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