NAVARRE BEACH, Fla.--The scenic seven-mile stretch of road that connects Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach through the Gulf Islands National Seashore has reopened after being closed for nearly five years.

State Road 399 - also known as J. Earle Bowden Way - is regarded as one of the most beautiful beach drives in the country. There is no toll charged to access the Gulf Islands National Seashore using the Navarre Beach bridge.

"The opening of this road is monumental for tourism on Navarre Beach. Visitors who like to travel the "scenic routes" use it and discover our beautiful beach. Visitors to Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach love to access other areas using this amazing stretch of road instead of Highway
98," said Kate Wilkes, executive director of the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council. "I could not even guess how many people have called or e-mailed to ask the question "Is the road open yet?". It is a tourist attraction itself!"

 

Navarre Beach is preparing for the spring and summer high season. Bookings are looking strong so far this year and the reopening of the seashore road is expected to bring even more visitors back to Navarre Beach, Wilkes said.

 

Nina Kelson, deputy superintendent for the Gulf Islands National Seashore said the stretch of national seashore has largely been closed since Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Dennis (2005).

"We are very excited. This has been a long time coming," Kelson said. "This will allow people back into the park and provide a connection to the community."

Because of the road's design, the speed limit has been lowered to 35 mph and it will be enforced, Kelson said. Parking is at satellite parking lots and the service area with restrooms and picnic tables at Opal Beach are still under construction. Patrons should be prepared to use Portalets available in designated areas.