Post-hurricane tasks delay Landing project
FORT WALTON BEACH — While the city survived Hurricane Michael relatively unscathed, the storm has led to a delay in Fort Walton Landing upgrades getting underway.
After receiving project permits later than anticipated and making some changes to the initial project plans, city officials were ready to bid out Phase I of the park improvements this fall, City Manager Michael Beedie said recently.
Unfortunately, “We have been asked by numerous contractors to delay the bidding process due to Hurricane Michael and the focus of the recovery efforts to the east,” he said. “We are now looking to bid the project out in January. By that time, I am hopeful the design for Phase II will also be completed and we can bid that project out at the same time.”
Beedie said construction of the overall project should start early next spring and be completed by the end of 2019. The 6-acre park is at 139 Brooks St. S.E.
Phase I of the upcoming project includes various waterfront improvements: A new seawall and boardwalk, a passive beach area to launch kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, and oyster beds and other educational/environmental areas in the water.
Phase II upgrades include a new performance stage and all upland improvements. During this phase, the existing park restrooms and the former Venture Hive building will be demolished and new restrooms will be built, Beedie said.
A new entrance structure, a splash pad and walkways also are part of Phase II.
The Phase I work will be paid for with a $1.6 million grant from the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resources Damage Assessment program. The program was created in the wake of the 2010 BP oil spill.
Beedie said he is waiting for an updated Phase II cost estimate from the city’s consultant, AVCON Inc., which has an office in Niceville.
The city plans to use city Community Redevelopment Agency money and revenue generated from Okaloosa County’s half-cent sales tax to pay for the Phase II upgrades.
The 10-year sales tax, which was approved by a majority of local voters in last week’s general election, takes effect Jan. 1.
According to data from Okaloosa County officials, Fort Walton Beach could receive about $1.6 million in annual sales tax revenue.