Okaloosa County has announced that White Point Road and Lakeshore Drive in Niceville will be closed to through traffic on Saturday afternoons starting May 25, 2024, to alleviate congestion and maintain traffic safety during the busy tourist season.
- The closure will be in effect from approximately noon to 6 p.m. every Saturday through August 31, 2024.
This annual measure, which takes place from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is aimed at managing the increased southbound tourism traffic that often diverts from State Road 293 into residential neighborhoods.
Planning authorities emphasize that the start and end times of the closure may vary slightly due to fluctuations in traffic volume. To ensure motorists are well-informed, message boards will be placed along State Road 20 and State Road 293, alerting drivers of the temporary closure.
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies will be responsible for managing the seasonal closure and patrolling the affected areas, according to the county. Residents and visitors are advised to plan their routes accordingly and expect possible delays during the closure hours on Saturdays.
The county’s decision to implement this seasonal closure aims to strike a balance between accommodating the influx of tourists and maintaining the safety and quality of life for residents in the affected neighborhoods along White Point Road and Bluewater Bay.
