A ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 15 will mark the completion of Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park, a joint project between the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, the City of Destin and the Trust for Public Land that adds 340 feet of public beach access along Scenic Highway 98.

• The ceremony is set for 7:30 a.m. at 3310 Scenic Highway 98, and the public is invited to attend.

The park offers free parking with 49 standard spaces, three ADA-accessible spaces and 29 low-speed vehicle spaces, along with bathrooms and four pavilions.

“We are incredibly proud to complete this project with our partners and offer this incredible asset to the public,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “Providing more public beach access has been a priority for both the County and City of Destin. This is another major step forward to deliver a gateway to a quality beach experience for families who reside in the County and for our visitors.”

City Manager Larry Jones said the park delivers on a shared commitment between the city and county to expand beach access.

• “Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park gives Destin residents and visitors a welcoming place to enjoy our beautiful Gulf shoreline for generations to come,” Jones said. “We’re grateful to our partners at Okaloosa County and the Trust for Public Land for helping us turn this vision into reality.”

The project represents a total investment of $16.96 million shared between the city and county, funded through tourism revenue. It is part of a broader initiative between the two governments to expand public beach access in Destin.

The Trust for Public Land served as the lead agency that helped negotiate the purchase of the properties for the project.

“This park reconnects residents and visitors alike to the Gulf, restores access to Destin’s beaches, and celebrates the natural beauty and coastal character that make this community so special for generations to come,” said Doug Hattaway, Land Conservation Director for Trust for Public Land.