Sea turtle nesting season takes place on Destin's beaches May 1st thru October 31st

To help with education and awareness each season, the City of Destin is giving out FREE turtle-friendly flashlights; Use these flashlights when you look for ghost crabs or go for a stroll on the beach at night. The red light helps keep sea turtles from becoming disoriented when they come ashore to lay their eggs.

Thank you to the Destin Chamber of Commerce, Destin History & Fishing Museum, Emerald Coast Science Center, Henderson Beach State Park and the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park for participating with the city on this educational initiative for our residents and visitors. Each location will have the flashlights available to the public along with Destin City Hall.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Jared Williams/ Get The Coast for putting our video together and helping us promote this worthy endeavor!

Mark Your Calendar!

The City of Destin will host a Trick or Treat Drive-Thru Boo event on Monday, October 25th, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Destin Community Center parking lot, located at 101 Stahlman Avenue. Patrons will be able to trick or treat safely from the comfort of their vehicle. There will be booths giving out goodie bags, candy, and prizes. We ask that you please bring one non-perishable food item for admission. Donations will be given to local food banks in need.

Also, the 21st Annual Fall Festival Jack-O-Lantern Contest will be held on Monday, October 25th, at the Destin Community Center. Judging will take place on Monday, October 25th and all carved pumpkins need to arrive no later than 3 p.m. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in these categories: scariest, funniest, and most original. The pumpkins will be lit and on display at the City of Destin’s Trick or Treat Drive-Thru Boo. All pumpkins not picked up by 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 26th will be discarded.

For more information regarding both events, please call the Community Center at 850- 654-5184.

Parks and Recreation Update

The Destin Dog Park is proud to welcome 2 dog agility pieces, a large boulder and a dog through the log. These new elements were made possible by the 2020-2021 Destin Chamber Forward Class. Earlier in the year Destin Forward and the city's park staff laid down new sod and mulch. We greatly appreciate all the support and we know our furry community members are going to love it!

When you walk along the harbor, you will see new signage about the city's Leave No Trace initiative as well as educational signage regarding high temperatures and hot asphalt. We want to remind folks that hot pavement can burn the paw pads of our 4 legged friends.

The Destin Youth Fall Soccer program kicks off Friday, September 24th, at Morgan Sports Center. We have over 300 children, 30 sponsors and 30 volunteer coaches participating. Thank you to everyone who participates and supports this recreational program for our children.

Destin Forward Donates Dog agility pieces to the Destin Dog Park

Leave No Trace "Free Yoga" signage and hot asphalt signage

soccer ball and net at Morgan Sports Center

Employee Spotlight

After more than 30 years of service to the citizens of Destin, Mr. Larry Ballard is retiring on November 26, 2021. Larry was born in Pensacola and was a part of the 1st graduating class of Escambia High School. He served in the US Army reserves for six years and received his BS degree in 1968 from Livingston University which today is the University of West Alabama. Larry then earned his master’s degree from Troy State University in 1975 in Counseling and Guidance. He began employment with the City of Destin, August 6, 1987, with the Building Department and was the 19th employee of the city.

In 1987, the city funded 12 one-week training courses through the Building Code Congress, which was instrumental for staff’s expertise on the Building Codes in this area. During Larry’s tenure with the city, he received all 11 Standard licenses in Inspections, Plan Review and Building Code Administrator, CBO from the State of Florida. In September 1995, he received the Chief Building Code Analyst license from the Southern Building Code Congress, SBCCI, which later became part of the International Code Congress. In May 2004, he received the 1st Master Code Professional license in the Panhandle through the International Code Congress and served on the ICC Evaluations Service Committee for two terms. This committee approved products to be listed by the Code Congress.

Larry has trained a multitude of inspectors and plan reviewers over the years as well as mentoring many contractors, who have done well for themselves. “I believe the Destin Building Community (Architects, Engineers, Contractors and City Staff) is one of the best in the world and has made this a job that I enjoyed coming to each day. Nothing lasts forever and it is time I move to the next stage of life, which is retirement. It has been fun, but I leave it in good hands,” stated Larry Ballard.

Larry’s supervisor, Noell Bell, Building Official, stated, “In 2005, while working in the Public Works Department, Larry approached me about becoming an Inspector and I accepted. After obtaining all my inspector and plans examiner licenses, and Building Code Administrators license, Larry felt I was ready to take the lead and he stepped down as the city’s Building Official. If it wasn’t for Mr. Ballard, I would not be where I am today. He has been the most influential mentor I have had, with nothing but encouragement along the way to help me succeed. I will forever be grateful of Mr. Ballard.”

City of Destin Recognized by the National Cybersecurity Alliance

The City of Destin was once again accepted as a 2021 Champion for the National Cybersecurity Alliance. Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion organizations, which include companies of all sizes, school districts, colleges and universities, nonprofits, and government entities, represent those dedicated to promoting a safer, more secure and more trusted Internet. You can check out our name on the list here under City of Destin: https://staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/champions/view-all/

“With the national Cybersecurity Awareness month coming up in October, the city wants to promote staying safe online not only for the city staff, but for our residents as well,” said Matthew Pace, Director of Information Technology.

We thank you for your participation and doing your part in being aware of cyber threats. Continue to #BeCyberSmart!

Council Updates

All City Council meetings may be viewed at www.youtube.com/cityofdestin.

September 7th Council Meeting Recap

City Manager Report:

TDD Expansion Update - Special Counsel Jeff Burns provided an update on the status of the ongoing TDD expansion negotiations.

Schedule of Fees Resolution 21-11 - Motion passed 7-0, to approve and adopt Schedule of Fees Resolution 21-11 as presented. Councilmember Bagby requests staff brings back a new fee schedule showing revenue neutral and staff’s proposed track changes within the next 6 months (by March 2022).

Stormwater Master Plan Update - Motion passed 7-0, to approve the project prioritization based upon the 2004 Storm Water Master Plan Level of Service, identified study areas, and city initiatives, and that these items be brought before the city’s advisory boards for recommendation to council. Councilmember Ramswell requests staff search for records of a storm water master plan that was supposedly been approved, and with funds already allocated, several years ago and bring it back.

Water Access Locations - Councilmember Ramswell requests the city’s attorneys follow up on issues related to the Sterling Shores water access that was closed off a few years ago and bring information back to council. Councilmember Schmidt would like to know the costs for clearing or cleaning up rights-of-way, properties or easements with water access to make them accessible to the public. Councilmember Destin recommends staff looking into the easement language before taking any further action because many of the easements contain some language on how they could be used; and some are not allowed to be used as water access. Councilmember Bagby recommends staff following the process in identifying solutions to problems that have been identified. This includes taking the matter to appropriate advisory committees and obtaining their recommendation on prioritization, and to the city’s attorneys for researching allowable uses for the easements. Motion to direct staff to determine allowable uses for the easements, get an estimate on the costs, and provide recommendations to obtain further directions from the council within the next 3 months passed 7-0.

Route Selections for Zerbe/Calhoun Pedestrian Improvements Phase II - Motion passed 7-0, to consider going forward with Option D and putting some improvements in place that would mitigate the closeness to US Hwy 98 and addressing some of the other issues that were discussed; and also looking at the feasibility of adding an ADA compliant tunnel.

Development of a City-Wide Safety Program - Motion passed 7-0, to Direct the City Manager to develop a city-wide safety program to provide a famework for stakeholders to work together to address speeding and other safety concerns based on:
• Community Engagement
• Education/Encouragement
• Engineering
• Enforcement
• Emergency Response
And to consider speed bumps, 3- or 4-way stop signs or other viable options to be considered by the stakeholders.

Announcements:

CRMHP Update –

Engineer of record to formally issue a letter of recommendation based on industry standard for possible solutions to the park issues and then move forward based on that information.
With the imminent departure of the City Engineer, the City plans to engage the engineer of record to assist the City with two monthly construction inspections and verify the billings that will be submitted.

It was the consensus of the council to allow the City Manager to employ the engineer of record to assist the city with construction inspections and billings.
Councilmember Bagby requests a copy of contract with GLC be provided to council prior to the next meeting.

Chapter 164 Meeting #2: Wednesday, September 8th, 8:30 a.m., Convention Center.

Budget Hearing #1: Thursday, September 9th, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Annex.

Board and Committee Appointment - Motion to appoint Patti Brown to the Board of Adjustment passed 7-0. Motion to appoint Bobby Wagner to the Board of Adjustment passed 7-0.

Council Comments:

Councilmember Ramswell - Resident vs. Non-Resident Distinction discussion. City's volunteer committee mission/training/tasking/utilization - Councilmember Ramswell requests above topic be added to a future agenda for discussion of the committees’ missions and the city and committees’ expectations with regards to tasking, committee training, and how to better utilize the committee system. Councilmember Ramswell requested an update on post occupancy building inspection.
The city is planning on bringing proposed ordinance to the Local Planning Agency in October 2021/(LUA). Councilmember Ramswell addressed the issue of residents renting out their backyard and swimming pool to other people by the hour.
Councilmember Ramswell directed the City Manager to bring back a proposed ordinance on how to better address this issue. The city could address this issue under the current code as potential commercial issue in a residential area; but it would be easier from an enforcement perspective to have a separate code provision that prohibits that practice, or to limit impacts such as parking/(LUA).

Councilmember Bagby - Councilmember Bagby would like to see highlighted in a fee structure that the applicant pays for a referendum if required for a petition for a right-of-way vacation. Councilmember Bagby requests the City Attorney and the City’s Special Counsel Jeff Burn draft a request for an Attorney General’s Opinion on the proposed TDD expansion and place it on the next council meeting agenda. Councilmember Bagby would like the City Manager and the Parks and Recreation Committee to look into the feasibility of turning a 60-foot-wide utility easement located between Windsor Forrest and Eagle’s Landing subdivisions into a linear park.

Councilmember Hebert - Expanding the drive-through lanes at Whataburger, Krispy Kreme and Chick-fil-A - The city is presently in discussion with Chick-fil-A about their current site and will be reaching out to Whataburger and Krispy Kreme as well. (CD Director). Littering Fines - Councilmember Hebert requests the City Manager brings back a proposed ordinance amendment within the next couple of meetings increasing littering fines in the City of Destin from $100 to $1000. Welcome to Destin Sign - Councilmember Hebert requests council’s permission to work with the city manager and/or staff in reaching out to the Eglin administration and working on some alternatives such as raising the Welcome to Destin sign about a foot above the fence line, allowing the city to put fencing around the sign to let people have their pictures taken in front of the sign, or moving the sign to the other side of the Marler Bridge. Motion to afford Councilmember Hebert the fact-finding authority passed 7-0.

Councilmember Schmidt - Councilmember Schmidt would like to reach out to Destin High School to see if they would be interested in promoting an idea that would be beneficial for the city’s youth which is getting involved with some of the city’s projects.

September 20th Council Meeting Recap

City Manager Report:

Tourist Development Taxing District Expansion Update - Motion failed 2-5 (Bagby/Ramswell - yes; Schmidt, King, Hebert, Destin, Braden - No), to authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to forward the Attorney General’s Opinion (AGO) request letter to the Florida Attorney General.

Capital Project Status - Finance Director gave a summary of the current capital improvement projects, including status and year-to-date expenditures and encumbrances.

Operations Financial Report - Finance Director provided a summary of year-to-date budget versus actuals for the General Fund and the two CRAs.

Mobility Plan and Fee Schedule Update - Mr. Alan Steinbeck, Consultant, 3TP Ventures, Inc., presented the City of Destin Mobility Plan and Mobility Fee Study.

Leave No Trace/Turtle Flashlights - Ms. Catherine Card discussed the city’s current Leave No Trace initiative of giving out FREE turtle-friendly flashlights as part of the city’s efforts in helping with education and awareness of sea turtle nesting season on Destin’s beaches (May 1st – October 31st) and in protecting nesting sea turtles.

Miscellaneous Median Maintenance Services, authorization to renew contract with price increases - Original Motion: Authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year contract extension for Miscellaneous Median Maintenance Services with ZIIC Outdoors, LLC in the amount of $228,875.00. Substitute motion passed 7-0: To direct the City Manager to execute a 6-month contract extension for Miscellaneous Median Maintenance Services with ZIIC Outdoors, LLC; during the 6-month period, city staff is to develop standards, have the Public Works/Safety Committee review/evaluate the firms performance during the 6-month period in accordance with the standards set by the city, and bring the item back to council with recommendations to either put the services out for bid or extend the contract to the remainder of the year. Councilmember Ramswell recommends staff and Land Use Attorney prepare an ordinance that establishes high grass and maintenance standards across the board. The Land Use Attorney will look into specific grass height limitations currently in existence to determine what is enforceable.

Announcements:

The city’s very own Catherine Card was one of the people selected to meet with Governor DeSantis to discuss the state-wide assessment test and the future of that test. She represented the city very well.

Council Comments:

Councilman Braden - Approval of proposed written agreement between the City of Destin and Mr. Mike Buckingham regarding Capt. Royal Melvin Heritage Park project. Motion passed 7-0, to accept the written agreement between the City of Destin and Mr. Mike Buckingham.

Councilman Ramswell - Councilmember Ramswell requests “Parks and Parking Codes” be placed on the next agenda under her name for discussion. Councilmember Ramswell would like the city to put up signage promoting the Zerbe-Calhoun Historical District established by the City of Destin. CD Director noted they are in the process of establishing the wayfinding program. The historical district is one of the areas identified in the program. He recommends placing temporary signage at this point and then permanent signage later on as part of the overall branding of the city.

Councilman Hebert - Kudos to Public Works Director and his staff for taking care of a lot of flooding around the city within a short period of time following the recent storm event despite being short-staffed.

Councilman King - Kudos to Krystal for a seamless effort in completing a balanced budget for FY 22.

Councilman Schmidt - Councilmember Schmidt requests a livery vessel update be provided at the second council meeting in October with regards to the plan for renewal of registration for the upcoming season, specifically how things will be done differently compared to the current year.