A project three years in the making, the construction of a new snorkeling reef in Perdido Key began yesterday, Thursday, February 27. The artificial reef is located near a public access area off Sandy Key Drive.
Pensacola Beach is home to the first artificial snorkeling reef on the Gulf Coast. Built in 2011, the reef has been popular among residents and vacationers alike. Like the Pensacola Beach location, to ensure locals and their residences are not impacted by foot and vehicle traffic, the County will place proper signage throughout the area and heightened site monitoring and increased trash pickup will occur.
“This new reef is a welcome addition for the community and we are excited about the opportunity to enjoy a new amenity in the Gulf of Mexico. The reef will be an attraction not only to marine life, but to families looking to enjoy our coastline,” said Robert Turpin, Escambia County Marine Resources Division Manager.
The Sandy Key Drive location was the ideal choice for the County for various reasons; Sandy Key Drive is located closer to the mainland and includes more parking spaces than other potential sites, as well as being on the eastern end of the beach renourishment zone, so it is unlikely the reef will be effected when sand is added on the Key.
Funded by the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST), construction is expected to be complete within the next few days and as the water warms and weather allows, visitors can expect to see a variety of sea life, including turtles and tropical fish.
For more information or with questions regarding the project, please contact the Escambia County Community and Environment Department at (850) 595-4988. Residents may also receive information via social media by following @MyEscambia, @MyDistrict2 and @MyPerdidoKey on Twitter.
