Destin-Fort Walton Beach Wants to be Dive Capital of Florida

[bob bob]

Okaloosa County to acquire SS United States for world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach​ Okaloosa County has signed an agreement to purchase the SS United States, the historic ocean liner that holds the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing, with plans to create the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Chuck Homler d/b/a FocusOnWildlife, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Okaloosa County has signed an agreement to purchase the SS United States, the historic ocean liner that holds the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing, with plans to create the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, September 3 at 3 p.m. to ratify the executed contract. According to county documents, the Tourist Development Department is requesting approval for a budget allocation of up to $9 million for the acquisition, remediation, transport, and deployment of the SS United States. This project also includes plans for a land-based museum dedicated to the ship. The SS United States, a 990-foot vessel launched in 1952, still holds the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner. Currently docked in Philadelphia, the ship faced legal challenges when a federal judge ruled on June 14, 2024, that it must vacate its location within 90 days. This ruling has necessitated quick action to preserve the historic vessel. Economic and Ecological Impact​ SS United States, an ocean liner, docked in Philadelphia – Austin Murphy The project is expected to have significant economic benefits. County documents cite the USS Oriskany, an 888-foot vessel sunk off Pensacola in 2006, as a comparison. The Oriskany attracts over 10,000 divers annually, generating approximately $3.6 million per year in direct spending as of 2015. A University of Florida study estimates that every dollar spent on artificial reefs generates $7 in economic benefits for the local economy, with larger projects potentially yielding greater returns. The county anticipates this project will attract higher-spending, lower-impact visitors beyond the traditional 100-day summer season. Ecologically, the artificial reef will create new habitats for marine life, potentially increasing fish populations and biodiversity. This is expected to benefit both commercial and recreational fishing in the area. The increased fish populations and improved catches are anticipated to attract more recreational anglers, who contribute to the local economy through spending on equipment, boat rentals, fuel, and charters. Project Details​ The county has identified three active permitted areas (Large Area Artificial Reef Sites A, B and C) that can accommodate the SS United States, all less than 25 miles from shore. These sites offer depths and clearance requirements suitable for divers of various skill levels, from beginners to technical divers. Of the $9 million budget, $1 million is allocated for the ship’s purchase. The county has until September 12 to complete due diligence, which began in early August. Closing is set to occur on or before October 4, 2024. An agreement with the pier operator must be entered into by October 4, with the goal of completing this sooner. The SS United States Conservancy, the current owner, has committed to developing a land-based museum in conjunction with the artificial reef, which would serve to continue the iconic vessel’s legacy and provide non-divers the opportunity to learn about “America’s Flagship” and its rich history. Okaloosa County will provide up to $1 million for museum-related costs, including property purchase, construction, or renovation of an existing building/property for the museum and its exhibits. The details of the museum project and terms of an agreement are to be separately developed and negotiated within twelve months of the SS United States purchase. Timeline and Next Steps​ Lowlova, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons If approved on September 3, the county will proceed with finalizing agreements for remediation, transport, deployment, and museum development. Environmental due diligence is ongoing, with initial test results described as favorable. County staff have identified potential funding partners and expect significant cost-sharing to reduce the overall expense. To date, they believe they have secured $5 million in partnership contributions. All future contracts and funding agreements will be presented to the Board for consideration and approval in accordance with established thresholds. Comparison to USS Oriskany​ At 990 feet, the SS United States would surpass the USS Oriskany (888 feet) as the world’s largest intentional artificial reef. The Oriskany, sunk in 2006, continues to attract divers and generate economic benefits nearly two decades later. Okaloosa County aims to build on this success, positioning Destin-Fort Walton Beach as a premier destination for diving and marine tourism. The presence of two of the world’s largest artificial reefs in northwest Florida is expected to solidify the region’s status as a top destination for scuba diving and fishing activities. Historical Significance​ MICHAEL MUCHMORE, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons The SS United States, known as “America’s Flagship,” represents a pinnacle of American naval engineering. It was designed to be convertible to a troop ship if needed, capable of transporting 14,000 troops for 10,000 miles without refueling. The ship set speed records on its maiden voyage in 1952, using only two-thirds of its power. Built as part of a top-secret Cold War program, the SS United States was designed to be the world’s fastest and safest ship. Its true performance figures were kept secret for many years, but it’s known that on sea trials, it achieved a speed of over 38 knots (about 44 miles per hour). The ship carried four U.S. presidents and numerous celebrities during its service life. With the acquisition of the SS United States, Okaloosa County aims to preserve a piece of maritime history while creating a unique attraction that could significantly boost the local economy and marine ecosystem. When deployed, this project would cement Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s status as home to the world’s largest artificial reef, continuing its reputation as a premier fishing destination and further establishing it as the dive capital of Florida and the artificial reef capital of the United States. Okaloosa County to acquire SS United States for world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach

 

[UpNorth]

That is incredible and quite awesome it’s gonna be here.

 

[Jim Tucker]

SS United States to begin final journey from Philadelphia to become the world’s largest artificial reef​

The SS United States, shown at its berth at Philadelphia's Pier 82, will depart November 14 to begin its journey to Mobile, Alabama, where it will be prepared for deployment as an artificial reef off Florida's coast. The 990-foot vessel has been docked in Philadelphia since 1996. (Okaloosa County)

The SS United States, holder of the transatlantic speed record, will begin its final voyage from Philadelphia’s Pier 82 this month, marking the start of its transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef off the Florida Panhandle.

The operation to move the 990-foot vessel will begin Thursday, November 14, during high tide at approximately 11:45 a.m., when 6 tugboats will maneuver the ship to Pier 80’s north side, according to Okaloosa County.

The following day, pre-dawn operations will commence to guide the historic liner into the Delaware River during low tide. The process will require temporary closures of three major bridges: the Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76), Commodore Barry Bridge (U.S. 322), and Delaware Memorial Bridge (I-295).

After entering the Atlantic Ocean, two to three tugboats will tow the vessel on an estimated two-week journey to Mobile, Alabama, where it will undergo a 12-month preparation process for its new role as an artificial reef.

“The preparation in Mobile will include removal of hazardous materials, non-metal parts, and fuel to ensure the deployment is environmentally safe,” according to the announcement. Modifications will also be made to ensure the vessel lands upright underwater.

While the exact deployment location hasn’t been finalized, plans call for positioning the ship approximately 20 miles south of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

Okaloosa County will continue its partnership with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The museum will showcase iconic features from the ship, including its distinctive funnels and radar mast, along with the Conservancy’s archival collection.

The public can follow the ship’s journey via GPS tracking at www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/ssus.