$10 Million Beach Renourishment Project in Destin Begins
A long-awaited and much-needed beach renourishment project began the week of March 23 in Destin to restore about 150,600 cubic yards of beach that was lost due to erosion from Hurricane Sally in 2020. Immediately following the storm, Okaloosa County staff met with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff onsite to conduct visual estimates of beach erosion and begin the process of receiving FEMA restoration funds.
The $10 million project is largely funded through federal disaster recovery assistance, with $9 million coming from FEMA and $1 million from Okaloosa County tourism beach restoration reserve funds. “We are thrilled that this project is finally beginning,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “While we didn’t receive a direct hit from Hurricane Sally, the storm’s impacts were certainly felt in Okaloosa County. This is a great step toward protecting our upland structures and restoring lost sand for the enjoyment of the residents and visitors.”
The project encompasses two areas of west Destin beaches, located between the South Bay by the Gulf Condos and the jetty, with a small gap separating the two areas. Mobilization of equipment for the project began the week of March 23, with actual dredging beginning in April. Work began in the eastern section of the project (Reach 2), which includes a stretch of 2,200 feet and will quickly move to the western portion (Reach 1), which includes 4,100 feet of shoreline. Beaches will remain open, with small temporary closures where sand is being pumped. The work is expected to be completed by the end of April.
ECCAC Golf & Gala Exceeds Expectations, Supports Healing for Local Children
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) 28th annual Golf & Gala, presented by Peggy and Jerry Swanson, raised funds that exceeded expectations, furthering the organization’s mission to restore childhoods impacted by abuse.
The Gala, held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, featured dinner, live and silent auctions, and a powerful testimony from 22-year-old Isabella Rose, who received ECCAC services at age 6 and is now thriving. Nationally recognized auctioneer Dawn Marie Kotsonis, known as the “Gavel Girl,” led an energetic live auction.
ECCAC CEO Julie Porterfield expressed gratitude to all involved. “From our guests and sponsors to our Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff, we are incredibly thankful. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families,” she said.
The prestigious Zeke Bratkowski Award was presented to Steve and Lynn Dugas and the Dugas Family Foundation for their longstanding support of ECCAC.
The weekend concluded with a successful golf tournament at Kelly Plantation, where 140 players competed after weather cleared just in time.
ECCAC operates child-friendly centers in Okaloosa and Walton counties, providing coordinated services and no-cost mental health therapy for children and families affected by abuse and neglect.
