County officials took another big step this week toward finally making the long-envisioned Bridge to Bridge multi-use pathway a reality.

• On Tuesday, the Okaloosa Board of Commissioners unanimously backed a $612,999 contract with Neel-Schaffer, Inc. to handle construction engineering and inspection services as the dedicated bicycle/pedestrian route along Scenic Highway 98 begins to take shape this spring.

The professional oversight work follows last month’s ratification of Eglin Air Force Base easement allowing the project’s hard-won approvals to proceed. Most of the 4.7-mile path traversing from the Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach to the Marler Bridge in Destin falls under federal land controlled by the base.

“We received word last week (Valentine’s Day) that it has been totally approved,” said an enthused Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel.

County leaders have pushed the safety-minded proposal allowing non-motorists to bypass traffic on Highway 98 for nearly five years. Ketchel has been particularly passionate given her brother died in a cycling accident when she was younger.

Public Works Director Jason Autrey confirmed engineering evaluations and bidding can start immediately thanks to securing the easement allowing use of Eglin property. He said the construction solicitation launches next Monday.

• “We’re moving forward…and we cannot wait until we have a groundbreaking and then eventually a ribbon cutting on this,” Autrey told commissioners Tuesday.

The $612,999 contract with Neel-Schaffer tasked the firm with inspecting work on the project running from Beasley Park to the Marler Bridge. 

County leaders in January ratified a long-negotiated easement agreement with Eglin Air Force Base. The agreement requires the county fund the pathway’s construction and ongoing maintenance. It also obligates the county to upgrade access points between the highway and dunes, expand parking capacity at beach access ways, and better controls near the Marler Bridge.

Ketchel said the coastal pathway enables exercise opportunities for everyone from airmen at Eglin to neighborhood families seeking recreation.

• “This is such a game changer, not only for the military, but for the community. The military personnel want it as much as our community wants it. It will be a safe way to get from bridge-to-bridge,” she said.

The project is estimated to cost $4-5 million and will be funded through state grants and Tourist Development dollars.