OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla., Nov. 13, 2026—A public meeting regarding the realignment of State Road 85 near Eglin Air Force Base is scheduled for Nov. 17.

Okaloosa County, in coordination with Eglin AFB, is hosting the meeting for the State Road 85 Realignment Project Development and Environmental Study.

The meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Okaloosa County Administration Building (Board Chambers), 1250 N. Eglin Parkway in Shalimar.

The county is leading the study and serves as the project proponent. Eglin AFB is serving as the lead federal agency and will provide final study approval.

The purpose of the study is to identify the most appropriate location for realigning Highway 85 farther to the west on Eglin property and to evaluate the potential transportation, environmental and community impacts associated with that realignment.

The project is needed to support future mission expansion at Eglin AFB while also addressing long-term transportation needs of the region.

Participants will have the opportunity to view a presentation, project displays, speak with project team members and submit comments or questions via a comment box.

There will be no formal presentation or open forum for public discussion. All meeting materials, including the presentation, will be available on the project website at www.myokaloosa.com/sr85realignment.

Additional information

Okaloosa County is sending notices to nearby property owners, business owners, interested persons and organizations to provide the opportunity to offer comments and express their views regarding this project and the proposed improvements.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to Okaloosa County compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Mindy Kane, Okaloosa County Title VI/Nondiscrimination Coordinator, at 850-609-7074 or by email at mkane@myokaloosa.com.

Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Okaloosa County Project Manager Scott Bitterman at (850) 689-5772 at least seven days prior to the meeting. Anyone with hearing or speech impaired can contact the county using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (voice).

Anyone with questions or comments about the Hwy 85 realignment study can contact Scott Bitterman by phone at (850) 689-5772, by email at sbitterman@myokaloosa.com or U.S. mail at 1759 South Ferdon Boulevard, Crestview, FL 32536.

Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County public information officer