The Destin City Council unanimously approved a Major Development Order Monday for the construction of the Shores at Tarpon Beach Park, advancing a significant public access project along the city’s coastline.

• The 3.08-acre development, located at 3310-3324 Scenic Highway 98, will include 49 standard parking spaces, 29 low-speed vehicle spaces, six bicycle parking spaces, four pavilions, a Little Adventures outpost, restroom facilities, and an ADA-compliant wooden boardwalk to the beach.

The project represents Phase II of a larger initiative between Okaloosa County and the City of Destin to expand public beach access. The two governmental bodies have pledged a combined $26.5 million, split equally between them, with the majority of the funding coming primarily through Tourism Development District revenue.

The development has secured all necessary approvals for traffic, stormwater management, and potable water/sanitary sewer infrastructure. The site plan maintains 73% open space, significantly exceeding the minimum requirement of 30%, and includes plans for 34 trees throughout the property.

This beachfront park project emerged from a partnership between the City of Destin, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and Trust for Public Land. The initiative follows the completion of Phase I at Crystal Beach Access, which opened in April 2021.