Exciting news: on Wednesday, July 17, Okaloosa County is breaking ground on a brand new agriculture learning center!
On July 17th, 2024, a groundbreaking ceremony will be held to mark the beginning of construction for a brand new Agriculture Extension Office. The new facility will be situated near Miss Ruth's Farmers Market at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds in Fort Walton Beach. This project will replace a storm-damaged building in south Okaloosa County and serve as a much-needed resource for the community.
The new 3000 square foot agriculture learning center will allow the Okaloosa County’s University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (UF IFAS) Extension to offer a variety of courses, programs, workshops, and meetings. You can expect courses and events featuring agriculture, family and consumer sciences, commercial and residential horticulture, natural resources, and 4-H Youth Development program areas.
The building will also offer accommodation for large groups. There will be a full teaching kitchen, a small laboratory, storage, and office space.
Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025!