CRESTVIEW – 622 additional parking spaces will be created at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.
On Tuesday, the Okaloosa County Commission approved a $3.5 million construction contract with Gum Creek Farms, Inc. to expand the east parking lot in light of continued increases in airport traffic.
As part of the expansion, employee parking will be moved from Lot C in the northwest of the airport to a new parking lot on 6 acres in the northeast of the site. Airport officials expect the move to free up 540 parking spaces in Lot C. The new parking lot will accommodate employees and travelers and provide overflow options during peak times.
In addition to the expansion, one acre will be paved to create a standing area for transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft. Other additions include lighting and security cameras, an employee shuttle stop that can accommodate up to 20 people, a lighted walkway to the main terminal, and a multi-purpose restroom for TNCs and rental car company employees.
The expansion also includes additional paved vehicle parking areas for car rental companies near the pick-up and reception area and modifications to the stormwater retention basin.
The project has two primary sources of funding: a $1.772 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation and additional funding from local existing airport funds.
Airport Director Tracey Stage told county commissioners that once building permits are granted, he believes the parking lot could be open by Thanksgiving – just in time for the busy holiday season.
The approval of this project came one day after the county announced that the airport had recently completed a $5.5 million project to install shade canopies on the covered walkways to the curbside pickup area.
