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Navarre Beach Boardwalk Project Draws $8.3 Million Low Bid as Workshop Nears
Santa Rosa County unsealed bids for the Navarre Beach boardwalk project, with an 8.3 million dollar proposal emerging as the lowest responsive offer. Commissioners plan an informational workshop in Milton ahead of reviewing contract details for the event hall and…
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Two major infrastructure projects are moving forward across Northwest Florida this week. In Santa Rosa County, officials unsealed bids for the Navarre Beach boardwalk project. Meanwhile, Escambia County crews prepared to reopen West Roberts Road in Cantonment after drainage work.
Why it matters
These infrastructure investments directly affect daily life and public funds across local communities. Santa Rosa County leaders must balance coastal recreation with taxpayer costs and environmental stewardship. At the same time, Escambia County drivers in Cantonment gain relief from detour delays on a critical travel corridor.
What are the details of the Navarre Beach boardwalk bid?
Crucible Construction of Spanish Fort, Alabama, submitted the lowest responsive bid at $8,321,183. Two Pensacola firms also competed for the coastal construction contract. County officials opened all three proposals on Thursday, September 17, 2026. This step begins an intensive financial and technical review process.
Crucible submitted the lowest overall number among the three competing companies. In contrast, Empire Builders Group of Pensacola offered a proposal of $9,458,466.66. Furthermore, Green-Simmons Company of Pensacola presented the highest bid at $9,836,748.
Crucible divided its cost proposal into several distinct project categories:
- Event Hall and Boardwalk: $5,127,608
- Parking Lot and Restrooms: $3,188,000
- Permits: $5,000
However, the Santa Rosa County BOCC does not have to build every feature at once. Commissioners retain full discretion to approve the entire plan. Alternatively, they can proceed only with specific components. For example, the board could build the boardwalk, restrooms, and parking while deferring other work.
How much will the Navarre Beach event hall cost?
The proposed event hall package carries a primary cost of $5,127,608 under Crucible’s low bid. That price covers a 6,523-square-foot indoor gathering hall. In addition, the figure includes a 3,973-square-foot exterior covered support area. It also funds new boardwalk sections and beach access stairs.
County leaders first conceived the event venue initiative back in 2019. But officials paused planning in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioners then resumed work in 2021 and finalized the design parameters in late 2025. Therefore, board members will soon decide if the indoor event space delivers sufficient public value.
When is the Santa Rosa County boardwalk workshop?
The upcoming Santa Rosa County boardwalk workshop takes place at 6:00 PM on Monday, October 19, 2026. The meeting will occur inside the Santa Rosa County Administrative Complex Board Room in Milton. Commissioners will hear community feedback. However, they will take no formal votes that evening.
County staff emphasized that the session serves purely as an informational hearing. Assistant County Administrator Jared Lowe previously affirmed that board action will happen later. Specifically, commissioners will vote only when a contract returns for formal review. Thus, local residents will have ample opportunity to examine the project footprint first.
Meanwhile, public opposition to the facility remains strong among several local groups. Critics regularly voice concerns about coastal dunes and local wildlife during public comment periods. For instance, they worry construction could disrupt shorebirds like black skimmers and least terns. Additionally, residents want to protect federally protected sea turtle nesting habitats along the shore.
During recent hearings, resident Erica Thomas presented an online petition with more than 8,000 signatures. Thomas questioned whether commercial building projects conflict with coastal restoration goals. Specifically, she noted the county received million in Deepwater Horizon funds. Those dedicated funds support dune protection and water quality.
How is Cantonment traffic shifting on West Roberts Road?
West Roberts Road between Tate Road and Highway 29 reopens to traffic at 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Contractors finished installing extensive underground stormwater drainage lines. As a result, the full road closure ends now. However, drivers must expect intermittent single-lane closures through winter 2026.
The $4,635,298.30 reconstruction project relies on federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Contractor C.W. Roberts, Inc. is widening the roadway to two 12-foot travel lanes. Crews are also adding five-foot paved shoulders from Pine Forest Road to Highway 29. Furthermore, workers will resurface and restripe the pavement heading toward Pine Forest Road.
The full detour started on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Escambia County staff initially aimed to reopen the street right after Labor Day weekend. However, officials later extended the detour window. This delay helped ensure crew safety during shoulder construction and lane striping. Motorists navigating future work can continue using detour routes along Kingsfield Road, Stallion Road, and Tate Road.
Sources
- https://santarosafl.gov
- https://www.pnj.com
- https://gulfbreezenews.com
- https://myescambia.com
- http://www.northescambia.com
- https://www.newsradio923.com
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
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