Destin, FL. – The City of Destin, Florida is continuing to monitor the progression of COVID-19 across the country and, in particular, Okaloosa County. It is paramount to remember that as of the date of this Notice there is one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Okaloosa County. The community must remain strong, level-headed, and pragmatic under these circumstances, which remain fluid. Rest assured that City officials remain vigilant and prepared to react in the event of a spread of the COVID-19.
It is also important to remain proactive while balancing the rights of the public with the potential dangers to the public that meeting in a public setting presents. Therefore, after careful consultation with City staff, the City’s attorneys, and public health officials, we have decided that the City will institute special measures relating to the March 16, Regular Destin City Council Meeting.
First, the meeting will proceed as scheduled. While we recognize that caution must be exercised in meetings of large groups of people, this caution must be balanced against the public’s right to be heard. To this end, the following measures will be implemented:
- The meeting will be held in person, as scheduled, at 6:00 pm, Monday, March 16, 2020, in the Destin City Hall Annex.
- Hand sanitizer will be located throughout the facility and members of the public are welcomed and encouraged to engage in the frequent use of this product.
- Prior to entering the facility, please practice safe hygiene habits such as washing your hands. While in the facility, please, to the extent possible, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and coughing without covering your mouth.
- No member of the public will be turned away.
- However, if you elect to stay home, but still wish to present comment or other documents to the City Council, the City will accept these written comments or documents in a written or electronic format in lieu of any verbal comment.
- The City Council must have time to review any written comments or documents that you wish to present. Therefore, your written comments or documents must be submitted by either hand delivery or electronically, to City Clerk, Rey Bailey, by 4:00 pm, Friday, March 13, 2020 at 4200 Indian Bayou Road, Destin, Florida 32541 or rbailey@cityofdestin.com.
- To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, electronic submission via email is highly encouraged.
- To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, no documents will be accepted from members of the public the night of the meeting.
- To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, electronic submission via email is highly encouraged.
- To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, no documents will be accepted from members of the public the night of the meeting.
- All of the above includes public comment and documents relating to any item on the agenda in addition to any other public input.
- At this time the Florida Department of Health recommends social distancing. To balance the health and well-being of our citizens the City encourages residents to livestream the council meeting at www.youtube.com/cityofdestin.
In addition to these special measures, all members of the public are encouraged to engage in safe and healthy living practices as described by health organizations across the world. By utilizing these practices, we can all truly help each other and reduce risk. These practices include:
- Washing your hands with soap and water by scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are feeling ill or have returned from an area of high COVID-19 prevalence, please self-quarantine or seek medical care depending on the severity of your symptoms.
This is a unique time and due to these unique circumstances, the special measures described above must be implemented to reduce the public’s risk. This City and community will face this challenge as it always has —prudently, attentively, and thoughtfully. We look forward to receiving your written comments and documents.