A new state park in Okaloosa County represents more than preserved beach access—it’s a strategic investment in our economy, health, and future

When Florida closed on the purchase of a 4-acre waterfront property on Holiday Isle earlier this month, it did more than acquire prime real estate. It secured something increasingly rare and precious: permanent public access to one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country.

The $84 million price tag might raise eyebrows at first glance. But dig deeper into what this investment means for Okaloosa County, and a compelling picture emerges of how protecting public spaces creates value that extends far beyond the shoreline.

What Almost Was—And What Will Be Instead

Nine years ago, developers purchased this property for under $8 million with plans for a dense, multi- story luxury condominium project. Had that plan moved forward, these pristine views of Destin East Pass and Destin Harbor would have been reserved exclusively for wealthy residents, with the public shut out from yet another piece of Florida’s vanishing coastline.

Instead, on December 11, 2024, the state finalized the purchase, ensuring this land will serve everyone—residents and visitors alike—in perpetuity. The property comes with a newly constructed 53-slip marina and sea walls, creating immediate recreational value. When combined with the adjacent Norriego Point Park, the public now has access to nearly 16 acres of continuous waterfront—a rare gem in an increasingly developed coastline.

Meeting a Crying Need

This wasn’t a purchase made in a vacuum. Local officials heard the message from their constituents loud and clear. As Commissioner Paul Mixon noted, “the outcry has been made by the public for more places to go, more places to park, more beach to be able to go and visit.”

The numbers back this up. Henderson Beach State Park, just down the coast, regularly reaches capacity and turns visitors away. That’s not just disappointed tourists—it’s lost economic opportunity for local businesses and unmet demand from residents seeking outdoor recreation close to home.

This new park addresses both problems at once.

The Economics of Public Access

Here’s where the story gets really interesting. Far from being a drain on taxpayer resources, well-managed public parks are economic engines that deliver measurable returns across multiple sectors.

Tourism Revenue That Multiplies

Research on similar projects shows that public parks generate over $10 in economic activity for every $1 invested. Visitors don’t just use the park—they stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, shop at local stores, and hire local guides and services. This creates jobs and generates tax revenue that flows back into the community.

For a destination like Destin, already known for its tourism industry, this park becomes another reason for visitors to choose Okaloosa County over competing destinations. And with Henderson Beach regularly turning people away, there’s clearly unmet demand ready to be captured.

Property Values Rise for Everyone

One of the most consistent findings in urban economics research is that proximity to parks increases property values. Homebuyers will pay approximately 10 percent more for properties near parks and open space. For homeowners in the area, this acquisition literally increases their wealth while ensuring they retain access to the waterfront that makes their community special.

Higher property values also mean increased property tax revenue for the county, creating a sustainable funding source for community services without raising tax rates.

Healthcare Savings Add Up

This benefit often flies under the radar, but communities with active park systems see measurable reductions in healthcare costs. When people have accessible places to exercise, walk, bike, and engage in outdoor activities, public health improves. Studies show these savings can reach into the millions annually—money that doesn’t have to be spent treating preventable conditions.

Jobs Beyond the Park Gates

The park itself will create direct employment in operations and maintenance. But the broader economic impact extends to boat services utilizing the marina, increased business for nearby restaurants and shops, and support for the entire tourism ecosystem that makes coastal Florida thrive.

A Blank Canvas Awaits Your Input

Right now, beyond the marina and sea walls, this property is undeveloped—a 4-acre blank canvas waiting for community vision to bring it to life. That’s exactly what makes the upcoming town hall meeting on December 30 so important.

Commissioner Drew Palmer emphasized this collaborative approach: “This is an amazing opportunity to create something special on that property for the benefit of Okaloosa County residents and visitors. We are committed to keeping this process open to the public and value their input as we move toward finalizing the details of this endeavor.”

Okaloosa County has pledged $5 million toward park improvements and will manage the facility once developed. The December 30 meeting at 3 p.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center is your chance to help shape what this park becomes.They’re Not Making Any More Beachfront

Senator Jay Trumbull captured the long-term significance perfectly: “We’re not making beachfront property anymore, especially parcels that are as well positioned as this one.”

As Florida’s population continues to grow and development pressures intensify, opportunities to preserve public access to waterfront property become increasingly rare and valuable. This acquisition ensures that future generations—regardless of their economic circumstances—will be able to experience the natural beauty that makes Florida special.

Understanding the Investment

The financial structure of this acquisition demonstrates responsible stewardship of public funds:

• Primary funding: Approximately $80 million from the Florida Forever program, pre-allocated
• specifically for park acquisition in Okaloosa County
• Local contribution: $5 million from Okaloosa County toward improvements
• Due diligence: Two independent state-certified appraisals determined the fair market value
• Ongoing management: County oversight ensures local control and responsiveness to community needs

This wasn’t money diverted from other priorities—it was funding already designated for exactly thispurpose, used at exactly the right moment to secure an irreplaceable asset.

A Different Kind of Return on Investment

Traditional cost-benefit analyses often miss what matters most about public spaces. Yes, the economic returns are real and significant. But how do you put a dollar value on a child’s first fishing trip from that marina? Or a family’s sunset walk along the waterfront? Or the knowledge that when friends visit from out of state, you have a beautiful public space to share with them?

These intangible benefits matter. They shape quality of life, community identity, and the character of the place we call home. They’re why people choose to live in coastal communities in the first place. The Holiday Isle acquisition preserves these possibilities for everyone, not just those who can afford waterfront real estate.

Your Opportunity to Shape What Comes Next

The December 30 town hall is more than a formality—it’s a genuine opportunity to influence how this property develops. County staff will present initial concepts and then open the floor to your ideas, concerns, and vision for what this park should become.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or a regular visitor, whether you’re a boater eager to use the marina or a parent seeking safe beach access for your kids, your perspective matters. This is your park, funded by your tax dollars, preserved for your benefit.Town Hall Details:

• Date: December 30, 2024
• Time: 3:00 PM
• Location: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

Looking Forward

In an era when so much of Florida’s coastline has been lost to private development, the Holiday Isle acquisition stands as a reminder that we still have the power to make different choices. We can choose to invest in shared spaces that serve everyone. We can choose to preserve natural beauty for future generations. We can choose to recognize that some things shouldn’t have a “private property” sign in front of them.

This $84 million investment isn’t just about buying land. It’s about buying into a vision of what our community can be—a place where economic prosperity and public access go hand in hand, where tourism revenue supports local families, and where the coast remains something we all share.

The waterfront at Holiday Isle won’t belong to a handful of luxury condo owners. It will belong to all of us. That’s not just good policy—it’s the kind of investment that pays dividends across generations.

See you at the town hall on December 30. Our shared future is waiting to be built.

For more information about the Holiday Isle acquisition and the upcoming town hall meeting, contact the Okaloosa County Commission office or visit their website.