Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners are proud to announce a regional collaboration between Visit Pensacola and Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA), to promote the deployment and long-term tourism and environmental benefits associated with the SS United States as the World’s Largest Artificial Reef.
Okaloosa County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve agreements with Visit Pensacola and CCA as partners in the SS United States artificial reef project that will bring a $1.5 million contribution from Visit Pensacola and a $500,000 contribution from CCA. Visit Pensacola is scheduled to review and approve the agreement at their December 2025 meeting.
“I applaud the energy that went into creating these partnerships,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “This collaboration will foster amazing adventures for generations of visitors and create a tourism economy that will benefit the state and the entire Northwest Florida region.”
The contributions will be used for the deployment of the SS United States as an artificial reef with a portion being used for a multi-year marketing campaign to promote the SS United States as a worldwide premier diving destination.
"Visit Pensacola is thrilled to partner with Okaloosa County on this historic initiative. With the addition of the SS United States and Pensacola already home to the USS Oriskany, Northwest Florida is becoming one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations for divers and marine exploration," said Visit Pensacola President and CEO, Darien Schaefer.
"The transformation of the SS United States into the world's largest artificial reef creates a rare opportunity to elevate our entire region on the global stage. Together, we're bringing unmatched environmental value to the Gulf while creating new tourism and economic opportunities that will benefit our destinations for generations. This collaboration showcases what's possible when our region works together with vision, purpose and a shared commitment for sustainable growth."
“CCA Florida is proud to once again partner with Okaloosa County, building on our long-standing collaboration on artificial reef projects and redfish stock enhancement,” said CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski. “This partnership demonstrates how coordinated efforts between public agencies and nonprofit organizations can effectively serve our communities while advancing the health and resilience of our marine ecosystems. This project is particularly meaningful, as it represents the largest single donation in CCA Florida’s 40-year history. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to the creation of the world’s largest artificial reef.”
The creation of this reef will provide essential habitat, benefit marine life, and foster a sense of stewardship while generating substantial tourism and economic benefits for Northwest Florida.
The SS United States is currently docked in Mobile, Ala., and is in the inspection phase following months of necessary remediation for an environmentally safe deployment. She is scheduled to be deployed in early 2026 in the Gulf about 22 nautical miles southwest of the Destin East Pass and 32 nautical miles southeast of the Pensacola Pass.
