Okaloosa Island Cleanup and Restoration

Okaloosa Island is a misnomer; the “island” part of the name is anyway. Okaloosa Island is an 875-acre part of Santa Rosa Island. With three miles of Okaloosa Island facing the gulf, no one wonders why “island” is part of the name.  

Okaloosa Island officially became part of Okaloosa County on July 8, 1950. There was an informal ceremony at the county courthouse in Crestview, marking the efforts of Congressman Bob Sikes. Before the transaction, the area was called “Tower Beach.” Tower Beach had an amusement park, a boardwalk, and a hotel – all of which had been operating for about 15 years. The Brooks Bridge, which connects Okaloosa Island to downtown Fort Walton Beach, was named for Thomas Brooks, the owner/operator of the amusement park complex. The boardwalk, concession stands, and hotel (which included a popular restaurant) were destroyed by a fire on March 7, 1942. Because the war required building materials and construction workers, the island could not rebuild. Okaloosa Island did not tear down the remaining properties until 1995. 

Even in the 2020s, a residential fire can destroy homes and commercial buildings over time. Smoke and soot are corrosive and greasy enough to attract other contaminants. Water, which may be used for suppression, or result from roof damage that allows in rain, or leak from broken pipes and hoses, often contributes to the damage after a fire. SERVPRO is an accredited restoration and cleaning company that provides outstanding restoration from fire, water, and mold as well as from any related hazards. 

Count on SERVPRO to restore buildings from fire, water, mold, and other property-hammering disasters.