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Good morning!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
- Officials urge residents to stay off the bridge-to-bridge path (including no driving) during construction work, while Fort Walton Beach considers regulations for boat rentals and downtown development. The Brooks Bridge project continues to advance, local high schools compete for state recognition, and traffic advisories affect both counties.
TRAFFIC
Brooks Bridge replacement project makes progress on multiple fronts
Construction crews are making headway on multiple aspects of the Brooks Bridge replacement project, with work concentrated on the new westbound bridge structure across Santa Rosa Sound, according to recent Florida Department of Transportation updates.
- Current activities include pile driving and pier construction in the Santa Rosa Sound, as well as the development of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall on Okaloosa Island.
The MSE wall will serve as the permanent foundation for the westbound approach to the new bridge, where U.S. 98 westbound lanes will be elevated above Santa Rosa Boulevard, according to FDOT.
The wall consists of precisely layered, graded and compacted soil and subgrade material, reinforced with pre-cast concrete panels forming the sides. FDOT officials note that MSE walls are used in areas with limited space for gradual sloping embankment.
On Okaloosa Island, crews are constructing a new roadway called “North Connection” that will link U.S. 98 westbound and Santa Rosa Boulevard. Recent work includes the installation of concrete curb and sidewalk near the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center.
- To accommodate construction on the western side of the project, U.S. 98 traffic has been shifted south. The westbound bridge sidewalk is closed during construction, though pedestrians can still use the eastbound sidewalk.
The project, slated for completion in summer 2027, will replace the existing four-lane bridge that opened in 1966 with two new parallel bridges, expanding capacity to six travel lanes.
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POLITICS
Fort Walton Beach eyes new rules for boat rentals, downtown growth
The Fort Walton Beach City Council will consider major infrastructure investments and changes to development codes during their regular meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m.
The agenda includes more than $3 million in proposed contracts for public works projects, including stormwater improvements and water tank management. Council members will also review new regulations for downtown development and watercraft rentals.
Here’s a look at Tuesday night’s agenda:
- Student Recognition – Two high school students, Addison Cudney (Choctawhatchee) and William Jourdan (Fort Walton Beach), will receive Student Awards for Civic Excellence.
- Public Safety Agreements – The council will consider two significant law enforcement items: a Memorandum of Agreement between the Police Department and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and another agreement between the Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Major Infrastructure Projects – Several substantial public works projects are up for approval, including an $825,125 stormwater pipe replacement on Martisa Road NW, a $2.17 million water tank management program, and a $200,000 utility line locating services contract.
- Development Code Changes – The council will review three ordinances affecting the city’s Land Development Code: new regulations for livery vessel rentals, updated manufacturing use guidelines, and the creation of a new MX-3 zoning district for high-intensity downtown development.
- Election Preparation – The council will appoint representatives to serve on the Canvassing Board for the upcoming municipal election.
The meeting will be held at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW. The public is welcome to attend and make comments (limited to 5 minutes per person).
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Origin Bank opens new location in Fort Walton Beach
Origin Bank has expanded its presence with a new financial center in Fort Walton Beach.
- Operating from a temporary building at 212 Racetrack Road NW (the intersection of Denton Boulevard NW), the center offers comprehensive banking services including small business and personal banking, home loans, and financial support.
The location currently operates by appointment only Monday through Friday, with drive-thru services available from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (251) 217-9884 or click here.
TRAFFIC
Okaloosa and Walton Counties Traffic Advisory
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Okaloosa and Walton counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Okaloosa County:
- State Road (S.R.) 285 Resurfacing from S.R. 293 to the Walton County Line – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Sunday, Feb. 23 lasting through March from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
- Brooks Bridge Replacement Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 lane closures, from Santa Rosa Boulevard to Pier Road, Monday, Feb. 24 through Friday, Feb. 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for utility contractors to install power poles. Additionally, drivers may encounter the following traffic disruptions, Sunday, Feb. 23 through Thursday, Feb. 27, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for utility work and construction activities:
- U.S. 98 alternating lane closures between Ferry Road and Pier Road.
- Santa Rosa Boulevard alternating lane closures from east of Amberjack Drive to Ross Marler Park.
- Mid-Bay Bridge Rehabilitation Project – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on the Mid-Bay Bridge, Sunday, Feb. 23, through Thursday, Feb. 27, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. for construction activities.
- U.S. 98 Resurfacing from Josie Road to Florida Place Southeast – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 98 lane closures, between Josie Road in Mary Esther and Florida Place Southeast in Fort Walton Beach, Sunday, Feb. 23 through Thursday, Feb. 27, between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for manhole adjustments.
- Mary Esther Boulevard (S.R. 393) Resurfacing from U.S. 98 to Beal Parkway (S.R. 189) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on Mary Esther Boulevard, for signalization work at the following locations and times:
- Sunday, Feb. 23 through Thursday, Feb. 27, from U.S. 98 to Hollywood Boulevard, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 23 through Saturday, March 1, from Hollywood Boulevard to Beal Parkway, between 7 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
- S.R. 85 and S.R. 189 Intersection Improvements – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures, Sunday, Feb. 23 through Thursday, Feb. 27, between 6:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for signalization work at the following locations:
- S.R. 85 at Erwin Fleet Road intersection.
- S.R. 189 at Lewis Street intersection.
- S.R. 189 at Pelham Road intersection.
Walton County:
- S.R. 20 Routine Bridge Maintenance over Choctawhatchee River – Motorists may encounter intermittent east and westbound lane closures west of S.R. 79 Monday, Feb. 24 and Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- U.S. 331 Resurfacing Project from south of I-10 to U.S. 90 – Drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures, Sunday, Feb. 23 through Thursday, Feb. 27, from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for concrete work and paving operations at the following locations:
- U.S. 90 eastbound from West Sloss Avenue to U.S. 331.
- U.S. 331 from south of I-10 to U.S. 90.
SCHOOL
Fort Walton Beach, Choctaw compete for ‘best student section’ in Florida
Rivals Fort Walton Beach and Choctawhatchee High School have advanced as finalists in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Sunshine State Spirit Showdown, competing to be named the state’s best student section.
- The two Okaloosa County schools, along with Bishop Kenny High School from Jacksonville, are the only schools selected for this year’s competition, which recognizes outstanding student spirit and sportsmanship.
Public voting opened February 12 and continues through February 27 at 5 p.m. The FHSAA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will review the submissions on March 3, with the winner to be announced the same day. The champion will receive a plaque and banner from FHSAA.
Students from both local schools submitted video entries showcasing their spirit sections, which are available for viewing on the FHSAA’s YouTube channel. Fans can cast their votes through a JotForm link provided below each video.
Lake Howell High School won the competition last year. The winner will be determined through a combination of public votes and evaluation by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
TRAFFIC
Okaloosa asks public to ‘stay off’ bridge-to-bridge path during construction
Okaloosa County officials are urging residents and visitors to stay off the under-construction Bridge-to-Bridge path on Okaloosa Island following reports of vehicles parking and driving on the new photoluminescent surface.
- The approximately 4-mile pedestrian and cycling path, which connects Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach to Marler Bridge in Destin, is nearing completion of its paving phase but still requires significant work to establish safe parking areas at federally owned beach access points.
County officials emphasized that despite its appealing appearance, the $3.7 million infrastructure project remains an active construction zone. The path, which will feature a distinctive glow-in-the-dark surface at night, is scheduled for completion in spring or early summer 2025.
The project, approved by the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners in May 2024, was initiated to address safety concerns along the busy Highway 98 corridor. “We’ve had so many people die on Highway 98 that have tried to bike it and walk it,” Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel noted during the project’s approval.
While construction continues, officials confirmed that no traffic disruptions or lane closures are expected on Highway 98, though motorists are advised to exercise caution in the area. The path, constructed on federal land controlled by Eglin Air Force Base, will serve as part of the Florida Trails system once completed.
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