Okaloosa County officials say Bridge To Bridge Path is paved, photoluminescent trail to open this summer

Jason Autry, director of public works for Okaloosa County, announced that the county’s Bridge To Bridge Path has been paved and includes photoluminescent stone that “in the evening, it’s quite the sight.”

Autry said the continuous path totals 4.73 miles and that the project’s cost is “a total of over $4,000,000,” funded with “2 million from the state, over $2,000,000 from TDD funds.” He said the path will improve safety for people who bike, jog or walk across the route.

Autry cautioned that the path is not yet open to the public and warned against driving or camping on it: “It’s not meant to park on. … It’s not open yet. Please don't drive on it. I should never see people driving on it, camping on it.” He said county crews will place “box and post out with some rope” to designate where parking will be allowed.

Autry also said the new path will connect existing sections, remarking that “it will tie the Destin Bridal to the Brooks Bridal,” and that workers built a pathway behind the welcome center to improve access to the park.

Jennifer Adams, identified at the announcement as the county’s tourist development director, joined Autry at the presentation. Autry said the county expects the path to open on Okaloosa Island this summer.

Autry described the surface’s photoluminescent material as a distinctive element and said the county anticipates it will draw visitors; he also said the county believes the path will qualify as “the longest continuous photo illuminated path in the world,” a claim he presented at the announcement.

For questions, county staff directed the public to the welcome center.