Beach Access Updates 2021-2022

[Jen]

Beach Access Updates:


The Scenic Gulf Drive Regional Beach Access in Miramar Beach (907 Scenic Gulf Drive) went out to re-bid this month, as previous bids for the project exceeded anticipated budget costs. Once the budget process is complete, staff and crews will prepare for construction, which is expected to begin in October. This beach access is expected to open by summer 2022.


The proposed Seagrove Regional Beach Access, located across the street from Café Thirty-A, is in the final stages of design and permitting and is expected to go out for bid early this summer. Construction is expected to begin this fall and be completed by summer 2022.


Efforts are underway to enhance the Walton Dunes (258 Beachfront Trail) beach access. The project continues to make its way through the design and permitting phase. Improvements will include 16 parallel ROW parking spaces, restrooms and an ADA-accessible boardwalk. Construction is expected to begin early this winter and be completed by late summer/early fall 2022.


Work is still underway at the Santa Clara Regional Beach Access located in Seagrove Beach but is expected to wrap up this month. A new boardwalk and dune walkover leading to the beach will be the most notable enhancements.

Other Improvement Updates:


The Walton County Tourist Development Council continues to take an active approach to improve parking and transportation throughout the county. In addition to the improvements (paving, a shelter for passengers awaiting the Grayton Beach Shuttle and a restroom facility) at the parking lot in Grayton Beach (CR 283), staff is moving forward with design and permitting on three other projects that will increase parking for visitors and locals.

• The County Road 283 parcel, also referred to as the “Grayton Central” parking lot, is 6.995-acres and located on the eastern portion of County Road 283 South, across from the Shoppes at Grayton.
  • This property has been leveled and improved with 238 designated parking spots currently used by visitors to Grayton Beach, employees and patrons, as well as a shuttle location for Grayton Beach, Seaside and other nearby businesses.
  • Improvements will also include a paved lot, restroom facilities and canopies to provide shade for visitors waiting on the Grayton Beach shuttle.
• The Driftwood Road parking project is on a 1.119-acre parcel located at 76 Driftwood Road in Miramar Beach.
  • As part of the design and permitting phase, plans will include a parking lot, public transit and a restroom facility. Design and permitting is expected to be completed by early fall.
• The County Road 393 parcel is 2.3-acres and located north of the Gulf Place Town Center on the west side of County Road 393.
  • As part of the design and permitting phase, plans will include a parking lot, public transit and a restroom facility.
• The Eastern Lake Road parking project consists of two neighboring parcels, located at 392 and 406 Eastern Lake Road in the Seagrove neighborhood. 392 Eastern Lake Road, a .215-acre parcel, is located just south of Williams Street on Eastern Lake Road. 406 Eastern Lake Road, a .278-acre parcel, is located just next door (east) of 392 Eastern Lake Road.
  • As part of the design and permitting phase, plans will include a parking lot.

 

[Jen]

Beach Access Updates:


Scenic Gulf Drive Regional Beach Access in Miramar Beach (907 Scenic Gulf Drive). The construction contract has been awarded to RBM Construction. The project is scheduled to start in early September and be completed by summer 2022.


The proposed Seagrove Regional Beach Access, located across the street from Café Thirty-A, is approximately 95% complete through the design/permit phase. The development order application is currently under review. Construction is expected to begin this summer.


Efforts are underway to enhance the Walton Dunes (258 Beachfront Trail) beach access and the project is working its way through the design and permitting phase, with plans to begin construction this winter. Improvements will include 16 parallel ROW parking spaces, restrooms, and an ADA-accessible boardwalk. Construction is expected to be completed by late summer/early fall 2022.


The Santa Clara Regional Beach Access renovation/replacement project in Seagrove Beach is complete and the public beach access is open for use. Improvements included the replacement of the ADA accessible boardwalk, a new boardwalk and dune walkover, new bike and golf cart parking areas, site lighting, landscaping and hardscaping.


The design and permitting phase continues on the Kellogg Park project. The proposed community/nature center will be an 800-1,200 square foot building, constructed on the existing building pad. Visitors of the park will still have access to the kayak launch and other county-maintained facilities throughout this process.


In 2008, the county formalized the bayside park, added a seawall, benches, water fountains, and a parking area. The TDC is currently responsible for maintaining the trails and existing facilities in the park. This 10-acre property was donated by the Kellogg family and is located on the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Capital Improvement Updates:


The Walton County Tourist Development Council continues to take an active approach to improve parking and transportation throughout the county. Here's a look at some projects currently undergoing or preparing for improvements.

• The County Road 283 parcel, also referred to as the “Grayton Central” parking lot, is 6.995-acres and is located on the eastern portion of County Road 283 South, across from the Shoppes at Grayton.
  • Temporary restroom facilities, landscaping and sail shades have been added to the area, as well as the expansion of the current drop-off area have been made ahead of the 2021 season.
  • This property has been leveled and improved with designated parking spots used by visitors to Grayton Beach, employees and patrons, as well as a shuttle location for Grayton Beach, Seaside and other nearby businesses.
  • Plans call for the facility to have 180+/- parking spaces, dedicated RV, golf cart and bicycle parking areas, restrooms and public transportation facilities.
  • Construction is expected to begin in December and be completed by summer 2022.
• The Driftwood Road parking project is on a 1.119-acre parcel located at 76 Driftwood Road in Miramar Beach.
  • As part of the design and permitting phase, plans will include a parking lot, public transit and a restroom facility. Design and permitting is expected to be completed by early winter 2021 and be completed by summer 2022.
• The County Road 393 parcel is 2.3-acres and is located north of the Gulf Place Town Center on the west side of County Road 393.
  • As part of the design and permitting phase, plans will include a parking lot, public transit and a restroom facility.
    • Plans include 90+/- parking spaces, dedicated RV, golf cart and bike parking areas, a public transportation building and restroom facilites, as well as and connectivity to the multi-use path.
  • Construction is expected to begin in early winter 2021 and be completed by summer 2022.
• The Eastern Lake Road parking project consists of two neighboring parcels, located at 392 and 406 Eastern Lake Road in the Seagrove neighborhood. 392 Eastern Lake Road, a .215-acre parcel, is located just south of Williams Street on Eastern Lake Road. 406 Eastern Lake Road, a .278-acre parcel, is located just next door (east) of 392 Eastern Lake Road.
  • As part of the design and permitting phase, plans will include a parking lot.
    • Plans include 16 +/- parking spaces, 12 golf cart parking spaces and a bike parking area.
  • Construction is expected to begin late winter 2022 and be completed by summer 2022.

 

[WalCo]

The Walton County Board of County Commissioners and the Walton County Tourism Department invites the public to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Scenic Gulf Drive Regional Beach Access on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. The new regional beach access will be located at 907 Scenic Gulf Drive in Miramar Beach.


“This new regional beach access will include a restroom building with a large plaza, an ADA accessible boardwalk to the beach, as well as vehicle, golf cart and bicycle parking,” said Beach Operations Director Brian Kellenberger. “There will also be a picnic pavilion with access to the beach.”
Since August 2016, Visit South Walton has purchased a total of seven parcels to be used as new regional access points, as well as future parking facilities. One of the most notable properties is the “Grayton Grand” project on County Road 283.


The properties were purchased and will be maintained using bed tax dollars, a 5 percent tax collected on short term rentals. Residents do not pay the bed tax unless they are taking a “staycation” in a local rental property or accommodation.


“Anytime we have an opportunity provide additional beach access for our residents and visitors to enjoy, it’s a priority for Walton County,” said District 5 Commissioner Tony Anderson. “We understand that it can sometimes be a long process from the time we purchase a property until we open a new access, but it’s always great to see these important steps begin. This new beach access is going to be a great addition to Miramar Beach and our county.”


Once construction is completed on the Scenic Gulf Drive access, as well as the proposed regional beach access in Seagrove Beach, across from Café Thirty-A, the total number of regional beach access points in South Walton will increase to 11. Each regional beach access point includes parking, bathroom facilities, and a lifeguard station.


For additional information regarding the groundbreaking or the Scenic Gulf Drive beach access, contact Brian Kellenberger at (850) 267-4578 or Brian@visitsouthwalton.com.

 

[Jen]

Scenic Gulf Drive Regional Beach Access in Miramar Beach (907 Scenic Gulf Drive). The construction contract has been awarded to RBM Construction. Construction began in early September and is expected to be completed by summer 2022.

The proposed Seagrove Regional Beach Access, located across the street from Café Thirty-A, is approximately 95% complete through the design/permit phase. The development order application is currently under review. Construction is expected to begin before the end of the year.

Efforts are underway to enhance the Walton Dunes (258 Beachfront Trail) beach access and the project is working its way through the design and permitting phase, with plans to begin construction this winter. Improvements will include 16 parallel ROW parking spaces, restrooms, and an ADA-accessible boardwalk. Construction is expected to be completed by late summer/early fall 2022.

The Santa Clara Regional Beach Access renovation/replacement project in Seagrove Beach is complete and the public beach access is open for use. Improvements included the replacement of the ADA accessible boardwalk, a new boardwalk and dune walkover, new bike and golf cart parking areas, site lighting, landscaping and hardscaping.

 

[Jen]

Capital Improvement Updates:

The Walton County Tourism Department continues to take an active approach to improve parking and transportation throughout the county, as well as other projects that enhance the quality of life. Here's a look at some projects currently undergoing or preparing for improvements.

• The County Road 283 parcel, also referred to as the “Grayton Central” parking lot, is 6.995-acres and is located on the eastern portion of County Road 283 South, across from the Shoppes at Grayton.
  • Temporary restroom facilities, landscaping and sail shades have been added to the area, as well as the expansion of the current drop-off area have been made ahead of the 2021 season.
  • This property has been leveled and improved with designated parking spots used by visitors to Grayton Beach, employees and patrons, as well as a shuttle location for Grayton Beach, Seaside and other nearby businesses.
  • Plans call for the facility to have 180+/- parking spaces, dedicated RV, golf cart and bicycle parking areas, restrooms and public transportation facilities.
  • Construction is expected to begin in December and be completed by summer 2022.

• The Driftwood Road parking project is on a 1.119-acre parcel located at 76 Driftwood Road in Miramar Beach.
  • As part of the design and permitting phase, plans will include a parking lot, public transit and a restroom facility. Design and permitting is expected to be completed by early winter 2021 and be completed by summer 2022.
• The County Road 393 parcel is 2.3-acres and is located north of the Gulf Place Town Center on the west side of County Road 393.
  • The design and permitting phase is currently ongoing.
    • Plans include 90+/- parking spaces, dedicated RV, golf cart and bike parking areas, a public transportation building and restroom facilities, as well as and connectivity to the multi-use path.
  • Construction is expected to begin in early winter 2021 and be completed by summer 2022.

• The Eastern Lake Road parking project consists of two neighboring parcels, located at 392 and 406 Eastern Lake Road in the Seagrove neighborhood. 392 Eastern Lake Road, a .215-acre parcel, is located just south of Williams Street on Eastern Lake Road. 406 Eastern Lake Road, a .278-acre parcel, is located just next door (east) of 392 Eastern Lake Road.
  • As part of the design and permitting phase, plans will include a parking lot.
    • Plans include 16 +/- parking spaces, 12 golf cart parking spaces and a bike parking area.
  • Construction is expected to begin late winter 2022 and be completed by summer 2022.
• Kellog Park Project: The proposed community/nature center will be an 800-1,200 square foot building, constructed on the existing building pad. Visitors of the park will still have access to the kayak launch and other county-maintained facilities throughout this process.
  • In 2008, the county formalized the bayside park, added a seawall, benches, water fountains, and a parking area. The TDC is currently responsible for maintaining the trails and existing facilities in the park. This 10-acre property was donated by the Kellogg family and is located on the Choctawhatchee Bay.
  • The design and permitting phase continues on the Kellogg Park project.

• Cessna Landing: This project now completed project is located off of County Highway 393 in Santa Rosa Beach.
  • Improvements included the replacement of the fishing pier and the construction of an ADA-accessible sidewalk and parking spaces.

 

[WalCo]

• The Eastern Lake Road parking project is located at 407 Eastern Lake Road in the Seagrove neighborhood.
  • As part of the design and permitting phase, plans will include a parking lot.
    • Plans include 16 +/- parking spaces, 12 golf cart parking spaces and a bike parking area.
  • Construction is expected to begin late winter 2022 and be completed by summer 2022.

 

[SUP Boarder]

Any information / updates on the road and bike bath reconstruction project at 30A & WaterSound Pkwy? Guess it's related to Kaiya (?)

 

[Jim Tucker]

Any information / updates on the road and bike bath reconstruction project at 30A & WaterSound Pkwy? Guess it's related to Kaiya (?)

Yeah quite a mess. It is private development but I guess the county has their part in it. The development is mostly on the north side of 30A but they have some residential and beach club on the south side. I haven't seen the plan but it appears to include re-alignment, adding turn lane(s), repaving, moving bike path, and adding crosswalks.

Are they adding a pedestrian tunnel? It looks like they're driving in a curtain wall beside the road for something.

 

[Matt J]

At Kaiya they are installing a raised median similar to Watercolor. At the intersection of camp Creek Blvd they will install a roundabout the last I heard.

 

[Camp Creek Kid]

Yeah quite a mess. It is private development but I guess the county has their part in it. The development is mostly on the north side of 30A but they have some residential and beach club on the south side. I haven't seen the plan but it appears to include re-alignment, adding turn lane(s), repaving, moving bike path, and adding crosswalks.

Are they adding a pedestrian tunnel? It looks like they're driving in a curtain wall beside the road for something.

It appears that the curtain wall is to facilitate construction of the foundation of a commercial building that will be on the corner of 30A and Watersound Parkway. There is a master plan on their website. Maybe for a parking garage?

Master Plan - Kaiya Beach

kaiyabeachresort.com