By Patricia Lee, Owner
This month in our private Facebook Destinites group (www.Facebook.com/groups/Destiinites), a member shared a post from Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners. It read as follows, “We know it is very pretty and inviting, but please off the Okaloosa Island Bridge-to-Bridge path. The photoluminescent path is still very much under construction. While the path paving is nearing completion, there is still much more work to do to stabilize and create safe parking areas at the federally-owned beach accesses. The approximately 4-mile pedestrian/cycling path, traversing between Brooks and Marler bridges, will also be photoluminescent and will glow in the dark at night. Completion is expected in spring or early summer 2025. No traffic disruptions or lane closures are expected, but motorists should use caution in the area.” Here are some responses from our Destinites group members. One main concern seems to be lack of signage.
1. The county needs signage. There is zero way for a tourist to know it’s not a driving lane like we do (except maybe common sense). We’ve seen them driving on it every day this week.
2. Someone just posted a car driving down it all the way across the island.
3. Seen it happening yesterday as I was traveling to FWB. Seems the highway patrol or sheriff’s office would be patrolling this, especially since it’s spring break…someone is going to be killed by this!
4. Anyone: if you are able get a video or picture of people parking or driving, please email them to sblalock@myokaloosa.com. He is collecting data at this point. You can also call the non- emergency number for the sheriff’s dept. The more complaints and concerns they receive, the more likely it will be realized as a serious issue. (850) 651-7400
5. Why are these cars not being ticketed? That’s easy money Okaloosa.
6. Trees/landscaping would help tourists understand it’s not a lane—theoretically anyway.
7. Tourists have no idea. Something has to be done before someone is hurt.
8. I spent about 30 minutes on the phone with the engineer in charge of the project yesterday. It was enlightening, but also frustrating. People need to email photos and videos of people misusing the pathway so there is data to back it up.
Do you own property or live in the local surrounding Destin area? We would love for you to attend our 4th Meet-n-Greet. These gatherings are always a lot of fun and include local business product/services giveaways! Details will be posted in our Destinites private Facebook group. If you are a Destin resident or in the close surrounding area, I invite you to join our private targeted group for locals and property owners at Facebook.com/groups/Destinites with 11,500+ members (Est. Oct. 2018). Check out our monthly newsletter and local business directory at Destinites.com where 400+ local businesses are already listed.
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