Fort Walton Beach supports FDOT traffic improvements for Beal Parkway and First Street intersection

The Fort Walton Beach City Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday supporting Florida Department of Transportation traffic safety improvements at the intersection of Beal Parkway and First Street.

• The intersection has experienced 35 traffic crashes from 2017 to 2022, with 18 crashes already recorded this year, according to Police Chief Robert Bage. In June alone, nine crashes occurred at the location, representing 10 percent of all traffic accidents within the city.

“Anytime an intersection has more than five traffic crashes, it’s considered a hazardous intersection,” Bage told the council during Tuesday’s meeting.

FDOT’s proposed solution would restrict vehicles coming from First Street onto Beal Parkway to right turns only. Traffic on Beal Parkway would still be able to turn left onto First Street or continue straight through the intersection.

• The restriction serves as a temporary safety measure until FDOT funds the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection, which the department recommended in 2022 but has not yet funded.

Chief Bage explained that FDOT will assist with permits and transportation methods during installation of barrier devices, but the city would be responsible for construction costs estimated at approximately $12,000. The funding would come from the city’s half-cent sales tax balance.

“FDOT looks at this as a temporary solution to improve traffic safety at the intersection,” Bage said.

Councilwoman Gloria Deberry, who made the motion to approve the resolution, acknowledged she has crossed Beal Parkway from First Street herself but watches traffic carefully.

Councilman Bryce Jeter seconded the motion, calling the improvements a “step in the positive direction” and praising the collaborative approach with FDOT.

• “Anytime we can make our roads safer and save our time and resources responding to that many crashes, it’s a no-brainer,” Jeter said.

The 2022 FDOT study found that traffic backing up from US Highway 98 through the First Street intersection creates sight distance issues when motorists allow eastbound vehicles from First Street to enter the intersection despite northbound traffic conflicts.

Resolution 2025-11 authorizes Mayor Nic Allegretto to convey the city’s support to FDOT and directs the city manager to take necessary steps to implement the traffic safety improvements.