CRA Advisory Committee advances funding recommendations prioritizing Linear Trail and Mattie Kelly connector
At a glance
Quick context to catch up fast.
At the March 18, 2026 Town Center Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee meeting in the Destin City Hall Annex, members reviewed long-term financial projections, confirmed available funding sources, and approved a package of CRA funding recommendations to present to the CRA Board. Key priorities include the Linear Trail, Mattie Kelly connector, undergrounding utilities, Crosstown Connector beautification, and accelerating park/green-space feasibility work using $1.6 million in uncommitted CRA funds. Committee also addressed expiring 324 Construction Loan funds and directed staff to prepare the CRA Board presentation.
Projects mentioned
Browse all related coverage for the main local project pages tied to this summary.
Committees mentioned
Open the committee coverage hubs tied to this summary.
Topics discussed
Was this summary helpful?
Your feedback helps us prioritize what to improve next.
Key decisions
Follow the major takeaways from this briefing.
- Approved the meeting agenda (motion passed 4-0).
- Approved minutes for Jan 21, 2026 and Feb 18, 2026 meetings (each passed 4-0).
- Accepted Finance Director projection: projected year-end CRA fund balance ~$2.5M; approximately $16–17M available across various funding sources; $1.6M CRA funds uncommitted; $1M annually committed to debt service.
- Developed and approved a comprehensive list of CRA funding recommendations to present to the CRA Board, including: Linear Trail (top Master Plan priority); Mattie Kelly Connector (roadway, sidewalks, bike lanes); Crosstown Connector beautification; utility undergrounding study funded by Electric Franchise Fees; Airport Road & Commons Drive intersection safety improvements using 324 Construction Loan funds; and feasibility/design work for Publix Area/Town Center multiuse park using $1.6M CRA funds (motion passed 4-0).
- Directed staff to prepare the CRA Board staff report and PowerPoint; Committee member Davis to present on behalf of CRA-AC.
- Removed Jewel Melvin Park from the current Annual Report for lack of a formal work plan; to be included in the 2027 Annual Report with separate funding recommendations (motion passed 4-0).
- Noted remaining 324 Construction Loan funds (~$600K) must be expended (cashed out) by November 7, 2026 to avoid IRS penalties.
- Authorized an undergrounding engineering study (estimated ~$30,000) funded by Electric Franchise Agreement Fund; noted franchise fee restrictions.
- Directed staff to report on status of Main Street streetlight signage and uniformity of streetlight fixtures at next meeting.
Timeline & follow-ups
Action items flagged by the community.
No follow-ups have been shared yet. Add one in the community board below.
Meeting information
Details and records from this meeting.
Recent documents
Fresh records from this municipality.
Civic leadership
Know who to contact about the decisions that matter.