Okaloosa County approves purchase of two homes for Northwest Crestview Bypass; asks staff to explore interim use
November 05, 2025 | Okaloosa County, Florida
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The first property, 102 Springwood Circle, is on approximately 0.32 acres. Bitterman recommended purchase at $239,800 plus closing costs and legal fees and requested a budget transfer of $250,000 from FY 2026 surtax reserves to complete the acquisition. The board had not yet taken the item to the infrastructure surtax committee because of timing; staff planned to provide an informational item to the committee on Nov. 12.
The second property, 181 Mary Lane, is on roughly 0.28 acres and was presented for purchase at $250,000 plus closing costs and legal fees; the surtax committee had already reviewed this property and supported the acquisition. Both purchases were described as voluntary acquisitions that avoid eminent domain and that can be less expensive and disruptive when owners are willing to sell.
Commissioners asked about the handling of remnant parcels, interim uses and whether the county could rent out homes while awaiting project construction to avoid vacancy deterioration. Bitterman said options include using the lots for county storage, renting through a property-management arrangement or holding for future resale depending on final design. Staff indicated one home was owner-occupied and the occupants were relocating; the other home's occupancy status was less clear and would be part of follow-up research.
Motions to approve both purchase-and-sale agreements passed unanimously. The board asked staff to work with the county housing director to research rental or temporary management options and to return with recommendations on interim use and prospects for resale to recoup funds where appropriate.
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