Council approves road, utility, and holiday actions

(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 Annual 5K road race on June 20, 2026, benefiting Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Memory of Forrest Dalton. 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. They are also requesting for the parking fees to be waived for the two hours, for the event participants. | attachments=1 | reports=1

The roof replacement project was awarded to Inland Construction and Engineering. BECI has provided a proposal to provide pre-construction services, contract administration, and post-construction services that will support the roof replacement project. BECI developed the scope of work and the RFB for the procurement package that the city used to select a contractor. These additional services can be added through a change order to the original contract. | attachments=2 | reports=1

The last financial institution signature authorization resolution was approved in February 2026. An updated resolution is required because of the change in City Clerk. The resolution has been updated to reflect this change. | attachments=2 | reports=1

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The following are recent updates relating to the state-owned Park Property in Holiday Isle (City of Destin). 1. County-Wide Survey Results On March 26, 2026, the City received results from a COUNTY-WIDE SURVEY that asked randomly-selected County residents what they prefer to see as the public use of the newly acquired land purchased by the State of Florida for a park in Holiday Isle ("Park" or "Park Property"). An outside firm, Cherry Communications (Tallahassee), was utilized by the City for their expertise in conducting phone surveys. This new information will be discussed at tonight's Council meeting of April 7, 2026. In sum, the survey showed that nearly 88% of County residents desire for the Park Property to remain natural or with minimal amenities, that over 75% of County residents oppose commercial marina use, and that only 2% of the County supports a marina rental model. The margin of error for survey results is approximately 4.9%. Cherry Communications 207 W. Park Ave., Ste. A Tallahassee, FL 32301 cherrycom.com 2. Adoption of City Council Resolution 2026-05 on March 16, 2026, Requesting City Management of Park and Committing Up to Five Million Dollars. On March 16, 2026, the City Council approved Resolution 2026-05, which is attached to this agenda item as additional background . Resolution 2026-05 respectfully requests that the State of Florida authorize the City of Destin to serve as the Lessee and local managing entity for the Park Property. In the resolution, the City affirms its commitment to managing the Park in a manner that emphasizes environmental stewardship, conservation, passive recreation, and compatibility with surrounding residential and conservation areas. Further, the Resolution provides that the City of Destin is prepared to invest municipal resources into the stewardship and improvement of the Park Property and is willing to commit funding for the redevelopment, restoration, and enhancement of the Park in an amount not to exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) in order to support environmentally sensitive improvements, passive recreational amenities, and long-term conservation management consistent with the character of the surrounding community. The resolution has been forwarded to County and State representatives as directed by the City Council. It is expected that the City Council's resolution will be considered first at the April 7th BCC meeting, and again on April 21st along with any concept plans approved tonight by the Destin City Council, and a Council decision on free park parking for all County residents, as further explained in the Discussion section of this Staff Report. 3. Zoning/Land Use/Development Order Background Information The following background information is provided for public knowledge (and has been previously provided): As discussed at prior meetings both at the City and County level, the current land use entitlements for the State Park property adjacent to the City's Norriego Point Park prohibit all nonresidential uses. Since it appears a condo will not be built on the property, given that the State's purchase was described as for "conservation," the entitlements of the property should be updated so that the property may be maintained for non-residential purposes. This process would include: 1. Amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan (Future Land Use Designation on the Property) 2. Rezoning of the Property, and 3. Amendment to the existing Development Order. All three of these referenced land use applications would require City Council approvals and public hearings with the public invited to participate, which would occur generally as follows: Public Hearing One: Future Land Use Map (FLUM) amendment at Land Planning Agency (LPA) meeting Public Hearing Two: Rezoning at LPA meeting (Public hearings 1 and 2 would likely be done at the same LPA meeting) Public Hearing Three: FLUM amendment at City Council meeting (first reading of FLUM ordinance) Public Hearing Four: Rezoning at City Council meeting (first reading of zoning ordinance) (Public hearings 3 and 4 would likely be done at the same City Council meeting) Public Hearing Five: FLUM amendment at City Council meeting (second reading of FLUM ordinance) Public Hearing Six: Rezoning at City Council meeting (second reading of zoning ordinance) (Public hearings 5 and 6 would likely be done at the same City Council meeting) Notably, as has been discussed, the docks are legally classified as a residential use tied to a condominium that was never constructed. Without amendment to the Development Order, the docks cannot lawfully be used independently. In order to comply with existing codes, the docks would need to be removed or a Major Amendment to Development Order 21-23 would be required, with an additional public hearing before the City Council. Note that Development Order 21-23 prohibits all nonresidential uses of the docks, including but not limited to slip rentals, commercial uses, or any uses that involve boat traffic at a frequency or intensity not typical of a residential area. The Comprehensive Plan states, in relevant part that: OBJECTIVE 1-2.8: CONSERVATION LAND USE DESIGNATION. The FLUM (Map 1-1), shall identify lands that are environmentally fragile for long-term preservation by designating them as "CON." Environmentally fragile lands shall be referred to as conservation resources, which are defined in Rule 9J-5.003(30), Florida Administrative Code. The protection and preservation of conservation resources shall be achieved through the implementation of the following Policies. Policy 1-2.8.1: Conservation (CON). The FLUM shall designate lands that are natural and coastal resources as "CON." It is the intent of the "CON" land use designation to provide for the long-term protection and preservation of environmentally sensitive natural resource systems. The LDC shall be amended to ensure no development is permitted within "CON" designated areas, other than beach accessways, such as dune walkovers, parking, docks, restroom facilities, and passive recreation. The City’s Land Development Code is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, pursuant to State Law. Importantly: Norriego Point Park, which is adjacent to the newly acquired State Park, contains the Conservation (CON) future land use designation and zoning. The Conservation district is highly restrictive and intended for environmental preservation. Marinas are not permitted in either the Conservation (CON) Future Land Use Designation and Zoning District. Under the City’s Land Development Code (Section 7.12.06(BB) and Table 7-2), development within CONSERVATION (CON) is limited to beach accessways such as dune walkovers, parking areas, docks, restroom facilities (up to one story), and passive recreation. Norriego Point currently holds a Future Land Use Designation and Zoning of Conservation, and this zoning would maintain consistency between the State and City Park. Finally, please note that if the future land use and zoning for this Property are changed, any proposed use would still need to be consistent with all additional applicable provisions of the Comp Plan and LDC, State and federal permitting requirements, any applicable easements, and any required development order amendments. Pursuant to Council directives, the City Manager and City Attorney have contacted appropriate County and State representatives. As of the date of this agenda item, the Property is owned by the State of Florida, and there is no known entity with a leasehold interest or approved management plan for the Property. 4. April 21st BCC Meeting in Response to City Resolution 2026-05: On April 21, 2026, the Okaloosa County Commissioners discussed City Resolution 2026-05 and noted the City's concept plan. Several members of the Destin City Council, the City Manager, City Attorney, and several residents spoke during the BCC meeting in support of City Council Resolution 2026-05 and in support of the City of Destin obtaining the Lease and management of the Park Property. From the City's perspective, the discussion reflected both support and hesitation among County leadership. Commissioners Sherri Cox and Carolyn Ketchel each expressed clear support for the City's request to lease the Park from the State and to assume management of the Park Property. Their statements aligned with the City's position that local stewardship would best serve residents and the long-term interests of the Park. However, Commissioner Paul Mixon introduced a motion directing the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners to send Commissioner Drew Palmer to meet with State officials, alongside a City representative, to further clarify the State's objectives regarding the Park. This motion was made despite the City's formal request - and despite the support voiced by multiple residents - for the City to move forward with leasing and managing the property. Commissioner Paul Mixon, Commissioner Drew Palmer, and Chairman Trey Goodwin voted in support of Commissioner Mixon's motion, with Commissioner Sherri Cox and Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel dissenting. The final vote was thus 3-2. Council Member Destin and Commissioner Palmer were scheduled to attend such a meeting on April 30th. However, it was decided that the meeting will be rescheduled to a date between May 12 and 15th. As of the time/date of this staff report on the morning of May 28, 2026, the meeting has not been rescheduled. 5. Resolution Protection Shorebirds and Staff Recommendation for Conservation FLUM and Zoning; Additional May 2026 Updates A. RESOLUTION 2026-13 FOR SHOREBIRD PROTECTION AND FURTHER DATA AND ANALYSIS FOR CONSERVATION FUTURE LAND USE AND ZONING: On May 4, 2026, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) informed the City that the 4 acre state-acquired site is an important bird nesting area and that Audubon Florida would survey and post signage to protect nesting birds and discourage public access to sensitive areas. The following day, Audubon surveyed the site and posted signage to protect these imperiled birds, particularly the least terns. As previously recognized by the City Council, the Norriego Point area was formerly a bird sanctuary and has long provided important habitat for shorebirds, including the imperiled least tern. With its unique location, dunes, and conservation status, Norriego Point provides critical nesting, resting and foraging habitat for migratory and resident bird species, including species protected under State and Federal law. On May 18,2026, the City Council passed and adopted Resolution 2026-13, which sets forth legislative findings supporting protection of shorebirds and their habitat at Norriego Point, including the newly acquired 3.99 acre state-owned parcel. The Resolution formally expresses the City Council's support for protecting imperiled shorebird habitat and sensitive nesting areas at and around the City's Norriego Point Park and adjacent state-owned property. Further, the Resolution provides that the City supports the efforts of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and Audubon Florida to protect shorebirds, promote conservation practices, and educate the public on habitat protection and stewardship. Audubon Florida made a presentation to the City Council on May 18th, in efforts to protect shorebirds on and around Norriego Point and the state lands. The Future Land Use and Zoning of the state-acquired lands remain critical considerations . Long term protection of imperiled shorebirds is best supported through minimal development and conservation land use ane zoning designations, as previously discussed by the City Council for the state-owned parcel. These conservation designations would also be consistent with the City's adjacent Norriego Point Park, which is designated and zoned for conservation. In the event that the State (1) desires the property for use as a public park and (2) does not endeavor to use the property for residential purposes, it would be appropriate for the City to consider changing the current residential Future Land Use and Zoning designations on the state-acquired property to City Conservation. City Staff continues to strongly recommend that the State of Florida and City Council support a Conservation Future Land Use and Zoning for the property. It is further again noted that the docking facilities on site do not have a certificate of completion and are currently approved for residential purposes only . Any nonresidential use of the docks is explicitly prohibited in the approved development order for construction of the docks. Under the conservation future land use and zoning designations, the docking facilities could be used as a fishing pier and/or public, transient slips available on a first-come, first serve basis but could not be used for overnight slip rentals and/or a marina (provided the City Council also amends the existing development order to allow such nonresidential purposes). B. STATE/CITY/COUNTY DISCUSSION STATUS: Council Member Destin and Commissioner Palmer were scheduled to attend a meeting with representatives of the State on April 30th. However, it was later decided that the meeting would be rescheduled to a date between May 12 and 15th. As of the time/date of this staff report on the morning of May 28, 2026, the meeting has not been rescheduled. | attachments=6 | reports=1

If approved by Council, the City will be outsourcing a drone show in conjunction with the 4th of July Fireworks show. The show will begin with one or two fireworks shots to get the attention of watchers, followed by a 12-minute drone show that will begin at 9 pm. The drone show will then be followed by a 22-minute firework show. In regard to the take permit, Eglin Air Force Base voluntarily coordinates with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and obtains applicable state shorebird take permits as part of its commitment to cooperative natural resource management. Although the activities occur on federal property, Eglin adheres to state permitting processes to maintain a strong partnership with FWC and ensure consistency in the conservation and management of state-listed shorebird species. FWC also conducts shorebird monitoring and surveys on Eglin’s public beach, making close coordination between the agencies essential. Additionally, FWC is a signatory to Eglin’s Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP), which establishes the framework for collaborative stewardship of natural resources on the installation. Compliance with applicable state permitting requirements is incorporated into the INRMP and reflects Eglin’s longstanding practice of working cooperatively with state resource agencies to support conservation objectives while accomplishing the military mission. Although the event takes place on federal property, FWC retains authority over the take of state-listed species, including imperiled beach-nesting birds such as Least Terns, Snowy Plovers, and Black Skimmers. The Take permit is therefore tied to the protected wildlife that may be affected by the event rather than the ownership of the property where the event occurs. Council has approved the fireworks show, as well as the Take permit needed for the show (action agenda attached). | attachments=3 | reports=1

ADS was issued its Notice to Proceed on November 4, 2024. The term of the contract is 560 days from the NTP, which was May 18, 2026. During the Regular City Council meeting on June 1, 2026, ADS requested a 115-calendar-day extension to the original completion date of May 18, 2026, extending the contract duration to September 10, 2026. The request was primarily associated with impacts related to FPL’s Express Feeder expansion efforts, utility coordination activities, and delays involving utility-furnished materials, all of which affected the sequencing and completion of the remaining feeder wire installation and switching activities. The contract states that Liquidated Damages are $1,500 per day. If this job requires an additional 115 days, that would represent $172,500 in liquidated damages. In response to ADS's ​extension of completion request, the below motion was made and passed by ​the Council: | attachments=8 | reports=1

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) wishes to enter into a Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) with the City of Destin for landscape and median improvements along US 98/State Road 30 (Harbor Boulevard) from the East Pass Bridge to the Walton County line. The agreement provides reimbursement funding for eligible installation-related improvements and associated landscaping enhancements within the project corridor. As part of the ongoing corridor beautification efforts, the City intends to utilize the agreement funding to address supplemental median improvements, including the installation of concrete ribbon curbing around existing planted islands within the medians. In FDOT's original bidding of this project, the ribbon curbing was reflected in the original project design intent but was not included in the original contractor bid item schedule. Additionally, the City is currently addressing irrigation and groundwater well deficiencies affecting portions of the landscaped medians in the vicinity of Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park. These irrigation challenges have impacted sod and plant materials within the corridor between The Donut Hole restaurant and Airport Road and have required temporary maintenance efforts by City Public Works staff in order to preserve existing landscaping and corridor aesthetics. The proposed agreement would provide reimbursement funding for eligible project-related installation of the ribbon curbing and irrigation line, and landscape restoration expenses in an amount not to exceed $600,000. | attachments=4 | reports=1

As part of the City’s ongoing commitment to roadway maintenance, the Public Works Department has developed a Renewal/Replacement Schedule for the City of Destin to proactively maintain and preserve the City’s roadway infrastructure. The resurfacing/restriping program is intended to address roadway deterioration before conditions worsen and more costly reconstruction becomes necessary. | attachments=2 | reports=1

The City currently utilizes an Insurance Agent-Broker of Record (Acentria) to provide professional consulting, brokerage, and administrative services for the City's employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and related ancillary benefits. The current agreement with Acentria Insurance provides these services and includes provisions for renewal at the City's discretion. The broker serves as the City's representative in the employee benefits marketplace and assists with carrier negotiations, plan design recommendations, regulatory compliance, employee communications, open enrollment activities, and ongoing benefits administration. As the current agreement approaches its expiration, the City must determine whether to exercise the available one-year extension or conduct a competitive procurement process to identify and evaluate qualified firms capable of providing these services. The City has historically relied on competitive procurement processes to ensure transparency, accountability, and the prudent expenditure of public funds. Competitive solicitations provide an opportunity to evaluate market conditions, emerging service models, technological capabilities, and pricing structures that may have evolved since the current agreement was executed. To facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of available brokerage services, staff has prepared a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Insurance Agent-Broker of Record services covering medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and ancillary employee benefits. The proposed RFP contemplates an initial three-year contract term with two optional one-year renewals and outlines detailed service expectations, qualifications, and evaluation criteria. | attachments=1 | reports=1

The city uses two 2022 John Deere 3033 R tractors for mowing rights-of-ways and city-owned lots as well as small maintenance projects. Staff is proposing to trade in one of these tractors towards the purchase of two z-turn mowers. Trade-in for the 2022 John Deere 3033 R is $15,000 and the cost of two 2026 John Deere z720e z-track mowers is $15,630.86, leaving the city with $630.86 out of pocket for the transaction. See the attached backup information. | attachments=1 | reports=1

Council Member Jim Bagby is running for Walton County Commissioner in November (and moving out of the City of Destin). As such, Council Member Bagby has announced his resignation from the City Council, effective July 21. 2026. | reports=1

Mr. Joe Fitzpatrick has attended multiple council meetings to date using his public comment period to assert that a drainage problem exists on his property. | attachments=3 | reports=1

This item is informational only. | attachments=1 | reports=1

This item is informational only. | attachments=1 | reports=1

In August 2023, Council requested a monthly update of collections of the Tourist Development Tax. Short-Term rental owners submit monthly reports and remit payment of TDT to the Okaloosa County Clerk. Attached is the latest available report. Report Location: https://okaloosaclerk.com/board-services/tourist-development-tax/ At bottom of the Okaloosa Clerk's page see link: Click here to get the monthly Tourist Tax Collection Report. OR: https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiNGQxNjBiMjktOTk3OC00ODgxLTg3MzYtZmI1YjhjZThlN2E1IiwidCI6IjQwYWI4ZmUzLTMyOTctNDc4Zi04MmVhLTJkYmRhMWIwZmJkOSJ9 | attachments=1 | reports=1

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Staff has received a Street Name Change Request from Mr. Michael Leach, resident of 793 Pine Street. The request is to rename the portion of Pine Street between the existing Blue Marlin Court cul-de-sac and the Stahlman Avenue intersection with Ridgewood Circle, to Blue Marlin Court. | attachments=6 | reports=1