Florida county forced to pay $100,000 for SS United States ship that remains docked

In December 2024, Okaloosa County, Florida, faced financial consequences for failing to meet a deadline set for the removal of the historic ocean liner, the SS United States, from its dock in Philadelphia. The county had purchased the ship in October for over $10 million, following a lengthy dispute between Penn Warehousing, the ship's current owner, and the SS United States Conservancy. Under the terms of the agreement, the ship was supposed to be moved within 90 days after September 12, but multiple delays, including tropical storms, caused serious setbacks in the removal process. As a result of missing the December 11 deadline, Okaloosa County was obligated to pay a late fee of $100,000 to Penn Warehousing. This six-figure payment may seem substantial, but it pales in comparison to the more than $40 million spent by previous owners on the ship since its arrival in Philadelphia in 1996. Plans for the SS United States include sinking it off the coast of Destin, Florida, to create an artificial reef after necessary preparations are made in Mobile, Alabama. Questions remain surrounding the ship's ability to safely navigate the journey, considering concerns about its clearance under the bridge and Coast Guard assessments regarding its seaworthiness.