Another pedestrian bridge over U.S. 98 moves forward

OKALOOSA ISLAND - Crossing U.S. Highway 98 to and from the planned Hilton hotel is on its way to becoming a lot safer.

Okaloosa County commissioners this week voted to reduce the building front setback for the planned Hilton Emerald Coast on Okaloosa Island. The reduced setback will allow Ozean Development LLC to build a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 98 to connect the four-star hotel to Beasley Park.

"This could be a significant benefit to the public as long as we can negotiate this," said Elliot Kampert, the county's growth management director.

The 450-room Hilton Emerald Coast will be built on the Choctawhatchee Bay side of U.S. 98 next to the Elks Lodge and across the highway from Beasley Park.

The bridge's design is similar to the one at the Destin West development just to the west. Unlike that walkover, which connects two private buildings, the bridge at the Hilton will be open to the public.

Joe Winkeler with Ozean Development said the pedestrian bridge is just one example of how the Hilton will be open to the public. The hotel will include a lobby for the public and a boardwalk that leads to the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Also, 20 percent of the boat slips at the hotel's marina on the bay will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Commissioners only approved reducing the setback for the walkover. Approval of the bridge itself will come at a future meeting.

The proposed Hilton will offer a 140-slip marina, full-service spa, salon, fitness club, two restaurants, a sushi bar, wine cellar, several bars, a grand ballroom, banquet space, coffee bar, arcade, horizon deck, retail stores and a kids club. The pool area will boast tube slides, a lazy river and a children's area.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to start next month and is expected to take 15 months to complete. A soft opening date is scheduled for May 15, 2010.