Summary

CRA Board approves initial Harbor workplans, adopts funding restriction resolution, and appoints new chair

DestinJan 20, 20264 min read

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At the January 20, 2026 Destin Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board meeting the agenda and prior minutes were approved; the board discussed Harbor-area projects including a living shoreline (breakwater/snorkeling/oyster gardening), a harbor mooring field, surveillance camera systems, and holiday lighting. The board approved the workplans collectively as initial frameworks, directed staff to follow up on funding and implementation details (including Tourist Development Council coordination and Sheriff's Office partnership for cameras), adopted a resolution to keep locally raised Harbor CRA funds dedicated to Harbor projects (as allowed by state law, applying to non-appropriated funds), and appointed Boardmember Sandy Trammell as the next CRA Board Chair. Quarterly updates and further staff/committee coordination were requested.

Projects mentioned

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The Harbor Community Redevelopment Destin Community Redevelopment Tourism Development Tourist Development

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City Council

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TransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyCommerceEnvironmental

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Key decisions

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Approved meeting agenda (6-0).
Approved minutes of the August 18, 2025 CRA Board meeting (6-0).
Directed staff to follow up and report on potential Tourist Development Council (TDC) funding/status for the Harbor Boulevard seawall at 1 Harbor.
Approved all presented Harbor-area workplans collectively as initial frameworks (breakwater/snorkeling/oyster gardening, harbor mooring field, camera systems, Christmas lighting) and authorized further refinement (6-0).
Agreed that the harbor mooring field requires jurisdictional clarification and may be better reviewed by the Harbor and Waterways Board before CRA implementation.
Directed staff to explore partnerships and funding contributions with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office for integrated harbor camera systems.
Adopted a resolution to ensure locally raised funds for the Harbor CRA remain dedicated to Harbor CRA projects, specified to apply to non-appropriated funds and 'as allowed by state law' (6-0).
Appointed Boardmember Sandy Trammell as the next CRA Board Chair (6-0).
Requested quarterly updates on workplan progress and additional coordination between staff and CRA committees; staff to review a draft workflow to clarify post-approval roles and responsibilities.

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Meeting information

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January 20, 2026, CRA Board Meeting

Jan 20, 2026, 5:30 PMcompleted

Agenda

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. AGENDA APPROVAL
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of minutes of August 18, 2025, CRA Board Meeting
attachments=1
Decision: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
6. Current Business
A. Seawall at 1 Harbor: exploration of funding options with the Tourism Development Council
The City Council's representative to the Tourism Development Council will explore funding options for the seawall at the next TDC meeting. | reports=1
Decision: Current Business
B. Clarification of CRA-AC’s role after board approval of workplans.
The Harbor Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee (HCRA-AC) is seeking clarification on the role of the HCRA-AC after workplan approval. | reports=1
Decision: Current Business
C. Workplan – Breakwater/Snorkeling Location & Oyster Gardening.
The Harbor Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee (HCRA‑AC) is requesting approval to proceed with a proposed work plan focused on enhancing marine and coastal ecosystems through the development of oyster gardening, artificial reefs, breakwaters, and living shorelines. These initiatives are designed to improve water quality, increase ecological resiliency, and provide natural erosion‑control measures that protect and stabilize the community’s shorelines. | attachments=1 | reports=1
Decision: Current Business
D. Workplan – Harbor Mooring Field
The Harbor Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee (HCRA‑AC) is requesting approval to advance a proposed work plan for the development and implementation of a regulated mooring field within Destin Harbor. The establishment of a mooring field would introduce appropriate facilities and governance to ensure secure vessel mooring, improve overall harbor management, protect water quality, and support both tourism and local business activity. | attachments=1 | reports=1
Decision: Current Business
E. Workplan – Camera Systems in Destin Harbor CRA
The Harbor Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee (HCRA‑AC) is requesting approval to advance a proposed work plan involving the installation of advanced Turing SkyShield cameras at strategic locations along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. The system would provide real‑time integration with the City’s centralized monitoring platform, enhancing situational awareness, public safety, and operational coordination within the HCRA. | attachments=1 | reports=1
Decision: Current Business
F. Work plan – Implementation of Christmas Lighting/Decorations/Events in Harbor CRA District.
The Harbor Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee (HCRA-AC) is requesting approval to proceed with a proposed work plan focused on enhancing public spaces and fostering community pride within the HCRA. The plan includes implementing holiday lighting and seasonal decorations throughout key public areas to create a festive atmosphere, encourage community engagement, and support local economic activity during the holiday season. | attachments=1 | reports=1
Decision: Current Business
7. NEXT MEETING DATE: April 6, 2026
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS