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Fort Walton Beach, FL

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Fort Walton Beach, FL

Fort Walton Beach, often referred to by the initialism FWB, is a city in southern Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 U.S. census, the population was 20,922, up from 19,507 in 2010. It is a principal city of the Crestview−Fort Walton Beach−Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Fort Walton Beach is a year-round fishing and beach resort community. Its busiest time of the year is the summer, causing a boost to the local economy because of seasonal human migration.

Fort Walton Beach is located at 30°25′13″N 86°37′00″W (30.420199, −86.616727). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.3 km² (8.2 sq mi²), of which 19.3 km² (7.5 sq mi²) is land and 2 km² (0.77 sq mi²), or 9.26%, is water.

The prehistoric settlement of Fort Walton Beach is attributed to the mound building "Fort Walton Culture" that flourished from approximately 1100–1550 CE. It is believed that this culture evolved out of the Weeden Island culture. Fort Walton also appeared to come about due to contact with the major Mississippian centers to the north and west. It was the most complex in the northwest Florida region. The Fort Walton peoples put into practice mound building and intensive agriculture, made pottery in a variety of vessel shapes, and had hierarchical settlement patterns that reflected other Mississippian societies.

The first Europeans to set foot in what is now Okaloosa County and the Fort Walton Beach area were members of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's party, who traveled by boat from what is now Panama City Beach, Florida in 1528 to Texas, "Then we set out to sea again, coasting towards the River of Palms. Every day our thirst and hunger increased because our supplies were giving out, as well as the water supply, for the pouches we had made from the legs of our horses soon became rotten and useless. From time to time we would enter some inlet or cove that reached very far inland, but we found them all shallow and dangerous, and so we navigated through them for thirty days, meeting sometimes Indians who fished and were poor and wretched people".

The area is described as "40 deaths a day" in a Spanish map dated 1566. In later English and French maps, the area was noted as "Baya Santa Rosa" or "Bay St. Rose". Several Spanish artifacts, including a portion of brigantine leather armor, are housed in the Indian Temple Mound Museum.

Fort Walton Beach prioritizes the well-being of its residents, with numerous health and wellness facilities and initiatives. White-Wilson Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider, offering comprehensive medical services to the community. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes offers a luxurious retreat with various treatments including massages, facials, and body therapies. The Breakers Palm Beach is situated in Palm Beach, this historic resort features a lavish spa offering ocean-inspired treatments, wellness programs, and beauty services. Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach boasts a stunning design and a wide array of services such as massages, body scrubs, and hydrotherapy. Waldorf Astoria Spa, Boca Raton offers a tranquil setting with personalized treatments, relaxation lounges, and a full-service salon. The Spa at Naples Grande provides a peaceful atmosphere with services like massages, facials, body wraps, and a private outdoor meditation lounge. Acqualina Spa by ESPA focuses on holistic wellness with treatments inspired by European traditions and natural ingredients.

Top sites in Fort Walton Beach, FL are Emerald Coast Science Center, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, and Okaloosa Island Pier.

Population: 20,925 (2023). ZIP codes: 32547-32549. Area code: 850. Elevation: 7 ft (2 m). Area: 7.72 sq mi (20.00 km²).

FAQs

What is the history of Fort Walton Beach, FL?

The prehistoric settlement of Fort Walton Beach is attributed to the mound building "Fort Walton Culture" that flourished from approximately 1100–1550 CE. It is believed that this culture evolved out of the Weeden Island culture. Fort Walton also appeared to come about due to contact with the major Mississippian centers to the north and west. It was the most complex in the northwest Florida region. The Fort Walton peoples put into practice mound building and intensive agriculture, made pottery in a variety of vessel shapes, and had hierarchical settlement patterns that reflected other Mississippian societies.

What are the demographics of Fort Walton Beach, FL?

As of the census of 2000, there are 19,973 people, 8,460 households, and 5,422 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,036.5/km² (2,683.0/mi²). There are 9,007 housing units at an average density of 467.4/km² (1,209.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 78.84% White, 13.34% African American, 0.45% Native American, 2.72% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.22% from other races, and 3.36% from two or more races. 4.04% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

What is Fort Walton Beach, FL known for?

Fort Walton Beach is a city in Florida that is known for its beautiful beaches and amazing weather. The local attractions include the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, the Indian Temple Mound Museum, and the Air Force Armament Museum. There are also many great restaurants, shops, and activities to enjoy. The area offers wonderful outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, and beachcombing. Fort Walton Beach boasts a vibrant nightlife with live music, dance clubs, and bars.

Sources

City of Fort Walton Beach

Wikipedia

Bestplaces

White-Wilson Medical Center

Ritz-Carlton Spa

Breakers Palm Beach

Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Waldorf Astoria Spa, Boca Raton

The Spa at Naples Grande

Acqualina Spa by ESPA

Emerald Coast Science Center

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Okaloosa Island Pier

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