Okaloosa County repeals Crab Island vessel exclusion zone, citing shifting sands and maintenance costs

Okaloosa County commissioners voted unanimously to repeal the 2015 ordinance establishing a vessel exclusion zone near Crab Island, concluding the corridor no longer serves its original emergency-access purpose.

County coastal staff, represented at the hearing by Mike Norberg and Jennifer Adams, told commissioners the area has experienced substantial shoaling that makes the corridor “very shallow and actually very difficult for vessels to pass through.” Staff also cited ongoing maintenance costs: “we spent over the last 10 or so years over a $100,000 just trying to repair, replace, and maintain buoys, and hardware out in this area,” a presenter said.

Commissioners said they consulted local emergency responders, including the sheriff’s office and local fire services, who reported they have not relied on the exclusion zone in recent years. Commissioner Kitchall moved to repeal the ordinance; Commissioner Palmer seconded the motion and the board approved it on a unanimous voice vote.

Members discussed alternatives and next steps after repeal. Commissioners asked staff to pursue cost-saving options such as repurposing buoys through intergovernmental agreements and to monitor boating-safety needs in nearby corridors. The chair said the county will coordinate with the U.S. Air Force facility and local contractors to remove buoys and hardware as soon as practicable.

The vote removes the county’s exclusion ordinance; it does not change county responsibilities for boating safety or emergency response. Commissioners said they will continue to evaluate whether targeted zones or other measures are needed for future safety and access concerns.