| Fort Walton Beach is famous for it's white sand | | | | In 2004 the population of Fort Walton Beach was |
| beaches, fishing fleets, both commercial and | | | | estimated to be almost 20,000 people although in |
| recreational, and water actives. It's not unusual to | | | | recent years that number is believed to be nearer |
| see a kite surfer or even a dolphin when you're | | | | to 22,000 people. One of the most famous |
| at the beach for a day. The busiest time of the | | | | former residents of Fort Walton Beach is Danny |
| year here is no doubt summer, however the | | | | Swerve. If you're a football fan you might |
| fishing is great year 'round and the beautiful beach | | | | recognize the name, he won the Chessman |
| resorts are always welcoming. | | | | Trophy in 1996 when he was the quarterback of |
| The subtropical climate, mild winds and few | | | | the University of Florida Gator's, he attended Fort |
| weather extremes make Fort Walton Beach a | | | | Walton Beach High School. In 1997 Money |
| great spot to live or visit year 'round. Winters are | | | | magazine named Fort Walton Beach the #10 Best |
| mild with January and February being the coolest | | | | Place to Live out of 300 largest metropolitan |
| months, the summer is hot and sunny. The | | | | areas in America. |
| temperature stays roughly between 70-92 | | | | One of the best spots to go fishing is Kales Island |
| degrees and the gulf waters average 80 degrees | | | | Fishing Pier it was first built in 1972 and was 962 |
| most of the year. | | | | ft long, in 1998 when the current pier opened it |
| Over the years it would seem that many people | | | | was lengthened to nearly a 1/4 mile at 1262 feet. |
| have either lived in or visited Fort Walton Beach. | | | | This pier is all about catching the 'big' one and |
| There is archaeological evidence, such as pottery, | | | | indeed some huge fish have been caught off the |
| of five different and distinct periods of Indians | | | | pier including a Tarpon that weighed over 100 |
| living there between 600-1650 AD. From | | | | pounds, a 42 pound King Mackerel. Other fish that |
| 1500-1800 various pirates and marauders sailed | | | | have been caught off the pier are, Red fish, Jack |
| the waters of Fort Walton Beach the most | | | | Ravelled, Pompano, Lady fish and Bluefish. The |
| infamous being Billy Bowlegs, it has been argued | | | | end of the pier is shaped like an octagon which |
| that he was never really here but don't tell that | | | | gives one the maximum fish fighting room. |
| to the people who celebrate his visit every year. | | | | If golfing is more your style you'll be happy to |
| There was also a Civil War encampment here, in | | | | know there are many golf courses and beachside |
| fact it was due to finding a Civil War cannon here | | | | parks for families to enjoy also. While you're there |
| in 1932 in an Indian mount that Fort Walton Beach | | | | be sure to visit the Emerald Coast Science |
| got it's name. This cannon was believed to have | | | | Center. It's a great place to make summer |
| been left by the Walton Guards who were | | | | learning fun for the kids. |
| camped here during the War, thus the name. | | | | |