The second phase of the $8 million Fort Walton Beach Landing Park renovation is targeting a mid-December completion after city officials resolved communication issues that had delayed construction.

• City Manager Jason Davis said there had been a disconnect between GLC Contracting’s team and city staff, resulting in the contractor waiting for instruction for over 100 days. The issue was addressed during a meeting last week.

“I asked going forward to call or text me if they wait more than a day on City staff for instruction,” Davis said. “Our Public Works Director, Daniel Payne, has established weekly discussions with the construction team and there has been substantial progress made with footers being poured and the seating wall areas nearly completed.”

The project’s first phase was completed earlier this year, delivering waterfront improvements including a reinforced 700-foot seawall, concrete boardwalk, renovated docks, new kayak launch and living shoreline created by the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance.

Phase two work began in June 2024 and focuses on the park’s interior improvements. According to the construction schedule, substantial completion is set for Dec. 13.

• The main components of phase two include construction of a new bandshell with circular roof system and tiered seating areas. The construction schedule shows work on stage concrete slabs and main building brickwork for the bandshell set to begin.

The fall construction schedule shows structural steel roof system installation in October and November, followed by roofing work and electrical systems.

A separate West Amphitheatre component features multiple retaining walls, stairs, wall caps and sidewalks, with turf grass installation scheduled through October.

Other phase two improvements include installation of two new prefabricated restroom facilities at opposite ends of the park, enhanced lighting systems throughout the venue, and creation of a designated food truck area near the park’s northwest corner.

• Final work includes electrical finishing, landscaping elements and sprinkler system installation for grass areas.

The renovation is funded through Natural Resource Damage Assessment grants, Restore Act funds, Okaloosa County Tourist Development tax revenues, the county’s Half-Cent Surtax and the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, with no impact to the city’s General Fund.

Davis said the city looks forward to “a finished product and a successful closeout for the City to enjoy mid-December, if not sooner.”