In 1987, a task force was convened to determine the need for further expansion of the Okaloosa-Walton Junior College/University of West Florida (OWJC/UWF) Joint Center, and, if warranted, to select a permanent site for the facility. The task force undertook a study involving: (1) collection of demographic data on the Greater Fort Walton Beach area and institutional data from OWJC and UWF; (2) a review of previous studies, surveys, informational materials, and institutional reports; (3) on-site visits to the center, OWJC, and UWF to interview administrators and staff; (4) an analysis of educational needs assessment data prepared by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the two institutions; (5) a review of the educational needs of the military bases in the area; (6) an examination of the involvement of independent colleges; and (7) participation by the Office of Educational Facilities. The study revealed that, since the establishment of the Joint Center in 1983, the population in the region has continued to grow in most age cohorts, with projections indicating a continuation of this growth through the year 2000. The vacated elementary school that is now jointly leased by OWJC and the UWF for the Joint Center is being used to capacity, and other sites have been found to handle the overflow of students. Given the growth in the elementary and secondary school populations in the region, the elementary school may be reclaimed to serve K-12 students in Okaloosa County. Task force recommendations focused on the need for the further development of joint programs and the immediate exploration of other sites for the facility. (UCM)