The new board walk area will be located north of the dunes and between Navarre Beach Pier parking lot and Navarre Beach Marine Park.
Santa Rosa County Commissioners were recently presented conceptual designs for a new boardwalk project planned for Navarre Beach. The boardwalk will include small retail spaces, additional parking, more restrooms, an outdoor community space for concerts and events, plus a new Visitor Information Center. The improvements will also include a new ADA-accessible walkover with an elevated and shaded viewing platform, overlooking the beach.
The Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC) during its March budget meeting voted to earmark $5.5 million in TDC reserves for construction of the aforementioned amenities, which are part of the first phase of the project and will also include a playground. A second phase will extend the boardwalk, add a food truck court and provide a dozen more shopping spaces.
The Tourist Development Office has been working on the project since 2021, gathering input from citizens, whose most desired amenity, per a June 2024 survey, is for more shopping venues on the island.
“We are very excited to showcase what our beautiful destination has to offer, and the new boardwalk will be a gathering place for all,” said Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Director Julie White. “We have been saving this money for several years.”
White said a mural, planned for the water tower adjacent to Navarre Beach Boat Ramp parking lot, will also be included in Phase I of the improvements.
“It’s great to see all these projects starting to come to fruition,” said TDC member Jeff Snow, praising White for her leadership, bringing ideas into reality. “I especially appreciate how Julie sought feedback from citizens, asking how they prefer to see our local bed tax revenues spent. What’s truly great is how we’re going to see this multi-million dollar project built using money visitors brought to our area.”
District 5 County Commissioner Colten Wright, who also serves on the TDC, stated:
“I’m excited about the proposed boardwalk concept as it would provide additional space for local businesses to serve both local residents and visitors. This is a great example of how we can reinvest tourist tax dollars into an amenity that improves our beach for everyone to enjoy.”
