About Okaloosa County Okaloosa County consists of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Laurel Hill, Mary Esther, Niceville, Shalimar, Valparaiso, Cinco Bayou and Crestview as its County Seat. Its population was 170,498 in 2000. Its largest city is Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa County was created in 1915 and consists of two US Air Force bases: Eglin AFB and Hulburt Field. Okaloosa was an Indian word meaning "a pleasant place," back water," or "beautiful place. It is also said that the notorious pirate LaFitte docked there. Its total area is 1,082 square miles and 13.53% of it is water. |