It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Gulf Breeze, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Shoreline Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Lao Ocean or visit Fort George, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Gulf Breeze, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Gulf Breeze, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Gulf Breeze, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A tropical disturbance and the heavy rain moving along with it will bring a risk of flash flooding to Florida and the central Gulf Coast in the coming days, particularly in southern Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge.Key Things to KnowA tropical disturbance is a loose cluster of rain showers and thunderstorms. It’s often the first stage in a tropical storm, but this system off the coast of Florida is not expected to become a named storm.The disturbance was drifting westward across the far northern G...
A tropical disturbance and the heavy rain moving along with it will bring a risk of flash flooding to Florida and the central Gulf Coast in the coming days, particularly in southern Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
A tropical disturbance is a loose cluster of rain showers and thunderstorms. It’s often the first stage in a tropical storm, but this system off the coast of Florida is not expected to become a named storm.
The disturbance was drifting westward across the far northern Gulf Coast on Thursday, bringing heavy rain and showers in an area between Tallahassee and Lafayette. The center of the disturbance remained offshore near Mississippi, with the majority of the rainfall to the west of its center.
A series of flood watches were in effect across southern portions of Louisiana and Mississippi, with most locations predicted to record between two and six inches of rain.
North Florida and the far western Panhandle are expected to experience heavy rain on Thursday, as the disturbance moves west across the Gulf.
There is also a chance for heavy rain in coastal areas of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Rainfall rates there as high as three inches per hour could lead to localized flash flooding.
As the disturbance moves to southern Louisiana on Thursday, the highest risk for excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding is expected over the Lafayette area and the Lower Atchafalaya Basin. The Weather Prediction Center issued a Level 3 of 4 risk for this area.
By Friday, the system is expected to move fully inland into southern Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center said a tropical depression may form by then, but regardless, heavy showers and thunderstorms were expected over the north-central Gulf through Friday, with gusty winds and rough seas possible too.
New Orleans is likely to receive three to six inches of rain from Wednesday through Sunday, but it could measure up to 10 inches of rain in the worst-case scenario, according to the Weather Service.
Exactly how much rain falls will depend on the path of the disturbance. New Orleans will see more rain if it tracks further east. If it moves west, Baton Rouge could see more rain, but so could the Atchafalaya Basin, a swamp area where flooding is less of a concern.
“The bulk of the rainfall will be on Thursday and Friday, lingering into Saturday, potentially even Sunday,” said Megan Williams, a meteorologist at the Weather Service office serving the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas.
Meanwhile, in portions of central, south central and southwest Louisiana, the Lake Charles office of the Weather Service said up to 15 inches of rain was possible from Thursday through Saturday evening.
The Atlantic hurricane season got off to a slow start. But forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said they expect it to be an above-average season, with 13 to 19 named storms by the time it ends in November. A typical season has an average of 14 named storms.
GULF BREEZE, Fla. (WALA) - It’s been a long time coming, but after eight years Mariners Landing in Gulf Breeze is finally reopened to the public after a lot of time and some much-needed repairs.“It’s amazing to see it open and see the repairs that we’ve done,” said Mayor JB Schluter. “It was getting in pretty bad shape just the launch itself so there was a lot that needed to be done.”The park was originally closed in...
GULF BREEZE, Fla. (WALA) - It’s been a long time coming, but after eight years Mariners Landing in Gulf Breeze is finally reopened to the public after a lot of time and some much-needed repairs.
“It’s amazing to see it open and see the repairs that we’ve done,” said Mayor JB Schluter. “It was getting in pretty bad shape just the launch itself so there was a lot that needed to be done.”
The park was originally closed in 2017 to help with construction of the new General Chappie James Memorial Bridge. Both projects faced delays in 2020 due to Hurricane Sally which left a bigger void than expected for residents like Bobby Parrish.
“I’ve missed this. I have two boats and a lot of times you can’t get in down at the other ramp,” said Bobby Parrish.
Years later, the bridge was finished, and the Florida Department of Transportation turned the park back over to the city in 2023 which allowed them to ramp up a $3 million project to bring mariners landing back to life. Not only has the boat launch been upgraded. But the city has also put in new trees, new swings, benches and pavilions as well as a reconstructed boardwalk and fishing pier.
“They’ve done a great job. It’s perfect now,” added Parrish. “There’s like 38 parking slips here and that’ll take a lot of pressure off the other ramp.”
Schluter says the height of the new bridge adds another extra shade during the heat and extra parking for more people to enjoy the park. Parking is free for Gulf Breeze residents with a pass from the city’s rec center. Visitors will need to pay for an annual pass or per visit. The city still plans on adding a new seawall as well as new landscaping and some artwork that was donated which he feels will add value to a park that he considers a huge boost to the city.
“It’ll add a whole new spark to the community, of course it brings revenue to the restaurants, and to the hotels and everything, also just seeing the people use the park, it’s a beautiful park you get to see the sunrise on this side and some of the most beautiful sunsets on this side,” added Schluter.
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About six weeks after the start of hurricane season, something may be brewing in the tropics.The 8 a.m. Sunday, July 13, tropics advisory from the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, shows a trough of low pressure likely to form near the southeastern U.S. coast during the next day or two. Forecast says it's predicted to move westward across Flori...
About six weeks after the start of hurricane season, something may be brewing in the tropics.
The 8 a.m. Sunday, July 13, tropics advisory from the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, shows a trough of low pressure likely to form near the southeastern U.S. coast during the next day or two. Forecast says it's predicted to move westward across Florida into the northeastern Gulf by Tuesday, bringing heavy rainfall into the area.
A day earlier, the hurricane center reported no tropical cyclone activity was to be expected during the next 7 days. However, the "area of disturbance" that appears to stretch from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama to Florida has a 20% chance of cyclone formation in seven days (see below).
Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to Nov. 30 every year, with the most activity between August and October.
Should another weather system develop into a tropical storm, the system would be named Dexter, which is next on the list of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season names (see below).
In addition, the hurricane center is tracking three tropical waves − two in the Atlantic and one in the Caribbean. Each are moving west and do not pose a threat.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season runs Sunday, June 1, to Sunday, Nov. 30, with the most active months between August and October.
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Keep reading for information about tropical storm activity for Sunday, July 13, 2025.
According to the 8 a.m. Sunday, July 13, 2025, tropics advisory from the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, here's information about "Disturbance 1":
In the northeastern Gulf: A trough of low pressure is likely to form near the southeastern U.S. coast during the next day or two and then move westward across Florida into the northeastern Gulf by Tuesday. Environmental conditions could support some gradual development of this system during the middle to late part of this week while it moves westward over the northeastern and north-central portions of the Gulf.
Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding over portions of Florida and the north-central Gulf coast through the mid to late portion of this week.
In addition to "Disturbance 1," National Hurricane Center forecasters are tracking three tropical waves, two in the eastern Atlantic and one in the Caribbean. At this time, they do not pose a threat:
The USA TODAY Network in Florida will produce daily tropics watch advisories.
The Atlantic basin consists of the northern Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America. NOAA changed its naming convention for the Gulf of Mexico after the U.S. Geological Survey changed the name on U.S. maps per President Trump's order.
We will provided tropical weather coverage daily until Nov. 30 to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here.
Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida
Gulf Breeze, FL (July 13, 2025) – Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing care to the injured victims following a vehicle crash Saturday evening that also caused a roadblock at the intersection of Gulf Breeze Pkwy and Redfish Point Rd in Santa Rosa County. The incident was dispatched at 6:20 PM, with crews arriving by 6:30 PM to assess the situation.Authorities reported that at least one vehicle was involved in the crash, which resulted in injuries to those involved and temporarily blocked portions of Gulf...
Gulf Breeze, FL (July 13, 2025) – Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing care to the injured victims following a vehicle crash Saturday evening that also caused a roadblock at the intersection of Gulf Breeze Pkwy and Redfish Point Rd in Santa Rosa County. The incident was dispatched at 6:20 PM, with crews arriving by 6:30 PM to assess the situation.
Authorities reported that at least one vehicle was involved in the crash, which resulted in injuries to those involved and temporarily blocked portions of Gulf Breeze Pkwy, a heavily traveled roadway through the region. First responders, including paramedics and local fire crews, treated individuals at the scene while traffic was diverted to ease congestion and ensure the safety of bystanders and emergency personnel.
Details regarding the number of vehicles and victims have not yet been released. However, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the scene was being actively managed and that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision.
Motorists in the area were urged to avoid the intersection or expect delays as recovery crews worked to clear the scene and reopen the road.
Our thoughts are with the individuals injured in this crash, and we hope for their full recovery.
Crashes like the one at Gulf Breeze Pkwy and Redfish Point Rd highlight the challenges faced by drivers on major commuter routes in Santa Rosa County. Gulf Breeze Pkwy (also known as US-98) is one of the busiest thoroughfares in the area, often carrying both local and tourist traffic heading to and from Pensacola Beach and other coastal destinations.
When collisions occur at busy intersections, the results can be both physically and logistically disruptive. Injury crashes can lead to significant delays, secondary incidents, and considerable emotional strain for those involved. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, injury crashes make up a substantial portion of all reported accidents in the Panhandle region.
Following such incidents, it’s critical that victims seek medical attention, document the scene if possible, and stay in communication with law enforcement. Understanding one’s rights and potential next steps can help ensure proper treatment and support during the recovery process.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
Note: These posts are created solely for the use of Local Accident Reports. We have not verified the information in these posts as the information is gathered from secondary sources. If you have personal knowledge that the information contained in these posts is inaccurate, please contact Local Accident Reports immediately so we can make the necessary corrections or remove the story.
Disclaimer: We are providing this information to the general public as a resource to use in the event you or a family member are injured in a similar incident. Every effort is put forth to honor the victims of accidents, and hope the information presented helps others avoid the same type of accidents in the future. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. Please contact Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to be connected with an attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have.
GULF BREEZE, Fla. -- After more than eight years and $3 million, Mariner’s Landing in Gulf Breeze is officially back open.The park under the General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Bridge was closed in 2017 when construction on the bridge began.Gulf Breeze Mayor JB Schluter said it was critical to get this park up and running by the 4th of July. It's got a brand new boardwalk with a pavilion and fishing pier, and of course, a brand new boat launch.There's already quite a few people that are very excited to see...
GULF BREEZE, Fla. -- After more than eight years and $3 million, Mariner’s Landing in Gulf Breeze is officially back open.
The park under the General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Bridge was closed in 2017 when construction on the bridge began.
Gulf Breeze Mayor JB Schluter said it was critical to get this park up and running by the 4th of July. It's got a brand new boardwalk with a pavilion and fishing pier, and of course, a brand new boat launch.
There's already quite a few people that are very excited to see this park back open. The Gulf Breeze community is celebrating the grand reopening of Mariner's Landing.
"They did a beautiful job, I love it," said Pensacola resident Agusta Wright. "I used to come out here before the storm tore it up, but it's beautiful now."
"It's amazing to see it open and the improvements we've done down here," said Mayor JB Schluter. "It was getting in bad shape, just the launch itself. So there was a lot of stuff that needed to be done."
The project was met with several delays. Not only was there construction delays, but then came significant damage from Hurricane Sally. And over time, the project costs have soared.
"Of course it went up. Every year the price went up as the project got put down the line," Schluter said. "I think initially it was 1.7 million and it ended up being a 3 million dollar project and there's still more to be spent." 01:24:40
Schluter says the project was paid for using county bed tax dollars. But they hope to try and recoup some of that with FEMA grants from Hurricane Sally.
Fishermen say the new pier at the park is needed.
"Basically, Bob Sikes and the beach pier are the closest piers we know where we can fish," said Pensacola resident Mac Thomas. "All the rest of them have been closed down."
Using the new features at the park will cost you. If you are not a Gulf Breeze resident, you will have to pay for parking.
The first half hour is free. Then it's a dollar an hour with a maximum daily fee of $10. An annual pass will cost you $75. The parking fee includes use of the boat launch.
If you're interested in purchasing a parking pass, you can do so right here at the park or at the Gulf Breeze Community Center.
While the park is open, it is still a work in progress. The seawall is still under construction. The city is also working to add a kayak launch, artwork and additional landscaping.
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