Okaloosa to establish advisory committee to enhance Northwest Florida Fairgrounds

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. – Okaloosa County is creating an advisory committee to help with its efforts to improve the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds.

The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to create the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds Advisory Committee, which will provide guidance to the Board on the enhancement and refurbishment of the property.

The county purchased the property from the City of Fort Walton Beach in June 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.”

According to Nick Tomecek, public information officer for Okaloosa County, 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, Tomecek said the county is hopeful the Fort Walton Beach City Manager will serve as an ex officio, non-voting member.

Commissioners will approve each appointee, he said.

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.

“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, said Tomecek.