The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday supporting the closure of the median opening at US 98 and Regions Way in Destin, joining the City of Destin in endorsing safety improvements for the dangerous intersection.
- The resolution, which passed as part of the board’s consent agenda on May 6, supports eliminating left-turning movements at the intersection where 60 crashes have occurred in the past five years and where a fatal accident took place in April.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plans to perform milling and resurfacing work on SR 293 from US 98 to the Mid Bay Bridge and on US 98 from west of Paraiso Boulevard to east of Regions Way.
- According to county documents, this upcoming project provides an ideal opportunity for FDOT’s contractor to implement the median changes while already mobilized in the area.
Scott Bitterman, Public Works Director, noted in the agenda request that “because of the volume of traffic on US 98 and the number of lanes, left turning movements at Regions Way are extremely difficult to make.”
The resolution follows similar action by the Destin City Council, which voted 6-1 in April to support the same safety measure following the fatal crash. The City of Destin had already formalized its position with its own resolution of support.
FDOT conducted a safety study of the intersection dated May 23, 2024, which recommended reconstructing the existing full median opening to reduce left-turning movements. However, the state requires formal support from local governments before restricting access.
