OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla., June 19, 2024—The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners will initially serve as the governing board of the Dorcas Fire District.

The governor signing House Bill 897 June 13 made this a state-level action, not a county pursuit.

The bill changes the district’s status from an independent district to a dependent special district.

There will be no interruption of emergency service to Dorcas-area residents.

Commissioners voted Tuesday to suspend current operations at the Dorcas Fire District and implement mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire districts to sustain the continuity of emergency services for Dorcas area residents.

The board of commissioners will decide at a future Dorcas Fire District Board meeting how the district will operate and be governed.

Residents in the Dorcas district who need to make impact fee payments can make payments at the Okaloosa County Growth Management office in Crestview, located at 812 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview, Fla., 32536.

Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County public information officer