Okaloosa County to break ground on $16.75 million Tarpon Beach Park

In Brief:

🏖️ New beach access: Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park will add 340 feet of public shoreline in Destin.
💰 Major investment: The $16.75 million park is part of a $26.5 million effort to improve public beach infrastructure.
🌿 Built for the future: Leaders say the project protects Destin’s coastal character while expanding access for residents and visitors alike.

DESTIN — More of Destin’s picturesque shoreline is about to become accessible to the public thanks to a multi-million-dollar partnership between local governments and a national conservation group.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park will take place on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 9 a.m. at 3310 Scenic Highway 98, where officials will celebrate the start of construction on the beachfront project. The initiative is a joint effort by the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, the City of Destin, and the Trust for Public Land.

When completed, the park will offer:

340 feet of public beach access
Free parking with 49 standard spaces, three ADA-accessible spaces, and 29 low-speed vehicle spots
Bathrooms, four pavilions, and uninterrupted views of the Gulf.

“This is a great example of how partnerships can benefit the public,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer (District 5) in a news release. “Our beaches are an amazing asset that should be enjoyed by both our locals and visitors. We are fortunate to continue to expand beach access to the public as a vital part of our efforts to create opportunities for families to make memories in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.”

The project is Phase II of an ongoing effort to expand beach access in Destin using tourism revenue, with a total investment of $26.5 million shared between the city and county. Phase I, which enhanced access at Crystal Beach, carried a price tag of $9.75 million, while the new Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park will cost $16.75 million.

“Through initiatives like Tarpon Beach Park, we’re safeguarding our coastal ecosystems, ensuring that the natural beauty and biodiversity of our shores remain intact for future generations to experience and cherish,” said Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner in a news release.

The Trust for Public Land played a key role in acquiring the land for both park sites.

“Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park is the result of years of collaboration to ensure that everyone can enjoy walkable access to Florida’s iconic shoreline,” said Doug Hattaway, Land Conservation Director for the organization in a news release. “This park not only reconnects the community with a beautiful stretch of waterfront and long-closed amenities, but also reinforces our shared commitment to protecting public access to nature and preserving the unique coastal character that makes Destin so special.”