Okaloosa County commissioners have voted to make beach cleaning a permanent in-house service.
Commissioners also authorized Public Works Director John Hofstad to purchase beach sifters and other equipment when the county’s current rentals expire in July.
Hofstad said he’s been pleased with his workers’ performance on the public beaches in Destin and on Okaloosa Island.
Commissioner Nathan Boyles, who had strongly opposed the county providing the service, said the transition has gone “smoothly by all accounts.”
The board’s decision follows a recent judge’s ruling that Okaloosa County does not have to award a long-term beach cleaning contract to Sandman LLC.
Ward, who held the beach cleaning contract for more than 10 years, sued the county in October, accusing it of showing favoritism toward a competing company during the bidding process.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Commission OKs permanent, in-house beach cleaning