By Lori Smith
Okaloosa County has completed 2,000 feet of living shoreline along the Choctawhatchee Bay at Ross Marler Park on Okaloosa Island, marking a major milestone in shoreline protection and coastal restoration.
The multi-year project utilized a cost-effective, nature-based solution designed to mitigate erosion while enhancing the coastal ecosystem surrounding Veterans Park and Marler Park.
“This unique landscape is home to so many species that we need to protect,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel (District 2). “This living shoreline will supplement their success, the health of our bay and extend the life of these wonderful parks.”
Living shorelines are natural or nature-based solutions that protect coastal areas from erosion while supporting habitat and improving water quality. Unlike traditional hard structures such as seawalls or riprap, living shorelines use native vegetation, oyster reefs, coir logs, and other natural materials to stabilize shorelines. These systems work with natural coastal processes by absorbing wave energy, trapping sediments, and providing essential habitat for fish, crabs, and birds, while also enhancing nutrient filtration, carbon storage, and overall ecological health.
The living shoreline approach was significantly more cost-effective than traditional shoreline barriers and aligned with the parks’ intended use by visitors while prioritizing preservation of the surrounding natural environment.
“Projects like these involve a team from multiple departments in the County,” said Okaloosa County Vice Chairman Drew Palmer (District 5). “I want to thank the engineers, project managers, coastal scientists and grant specialists who worked together to complete this project and ensure that our shorelines are protected for the future enjoyment of the public.”
In addition to reducing long-term erosion maintenance costs, the living shoreline is expected to grow and strengthen over time. Funding for the project included $1.5 million in tourism bed tax revenue, a $1.5 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and $1.6 million from the RESTORE Council through the Gulf Consortium.
“It’s never wrong to be good stewards of the blessings that surround us, and thankfully, this now includes our shoreline,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Sherri Cox (District 3).
Residents can learn more about living shorelines, including local projects in Choctawhatchee Bay, through the UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension Sea Grant program, which works to educate the community on resilient, sustainable coastal solutions that balance shoreline protection with ecological function. Learn more at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/okaloosa/fl-sea-grant-coastal-science/choctawhatchee-bay-living-shorelines/
