HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Military leaders, elected representatives and transportation officials gathered for Air Force Special Operations Command’s traffic roundtable at the Freedom Tech Center in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, Aug. 17, 2026.
The roundtable served as a platform for key representatives to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce congestion along U.S. Highway 98. Attendees reviewed progress made since the first roundtable in 2023 and explored future projects to improve traffic flow along the busy highway.
As the primary route servicing Hurlburt Field and surrounding communities, Highway 98 plays a critical role in supporting both daily operations and emergency response efforts.
“When we talk about the safety, mission impacts and quality of life for our Airmen, we take this very seriously,” said Col. Mark Hamilton, 1st Special Operations Wing commander. “When the state and community provides resources, we react, and by continuing to build the bridges between Hurlburt and the surrounding communities, we will make some type of progress on projects that will make this an even greater place to live.”
During the discussion, participants reviewed several short-term initiatives designed to reduce traffic impacts and improve coordination during emergencies. Those efforts include increased Florida Highway Patrol presence during peak traffic periods, the Warrior Road Act and coordination between Hurlburt Field and the Florida Department of Transportation to reduce the effects of roadway construction projects.
"One thing we can get help with besides funding is coordination with Hurlburt and Eglin,” said Adam Scurlock, Florida Department of Transportation District 3. “Working through easements, working through ride of entries, getting access for surveys, all that helps us.”
Officials also highlighted traffic signal management efforts in Santa Rosa County and upgrades to the Okaloosa County Traffic Management Center to optimize traffic flow.
The group also discussed several long-term projects to include force protection improvements at Hurlburt Field's front gate, the proposed West Gate military construction project, the Okaloosa County West Highway 98 Collector project and the Florida Department of Transportation's planned widening of Highway 98 between Hurlburt Field and State Road 87.
Additional initiatives include connecting collector road networks across Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties, development of the proposed Navarre Community Access Road and improvements to the Highway 98 and State Road 87 intersection in Navarre.
As Northwest Florida continues to grow, the roundtable emphasized addressing transportation challenges along Highway 98 requires sustained cooperation among military, government and community stakeholders.
“This is a northwest Florida challenge and a northwest Florida opportunity,” said Hamilton. “Not a single organization or individual can do any of this alone, and we’ll continue to make progress together.”
Through continued partnership and investment, leaders aim to build a transportation network capable of supporting the region's future while ensuring Hurlburt Field can project combat power whenever and wherever it is needed.