-use regulations under the proposed timeline.

The board’s split leaves the future of the plan unclear. Further discussions and possible modifications may be needed before a final decision is made.

Community members have expressed concerns about the impact of rapid development. Residents in North Okaloosa have consistently voiced a desire to preserve the area’s rural character while addressing infrastructure issues.

The board has not yet determined the next steps, leaving questions about how the plan will move forward. Public feedback will likely play a role as the commissioners continue to debate the plan.

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