Okaloosa County Save Okaloosa's Future: Reauthorizing An Existing One-Half Cent Surtax Funding Essential Improvements And Infrastructure
What your vote means
A YES vote continues the half-cent county sales tax for ten years starting in 2029.
A NO vote lets the half-cent county sales tax end in December 2028.
Our one-line summary of the official wording.
In plain words
Our summary of the official materials and local reporting.
- This keeps Okaloosa County's half-cent sales tax for ten more years starting January 1, 2029; the current tax runs through December 2028. source: okaloosa-soe.s3.amazonaws.com
- The money would pay for roads, bridges, sidewalks, flood control, public safety buildings, land purchases and related debt, with a citizens' committee watching spending. source: okaloosa-soe.s3.amazonaws.com
- Commissioners approved a list of 33 possible projects, such as road work on College Blvd. and Santa Rosa Blvd. and Gap Creek stormwater fixes. source: getthecoast.com
- Money: Half-cent sales tax = 50 cents on a $100 purchase (Illustration only). Supporters say the current tax has raised more than $136 million since 2019, with more than 56% paid by tourists. source: getthecoast.com
Why people want it, and why others object
Why supporters want it
- Gordon King, chairman, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce (for a coalition of area chambers and groups): "As a business community, we've seen the results of what you've done." source: getthecoast.com
- Drew Palmer, Okaloosa County Commissioner: "It's extremely important for us to continue to serve the community in the best way that we can." source: getthecoast.com
Why opponents object
No public statement found.
Who backs each side
No public record found of a campaign committee or campaign money for either side.
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
ballot wording to come We publish ballot wording only after checking it word for word against the official file. The wording will come from okaloosa-soe.s3.amazonaws.com . Until then, check your sample ballot on the Division of Elections voter lookup (then your county Supervisor of Elections for your sample ballot) .
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
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