Renovation of Okaloosa County Courthouse complicated by asbestos discovery

During a pre-renovation asbestos survey, asbestos was found, primarily in floor tiles, at the Okaloosa County Courthouse, built in 1955. The renovation will expand the County Commissioner chamber, allowing more residents to attend meetings there. Although inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause very serious illnesses, such as malignant mesothelioma, officials believe there is no risk in the courthouse as long as the floor tiles remain undisturbed, but the asbestos must be removed before renovat