Council directs governmental center planning, advances STR enforcement report, approves mobility fee reduction and safety upgrades

The Destin City Center Visioning Master Plan was developed by SRS Consulting Firm and presented to Council in April of 2025, followed by a public workshop on June 9, 2025. During the January 2026 visioning session, Council requested to bring back the Destin City Center plans for a Council vote, so that staff can have a plan on how to proceed. | attachments=2 | reports=1

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During the visioning session on January 23, 2026, Councilmember Bagby formally requested that the following item be placed on the agenda for the next regular council meeting, at which time he intends to make the following motion: Motion to Remove Critical Priority 1.from the Council’s strategic priorities and adjust and renumber the remaining priorities accordingly, including elevating items through 1.9 into the critical priorities list. ​ | attachments=3 | reports=1

At the January 23, 2026 visioning session, a list of available funding was provided to Council members. A request was made to categorize the list by restriction and to provide the reference number to the relevant motion, resolution, or statute. At the February 2, 2026 council meeting, the following motion was made: Motion by Councilmember Schmidt, seconded by Councilmember Geile, to provide the Available Funding Summary List to the Harbor CRA Advisory Committee, Town Center CRA Advisory Committee, Public Works/Safety Committee, and the Parks & Rec Committee, to review and discuss at their next meetings, and provide their feedback to the city council, passed 5-0. At the March 2, 2026 meeting a major budget amendment was passed by Council. The attached available funding list has been revised as of March 30, 2026, accounting for changes made by the budget amendment and also reduced $2 million in event the State ​increases homestead exemptions. On March 16, 2026, Council passed a resolution to potentially invest up to $5 million in the ​state owned land next to Norriego Point Park. This amount has not yet been removed from the "available funding" list, ​however, the "notes/recommendations" column is marked. In addition, to place the available funding list in context, two 5-year projections are attached. One assumes we refinance the 2024 loan before it comes due November 2029 (FY 2030). The second 5-year projection assumes we do not refinance, but instead pay the balance in full on the due-date (11/07/2029 at beginning of FY 2030). | attachments=3 | reports=1

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During the visioning session on January 23, 2026, Councilmember Bagby formally requested that the following item be placed on the agenda for the next regular council meeting, at which time he intends to make the following motion: Motion to Amend Strategic Goal No. 6. Change the title to “Promote and protect our natural environment.” | attachments=1 | reports=1

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This year is our 24th year as a Tree City USA program participant. | attachments=1 | reports=1

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The PW/PS Committee Chair, Jim Wood, will present the item. PW/PS Committee requests the Council's consideration of rapid flashing beacons at two existing crosswalks. The first crosswalk is located on Beach Dr. near the intersection with Sandpiper Cir. This crosswalk is a mid-block crosswalk across Beach Drive. Beach Drive is a major collector as defined by LDC Article 8.03. Children traveling to Destin Elementary from these neighborhoods would cross here to continue to the elementary school along the existing sidewalk network. This crosswalk is anticipated to become a major crosswalk, with the proximity of the new front entrance of the school renovation, upon completion of construction. Street lighting is present. The second location is the intersection of 101 Matthew Blvd. This crosswalk is a mid-block configuration crossing Matthew Blvd. Matthew Blvd is a major collector as defined by LDC, Article 8.03. This crosswalk is near the intersection with Emerald Coast Pkwy. Traffic driving north tends to speed up in an attempt to catch the traffic signal. Street lighting is present. The PW/PS Committee reviewed and recommended approval for rapid flashing beacons for both crosswalk locations. | attachments=1 | reports=1

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(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 Blessing of the Fleet was the catalyst for beginning Destin's Annual Week of Blessings activities. The Destin Week of Blessings Committee and the Immanuel Anglican Church have requested that the city waives the parking fees at the Marler Parking Lot on Harbor Blvd on Thursday, May 14, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM in support of this long-standing community event, and concluding at the end of the event. | attachments=1 | reports=1

RFB 25-13-PW Mattie Kelly Outfall (Beach Dr Culvert Replacement) is a project to replace the existing undersized culverts with a plate arch structure. This item is for Change Order # 2. Change Order # 1 was previously approved administratively. CO # 1 along with CO # 2 brings the total amount above the city manager's approval authority. | attachments=1 | reports=1

B&W Services LLC., on behalf of both Bruce A. Ming and Marilyn Ming, has applied for Harbor and Waterways Board review. The proposed project includes the removal of the existing dock and construction of new dock with a boat house, totaling approximately 997 square feet. The applicant seeks an approval from the City Council for a residential marine construction project, proposing the removal of the existing dock and the construction of a new dock and boat house, totaling approximately 997 square feet, containing the following: Total Square Feet: 997 SF Total Number of Piers or Docks: 1 Total Length: 64 LF Total Slip Density: 1 Located in: Marler Bayou | attachments=4 | reports=1

Erik Fleishman has applied for residential marine construction review. The proposed project includes the removal of the existing dock, and the construction of a new residential dock with a boat house, totaling approximately 1,180 square feet. The applicant seeks a approval from the City Council for a residential marine construction project proposing a new residential with: Total Square Feet: 1,180 SF Total Number of Piers or Docks: 1 Total Length: 135 LF Total Slip Density: 1 Located in: Choctawhatchee Bay | attachments=10 | reports=1

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Announcements

AmVets has requested a reduction in the required mobility fees pursuant to Article 19 of the Land Development Code. | attachments=1 | reports=1

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. | attachments=6 | reports=1

The City of Destin has in the past utilized the decorative “Destin-Prague” streetlight fixture as part of its corridor lighting (photo attached). Many of these fixtures were installed over 10 years ago and are no longer manufactured or supported by Florida Power & Light (FPL), the City’s contracted streetlighting provider. As a result, FPL is unable to replace or repair these fixtures with matching components when failures or accidents occur. To identify a suitable replacements, staff reviewed FPL’s current offerings as presented in the attached FPL LED Lighting Solutions Catalog (attached). According to the catalog, the Teardrop fixture with Deep Skirt, used in combination with the #3 decorative bracket, is the closest available match to the discontinued Destin-Prague in both appearance and lighting performance. Adopting new fixture/bracket/pole installations requires the City to execute a new FPL Lighting Agreement. Execution of such agreements is the responsibility of the City Manager. However, as many of these fixtures are located within the Town Center CRA and Harbor CRA, City Council (CRA Board) input and recommendation of the preferred fixture was necessary prior to moving forward. Staff has met with both CRA Advisory Boards for their input and recommendations. | attachments=4 | reports=1

BECI did a building envelope assessment of the Community Center last year. The assessment concluded that the roof needed to be replaced in addition to the replacement of the exterior stucco, window replacement, and door repairs. The roof replacement must be done before any other improvements. | attachments=8 | reports=1

Four Prong Lake is a closed drainage basin with no natural outfall. After heavy rains, stormwater runoff raises the lake's elevation and threatens flooding of private residences. An emergency outfall project was developed to mitigate this threat. The city is in the process of securing additional funding to complete the Four Prong Lake Outfall project. Further design and permit work will need to be completed in order to bid the project out. | attachments=3 | reports=1

Construction began on Clement Taylor Park Renovation September 1, 2025. | attachments=2 | reports=1

The City Council is currently under contract to purchase the real property located at 446 Calhoun Ave, which is adjacent to the City's Threadgill Park. This Work Authorization request is for engineering services related to the design of a parking area where 446 Calhoun Ave is located. | attachments=2 | reports=1

During the first week of March, 2026, the Destin Harbor pump experienced a critical mechanical failure resulting in damage to the pump bearings and upper shaft. The failure originated from a malfunction of the auxiliary priming pump, which also serves to cool the main pump bearings. Compounding the issue, the pump pressure gauge failed and continued to indicate normal pressure after the priming pump stopped operating. Due to these combined failures, the main pump control system did not automatically shut down as designed. The pump continued operating without adequate lubrication and cooling, ultimately causing catastrophic bearing failure. GoForth Williamson, Inc., the original equipment service provider with specific experience on this pump system, was identified as a sole source vendor and was mobilized on an emergency basis to assess and repair the damage. | attachments=2 | reports=1

During the March council meeting, a council member requested a report covering the past 90 days detailing the enforcement activity of Code Compliance officers. ​ | attachments=2 | reports=1

Currently, the City provides a highly competitive health insurance benefit structure, including: 100% employer-paid premium for employee-only coverage 66 2/3% employer-paid premium for dependent coverage While this structure has historically supported recruitment and retention, healthcare premiums have increased significantly in recent years and will continue to increase over time. Staff would like to take a proactive approach to containing costs; without adjustments, these increases place growing pressure on the City’s operating budget and long-term financial sustainability. | reports=1

Councilmember Geile made a motion to approve a 3% across-the-board salary increase for city staff, which was seconded by Councilmember Hebert. Councilmember Destin made a substitute motion directing the Finance Director to return to the council at the next meeting with an analysis of the projected cost to the city of implementing a $17 per hour minimum wage, as well as the projected cost of implementing a $20 per hour minimum wage. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hebert and passed 5-2, with Council members Geile and Schmidt dissenting. | reports=1

On March 16, 2026 Councilmember Schmidt moved to direct staff to return to council with a proposed policy establishing an employee transportation reimbursement program. The intent of the program is to offer a general employee benefit to help offset commuting and transportation costs. The program would provide eligible employees the opportunity to receive up to $40 per month in reimbursement for transportation-related expenses, contingent upon submission of appropriate documentation. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Hebert and passed 4-0. | reports=1

During the March 2, 2026, Council meeting, Councilmen Braden mentioned the low reporting value provided for materials and labor on some permit projects and how can we rectify going forward. | attachments=1 | reports=1

The subject property, 446 Calhoun Avenue, is approximately .78 acres. The subject property has a zoning designation of Bay Estates (BE). Currently, the property is under contract to be purchased by the City, contingent upon approval of a FLUM amendment and rezoning. The City intends to utilize the property as additional vehicular parking for the existing Dalton Threadgill Park. The proposal of such FLUM amendment and rezoning is necessary to align the future land use and zoning designation of the subject property as Recreational (REC), similar to all other park properties within the City. | attachments=4 | reports=1

The subject property, 446 Calhoun Avenue, is approximately .78 acres. The subject property has a FLUM designation of Bay Estates (BE). Currently, the property is under contract to be purchased by the City, contingent upon approval of a FLUM amendment and rezoning. The City intends to utilize the property as additional vehicular parking for the existing Dalton Threadgill Park. The proposal of such FLUM amendment and rezoning is necessary to align the future land use and zoning designation of the subject property as Recreational (REC), similar to all other park properties within the City. | attachments=4 | reports=1

On February 2, 2026, the City Council requested an amendment to the Land Development Code (LDC) that would allow for any proposed single-family residential docks to proceed straight to the building permit application phase, thereby not requiring the submittal of a Harbor and Waterways Board application, and not requiring a hearing before the Harbor and Waterways Board or appearing on City Council's Consent Agenda. | attachments=2 | reports=1

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