Sept. 22–SHALIMAR — Local developer Tripp Tolbert wants to transform Okaloosa Island into a resort district that will rival Destin.
He shared his vision with Okaloosa County Commissioners on Tuesday in a presentation that included photographs, architectural renderings and detailed maps.
"I am promoting the creation of a Destin West Resort District in order to attract more tourism and shoulder season business onto the island," said Tolbert, who owns the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort on U.S. Highway 98.
Tolbert told commissioners he's working with the Hard Rock Hotels to build a full-service, 600-unit resort on the Ramada site. He was joined by Todd Hricko, vice president of business development for Hard Rock Hotels, and representatives of WHLC Architecture out of Fairhope, Alabama.
"We're definitely behind that project," Hricko said. "… We're a Florida corporation … and we have three world-class assets in Hollywood, Tampa and Orlando, and a resort in Okaloosa Island would be a world-class asset as well."
Tolbert's presentation also called for overhauling and enhancing the streetscapes, signage and lighting on Okaloosa Island, enhancing the retention pond at The Boardwalk and adding a water feature on the property and utilizing trams and trolleys to move visitors safely around the island.
He also urged commissioners to seek a private entity to take over the Emerald Coast Convention Center, which is a $2 million drain on the county's bed-tax fund.
"I think it's a great asset, but it's … totally underutilized," Tolbert said. "… And us in the private industry have not provided the proper accommodations, I think, to go with the convention center."
Tolbert said the convention center can help maximize the island's tourism potential if the county allows the resort district to be created.
"With all the hoteliers and everyone working together as a district … hopefully, we could turn that venue around," he said.
