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Groundbreaking at the Shore at Crystal Beach ExpansionThe “Gateway to Crystal Beach” is now on its way to becoming a reality thanks to the partnership between the City of Destin, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and Trust for Public Land. Elected officials, city and county staff, members of the public and media, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Shore at Crystal Beach Park Expansion on Monday, April 12th.
“This initiative is one of the highest priorities for the City of Destin. Our tourist tax dollars are being reinvested back into public beach so that we can deliver on the promise of the Destin brand and meet the expectations of our residents and visitors,” stated Mayor Gary Jarvis. “We recognize the desire for more beach access,” said Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Chairman, Carolyn Ketchel. “Through this acquisition and partnership, we can accommodate the need for our community to enjoy the beaches year-round.”
The City of Destin has pledged $9,000,000 and Okaloosa County $13,000,000 for potential beach acquisitions to expand beach access in Destin. The Trust for Public Land, which the City of Destin has partnered with to aide in the process, has negotiated to purchase three properties adjacent to the Shore of Crystal Beach Park. Two have closed with the purchase of a third parcel is ongoing. The combined cost of these acquisitions is $10.6 Million plus some ancillary closing costs which are (estimated under $50,000). Funding for the initial set of acquisitions is proposed to be funded with the following ratio -- 59% County ($6.28+ Million) and 41% City ($4.37- Million), based on the dollars pledged by the city and the county. The County’s funding comes from the tourism bed tax dollars while the City’s comes from ½ cent sales tax dollars.
Due to the hard work and partnership between the entities listed above, the groundbreaking ceremony will be the first step in creating more access to public beach for residents and visitors. Following demolition, the partners, will fine tune park elements. Completion of the project is anticipated for the main 2022 tourism season. For videos and photos of the groundbreaking please visit https://www.facebook.com/cityofdestin. |
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Destin Friends Guild
Did you know that the Destin Library has a Friends Guild? In 1940 a group of volunteers came together to create a library for the small community of Destin. Since that time, the group has transformed into the Friends Guild of the Destin Library. Today, they support and advocate for the Library in its mission to provide information service to the community. The Friends Guild coordinates cultural events throughout the year and provides financial support for Library equipment such as the digital scanners in the Media lab. They volunteer to help with outreach and offer resources for the Library's Summer Reading Club. The Friends plan the independent film and speaker series that is presented in the fall.
The Friends Guild sponsors each Spring the Library's annual Jazz on the Lawn concert featuring Destin's multi-talented Diva Dr. Cheryl Jones. This program is a community favorite where friends and neighbors bring their lawn chairs and pack their lunches to sit in the Library's gardens enjoying Dr. Jones's music. Cultural events like this are possible because of the work of the Friends Guild. If you are interested in learning more about the Destin Friends Guild, please email the group at Destinlibraryfriends@gmail.com.
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New Sod at the Destin Dog Park
The park was closed for a few days for staff to lay new sod. The small dog park remained opened for our furry friends and their humans.
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Its that time of year...spring cleaning and yardwork!
Waste Management (WM) collects lawn debris on Fridays. Acceptable items include grass clippings, leaves, tree branches. Yard waste must be bagged, canned, and/or stacked and not weigh more than 50 pounds per container and not be in excess of 6 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter. Total volume not to exceed 2 cubic yards per yard waste service day. If it is not in this condition, a "special pickup" can be arranged by contacting Waste Management at 850-862-7141. For more information please visit https://www.wm.com/us/local/fl/destin/residential?cmp=ag_home_2018-11-15_usa_fl_destin.
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Employee SpotlightSharon Gardner is the Code Compliance Administrative Assistant and is valued member of Team Destin. Ms. Gardner is recognized for her exemplary performance through COVID-19. From January 2020 through April 5, 2021, she responded to thousands of emails and phone calls, coordinated nearly 100 meetings, processed 1802 Short-Term Rentals (STR’s), 329 Long-Term Rentals (LTRs), 89 vendor locations, 521 vessels, and processed 530 Code Citations through the Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts, as well as the day-to-day operations of the department which also includes dispatching officers to any daily complaints the department receives.
Code Compliance Manager, Joey Forgione, stated “Sharon’s work ethic, integrity, and actions brings great credit upon herself, the Code Compliance Department, and the City of Destin.”
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2021 City of Destin Annual Passes
Full-time residents (within the incorporated city limits) are encouraged to submit their request for a 2021 Annual Pass via the city website at https://www.cityofdestin.com/342/Annual-Passes. For those who do not have internet access beach parking passes are only available at City Hall. Henderson Beach State Park and Joes Bayou Boat Ramp passes are available at both City Hall and the Destin Community Center. For questions, please contact Destin City Hall, 4200 Indian Bayou Trail or call 850-837-4242.
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City of Destin Leave No Trace ChallengeOn April 22nd, City of Destin staff took a few moments out of their day and collected and hauled away 20 bags filled with cigarette butts, business signs, take out trash, beer bottles/cans, and car parts, in honor of Earth Day. Staff members cleaned the area along U.S. Highway 98 from Big Kahuna’s to Gulf Shore Drive as well as Matthew Boulevard to Henderson Beach State Park. Deputy City Manager, Webb Warren stated, “This is how we effect change and set the example by taking pride in our community and know that we are part of a team that keeps Destin beautiful.” Many thanks to Big Kahunas for supporting the effort and allowing the use of their parking lot as a rally point.
Each month City of Destin staff will be participating in a litter clean-up around city facilities. It is our hope that area businesses will take part to clean their “home fronts.” Through a collaborative effort, we can all make a positive difference in the appearance and health of this great city. The City of Destin would like to thank the Compass Resorts team for being a member of the City’s Adopt-A-Street program and cleaning Beach Drive from U.S. Highway 98 to Legion Drive on Earth Day. The Adopt-A-Street Program is a collaborative effort between city staff and our community members who make a positive difference in the health and overall appearance of our beautiful City. Individuals or groups who participate in the Adopt-A Street Program will have their name listed on the City’s website and signage will installed on their adopted street. For more information about the program please visit www.cityofdestin.com/adoptastreet.
If you are a business, private organization or entity that would like to participate in this challenge please share your photos and your efforts on social media with the following hashtag #LeaveNoTraceChallenge so we can track and share this challenge’s efforts to make our community more beautiful. |
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Parks and Recreation UpdateDalton Threadgill Park Batting Cage Project is 100% Complete. The Destin Little League batting cage is enjoyed nightly by our city Little League program. The efforts of the city and Little League made an awesome addition to Dalton Threadgill Park.
Men’s and coed softball play at Morgan Sports Center Tuesday and Wednesday nights. We are happy to have adult softball tournaments back at Morgan Sports Center.
Youth spring soccer is half way thru the season; Friday night lights is where great family fun takes place at Morgan Sports Center.
For more information regarding the Parks and Recreation Department, please visit our website: https://www.cityofdestin.com/102/Parks-Recreation-Department, or call 850-654-5184.
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Calling All Destin Seniors
Join the Destin Seniors Membership to enjoy multiple festivities including the senior lunch bunch, potluck, casino trips, bingo, chair exercise, knitting, scrabble, and Mexican dominoes. Members must be a Destin Resident to join. For more information about becoming a member of the Destin Seniors, please call the Destin Community Center at 850-654-5184.
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Council UpdatesAll City Council meetings may be viewed at www.youtube.com/cityofdestin.
April 5th Council Meeting Recap
Funding Request from Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation: 5-1, motion passed to direct the City Manager to coordinate with the City’s Finance Director to identify the appropriate budget account from which to take the $25,000 they can make available to the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation. Councilmember Destin requests staff bring information back at the next Council meeting.
Presentation of the Public Works & Safety Committee's 2021-2022 Work Plan: 6-0, motion passed to accept the Public Works / Public Safety Committee 2021-2022 work plan.
City Manager Report:
Land Development Code: 6-0, motion passed to approve the proposed Land Development Code update scope of work and the contract with 3TP Ventures, LLC, to furnish professional planning services to the City in the amount not to exceed $90,000.
Evaluation of the Impacts of the Cross-Town Connector at Intersection of US 98/Stahlman Ave: 6-0, motion passed to direct the City Manager to schedule a City Council workshop within the next 30 days to discuss issues relating to the cross-town connector and other factors they can include on the cross-town connector to make it a truly multi-modal section of the road and get the maximum use out of it; and direct Atkins to delay creating the design until after the workshop.
Resolution 21-03 - Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) Agreement - Crosstown Connector EN615: 6-0, motion passed to adopt Resolution 21-03, authorizing the City Manager to execute the TRIP Agreement with FDOT and amending the City’s Fiscal Year 2021 Budget accordingly, and directing the City Manager to deliver all necessary documents to the FDOT; and to allow Atkins’ right-of-way acquisition portion of the design project to move forward.
Zerbe/Calhoun Phase 2 Project: 6-0, motion passed to approve Option 2 for the Zerbe/Calhoun Pedestrian Improvements Phase II. Councilmember Destin recommends the City obtains a Scope of Services and proposals from all three continuing services consultants – Dewberry, Baskerville-Donoval, and Volkert – for the project, and bring back staff’s recommended contract for Council’s consideration.
Pine Street Safety Concerns: 6-0, motion passed ask the Sheriff’s Department to pay special attention to speeding on Pine Street in the short term; and in the long term, consider some of the ideas presented by the City Engineer at a workshop later this year.
Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park and Plaza Kayak Launch: 6-0, motion passed to authorize the City Manager to request the removal of the kayak launch from the project and take whatever additional steps are necessary for processing the request with the FCT, Okaloosa County and the US. Treasury.
Zerbe-Calhoun Pedestrian Improvements Project, Boardwalk section: 6-0, motion passed to to table this matter until the next meeting to allow staff time to obtain some answers on the ADA compliance issue.
Announcements:- The DWU is working closely with City staff to coordinate the installation of new
reclaim water lines that would require the closure of portions of Airport Road between April 19th and 23rd. - Groundbreaking ceremony scheduled to be held at Shore at Crystal Beach Park on April 12th at 10:00 AM.
- Due to unavoidable delay in conversion to EnerGov system, staff requests Council delays the reopening of the Annex Facility to full 5-days a week until they get the program up and running. Motion to delay the reopening of the Annex Facility to full 5-days a week to the end of April 2021 passed 5-1, with Councilmember Schmidt dissenting.
- The City Manager will be away on vacation from April 15th to 25th. Deputy City Manager Webb Warren will be Acting City Manager during that period.
Council Comments:
Funds for Watersports Safety Videos: 6-0, motion passed to direct the City Manager to work with the Finance Director to find $8,000 to contribute towards the water sports safety videos.
Nomination/ Appointment of Mr. Jim Bagby to the Board of Adjustment: 5-1, motion passed to appoint Mr. Jim Bagby to the Board of Adjustment.
Project Management Protocols: The City needs to have someone that oversees projects, large or small, to ensure job efficiency, avoid any confusion, and ensure that even the minutest details are not being overlooked. Since the City is already understaffed, recommend Council authorizes the City Manager to start looking into hiring a construction management firm or a continuing services contract for construction manager that will have the project oversight responsibility. Councilmember Destin will draw on his experience as the County Schoolboard liaison to a construction management team and work with the City Manager in finding a firm interested in entering into an agreement with the City.
Cemetery Plots: Councilmember Schmidt asked staff to compare the Destin cemeteries with other municipality and privately run cemeteries in terms of the number of residents and the number of available cemetery plots and provide information to Council.
Airport Road/US Hwy 98 Turn Lane Notice: Staff to continue working with FDOT in determining the appropriate solutions to the safety issues that exist in this turn lane.
Nomination/Appointment of Mr. Harvey Hurst to the Harbor & Waterways Board: 6-0, motion passed to appoint Mr. Harvey Hurst to the Harbor & Waterways Board.
Harbor Capacity Study Steering Committee recommendation to widen and move the harbor channel - Request authorization from City Council: 6-0, motion passed to authorize the City Land Use Attorney to contact the appropriate federal authorities to determine the process involved in widening and moving the harbor channel.April 19th Council Meeting Recap
Arbor Day Celebration - Mayor Gary Jarvis read a Proclamation designating April 29th, 2021 as Arbor Day in the City of Destin.
City Manager Report:
Utility Undergrounding - Utility Consultants of Florida - Task Order 1: 7-0, motion passed to execute Task Order 1 of the Destin Utility Undergrounding Project Management Agreement with Utility Consultants of Florida.
Support of Bill to Consolidate Utility Poles - SB 1944/HB 1567: 7-0, motion passed to authorize and direct the Mayor and City Manager to send the letter of support for SB 1944 and HB 1567 to the State legislature.
Funding requests from Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation and Okaloosa County Watersports Operators Coalition: 7-0, motion passed to approve the recommended internal budget transfers and direct staff to coordinate a donation of $25,000 to the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation for operations and a donation of $8,000 to the Okaloosa County Watersports Operators Coalition for production of water safety videos.
Flood Plain Map and Development Issues: 7-0, motion passed to direct staff to proceed with the proposed changes to Ordinances 18-05-LC and 18-05-CC.
Zerbe-Calhoun Pedestrian Improvements Project, Boardwalk section: 7-0, motion passed to direct the City Manager to work with the contractor to install a sidewalk section in the interior of the park instead of the elevated boardwalk sections along Calhoun Avenue.
Direction on Enhancing Payment Technology for Harbor District Parking Lots: It was the consensus of the Council to have staff take a comprehensive approach in pursuing additional payment options, compatible with the existing passport system, through the FY 2022 budget process, and target to implement any good solutions in the fall during the off season. Staff to bring back a report on directional signage and other means of informing people of public parking lot locations that can be implemented before Memorial Day.
Announcements: - Crosstown Connector Workshop on Monday, May 10th, at 5:30 PM.
- Beginning Tuesday, April 20th, DWU will continue their installation of reclaim water main across Airport Road, which will impact surrounding roadways in the area. Motorists are encouraged to avoid Airport Road during this construction.
- The City recently hired a planner and a building inspector.
Council Comments:
Request approval of Councilmember Teresa Hebert's enrollment in the Destin Chamber of Commerce Destin Forward Class: 6-0, motion passed to approve. Councilmember Hebert abstained from voting.
Gulf Shore Drive extension update - Councilmember Ramswell asked that Council be kept apprised on the progress of the ongoing access issue.
Memorial Plaque for Kohltan Ward - Motion to use Council funds to erect a “Kohltan’s Korner” memorial plaque at the intersection of Main Street and Kelly Street.
Councilmember Ramswell requested a map showing locations in Destin where cell towers are being placed.
Councilmember Ramswell asked staff to investigate the closure of the west side entrance to the Emerald Grande which is causing traffic back-up over the Marler Bridge.
Councilmember Braden asked staff to also investigate complaints from several people about Oak Trees planted in the same area that are blocking their view of the red traffic light around the curve as they come off the Marler Bridge.
Councilmember Ramswell requested that the following items be placed on the next Council meeting agenda: - Determining the Harbor CRA Boundary Line.
- Have the Capacity Study identify the number of boat slips in the harbor.
Nomination/Appointment of Ms. Daniella Piper to the Board of Adjustment: 7-0, motion passed to appoint Ms. Daniella Piper to the Board of Adjustment.
Recommend boardwalk in front of Tailfins be delayed until November and any immediate boards that are damaged be replaced but not a full replacement until end of season: Motion to delay repair of the boardwalk in front of Tailfins until November and any immediate boards that are damaged be replaced immediately but no full replacement be made until end of season failed 3-4 (King/Hebert/Ramswell – “yes”; Schmidt/Overdier/Destin/Braden – “no." 7-0, motion passed to continue this item to the next meeting.
Councilmember Schmidt requested an update on the Airport Road curve at the next meeting. |
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