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 while beach access parking areas remain open for public use, vehicles should not park or drive on the path itself. 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.
