Public beach access expanded in Destin this week.
Destin city officials along with Okaloosa County leaders came together on July 15 to cut the ribbon on the Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park, expanding public beach access for residents and visitors.
“Beach front access continues to be a main priority,” said Destin Councilman Kevin Schmidt.
“It’s been important to allow the public access to this amazing God’s creation behind us,” Schmidt said.
He thanked the foresight of those before him on the council as well as those who have served alongside him.
“It’s amazing to be here at the end to be able to have access,” he said.
The new park, at 3310 Scenic Highway 98, has opened up 340 feet of beach access.
The park has 49 standard parking spaces, three ADA-accessible spaces, 29 low-speed vehicle spaces, bathrooms, and four pavilions.
The park is a collaborative effort between the city of Destin, Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners and the Trust for Public Land.
Several people spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Chamber, thanked Schmidt and mentioned God and his creation.
“Because without him, this doesn’t exist and happen,” Moody said.
Moody pointed out that the Tarpon Beach park is the sixth park dedication in the city of Destin in the past six years.
“Think about a city this size, that’s a lot,” Moody said, noting that Destin just added another big city amenities for such a small community.
Moody also talked of how the new park checks all the boxes from a “chamber guy” perspective.
He spoke of how the new park is generational, transformational, and has a positive economic impact.
“This is absolutely generational,” Moody said, noting generations to come will be able to enjoy the park.
It’s transformation in that, “it’s not what was here, but what is here now,” he said.
As for the economic impact, it could be endless from people going to local stores for food and drink to eating at restaurants for dinner.
“Congrats to all the partners,” Moody said.
Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer celebrated what partners can do.
Palmer talked of arriving at the beach on Wednesday and looking to his left and right and already seeing chairs set up on the beach.
“As I see the ghost chairs set up and, in the water, … this is a place where we will not have that. That is an enormous win,” Palmer said.
“I’m proud that the city council and county commission and others saw the opportunity,” Palmer said.
“This is a generational thing and that’s important,” he said, as he thanked everyone that was involved in the project.
The project was a dedicated effort by the city of Destin and Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners to use tourism revenue and expand public beach access for residents and visitors with a total investment of $16.96 million shared between the city and county.
The Trust for Public Land was the lead agency that helped negotiate the purchase of the properties for the Tarpon Beach project, according to a news release.
Deputy Chief Mike Landis with the Destin Fire Control District was there with his young daughter at the ribbon cutting.
“The more public parks we have, the better it is for our city,” Landis said.
“Thank you for the design of the park … for allowing our first responders to have access and make sure we have an easy way in and out,” Landis said.
He was thankful for dedicated parking for lifeguards and beach safety people.
Okaloosa Board of County Commission Chair Trey Goodwin was last up and said Landis’ daughter is exactly the reason government does projects like this.
“Doing a project is great for us and tourists … but for the next generation and the generation behind them,” Goodwin said.
“I’m so glad Mike (Landis) brought his daughter, that’s why we do this,” he said.
“There want be a condo or hotel here,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin said the project took a bit longer than they wanted, “but now it’s done and will be here for years to come.
“I’m excited, it turned out beautiful. It is going to be a great amenity for anybody in Okaloosa County,” Goodwin said.
This article originally appeared on The Destin Log: New Tarpon Beach park expands public access in Destin
Reporting by Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log / The Destin Log
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log | USA TODAY Network
