The north side of Okaloosa Island, between the Gulf Island National Seashore and Destin’s Marler Bridge, has been experiencing extensive erosion over the years. In 2024, Okaloosa County received funding to a conduct a detailed site assessment and develop a preliminary (60%) site design that explores the use of nature-based solutions to mitigate coastal erosion. Although this effort is spearheaded by Okaloosa County, several community partners have expressed support for this effort, including Eglin Air Force Base, The Nature Conservancy, Florida Department of Transportation, and other local community and environmental organizations.
While there are nearly 3.5 miles of unprotected shoreline exposed to natural and anthropogenic impacts on Okaloosa Island, the current project area focuses on the most critically-eroded area. The project encompasses approximately 4,500 linear feet of shoreline (30° 23.896’N, 86° 33.821’W). Early conceptual design discussions focused on the development of an intertidal reef breakwater to dissipate wind- and vessel-generated wave activity, and planting of native salt-tolerant vegetation along the shoreline to stabilize the existing shoreline. However, future discussions are not limited to only these two design components. For example, incorporation of other components, such as tidal-inundated marsh habitat are available for discussion during the early phases of the preliminary site design. Considerations during the design phase should include future scale-ability to adjacent shorelines also.
Current grant funding supports task orders for initial site assessment through a 60% design milestone (Go-No Go decision point). However, this contract may be extended to include 100% design and permitting if additional funds become available.
