County Buys Waterfront Property for Tourism Office
Okaloosa County has approved a $4.1 million purchase of the former PNC Bank building for a tourism headquarters, including a boat ramp and waterfront property, with planned security and infrastructure upgrades to address local concerns.
SS United States Arrives in Mobile, Prepares for Artificial Reef Deployment
The SS United States has arrived in Mobile, Alabama, after a 1,800-mile tow from Philadelphia, marking the start of preparations for its transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef off Florida’s Gulf Coast, alongside a planned museum and visitor center.
Sun Belt Basketball Tournament Returns to Pensacola
The Sun Belt Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships return to Pensacola from March 4-10, featuring 14 teams competing for a spot in the NCAA tournament and associated family-friendly events.
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.
