Okaloosa Island Pier marks 50 years of fishing history since 1972 opening

The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners convened on July 3, 2025, to discuss the historical significance and ongoing management of the Okaloosa Island Pier, also known as the Fort Walton Pier. The meeting highlighted the pier's rich history, from its opening in 1972 to its various renovations and repairs over the decades.

The discussion began with a nostalgic reflection on the pier's opening day, which featured a modest ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local politicians. Despite the low-key celebration, the event drew a crowd of eager fishermen, eager to cast their lines from the newly constructed structure. The pier, built 12 feet high and extending 960 feet into the Gulf, quickly became a popular fishing destination.

Several attendees shared personal anecdotes about their experiences on the pier. Jim Mills, who was present on the opening day, reminisced about the abundance of fish available at that time, noting that catches of king mackerel and cobia were common. He expressed a sense of community among regular fishermen, emphasizing that socializing was as important as fishing itself.

The meeting also addressed the pier's structural history, detailing the challenges it faced from natural disasters. Over the years, the pier has endured significant damage from hurricanes, including Hurricane Eloise in 1975 and Hurricane Opel in 1995. Each incident prompted repairs and renovations, with the pier being rebuilt at a cost of $3.4 million after the 1995 destruction. The current structure, which has undergone various modifications, remains a vital part of the local fishing culture.

The Board of Commissioners acknowledged the pier's ongoing importance to the community and discussed future management strategies to ensure its continued success. The meeting concluded with a commitment to preserving the pier's legacy while adapting to the changing needs of the community and the environment.