Inaugural Ride Launches Expanded Beach Tram Service in Walton County
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – May 22 – Walton County launched an expanded Beach Tram service today connecting visitors to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. The inaugural ride was hosted by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with the Beach Operations and Tourism departments.
Walton County Tourism is again offering complimentary day-use entry to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. With the addition of Beach Tram service to both parks, residents and visitors now have an easier, more convenient way to access two of Walton County’s most treasured natural areas.
The free tram service is designed to reduce vehicle traffic and parking pressure near the parks while supporting Walton County’s commitment to preserving the natural ecosystems that make the community special. The tram will operate in coordination with state park capacity limits, helping ensure riders know park availability before boarding.
“This service aligns with the visions and goals outlined in the parks’ unit management plans by improving public access in a way that supports conservation, reduces vehicle impacts and helps protect the natural character and long-term sustainability of these treasured parks,” said Josh Ervin, beach operations director for Walton County Tourism. “It is a thoughtful approach that expands access without compromising the integrity of the parks themselves.
"Today is a great example of what can happen when local leaders, state partners and community stakeholders work together for a common goal," Ervin said.
State Representative Shane Abbott, who was instrumental in achieving this expanded access, said the service helps Walton County better utilize the public beach access already available within the two state parks while continuing to follow established capacity guidelines.
“We have 4.7 miles of beach in those two state parks that we were grossly underutilizing, and I knew we could get more people on those beaches without harming the state parks themselves,” said Rep. Abbott. “We are abiding by the capacity rules that are in the unit management plans. We invest in the state parks not to keep people out, but to get people into the parks, and now we can finally utilize them to their full capacity.”
Rep. Abbott also emphasized that bicycles and pedestrians will be able to enter the parks until capacity is reached.
Walton County Commissioner Danny Glidewell said the expanded tram service reflects the value of cooperation between state and local governments.
“We’re here to be public servants – not to create problems, but to solve problems,” said Commissioner Glidewell. “This is a problem that is being solved through the work and cooperation of state and local governments, and that is something to be proud of.”
WCT Tourism Director Matt Algarin, left, Walton County Commissioner Danny Glidewell, Rep. Shane Abbott, Commissioner Brad Drake and County Administrator Brian Kellenberger launch the new Beach Tram service to state parks with a ribbon cutting. View more photos here.
With the addition of state park access, the Beach Tram network expands public beach access for visitors and residents through routes operating from two facilities:
393 Beach Park and Ride - 1668 S County Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beach
Operating daily from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Ed Walline Express
Ride directly to Ed Walline Regional Beach Access
Departs every 10 minutes
Dune Allen Local
Stops include: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Dune Allen RBA, and Fort Panic RBA
Departs every 30 minutes
Grayton Beach Park and Ride - 1505 County Hwy 283 S, Santa Rosa Beach
Grayton Express
Ride directly to Bets “Beachmama” Haynes RBA
Departs every 10 minutes
Daily from 6 a.m. – 9:45 p.m.
Blue Mountain Local
Stops include: Blue Mountain RBA, Gulfview Heights RBA and 393 Beach Park and Ride
Departs every 30 minutes
Runs from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Grayton Beach State Park Express
Ride directly to Grayton Beach State Park
Departs every 30 minutes
Runs from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
For route schedules and additional information, please contact Beach Operations at (850) 267-4578 or visit WaltonTransportation.com.
For more information about the Complimentary Day-Use Admission to Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Parks, click here.
Photos courtesy of Walton County Tourism.
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