OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — A $10 million beach renourishment project in Destin is set to begin the week of March 23 to restore sand lost during Hurricane Sally, Okaloosa County has announced.
The project will restore approximately 150,600 cubic yards of sand that was eroded during the 2020 storm.
Okaloosa County officials said staff worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) immediately after Hurricane Sally to assess damage and begin securing restoration funding.
The project is largely funded through federal disaster recovery assistance, with $9 million provided by 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.
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“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 includes two sections of west Destin beaches between the South Bay by the Gulf Condos and the jetty, with a small gap separating the work areas.
Mobilization of equipment is scheduled to begin the week of March 23, with dredging operations expected to start in April.
Work will begin in the eastern section, referred to as Reach 2, covering approximately 2,200 feet of shoreline before moving to the western section, Reach 1, which spans about 4,100 feet.
According to Okaloosa County, beaches will remain open during construction, although small temporary closures will occur in areas where sand is actively being placed.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of April.
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