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Scuba divers remove 93lbs of debris from Okaloosa Island Pier

On Sunday, April 23rd, experienced scuba divers from Okaloosa County and beyond gathered at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier for the annual spring cleanup dive event.  Around 50 divers participated in the cleanup, according to the county. The divers spent the morning removing various debris, including fishing line, lures, and even an umbrella. In total, 93lbs. […]

On Sunday, April 23rd, experienced scuba divers from Okaloosa County and beyond gathered at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier for the annual spring cleanup dive event. 

  • The event, which was put on by Visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach, The Gulfarium, and the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, aimed to remove fishing line and debris from the pier pilings and seafloor, ultimately preserving the coastal environment.

Around 50 divers participated in the cleanup, according to the county. The divers spent the morning removing various debris, including fishing line, lures, and even an umbrella. In total, 93lbs. of debris was removed.

“This mere 93lbs. [of debris] means our fisherman have really adopted the ‘leave no trace’ initiative,” said Eric Brown, General Manager at the Pier. “We have an amazing group of local fisherman that do their part and then some to help keep our environment clean.”

Okaloosa Public Information Office
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According to the county, any usable lures will be salvaged and resold by the Okaloosa Island Pier, with proceeds benefiting the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center.

After the dive, participants enjoyed an after-party at Angler’s Restaurant.

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Steve Reicher commented on Okaloosa County to acquire SS United States for world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach
“The Big U! The NMU supplied the unlicensed crew and when we lost this ship and its jobs and when U.S. Lines went bankrupt, we were on our way to...”
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“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”
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Ken Frame commented on 80ft and 75ft former scuba dive boats to become artificial reefs off Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast
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Carol re commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
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Fred commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
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Bruce Johnson commented on FDOT renderings show proposed changes to Highway 98 across Okaloosa Island
“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”
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Ray Sullivan commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
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LC commented on SS United States to begin final journey from Philadelphia to become the world’s largest artificial reef
“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
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Jerome Karnowski commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”
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