BEACH OPERATIONS
Beach Access Updates:
The Scenic Gulf Drive Regional Beach Access in Miramar Beach (907 Scenic Gulf Drive) went out to re-bid this month, as previous bids for the project exceeded anticipated budget costs. Once the construction bid process is complete, staff and crews will prepare for construction, which is expected to begin in October. This beach access is expected to open by summer 2022.
The proposed Seagrove Regional Beach Access, located across the street from Café Thirty-A, is in the final stages of design and permitting and is expected to go out for bid early this summer. Construction is expected to begin this fall and be completed by summer 2022.
Efforts are underway to enhance the Walton Dunes (258 Beachfront Trail) beach access. The project continues to make its way through the design and permitting phase. Improvements will include 16 parallel ROW parking spaces, restrooms, and an ADA-accessible boardwalk. Construction is expected to begin early this winter and be completed by late summer/early fall 2022.
Work is still underway at the Santa Clara Regional Beach Access located in Seagrove Beach but is expected to wrap up this month. A new boardwalk and dune walkover leading to the beach will be the most notable enhancements.
New updates are underway at Kellogg Park as the staff moves forward with design and permitting efforts for a community/nature center. The proposed 800-1,200 square foot building will be constructed on the existing building pad and will serve as a great addition for both visitors and locals.
In 2008, the county formalized the bayside park, added a seawall, benches, water fountains, and a parking area. The TDC is currently responsible for maintaining the trails and existing facilities in the park. This 10-acre property was donated by the Kellogg family and is located on the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Capital Improvement Updates:
The Walton County Tourist Development Council continues to take an active approach to improve parking and transportation throughout the county. Here's a look at some projects currently undergoing or preparing for improvements.
Beach Access & Customary Use Reminder:
While there have been changes for customary use of private beachfront property, much is still evolving currently. If guests have concerns, we hope the below information will be helpful.
Things to keep in mind:
What is customary use?
What is changing?
Does that mean I can't walk all 26 miles of our white sand beaches?
Customary Use Information:
Walton County Beach Maintenance Department has been denied access to collect trash on private property by some beachfront property owners. As a result, beach garbage pickup by TDC crews is no longer available on about 40-percent of beaches. That percentage not only includes the beachfront properties that owners will not allow access to or across their property but in some cases also adjacent properties that can no longer be accessed for garbage collection because crews are blocked on either side by property owners that will not allow collection crews to cross their property. The affected owners were notified. Public Regional and Neighborhood Beach Accesses will not be affected, and garbage collection will continue as usual on those beaches.
CONTACT US |
Visit South Walton 25777 US Hwy 331 S | Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 VisitSouthWalton.com | (850) 267-1216 |