Fort Walton Beach, city (8 sq mi/20.7 sq km; 1990 pop. 21,471), Okaloosa co., NW Fla., on the Gulf of Mexico; 30°25'N 86°37'W. It is a year-round resort, with beaches and freshwater and deep-sea fishing. Mfg. includes electronic equip. and small boats. Eglin Air Force Base, on the city’s outskirts, contributes significantly to the economy. The city grew around a fort constructed during the Seminole War (1835–1842). Its main growth came after 1941, when it developed as a resort center and the air force base was expanded. A natl. historic landmark here includes a mus. of Native Amer. culture. Inc. 1941.
