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EGLIN AFB — Construction of a military resort on Okaloosa Island might move a step closer later this month.
Eglin Air Force Base will host an industry forum Feb. 21 at the Emerald Coast Conference Center, not far from the 17.1-acre beachfront plot where it would like to see Emerald Breeze built. A welcome reception for interested contractors will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Air Force Armament Museum.
The project on the Air Force-owned parcel will be an enhanced-use lease contract. The Air Force is looking for a developer to build and manage the resort.
Eglin spokesman Mike Spaits said the upcoming forum is not a bidding venue.
Rather, it’s an opportunity for local officials, bankers, developers and real estate managers, among others, to get more information about the resort.
“Competition for project award is based on a Request for Qualifications process,” Spaits said in an e-mail. The “completion date is yet to be determined.”
Environmental and biological assessments must be made on the valuable parcel. Each study generally takes about six months to complete, but when they will begin hasn’t been determined yet.
The Air Force sees the resort as a way to reward troops and other Department of Defense workers and dependents for their service and sacrifices while also drawing tourism dollars to the Emerald Coast.
WANT TO ATTEND?
For more information or to register for the Emerald Breeze resort industry forum Feb. 21, go to jllpress.com.
