Update on Restoration of Okaloosa beaches

Restoration of Destin beaches from the Okaloosa/Walton County line to Henderson Beach State Park, a distance of over 2 miles, has been completed. The planting of sea oats for this project, to help protect the dunes from future storms, should be completed by July 31, 2007.               Remaining projects include all of Destin and all of Okaloosa Island (including portions of the Air Force’s Property) and are anticipated to be completed by 2008. The Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC) is organizing and funding these future efforts in partnership with Okaloosa County, the City of Destin and Eglin Air Force Base.            

            Emerald Coast beaches were spotlighted this year in Southern Living and have been voted “Best Beach in the South” and “Best Family Destination in the South,” by its readers for 12 consecutive years. Tourism generates in excess of $1.5 billion annually for Okaloosa County.

            The completed beach restoration project will cost the TDC approximately $465,000 per year, for a total of $4.1 million, which will be funded through the resort tax collections or bed taxes. The TDC is committed to funding restoration projects for the remainder of Okaloosa County beaches. For more information and updates, visit http://www.co.okaloosa.fl.us.