Inside Okaloosa County’s plans for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center Collin Bestor January 29, 2026 5:00 pm Fort Walton Beach FORT WALTON BEACH — Local quilt shows, antique sales and fish fries at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center, formerly known as the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, will soon take place in upgraded facilities after Okaloosa County commissioners unanimously approved a construction contract for a new concession and restroom building, marking a significant milestone in the county’s multi-year effort to revitalize the historic property. The project, approved earlier this month, carries a total cost of $1.89 million, a figure corrected during the Jan. 6 commission meeting after Tourism Director Jennifer Adams identified a clerical error in the agenda packet that omitted roughly $21,000 for kitchen hood equipment. Joy Gordon Construction will complete the work under a $1.51 million contract, while the county will directly purchase primary materials, including the metal building, concrete, HVAC units, and kitchen equipment, to reduce taxes and contractor markups. “This is a great addition to our Phase 1 project,” Deputy County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “This will add a huge component to making the facility very functional.” What’s being built The 3,244-square-foot structure will include two catering kitchens that can operate independently or together, a concession kitchen capable of supporting all-day food and beverage sales during events, and new restrooms accessible from both indoor event halls and outdoor areas. Commissioner Sherri Cox asked during the meeting whether county taxpayers would bear any of the cost. “It’s...
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