Santa Rosa County Approves Design Phase for Navarre Beach Bridge Structural Repairs

Navarre, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Santa Rosa County commissioners have approved a $137,000 design contract for critical structural repairs to the Navarre Beach Bridge, moving forward on maintenance work that has been delayed for years.

The bridge serves as a vital connector for Navarre-area residents and visitors, but it has deteriorated significantly and requires immediate attention from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

State Pressure Driving County Action

The county isn't moving on these repairs by choice alone—FDOT has made clear that without structural improvements, the agency will close the bridge entirely.

"If we do not do this, FDOT will shut the bridge down. That's the bad thing about it—that's more money we're spending putting band-aids on, and I appreciate you helping me with people at FDOT everywhere else in DC trying to get a new bridge," said commissioner Ray Eddington during the December 8th committee meeting.

What's Next

The $137,000 design phase represents the first step in what will likely be a multi-year, multi-million-dollar project. Once the design work is complete, the county will need to secure additional funding for actual construction.

The bridge has been subject to ongoing maintenance for years, with commissioners acknowledging that temporary fixes have masked deeper structural problems. The design phase will identify exactly what repairs are needed to ensure the bridge remains safe and operational for the community it serves.

County staff have been working with FDOT, state representatives, and federal lawmakers to explore longer-term solutions, including the possibility of bridge replacement. However, the immediate priority is completing the structural repairs necessary to keep the bridge open.

The approval comes as Santa Rosa County works to address aging infrastructure throughout the region, including recent commitments to repair the Archie Glover Boat Ramp and the Tunnel Road Bridge.