Okaloosa approves millions more for SS United States reef project
The amendment brings the project budget to $10.18 million — but officials say no local tax dollars will be used as remediation nears completion in Mobile.
Okaloosa County approves $700K contracts for artificial reef vessels
Okaloosa County is turning two old vessels into underwater havens for fish, divers, and anglers—here’s how the $700,000 project is making waves in the Gulf.
Okaloosa advances East Pass dredging project with new state grant
Okaloosa County will use a $320,000 state grant and matching funds to begin design and permitting for a major dredging expansion in East Pass, with construction targeted for 2027 or later.
Highway 98 shoreline project moves closer to reality with federal boost
The Highway 98 Living Shoreline Project on Okaloosa Island is moving into final design and permitting, thanks to $284,000 in new federal funding and no added county costs.
Emerald Coast Open Removes 20K+ Invasive Lionfish
Emerald Coast Open Removes 20K+ Invasive Lionfish Staff Reports May 22, 2025 8:43 am Charities and Nonprofits, Destin, Events, Fort Walton Beach, News, Okaloosa County, Wildlife In Brief: 🐠 20,502 lionfish were removed from the Gulf during the 2025 Emerald Coast Open and Lionfish Festival in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. 🎯 Deep Water Mafia 1 led […]
Lionfish Tournament Returns to Destin-Fort Walton Beach This May
The Emerald Coast Open returns to Destin-Fort Walton Beach from May 16–18, 2025, bringing divers, chefs, and the community together to remove invasive lionfish from local waters.
Emerald Coast Open Helps Control Invasive Lionfish
The Emerald Coast Open lionfish tournament, held from May 17-19, saw divers remove 11,844 invasive lionfish from the Gulf of Mexico throughout the event. Participants competed for $125,000 in prizes, with winners including VJL Seafood, Deep Water Mafia El Gato Negro, Lookin’ Back, and Bob Brown. The tournament also featured the Lionfish Festival and Restaurant Week, promoting conservation and culinary innovation with lionfish dishes.
