A project aimed at stabilizing Destin, Florida’s landmark Norriego Point, and revitalizing recreational opportunities there, was kicked off by the Florida Trustee Implementation Group with high hopes and a ground-breaking ceremony held on October 11, 2017.
The project will start with the construction of erosion control structures to restore 5.4 acres of the point lost over time and provide additional swimming locations in embayments. This stabilization phase is expected to be completed by spring 2018 and cost $9.7 million. If all goes according to plan, the $2.8 million recreational improvement phase of the project will start in the fall of 2018 and be completed in spring of 2019. This phase will provide a picnic pavilion, a boardwalk that meets American Disabilities Act requirements, bicycle racks, additional parking, restrooms, dune cross overs, and an observation pavilion.
This project received $10 million in early restoration funding and $3.7 million in additional funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Beaches Program to complete the stabilization phase of this project. The FDEP is overseeing the project.