City Council approves disaster debris contracts, legal action on beach vending; discusses bonfire ordinance and Gigapower work restrictions

(Matters not specifically listed on the agenda may be added and acted upon with a super-majority vote of the Council members present and eligible to vote on the matter)

Each year, the Rotary Club of Destin honors a member of the Destin community who is not a Rotarian but has demonstrated exceptional dedication to making Destin a better place to live, work, and raise a family. This annual recognition highlights individuals who exemplify community spirit, leadership, and service. For the current year, the Rotary Club has selected Jessica Holzapple as the recipient of this prestigious award. Since moving to the Destin area in 2011, Ms. Holzapple has been a catalyst for positive change both locally and internationally. Through her role at Shoreline Church, she has led various humanitarian and community outreach efforts. Her contributions include organizing disaster relief initiatives, establishing city-wide service days that support local organizations, and engaging in global missions—most notably through the construction of a school in Uganda, Africa. | reports=1

(Note: Individual speakers will be limited to 3 minutes. At the discretion of the mayor, this 3 minute allowance may be adjusted depending on the level of business coming before the City Council)

The Boathouse Oyster Bar is requesting the use of the city streets to hold their 3rd Annual 5K road race on June 14, 2025. They have provided the required documentation and have notified the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Destin Fire Control District, and the Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services of the upcoming request. A map indicates the path of the race with detailed sections along the route in subsequent pages. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Posse will control the traffic where necessary and the race sponsors will maintain the traffic elsewhere and remove any debris left after the request. | attachments=1 | reports=1

Micah Site with Straight Line Marine Construction LLC has applied for Harbor and Waterways Board review for the construction of a new single-family dock, a covered boat slip, two catwalks, and two platforms. The applicant seeks a recommendation of approval from the City Council for a Residential Marine Construction project proposing a dock and covered boat slip with: Total Square Feet: 912 Total Number of Piers or Docks: 1 Dock Total Length: 64 ft Total Slip Density: 2 Located in the Destin Harbor: No | attachments=7 | reports=1

Jim Simmons has applied for Harbor and Waterways Board & City Council review for the reconfiguration of an existing 6-slip multi-family (commercial) dock. The applicant seeks a recommendation of approval from the City Council for a Commercial Marine Construction project proposing the reconfiguration of an existing dock with: Total Square Feet: 4,151 Total Number of Piers or Docks: 1 Dock Total Length: 71 ft Total Slip Density: 6 Located in the Destin Harbor: Yes | attachments=7 | reports=1

Announcements

To ensure the City of Destin is adequately prepared to respond quickly to post-disaster cleanup needs, staff issued Request for Proposals RFP 25-05-PW for a three-year, pre-positioned contract for disaster debris management services. The purpose of this contract is to secure two qualified contractors capable of handling large-scale debris removal in a manner that meets community needs as well as all FEMA reimbursement guidelines. The RFP closed on May 8, 2025, and twelve proposals were received. The Bid Committee evaluated each proposal based on project/program pricing, staff experience and ability, operational plans, past experience and financial capability. Attachments include: Firm Proposals, RFP 25-05-PW, and a scoring summary. | attachments=4 | reports=1

During the regular City Council meeting held on May 5, 2025, Councilmember Schmidt made the following motion regarding beach bonfires, which was approved by the Council: In addition to the passed motion above, Councilmember Bagby requested the following: | attachments=3 | reports=1

The Property Owner previously came before Council (during public input) to discuss the real property and improvements located at 4481 Luke Avenue, Unit B, Destin, FL, 32541, which is located within the Crystal Beach Neighborhood zoning district where short term rentals are permitted. It is anticipated that the Property Owner will be present at the June 2, 2025 Council meeting to further discuss this item as needed. As previously explained to Council by the Owner, Owner desires to live in the primary structure but constructed the addition for use as a short-term rental, expending funds based on the belief that such use was permitted. The Land Development Code allows short term rentals in the primary structure as single room occupancy housing, which may have precipitated some confusion between the Parties. | attachments=1 | reports=1

On May 19, 2025, the City Council directed the City Attorney and City Manager to obtain counsel for commencing litigation against certain mobile food vendors operating in prohibited areas within the City limits. The City Attorney and City Manager are presenting this item in that regard. | attachments=1 | reports=1

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Currently, per the City’s Land Development Code (LDC) Section 7.12.08 , Table 7-3: Schedule of Dimensional Requirements in Zoning Districts, townhomes (multi-family development) are required to provide a rear setback of 10’ for any portion of a building having a height of 35 feet or less if the property does not front the harbor, bay, or gulf. The language reads as follows – For lots fronting the harbor: Zero feet. For lots fronting the Choctawhatchee Bay: rear setback must meet the requirements set forth in section 11.01.10 Bay shoreline protection zone. For lots fronting the gulf, the rear setback will be established by DEP. For all lots that do not front the harbor, bay or the gulf, but instead have a rear property line, ten feet for any portion of a building having a height of 35 feet or less. Fifteen feet for any portion of a building having a height above 35 feet but below 50 feet. For each ten feet or fraction thereof exceeding 50 feet in height, the rear setback shall be increased by two feet on each side. | attachments=2 | reports=1

At the September 19, 2022, City Council meeting, the Council approved the funding to update the Harbor and Town Center Community Redevelopment Areas Master Plans. Based on experience and existing knowledge of the City, 3TP Ventures, Inc. was selected and approved by the Council as the consultant to assist Staff and the CRA Committees in carrying out both updates. | attachments=3 | reports=1

At the September 19, 2022 City Council meeting, Council approved the funding to update the Harbor and Town Center Community Redevelopment Areas Master Plans . Based on experience and existing knowledge of the City, 3TP Ventures, Inc. was selected and approved by Council as the consultant to assist Staff and the CRA Committees to carry out both updates. | attachments=3 | reports=1

At the regularly scheduled February 18th, 2025, City Council meeting, Councilman Braden raised the issue of noise complaints within the City. A motion to amend the Noise Ordinance was made by Councilman Braden and seconded by Councilwoman Hebert. | attachments=1 | reports=1

During the Regular City Council meeting on April 7, 2025, Council Member Schmidt requested the below: • Council to submit 2 or 3 priorities/objectives to update the Strategic Plan Summary • Larry and Staff update their objectives • Schmidt will bring this item under his name for the 2nd meeting in May (May 19th) | attachments=2 | reports=1

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(Comments from the public on any matters considered at the meeting, or on any matters not on the agenda)