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Temporary road closure west of convention center on Okaloosa Island

Crews will temporarily close the roadway west of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center beginning Tuesday as part of reconstruction work.

Jared Williams

Beginning the week of Tuesday, Sept. 2, crews will temporarily close the roadway west of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Okaloosa Island.

The closure will extend from just north of U.S. 98 to just north of the roundabout and includes a partial roundabout closure. Access to the convention center will remain available via Pier Road.

Drivers seeking access to properties north of U.S. 98, including Marler Park and the boat launch, should use Santa Rosa Boulevard. Detour signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.

The temporary closure is necessary to reconstruct the roundabout and roadway. Work is scheduled to be completed in early 2026.

This work is part of the $171 million Brooks Bridge Replacement Project that includes constructing two new, parallel bridges that will increase capacity to six travel lanes from the current four-lane bridge that opened in 1966. Project completion is scheduled for summer 2027.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled.

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Lowell Cooper Jr commented on Okaloosa commits $10M toward widening a stretch of State Road 85 in Crestview

“It's not going to help because it's just going to bottle neck right there at the light where the visitor center is that is also a waste of taxpayers money.”

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Denise commented on WordroW: January 23, 2026

“48 seconds. Wonderful organization.”

Daniela Richardson commented on Okaloosa commits $10M toward widening a stretch of State Road 85 in Crestview

“Then all the congestion will go into Crestview, we need to expand that a bit at the same time”

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“sad! another corporation”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: January 23, 2026

“50 seconds, a wonderful organization.”

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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: January 22, 2026

“7 min 5 sec.. unusual”

Denise commented on WordroW: January 22, 2026

“Should have had it on the first guess.”

Bruce commented on Okaloosa commits $10M toward widening a stretch of State Road 85 in Crestview

“Very interesting! They needed to do this decades ago.”

S. Conrad commented on Okaloosa County explores paid parking at beaches, parks and boat ramps for non-county residents

“Would that include handicap parking 🅿️ spots also?”