UPDATE: PARK IS NOW OPEN
Oct. 16, 2018 – As we continue to reel in the devastating impacts of Hurricane Michael, many folks are focused on tending to loved ones, friends, and neighbors east of Walton County. Walton County has been spared major damage other than downed trees, and several dock wash outs around the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Thomas Pilcher Park along the Clyde B. Wells (331) bridge took a beating from the storm and is currently closed. Here is a summary of the damage:
- Significant undermining to the sidewalk at the northwest corner of the park.
- Erosion along the northern shore, resulting in exposed wiring to the navigation lights for the channel.
- Damage to lighting fixture(s) along the pier.
- Damage to the southern end of the fishing area on the western side of the park.
- Damage to the wooden guardrail along the western side of the parking lot.
- Abandoned sailboat resting on rip-rap adjacent to the fishing area on western side of park.
- Numerous palms down and debris scattered throughout the parking lot.
The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) is in charge of maintaining Pilcher Park. According to Josh Irvin, Beach Maintenance Manager for the TDC, there is no estimated time for re-opening the park, as assessments are still ongoing. Their engineer of record is working diligently to put together a report that will hopefully be ready to present to the Board of County Commissioners later this month.
As soon as more information is available, Walton Outdoors will update with new stories.