Emerald Coast
Technology & Research Center

Okaloosa County and Eglin AFB are currently developing an Enhanced Use Lease for a new research center to be located adjacent to the University of Florida's Research, Engineering and Education Facility, REEF. This collaborative campus will enhance the ability of Eglin AFB to carry out its vital national defense mission by creating powerful synergistic relationships between public research facilities, and private-sector manufacturing and research-based businesses.

The idea of a new technology park was first introduced in a 1991 conceptual paper prepared by the Okaloosa-Walton Community College and the Economic Development Council (EDC) of Okaloosa County.  That original Okaloosa Technology Park has evolved into the Emerald Coast Technology and Research Center. The ECTRC will benefit Eglin Air Force Base, the region’s military and university laboratories, local defense contractors, and the Okaloosa County and regional economy! 

Currently the University of Florida utilizes a 10 acre portion out of 118.65 acres with a 45,000 square foot building occupied by the University’s REEF.  The 10 acre parcel also includes the REEF’s parking lots and maintenance area.  The remaining underutilized land surrounding the REEF is the location for the establishment of the campus. The REEF will form a nucleus for the park to which technology-based companies will gravitate.

Site Location:

The site property is located just west of the intersection of Lewis Turner Boulevard and Highway 85 outside the west gate of Eglin AFB.

Site Size Available:

As needed.

Environment:

Property is a combination of cleared and forested level terrains.  No wetlands exist with the parcel.

Access:

Close proximity to U.S. Highway 98, Highway 85, State Highway 189 (Mary Esther Blvd.), Interstate 10, and the Okaloosa Regional Airport.

Transportation:

Utilities:

Owner:

U.S.A.F., Eglin AFB, owns the land leased by the University of Florida.  Eglin Properties, LLC is the improvements developer

Current Tenants:

The University of Florida's Research, Engineering and Education Facility (REEF).  The University of West Florida.  The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition.

 Home Page     Top of Page