The Okaloosa County Commission has a packed agenda for its meeting Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 8:30 a.m. at the Crestview Courthouse, 101 E. James Lee Blvd.
Here are three things to know about the upcoming meeting.
Data centers
During the Sept. 3 meeting, Okaloosa County commissioners asked their staff to research how the centers could impact the county’s resources, including water and power, how much noise and waste would be generated and other related issues. The task was to gather information and recommendations, not to draft legislation.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the staff will present its findings, and commissioners will consider potential changes to the county’s comprehensive plan and land development code related to data centers.
AI tourism development
The board will consider a request from the Tourist Development Department for up to $750,000 for additional work with BooneOakley to improve how Destin-Fort Walton Beach appears in travel recommendations that are generated by AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.
The department has an existing contract with BooneOakley, but this request falls outside the current agreement. The department has been researching how AI platforms affect travel decisions for more than a year.
The goal for BooneOakley is to create and update content, monitor AI recommendations and help keep Destin-Fort Walton Beach among the destinations recommended when families are planning their vacations.
P.J. Adams turn lane
The board will also consider whether to approve a $2.39 million contract with Anderson Columbia Co. Inc. to build a second southbound right-turn lane on P.J. Adams Parkway at State Road 85.
According to the agreement, the work includes drainage improvements, paving, traffic signals and other improvements.
Three bids were received on Aug. 12, with Anderson Columbia submitting the lowest responsive and responsible bid.
The Florida Department of Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) will contribute approximately $1.2 million to the project, with the county covering the additional cost.
Following Tuesday’s County Commission meeting, the Charters of Freedom Monument, located adjacent to the Crestview Courthouse, will be unveiled. The ceremony is expected to take place between 10:30 and 11 a.m.
The monument features stainless steel replicas of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and Civil Rights Amendments.
