SS United States Artificial Reef Deployment Date Moved Up to Nov. 11
Due to forecast heavy winds and unsafe weather conditions on Thursday, Okaloosa County is moving up the date to deploy the SS United States as the World’s Largest Artificial Reef to Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, with deployment operations beginning at 1 p.m. CST. The sendoff ceremony scheduled for Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. has been canceled. “Safety is always a top priority in Okaloosa County,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “There is simply no reason to take an unnecessary risk when adjusting the
Okaloosa County Announces Opening of One-of-A-Kind Playground at Ross Marler Park
Okaloosa County, Florida – Okaloosa County and Destin-Fort Walton Beach are proud to announce a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a one-of-a-kind playground at Ross Marler Park on Okaloosa Island, located at 1275 Santa Rosa Boulevard. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. The $1.3 million playground transformation replaces an aging playground structure and was fully funded with revenue paid by tourists. Due to its location near the Choctawhatchee Bay and Gulf, it will benefit
SS United States Set to Depart Philadelphia to Begin Journey to Become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
**Update as of 2/19/2025** America's Flagship is on her way to Mobile, Alabama where she will be prepared as the World's Largest Artificial Reef to be deployed off of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. She left Philadelphia this afternoon (2/19/2025) after nearly 30 years. LIVE TRACKING: Follow her journey to Mobile: https://www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/ssus/. The amount of traffic to this site has caused some temporary delays, so be patient. View video/still image assets at
