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Okaloosa could reopen all beaches in full on May 9

At their April 21st meeting, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners approved a modification to allow the closed beaches and associated amenities to be open for limited periods each day, between 6:30am- 9:00am and 4:30pm-7:00pm. The beach plan allows open periods for all “essential recreational activities” in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 20-91, subject to […]

At their April 21st meeting, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners approved a modification to allow the closed beaches and associated amenities to be open for limited periods each day, between 6:30am- 9:00am and 4:30pm-7:00pm.

The beach plan allows open periods for all “essential recreational activities” in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 20-91, subject to social distancing guidelines. The limited beach opening is set to begin on May 1st with the beaches remaining closed at all other times.

While many people have questioned the limited time, according to the county, these limitations are designed to be a “disincentive to travel from outside the County from potential COVID-19 hot spots.”

After discussion at this morning’s commissioner’s meeting, Commissioner Kelly Windes made a motion to completely open all beaches at all times effective May 9th, with social distancing guidelines in place. This would include parking lots, bathrooms, etc. The reason for the May 9th date is because of new guidelines anticipated to come from Governor DeSantis by then.

The motion passed unanimously, but this isn’t a guarantee that the beaches will reopen on May 9th. Staff will now work on a plan given this direction from the board and bring it back next week for further discussion.

So, here’s what we have:

  • May 1 – limited beach hours of 6:30am- 9:00am and 4:30pm-7:00pm
  • May 9 – Potentially reopening the beaches in full at all times

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Community Comments

“I agree with the idea of making it an event place. Whether for weddings or parties or businesses that want to hold lectures or meetings.Also a place for groups like...”
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“I second that thought, please quit trying to make Fort Walton another Destin. And anything to do with that that 10 million dollar ship they bought to sink is ridiculous!”
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“I like the idea of it being an event rental space, it would be beautiful for weddings and receptions, but another "charter boat hub", please quit trying to make Fort...”
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“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
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“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
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“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
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“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
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“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
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“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
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“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
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