[beachgirl27]

hello...my husband and two daughters and i have been considering a move from kentucky to either st petersburg or ft walton beach area..both which we love...but st pete has so many negatives as far as crime and schools..could anyone give us advice on the economy in ft walton area..school information and how safe the area is...thanks

[sunrico90]

The area is safer than St Pete and a lot lower in cost. Schools are rated A+, we have the advantage of military money donate to the school system for improvements in equipment and facilities.

The economy of FWB is based in military support for Hulrburt Field and Eglin AFB, the overall economic impact of the Eglin Complex for Okaloosa
is $5,000,000,000 annually This requirement is satisfied via GOV contractors and is related to the Aerospace Industry and logistical support. I work for one of the top 10 contractors in the DOD and the pay and benefits is superb. Local bases support over 60,000 active military, civil service, and military dependents. Therefore all types of jobs are available.

Tourism is the second largest economic contributor for Okaloosa County.

Tourism...
...measures $1,000,000,000 annually;
...provides 35,000 job opportunities; and
...holds down the local ad-valorem taxes.

Although the primary attractions are the beautiful sugar-white beaches and the bountiful fishing, there are many other recreational activities to enjoy in Okaloosa County.

Our third economic pillar is retail: With an estimated 4.5 million people visiting the Emerald Coast annually Okaloosa enjoys its stable year-round consumer activity. Although tourism peaks in the spring and summer, vacationers and part-time residents enjoy the mild fall and winter months. Add this population influx to the local population of 180,000 and that equates to a stable year-round retail environment.

Okaloosa County Online
Okaloosa County Property Appraiser
Okaloosa County School District > Home ( DNN 4.0.2 )
Home

Hope this helps....

[bluegrass69]

Are Hvac jobs available in Ft. Walton?

[LOnRainjer]

If you have a HVAC certification you should have no problems finding work. I have talked to a few people that have applied at open maintenance positions and been turned down because they do not have that HVAC certification. I know of one position open now in the FWB area that needs an HVAC certified person. PM me for details.

[bluegrass69]

Thanks for your help!!!

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by LOnRainjer

If you have a HVAC certification you should have no problems finding work. I have talked to a few people that have applied at open maintenance positions and been turned down because they do not have that HVAC certification. I know of one position open now in the FWB area that needs an HVAC certified person. PM me for details.

Positions are available and the individuals with certifications will be contacted before the ones without a cert.

[vmart]

How is the job market in this area? I am also from Ky, and I am looking for a change. I currently work for the state as an auditor, and was wondering about accounting jobs in the Ft. Walton/Destin area. If anyone has any info, that would be great!! Thank you

[pink80]

I lived in Fort Walton and thought the traffic was crazy but overall crime is not an issue. Longwood Elementary is wonderful. I did not like Kenwood, thought they didn't have time for the children. Destin beaches are beautiful... Good Luck

[vmart]

Thanks for your help!

[2bohemians]

Here are some employment links that we thought might be helpful.


Walton Sun Classifieds

Northwest Florida Daily News

Panama City News Herald

Emerald Coast Jobs

Walton County Jobs

Okaloosa County Jobs

Bay County Jobs