Okaloosa Public Works: Mission & Values Detailed

Okaloosa County residents and visitors depend on the Public Works Department for essential infrastructure and quality of life services. Public Works Director Scott Bitterman leads the department, which operates through five divisions: Engineering, Traffic Operations, Roads, Environmental Services and Administrative Services, with support from Fleet Operations.

The department's mission is to provide these vital services by improving operational efforts and maximizing the efficiency of limited resources. The department meets challenges with excellence and professionalism, pursuing success through innovative solutions and pride in its work.

Core values guiding the Public Works Department are Professionalism, Integrity and Accountability. Professionalism means performing quality work, respecting colleagues and citizens, using resources innovatively and continuously seeking improvement. Integrity demands fairness, consistency, openness, honesty, responsibility and selflessness in all actions and decisions. Accountability focuses on the responsible use of resources—funds, materials, equipment and people—to protect public and staff health, safety and general welfare, acting as stewards of government infrastructure.

The department also highlighted the benefits of APWA Accreditation, a voluntary process recognizing public works agencies for compliance with recommended management practices. Benefits include fostering a culture of continuous improvement, enhancing operational performance, developing staff, retaining institutional knowledge, improving communication and potentially lowering insurance premiums and reducing liability.

Residents with questions regarding services can find information on topics such as household hazardous waste disposal, stormwater concerns, driveway permits and right-of-way vacations. The department also addresses inquiries about mosquito control and speed bump installation.

The Public Works Department is located at 1759 S. Ferdon Boulevard in Crestview, FL 32536. Scott Bitterman serves as the Public Works Director. He can be reached by phone at (850) 689-5772 or by fax at (850) 689-5715.