A New York marketing firm that wants to host a giant beach party at James Lee Park to promote Victoria’s Secret's Pink brand must also pay for off-duty deputies to work the event.
Okaloosa County commissioners on Tuesday made the extra security a condition of the special events permit requested by Relevent marketing for the party, which is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. March 13 at the Gulf-front park in Destin.
Okaloosa County Undersheriff Don Adams urged commissioners to require the additional off-duty deputies, who will work for 14 man-hours at $28 per hour for a total of $392.
“I would just emphasize that spring break is an incredibly taxing time for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office,” Adams said.
Commissioners agreed that increased security would be helpful.
Relevent hosted a similar but smaller party during spring break last year. This year’s bash is expected to draw 500 to 1,000 people.
The beach party will feature a DJ, an inflatable hot pink dome with a juice station and cooling lounge, an inflatable slip-n-slide, cornhole and beach volleyball.
County parks officials and law enforcement officers initially expressed concerns about crowding and parking, which is significantly limited at James Lee Park. However, they accepted Relevent’s proposal to offer a shuttle bus service from Walton County to the park.