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