SS United States to Depart Philadelphia, Begin Transformation into Artificial Reef
The SS United States will depart Philadelphia on Feb. 17, 2025, for Mobile, Alabama, where it will undergo a year-long preparation to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Once deployed off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast, the reef will support marine life and boost diving and fishing tourism.
Florida Sets New Tourism Record with 142.9 Million Visitors in 2024
Florida broke its all-time tourism record in 2024, welcoming 142.9 million visitors, a 1.6% increase from the previous year, with growth in domestic, international, and Canadian travelers.
ANOTHER delay hampers SS United States trip to the bottom of the Gulf.
The SS United States is set to leave Philadelphia on February 8, 2025, en route to Mobile, Alabama, where contractors will prepare it for deployment as the world’s largest artificial reef. The transformation will take approximately a year, with the final reef location expected to be 20 nautical miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Okaloosa County will also develop a museum to preserve the ship’s history.
Experts Say THIS Will Bring BIG $ to Okaloosa, But Commissioners Just Pulled it From Their Annual Wishlist
The Okaloosa County Commission voted unanimously to remove a $1.5 million funding request for the sinking of the historic SS United States as an artificial reef off Destin from its legislative priorities, citing economic concerns and public optics despite projections of significant tourism revenue.
World’s Largest Artificial Reef Begins Journey to the Bottom of the Gulf of Mexico
The legendary SS United States will soon begin a historic journey to become the world’s largest artificial reef! Get the details on her voyage from Philadelphia to her final home in the Gulf of Mexico and how this iconic ocean liner will soon enrich marine life for generations to come.
Elected Officials Vote to Buy, Sink SS United States and Create World’s Largest Artificial Reef Near Destin
Destin-Fort Walton Beach has taken a major step toward acquiring the historic SS United States, with plans to convert the iconic ocean liner into the world’s largest artificial reef and create a museum dedicated to its legacy.
Okaloosa County to Hold Public Hearing on Outlawing Deep Holes and Large Tents on Beaches
Okaloosa County will have a public hearing on April 16, 2024, where commissioners will discuss proposed regulations regarding hole digging and tent sizes on beaches.
Boggy Update: The Flagrant Rebrand
Paul Sjoberg, a local entrepreneur, joins Journalist Christopher Saul as a co-host on the podcast. The pair discuss everything going on in our part of paradise.
Mid Bay Bridge To Undergo Maintenance For All of 2024 – No Full Closures, Though. Details:
The Mid-Bay Bridge is undergoing a $3.1 million maintenance project to address structural concerns and enhance safety. Learn about the ongoing work, temporary lane closures, and the commitment to prolong the bridge’s usability. 🚗
The Top 10 Stories of 2023
These are the top ten stories, as judged by the number of people who read them, in 2023. What did you think was the most important local story of the year? Vote now!
