On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, a collaborative effort to restore the shoreline at Liza Jackson Park kicked off with the installation of 40 tons of limestone. 

• The project, which includes the Okaloosa Natural Resources Team, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA), and Force Blue, aims to protect and enhance the local marine environment while providing purpose for military veterans.

Alex Fogg, Natural Resources Chief for Destin-Fort Walton Beach, explained that the project is one of three made possible by a grant awarded to Force Blue from Publix. “We do a lot of offshore artificial reef work. This shoreline project is a similar concept of creating habitat, but for more of an intertidal environment,” Fogg said. “In addition to habitat, this project also provides a shoreline stabilization solution” 

The seeds were planted for this collaboration in 2019 when Force Blue first came to the area for a marine debris removal project at the Destin jetties. Fogg emphasized the importance of partnerships in these efforts. 

“All of the projects that we do would not be possible on our own. It really is a team effort to benefit our environment and community,” he said. 

The project involves moving 20 tons of rock each day, a task made possible by the combined efforts of Force Blue, CBA volunteers, and the Natural Resources Team.

Rachel Gwin, Senior Program Manager for CBA, provided insight into the project’s history and goals. “This project was originally completed about 2 years ago as part of our ‘Grasses in Classes’. We did about 750 linear feet here,” Gwin explained. The current work involves reinforcing and expanding these efforts, focusing on about 500 feet of the original 750-foot stretch.

• Gwin detailed the evolution of the project, which initially used materials designed in partnership with the University of Florida. The current phase involves adding limestone to reinforce these structures and provide additional protection, especially protection against storm conditions such as higher water levels and increased wave action.

The living shoreline project includes placing limestone to create a substrate for oysters to grow on, while also forming a natural barrier against erosion. “A living shoreline is any kind of shoreline management option that incorporates living material,” Gwin said. She highlighted the multifaceted benefits of oyster reefs, including water filtration and habitat creation for various marine species.

Force Blue, a nonprofit organization that provides “mission therapy” for former combat divers, played a crucial role in the project’s execution. Angelo Fiore, Director of Diving Operations at  Force Blue, explained the organization’s unique approach and selection process.

• “We take these veterans and we repurpose them, retrain them, re-engage them into marine conservation programs,” Fiore said. He detailed the application process for veterans, which includes a yearly selection and a week-long training program sponsored by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.

Fiore emphasized the impact of these projects on veterans. “We’re used to operating at a high level and then all of a sudden…it’s gone,” he explained. “By doing this right here, it puts the team in an environment that they’re used to. It provides purpose to them on a daily basis.”

The collaboration between these organizations not only benefits the environment but also provides a sense of purpose for veterans transitioning to civilian life. “We’re not just out here to save the environment. Technically, we’re out here to save ourselves too,” Fiore added.

The project at Liza Jackson Park will cover about 500 feet of shoreline, with 40 tons of limestone being installed over three days. Gwin noted the rapid progress made on the first day, with nearly half the work completed by lunchtime, exceeding initial expectations.

• This initiative is part of a larger effort by Force Blue, funded by Publix, to conduct seven marine conservation programs throughout Florida. The Okaloosa County area will see two more living shoreline defense systems and a lionfish invasive species eradication project in the near future.

“We’re just happy to be here and we’re honored to provide that helping hand to these scientists and managers,” added Fiore. “There’s nothing better than the sense at the end of the day when you’re exhausted, but you’ve done something meaningful.”